NEWPORT, Wales 2/9/2005 (ANA/F. Karaviti)
The new draft text of the European Union's reply to the unilateral statement made by Ankara (concerning the non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus) and presented earlier on Thursday by the British EU Presidency at the informal Foreign Ministers Council at Newport in Wales requires further improvement, according to foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos.

"The British Presidency presented a new draft text at the informal Council of Foreign Ministers at Newport today on the European reply to the known unilateral Turkish statement," the foreign ministry spokesman said at the end of the afternoon session, adding that a discussion lasting for many hours followed between the foreign ministers.

"The Presidency's new proposal, despite its visible improvement which renders it a basis for further negotiating, requires more improvements.

"For this reason, Foreign Minister Mr. P. Molyviatis stressed that the desirable common denominator does not exist yet. Both he and the Foreign Minister of Cyprus Mr. Iakovou requested from the British Presidency the continuation of the discussion at the level of Permanent Representatives. There Greece, always in cooperation with the government of Cyprus as well as its other partners, will pursue further necessary improvements.

"The Greek and Cypriot proposal, which was also supported by other partners as well, was accepted and the text will be discussed again at the meeting of Permanent Representatives in Brussels which is expected to convene next Wed. September 7, 2005,"  Koumoutsakos added.

Source: Athens News Agency

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