Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-12-14

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Choirokitia ancient settlement - UNESCO world heritage list

[02] Greek - American officials - Meetings

[03] Defence Ministry - Police - Turkish press reports

[04] Greek Defence Minister - US diplomats

1645:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Choirokitia ancient settlement - UNESCO world heritage list

"It took six years to prepare the site and its natural surrounding which has to be protected," Hadjisavvas told a press conference, noting that this is normal procedure before submitting an application to UNESCO.

He underlined that "Cyprus can compete with bigger countries, in the cultural field" and said the inclusion of this important archaeological site in the world heritage list is "a great honour for Cyprus".

The decision to add Choirokitia in the world cultural list was taken at the annual world heritage committee meeting held in Kyoto, Japan earlier this week.

Hadjisavvas said that President Glafcos Clerides will reveal a commemorative plaque to be placed at the site in April, noting that "the state has the obligation to protect the site for future generations."

The Choirokitia settlement is one of the oldest so far discovered in this Eastern Mediterranean island, dated from about 5.800 BC, and was founded by a community or primitive farmers whose origin still remains uncertain.

Excavations at the site began by the Antiquities Department in 1936 and it is considered important not only for Cyprus but the whole region.

CNA MEM/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1735:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Greek - American officials - Meetings

The meeting between US Presidential Emissary Richard Holbrooke, State Department Cyprus coordinator Thomas Miller and Greek Foreign Minister and Under Secretary, Theodoros Pangalos and Yiannos Kranidiotis, respectively, will meet at the residence of US Ambassador Nicholas Burns.

The American officials are expected to meet earlier with Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

UN Resident Representative Dame Ann Hercus began separate meetings with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in October, aiming at the reduction of tension and an overall settlement.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory in 1974.

CNA KI/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1925:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Defence Ministry - Police - Turkish press reports

A Defence Ministry spokesman told CNA the reports are "not substantiated" and added that no such incident has been reported.

A Police spokesman also said no incident has been reported. The Turkish Cypriot press claimed that Greek Cypriot civilians opened fire at Turkish military outposts in the eastern occupied areas of Cyprus.

The UN controls a 180-kilometer buffer zone, island, set up after Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its northern territory in 1974.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2020:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Greek Defence Minister - US diplomats

The Cyprus problem and the situation in Kossovo was discussed at the hour-long meeting, also attended by US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns.

Tsohatzopoulos described the talks as "substantive" and said the two sides "elaborated on the prospects they see possible".

He added that this exchange of views "could prove useful". Asked about the S300 anti-aircraft missile system ordered by the Cyprus government, the Greek Defence Minister said he had nothing to discuss on this issue and an initiative the two American officials are reported to have undertaken.

The US has publicly opposed the deployment of the Russian-made missiles in Cyprus.

Holbrooke and Miller are scheduled to have a working dinner tonight with Greek Foreign Minister and Under Secretary, Theodoros Pangalos and Yiannos Kranidiotis, respectively.

CNA KI/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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