Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-04-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] US, Russian envoys in Cyprus

[02] President receives AHEPA delegation

[03] National Council discusses setting up CNP

1020:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US, Russian envoys in Cyprus

Nevertheless, a US State Department official told CNA in Washington that Richard Holbrooke, Presidential Emissary, and Tomas Miller, Special Cyprus Coordinator, are coming to the region to examine the possibilities for progress towards a negotiated settlement of the protracted Cyprus question.

The same official said the two envoys have certain ideas which they will discuss during their visit and noted that the course of their discussions will show whether something new and important will emerge.

Holbrooke, the official said, is not expected to visit either Greece or Turkey at present and should the need arise for contact with the Greek and Turkish governments, Miller is likely to do the trip.

Holbrooke, whose arrival was a closely guarded secret, intends to give a press conference on Sunday before leaving.

During his three-day stay, Holbrooke is expected to have talks with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, following discussions his aide will have with both community leaders ahead of Holbrooke's arrival.

Meanwhile, Russia's envoy for Cyprus, Vladimir Tshizov, also in Cyprus for talks, is scheduled to meet President Clerides later today.

Tshizov was in Ankara and Athens prior to his visit to Cyprus.

The visit of the Russian and US envoys comes only two weeks after UN top envoy for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez tried to give a new impetus to the stalled intercommunal dialogue but stumbled on demands by the Turkish Cypriot side for a change in the basis of the negotiations.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash demanded inter-state talks in a bid to gain international recognition of his self-declared regime in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

His attempt seems to have fallen on deaf ears as the UN Security Council, which was briefed earlier this week by Cordovez, expressed in a statement "strong support for the UN process and supported also the efforts of Mr. Cordovez in the framework of the mission of good offices of the Secretary-General to make progress towards a settlement of the long-running dispute."

The Council also underlined the need "for an early resumption of the direct talks between the two parties."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

CNA DA/MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1130:CYPPRESS:02

[02] President receives AHEPA delegation

Speaking after the meeting, Manta said he had a "very informative and frank discussion" during which they examined ways Greek Americans "can assist Cyprus from the US."

"The President indicated that we can keep our congressmen and our senators aware of the Cyprus situation and put pressure on them to have a just and reasonable solution to the Cyprus situation," Manta said.

On his visit to Turkey, he said the delegation met "some of the military leaders in Ankara and some of the foreign diplomats and members of parliament, as well as his Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew."

"Discussions were cordial but restrained and they explained their position to us and we explained we want a just and peaceful solution in Cyprus," Manta added.

CNA RG/MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1420:CYPPRESS:03

[03] National Council discusses setting up CNP

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said after the meeting "there was a broad discussion on the CNP and participants exchanged views but some issues concerning constitutional matters were referred to the Attorney General's office for advice."

Stylianides refrained from further comment on the details of the discussions and said the National Council, made up of party leaders, will probably meet on April 14 to continue the exchange of view on the matter.

Asked if the government continues to be committed to the idea of setting up a CNP, the spokesman said "President Clerides' pre-electoral pledge still stands."

Stylianides said the President briefed party leaders about the current political situation and Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides informed Council members about the start of accession talks with the European Union earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the spokesman said the government does not have any specific information about issues top US envoy for Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke, is likely to raise during his three-day visit to the island, starting tomorrow.

"The primary objective of Holbrooke's visit is probably to attempt to restart the intercommunal dialogue," Stylianides added.

Today, Holbroooke's aide Tom Miller and Russia's envoy for Cyprus Vladimir Tshizov are due to arrive in Cyprus as well for talks with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides.

CNA MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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