Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-09-03

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

Tuesday, 3 September 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Chief EU negotiator briefs President on Cyprus' accession course
• [02] Bi-communal peace festival at Ledra Palace

[01] Chief EU negotiator briefs President on Cyprus' accession course

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Vassiliou stated the following:

"I met with the President of the Republic to exchange with him views regarding my trip to Brussels tomorrow, where we will have a first discussion on the report which is being prepared by the European Commission involving Cyprus' accession to the EU. This report, which will be presented to us by Mr Landaburu on Wednesday morning, will be the basis for the European Commission's recommendations on the enlargement process. Judging by the information we have discussed, I believe that we are on the right track and I feel optimistic that the report will be very positive for Cyprus."

Asked to elaborate on the nature of the report to be discussed during his visit to Brussels, the Chief EU Negotiator said that it would probably be a preliminary draft report in order to assist the Commission in finalising a recommendation report involving all twelve candidate countries, which would then be presented on 16 October 2002.

Commenting on statements by French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin that the EU prefers a reunited Cyprus to join the Union, Mr Vassiliou said that "it is not a matter of what we prefer but a matter of what is feasible, bearing in mind the given circumstances and the very negative attitude of the Turkish side." The intransigence of the Turkish side and the good will shown by our side is something that the EU has to acknowledge, Mr Vassiliou added.

During his stay in Brussels, the Chief EU Negotiator will have meetings with various EU officials, including Enlargement Commissioner, Mr Gunter Verheugen and Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner, Ms Anna Diamantopoulou.

[02] Bi-communal peace festival at Ledra Palace

The festival was organised by the Bi-communal Youth Forum that consists of the youth of political parties in the north and south: CTP, TKP, YBH, EDON, NEDYSI, NEDIK, NEOS and ONED. It included performances by the bi-communal choir, the bi-communal Cypriot dances group "Steps for Peace", a group of young musicians from the SIT bi-communal group, a T/C rock band and the singer Voula Constantinou.

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

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