Read the European Union Resolutions on The Cyprus Problem Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923) Read the Convention Relating to the Regime of the Straits (24 July 1923)
HR-Net - Hellenic Resources Network Compact version
Today's Suggestion
Read The "Macedonian Question" (by Maria Nystazopoulou-Pelekidou)
HomeAbout HR-NetNewsWeb SitesDocumentsOnline HelpUsage InformationContact us
Thursday, 28 March 2024
 
News
  Latest News (All)
     From Greece
     From Cyprus
     From Europe
     From Balkans
     From Turkey
     From USA
  Announcements
  World Press
  News Archives
Web Sites
  Hosted
  Mirrored
  Interesting Nodes
Documents
  Special Topics
  Treaties, Conventions
  Constitutions
  U.S. Agencies
  Cyprus Problem
  Other
Services
  Personal NewsPaper
  Greek Fonts
  Tools
  F.A.Q.
 

Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-12-15

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]Monday, 15 December 2003 President Papadopoulos satisfied over Brussels European Council conclusions on Cyprus and Turkey
  • [02] EU leaders call for immediate resumption of UN-led peace talks
  • [03] European Commission issues press release on "elections" in occupied Cyprus

    [01] President Papadopoulos satisfied over Brussels European Council conclusions on Cyprus and Turkey

    The President of the Republic, Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, has expressed satisfaction over the Presidency Conclusions on Cyprus and Turkey of the European Council, held in Brussels on 12 December 2003. Speaking yesterday upon his arrival from Brussels, President Papadopoulos said it was disappointing that no agreement on a draft Constitutional Treaty had been reached at the Intergovernmental Conference, but pointed out that the enlarged European Union would continue to function on the basis of the provisions of the Nice Treaty. Mr Papadopoulos further said he believed that Cyprus' positions regarding its number of seats at the European Parliament and the number of Commissioners were gaining ground and would eventually be agreed upon. The President also noted that the Intergovernmental Conference would not be terminated but would continue during the Irish Presidency of the European Union, in the first half of 2004. It was requested from the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the EU to make an assessment of the prospect for progress and to report to the European Council in March 2004. Replying to a question on the Government's expectations from the forthcoming visit to the island of Mr Thomas Weston, the US State Department's Special Coordinator for Cyprus, President Papadopoulos noted that Mr Weston's visit was not a determining factor but evidence of the continued interest of the US in seeing the UN-led peace talks resume. He added that nothing could prejudge the outcome of the US envoy's efforts or the result of the talks, should these resume. Invited to comment on the arrest of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Mr Papadopoulos noted, "Let's hope that Saddam Hussein's arrest will lead to the application of democracy in Iraq so that this country and its people would acquire the position they deserve in the world, through democratic procedures and the expression of the will of the people without foreign occupation".

    [02] EU leaders call for immediate resumption of UN-led peace talks

    The EU Heads of State and Government have reiterated, at the European Council in Brussels last Friday, their preference for a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union on 1 May 2004. They also urged all parties concerned, and the Turkish side in particular, to return to the negotiating table and resume talks for a solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Secretary-General's peace plan. The paragraph on Cyprus of the Brussels European Council Presidency Conclusions is as follows:

    "In line with its relevant conclusions, the European Council reiterates its preference for a reunited Cyprus to join the Union on 1 May 2004, in order to allow all Cypriots to enjoy a secure and prosperous future and the benefits of EU accession. It considers that there is a good prospect of reaching a just, viable and functional settlement by 1 May 2004, consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The European Council therefore again urges all parties concerned, and in particular Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership, to strongly support the UN Secretary General's efforts and, in this context, calls for an immediate resumption of the talks on the basis of his proposals. The Union reiterates its willingness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. In this context, the European Council welcomes the Commission's willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the framework of the acquis. Following a settlement, the Union is ready to provide financial assistance for the development of the northern part of Cyprus and the Commission would be called upon to prepare all necessary steps for lifting the suspension of the acquis, in accordance with Protocol 10 to the Act of Accession." As regards Turkey, the European Council said Ankara's "expression of political will to settle the Cyprus problem" was important and reiterated the position of the EU that a Cyprus settlement would greatly facilitate Turkey's EU membership aspirations.

    [03] European Commission issues press release on "elections" in occupied Cyprus

    The European Commission has issued the following press release regarding the Sunday "elections" in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus:

    "The "elections" in the northern part of Cyprus reflect the growing desire of the Turkish Cypriots to find a solution on the basis of the Annan plan and to allow for the accession of a reunited island to the EU on 1 May 2004. The European Commission hopes that a new administration will be in place as soon as possible in order for the Turkish Cypriots to grasp the opportunity to reach a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the Annan plan. To that end we call upon all parties to reengage in the UN led talks without delay. The Commission is convinced that securing a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the Annan plan by 1 May 2004 would be in the best interest of all Cypriots and of the region. The Commission is ready to offer assistance for a solution and to prepare all necessary steps for the application of the acquis to the northern part of the island. We are also ready to organise an International Donors' Conference in order to mobilise funds arising from a settlement. Moreover, the EU is willing to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and to provide additional funds to assist the northern part of the island in the event of a settlement."


    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
  • Back to Top
    Copyright © 1995-2023 HR-Net (Hellenic Resources Network). An HRI Project.
    All Rights Reserved.

    HTML by the HR-Net Group / Hellenic Resources Institute, Inc.
    cypio2html v1.02 run on Monday, 15 December 2003 - 14:30:05 UTC