Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-03-21

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

Wednesday, 21 March 2001

CONTENTS

• [01] Mr Vassiliou addresses the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common and Security Policy of the European Parliament

[01] Mr Vassiliou addresses the Committee of Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common and Security Policy of the European Parliament

Mr Vassiliou stressed that the prospect of Cyprus' entry to the EU provides a new basis for the resolution of the Cyprus problem. Additionally, Cyprus' candidacy offers the EU the opportunity to develop even better relations with the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Mr Vassiliou also said that Cyprus has already managed to close 17 of the 29 chapters of the acquis communautaire and is expected to close another 4- 6 before the end of the Swedish Presidency.

Replying to a question on the issue of money laundering, Mr Vassiliou underlined that Cyprus is not a centre for money laundering, and that the Cyprus authorities and particularly the Central Bank are fully cooperating with the relevant international organisations as well as with the new Yugoslavian authorities. The International Monetary Fund has visited Cyprus and has confirmed that Cyprus implements a very effective system for combating money laundering, he added.

In her speech, British MEP, Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, praised Cyprus on the progress achieved in the EU accession negotiations. She also expressed, on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the hope that Cyprus would succeed in becoming a full member of the EU.

Mr Leopold Maurer, representing the European Commission, said that the European Commissioner Mr Gunther Verheugen had a 40-minute discussion with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr Ismail Cem on the Cyprus issue. Mr Maurer said that although the Turkish position hasn't changed substantially, what is positive is the fact that Turkey is now willing to discuss the issue. Moreover, Mr Maurer said that Commissioner Verheugen would meet next week in Geneva with the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr Alvaro de Soto.

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

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