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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-01-31Cyprus 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/>Monday, 31 January 2000[01]The President of the Republic Mr. Glafcos Clerides stated on Saturday 29 January that UN - led proximity talks on the Cyprus problem beginning today in Geneva will deal in depth with the core issues of the Cyprus problem, namely the distribution of powers, territorial aspects, security and property.President Clerides also said that the "UN Secretary-General has not asked us to discuss specific issues, so one can conclude that discussions will take place to go deeper into the four issues on which either side has expressed its views during the first round of talks in New York". Asked if a new scene is emerging regarding international interest on the sidelines of UN efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, President Clerides noted the "increased European interest", adding that some European countries that did not have representatives at the first round of talks will send representatives this time. [02]"The statement that was made about the continuation of the Cyprus negotiations for accession, the fact that a settlement was not a precondition, but that the Council would take all relevant factors into account when it came to take a final decision on Cyprus membership, was I think an important development", a British senior official at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated last Friday.Describing the recent Helsinki decision as a significant milestone for the relationship between Cyprus and the European Union, the British official also referred to the second round of talks on Cyprus that begin today in Geneva. He pointed out that "the talks will try to establish a platform from which meaningful negotiations can be launched later in the year and that they will look to reach an agreement on the invitations for a third round of talks and meetings". [03]Greek Defence Minister Mr. Akis Tsohatzopoulos concluded last Friday a two- day visit to Cyprus, during which he held a number of meetings with Cyprus Government officials.Speaking after his meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Mr. Socrates Hasikos and Foreign Minister Mr. Ioannis Kasoulides, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the two countries have reached the highest level of coordination on defence matters with regard to the efficiency of their joint preparation and tackling of crises. He added that a high degree of readiness has been accomplished between the two countries within the framework of the Joint Defence Pact. Referring to the Republic's EU course, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the Helsinki decision safeguards Cyprus' unhindered way toward EU accession regardless of a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that Greece's efforts to help bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem focus mainly on the implementation of UN resolutions on Cyprus. He also pointed to the need to further strengthen the Republic of Cyprus with regard both to its economy and defence. 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 |