Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Most important initiative expected soon

[02] DIKO Conference under way

[03] Proximity talks the focus of attention

1714:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Most important initiative expected soon

"Prospects for a solution will be good on the condition that the (Turkish Cypriot side) will respond," the President told delegates at the opening of the Democratic Party's annual party conference.

The co-ruling Democratic Party is led by House President and former President of the Republic, Spyros Kyprianou.

"Preparation for the most important initiative on Cyprus, expected to be launched soon and aiming at finding a settlement of our national issue, has already started," the President said.

This initiative, Clerides pointed out, will demand "the largest possible consensus of all political forces" to capitalise on this move.

He said the basis on which a just and viable solution is founded on, is, among other elements, "the international recognition of the positive stance we maintain on the Cyprus question, the forthcoming start of accession talks with the European Union we hope will play the role of a catalyst, and the bolstering of our defences and our negotiating position."

Unity and consensus on the local political front, the President pointed out, is "another important element which should be created to increase our chances of successfully concluding our struggle and be in a position to avert unacceptable solutions, which will not safeguard Cypriot Hellenism in the land of their forefathers."

Our great vision is to find, as soon as possible, a just, viable and workable solution of the Cyprus question, which will restore our rights and justice on this island," he added.

"We shall accept nothing less. Our national dignity would not allow that, nor would our history or the principles we abide by," he concluded.

CNA MM/MH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1755:CYPPRESS:02

[02] DIKO Conference under way

During its two-days of deliberations, party members will elect their leaders and Kyprianou, party General Secretary Stathis Kittis, and Organisational Secretary, Nestoras Kyriakides are expected to be re-elected unopposed to their posts for another three-year term.

In his remarks to Conference delegates, Kyprianou said his party considers "national interest" as its guideline and added "our responsibility is to future generations."

The DIKO leader said he is in a position to recognise that "we are not convincing to foreigners," but admonished the stance of the international community towards the missing and the enclaved.

He also criticised the attitude of the US and others on the Cyprus problem.

"I am not concerned if I am disliked by the Americans or the British, nor am I concerned about the political cost," Kyprianou said.

The party leader noted that cooperation with Greece is vital and stressed that there can be no proper solution to the Cyprus problem "without Greece's continuous, systematic and consistent involvement."

Regarding next year's presidential elections, Kyprianou said his party will not refuse cooperation with any other party and will engage in dialogue with all parties.

"We will engage in dialogue with, foremost in mind, agreement on the substance and the policy of the national issue," Kyprianou said.

Addressing the Conference, Clerides, praised DIKO for "having contributed decisively to a healthy political environment in Cyprus following the Turkish invasion".

President Clerides added DIKO has "helped significantly" in his election to the Republic's top executive post and noted DIKO contributes to his government with five "outstanding" Ministers.

On his part, General Secretary of left-wing party AKEL, Demetris Christofias, said there are more things uniting AKEL with DIKO than there are dividing them.

"What unites us is our common struggles for freedom and independence against imperialist machinations and against the Turkish invasion and occupation," Christofias said.

Democratic Rally (DISY) Party President, Yiannakis Matsis, stressed the need to continue the cooperation between his party and DIKO.

"Let us expand our cooperation for the good of this place, alone and with others," Matsis said.

United Democrats (UD) leader and former President of the Republic, George Vassiliou, echoed the unity theme, saying that the UD and DIKO share common democratic underpinnings as well as a "common roof".

First Vice-President of socialist party EDEK, Yiannakis Omirou, said his party and DIKO share "an indestructible, historic and binding link" of common struggles for the good of Cyprus and its people.

Also addressing the conference where representatives from Greek political parties.

The DIKO conference ends Sunday. CNA RM/KK/MH/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1840:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Proximity talks the focus of attention

He also underlined that the government's decision to halt overflights by Greek military aircraft for the duration of these talks was not made to secure any commitment.

"I would like to make it absolutely clear that we should focus our attention on efforts in the proximity talks and then evaluate their conclusion," Kasoulides told reporters here today on the sidelines of the annual party conference of the Democratic Party.

He said the government wishes to see a successful outcome from direct negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, expected to take place later this summer.

"We want the face-to-face talks to be productive and yield results this time. We do not want them to result in failure as they have done in the past," Kasoulides stressed.

Asked if the government had been informed about Turkey's decision not to overfly Cyprus, a move welcomed by the US, Kasoulides said "we had some indications (about this)" and added "it appears the US had some information (on this)."

US State Department spokesman Nick Burns welcomed on Friday the Cyprus government's decision not to invite Greek aircraft to overfly Cyprus during military manoeuvres.

Asked how long Turkey's decision would apply for, the Minister stressed that "Turkey should not violate Cyprus' air space at any time."

Replying to other questions, he said the government "did not ask for any commitments" when it announced its decision on overflights some three weeks ago.

"We laid down no preconditions about moves by the other side (and) each side should be judged on the basis of the decisions it takes," he added.

The decision, he explained, was taken so as not to disturb the climate in which negotiations are carried out.

CNA RM/MM/MH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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