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Sunday, 2 June 2024 | ||
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-07-02Cyprus 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/>[01] Cyprus' accession to EU is the vindication of long struggles to re- establish international law, says SimitisThe 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 BethlehemThe 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 GovernmentAn 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/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |