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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-04-29
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
Thursday, 29 April 1999
CONTENTS
- [01] US remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federal settlement
- [02] President Clerides meets with New Zealand Foreign Minister
- [03] National Parliaments play important role in promoting public
acceptance of EU enlargement
[01] US remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federal settlement
The State Department's Special Co-ordinator for Cyprus Mr Thomas Miller,
reiterated yesterday his country's commitment to a bicommunal, bizonal
federal settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Mr Miller, who was speaking at the Tenth Annual Conference of the
International Co-ordinating Committee of Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) in
Washington D.C, pointed out that the only way for a Cyprus settlement is
through negotiations. All US efforts are directed towards getting a
negotiation started with all issues on the table and no preconditions, he
said.
[02] President Clerides meets with New Zealand Foreign Minister
The President of Cyprus Mr Glafcos Clerides held a meeting yesterday with
New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Rt. Hon Don McKinnon, who is
on a two-day visit to Cyprus at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart
Ioannis Kasoulides. Describing his meeting with President Clerides as "very
useful", Mr McKinnon added that it provided the opportunity to examine the
"excellent bilateral relations between Cyprus and New Zealand".
Later in the day Mr McKinnon held a joint press conference with Mr
Kasoulides, at the conclusion of official talks held between delegations of
the two countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr McKinnon expressed the hope for a speedy solution to the long-standing
Cyprus problem. He also stressed his support for the ongoing UN process and
the efforts undertaken by UN Resident Representative Dame Ann Hercus.
He referred to the mutual support provided by the two countries in the UN,
in the Commonwealth and other international institutions and fora,
stressing that Cyprus has always supported the initiatives launched by New
Zealand in the UN.
[03] National Parliaments play important role in promoting public
acceptance of EU enlargement
The important role that National Parliaments play in familiarising citizens
with developments concerning the EU and in promoting their involvement in
EU-related activities, was stressed in Sofia yesterday during the 7th
Meeting of the President of the European Parliament with the Presidents of
the National Parliaments of the twelve countries participating in the EU
enlargement process.
In their conclusions, the Presidents of the countries participating in the
enlargement process, welcome the decisions taken at the European Council in
Berlin "which create the conditions for maintaining the momentum of the
enlargement process". Moreover they state that "the success of the
enlargement process means that it has to remain, as open, inclusive and
transparent as possible" and that "National Parliaments have a decisive
role to play in ensuring public acceptance to each step of the road to
enlargement".
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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