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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-07-02
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Wednesday, 02 July 2003 Cyprus' accession to EU is the vindication of
long struggles to re-establish international law, says Simitis
[02] Cyprus welcomes withdrawal of Israeli troops from north Gaza and
Bethlehem
[03] Britain returns area close to Larnaca Airport to Cyprus Government
[01] Cyprus' accession to EU is the vindication of long struggles to re-
establish international law, says Simitis
The Accession of Cyprus to the European Union constitutes the vindication
of struggles over many years to re-establish the principles of international
law, the Greek Prime Minister, Mr Costas Simitis, has said. He further said
that a solution to the Cyprus problem had come very close but had not been
possible due to the dismissive stance of the Turkish Cypriot leadership.
Mr Simitis made the aforementioned statements on Cyprus during the
presentation of the conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council to the
plenary session of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg yesterday. Mr
Simitis' full statement on Cyprus is as follows: "The Accession of Cyprus
achieved along with the other 9 countries constitutes the vindication of
struggles over many years to re-establish the principles of international
law. We found ourselves very close to achieving a united Cyprus in the
European Union. Unfortunately the dismissive position of the Turkish-
Cypriot leadership did not make this possible ultimately. A solution to the
Cyprus issue prior to accession was not brought to fruition and was dealt
with by annexing a special Protocol to the Treaty in the light of the
present situation and projections as to what will happen in the event of a
re-unification. The European Commission, in agreement with the Cypriot
government, announced a package of measures for developing the northern
part of Cyprus." Referring to the Greek Presidency's five objectives -
concluding the enlargement, promoting the Lisbon Strategy, completion of
the Convention's work, combating illegal immigration and tackling problems
relating to migration, and further developing the EU's external relations -
the Greek Premier underlined that the results had been "very satisfactory",
adding that during the last six months the EU had gone through "an
evolutionary process" from which it had emerged "more mature and determined
to undertake new actions".
[02] Cyprus welcomes withdrawal of Israeli troops from north Gaza and
Bethlehem
The Cyprus Government, through its Spokesman Mr Kypros Chrysostomides, has
welcomed the agreement reached on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from
north Gaza and Bethlehem, and the undertaking of the responsibility for
these areas by the Palestinian Authorities. In statements during the daily
press briefing yesterday, the Government Spokesman further noted, "The
Government welcomes these developments, supports the implementation of the
road map for the Middle East and calls on all parties to show good will so
that there will be a settlement of the issue through peaceful means."
He further conveyed the Cyprus Government's willingness to assist the peace
efforts in the Middle East "either by hosting meetings of politicians or by
other means", underlining the Government's wish for peace in the region and
for the settlement of disputes between Israel and the Palestinians.
[03] Britain returns area close to Larnaca Airport to Cyprus Government
An area close to the Larnaca Airport, retained by the United Kingdom under
the Treaty of Establishment, was returned yesterday to the Republic of
Cyprus by the British government, according to the relevant provisions of
the Treaty of Establishment. The Foreign Minister, Mr Georgios Iacovou, had
a meeting yesterday with the British High Commissioner to the island Mr Lyn
Parker, at the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia, during which the handing-over
of the area, known as the old Larnaka Bombing Range, took place.
According to a joint statement, "the British Retained Site B.8, known as
the Old Larnaca Bombing Range, was an air to ground practice Firing Range
located some five miles to the south of Larnaca International Airport."
"The site ceased to be used in 1974, following the closure of Nicosia
International Airport and the opening of Larnaca Airport", the statement
added. In statements to the press following the handing-over ceremony, the
Foreign Minister Mr Iacovou said that there were already plans by the
local administration and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to make use of the
area, adding that the Government would determine how that area would be
fully used.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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