Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-07-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Iacovou announces candidacy

[02] US government satisfied with Clerides - Denktash meetings

[03] Solana on NATO involvement in Cyprus issue

[04] Ankara to blame of Turkish Cypriot woes

[05] Iacovou pledges to work for Cyprus settlement-EU accession

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[01] Iacovou announces candidacy

Iacovou is an independent candidate, but according to press reports he will be supported by leftwing party AKEL, the second largest party in Cyprus.

Announcing his candidature, during a press conference in Nicosia, Iacovou handed out a five-page declaration in which he refers to issues of major importance for the island, such as the Cyprus problem, defence and the prospect for European Union accession.

Iacovou served as Foreign Minister under former Presidents Spyros Kyprianou and George Vassiliou. (More later)

CNA KK/MA/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] US government satisfied with Clerides - Denktash meetings

The leaders of the two Cypriot communities met Monday at the UN Resident Representative's house, in Nicosia, and agreed to meet again on Thursday to continue their discussion on issues such as the fate of people missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

Describing the meeting as positive, Deputy State Department Spokesman, James Foley, said it contributed towards the continuation of a good atmosphere in view of a second round of negotiations on the Cyprus issue, scheduled to take place in Switzerland next month.

The meetings between President Clerides and Denktash, the first in Nicosia in over three years, were agreed last month during four days of UN- led direct negotiations they held in Troutbeck, near New York.

CNA DA/MA/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] Solana on NATO involvement in Cyprus issue

According to the Athens News Agency, speaking yesterday at an event held in his honour at Columbia University, in the US, Solana also expressed the hope that the Cyprus problem will be solved in 1998.

Noting the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as US Presidential Emissary for the Cyprus problem, he described him as an experienced and very capable person.

Solana said that even though NATO does not plan to undertake a specific role in efforts for a Cyprus settlement, at this stage, it is always willing to help solve this longstanding problem which, as he said, affects relations between Greece and Turkey.

However, he did not rule out the possibility of NATO taking up a future role in the security of the island.

CNA MA/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[04] Ankara to blame of Turkish Cypriot woes

Turkish Cypriot columnist Esref Cetinel wrote today that there are now 100.000 illegal Turkish settlers living in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, the highest such number so far reported.

Cetinel also stressed that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has suggested that so-called "dual citizenship" be granted to the settlers so he can eventually raise their numbers to half a million.

The importation of colonist settlers since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus territory is part of Ankara's designs to change the demographic character of the island.

As a result of this policy and the oppressive measures taken by the occupation regime creating unbearable conditions thousands of native Turkish Cypriots emigrated mainly to Turkey, Britain and Australia.

The number of Turkish Cypriots dropped to less than 80.000 from 120.000 before the Turkish invasion, making then 18 per cent of the island's population.

In addition to the settlers, Turkey maintains a 35.000-strong heavily armed force in the occupied areas.

Meanwhile, columnist Bairam Kansoi, writing in the Turkish Cypriot newspaper "Ortam", said that Turkish promises to help the occupation regime have ulterior motives.

In his article, Kansoi asks if Turkish Minister of State, Responsible for Cypriot Affairs, Sukru Gurel's promises to aid the occupation regime are merely a demonstration of support for some Turkish Cypriot political party leaders.

CNA SA/MH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[05] Iacovou pledges to work for Cyprus settlement-EU accession

Announcing his candidature at a press conference today, Iacovou, who served as Foreign Minister for 10 years, pledged to promote Cyprus' European Union (EU) accession and pointed to the need for political and economic cooperation with Greece.

The British educated 59-year-old former diplomat said he will contest the presidential elections as an independent candidate and promised not to set up a party as he wishes to retain this status.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Iacovou described efforts for a solution as a "top priority".

"My aim is to reach a peaceful settlement which will serve the interests of the people of Cyprus, of all ethnic or religious backgrounds," he said.

Iacovou supported there has been no progress towards a Cyprus settlement in the past four years and stressed the need for restoration of trust between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. He said any settlement should be based on UN resolutions providing for a federated state.

Noting the need for "close cooperation with Greece and Greeks living abroad", Iacovou said military cooperation with Greece "should be strengthened".

Referring to Cyprus' EU prospect, Iacovou said "if we handle the situation properly and implement an updated programme, Cyprus will become an EU member".

He stressed the importance of education and the preservation of the natural environment, as well as increasing women's participation in all fields and updating public life.

The former Foreign Minister said he will soon announce his election programme and noted he was confident for his election.

Iacovou announced his bid for the presidency after the opposition parties failed to set up a coalition for the presidential elections.

He noted he had fully supported the efforts by the three opposition parties and expressed regret that they had failed.

According to press reports the main opposition party, the leftwing AKEL, is expected to announce later this week its support for the former minister.

Iacovou, born in Peristerona, in the Famagusta district, was first appointed Foreign Minister in 1983, by the then President Spyros Kyprianou, and was re-appointed by George Vassiliou, when he was elected President in 1988.

He has served as Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Ministry and has also worked in the private sector.

The last job Iacovou held was director of the Greek Foundation for the resettlement of overseas Greeks who chose to return to their homeland.

CNA KK/MA/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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