Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-11-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN considers important businessmen rapprochement

[02] Turkish naval vessels arrive in Turkish-occupied areas

1235:CYPPRESS:01

[01] UN considers important businessmen rapprochement

Resident representative for Cyprus, Gustave Feissel, told the English speaking daily "Cyprus Mail" he thought business was a very important area in which concrete steps could be taken, to help reach a comprehensive Cyprus settlement.

"Things can be found and done which shouldn't raise any issues," he told the newspaper, adding that businessmen also have the funds to back up their projects.

"These kinds of efforts should be encouraged," Feissel added.

The UN envoy said it would not be conducive to progress in the protracted Cyprus problem to wait until after a solution before beginning such contacts.

"The feeling of friendship that ought to be developed is something that cannot wait until the morning after an agreement," he said.

Feissel expressed the view that not enough was being done to promote rapprochement between the two sides and said the UN always felt much more is needed to be done to send the right messages.

"If we wait for a solution in the hope the people will all love each other then we don't need these (bicommunal activities)," he added.

Commenting on statements by President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that they support joint business meetings, the UN official said it was not only about good intentions, but doing things.

"Things must go from words to deeds. The authorities must send must send a clear message that contacts are good," he said.

Feissel noted the opinion makers on both sides have a duty to explain to the people of Cyprus that such actions are useful and ought to take place.

He said the UN peace-keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) would facilitate further meetings between Greek and Turkish Cypriots at the UN-controlled Ledra Palace hotel in the buffer zone.

"Of course, the objective ought to be for the two sides to meet at their respective places and not in never-never land," Feissel said.

Greek and Turkish Cypriot businessmen along with counterparts from Greece and Turkey held meetings in Constantinople and in Athens over the last few months to promote rapprochement.

Former Greek Cypriot MP, Constantinos Lordos, last week made public a 20-point rapprochement plan which he had raised during the meetings, the implementation of which was attacked by groups from both sides.

CNA AP/EC/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1400:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Turkish naval vessels arrive in Turkish-occupied areas

According to Reuters, two submarines, two destroyers and two assault craft docked at the northern closed port of Kyrenia.

They were reportedly "welcomed" by the so called "foreign and defence minister" Taner Etkin. The illegal regime in the north is recognised only by Ankara.

The report said that another destroyer and five frigates were expected to anchor at the eastern port of Famagusta, closed since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

The two flotillas are expected to leave the occupied areas on November 4 for the start of the joint exercise between Turkey and the pseudo regime.

The government has repeatedly condemned at the United Nations and other international fora similar provocative Turkish action.

Ioannis Kasoulides, Foreign Minister of the Cyprus Republic, has denounced the upcoming Turkish military manoeuvres, noting they could lead to a military incident.

CNA EC/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

CNA ENDS

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