Brussels, 28/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - During an official two-day visit to Cyprus, European Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström stressed the shortcomings that exist in the implementation of the island's environmental legislation, although she congratulated the authorities for the progress made towards integrating acquis communautaire into this field. She said that, as the time of accession draws nearer, the EU would be closely monitoring application of the environmental legislation. She also called on NGOs, the industry, municipalities and the population in general to pool their efforts for protecting Cyprus' environment. During the visit, Ms Wallström was to meet President Clerides, Agriculture Minister Costas Themistocleous, Chief Negotiator George Vassiliou, as well as the House of Representatives Environment Committee and the Cyprus representatives to the European Convention on the future of the EU. She was also to take part in a round-table discussion with environmental NGOS and give a speech during a seminar organised by the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation and the European Institute of Cyprus.