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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-04-24

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/>

  • [01]Thursday, 24 April 2003 US welcomes genuine measures that promote understanding between two communities in Cyprus, says Boucher
  • [02] EU-Cyprus Parliamentary Committee regrets lack of settlement due to Turkish intransigence
  • [03] Cyprus' Chief EU Negotiator meets with predecessor

    [01] US welcomes genuine measures that promote understanding between two communities in Cyprus, says Boucher

    The US State Department's Spokesman, Mr Richard Boucher, said, during the regular press briefing yesterday, that Washington welcomed genuine measures that promoted free movement and understanding between the two communities on the island, adding that yesterday's crossings by Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots across the green line were viewed as a "good thing". At the same time, the US Spokesman reiterated Washington's firm commitment to reaching a settlement of the Cyprus problem in the context of the UN Secretary-General's Good Offices mission. Replying to a question on Mr Denktash's decision to ease restrictions on free movement allowing Turkish Cypriots to cross into the Government-controlled areas in the south, Mr Boucher stated the following: "On the crossings, the reports I saw indicated that people had indeed been going both ways across the green line, and that's a good thing. We strongly support the principle of freedom of movement. We welcome genuine measures that have the potential to increase contact and understanding between the two communities and thus improve the atmosphere in which to create a just and durable settlement. We note that numerous crossings of the green line took place today by Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. We look forward to learning more about the measures and procedures for the implementation of these crossings. The United States remains strongly committed to seeking a just and durable settlement to the Cyprus problem in the context of the U.N. good offices mission. We welcome any measures that contribute to that outcome. We believe the way to a comprehensive settlement, as called for in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1475, is for the sides to resume talks under the auspices of the U.N. good offices mission and on the basis of the Secretary-General's just and comprehensive peace plan."

    [02] EU-Cyprus Parliamentary Committee regrets lack of settlement due to Turkish intransigence

    The 23rd session of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), held on 22-23 April in Nicosia, was concluded yesterday. In a Final Statement, Mrs Mechtild Rothe and Mr Nicos Cleanthous, the co-chairpeople of the Committee, expressed their regret that Cyprus had not been able to accede to the European Union re-unified due to the negative stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Rauf Denktash. Mrs Rothe, in particular, stressed that as long as the Cyprus problem remained unresolved, Turkey could not aspire to join the Union. She further drew attention to the hope still existing of Cyprus acceding to the EU as a re-unified country by 1 May 2004. The JPC Co-chairpeople underlined Cyprus' substantial role as a bridge between the EU and the wider Middle East, thus enhancing the EU's Euro- Mediterranean policy. They also mentioned that the JPC supported the establishment of "a Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly within the Barcelona Process in order to promote the goals of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, including security and stability in the region". In addition, the JPC expressed regret for "the repression of freedom of expression and of opposition in the occupied part of Cyprus exercised by the Turkish Cypriot leader against supporters of a positive response to the UN peace efforts". The Final Statement noted that the JPC had held an exchange of views on the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe, as well as on city planning and the proposed reconstruction of the desolate city of Famagusta. The Statement also cited the message from the President of the Republic and former Co-Chair of the JPC, Mr. Tassos Papadopoulos, which referred to the failure of the efforts of the UN Secretary General pertaining to a comprehensive settlement of the problem, due to the intransigent attitude of the Turkish Cypriot leader, who had the backing of the Turkish government. "The President pointed out that despite this setback, he remained committed to a just and viable settlement of the problem. Such a settlement would lead to the reunification of Cyprus and to conditions of prosperity, security and respect of the European principles and ideals for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike", the statement added.

    [03] Cyprus' Chief EU Negotiator meets with predecessor

    Cyprus' Chief EU Negotiator, Mr Takis Hadjidemetriou, met yesterday with his predecessor, Mr George Vassiliou, with whom he exchanged views on the progress of implementing the acquis communautaire and the conclusion of the harmonisation process. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Hadjidemetriou said that the harmonisation work was difficult and required new institutions, new mentality and ideas, and a lot of effort from everyone. He added that if Cyprus continued to lack essential institutions for implementing the acquis, it would not be able to take advantage of EU funds. Mr Hadjidemetriou further said that he and Mr Vassiliou had discussed Cyprus' future role as a fully-fledged EU member state neighbouring with the Middle East, and how it could maximise its voice in the European family.

    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
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