Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign Minister - Deputies

[02] President Clerides - Opposition

[03] Cyprus - US - relations

1615:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Foreign Minister - Deputies

The Union's President, Demetris Dollis, announced the campaign after a meeting today with Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides.

Dollis is heading a delegation of 76 deputies of Greek origin from 24 countries that are on a one-day visit to Cyprus.

He said they agreed with Kasoulides and President Glafcos Clerides, whom they met earlier, that the Union will start the campaign in September.

Dollis added the enlightenment campaign will focus on the parliaments and governments where the members of the Union live.

At the same time, through their contacts, Union members will extend the campaign to other countries "to promote a just solution to the Cyprus problem".

"In the year 1998 you cannot tolerate a wall of shame, especially at a time when the international community has repeatedly stated that the Berlin Wall has collapsed and disappeared," he said.

Dollis underlined that "we will not allow Turkey's false propaganda to give her the ability to promote issues and demands which are not reasonable and unacceptable."

Commenting on the campaign, the Foreign Minister said that "every effort will be made towards all directions to promote out national issue".

He praised Dollis' efforts to make the Union an effective institution, that will establish channels of cooperation to promote national issues and problems faced by Greeks living abroad.

Earlier today the delegation met with House of Representatives Acting President, Nicos Anastasiades.

Describing the Union as a "useful institution", Anastasiades appealed to the deputies to further intensify their activities aiming at curbing Turkish intransigence in the Cyprus question.

On his part, Dollis said that Turkey cannot use Cyprus as "a weapon in its hands, thus stopping development in the region".

He reassured that the Union is working to solve the Cyprus problem, but said a settlement will not be achieved if Turkey does not realise that the international community will not tolerate its intransigent attitude.

Before its departure later today the delegation will visit the Nicosia Municipality and then tour the demarcation line in the capital.

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

CNA EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1730:CYPPRESS:02

[02] President Clerides - Opposition

He also underlined that the government weighs up the interests any country involved in a Cyprus settlement has in Turkey against its goal for reaching a settlement here.

Responding to criticism from the main opposition AKEL party leader on the government's handling of the Cyprus question and the defence missile system it ordered from Russia, Clerides said he was well aware of all issues of concern.

"Taking into consideration the UN and especially the Security Council's weakness in adopting measures against Turkey, we accepted and accept any initiative from any Security Council or EU member state, and always weigh up their interests in relation to Turkey, on the one hand, and, on the other, their aim for a lasting and steady solution to the Cyprus problem," the President said.

Leftwing AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias strongly criticised the government for bringing about the impasse in efforts to settle the Cyprus question and "putting all its eggs in one (the US) basket".

He also supported that the way the government handled the purchase of the Russian-made S300 missiles has turned international attention away from the substance of the Cyprus question.

In a written statement read by Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides, President Clerides pointed out it is well known that the US would in no way disrupt its relations with Turkey and said this was taken into consideration.

He reminded of the political leadership's common position that a US initiative on Cyprus would be accepted "without of course accepting anything that would endanger the Cypriot people's future or would not bring about a fair, just and viable solution".

Referring to the S300 surface-to-air missiles, President Clerides said they would increase the country's air defence capability and pointed out the government was aware of the reaction its decision to purchase them would have created.

"The government handles this reaction responsibly, without giving in to threats," he added.

Efforts to settle the Cyprus problem reached a stalemate after Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash announced he would not participate in peace talks unless his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognised.

Denktash also demanded the Cyprus government withholds its application for EU membership.

CNA KN/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1825:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - US - relations

Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides, told reporters here Monday that it is natural at times for relations between two states to fluctuate.

Stylianides said the government has already expressed its dissatisfaction with statements made by US officials.

However, he stressed "there is no aggravation in the relations between the US and Cyprus."

Replying to questions, Stylianides rejected comments that the government is isolated because of its plans to deploy the S-300 Russian anti-aircraft missile system.

The Spokesman referred to positive statements made by European officials on the island's efforts to join the European Union, and cited the recent UN Security Council resolutions 1178 and 1179.

He also referred to statements made by American officials blaming the Turkish side for lack of progress on the Cyprus problem.

Stylianides further said the Cyprus government is in complete harmony with the Greek government regarding their strategy to solve the Cyprus problem.

The Spokesman was replying to a question whether the Cyprus government adopts statements made by Greek ministers regarding US policy on Cyprus.

Last week, Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos accused President Bill Clinton of making many pre-election pledges about finding a settlement in Cyprus which he did not keep.

He had also noted that American weapons find their way to Cyprus' Turkish-occupied areas in contravention of US law.

Invited to comment on press reports that the Turks plan to strike in Cyprus because of the deployment of the missiles (expected later this year), Stylianides called on the people not to worry.

"The Cyprus government is not in favour of tension and has repeatedly indicated this by doing all it can to avoid tension in the region", Stylianides said.

He recalled a statement by President Glafcos Clerides, who said that a policy of stability and tranquility should be the main characteristic of the government's actions.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA KN/EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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