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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-07-29
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Tuesday, 29 July 2003 President Papadopoulos signs the Instrument of
Ratification of the Accession Treaty of Cyprus to the EU
[02] French Minister discusses maritime safety and illegal immigration with
Cyprus Foreign Minister
[01] President Papadopoulos signs the Instrument of Ratification of the
Accession Treaty of Cyprus to the EU
The President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos signed yesterday the
Instrument of Ratification of the Accession Treaty of the Cyprus Republic
to the European Union, at a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace in
the presence of French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Noelle Lenoir,
the Council of Ministers, the President of the House of Representatives,
political leaders and the ambassadors of the EU member states. In his
speech President Papadopoulos said the Republic of Cyprus, despite its
small size and theoretically limited capabilities will play its role as an
equal partner and will share in the common fate of the members of the
European edifice. "Cyprus can become an economic, political and cultural
bridge linking the two shores of the Mediterranean - a necessary bridge of
mutual understanding and cooperation between the various religions,
cultures and ways of life," he said. Referring to the Cyprus problem, the
President underlined the Greek Cypriot side's commitment to working with
the UN Secretary-General on the basis of the Annan plan for the achievement
of a viable solution to the Cyprus problem. "As I had reiterated in my
speech on the occasion of the signing of the Treaty of Accession in Athens,
the Greek Cypriot side remains committed to continuing to work in the same
positive and constructive way with the UN Secretary-General on the basis of
his plan for the achievement of a workable and viable solution to the
Cyprus problem. A solution that will safeguard the rights of the Turkish
Cypriots and allow them to enjoy the benefits we shall acquire on our
accession to the EU within the framework of a reunited Cyprus. A solution
that will be in accordance with the Acquis Communautaire and guarantee all
lawful Cypriot citizens - Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenians, and Latins - a stable, peaceful and secure environment which is
necessary for their welfare, progress and well-being," he said. President
Papadopoulos extended warm thanks to the former Greek Governments and
especially the current Government of Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the
Foreign Minister of Greece Mr George Papandreou, the Greek Parliament and
the Greek political forces for the invaluable help and support they offered
Cyprus during its accession course. "Without their help this vision would
have remained unattainable," he added.
[02] French Minister discusses maritime safety and illegal immigration with
Cyprus Foreign Minister
The French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Mrs Noelle Lenoir, who is
currently in Cyprus for a two day visit, had a meeting yesterday with the
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr George Iacovou. In statements to the press
after the meeting, Mrs Lenoir described her visit to the island as very
important and welcomed the ratification of the Accession Treaty by
Cyprus. Mrs Lenoir said she was pleased that Cyprus, a country with an
important strategic geographical position in relation to the Middle East,
an expertise in many fields, and a harmonized legislation with the Acquis
Communautaire, will become a member of the European Union.
The French Minister referred to maritime safety and illegal immigration as
the two main issues she discussed with Mr Iacovou at length. She said there
was a great need to enforce maritime safety, an urgent need to get rid of
ships that do not conform to safety regulations and expressed satisfaction
with the fact that the Cyprus Foreign Minister promised to assist in the
effort to include this issue in the agenda of the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO). On issue of illegal immigration Mrs Lenoir said Cyprus
and France would soon sign an agreement to combat this problem. Referring
to the Cyprus problem, the French Minister expressed the hope for a just
and viable solution, but also acknowledged the difficulties in the effort
to find a negotiated settlement. She stressed that the Turkish side should
assume its responsibilities and should support the UN effort.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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