[02] Cyprus tourism sets unprecedented record
Cyprus' process of accession to the European Union will continue unhindered
irrespective of a solution to its political problem, Commissioner for
Enlargement Process including the pre-accession Strategy, Mr. Gunter
Verheugen said yesterday.
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.
Cyprus Minister of Commerce Industry and Tourism Mr. Nicos Rolandis said
yesterday that more than 2,4 million tourists visited the island last
year.
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/