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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-01-31
CONTENTS
[01] Cook on Cyprus and Turkey's European prospects
1545:CYPPRESS:01
[01] Cook on Cyprus and Turkey's European prospects
London, Jan 31 (CNA) -- It is up to Turkey to decide whether to attend the
European Conference, British Foreign Secretary, said today, noting at the
same time that Cyprus' application to the European Union is welcome.
Robin Cook and his US counterpart Madeleine Albright, held a joint
press conference after a two-hour meeting, held, here, today, during which
the main topic of discussion was Iraq.
Answering questions, Cook said both Britain and the US are "anxious to
find ways to maintain dialogue with Turkey" and wished it would attend the
European Conference to be held in London in March.
"The door is open to them. It is for Turkey itself to decide whether or
not it wishes to join us. If it will not then we will be looking at other
ways to maintain that political dialogue", he said.
"In the case of Cyprus the position of the EU is clear", he added,
stressing that Britain welcomes "the application of Cyprus which has a
higher standard of living and a stronger economy than many countries who
are aiming the applicant list".
The British Foreign Secretary added that, "from Britain's point of view
we have strongly supported the case that Cyprus' application being judged
on its merits".
CNA KT/MCH/KN/1998
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
CNA ENDS
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