Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-05-14

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

Friday, 14 May 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides opens Cyprus International Trade Fair
• [02] President Clerides receives Romanian Senator
• [03] Parliamentarians in Cyprus

[01] President Clerides opens Cyprus International Trade Fair

Outlining future developments in the Balkans, he said these will project Greece as a major stabilising factor in the Balkans, resulting in the upgrading of its role in the region, which would also benefit the efforts to settle the Cyprus problem.

Referring to Kosovo, he said he was pleased that the philosophy and the principles of the emerging solution "coincide with the positions the Cyprus government had expressed from the outset."

These refer to the resolution of the crisis in Kosovo through peaceful means based on the principles of respect for human rights, autonomy for Kosovo within Yugoslavia, the return of the refugees and the stationing of a multi-ethnic force with a UN mandate.

"If these positions are implemented, they will constitute a good precedent which will strengthen our positions as regards the Cyprus problem, "he said.

Referring to the island's economy, he also said the government's new industrial policy and the creation of advanced infrastructure will contribute to further development of local industry.

He added that the globalisation of the economy and the intense competitive environment offer challenges and new opportunities and called for the restructuring and technological upgrading of the productive sectors in order to increase productivity and strengthen competitiveness of Cypriot products.

[02] President Clerides receives Romanian Senator

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Prisacaru said that Cyprus and Romania have "excellent relations" and that "these relations are developing in the political, the commercial and the cultural sectors" and are also expressed through the support offered by Romania for the Cyprus problem".

He said Romania supports a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, safeguarding Cyprus' sovereignty, unity and independence.

He said that they had discussed bilateral relations between Cyprus and Romania, adding that there is room for improvement and suggested the opening of a Cyprus embassy in Romania, so that "Cypriot businesspeople should have a stronger presence in Romania".

[03] Parliamentarians in Cyprus

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Mr Cox said a solution of the Cyprus problem can be achieved with the implementation of the Security Council resolutions on Cyprus. He blamed Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for the stalemate in the negotiations.

Mr Cox said "we hope the Americans, who obviously have enormous influence with Turkey and the military, will be in the forefront of seeking to get meaningful discussions underway that will end" the Cyprus problem and benefit the whole of the island and both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

On his part, Mr Bertens referred to Cyprus' accession talks and said that the political problem "is important, but not a condition".

"Perhaps we can solve the problem faster because of the membership negotiations", he said, adding that not only the US, have a responsibility to help Cyprus but also "Britain and Greece, as members of the EU".

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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