Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-09-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] NAM - Cyprus - Final Communique

[02] NAM - Closing session

[03] Cyprus - Illegal immigrants

[04] Israeli Health Minister - Visit

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[01] NAM - Cyprus - Final Communique

Durban, Sep 4 (CNA) -- The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) expressed concern with the lack of progress in a Cyprus settlement due to the Turkish side's intransigence and condemned Turkish efforts for a change of the basis of the peace talks.

The reference to Cyprus in the final communique of the 12th Summit of Heads of Governments and States, approved at the closing session Thursday, reiterates the Movement's firm positions on the Cyprus problem and calls for resolute Security Council action.

NAM expressed "deep concern and disappointment over the fact that no progress has been achieved in the search for a just and viable solution due to Turkish intransigence and the attempt of the Turkish side to introduce preconditions to the two rounds of direct negotiations", held last summer.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash refused to negotiate during last summer's UN-sponsored peace talks and a few months later announced he will not return to the negotiating table unless the illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognised and Cyprus withdraws its application to join the European Union.

The NAM leaders "condemn the declared attempts of the Turkish side for a change of the basis of the intercommunal dialogue under the mandate of the UN Secretary-General" and "consider such demands contrary to the relevant UN resolutions, the NAM Declarations and the principles of international law and call for their withdrawal."

In its communique, NAM calls on the UN Security Council "to take resolute action and appropriate measures, including the holding of an international conference and the demilitarisation of Cyprus, as repeatedly proposed by the President of Cyprus."

The Non-Aligned leaders express "grave concern about recent and continuous Turkish threats of use of force against Cyprus and integration of the occupied territory by Turkey and deplore threats by the Turkish side that it will not attend any new round of talks unless the purported state in the occupied territory is recognised."

The Non-Aligned heads stress that "the present status quo in Cyprus, created and maintained by the use of arms, is unacceptable" and underline "the importance and urgency for the effective implementation of all UN resolutions" on Cyprus.

They reiterate their support to the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and once again call for the withdrawal of all occupation forces and settlers, the return of the refugees to their homes in conditions of safety, the restoration of and respect for human rights of all Cypriots and the accounting for all missing persons.

The NAM leaders expressed concern with the continuing lack of political will by the Turkish side and reaffirmed their support to the UN Secretary- General's efforts for a just, comprehensive and workable solution in Cyprus.

CNA MCH/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1050:CYPPRESS:02

[02] NAM - Closing session

Durban, Sep 4 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides reassured that the European member-states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) will draw the attention of other European states on NAM's concerns and considerations as expressed at the Summit and the final document approved in Durban.

In his closing statement to the 12th NAM Summit, on behalf of the European member-states, read by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, the Cypriot President expressed satisfaction with the meeting.

"We are satisfied that the Durban conference has been successful as it has permitted to redefine the role that the NAM is invited to play as a coherent and united Movement, in the new world order of globalisation and economic liberalisation," he said.

The Summit concluded late Thursday evening with the approval of a final communique.

Addressing the closing ceremony, South African President Nelson Mandela said "the decisions of this Summit will carry us forward into the new century."

He pointed out that "as we close we can frankly conclude that we have recommitted ourselves to the common vision for the reconstruction and development of the countries of the South."

Mandela stressed the need to work towards eradication of poverty, emancipation of women, respect of the rights of children and social integration of disabled, pointing out that the NAM should generate human and material resources to help accomplish these objectives.

The South African President made special reference to the need to eradicate corruption and for commitment to the process of peace and stability, democracy and good governance.

Underlining the need for South-to-South cooperation, Mandela also said that the NAM should "seek closer cooperation with the countries of the North".

He echoed what was often stressed during the Summit regarding the need for UN restructuring and redirection of other multinational organisations.

President Clerides, who is accompanied by the Foreign Minister and other senior government officials, will return to Cyprus on Saturday.

CNA MCH/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1350:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - Illegal immigrants

While 84 illegal immigrants have been here for over two months, another 15 were arrested Thursday evening in Protaras, in the eastern coast.

Police told CNA today that eight Indians, two Sri Lankans, one Pakistani and four people of Kurdish origin were arrested last night.

They told police that they came from Tripoli, Lebanon, on a fishing boat, which left as soon as they were dropped off.

Last week, Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides said the state had spent one million Cyprus pounds (one pound is about two US dollars) on the 109 illegal immigrants, who have been here for the past two months, of which 25 have been sent back to their countries.

The Cyprus authorities have expressed concern with this phenomenon and are examining ways of combatting it.

CNA AA/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1355:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Israeli Health Minister - Visit

Matza arrives September 9 and will call on President Glafcos Clerides and House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou.

He will also visit the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, meet local doctors and visit the cease-fire line in the island's capital, accompanied by Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades.

CNA MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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