Cyprus accession by July 2003?
Greece expects the accession of Cyprus and another nine European Union candidate members to take place during its tenure of the rotating EU presidency next year, the government said yesterday. Following a Cabinet session on the matter, Prime Minister Costas Simitis told journalists Greece’s forthcoming, six-month presidency – from January 2003 to the end of July – was «an opportunity to promote our country.» «During our presidency, we intend Cyprus’s accession course to be completed,» Simitis said. «This will be a most important moment for the Union as well, for along with Cyprus another nine members will accede.» Simitis said Greece would seek to advance policies on matters of convergence, employment, competitiveness, immigration – particularly illegal immigration – and organized crime. Deputy Foreign Minister Anastassios Yiannitsis said an «initial estimate» placed the cost of Greece’s presidency at 36 million euros (12.2 billion drachmas).
