Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-05-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus - EE - Yugoslavia

[02] Cyprus - New British High Commissioner - Credentials

[03] Cyprus - Greece - Talks

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[01] Cyprus - EE - Yugoslavia

"The government decided to align itself, as far as possible, with the new measures the EU has decided to enforce," Serezis told the press.

He explained that the government is studying the issues which fall within the competency of the cabinet and will look into others which may require legislation before they are implemented.

The government, he added, will seek the opinion of its legal adviser, the Attorney General, on those measures outside its competency.

Replying to questions, the spokesman said the decision was taken by President Glafcos Clerides and the cabinet.

The EU measures relate to a ban on the entry into EU member states of some 300 Yugoslav politicians, military officers, journalists, bankers and members of Slobodan Milosevic's family.

The measures also refer to a ban on commercial and private flights between Yugoslav and EU airports, a freeze on funds held by Yugoslav and Serbian officials to cover individuals close to Milosevic and Yugoslav and Serbian-controlled companies and a ban on providing private sector export finance to Yugoslavia.

CNA MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1710:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus - New British High Commissioner - Credentials

On his part President Glafcos Clerides assured of his government's commitment to this end.

Clay, who had served in Nicosia as counsellor in 1985, has returned to the island as High Commissioner. Today he presented his credentials to President Clerides.

Both the Cyprus President and the British High Commissioner pointed to the importance of Cyprus' bid to join the European Union (EU) and referred to the close ties and commercial relationship between the two countries.

Clay said he takes up his appointment at an "important juncture" and recalled Prime Minister Tony Blair's commitment to "a sustained effort this year in support of the UN in the search for a settlement to the Cyprus problem."

"We want to help Cyprus to a future which ensures the security and prosperity of all those who live on the island. We believe that a bizonal, bicommunal federation based on political equality remains the best way to achieve that end and to meet the legitimate concerns of both sides," he added.

Expressing support to Cyprus' application to join the EU, the British High Commissioner said "we believe that membership would be in the interests of both communities."

"The best possible outcome would be accession by a re-united Cyprus," he said, adding Britain is working to achieve steady progress and a positive outcome in the accession negotiations which got underway last year.

Receiving the credentials, President Clerides also noted that the appointment "comes at a crucial juncture for Cyprus, especially with regard to efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem."

"Despite our disappointment at the failure of a series of attempts to reactivate the negotiating process and the intransigence and hardening of the positions of the other side... we remain committed and will never cease or abandon our efforts to achieve a just, viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem," he said.

The President noted that the peace efforts should take place within the framework of the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission and on the basis of UN resolutions and two agreements reached between the two sides in 1977 and 1979 stipulating for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has been refusing to participate in peace talks and is trying to change their basis by demanding recognition of his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974.

Denktash has said he will only negotiate the establishment of a "confederation of two states", a demand rejected by the UN, the Cyprus government and all key players in the peace effort.

President Clerides said that "only through a solution that will ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, security and the well- being of all the citizens of Cyprus, without any discrimination, a solution that will ensure the unity of Cyprus and not its permanent division, can we, at long last, achieve peace and justice."

He also referred to the UK's "special responsibility" towards Cyprus, as it had guaranteed the Republic's independence and territorial integrity when it granted the island independence from colonial rule in 1960.

"We count on your constructive involvement in the search for a just, viable and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem," he said.

President Clerides expressed gratitude for Britain's "support and decisive contribution" in Cyprus' efforts to join the EU.

Both the President and the High Commissioner pointed to the bonds between the two countries and their peoples, stemming from the large number of visitors, students and trade relations.

They also made note of the increasing number of Britons who choose to make Cyprus their second home and the large number of people of Cypriot origin who live in Britain.

Clay said some three thousand Cypriots study in the UK every year and Britain remains Cyprus' biggest trading partner.

"It is a particular pleasure to see how the ties between our two countries have developed since I was last in Cyprus," the British High Commissioner added.

CNA MA/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1955:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - Greece - Talks

Accompanied by a 16-member delegation including Under-Secretaries of Economy and Labour and Social Insurances, Kranidiotis arrives tomorrow (Thursday) for a three-day visit.

According to diplomatic sources here in Athens, discussions on the Cyprus issue will focus on a US, British and Russian initiative to involve the group of the seven most industrialised countries plus Russia (G8) in efforts to break the current deadlock in the peace process.

The two delegations will also discuss a proposal put forward by President Glafcos Clerides for the demilitarisation of the island.

The Greek delegation will be received by President Glafcos Clerides. Kranidiotis will hold talks with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Cyprus' chief negotiator in the accession talks with the EU, George Vassiliou.

Economy Under-Secretary Alexandros Baltas will discuss economic issues pertaining to the Republic's accession course and bilateral cooperation in the trade field with Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis.

Labour and Social Security Under-Secretary Christos Protopapas will meet Cypriot Labour Minister, Andreas Moushoutas to discuss the harmonisation of Cyprus' labour law with EU regulations and directives.

CNA KI/MA/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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