Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece - Cyprus - Defence Ministers

[02] UN Chief - Denktash

[03] UN Spokesman - On-island contacts

1810 CYPPRESS:01

[01] Greece - Cyprus - Defence Ministers

He also predicted that during 1999 there would be more positive initiatives concerning Cyprus' accession to the European Union (EU).

Speaking to the press after a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Yiannakis Omirou, Tsohatzopoulos said the purpose of his visit is to attend the celebrations for the 38th anniversary of Cyprus' independence which is tomorrow, October 1st.

He noted they discussed the issue of a more effective co-operation between the two countries on joint defence and security, and the political developments in the region.

Given the political turbulence of the region, the two countries are working for stronger stability, co-operation and balance through constant upgrading of their defensive capabilities, Tsohatzopoulos said.

Referring to Cyprus' European course, he said the island's accession to the EU is simply a matter of time, adding "more positive initiatives" are likely next year.

On his part, Omirou said they discussed military co-operation between the two countries in the framework of their joint defence pact, and issues of collective security in the Mediterranean.

The Pact remains "a central strategic choice" for Greece and Cyprus, he explained, adding that the two countries are facing Turkish threats with determination and poise.

Referring to Cyprus' European course, Omirou said in view of its EU perspective, the island is turning into a starting point for the promotion of EU's policies in the region.

The Greek Defence Minister later on had a meeting with the Commander of the National Guard Lieutenant General Dimitrios Dimou.

CNA GG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1920:CYPPRESS:02

[02] UN Chief - Denktash

After the 35-minute meeting at the UN headquarters, Denktash confined himself saying he had "a very good meeting" with the UN Secretary-General.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Cypriot leader's meeting with US President's Emissary for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke, which was due to take place later today, was re-scheduled for Friday.

Denktash avoided to make any comments after meeting the UN Chief. The Turkish Cypriot leader put forward recently a proposal for the establishment of a confederation of two states in Cyprus, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

The Denktash proposal, fully backed by Turkey, whose troops occupy 37 per cent of the island's territory, was rejected by Cyprus and Greece as well as by the United Nations and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

They all support the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as envisaged by high-level agreements signed by Denktash himself and numerous United Nations resolutions.

CNA/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2100:CYPPRESS:04

[03] UN Spokesman - On-island contacts

New York, Sep 30 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash have expressed support for a process for on- island UN contacts with both parties.

In a written statement, UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan's Spokesman Fred Eckhart said that during his separate meetings with Clerides and Denktash, Annan proposed that his Resident Representative, Ann Hercus, "develop a process for on-island contacts with both parties, with the goal of reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement".

The statement notes that "both leaders have expressed their support for such a process and have promised to cooperate in a constructive and flexible manner".

The UN Chief met with President Clerides on 25 September on the sidelines of the 53rd UN General Assembly.

Earlier today he had a meeting with Denktash. A recent Denktash proposal for a confederation of two states in Cyprus was rejected by both the Cyprus government and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Turkey has been occupying 37 per cent of the Republic's territory, since its invasion of the island in 1974. A unilaterally declared entity in the Turkish-occupied areas is recognised by no other country but Turkey.

CNA MA/MCH/GG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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