Members of the press could serve as important partners in our effort to have a successful Cyprus’ EU Presidency the second half of 2012, Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs Andreas Mavroyiannis said on Thursday.
Speaking at a meeting with journalists in Nicosia, Mavroyiannis said that the Media in Cyprus have a significant role to play, as they will convey to the whole of the society, what the Cyprus’ Presidency is all about.
He stressed that it is extremely essential for the people and the politicians to understand that, in order to have a successful presidency, each and everyone must contribute to the process, otherwise the results will remain in technocratic level and will not reflect to the people and the country.
Referring to the preparations for the Cyprus’ Presidency, Mavroyiannis said there is a lot of work still to be done and little time; however he expressed his optimism, noting also that he feels encouraged by the job that it has been done by the Ministries and other services.
He said that during Cyprus’ Presidency, a total of fifteen meetings of EU Ministers and more than 180 conferences and other gatherings will take place, stressing that this involve a lot of planning as regards the accommodation, the infrastructure and the itinerary of these events.
He said that the calendar will be ready beginning of December, noting however that it is subject to changes.
Replying to a question about the Presidency’s planning in case there is a solution to the Cyprus problem by 2012, Mavroyiannis said that with or without a settlement, preparations go ahead and the Presidency should not be affected in any way.
Press and Information Office (PIO) Senior Officer George Papakyriakou spoke of the role of the PIO in the promotion of the communication strategy of the Cyprus’ Presidency.
He said that soon the PIO will publish information booklets that will assist the journalists in their everyday duties during the Presidency.
Press officers will be also hired for each ministry and they will assist journalists, providing them with information and useful tips.
Former President of the Republic George Vasiliou spoke of the significant role of the Cyprus’ Presidency, noting that it is very important to be prepared and organized, and to have a thorough planning.
Replying to a question about the Cyprus problem, he noted that we must all realize that assuming the EU Presidency and making efforts to solve the Cyprus problem are two different procedures.
Vassilis Demetriadies, Head of EU Affairs Unit at the Ministry of Communications and Works, spoke of the future maritime community policy, noting that it will probably be implemented during the Cyprus’ Presidency.
The policy includes issues such as maritime transport, coastal tourism and maritime environment.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus and has said it will not talk to Nicosia, when it assumes the Trio EU Presidency, in the second half of 2012.
UN-led peace talks are currently underway to find a negotiated settlement to reunite the country.
