[01]

Mr. Verheugen held a separate meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Mr. George Papandreou in Brussels yesterday ,on the sidelines of the EU General Affairs Council.

Speaking after the meeting Mr. Papandreou said Mr. Verheugen reaffirmed that all moves will be based on the conclusions of the EU Helsinki Summit, providing for Cyprus' unhindered accession course, irrespective of a Cyprus settlement.

Mr. Verheugen also responded positively to Mr. Papandreou's call for EU financial support both for Cyprus harmonisation with the acquis communautaire and for the funding of the non - governmental organisations' programmes for rapprochement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Mr. Papandreou repeated to the German Commissioner , Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides proposal for Turkish Cypriot participation in the Cypriot team negotiating the island's accession to the EU.

[02]

Speaking during a press conference on the tourist industry achievements, Mr. Rolandis stressed that tourist arrivals in Cyprus increased by 9,5 per cent last year compared to 1998, adding that the indications show that this year their number is expected to rise by 8,0 per cent.

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

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