Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-02-01

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Friday, 1 February 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Presentation of Credentials

[01] Presentation of Credentials

Presenting his credentials, the first resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Cyprus Mr Ignacio Garcia Valdecasas said that the opening of the Spanish Embassy in Nicosia comes at a very important moment for our two countries. "The setting up of a permanent representation means our will to further strengthen the bilateral relations with a country that, like Spain, is European and Mediterranean. A country and a people, thus, that we feel very close to us", he said, adding that the opening of an Embassy "is a bet on the future, it is a bet on a reunited Cyprus, on the two communities of the island living together again and giving, each of them, its best for the prosperity and well being of this beautiful island".

The Spanish Ambassador expressed his government's strong wish that the direct talks on the Cyprus question between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, will be a success:

"We fully support the efforts and the role of the United Nations and we are confident that the current negotiations will end in a comprehensive agreement. We believe that a fair, lasting solution to the problem of the island will benefit above all, the Cypriot citizens from both Greek and Turkish origin. My government is deeply convinced that an agreement is possible and is ready to help in any way should it be requested."

For Spain, which currently holds the European Council Presidency, "enlargement is a process of historic relevance, leading to the reunification of Europe, that process of enlargement is irreversible and can hardly be understood without Cyprus," he said.

"We will do our utmost to give a definitive impulse to the accession negotiations of the Republic of Cyprus. We look forward to seeing Cyprus as a full European Union member, as a partner to work together with, in the daily struggle to shape the Union of the 21st century," he added.

Moreover, presenting his Letters of Credence, the first Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia Mr Mohamed Jegham conveyed his President's wish to establish and develop cooperation in the political, economic, social and cultural fields and said Tunisia wants to see the Barcelona process strengthened and expand in a way that would include economic, social, political and cultural sectors.

The Tunisian Ambassador said his country, like Cyprus, believes strongly in the value of dialogue and understanding in international relations, noting that this philosophy forms the basis of the country's participation in regional and multilateral meetings.

He congratulated President Clerides on Cyprus' achievements in various domains and expressed the significance his government attaches to the consolidation of joint economic action with a view to serve mutual interests.

For his part President Clerides noted that the people of Cyprus are fully entitled to live in a reunited country, under conditions of peace, security and prosperity for all and with fundamental freedoms restored and fully implemented with no discrimination.

Referring to Cyprus' accession course, he expressed the conviction that it would provide the extra push for a solution to our problem. "Cyprus' joining the European family of states will be a historic achievement in itself, both for the citizens of the Republic and the surrounding area," he said.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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