Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-04-14

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Nepal supports Cyprus' sovereignty

[02] Greek, Turkish Australians call for change of climate

[03] Calls to save cultural heritage

1550:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Nepal supports Cyprus' sovereignty

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Dawadi expressed certainty that "the cordial ties of friendship between the two countries will grow further and deepen in the days to come for the mutual benefit of the two nations".

Replying, President Clerides said Cyprus and Nepal "are closely linked by strong bonds of friendship and common commitment to the principles and ideals enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations" and that "as members of the Non-Aligned Movement, they share concerns and aspirations for world peace, security and justice".

President Clerides expressed "deep appreciation for Nepal's solidarity and consistent support to the just cause of Cyprus, as demonstrated both within the framework of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement".

He also pointed out that "the deadlock by the Turkish attempt to change the very basis of the negotiating process, in violation of binding Security Council resolutions, still persists", adding that "we hope that the newly started accession process of our country to the European Union will finally act as a catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem to the benefit of the people of Cyprus as a whole".

CNA RG/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1615:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Greek, Turkish Australians call for change of climate

Speaking after today's meeting with resident UN representative, Gustave Feissel, during which they had a "very good and frank discussion about the current situation" in Cyprus, Theophanous expressed the hope for progress and said:

"I come to Cyprus on this occasion with a message of good will from Greek and Turkish people in Australia and we hope that we can reverse the current negative climate and convince everyone that it is in their interest for a just solution to be found."

Commenting on initiatives launched for a Cyprus settlement, Theophanous pointed out that "it is not a question of whether it is the UN, the US or Russia, (who take the initiative). It is a question of all people of good will working together in trying to bring a solution to this matter".

On his part, Feissel said, "one should not talk about upper hand and lower hand. We are all in this together, trying to move the process forward and trying to achieve an overall settlement".

Commenting on further obstacles imposed by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, to obstruct bi-communal contacts, Feissel said "The UN are in favour of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots getting together as they wish."

"We consider that (fines imposed by Denktash on entering the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus) as not the kind of thing that we would like to see. So we are working at that and hopefully we will be able to come back," Feissel added.

Feissel also noted that Theophanous' constituency includes both Greeks and Turks, pointing out that "he has been elected by both, which shows he must have a magic touch. I am trying to find out what that is", he added.

The UN resident representative will meet President Glafcos Clerides tomorrow, before the National Council (top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem) meets.

CNA MCH/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Calls to save cultural heritage

In an announcement, today, the Ministry of Communications and Works points out that April 18 has been designated by the International Council of Monuments of States (ICOMOS) as international day for monuments.

It notes that out of 774 listed monuments, 197 are situated in the northern part of Cyprus, under Turkish occupation since 1974 when Turkey's troops invaded the island.

Access to these sites since 1974 has been impossible because of the intransigence of the occupation regime to allow inspection of the sites, the announcement adds.

It also points out that despite representations by the Cyprus government to international organisations, such as UNESCO, ICOMOS, the World Council of Churches, the looting and destruction of Cyprus' cultural heritage continues.

Important monuments such as the ancient cities of Engomy and Salamis in Famagusta district, Soli in Morphou area, Lambousa and Bellapais in Kyrenia district, have been at best abandoned to the elements.

The announcement also makes note of a number of archaeological sites, medieval and other monuments in the government-controlled areas of the Republic, the preservation of which has been internationally acknowledged.

CNA MCH/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article