Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Congratulatory messages

[02] Kasoulides - British envoy

[03] Greek Defence Minister - political parties

[04] Clinton - National Day

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[01] Congratulatory messages

In a congratulatory message to President Glafcos Clerides, on the occasion of today's 38th independence anniversary, Chirac said he has no doubt that the President is personally engaged in the difficult but necessary effort to find a political settlement in Cyprus.

"I would like to assure you of my wish to intensify the traditionally friendly relations of cooperation which unite our two people," Chirac said.

President Clerides has received numerous congratulatory messages from world statesmen, including the presidents of Israel, Syria, Morocco, Indonesia, Madagascar, Algeria, Sudan and Yemen.

Queen Elizabeth II, the Sultan of Oman, Pope John Paul, the Queen of Nepal, the Sultan of Brunei, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and the President and Premier of the United Arab Emirates have also sent similar messages.

Cyprus gained its independence in 1960 after a four-year liberation struggle against British colonial rule.

CNA MM/EC/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Kasoulides - British envoy

New York, Oct 1 (CNA) -- Sir David Hannay, Britain's representative for Cyprus and European Union Austrian presidency envoy, has pledged to work hard to back a new UN peace effort for Cyprus as he believes it offers some prospects for the future.

"We British and the representative of the Austrian EU presidency greatly welcome the Secretary-General's statement. I think it offers some prospects for the future and we will be supporting the efforts of the Secretary-General and his representative", Sir David said after a meeting here today with Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides.

On Wednesday, the UN issued a statement regarding the Secretary- General's meetings with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New York in which they announced that both had expressed their support to the development of a process "for on-island contacts with both parties with the goal of reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement".

Sir David said he had a "very good" meeting with the Foreign Minister and said they discussed "the situation following the Secretary-General's statement".

The EU envoy refrained from characterising the statement but underlined that "we welcomed it and we are going to work as hard as we can to make it a success".

Invited to say whether he thinks there is enough time to resolve the issue of the Russian S300 missiles Cyprus intends to deploy, Sir David replied "that is not for us to say, that is a matter for the government to decide".

Asked if he discussed Turkish Cypriot participation in Cyprus' accession talks with the European Union, Sir David said "we discussed everything about everything".

Last night Kasoulides had a meeting with Greece's Foreign Under- Secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis, who is also in New York.

CNA MA/MM/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] Greek Defence Minister - political parties

Earlier today, the Greek Minister attended the official military parade to mark Cyprus' 38th independence anniversary.

The deputy President of the ruling right-wing Democratic Rally Party, Panayiotis Demetriou, said after meeting Tsohatzopoulos they exchanged views on the current situation of the Cyprus problem.

Demetriou expressed gratitude to the Greek government "for the political and military support it offers to Cyprus".

Left-wing AKEL General Secretary, Demetris Christofias, said they had a "very friendly conversation on the current developments on the Cyprus problem" and they both stressed that the issue is at a real standstill and the stalemate seems to be insurmountable.

However, they both agreed that "the Cyprus problem is a political one which needs to be resolved with peaceful means".

Socialist EDEK leader, Vassos Lyssarides, said that the two men are long time friends and share similar perceptions on many issues, something which was evident at today's meeting.

Noting he was very satisfied with their meeting, Lyssarides said they discussed the Cyprus problem as well as international issues.

The Greek Minister leaves tomorrow.

CNA EC/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[04] Clinton - National Day

He also indicated that courage and determined leadership can help reconcile the problem and expressed the wish for peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

In his congratulatory message to President Glafcos Clerides on today's occasion of the Republic's 38th anniversary since independence, Clinton said "The US remains steadfast in its commitment to finding a just and lasting solution to the differences that have divided Cyprus for far too long."

"As we have seen during the past year in other parts of Europe, courage and determined leadership can reconcile even the most intractable and long- standing conflicts," Clinton added.

Extending "best wishes" to the President and the people of Cyprus for the coming year, Clinton noted "may it be a year filled with the promise of peace and prosperity."

The US President congratulated Clerides and the people of the Republic of Cyprus and reaffirmed "the strong bonds of friendship that exist between our countries."

CNA DA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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