Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-07-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government pleased with US comments

[02] Cuba reaffirms strong support to Cyprus

[03] Government says Turkey's reaction to UN resolutions expected

[04] Bicommunal business representatives meeting ends

1620:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Government pleased with US comments

"We are pleased with the comments by Ambassador Bill Richardson since it backs the UN resolutions and the fresh effort to break the current deadlock," Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said here today.

Richardson called on the Turkish side "to cooperate with the Secretary- General and his Special Adviser, Diego Cordovez, in their efforts to promote a comprehensive settlement."

He also expressed support for UN efforts to achieve a just and lasting settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation that addresses the security and other needs of all the people of Cyprus.

The spokesman noted that the statement expresses an overall position of UN Security Council members and backs Cordovez's new attempt to break the deadlock.

Cordovez arrives here tomorrow for talks with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Commenting on the visit, Stylianides said "the UN Secretarial and Cordovez should insist on starting an effort to break the deadlock."

"We have to find those procedures and those means to begin this effort, " he added.

CNA MM/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cuba reaffirms strong support to Cyprus

The two-member delegation comprising of Chairman of the Cuba-Cyprus Friendship Group and Secretary-General of the Cuban Parliament, Ernest Suarez Mendez, as well as Cuban MP Leonard Martinez Lopez, visits the island at the invitation of House President, Spyros Kyprianou.

During a meeting today, the Cuban MPs affirmed the House President of their country's positive support to a possible appeal by Cyprus to the UN General Assembly.

Speaking after the meeting Mendez thanked the Cyprus House for the invitation to visit the island and expressed the certainty that close relations between the two Parliaments will be boosted even further.

"During our stay on the island we had the chance to see the Cyprus reality and to experience first hand the difficult struggle of the people of Cyprus," he said.

On his part, Kyprianou pointed out he had the chance to brief the Cuban MPs on recent developments of the Cyprus problem and to thank them for their country's firm support.

Kyprianou said the delegation affirmed that Cuba's support is given and will continue.

Asked whether Cuba's support is also given in the case of an appeal by Cyprus to the UN General Assembly, Kyprianou replied positively stressing that "there is no doubt about that."

Mendez invited Kyprianou to visit Cuba. The Cuban delegation will be received tomorrow by President Glafcos Clerides. On Wednesday and Thursday they will also have meetings with political party leaders and representatives, as well as other government officials.

The Cuban MPs arrived here last Sunday and will depart on Sunday, July 5.

CNA SD/MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1755:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Government says Turkey's reaction to UN resolutions expected

Asked to comment on Turkey's reactions to the UN Security Council resolutions on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and on the continuation of the UN Secretary-General's offices of good mission, Stylianides said:

"The reaction of the Turkish government shows that they are isolated and in a deadlock with regard to their policy on Cyprus," adding that to a certain extent this was expected.

Claiming that the UN Security Council obstructs rather than facilitates a solution to the Cyprus problem, the Turkish Foreign Ministry complained because the UNFICYP mandate is extended with the agreement of the Cyprus government, as mentioned in resolution 1178 (1998).

It also complained because resolution 1179 (1998) calls upon "all states to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus."

On his part, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash claimed the UN Security Council continues to make "the same mistake" by only recognising the Cyprus Republic and not his puppet regime.

Asked to comment on paragraph 6 of resolution 1178 calling upon all interested parties to commit themselves to a reduction of armaments, Stylianides said:

"In our opinion the wording is perhaps to a certain degree rather unfortunate."

Reiterating that the government understands the Security Council's concern on the issue, Stylianides stressed Cyprus' undeniable natural right to defence.

CNA MM/MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1940:CYPPRESS:09

[04] Bicommunal business representatives meeting ends

After the conclusion of their two-day talks in the Norwegian capital, which was a follow-up to a meeting in Brussels last November, the business people stressed in a joint statement "the importance of increased contact and cooperation between the two communities."

Pointing to the need for particular steps "to relax and eventually lift all restrictions on the free movement of people, goods and services and increase contacts in business, cultural and sports areas," they noted that:

"Such contacts should be encouraged by the political authorities on both sides."

Outlining specific projects they agreed to work on the restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery, in the Turkish-occupied northeastern Karpas peninsula and the southern Hala Sultan Mosque in the government- controlled areas of the Republic.

Other projects include the enhancement of telecommunication services, joint environmental efforts starting with a solid waste disposal project and joint trade and economic ventures in areas such as dairy products.

The Greek and Turkish Cypriot business representatives also propose "the holding of a tournament of local sports clubs and cultural events, starting with the sports tournament in November."

They noted they did not "seek to address those political issues that have prevented a Cyprus settlement for so long," as these are the responsibility of the political leadership.

They urge, however for the negotiation process to move forward and pledge "to work to persuade the political leadership of both side to support these initiatives."

The business people also argue that "contacts and projects of the sort outlined can progress independently."

Concluding, they agreed to ask PRIO (Peace Research Institute Oslo) and Columbia University to help facilitate progress and to meet in Constantinople (Istanbul) in November 1998, to review projects and plan further action.

CNA MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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