Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-08-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Famagusta mayor meets representatives of "big five" and EU

[02] Government welcomes Security Council position on talks

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[01] Famagusta mayor meets representatives of "big five" and EU

Mayor of Famagusta, Andreas Pouyouros, met today with the ambassadors or their representatives and presented them with a letter protesting against the occupation of Famagusta by Turkish troops, since they invaded the island 23 years ago.

Pouyouros' meetings at the embassies mark the first of a series of events organised to condemn the Turkish invasion and occupation of Famagusta, in August 1974.

The events will end Sunday with a concert in the south-eastern village of Paralimni, close to the occupied town.

In his letter, Pouyouros says that "following the huge disappointment of the impasse" at the second round of direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem, "I ask you to continue with your strongest efforts to achieve a way round this new impediment, brought up by the Turkish side."

Two rounds of direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the first in the US in July and the second last week in Switzerland, did not manage to break the deadlock in the Cyprus problem.

The Turkish side brought the talks to a standstill and has said it will not participate in another round of negotiations unless the European Union postpones its decision to begin accession talks with Cyprus next year.

In his letter, Pouyouros stresses that "we may have been knocked down in our struggle, but we are not beaten and will continue to strive peacefully for a solution."

He also says that "the present situation does not exactly encourage great hopes" and points out that a solution to the Cyprus problem "should be based on UN resolutions, and the fundamental human rights of freedom of abode, movement and ownership of property."

CNA RG/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1715:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Government welcomes Security Council position on talks

In his daily briefing today, Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides reiterated that the UN must examine alternative ways for enforcing its resolutions on Cyprus and reconfirmed the government's willingness to carry on with UN-led efforts for a solution in Cyprus.

"We note with satisfaction that the Council expressed concern and disappointment over the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side tried to block any substantive progress, introducing terms which are contrary to recent Security Council resolutions and which the European Union (EU) also rejects, " Christofides told his daily briefing.

After a Security Council briefing on Wednesday, by the Secretary- General's Special Advisor for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, its President, told the press "there was a sense of disappointment" that progress was not reached during the talks.

"There was a sense that commendation was due to President Clerides for the flexibility and cooperation that he had shown at this round of talks," Sir John said.

He added there was also "some concern and disappointment that further substantive progress at this time was impeded by the attempt to bring preconditions to the table by the other party, and here of course I mean the Turkish Cypriots."

The Government Spokesman welcomed the reference made to President Clerides' stance during the talks held last week in Switzerland and said the government "remains committed to the procedure for a solution to the Cyprus problem, through the Secretary-General's good offices mission."

"We are ready to cooperate fully in this direction," he added.

However, Christofides said that "it is up to the UN to find ways to handle this temporary impasse the Turkish side's intransigence has created" and decide on the procedure it will follow to solve the Cyprus problem and implement its resolutions on Cyprus.

Asked to clarify what he meant be "temporary impasse", the Spokesman noted "the procedure to solve the Cyprus issue is continuous."

Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, brought the talks to a standstill because he insisted the European Union postpones or reverses its decision to begin accession talks with Cyprus next year.

The first round of UN-sponsored talks between President Clerides and Denktash was held in the USA, in July.

The Spokesman called on the international community to pressure Ankara for a solution to the Cyprus problem, noting that Turkey "is the key" for a settlement.

Christofides said the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus issue, will convene soon to discuss development in the peace talks and a visit to Athens for consultations with the Greek government.

CNA KK/MA/RG/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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