Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Former Minister - Political movement

1710:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Former Minister - Political movement

Michaelides, who resigned earlier this month amid corruption allegations, was elected chairman of today's meeting which decided to elect the Movement's Executive Secretariat in mid-April to prepare the June conference.

In his address to the meeting, Michaelides called for unity to find the common denominator on issues of national interest and reach consensus on Cyprus' accession course to the European Union.

He also extended a helping hand to all political parties seeking cooperation and friendship since, as he put it, "we are all in the same boat and joined by a common struggle."

"Our goal and our ambition is to contribute to find the golden mean for a commonly accepted strategy dealing with the Cyprus problem and our course to a united Europe in the 21st century," Michaelides told his supporters.

He said he envisioned a "free Cyprus without any Turkish occupation troops or settlers, a member of the EU" and noted his motive is "substantive and active intervention and contribution to our struggle for justice and freedom."

The former minister said he would cooperate with the government, parties and other organisations on matters of economic and social policy relating to accession talks.

He said Turkey, which continues to occupy the island's northern third, that it and all those who back her will be met with a united front.

"Turkey and the various mediators need to hear us speak with one voice, a voice that will say yes in a responsible manner and a voice that will say no with dignity," he added.

Michaelides' resignation in mid-March was preceded by the resignation of Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides, who disagreed with a cabinet decision backing Michaelides against corruption allegations.

Last year, Michaelides broke ranks with the centre-right Democratic Party to give his full backing to the re-election of President Glafcos Clerides in February 1998.

CNA MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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