Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-10-08

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Tuesday, 8 October 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Indian Prime Minister arrives in Cyprus on official visit
• [02] President Clerides receives Greek Culture Minister
• [03] Cyprus' EU Chief Negotiator to receive progress report on Cyprus
• [04] Cyprus Ambassador to Estonia presents credentials

[01] Indian Prime Minister arrives in Cyprus on official visit

He was welcomed at Larnaca Airport by the Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides, and the High Commissioner of India to Cyprus, Mr. Pavan K. Varma.

This morning, Mr. Vajpayee was received by President Clerides, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. This afternoon he is scheduled to meet with the House President, Mr. Dimitris Christofias and the Nicosia Mayor, Mr. Michalis Zambelas. This evening, the Indian PM will attend a dinner hosted in his honour by the President, Mr. Clerides.

Mr. Vajpayee leaves Cyprus on Wednesday, 9 October.

[02] President Clerides receives Greek Culture Minister

Mr. Venizelos discussed with President Clerides issues pertaining to the Olympic Games and also the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem, particularly the President's meeting with the UN Secretary-General in New York.

After the meeting, the Greek Culture Minister made reference to the Cyprus problem, noting that the Greek side's top priority is to reach a settlement, within the framework of the UN Resolutions and the EU acquis communautaire.

With regard to Cyprus' EU accession course, Mr. Venizelos expressed optimism that "Cyprus will be one of the countries to accede in the first wave of enlargement, because without Cyprus there cannot be an EU expansion".

He also pointed out that the Turkish Cypriot community would greatly benefit from Cyprus' entry into the European Union, adding that even Turkey would have something to gain, since "Cyprus' EU accession course has so far worked as the key which opens the door of Europe to Turkey".

[03] Cyprus' EU Chief Negotiator to receive progress report on Cyprus

Later today, Mr. Vassiliou will travel to Milan, Italy, in order to participate in the meeting of the Trilateral Committee and from there he will be traveling to Brussels, where, tomorrow 9 October, he will receive the European Commission's Progress Report on Cyprus.

[04] Cyprus Ambassador to Estonia presents credentials

Presenting the credentials, Ambassador Markides made reference to the friendly ties, economic and political, between the two countries and pledged to work for their further reinforcement.

The Cyprus Ambassador also referred to the European values and ideals espoused by both countries, as well as to their common goal of joining the European family, expressing the hope that both countries would become members of the EU in the first wave of enlargement.

Finally, she thanked the Estonian President for his country's support to the Cyprus Government's efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and conveyed to him President Clerides' greetings.

Receiving the credentials, President Ruutel underlined the excellent relations between the two countries and reiterated Estonia's support to Cyprus' efforts to solve the political problem on the island. He also expressed the wish that both countries would soon join the EU.

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article