Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-01-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou - Departure

[02] Kasoulides - Brussels - Athens - Talks

1715:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Papandreou - Departure

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on his departure from Cyprus, where he held an official visit, Papandreou said that "we must take steps and not look behind", adding that "we do not have the luxury to look behind".

He said the struggle ahead would be "a difficult one", but stressed that it would be a common one between Greece and Cyprus "for the present and the future".

Papandreou said that the two countries "are building, on a sound basis, our course of cooperation and common struggle in all sectors, especially that of European affairs".

He added that significant steps have been made in this direction, and pointed out that talks with Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, would continue in Athens.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island and occupied 37 per cent of its territory, by force. Greece has continuously pledged support to the struggle of Cyprus and its people.

CNA MAN/RG/AA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1735:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Kasoulides - Brussels - Athens - Talks

Speaking at Larnaca Airport, Kasoulides said that the new round of talks will also include United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, and various counterparts of EU member states.

Kasoulides said he would discuss ways "to promote efforts to solve the Cyprus problem" as well as safeguarding "a stable EU accession course" for the island.

He said that he would also hear views on Cyprus' EU membership bid and the prospects for successfully dealing with Turkish intransigence on the Cyprus problem.

Responding to questions, Kasoulides said that as the time of Cyprus' accession draws close, Turkey must decide whether it will continue to demand recognition of the secessionist regime in the north of the island.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. In 1983, an illegal regime was set up in the Turkish-occupied north, which is recognised by no other country but Turkey.

Kasoulides said that if Turkey "insists, then our opinion is that Cyprus should anyway acceded to the EU", adding that "if the Cyprus problem is not solved by then, it would not be Cyprus' fault".

He pointed out that "such a development would definitely be against Turkey".

Asked if talks on the deployment of the S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in Crete have been concluded, Kasoulides responded negatively.

The Republic of Cyprus ordered the missiles from Russia, but cancelled their deployment in Cyprus, complying fully with UN Security Council resolutions, calling for reduction of tension and avoiding any action which may cause tension to escalate. An alternative destination - Crete - is now under discussion.

After Brussels, Kasoulides will fly to Athens, for talks with his Greek counterpart, Theodoros Pangalos, and members of leadership of the Greek Foreign Ministry.

CNA MAN/RG/AA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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