Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-05-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] US supports UN Chief's efforts for a progress in Cyprus

[02] Han hopeful of Cyprus direct talks

1115:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US supports UN Chief's efforts for a progress in Cyprus

"We absolutely support the efforts of Secretary General Annan and those of his special representatives, who have been working very hard on the Cyprus problem", he said.

Expressing the hope for direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, Burns said the US "believe there should be a settlement of the problems on Cyprus".

He said the US "have been encouraged that there may be this incremental step forward we would call it progress in diplomatic terms".

Stressing US readiness to assist efforts towards a Cyprus settlement, Burns said "we've been very emphatic publicly as well as privately that Ambassador Ken Brill was available to be of assistance to the Cyprus government and to the Turkish Cypriot community in northern (occupied) Cyprus."

He also noted that the US will work hard through its Ambassadors in Athnes and Ankara towards this direction, while he pointed out that US Foreign Secretary, Madeleine Albright "has a special interest in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean."

Finally, Burns said the US "will be the first to congratulate the UN if something good comes from these talks", and reaffirmed his country's willingness "to be of help." CNA DA/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1145:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Han hopeful of Cyprus direct talks

According to diplomatic sources close to the UN Security Council, Han expressed these views during his last meeting with the 15 member-states of the UN Security Council, in an hour-long session yesterday that was partly fond farewell and partly an assessment of the immediate prospects ahead for a Cyprus settlement, that has preoccupied Han for the past twelve months.

The same sources, report that Han is encouraged by the progress both sides have made towards good-will measures, noting the increase in exchanges of personnel, professional groups and visitors.

The former South Korean Foreign Minister is also reported to have expressed the hope that further measures will be offered by both communities and the belief that the two communities share an incentive to approach the expected talks positively.

The sources said Han noted that Greek and Turkish Cypriots share common interests and goals and they should act accordingly by instilling confidence and trust in one another and called upon the world community to place primary importance on the interests of the Cypriots themselves.

"External pressures and interests must be managed in a way that does not detract the vital interests of the Cypriot people", he is reported to have said.

Stressing on the need for a Cyprus settlement, Han pointed out it would be good for the well-being of the Cypriot people as well as for peace and stability in the region, Europe and the entire world.

Finally the sources said, Han pointed out that co-ordination and full co-operation between the UN and other parties are critical in bringing about a Cyprus settlement and stressed the need not to give the impression that efforts are dispersed and disparate.

The Security Council expressed its "warm support and gratitude" to Han for his work in bringing the preparatory talks to their present stage where "progress is possible".

Han's successor, former Ecuadorean Foreign Minister and UN under- Secretary-General, Diego Cordovez, is taking over his post today under the new title of "special advisor"

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash were involved in UN-led proximity talks in an effort to prepare the ground for direct talks between them.

Two High-Level Agreements signed between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in 1977 and 1979 and numerous UN resolutions provide for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus.

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

CNA JD/MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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