Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-07-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] US - Greece

[02] Cypriot cleric - alleged fraud case

[03] Famagusta - Petition - Big "5"

[04] Clerides - Greek Minister

0845:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US - Greece

According to US State Department Spokesman, James Rubin, Pangalos reassured Burns that the "Greek government wants the strongest possible relationship with the United States" and that it "has the greatest and most profound respect for President Clinton and American leaders".

Rubin added that "they agreed that we need to work constructively on the major issues facing our two nations" and that Pangalos told Burns that "Greece would welcome a visit by Special Cyprus Coordinator, Thomas Miller, in early September, to discuss issues of regional importance".

He pointed out that Pangalos and Burns "agreed that they would continue to work together closely and stay in close touch".

Asked whether Burns asked Pangalos to publicly revise his statements against US policy on Cyprus, Rubin said that "we are satisfied with what Foreign Minister Pangalos had to say on that subject".

The Greek Minister had accused President Clinton of not fulfilling his pre-election promises on Cyprus.

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

CNA DA/RG/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1240:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cypriot cleric - alleged fraud case

Limassol Bishop Chrysanthos, who returned today to the island after two weeks abroad, said on Sunday he will meet the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos, and members of the Holy Synod, during a memorial service for late President, Archbishop Makarios III.

"After I talk to the Archbishop, I will be available to all of you (reporters)," he said on arrival from Athens this morning.

"I am a citizen of the Republic, a member of the Holy Synod and respect the laws of our Republic and the laws of the Church, therefore there is no problem and neither is anyone trying to escape", he assured reporters.

Asked if he will agree to be questioned by Scotland Yard officers, who are investigating the alleged fraud to which his name has been linked, Chrysanthos replied, "if I wish to give a statement, I will do so. If not, then I will thank them."

He added that "I have no problem talking to anyone about anything." Scotland Yard officers, who are on the island, are looking into a 3.7 million-dollar fraud case in which cash is alleged to have ended up in a Nicosia-based offshore company. His name has also been implicated in a number of other cases.

To a remark that the involvement of his name in alleged cases of fraud has led to talk of him being defrocked, the Bishop replied, "I am at the disposal of the Church and my community".

He said he will respect any democratic decision taken but added "I can assure you that there is nothing."

In earlier statements, Archbishop Chrysostomos had said that he was not aware that Chrysanthos had left island.

According to press reports, Chrysanthos was expected to return to Cyprus tomorrow.

CNA MAN/EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1310:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Famagusta - Petition - Big "5"

The Famagusta Municipal Council demands the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army from the island's northern third occupied since 1974, as numerous UN resolutions have demanded.

Reference is made to the right of the Greek Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriots and others to "live together in peace and harmony as they did in the past".

The Famagusta Council asks from the Security Council representatives to intensify their efforts for the liberation of the town of Famagusta and all the illegally occupied towns and villages of Cyprus.

The illegal occupation of 37% of Cyprus territory by the Turkish troops, as well as the intransigence of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership hinder the solution of the Cyprus problem.

At the same time they hinder the return of the refugees from Famagusta and other parts of the island to their homes as well as the reunification of Cyprus and its entry as an equal free member of the European society.

The Famagusta Council believes that "priority should be given to the implementation of the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops and the Turkish settlers."

Priority should be given, on the other hand, to the implementation of "trustworthy international guarantees which should exclude any unilateral interventions," and should enforce the freedom of movement, of settlement and the right of property".

Moreover, it emphasises that the resettlement of the rightful citizens of Famagusta constitutes a priority item in the High Level Agreements of 1979, and the implementation of the Security Council Resolution 550 of 1984.

These resolutions, should be "a step in promoting contact, understanding and rapprochement between the two communities".

The Council requests, furthermore, help in Cyprus' efforts in the tracing of and accounting for the missing persons in Cyprus as well as in calling a halt in the continued destruction of Cyprus' cultural heritage by the Turks.

"Twenty four years is a too long period to suffer the injustice and the violation of our fundamental human rights and liberties. Enough. We appeal to you to help us now," the petition handed to the representatives of the big "5" concludes.

CNA DG/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1420:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Clerides - Greek Minister

Speaking to the press, Yitonas said the meeting was very friendly and they discussed issues of common interest in the field of health.

The Greek Minister said they also discussed ways to provide treatment for more Cypriot patients at Greek hospitals, especially patients in need of heart-surgery.

Yitonas added that President Clerides shares the aims set up in the field of health in the effort for harmonisation with the European Union.

The Greek Minister will have talks with his counterpart later today to review bilateral cooperation in the field of health.

CNA AA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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