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Ioannis Kasoulidis

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Ioannis Kasoulides (born August 10 1948 in Nicosia) is a Cypriot politician, was one of the leading officials of the right-wing Democratic Rally party and served as Foreign minister in the Glafcos Clerides government from 1997 until 2003.

In June 2004, he has been elected Member of the European Parliament. He is now a Member of the Bureau of the European People's Party and sits on the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs. He is also Vice-Chairman of the Delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council, and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Human Rights in Western Sahara.

Kasoulides studied medicine at University of Lyon in France and specialised in geriatrics in London. He worked in the private sector after returning to Cyprus.

He is also founder and first chairman of the Federation of Cypriot Students Union in France, served at various party posts and was elected deputy in 1991.

In March 1993 he undertook the post of Government Spokesman and resigned from Parliament and retained his position until April 1997 when he was appointed Foreign Minister until 28 February 2003.

As Minister, Kasoulides led the diplomatic service during efforts for Cyprus' Accession to the Europeran Union and was mainly responsible for the political part of the negotiations.

Kasoulides is known as a moderate and progressive politician with fresh ideas and an open mind. He has made a name for himself as a devoted patriot but a staunch opponent of populist and nationalist attitudes. Kasoulides has a wide and deep international reach. He is much respected in the EU and is seen as a heavyweight challenger to the current President of Cyprus for the 2008 Presidential elections.

Education and work experience

Career

  • 1985-1989: Various posts in the Democratic Rally (DISY)
  • 1990-1993: Chairman of Democratic Rally Youth Movement
  • from 1993: Member of the Democratic Rally Political Bureau
  • 1991-1993: Deputy for Nicosia
  • 1993-1997: Government spokesman
  • 1997-2003: Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Founder of D.D.K
  • July 2003: Strategy and Public Affairs Limited (communications and crisis management consultants)

Decorations

See also: European Parliament Election, 2004 (Cyprus)

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