Vassiliou - Moscovici Meeting (21.4.1999)

The Head of the Negotiating Team for the Accession of Cyprus to the European Union, Mr George Vassiliou, met with the French Minister for European Affairs, Mr Pierre Moscovici, in Paris on 21 April 1999.

The meeting was held in the framework of contacts the Cyprus Government is establishing for the smooth promotion of Cyprus’ accession process.

Mr Vassiliou explained to Mr Moscovici the importance of conducting uninterrupted accession negotiations. He stressed in particular the need to avoid turning into a political issue certain technical matters arising from the de facto division of Cyprus.

Mr Moscovici assured Mr Vassiliou that France is in favour of smooth and uninterrupted accession negotiations.

During the meeting the Cyprus problem was also discussed. Mr Vassiliiou stressed the need for the resumption of intercommunal talks while Mr Moscovici expressed France’s support for efforts to solve the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN resolutions and procedures.

Both Mr Vassiliou and Mr Moscovici also exchanged views on wider issues, such as the enlargement of the European Union in general, in the light of the important role France is playing in European unification.