Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-02-08

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

Friday, 8 February 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Danish Foreign Minister in Cyprus for talks

[01] Danish Foreign Minister in Cyprus for talks

The Foreign Minister, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, had a meeting yesterday with Denmark's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Per Stig Moller, who arrived in Cyprus on 6 February for a two day, official visit.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Kasoulides said that he and Mr Moller exchanged views on Cyprus and the European Union, in view of the fact that Denmark will be assuming the EU Presidency at the most crucial period of Cyprus' long road towards enlargement. They also discussed the Cyprus problem as well as issues relating to the wider Mediterranean region, the Middle East issue and the future of Europe.

In his statement, the Danish Foreign Minister said that it was very encouraging to notice that Cyprus was moving forward towards the European Union very quickly, completing various chapters on the implementation of the acquis communautaire, and expressed optimism about the prospects of the island's accession to the European Union.

Referring to the political problem, Mr Moller said that he was briefed by his Cypriot counterpart on the process of the UN-led direct talks held between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, and stressed that he was not on the island to intervene in these negotiations. He pointed out that it was important for European countries not to give advice to the two sides because the leaders of the two communities know what they are doing and they must be left to work without any interference. Finally, he expressed the hope for a Cyprus solution before Denmark assumes the EU Presidency in July.

Replying to a question on his visit to Turkey and the talks he had in Ankara, the Danish Minister said he discussed with officials there, Turkey's aspirations concerning Europe and its views on the Cyprus situation.

During his stay, Mr Moller also had a meeting with the President of the Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides and held talks with the Head of the negotiating team for Cyprus' accession to the EU Mr George Vassiliou, who briefed him on the latest developments in Cyprus' accession negotiations. Mr Vassiliou assured Mr Moller that the Greek Cypriot side is doing everything possible to reach a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

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

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