Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-03-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides - German envoy

[02] Armenian FM - Archbishop Chrysostomos - Demarcation line

1345:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President Clerides - German envoy

Describing his meeting with President Glafcos Clerides as "most enlightening and very interesting", Rantzaou said there is no better source than the President to inform somebody about the "intricacies and the complexities" of the problem.

The German diplomat said he talked about "a number of aspects of the Cyprus conflict" with the President and reassured him of "ongoing efforts of the German government to try to contribute to a solution."

"I also mentioned to the President, though it is well known, that we are supporting, to the best of our abilities, the efforts of the UN, in particular the work of Dame Ann Hercus (UN resident representative)," he added.

Asked if he has conveyed any ideas or proposals on the Cyprus issue, Rantzaou replied "I haven't conveyed proposals or new ideas on the Cyprus issue."

Replying to questions, he said as far as he knew, he is not aware of "any planned initiative on the part of the EU with regard to confidence building measures."

He also indicated that any upgrading of Turkey's candidacy with regard to its application for accession to the EU would have to be dealt with by the member states, ahead of their summit in Cologne in June.

Invited to say what was "most enlightening and very interesting" in his meeting, Rantzaou noted the President has spent the better part of his political life with the Cyprus question and added "there is no better source of knowledge than a man like President Clerides" to inform about the intricacies and the complexities of the problem.

CNA MM/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1400:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Armenian FM - Archbishop Chrysostomos - Demarcation line

"I'm very touched. Seeing the situation is totally different from just hearing about it," he stated after looking across to the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia from an outpost in Ledra Street, in the old part of the capital.

Oskanian, who arrived here for a four-day official visit yesterday, was accompanied by Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades and representative of the Armenian religious group in the House of Representatives Petros Kalaydjian.

"As Armenians we've always followed very closely the Cyprus peace process, of course we're very sad," he said.

The Armenian official, who noted that this is his first visit to the island, said he has read and heard much about Cyprus.

"Being here is really different, I'm very touched by this. Seeing it (the divide) is totally different from just hearing about it," he added.

Oskanian said "we hope that one day soon this wall will be removed and this beautiful city and island will be united again."

Before his visit to the demarcation line, created since Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of Cyprus' territory in 1974, the Armenian Foreign Minister called on Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus Archbishop Chrysostomos.

"Our two peoples are very close, our churches are very close," he said after the meeting, adding that "our relations have been at the highest level".

Oskanian, who was accompanied by the Armenian Bishop here Varoujan Hergelian, said they discussed the situation in Armenia and Cyprus as well as "general matters pertaining to the two churches and even the two states."

On his part, Archbishop Chrysostomos expressed "great joy in welcoming the Foreign Minister of Armenia, a people that has also suffered much from the people that have invaded Cyprus."

The Primate of the Church said the Armenians stand in solidarity with the Greeks, because of their religion and their struggle for freedom.

CNA MA/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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