Athens pleased with latest round of contacts on Cyprus EU accession course - Brussels 8.5.99

A lengthy phase of diplomatic consultations at the European Union level was apparently concluded with positive results for Cyprus, aimed at the closing two fronts regarding the island republic’s EU accession course.

An agreement was reached here yesterday at the level of the enlargement council’s work group concerning Cyprus adjustment to the EU’s acquired rights in the sectors of customs union and foreign relations.

These consultations lasted for about a month and in its duration several EU countries, primarily France, the Netherlands and Italy, raised a series of issues, claiming that in order for negotiations in these two sectors to close the problem of the island’s division should be resolved first, before a relevant agreement within the framework of the “15” is achieved.

Athens reacted to these arguments, claiming that it has been clarified from the start of the negotiations for Cyprus accession to the EU that the political problem of Cyprus is not linked to the conclusion of negotiations for Cyprus’ accession to the EU.

On its part, the Greek side decided in parallel to block negotiations with the other candidate countries from central and eastern Europe, claiming that either negotiations will proceed for all countries together or for none.

In the framework of these consultations Alternate Foreign Minister Yannos Kranidiotis met with his French, Dutch and Italian counterparts.

Commenting on yesterday’s development, Mr Kranidiotis expressed absolute satisfaction, saying that the agreement constitutes one more step in the course of Cyprus accession to the EU. He added that relevant objections raised by France, the Netherlands and Italy were ultimately lifted following necessary negotiations and the finding of o a common ground for understanding.