Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-11-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Lithuania - Credentials

[02] Spokesman - Turkey - EU

[03] Detained Israelis - Lawyer

[04] Naomi Campbell - Charity Show

[05] Cyprus - Italy - Kleopa

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[01] Lithuania - Credentials

Presenting his credentials today, Romas Jonas Misiunas said "this moment is significant in our bilateral relations", and expressed hope they "will prove lasting and mutually beneficial."

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Misiunas said Lithuania hopes "for a just solution to the anomaly which presently exists in your country, a land divided by occupation of part of its territory, a part which is particularly rich in the cultural legacy of the island as a whole."

He reaffirmed that Lithuania "along with the international community as a whole, do not recognise the present situation as having any basis in law" and said they "wholeheartedly subscribe to all resolutions of the UN in this matter."

Furthermore, "as an associate member (of the European Union), we support the efforts of the EU to resolve the present difficulties," he added.

On his part, Clerides said Cyprus although Cyprus "finds itself at a critical juncture of its contemporary history," it remains "committed to a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem."

He also said Misiunas' accreditation "marks a new beginning in our bilateral relations. We trust that this will usher in a new era of strengthened bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Spokesman - Turkey - EU

"The Turkish Foreign Ministry statement clearly shows anxiety and bewilderment over the start of the substantive negotiations," Christos Sytlianides said.

He pointed out that the new development "shows that their (Turkey's) blackmail cannot affect the accession course, and that they should revise their position on this issue".

The Spokesman reiterated the government's invitation to the Turkish Cypriots to join the Republic's negotiating team, pointing out that the proposal "is on the table, so that we can proceed together towards the difficult road which will secure the future of the people of Cyprus."

Stressing that "we wish to walk along with the Turkish Cypriots towards the EU", Stylianides added that "it is up to Ankara to free the Turkish Cypriots from its strategic interests so as to participate in the procedure".

The accession procedure "will definitely be to the advantage of the Turkish Cypriots," he added.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said the "results of the negotiations will not be binding at all for the" self-proclaimed entity in the Turkish occupied northern part of the island.

The second ministerial meeting of the Conference on accession to the EU was held in Brussels on Tuesday, signalling the start of substantive accession negotiations between Cyprus and the EU.

Foreign Minister, Wolfgang Schussel, presiding over the EU Council said the start of substantive talks "represents a historical moment when the accession train is picking up speed".

He also expressed hope that "as a result of these negotiations, the political negotiations will receive a new impulse".

CNA MM/EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] Detained Israelis - Lawyer

Reuven Bachar, from the Tel Aviv law firm Horowitz headed by Amnon Goldenburg, arrived in Cyprus earlier this week to confer with the Cypriot lawyer who represents the two Israelis.

Yesterday in Israel the media was notified that censorship would be imposed in connection with any reports on the case.

Goldenburg was appointed by Shimon Peres in 1996 to handle a case involving Mossad agents in Norway where a bungled attempt by Mossad resulted in the death of an innocent Moroccan waiter.

Meanwhile, today's English edition of the prestigious daily "Ha'aretz" said in an article by Ronen Bergman that the two Israelis were indeed Mossad agents on the job, as Israeli officials told Cyprus in secret meetings held Tuesday and Wednesday.

Quoting a senior Cypriot source, the paper said Israel told Nicosia authorities that suspicions that the two were spying for Turkey or gathering information about Cypriot military activities were totally false.

It also notes that the two may be released, if the Israeli version of the story proves to be true.

The two suspects, whose remand order ends on Sunday, may appear before Larnaca District Court either Friday or Sunday.

CNA MM/MCH/1998

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[04] Naomi Campbell - Charity Show

The show, which will take place in Nicosia, is to commemorate Metaxas' 35th anniversary.

According to organisers, who have not reveal the supermodel's recompense, Campbell will model locally-produce jewellery, while six models from Greece and one from Cyprus will also participate in the show.

The net revenues of the show, which has been sponsored by a number of organisations of the island, will go to an association supporting research on muscular dystrophy.

CNA GG/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[05] Cyprus - Italy - Kleopa

Myrna Kleopa spoke before the External Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, at the invitation of committee chairman, Achille Occhetto.

"Cyprus' accession course is underpined by her European identity and culture, its democratic institutions, respect for the rule of law and human rights, the good performance of its economy and close relations with the countries of the region that would justify its potential role as an other solid bridge between them and the EU," she said.

Referring to the political benefits of accession, Kleopa pointed out it "would contribute substantially to the solution of the Cyprus problem" but stressed that "this potential catalytic role presupposes that the course of accession must continue free from any conditions and restrictions".

She pointed out that any attempt to undermine the EU decision by connecting a Cyprus' solution to a political settlement, "would have a catastrophic effect and neutralise the catalytic effect the accession process could have on the search for the solution of the Cyprus problem".

Furthermore, "it will give Turkey, a third country outside the EU, a veto over the Union's decisions," she remarked.

The Cypriot Ambassador said Cyprus will continue its "efforts so that a solution is achieved before accession."

She said the government works hard "so that our Turkish Cypriot compatriots work and share with us the task and responsibility to prepare Cyprus for accession" and recalled President Clerides' invitation to the T/C community to participate in the Republic's negotiating team.

Stressing that "our first and foremost priority is the solution of the Cyprus problem," Kleopa said "the answer for the non-solution "lies in the non-implementation of the UN resolutions on Cyprus and the lack of political will on the part of the Turkish side".

Finally, Kleopa expressed the hope that Italy will continue to lend its support for a just Cyprus settlement and exert pressure on the Turkish side to change its intransigent attitude and work sincerely and earnestly for the solution of the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN resolutions.

Speaking at the committee meeting, Occhetto said Italy and especially the Committee, are closely watching the situation in Cyprus, stressing that it supports the unity and sovereignty of the island.

The committee, he added, believes that all possible efforts for a solution must be made, but at the same time, a non-solution should not prejudge Cyprus' accession.

CNA EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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