Cyprus closes one more chapter in accession talks

CYPRUS, the Czech Republic and Slovenia took a big step forward in their bid to join the EU yesterday by completing talks on justice issues, a sensitive area that includes fighting terrorism and illegal immigration.

The three countries convinced the European Union their police, judiciary and border guards met the standards demanded by the wealthy 15-member bloc, which they hope to join by 2004.

In doing so, they widened the gap with the biggest EU candidate Poland, whose failure to make progress in this week’s membership negotiations has fuelled fears it might keep other countries waiting and delay the whole enlargement process.

” (The EU) said it appreciated our efforts after September 11…with measures taken against the threat of terrorism and money laundering,” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kavan told reporters.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides said the island’s ability to meet EU standards in the area of justice and home affairs disproved allegations, repeated since September 11, that it was an international haven for money launderers.

” We have a special responsibility (in this area) because we will form the border after accession between Europe and a very volatile part of the world, ” he said.

Justice and home affairs is one of 31 chapters where the 12 candidates have to bring domestic legislation up to EU standards. Hungary has already closed the chapter.

The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic of Slovenia now leads the 12 candidates with 25 chapters after completing talks on justice and home affairs, taxation and free movement of people. Cyprus comes next with 24 chapters closed.

The European Commission, which is leading the enlargement talks, says up to 10 countries have a chance of closing accession talks by the end of 2002 and of becoming full members by 2004. (R)

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