Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-08-28

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

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[01] US only recognises Cyprus government

1100:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US only recognises Cyprus government

"The US recognises the government in Nicosia as the legitimate government of Cyprus," State Department spokesman, James Rubin, told his regular press briefing Wednesday.

Rubin added the US "maintains contacts with both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders".

Rubin's statements were made one day after Italian Foreign Minister, Lamberto Dini, spoke about the existence of two governments in Cyprus, following a meeting in Rome, Tuesday, with his Turkish counterpart Ismael Cem.

Dini's statements prompted an angry response from both Nicosia and Athens, which resulted in a press release from the Italian Foreign Ministry and a telephone conversation between the Premiers of Greece and Italy, Costas Simitis and Romano Prodi, with which Italy reassured there is no change in its policy towards Cyprus.

Italy also said there was some misunderstanding about the country's Foreign Ministers statements.

Commenting on Cyprus' course for European Union (EU) accession, the State Department spokesman said "with whom the EU negotiates upcoming Cyprus accession talks is a question for the EU to decide."

He added "EU leaders have worked to ensure that the Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities can participate in the accession process."

Rubin also confirmed that Thomas Miller, previously serving with the US embassy in Athens, has been appointed Special Cyprus Coordinator at the State Department.

However, the official announcement of Miller's appointment will come from the White House when his promotion to Ambassador is announced.

CNA DA/MA/RG/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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