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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-03-20

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]Thursday, 20 March 2003 European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee votes in favour of Cyprus accession to the EU
  • [02] US Senators condemn Turkey and Denktash for the failure of talks
  • [03] Minister of Communications and Works: Cyprus is a safe destination

    [01] European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee votes in favour of Cyprus accession to the EU

    The European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee voted yesterday, in Brussels, in favour of the accession of the ten candidate countries to the European Union, including Cyprus. The Foreign Affairs Committee gave the green light to Cyprus' accession by adopting with an overwhelming majority of 57 votes in favour, one against and two abstentions, a recommendation by Rapporteur Jacques Poos, which was incorporated in a general report on enlargement, by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Mr Elmar Brok. The recommendation on the application of the Republic of Cyprus for EU membership, which includes an explanatory report and a draft resolution, that takes into consideration the draft Accession Treaty and a series of resolutions, decisions and reports relating to Cyprus, will be referred to the European Parliament's plenary session of 9 April in Strasbourg for final approval. With this recommendation, the European Parliament gives its assent to the application by the Republic of Cyprus to become a member of the European Union and instructs its President to convey the European Parliament's position to the Council and Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the member states and Cyprus. It must be noted that in Rapporteur Poos/ explanatory report, heavy responsibility is attributed to Mr Denktash and those around him for the failure of the talks on the solution of the Cyprus problem and for the disappointment and anger of a very large number of Turkish Cypriot citizens and of the parties of the Turkish Cypriot opposition, who continue their mass demonstrations in favour of the Annan plan and EU accession. The report also underlines that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is, according to international law, the only legal government of Cyprus. In parallel there is a reference to UN Security Council Resolution 541, which states that the declaration of the "TRNC" is invalid and calls upon all states not to recognise any Cypriot state other than the Republic of Cyprus. Commenting on the outcome of the European Parliament's vote, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr George Iacovou stated yesterday that it was the "best result" any of the ten candidate countries had managed to get, adding that the Committee's opinion was an indication of the final outcome with regard to the accession of Cyprus. The Foreign Minister said that there was optimism that Cyprus/ EU accession course would be successfully completed.

    [02] US Senators condemn Turkey and Denktash for the failure of talks

    US Senators, Ms Shelley Berkley and Mr Joseph Crowley have condemned the negative stand of the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and Ankara, which led to the deadlock of the talks on the Cyprus problem. Speaking before the plenary session of the US House of Representatives on Tuesday 18 March, Ms Berkley stated that, Mr Denktash's veto of the UN peace Plan, was not only a rejection of the efforts of the UN, and the interests of its member states, but was also in contradiction with the interests of the Turkish Cypriots themselves. Ms Berkley said that the reunification of Cyprus would help to enhance the local and regional stability of the region and pointed out that, if the civilian and military leaders in Ankara were serious about achieving a negotiated settlement on Cyprus, they could clearly prevail upon Mr Denktash to deal in good faith. ''By doing so, Turkey would not only be helping the Turkish Cypriots, but would be acting in its own self interest, as Turkey's own bid for EU membership hinges to a significant degree on its playing a constructive role in ending the division of Cyprus", she added. Moreover, she stated that the Greek Cypriot side, had over the years made one concession after another in the search for peace, and that the most recent plan put forward by the UN Secretary- General, had forced the Government of Cyprus to make many difficult decisions.

    ''President Papadopoulos -who was just recently elected in free and fair elections-was willing to put the Plan before the people in a democratic manner'', she said. Ms Berkley praised President Papadopoulos for leaving the door wide open to resuming the process of negotiations and stated that, it was time for the US Government to put the necessary pressure on Mr Denktash and the Government of Turkey, to negotiate in good faith and agree to a referendum. Concluding, she stressed that continued obstructionism by Mr Denktash should trigger coordinated UN sanctions against the Turkish Cypriot leader and that the new government of Turkey should recognise its share of responsibility in the current stalemate, and show leadership in guiding Mr Denktash back to the path of peace. On his part, Mr Joseph Crowley, said that the UN peace plan to reunite Cyprus as a single bicommunal federation, enjoyed strong support by the US, the EU, and the wider international community. He applauded President Papadopoulos who had accepted the UN proposal and was prepared to submit the Plan to a separate referendum on 30 March. "Immediately after the failure of the negotiations, Papadopoulos announced that the Greek Cypriot side will continue its efforts for reaching a solution to the Cypriot issue within the UN framework," he said. The US Senator pointed out that the Turkish intransigence hurts first and foremost Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots themselves, adding that "the failure of the unification endeavours complicates Ankara's own efforts to join the European Union as the European Commission warned Turkey on 11 March.'' In conclusion, Mr Crowley expressing the desire for the US to remain involved in seeking a just and permanent solution to the Cyprus issue.

    [03] Minister of Communications and Works: Cyprus is a safe destination

    The Minister of Communications and Works Mr Kikis Kazamias, said that various airline companies such as British Airways have requested additional landing permits on Cyprus airports because due to the crisis in the Persian Gulf they have suspended their flights to airports of Middle Eastern countries. This development, the Minister said, undoubtedly proves that Cyprus is a safe destination and that it is not included in the high risk zone. Mr Kazamias pointed out that Cyprus would be able to grant landing permits to aeroplanes of companies which have suspended their flights to counties of the Middle East. He also stressed that the number of airline companies which consider Cyprus as a safe heaven increases by the day.

    From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/


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