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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-09Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>News UpdateTuesday, 09/12/97CONTENTS[01] President Clerides to attend meeting in LuxembourgGovernment Spokesman Manolis Christofides announced yesterday that President Glafcos Clerides leaves on 11 December for Luxembourg at the invitation of Prime Minister Jean-Claude Junker. President Clerides will be attending the meeting in Luxembourg on 13 December of members of the European Council, the European Commission and associated countries.The Spokesman pointed out that the EU recognises that Cyprus is ready for accession talks and he also referred to Greece's invaluable support in Cyprus' EU accession process. Mr Christofides also said that the government fully agrees that "our Turkish Cypriot compatriots will benefit most out of Cyprus' EU accession" and added that a no solution to the Cyprus question does not constitute a problem to Cyprus' accession process. [02] Greece adamant on respect of human rights and international lawGreece made clear last night that it would not agree to the participation of Turkey to the European Conference of EU applicant countries, if Ankara does not accept the basic preconditions set by Athens which include acceptance of international law and respect for human rights.Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, speaking at the EU Council in Brussels yesterday, also reminded his EU counterparts of their decision for talks with Cyprus in April 1998. Mr Pangalos stressed that Cyprus-EU accession talks should start irrespective of developments in the Cyprus problem. The Greek Minister emphasised that these talks should benefit the Turkish Cypriot community, but should be held with the internationally recognised Cyprus government. [03] French Parliamentarian condemns Turkey"It is difficult for someone to visualise Turkey as an EU-candidate country. Are not Democracy and Human Rights the foundation stones of our countries? Turkish Authorities often turn their back to these principles and they also illegally occupy the northern part of Cyprus".The above was stressed by the President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French Parliament, Mr Jack Lang, during his address to the House on EU expansion on 2.12.97. Referring to the European Conference, Mr Lang pointed out that France cannot remain indifferent to the violations of Human Rights in Turkey and to the tragedy of the Kurdish people. The French Parliamentarian also said that Turkey is turning into a huge drug-producing country and a money-laundering centre. This money, he said, "is used by the Turkish Generals to buy arms from our countries in order to suppress the people". Mr Lang also pointed out that the inclusion of Turkey into the European Conference cannot improve democracy in that country. [04] Fine Arts Festival in CyprusOver 100 artists, cultural centres and art galleries are taking part in the first Festival of Fine Arts organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts (EKATE).Inaugurating the event yesterday, President Clerides said that after its 33 years of operation EKATE is upgrading the Pancyprian Artists Exhibition to the Pancyprian Festival of Fine Arts, aiming at presenting the cultural process and the expression of fine art in the island. In this way art creations of a whole century can be presented here, the President said. He also pointed out that although the aftermath of the Turkish invasion created very difficult conditions for the artists, nevertheless they keep contributing to our culture through their works of art. Young and old artists exhibit together their creations, President Clerides said. Works of the Fathers of Cyprus painting like Kanthos, Diamantis, Georgiou, Savva and Stephanides can also be admired in this exhibition, he added. EKATE aims at organising this Festival every two years. The First Fine Arts Festival will remain open at the grounds of the Cyprus States' Fair till 22 December 1997. 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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