Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-06-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Stefanopoulos' official visit ends

1935:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Stefanopoulos' official visit ends

Speaking at Larnaca airport shortly before his departure, Stefanopoulos reaffirmed that "the Cyprus problem is Greece's top priority", and reassured that:

"Greece will never stop supporting and standing by the people of Cyprus in their effort to regain their freedom, independence and integrity."

The Greek President also stressed that during his visit he tried to send "a message of friendship and reconciliation to Turkey" and expressed the hope Ankara will listen to it.

"Turkey cannot continue acting this way if it wishes to act with prudence and respect fundamental human rights", he added.

Stressing that Cyprus' future concerns both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Stefanopoulos said that for this reason "we support in all possible ways President Clerides' proposal for participation of Turkish Cypriots in the team negotiating the island's accession to the European Union".

Stefanopoulos pointed out that, while in Cyprus, he tried to send a message not only to Turkey and Turkish Cypriots but to the international community as well.

"I wanted to stress the great responsibility of the international community towards Cyprus, because it has not done what it should and could have done for justice in Cyprus", he said.

He expressed, however, thanks towards the UN Secretary General, the Security Council and international mediators for their efforts towards a resolution of the Cyprus problem.

"The international community has, however, greater potential than the one it has shown", he added.

Making special reference to the great economic development in the free areas of the Republic, Stefanopoulos said Turkish Cypriots are also worthy of such success.

He therefore urged them to consider a solution to the Cyprus problem not just as a political issue of re-uniting the island but also as "a matter of economic progress for all the citizens of the island".

Responding to questions of the press, Stefanopoulos pointed out that the slogan "do not forget" is too weak to describe the feelings of Greek Cypriots for their Turkish-occupied land.

"They live in their memories and not only do they not forget but do whatever they can to realise the unification of their country", he stressed.

Stefanopoulos also pointed out that the positions of the Greek Cypriots and Greece in respect to a solution to the Cyprus problem stand firm.

On his part, President Glafcos Clerides stressed that the people of Cyprus have realised that "Greece and Cyprus walk together and will fight from the same trenches for justice".

Greek Cypriots have also realised, Clerides added, that "there is close cooperation between the governments of Greece and Cyprus and between their political leaders".

"We all stand on one point: That we will fight for freedom, democracy and the rights not only of Greek Cypriots but also those of our Turkish Cypriot compatriots", he stressed.

The Greek President invited his Cypriot counterpart for an official visit to Greece.

CNA MCH/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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