Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-04-14

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Tuesday, April 14, 1998

Progress only after release of EU funds

MONDAY'S Greek newspapers dealt mainly with the Cyprus problem on their front pages.

Phileleftheros says that both Russia and the US favour a lifting of Greece's objections to the release of EU funds for Turkey.

The paper says that Russia has acknowledged that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's return to the negotiating table will only be possible if Turkey receives the EU funds blocked by Greece.

Both Athens and Nicosia are almost sure that during his visit to Cyprus early next month US Presidential Envoy Richard Holbrooke will aim for agreement by both sides for a Dayton-style peace conference for Cyprus.

On another issue the paper says that the Nicosia General Hospital will try to secure generous blood donations this week to be prepared for any needs which might arise during the upcoming Easter holidays.

Alithia says that according to the US State Department's Special Co- ordinator for Cyprus Thomas Miller although the Dayton peace conference might serve as an example the exact procedure cannot be followed in the case of Cyprus.

The paper also says that continuing strikes by Olympic Airways employees have increased bookings on Cyprus Airways flights from Athens to Larnaca.

Simerini says that the good relations between Holbrooke and the Pentagon, as well as his interests in oil projects in Turkey are a source of concern for the Greek and Cypriot governments.

The two governments are afraid that personal interests might interfere with his role as a mediator in the Cyprus problem.

The paper says that Thomas Miller has said that Ankara has changed its policy to strike at the S-300 missiles if they are deployed in Cyprus.

Haravghi highlights a message by Akel leader Demetris Christofias, during a memorial service for a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot gunned down by Turkish Cypriot extremists in 1965, that the two communities of Cyprus should unite and co-operate.

Christofias called on the Turkish Cypriots to pressure their leadership to change its intransigent stance on the Cyprus problem.

Agon reports that the US State Department is studying a proposal by Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to establish a no-fly zone over Cyprus in return for the cancellation of the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles.

Machi says that Greek Defence Minister, Akis Tsohatzopoulos has attacked the recent military co-operation between Turkey and Israel.

The Greek minister said these agreements will cause the reaction of other countries in the region, thus heightening tensions.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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