Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-05-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton's national security strategy on Cyprus

[02] US welcomes bicommunal concert

[03] CoE to contribute to Cyprus solution

[04] Israel takes part in Cyprus International Fair

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[01] Clinton's national security strategy on Cyprus

Washington, May 21 (CNA) -- Among the immediate goals of US President Bill Clinton's national security strategy is to pursue a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus, it was officially made clear.

In his report on national security strategy entitled "A National Security Strategy for a New Century", submitted to the US Congress on May 15, President Clinton outlines his vision for America's role worldwide and details his administration's main international priorities.

In the section referred to Southeastern Europe, President Clinton says "there are significant challenges in southeastern Europe," with special mention to Cyprus and Greco-Turkish relations.

He points out that "the interrelated issues of Cyprus, Greek-Turkish disagreements in the Aegean and Turkey's relationship with Europe have serious consequences for regional stability and the evolution of European political and security structures."

The US President emphasises "our immediate goals are to stabilise the region by reducing long-standing Greek-Turkish tensions and to pursue a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus."

He also says "a democratic, secular, stable and Western-oriented Turkey has supported US efforts to enhance stability in Bosnia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Middle East, as well as to contain Iran and Iraq."

In his National Security Strategy Report, President Clinton adds that Turkey's "continued ties to the West and its support for our overall strategic objectives in one of the world's most sensitive regions is critical. We continue to support Turkey's active, constructive role within NATO and Europe."

CNA DA/AP/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1010:CYPPRESS:02

[02] US welcomes bicommunal concert

Speaking at his regular press briefing Tuesday, State Department spokesman, Nicholas Burns, referred to "very substantial disturbances" in both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides the day the concert took place and expressed pleasure that none of them disrupted the bicommunal concert.

"We have seen the reports of civil disturbances in downtown Nicosia yesterday (Monday)," he said and the report "that the bus carrying the Turkish singer to the concert site in the UN buffer zone was stoned."

He said the US administration was "very grateful" that the Turkish Cypriot "authorities" intervened and no one was hurt in that particular incident.

"This was a concert to bring together the two communities on Cyprus. We view the concert as a very positive event," he added, noting "it drew the two communities together in a social event."

Burns said "this is the kind of thing that has to happen if peace is going to occur in Cyprus. Sometimes it takes small steps like bringing people together for a concert."

The spokesman said the US are "pleased authorities on both sides took their responsibilities to maintain civil order."

He added "they did not permit a small group of troublemakers from ruining the concert that we hope initiatives like this can help promote reconciliation between the communities in Cyprus."

The State Department spokesman stressed the need for more meetings between people from the two communities to help bring peace to Cyprus.

"I think all countries in the region, the Cypriot government, as well as the Turkish community would agree that if there is to be peace in Cyprus, normal people, people who are not government officials, need to meet each other," Burns concluded.

CNA DA/AP/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1230:CYPPRESS:03

[03] CoE to contribute to Cyprus solution

This was stated here today by Hungarian MP Andras Barsony, President of the Political Committee of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly and rapporteur for the Cyprus problem.

Barsony was received this morning by House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou.

He told the press after the meeting that on Friday he will visit the Turkish-occupied Karpass peninsula, the island's eastern tip, to talk to Greek Cypriots living under Turkish occupation since 1974.

Kyprianou described his meeting with Barsony as "very good and friendly".

He said Barsony has a "special mandate" to prepare a report on the Cyprus situation for the Political Committee of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly by January next year.

Earlier today the Hungarian MP had a meeting with the Cyprus delegation of the House of Representatives to the CoE Parliamentary Assembly. CNA/AZK/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1245:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Israel takes part in Cyprus International Fair

Trade between Israel and Cyprus has tripled in the past four years and currently stands at 112 million US dollars, up 16 million US dollars from last year.

Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus Shemi Tzur expressed his satisfaction with the continued growth in trade between his country and Cyprus and is optimistic relations will continue to grow.

A large display of state-of-the-art Israeli security and surveillance equipment will be on display at Cyprus' premier trade event, while in the field of services, the Herzliya Medical bilateral will exhibit both its hospital design and engineering know-how and medical equipment.

Shoham Cyprus Ltd. will also be a part of the Israeli pavilion at the state fair for the fifth consecutive year, offering services in shipping and travelling, as well as displaying beauty products from the Dead Sea.

According to an Israeli embassy press release, of particular interest to Cypriot businessmen will be the many Israeli companies looking for distributors in Cyprus in the fields of foodstuffs, irrigation systems, aluminum profiles, packaging products and water treatment centres.

Israeli Export Institute Deputy Director-General, Yair Ofek, will be attending this evening the opening ceremony of the State Fair as a guest of the Cyprus State Fair Authority.

During his visit, Ofek will finalise plans for a visit to Israel by a trade delegation of 17 Cypriot companies between June 6 - 10.

CNA MH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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