Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-07-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Britain - Cyprus - Peace initiative

1230:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Britain - Cyprus - Peace initiative

Speaking after a meeting with House of Representatives, President Spyros Kyprianou, Clay said the G8 statement is good for both sides, adding that Britain would like to see this new initiative survive.

Clay said he visited Kyprianou this morning "to brief myself on the state of opinion in the party (Democratic Party) he leads about thinking on where we go from here on the Cyprus problem".

The British diplomat said he explained to Kyprianou "why we are attached to the G8 initiative, why we want it to succeed and why on the one hand accepting that Cypriots want to think very carefully about how to approach their joint future, and at the same time to avoid the sort of controversies that might mean that another initiative is spoiled before it gets started".

Responding to questions, Clay said this is "a critical period" for Cyprus and that "each critical period we need to find a way through".

Asked how Britain can assist the new initiative on the Cyprus problem, Clay said "we are one of the sponsors of the G8 statement, we are a member of the Security Council, so we have played a part in each of the two steps so far taken".

"We are heavily involved in Cyprus, we are in here not just as occasional visitors, but as long-term residents, and the interests of Cyprus are very much in our hearts, we play a part in UNFICYP and we shall continue to play our part", he said.

Clay said "we are trying to see where the next step comes from and where it goes to", adding that "it is now in the hands of the UN Secretary- General".

Responding to other questions, Clay said he is "interested in the survival of the G8 initiative", adding that "the language is there, it is good language for both sides".

"We know there are stumbling blocks in the way. Our interest is to make sure that we clear the rocks off the road, not that we put more on it", he said.

Asked if there would be a new round of talks after the UN Secretary- General's invitation, Clay said "that is our hope".

The Turkish side has blocked repeated UN efforts to resume the Cyprus peace process.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of numerous UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA RG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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