Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-04-17

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

Friday, April 17, 1998

Clerides to have crucial talks in Athens

GREEK newspapers yesterday directed their attention to the discussion of the latest developments in the Cyprus problem during a meeting of the National Council and many speculated on future moves by the US in its bid to resolve the issue. Some papers reported that a Japanese Doomsday Cult founding member is in Cyprus.

Phileleftheros reports that President Clerides will be in Athens next week for crucial talks with Greek Premier Costas Simitis in view of US Presidential Envoy Richard Holbrooke's visit to Cyprus in early May.

According to unconfirmed information the US State Department's Special Co- ordinator Thomas Miller will investigate whether the two sides in Cyprus are willing to engage in talks somewhere outside Cyprus later this year.

Regarding the Japanese cult member's presence in Cyprus the paper says that according to police information he arrived on the island from Russia on March 12.

Simerini reports that Greece appears ready to free EU funds to Turkey, while at the same time Cyprus is considering lifting the embargo on products from the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus.

The paper says that in return Turkey will take its dispute with Greece over the islet of Imia to the International Court of The Hague, and will convince Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to return to the negotiating table.

On another issue the paper reports that the Supreme Court has ruled that telephone conversations are strictly confidential and may not be used as evidence in court.

Alithia says that it appears that a proposal by Edek leader Vasos Lyssarides to set up a National Policy Council cannot materialise because of constitutional hurdles.

The Attorney-general has prepared a study according to which some of the Lyssarides proposals directly contravene the constitution of the Republic of Cyprus.

Agon says that in view of expected developments in the Cyprus problem the National Council is expected to help formulate a new policy line on the national issue.

The change in policy and tactics is deemed necessary to aid the Greek Cypriot side during the talks here of Richard Holbrooke and Thomas Miller.

On another issue the paper carries comments by the outgoing National Guard commander Nicolaos Vorvolakos who said that the Joint Defence Dogma is under attack because it has worked against the interests of foreigners in Cyprus.

Akel-backed Haravghi says that the National Council on Wednesday discussed the continuing intransigent stance of Rauf Denktash on the Cyprus issue.

The paper says that there is concern that attempts by the US to mediate in the dispute might materialise in the form of pressure on the Greek Cypriot side to accept an upgrading of the role of the Turkish Cypriot leader.

Machi reports that US President Bill Clinton will issue an invitation to the two Cypriot leaders to attend peace talks. According to the paper the invitation will be handed to them by Richard Holbrooke.

The paper speculates that Greece and Turkey will also be invited to participate in the peace conference.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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