Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-12-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides - New Year message

1145:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President Clerides - New Year message

Nicosia, Dec 31 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides expressed this evening the wish "the way will open up in the year 2000 for a just, viable and workable solution" to the Cyprus problem and "the unhindered continuation of Cyprus' accession course to the European Union".

In his New Year message, the President said the strategy followed on both these issues "has set in motion various forces which can make a decisive contribution to a solution".

He added, however, that "it is self-evident that in order to attain our goals we need to achieve the greatest possible unity in our internal front, as well as to continue our excellent cooperation with the Greek government".

"Apart from this, if our EU accession course is to be crowned with success, we have to exert greater efforts to reach consensus within the framework of the social dialogue so that all political forces will jointly face the various issues, having in mind the long-term interests of Cyprus."

In his message Clerides stressed "we have the required capabilities and for this reason we have to devote all our energy to turn into reality in the first years of the new Millennium our common vision for a new Cyprus. A Cyprus which, despite its small size, will secure an enviable place among the developed states in Europe".

He said "tonight not only pleasant but also unpleasant memories come to our mind more vividly. One of these, which continues to be a painful reality, is the continuing occupation of about one third of our homeland by Turkey, with all its repercussions which still affect us."

"I am certain, however, that this painful memory strengthens our endurance and determination to struggle and keep our optimism and hope alive and that, finally, justice will be restored in our long-suffering country to the benefits of all Cypriots," the Cypriot President added in his new year message.

Clerides told the Cypriot people that "I shall not occupy you tonight with political issues. I shall speak to you about political issues in the next few days."

"Tonight, I will simply express my wish, which I believe is the wish of all of us, that the way will open up in the year 2000 for a just, viable and workable solution to our national problem and the unhindered continuation of Cyprus' accession course to the European Union. Already, the strategy we have been following on these two issues has set in motion various forces which can make a decisive contribution to a solution."

Concluding, he expressed special greetings "to our youth serving in the army, the enclaved people and the relatives of missing persons".

CNA MCH/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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