Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-11-01

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Kasoulides - European tour

[02] Cypriot deputy - Orthodoxy meeting

[03] Kasoulides - British Bases - Farmers

[04] President Clerides - Cyprus problem

1140:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Kasoulides - European tour

Kasoulides was speaking at Larnaca airport prior to his departure for Athens, his first stop in a tour of European countries to discuss the Republic's efforts to join the European Union (EU) and developments in the Cyprus issue.

Referring to the meetings UN resident representative Dame Ann Hercus began last month with the two sides, the Foreign Minister said they are only the first stage of a process that may lead to proximity talks and then direct negotiations, but refrained from disclosing any details.

Invited to comment on efforts by some countries to associate the Cyprus question to the Republic's EU course, Kasoulides said that "any connection of the Cyprus problem to the accession course will signal the end of efforts to settle the Cyprus issue".

He explained this would mean "a veto would be given to Turkey to decide when and if Cyprus will join the EU and will offer Ankara another reason to be intransigent in the Cyprus peace effort".

Kasoulides underlined Turkey's role in a Cyprus settlement and said that "if the Cyprus problem and the EU accession course are officially associated, this would constitute an invitation to Turkey not to allow a settlement".

The Foreign Minister also said that such a stance would not facilitate EU efforts to bring Turkey closer to Europe.

"As the EU itself has stated, the Cyprus issue is one of the important obstacles in forging closer ties with Turkey", he added.

On his meeting today in the Greek capital with Foreign Ministry officials, Kasoulides said it is to be held within the framework of regular contacts between the two governments.

He added they will discuss "the situation in the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' EU accession course".

Tomorrow, the Foreign Minister will begin a two-day visit to Madrid, at the invitation of his Spanish counterpart Abel Matutes.

On November 3, Kasoulides will leave for London where he is scheduled to meet British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and will speak to deputies and EuroMPs.

From the British capital he will fly to Brussels, on November 8, where he will represent the Cyprus government in the start of substantive accession talks between the Republic and the EU.

CNA MAN/MA/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1150:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cypriot deputy - Orthodoxy meeting

The meeting, beginning tomorrow, will plan the celebration of the completion of two thousand years of Christianity and will examine ways to further improve the operation of the Assembly.

The participants will also discuss setting up a committee of legal specialists from its member-states who will contribute towards regulating the presence of new sects in Europe.

CNA RG/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1230:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Kasoulides - British Bases - Farmers

Commenting on incidents that occurred yesterday when Turks attacked five farmers who were escorted by British Bases police to their land near Pergamos village, within the British Dhekelia Base in the eastern coast, he said the issue is being examined.

"The Cyprus government's position is clear, we strongly support the restoration of the basic human rights not only of the people from Lysi but of all refugees", Kasoulides said.

He added that "especially on the issue of the people from Lysi, the government supports their right to cultivate their land which is within the British Bases".

The farmers and the Bases police were yesterday forced to abandon plans to allow the farmers to cultivate their land after Turkish Cypriots and Turks showed up in the area threatening them with sticks and stones.

The Foreign Minister said he had spoken with British High Commissioner David Madden on the issue and was given assurances that "the Bases police would accompany the farmers so that they could exercise their legal rights".

However, he pointed out that if "they believed they should not go ahead because their was a risk to their security, this is an issue which is being examined".

The British Bases told CNA that the farmers could not stay on their land for long "because of the risk of injury".

Asked if the government considers that the issue remains open, Kasoulides replied "of course".

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

CNA MAN/MA/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1350:CYPPRESS:04

[04] President Clerides - Cyprus problem

President Clerides also said that if the Turkish side uses the force of arms to impose its will, the Greek Cypriot side will protect itself and added that the recent joint military exercise with Greece has sent the right messages.

"Our struggle is peaceful and aims at restoring justice on the island. But if the Attila (code-name of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus) tries to use military means to impose its will it should have no doubt that we will defend our freedom and national and human dignity with all means", he warned.

The President pointed out that Cypriots have lived through many occupations and will endure the present Turkish occupation with "patience, insistence and political reason".

He expressed certainty that with practical help from Athens and Greeks wherever they may live as well as the solidarity of foreign governments and personalities "Cyprus will be saved".

"The UN have already began investigatory talks on the substance of the Cyprus issue and the reduction of tension. As always, we participate in this process with honesty and good will", President Clerides added.

He said the government wants "a just, viable and workable settlement to the Cyprus problem, to the benefit of all its people, the soonest".

"Our side will do all it can to reach a settlement within the parameters set out by UN resolutions", the President assured.

However, he pointed out that "our political will in this direction is not enough. What is needed most is more decisive intervention by the international community towards the Turkish side, because the Turkish side must also have the political will for a settlement."

President Clerides also said that Cyprus is continuing with its European Union accession course and added that "our proposal to the Turkish Cypriot community to participate in the delegation carrying out accession negotiations still stands".

"In the meantime we continue our policy of reinforcing our armaments with every defence weapon we believe adds to our security", he added.

The President said that the recent military exercise code-named "Nikiforos - Toxotis", has proved that the joint defence pact agreed with Greece in 1993 "can operate effectively to the benefit of the Cyprus Republic's defence under difficult circumstances".

"I believe it (the exercise) has sent the right messages to the right recipients", he concluded.

CNA MA/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article