Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-10-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Annan - Cyprus Independence day

[02] Clerides - Robertson

[03] Foreign Minister - EU - Cyprus problem

[04] Omirou - Sergeyev

[05] Cyprus independence - Congratulatory telegrams

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[01] Annan - Cyprus Independence day

In a congratulatory telegraph to President Glafcos Clerides on the occasion of the Republic of Cyprus' independence day (October 1), Annan notes the challenges ahead.

"In our increasingly globalised world, in which the problems and challenges we face demand even greater cooperation among nations and peoples, the work of the UN for peace, justice and human well-being remains of vital importance," he says in his message, released here today.

Annan adds that "as the UN continues to adapt itself to the needs of this new global era, it is heartening to know that the organisation can count on the strong and sustained support of Cyprus."

CNA MA/MM/1998

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[02] Clerides - Robertson

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides today said the two men met "socially" at a dinner hosted by British High Commissioner David Madden.

Robertson and his Argentinian counterpart, Jorge Dominiquez, arrived in Cyprus yesterday and today visited the UN headquarters in Nicosia.

Invited to comment on the fact that the British minister came to Cyprus through the British Bases on the island and did not have any official meetings during his one day stay, Stylianides pointed out that Robertson is not on an official visit.

The British Defence Secretary, who leaves later today, flew to Akrotiri airfield, on the south coast.

Britain has retained two military bases on the island since it granted Cyprus its independence from colonial rule in 1960.

CNA MA/MM/1998

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[03] Foreign Minister - EU - Cyprus problem

At a joint press conference with Greek Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Kasoulides also thanked Athens for its stance during a EU Council discussion on enlargement held yesterday.

According to press reports during the discussion some EU members had associated Cyprus' EU accession with a settlement to the protracted Cyprus problem.

France had said that a settlement to the Cyprus problem should be reached before the Republic joins the EU.

"Some EU member states must realise that any preconditions to Cyprus' accession will not facilitate a settlement to the island's political problem, but on the contrary would serve Turkey's designs," Kasoulides said.

The Foreign Minister thanked his EU colleagues for yesterday's decision to officially begin accession talks with Cyprus and the five eastern European countries on November 10.

On his part, Papandreou reassured that Greece would not allow any connection of a settlement to the Cyprus problem with the Republic's EU accession course.

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[04] Omirou - Sergeyev

Athens, Oct 6 (CNA) -- Russian Defence Minister Igor Sergeyev assured his country will fulfill its obligations towards Cyprus, regarding the Russian-made S300 defence missile system ordered by Nicosia last year.

Sergeyev today met his Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Omirou during the 10th "Defendory International '98" exhibition that opened in Athens.

The two ministers discussed the strengthening of military and technical cooperation between Moscow and Nicosia.

"If there are any doubts, we do not go ahead with agreements," the Russian minister said, asked if Moscow can guarantee the transfer of the S300 to Cyprus.

Turkey has often threatened it would not allow the deployment of the missile system to the island.

Replying to questions about the Turkish threats, Sergeyev said that Moscow "is carefully evaluating current developments and new elements... and will formulate its policy."

On his part, Omirou reiterated that it is the Cyprus Republic's sovereign right to "implement the defensive programmes it believes are necessary."

The Defence Minister also said the "military and technical cooperation agreement signed between the two countries in 1996 is being implemented and developed."

He added they assessed the implementation of the agreement and decided the further upgrading of cooperation in this field.

According to Omirou both he and his Russian counterpart are concerned with "Turkey's attitude and destabilising policy, especially over the past few days."

He said they reached the conclusion that they have to tackle this issue in order to promote peace and stability in the region.

Omirou pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation have maintained close ties since the 1960s.

He added that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council Moscow "has always offered its political support to the people of Cyprus, in their struggle for the implementation of international law".

The defence exhibition was opened by Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

Tsohatazopoulos and Omirou visited the Greek industries taking part in the exhibition and then Russia's pavilion, where they were welcomed by Sergeyev.

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[05] Cyprus independence - Congratulatory telegrams

In a congratulatory telegram Greek President Constantinos Stephanopoulos underlines once again that Athens "is dedicated to the common struggle for a just and viable settlement in Cyprus, based on UN decisions, the high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, and international law".

UN resolutions and the two agreements call for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus.

"This is the only way to achieve this just aim, which will lead to the prosperity of all the people of Cyprus," Stephanopoulos adds.

In a message leader of Greek New Democracy opposition party, Costas Karamanlis, underlines the need for unity among Hellenes and reassures that his party will spare no effort to this end.

CNA MA/MM/1998

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