Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 04-05-01

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus President says EU accession is "historic"

[01] Cyprus President says EU accession is "historic"

0020:CYPPRESS:01

Cyprus President says EU accession is "historic"

by Maria Myles

Dublin, May 2 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has described the accession of Cyprus into the European Union ''very important and historic'' for the Republic of Cyprus but expressed regret that it was not possible for the Turkish Cypriots to celebrate with Greek Cypriots today's occasion.

Speaking to Cypriot journalists, on the sidelines of celebrations for the accession of ten new EU member states, he said he could not foresee a speedy solution of the question of Cyprus and noted that the country had dealt with the worst as far as recent developments were concerned.

He sent a message of optimism that Cyprus as a full EU member would have a serious shield against any attempt to undermine the integrity of the state.

President Papadopoulos called on Turkey to understand that it cannot expect to improve its relations with the EU unless it ameliorates its relations with Cyprus.

''Today is a very important day for the Republic of Cyprus. The vision and the efforts of the past several years have reached their final conclusion with the accession of Cyprus as an equal partner in the EU'', he said.

He stressed that he would have been much happier if conditions were such and the Annan plan (a UN proposal on a solution) was such that they would have allowed Greek Cypriots to celebrate the EU membership of a reunited Cyprus with the Turkish Cypriots.

''Unfortunately this was not possible. I believe that an opportunity was missed and there are many reasons why this opportunity was lost,'' he added.

Papadopoulos said the procedure and the way negotiations for a settlement were conducted ''was not one of the minor obstacles in the final conclusion (of the negotiations) and it would be a good idea if those who conducted the negotiations were to make an assessment of themselves with regard to the way they conducted the talks.''

Last Saturday in a referendum Greek Cypriots in their overwhelming majority (76 per cent) rejected the Annan plan. Turkish Cypriots approved it by 65 per cent. President Papadopoulos called on the Greek Cypriots to reject the plan, saying it did not meet fundamental demands of the people of Cyprus.

Papadopoulos said that today, a historic day, was celebrated in the host capital that holds the EU six monthly rotating presidency.

''We should all know and acknowledge the most important help the Irish presidency has offered the Republic of Cyprus not only for our accession but also during these past crucial days after the referenda,'' he pointed out.

President Papadopoulos said he found a ''very good response'' from his European counterparts and saw no difference in their attitude towards him.

''I had the chance to explain to many of them our positions and I believe that the worst is over, it is already behind us,'' he said.

Replying to questions, he said he could not foresee or send a message to the people of Cyprus for a ''speedy solution of the Cyprus question.''

''However, I would like to send a message of optimism and faith and self-confidence that Cyprus is recognised and is accepted as an equal partner, a full member in the EU. This gives us a serious shield to avert every attempt which could undermine either the integrity of our state or the future of Cyprus,'' he stressed.

Replying to another question about Cyprus-Turkey relations, he said that ''the attitude of Turkey towards the Cyprus problem is decisive and very important.''

''I hope, it is my wish that the opportunity will arise that Turkey will appreciate the present balance of positions and I believe that Turkey will realise and will accept that it cannot hope for better relations with the EU unless it also improves its relations with Cyprus,'' he said.

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article