Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-04-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides - Italian Deputy FM

[02] Cyprus - Israel - National carriers - Cooperation

[03] Cyprus - Italy - Talks

1050:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President Clerides - Italian Deputy FM

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, he said the crisis in Kosovo, the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' accession process to the European Union were part of his discussions.

Italy and Cyprus, he said, agree that a political solution to the Kosovo crisis must be found and express their concern about this "difficult and dramatic problem."

The Italian Deputy FM, speaking through an interpreter, reiterated his government's appreciation for Cyprus' effort and commitment to the EU accession process and said Italy supports "this desire to accede to the EU."

Ranieri said the President outlined his position and added "we hope and wish that negotiation will resume in the framework set by the UN for a solution of the intercommunal problem of Cyprus."

Invited to outline his view on the international aspect of the Cyprus problem, the continuing Turkish occupation of the island's northern part, Ranieri replied "we support the position expressed several times by the UN and we support the start of demilitarisation process for a negotiated solution to the problem."

Replying to questions, he said the Cyprus government decision not to deploy Russian anti-aircraft missiles was "very wise."

He also said the decision not to send to Cyprus the Italian-made Aspide missiles does not concern the Italian government.

CNA MM/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1220:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus - Israel - National carriers - Cooperation

A memorandum of understanding will be signed by the two carriers next Tuesday (May 4) in Tel Aviv.

It will be signed by CA Board Chairman Takis Kyriakides and EL AL President Joel Feldschuh.

The memorandum of understanding provides for joint flights between CA and EL AL, from Tel Aviv to Larnaca and Paphos, Cyprus, and the opposite.

The two companies will also cooperate on flights beyond those destinations.

CNA GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - Italy - Talks

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Umberto Ranieri, speaking through an interpreter after talks with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, also pointed out the EU needs a common foreign and security policy (CFSP).

Asked to explain a joint statement Italy has signed with three other EU member-states that the absence of a Cyprus solution may pose problems to the CFSP, Ranieri restricted himself in saying that "it is very important for Europe to have a common security and foreign policy."

Cyprus, he went on to explain, has to march along two parallel tracks, on one hand the accession negotiations and on the other the peace efforts.

Noting that "Cyprus is well aware of this", he said negotiations within the UN framework to solve the long standing problem of the island must resume.

"We encourage work and commitment on the part of Cyprus and support Cyprus in the hope that these two parallel tracks can come to positive results," Ranieri said.

Ranieri referred to the "intercommunal and international problem of Cyprus" and reiterated his country's wish to see talks resuming in the framework of UN resolutions on Cyprus.

Commenting on this, Kasoulides noted that "any progress on one process (peace effort) will have benefits on the other (accession process) and we are hopeful we are going to conclude the negotiations successfully and join EU."

Bilateral ties, EU enlargement to the South and the Mediterranean, the Kosovo crisis, Cyprus' EU accession process and the peace effort were discussed at today's talks.

Kasoulides described the talks as "very helpful and constructive" and said the two countries have a lot in common.

CNA MM/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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