Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-08-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Anastasiades - Madden

[02] House President - Meetings

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[01] Anastasiades - Madden

"Mr. Madden outlined some views and I briefed him on our positions," Anastasiades said, adding he made it clear that the government remains committed to its positions.

Anastasiades said his understanding is that the British government would not be prepared to guarantee the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Cyprus, which is one of the government's preconditions.

"It seems as if they are not prepared to give guarantees and they are not discussing a guaranteed no fly zone over Cyprus," the DISI leader added.

Madden refrained from disclosing the content of their discussion, which he described as "very interesting".

"I call on him very regularly, we keep a very good dialogue going so that I understand his position and I hope he understands my position," the British High Commissioner added.

According to press reports foreign governments that are against the deployment of the Russian-made S300, have proposed the creation of a no-fly zone for Greek and Turkish military aircraft over Cyprus.

The Cyprus government insists it would only accept a no-fly zone with sufficient guarantees for its enforcement, pointing out that the Turkish side has never complied with agreements.

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

CNA AA/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1645:CYPPRESS:02

[02] House President - Meetings

The further strengthening of relations between the Cyprus House and the parliaments of Pakistan and Iran were also discussed at Kyprianou's separate meetings with the two countries' diplomats, Aneesuddin Ahmed and Ali Akbar Farazi, respectively.

Farazi extended an official invitation to Kyprianou to visit Iran, from the latter's Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri.

He also informed the House President that an Iranian parliamentary delegation is expected to visit Cyprus beginning of September, to prepare Kyprianou's visit to Iran and to discuss the establishment of Friendship Groups by the two Parliaments, in a bid to upgrade relations.

According to an official press release, Kyprianou thanked the two diplomats for their countries' interest in a just and viable settlement to the Cyprus problem, based on Security Council resolutions.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded the island in 1974 occupying 37 per cent of its territory.

The UN-led peace process reached an impasse after Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash announced he would not return to the negotiating table unless the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas was recognised and Cyprus withdrew its application to join the European Union.

CNA MA/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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