Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-12-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus - UN resolutions - International Community

1535:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus - UN resolutions - International Community

However, the Spokesman refrained from elaborating further or replying to questions regarding the resolutions on Cyprus expected to be approved by the UN Security Council this week "for tactical reasons".

"Intense consultations at the UN and the international community level are now taking place," he said, adding that the government and President Glafcos Clerides are closely monitoring the on-going consultations.

Stylianides pointed out that it is not known when the Security Council will discuss the Cyprus issue because of the Iraqi crisis.

He refrained from replying to a question if the UK and the US are prepared to give assurances regarding the security issues whole, but said that the international community "knows our views and our preconditions for the reduction of arms and demilitarisation."

The government has said it would be prepared to carry out substantive talks on the reduction of tension and arms, leading to the demilitarisation of the island.

Invited to comment on statements made by Turkish officials opposing the deployment of Russian-made S300 anti-aircraft missiles ordered by the Cyprus government in the Greek island of Crete, Stylianides underlined that "we do not accept masters in our defence issues."

He added that this is also the position of the Greek government. The spokesman agreed with a comment that Ankara seems to be keeping a distance on the S300 missile issue.

"It is a fact that the international community should deal with this issue with more speed and attention so that the party which is basically responsible for tension here to become part of any procedures for the reduction of forces or demilitarisation," Stylianides said.

Turkey maintains a 35-thousand-strong military force in Cyprus since it invaded the island in the summer of 1974, occupying 37 per cent of its territory.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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