Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-09-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] New German ambassador presents credentials

[02] Spokesman says Turkish threats must be met

[03] Foreign Minister to meet Israeli counterpart

[04] Russia welcomes security dialogue

[05] Foreign Minister departs tomorrow for US

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[01] New German ambassador presents credentials

"The Federal Republic of Germany will continue to do her utmost in order to help the UN peace process succeed," Marie-Gabriele von Malsen- Tilborch said.

Presenting her credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, she said the start of accession talks between the European Union (EU) and Cyprus in the first half of next year will yield benefits to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots and bring peace.

"We know from our own painful history how many hardships the division of Cyprus entails for all Cypriots," she added.

Von Malsen-Tilborch also said that more than a quarter of a million German tourists visit the island each year and many Germans have settled in Cyprus.

"These are living examples of the good state of the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Germany," she said.

On his part, President Clerides said the two countries enjoy "a strong and vibrant relationship based on shared values and long-standing bonds of friendship".

Noting that there is room for further improvement in bilateral relations, the President said that the EU-Cyprus accession talks "open new vistas for enhanced bilateral co-operation in all fields".

Clerides said the EU accession prospect can act as a catalyst for a Cyprus solution, but this would not be possible if a solution is a prerequisite for accession.

"Such a link would only add to Turkish intransigence and would provide the Turkish side with an effective veto over Cyprus' accession," he said.

Clerides reiterated the government's willingness to include representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community in the accession negotiation delegation.

The President said he will enter talks on security issues with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash "with a spirit of goodwill and co-operation" and stressed that security is a core issue which must be addressed effectively.

"Demilitarisation of the Republic of Cyprus is a far-reaching proposal which can meet the security concerns of all," he added.

President Clerides and Denktash agreed last week to discuss security issues of concern to both sides.

Clerides described the current de facto division of Cyprus as "unnatural" and said it is sustained by Ankara's policies.

"We count on Germany that has gone though this trauma of division to keep rendering its full support for the reunification of our country," President Clerides said.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA MH/MA/1997

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[02] Spokesman says Turkish threats must be met

"We desire a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem. The need for bolstering our defences is brought on and is imposed by Turkey's expansionist and threatening policy," Manolis Christofides said at his press briefing.

Christofides noted that in cooperation with Greece, the government of Cyprus will make recourses to international fora regarding Ankara's recent bellicose behaviour.

Turkish threats to strike Cyprus militarily in case the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system is installed on the island have recently become more acute.

The S-300 were ordered by the government in January and are expected to be deployed next year.

The government spokesman repeated it is the government's "inalienable right and imperative duty" to bolster and look after its defences.

Christofides said Turkey has turned down the government's proposal for the complete demilitarisation of the island, invoking the theory of the balance of power on Cyprus which Ankara itself has overturned.

"Demilitarisation, the security of all the Republic's citizens and the completion of the island's European course could secure a better balance and guarantees the welfare of all Cypriots," he added.

The spokesman expressed satisfaction that the international community denounces Turkey's threats and recognises the Republic's right to boost its defences.

Asked if the Turkish threats set the security dialogue in danger, Christofides said the government is ready and willing to enter a dialogue "in whichever atmosphere" and it rests with all interested parties to push its realisation.

Cyprus remains divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA MCH/MH/MA/1997

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[03] Foreign Minister to meet Israeli counterpart

There is an agreement between Israel and Turkey which concerns cooperation on military issues. It should be made clear this is not an alliance, but cooperation, Semi Tzur said after a meeting with the Foreign Minister.

Ioannis Kasoulides met today with Tzur ahead of a New York meeting with his Israeli counterpart to discuss Turkish-Israeli military cooperation, joint US-Turkey-Israel military exercises and the Middle East peace process.

Tzur said his country has no part in the Cyprus dispute and rejected the view that in case of military conflict on the island Israel would go against Cyprus.

The Israeli ambassador said his county has an agreement with Greece for military cooperation which has been bolstered in the past few months.

Asked if there are opportunities to strengthen Cyprus-Israel military cooperation, Tzur said it is his country's staunch policy not to discuss military and security issues publicly.

CNA KK/MH/MA/1997

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[04] Russia welcomes security dialogue

Head of the Third Directorate for European Affairs at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Vadimir Tchizov, said his country considers the agreement to be "positive".

"The Russian Foreign Ministry hopes this dialogue will allow for the reduction of tension in and around Cyprus as well as progress on the issue of the complete demilitarisation of the island," Tchizov told Russian news agency Itar-Tass.

He added that demilitarisation should constitute "a significant ingredient" in a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on relevant UN resolutions.

The President of the Republic and the Turkish Cypriot leader last week agreed to discuss security issues of concern to both sides and will hold their first meeting on Friday.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

Turkey continues to maintain an estimated 35,000 troops in the occupied areas.

CNA MH/MA/1997

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[05] Foreign Minister departs tomorrow for US

Ioannis Kasoulides met today with US Ambassador to Cyprus Kenneth Brill to set the ground for his meeting with the Secretary of State.

Brill said the meeting in New York will touch upon the acquisition of the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missiles by Cyprus, Turkish threats against the island and other issues.

Turkey has threatened to strike Cyprus militarily if the missiles are installed on the island.

President Glafcos Clerides has said repeatedly the S-300 would not be installed if significant progress was made on settling the Cyprus issue before they arrive next year.

Brill reiterated his country's opposition to the acquisition of the missiles while simultaneously denouncing the Turkish threats.

The US ambassador also repeated his country's support for the agreement between the two sides on the island to discuss security issues, announced last week by Albright.

The UN announced officially today the first meeting between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will take place on Friday.

Brill said it is up to the President and the Turkish Cypriot leader to decide which issues they want to discuss.

The US diplomat added it has not yet been determined when the US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus will visit Cyprus, but added that Richard Holbrooke continues with contacts abroad on the Cyprus problem. CNA RM/MH/MA1997

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