Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-08-06
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
News Update
Thursday, 06/08/98
CONTENTS
- [01] Clinton: Cyprus problem resolution will ease tensions
- [02] Cyprus to become an international information centre
[01] Clinton: Cyprus problem resolution will ease tensions
US President Bill Clinton stated yesterday that a resolution of the
situation in Cyprus "will be central to easing tensions in that part of the
world". The American President stressed the above during a meeting with SPD
Chancellor candidate Mr. Gerhard Schroeder.
[02] Cyprus to become an international information centre
Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou announced yesterday that the
government is promoting plans to make Cyprus an international information
centre providing a link between Cyprus and the Middle East.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Christodoulou, pointed out that the
success of this plan would depend greatly on the private sector which
should demonstrate "bravery, imagination and dynamism", in order to seize
the opportunities of a growing information society.
Following Europe's example, he added, the government "was proceeding with
the implementation of a national strategy to create the information society
aiming at turning into account the rapid progress that is being made in the
sectors of information and telecommunications".
Referring to the key strategic goals of the plan, the Minister focused on
the upgrading of telecommunications infrastructure as a means to develop
the information sector as well as on the promotion of Cyprus as a regional
stepping stone between EU countries and the Middle East.
Other proposed changes include the introduction of a citizens' "smartcard"
and the the implementation of an office automation system in government
departments.
Referring to the "Millenium Bomb", Mr. Christodoulou stressed the need to
create the necessary awareness and provide all possible assistance to
enterprises so that they can deal with the problem efficiently and
mentioned that a special committee has been set up to assess the problem.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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