Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-04-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Israel reiterates position on Cyprus

[02] Holbrooke leaves

[03] Cyprus will not relinquish right of defence

1130:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Israel reiterates position on Cyprus

He also reiterated his government's view that the Israeli-Turkish military cooperation agreement is not directed at any third party.

The Ambassador's comments come to reinforce statements by many other diplomats, including top US envoy for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke, that they only recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

Statements of this kind are seen as a snub to demands by the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for international recognition of his puppet regime before he returns to the negotiating table.

"Israel does not recognise the regime in northern Cyprus and therefore we do not have any official activity taking place in the north", Tzur said at a recent lecture on Israel and Cyprus.

Israel, he added, supports UN resolution 541 calling for "one united, sovereign Cyprus and supports international efforts to secure implementation of this resolution."

"We also express a sincere wish that the island will soon find a peaceful solution to its national problem", Tzur said.

Referring to his country's ties with Turkey, the Ambassador stressed Israel has never had "an alliance agreement with anybody, not even the US" and underlined that the agreement with Turkey is "a cooperation agreement".

"The agreement is in no way threatening or directed against Cyprus or Greece or any third country", he stressed, noting that relations with Turkey and assurances that these will not affect Cyprus were raised and discussed openly and frankly with Cypriot officials at high levels.

"All parties agree that existing bilateral relations shared between Israel and Cyprus are excellent and we look forward to their further development", he added.

He also disclosed that a military cooperation agreement Israel has with Greece, in existence since February 1995, "has been implemented more in the last year".

Replying to questions, Tzur acknowledged the right of the government of Cyprus to defend itself.

CNA MM/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1235:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Holbrooke leaves

Holbrooke's short trip to this divided island aimed at resuming the process for the search of solutions to the problems of Cyprus and the region.

He met with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash twice and told a press conference yesterday he had "no specific announcement to make" with regard to any agreement between the two sides.

The US mediator said Denktash did not "yield an inch" from his demand for international recognition of his self-styled regime in occupied Cyprus, and pointed out he did not expect Denktash to do so anyway.

Holbrooke said he would come in early May following a request by both Clerides and Denktash to continue his efforts.

In the meantime, his aide, Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Miller, will return to Cyprus to prepare the ground for the May visit.

CNA MM/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1235:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus will not relinquish right of defence

He also pointed out that Cyprus desperately wants to have peace, security and stability in Cyprus and the wider region and called on Turkey to show respect for international law and order.

Speaking at a memorial service in Paphos, Omirou said "those who think they can impose injustice are very much mistaken and those who believe they can restrict or prohibit the acquisition of arms by the Republic of Cyprus to bow our power of resistance are ignorant of our history and the nation's struggles".

"We shall continue the struggle and we shall defend our country with every means", he said.

Greece and Cyprus, he added, have proved to be powers of stability, peace and security in the region.

"We do not underestimate Turkey's expansionist designs but let no-one underestimate our power of resistance", Omirou said.

The Minister reiterated the government's wish for "peace, security and stability" and urged Turkey to respect UN resolutions on Cyprus.

CNA MM/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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