Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-06-12

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

Wednesday, 12 June 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides received UK Special Representative for Cyprus
• [02] Cyprus closes four additional chapters in EU talks
• [03] Cyprus and Mexico sign cooperation programme on education and culture
• [04] Security Council meets to discuss UN mission in Cyprus

[01] President Clerides received UK Special Representative for Cyprus

After the meeting, the Government Spokesman, Mr Michalis Papapetrou made the following statement:

"During the meeting of the President of the Republic with Lord David Hannay a review of the talks procedure so far was made and it was reconfirmed by both sides that time is running out and that the need for progress in the Cyprus problem is more urgent than ever. The President of the Republic had the opportunity to outline his views and assessments and to indicate once more that the Greek Cypriot side makes its utmost, displaying the necessary flexibility for the talks to succeed.

On his part, Lord Hannay did not make any statements after the meeting with President Clerdides.

However, just before his departure from Cyprus he distributed the following written statement:

"I found my visit to Cyprus on 10/11 June useful and informative. I had full discussions with the two leaders and also informal contacts with leading members of their negotiating teams.

We are now at a pivotal phase in the face-to-face negotiations which began on 16 January. Some progress has been made; but much more remains to be done; and time is relatively short. So a maximum effort is going to be needed in the next few weeks. All core issues will need to be addressed and gaps bridged in a spirit of give and take if agreement is to be reached.

The British Government is following the negotiations closely and actively; but we are not at the negotiating table and have no agenda of our own. We will continue to give support to the UN/s efforts and to encourage the two leaders to reach an agreement which will enable a re-united Cyprus to be welcomed into the European Union when decisions are taken at Copenhagen in December."

[02] Cyprus closes four additional chapters in EU talks

During the Meeting it was ascertained by the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council that it was not necessary to negotiate further the Chapter on Competition and, moreover, the closing of the Chapters on Taxation, Regional Policy, and Institutions which were temporarily closed at Chief Negotiator level was reconfirmed.

With this positive development at sight, Cyprus closes four new Chapters of the acquis communautaire during the Spanish Presidency, in other words reaching the number of 28 chapters closed ranking, together with Lithuania, at the first place among the 12 EU candidate states.

The Comissioner on Enlargement, Mr Gunter Verheugen, congratulated Cyprus for its achievements so far in the adoption of the acquis communautaire, noting that Cyprus has made the biggest progress.

The Spanish Foreign Minister and President of the EU Council, Mr Josep Pique referring to the closing of the Chapter on Competition, he explained that the Council accepted the maintenance of privileges for the international companies by the 31st December 2005 for those international business which were registered by 31 December 2001 satisfying, in this way, Cyprus/ request for a transitional period.

The Foreign Minister, Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, expressed satisfaction with the results of the Intergovernmental Meeting.

[03] Cyprus and Mexico sign cooperation programme on education and culture

The Programme was signed by the Minister of Education and Culture, Mr Ouranios Ioannides and by the General Director of the Cultural Affairs of the Mexican Foreign Ministry, Dr Gerardo Estrada.

Dr Estrada expressed his admiration for Cyprus/ progress and achievements on a number of sectors despite its small size. Moreover, he referred to Cyprus/ rich civilization and history, adding that the agreement would enhance the communication between the two countries.

The minister of Education and Culture, Mr Ioannides expressed, inter alia, his content for the signing of the cooperation Programme and referred to the two countries, history and cultural achievements, adding that the signing of the Programme reinforced the already excellent relations between the two countries.

Mr Ioannides extended an invitation to the Mexican delegation to visit Cyprus.

During his stay in Mexico, Mr Ioannides, had a series of contacts and visits. More specifically, on 6th June 2002, he met with the Mexican Minister of Education, Dr Reyes Tamez Guerra, with whom he analyzed the education part of the Programme and the ways of its enforcement.

[04] Security Council meets to discuss UN mission in Cyprus

Council members were briefed by Chief of Mission Zbigniew Wlosowicz on the Secretary-General's most recent report on UNFICYP in which he, recommended that the mission be extended through 15 December. A draft resolution extending the mandate was introduced.

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

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