Cyprus' Chief Negotiator for EU Accession Georgos Vassiliou met yesterday with Justice Minister Nicos Koshis and discussed matters relevant to the Justice and Home Affairs chapter, the 24th of the acquis communautaire. Closing of the chapter requires the passing of a bill concerning the protection of personal data, upon the opening of the House in October.

Cyprus has achieved substantial progress in relation to this chapter, mainly on the issue of legislation for the Asylum and the cooperation on issues of Police and justice between Cyprus and the EU. Cyprus has harmonised its policy regarding visas with the acquis and has fortified its border control. Once Cyprus joins the EU, its borders will be the ones of the EU, which means even more responsibility for Cyprus. Additionally, an important attempt has been made regarding the combating of drugs and money laundering. The attempt of harmonising and fortifying the different services will be continued with the same pace. The issues of justice and home affairs are very sensitive and of great political importance. Therefore, even though Cyprus is very near to closing this chapter, efforts for the fortification of control will not be put at rest.