Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-11-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spokesman - Clinton bimonthly report

[02] Cyprus - Israel - Espionage - Denial of bail

[03] Green - Cyprus problem - EU

[04] Cyprus - Turkish fighters - Violation

[05] Cuban Deputy FM - Meetings

[06] Former MP dies

1530:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Spokesman - Clinton bimonthly report

In his bimonthly report on Cyprus to Congress, President Clinton said US efforts to bring about a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus issue, based on bizonal, bicommunal federation remained steadfast.

Invited to comment on the report, Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides said it was obvious, "the US administration continues to support a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and relevant UN resolutions."

Invited to comment on a reference that all parties in Cyprus must prepare for "eventual comprehensive negotiations", Stylianides replied this has always been the Cyprus government's objective.

"We would like to enter a discussion on the substance of the Cyprus issue for an overall settlement", he said, adding that:

"Under no circumstances the government would refuse such a procedure which it pursues in every way, especially if it is based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and relevant resolutions."

The Clinton report, "constitutes a reply to the Turkish proposal for confederation," pointing out that it is outside the framework of the UN, Stylianides said.

"It seems no one can accept the Turkish proposal for confederation as a framework for discussion of the Cyprus problem," he said, pointing out that "this is very positive."

The Cyprus government, the UN and the permanent members of the Security Council have rejected Denktash's proposal, as it is not in line with UN resolutions calling for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

CNA MA/EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1650:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus - Israel - Espionage - Denial of bail

District Court Judge, Tefkros Economou said that "under the circumstances and with all respect to the consul of Israel and his good intent the purpose can be secured only through detention by Cyprus authorities."

Consul Michel Harel told the court "that as a representative of the Israeli embassy and the state of Israel we undertake the obligation that the two suspects appear in the court whenever requested."

He said he had instructions from the Israeli Foreign Ministry to stand bail in any sum.

Judge Economy said "the question that has to be answered is what happens if the accused refuse the embassy's request to take them to court.

"Because of the diplomatic mission's status, it could not force the accused to attend trial," he added.

Larnaca District Court formally charged here Friday Udi Hargov, 37 and Igal Damary, 49, with spying, conspiracy to spy and possession of banned listening equipment.

The two appeared before court amid tight security measures. They will remain in custody until the trial begins at the Assize Court in Larnaca on December 8.

Spying carries a maximum sentence upon conviction of 10 years in prison under Cyprus law.

CNA MAN/EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Green - Cyprus problem - EU

Commenting on the position taken by Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands regarding Cyprus' accession to the EU, Green said "the solution is not a precondition" adding that "these are tactics".

"I firmly believe that that is the position which the EU is committed to", she remarked.

Asked about Turkey's stance on the Cyprus issue, the Euro-MP stressed that pressure needs to be exercised on the government of Turkey "both for Cyprus and the Kurdish issue".

"The sort of behaviour we've seen in the last few days, the threats against Italy, let alone against little Cyprus, simply is not acceptable to a country aspiring to be part of the EU and that sort of pressure has got to be kept on them", Green stressed.

Commenting on the new initiative taken by the UN on the Cyprus problem as well as efforts made by the UN Secretary General's Resident Representative, Ann Hercus, Green said, "every effort should continue to be made".

She expressed confidence towards Hercus' efforts and pointing out that the new UN official "is quite a different style of UN representative".

"I hope that she succeeds, she knows that she has a difficult task but we must encourage her on that route", Green concluded.

CNA RM/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1755:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - Turkish fighters - Violation

Meanwhile in a letter to the Secretary-General, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Sotos Zakheos, protested against previous violations committed between 11-13 November.

He said such actions are contrary to Security Council resolutions which say that these overflights increase tension on the island and undermine efforts for an overall settlement.

Defence Ministry sources said Cyprus' airspace was violated on a number of occasions today within the framework of joint air and naval exercises held by Turkey and its puppet regime in the northern occupied areas of the island.

According to press reports, 16 F-16 jets and two F-4 fighter planes carried out sorties on "enemy" targets in the occupied Morfou area.

At the same time, four navy frigates which illegally docked on Wednesday at Kyrenia port on the northern coast, fired eight rounds at land targets as three more frigates waited off the coast.

According to Reuters, which quoted a Turkish military spokesman, the exercises were based on a so-called defence scenario.

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

1845:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cuban Deputy FM - Meetings

Kasoulides referred to Cuba's "solid friendship that has been expressed in international fora in several ways," and "in particular when violations of international law take place."

On her part, Allende said "Cuba and Cyprus have all the possibilities to continue the development of their bilateral relations which are from the political point of view excellent", and which can also be "excellent from the economic and commercial point of view."

Allende said the two countries "have many opportunities to diversify" their relations and expressed the Cuban government's gratitude for the solidarity which the Cyprus government has shown over the years "in the Cuban struggle against the American blockade."

The Cuban Deputy FM, who arrived yesterday for a three-day official visit, was also received by the President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou who said Allende reassured that Cuba will always support Cyprus within the framework of the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement.

Allende, who leaves on Sunday, also met left wing AKEL General Secretary, Demetris Christofias with whom she exchanged views on the situation in both countries and expressed the need for respect of international law and implementation of UN resolutions.

CNA NG/EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1950:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Former MP dies

This was confirmed by medical sources of Apolonio private hospital in Nicosia, where Prentzas had been taken.

Prentzas, 53, worked as a teacher and a journalist and served at different posts at EDEK socialist party.

He was elected MP in 1991 and served at this post until 1996. He participated in many Parliamentary delegations to the UN, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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