Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-04-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clerides - Returns

[02] US - Kyprianou - US soldiers

[03] Tchizov - Arrival - Meetings

[04] Avteyev - Visit to Cyprus

0800:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clerides - Returns

Speaking in Larnaca on his return from a private visit to Syria and Lebanon, President Clerides said the initiative came from the Ambassador of Yugoslavia to Cyprus, Ivan Mrkic, and was conveyed to Kyprianou in the presence of Russian Ambassador, Georgi Muradov.

The House President is in Athens where he is awaiting to board a Greek plane to take him to Belgrade for his meeting with President Slobodan Milosevic.

Referring to developments in Yugoslavia, President Clerides expressed the view that the bombings would continue until there was a decision to start negotiations.

Asked about the repercussions which the Yugoslav crisis would have on the Cyprus problem, the President said it is natural that any tension which encompasses dangers, distracts the international attention away from international issues.

Clerides said he was not aware about the contents of the forthcoming visit to Cyprus of the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Avteyev.

In other statements Clerides said the issue of the illegal immigrants, who come to Cyprus from neighbouring countries "will be soon settled".

He said he had discussed the issue with the Presidents of Syria and Lebanon during his visits to the two countries.

Clerides said he had a two-hour discussion with Hafez al Assad on bilateral issues, the situation in the region and international issues.

He said the two presidents decided to take further action to promote the already good relations between the two countries.

CNA EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

0900:CYPPRESS:02

[02] US - Kyprianou - US soldiers

"Our Ambassador in Greece and our Embassy in Cyprus are talking to the relevant governments and we have been informed of their intentions and we are not going to take a position on this," State Department Spokesman, James Rubin told the press.

"If they would like to do that, fine. We welcome the release of the servicemen on unconditional terms, but they decided to pursue this course," he added.

Cyprus House of Representatives President, Spyros Kyprianou, flew to Athens yesterday and is awaiting for a safe passage later today to leave for Belgrade, where he is aspiring to pick up the three US soldiers.

Rubin said the US is assisting by making arrangements so that Kyprianou could fly to Belgrade today.

"Our Ambassador in Greece, the able Nick Burns, has informed me that the plane that is taking the Cypriot to Belgrade is expected to leave tomorrow (today)," Rubin said.

Both Rubin and the Whitehouse Spokesman, Joe Lockhart, repeated US claims that there was no basis for holding the three soldiers in the first place and described their arrest as "illegal".

"We would certainly welcome their release, but since they should not have been taken in the first place, we should be very clear that the only thing acceptable is an unconditional release," Rubin pointed out.

Lockhart on his part said "NATO bombing will continue the military objectives are met".

Concluding Rubin denied that a comparison could be made between the problem in Kosovo and the Kurdish problem.

"We do not think they are comparable. Turkey is a democratic country, is committed to seeking a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue and is a member of the NATO alliance," he said.

CNA DA/MCH/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1000:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Tchizov - Arrival - Meetings

Speaking on arrival at Larnaca airport, he also pointed out that he will prepare the ground for the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister, Alexander Avteyev, who is due to arrive in Cyprus later today.

The Russian official conveyed his country's readiness to cooperate with anyone for a solution to the Cyprus problem. He refrained however from disclosing any details about his meeting in Moscow with US State Department Coordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller.

Tchizov will meet today with Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, and during his stay he will be received by President, Glafcos Clerides and as anticipated have a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

He said he expects to discuss the Cyprus problem with the British and German envoys for Cyprus.

Avteyev's visit takes place within the framework of bilateral relations while Tchizov's meetings are part of Russia's efforts to help find a Cyprus solution.

The two Russian officials are expected to leave Cyprus on Friday. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA MCH/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1200:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Avteyev - Visit to Cyprus

A Russian Embassy spokesperson, here, told CNA that Avteyev is expected to arrive at 18.50 local time (15.50 GMT) and together with Russian envoy for Cyprus, Vladimir Tchizov will meet Clerides tomorrow morning.

Tchizov, who arrived here last night is meeting today with Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides and in the afternoon will cross to the Turkish- occupied part of Nicosia to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

The two Russian officials are leaving the island tomorrow. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA MCH/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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