Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Coalition partners comment on developments

[02] UN effort on Cyprus, a most grave move

1310:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Coalition partners comment on developments

Meanwhile, there is increasing speculation that former Foreign Minister George Iakovou intends to announce his own independent candidacy for February's presidential elections in the next couple of days.

In the aftermath of Friday's collapse of a three party "Coalition of Hope", following AKEL's decision to pull out because of differences with one of the two parties, all parties concerned have issued statements outlining their positions.

Marios Eliades, a Nicosia lawyer and until Friday the coalition's choice to contest the presidential elections, expressed "sadness" about the developments and added "I believe that the final abandonment of this effort would be tantamount to giving up an entire political programme which could mobilise the majority of our compatriots towards unity."

Demetris Christofias, AKEL General Secretary, ruled out the possibility of his party considering a bi-party or tri-party coalition at Saturday's extraordinary party congress.

He also criticised United Democrats president George Vassiliou, one of the three coalition partners, for not giving his full backing to Eliades' candidacy and undermining the opposition's effort to promote this coalition.

Responding to criticism, Vassiliou said he was sorry that the three- party coalition effort was abandoned.

He described the criticism as "unjustified" and said his party had no intention to undermine Eliades' prospects for the presidency.

The third partner, socialist EDEK leader Vasos Lyssarides, appealed to AKEL to ratify his proposal for a two-party coalition to back Eliades and said "the door will remain open" for the United Democrats, should they decide to join.

However, he did not rule out the possibility of EDEK contesting the elections with its own candidate and said all options are open.

In a different development, the top circulation daily "O Fileleftheros" says former Foreign Minister Iakovou will announce his intention to run for president either Monday or Tuesday, a move which will be backed by AKEL.

Iakovou is quoted as saying that "a new situation is emerging following the deadlock" and that he retains his interest (in the presidential race) and "will determine his position on Monday or Tuesday."

Political analysts suggest that the scene for next year's presidential elections will be much clearer after the conclusion of the second round of direct talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides, scheduled for 11- 16 August in Switzerland. The first took place earlier this month near New York.

CNA MM/EC/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1350:CYPPRESS:02

[02] UN effort on Cyprus, a most grave move

The Minister also said President Glafcos Clerides must remain at the helm of the Republic of Cyprus because the Cyprus question demands, at this stage, "delicate and skillful handling."

"The Greek Cypriot side, acting in good faith and wishing fervently to find a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus, has responded positively to the invitation by the UN Secretary-General, in spite of its reservations about a successful outcome of the next round of talks," the Minister said at a church service to commemorate those killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus in Ahna and Makrasyka villages.

Given Turkish intransigence, he said, "our own good intentions are not enough to find an honorable and respectable compromise."

However, he stressed that "any solution cannot deviate from the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and European values, which relate to the basic human rights and political freedoms."

Under these circumstances, he added, President Clerides, an experienced and able leader, "must remain in power" because the Cyprus problem demands a comprehensive knowledge of the issue and skillful handling.

CNA MM/EC/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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