Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-10-01

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

1/10/96

CONTENTS

• [01] GREEK PREMIER COSTAS SIMITIS ARRIVES IN CYPRUS (1/10/1996)
• [02] STATEMENTS BY PRESIDENT CLERIDES AND PREMIER SIMITIS THE END OF TODAY'S MILITARY PARADE (1/10/1996)

[01] GREEK PREMIER COSTAS SIMITIS ARRIVES IN CYPRUS (1/10/1996)

Welcoming Mr Simitis at Larnaka Airport, the President of the Republic, Mr Glafcos Clerides, said:

"With feelings of national pride and brotherly love, the Greek Cypriot people, welcome today the Prime Minister of Greece, our friend Mr Simitis. The presence of the Greek Prime Minister here today when we celebrate Cyprus' Independence Day is one more manifestation of Greece's support for the struggle of the Cyprus people.

"I wish to express publicly our thanks to the Prime Minister and his Government for the support they give us in facing foreign threats".

Replying, the Greek Prime Minister said:

"It gives me great pleasure to visit Cyprus for a second time in a few weeks. This, coupled with the fact that this is my first foreign visit since my re-election as Prime Minister, underlines the importance the Greek Government attaches to the Cyprus problem. As we have said in the past, the Cyprus problem is a top priority for the Greek foreign policy. At the same time it demonstrates the continued and unfailing interest shown by the Greek Government in a just solution of the Cyprus problem and in safeguarding the future of the Greek Cypriot people.

My visit is taking place on Cyprus Independence Day because we wanted in this way to demonstrate our support for the independent Cyprus Republic and our desire to assist it in every way possible in its struggle for the restoration of its territorial integrity and its sovereignty all over the island. Besides, it is our firm position - and we stress this in every direction - that the Cyprus problem is first and foremost a problem of foreign occupation of the island and, therefore, our firm goal is to find a peaceful solution through efforts at the diplomatic level. However, international experience teaches us that a dialogue cannot be productive and the efforts being made at the level of international contacts cannot be supported, if both sides do not have power, if in this specific case Cyprus does not have the protective shield provided by the joint defence doctrine.

During my stay here, I shall have talks with President Clerides, the Government, the party leaders and Archbishop Chrysostomos so as to form a view for the joint tackling of the problem. In our talks with the Cyprus Government, we shall focus on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and our cooperation in all fields - for we have to cooperate in all fields. Moreover, we have to decide our next steps, develop our bilateral relations even more and face jointly the Cyprus problem. Of course, we shall also discuss the humanitarian problems of the enclaved and the missing persons.

On my return to Cyprus and having fresh in my memory the murder of two unarmed youths, I would like to repeat that their sacrifice was not in vain, but made the world realize that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and that a solution has to be found. World opinion now shows that it understands that the illegal occupation of Cyprus cannot continue any longer. This is evidenced by the resolution of the European Parliament, which overwhelmingly condemned Turkish aggressiveness and conduct".

"I thank you for your warm welcome and I want to say once more how happy I am to be here with you today".

[02] STATEMENTS BY PRESIDENT CLERIDES AND PREMIER SIMITIS AT THE END OF TODAY'S MILITARY PARADE (1/10/1996)

After congratulating all who took part in the parade, President Clerides said that the National Guard has proved its readiness to defend Cyprus from any foreign threat. He also stated that he was specially impressed by the Home Guards, who were ready to defend our motherland.

For his part Mr Simitis said: "The parade has demonstrated the fighting ability of the forces and their high morale. Against the Turkish aggressiveness there is now a strong deterrent. There is a force of deterrence which can deal blows to the opponent, who will have to think very seriously before embarking on any hostile move.

We have the Doctrine of the Joint Defence Area as our firm principle. Defending Cyprus is tantamount to defending Greece and Hellenism as a whole and we shall continue on this course."

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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