Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-02-19

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Britain wishes to maintain Treaty of Guarantees

[02] Cyprus problem on London talks

[03] International Education Fair opens

1100:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Britain wishes to maintain Treaty of Guarantees

Speaking after a 30-minute meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Madden said discussions are still continuing on the security issue, which he described as "one of the fundamental issues that need to be addressed."

Asked if Britain wants to maintain the Treaty of Guarantees, Madden replied "the 1960 agreement is the 1960 agreement. We are a guarantor power and we are certainly not looking for any way of changing that."

He said security arrangements in a future federal Cyprus should meet the security concerns of both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides.

"It is clear that the Turkish side will insist on the continuation of the 1960 Guarantee arrangements and obviously they consider that important to their security," Madden explained and pointed out that new security arrangements must be made to feel secure as well.

Asked if Britain's special envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hannay will carry any ideas or suggestions on security, Madden said the matter is still under discussion and has to be addressed as one of the fundamental aspects of the Cyprus problem, but not to the exclusion of other issues.

"We are looking at a comprehensive solution. Obviously as the discussion on security goes forward, ideas are being looked at, including the idea of a multilateral force," he added.

Invited to say if improved relations between the European Union and Turkey could facilitate a solution in Cyprus, Madden noted this did not relate directly to his field of responsibilities.

"I would say a number of people are looking for ways of building on the customs union between EU-Turkey and finding a proper and stable relationship between the two. In parallel, we are looking for ways of solving the Cyprus problem and that will need a positive Turkish contribution," he said.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1305:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus problem on London talks

Albright, currently touring European capitals, will meet this afternoon at 10 Downing Street with Britain's Prime Minister, John Major.

Present at the meeting will be British Foreign Secretary, Malcolm Rifkind, who will host, later on, a working dinner for his American counterpart at his official residence.

After the dinner, Albright and Rifkind will give a joint press conference.

Albright is also due to see opposition Labour leader, Tony Blair.

CNA KT/AP/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1310:CYPPRESS:03

[03] International Education Fair opens

Inaugurating the Fair, Education and Culture Minister Claire Angelidou described it as "particularly important in that it promotes the work of the Ministry and offers the opportunity to the public to be informed about educational matters."

The theme of this year's fair focuses on the theatre, music and the arts, which gives a new dimension to the exhibition.

"We plan to upgrade the level of education we provide by introducing new ideas and methods which comply with European educational values," Angelidou said.

On the basis of studies by UNESCO consultants, she added, the Ministry intends to proceed with plans to upgrade the educational product, taking into account the history, culture and civilisation of Cyprus.

The Chairman of the Cyprus State Fairs Authority, Demetris Ioannou, said he was pleased with the "impressive success" of the Education Fair in that "it fulfills the needs of students, educationalists and parents."

Noting this is the fourth consecutive Fair, Ioannou said it has proved useful for Cypriots as well as students from other countries in the region.

"The exhibition covers 2.000 square metres and presents both quantitative and qualitative improvements," he added.

He said that since the first Fair, in 1994, the number of exhibitors has risen by 65 per cent, from 63 participants to 104, while foreign participation has increased by 220 per cent, from 24 to 77.

Greece, he said, has an increased presence at this year's Fair with 12 Universities and another 31 educational establishments, apart from the participation of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religion.

Next year's theme of the exhibition will be "European dimension in our education."

CNA MM/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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