Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-03-03

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

News Update

Monday, 03/03/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus Foreign Minister on European tour
• [02] Deputy House President calls for Commonwealth support
• [03] Justice Ministry annual report
• [04] Attorney General holds talks in London
• [05] Former Attorney General dies

[01] Cyprus Foreign Minister on European tour

Mr Michaelides' talks with his European counterparts will focus on the European Union's role in efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, as well as efforts by some EU countries to include Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus' accession talks. The meetings were requested after five EU Foreign Ministers met in Rome with the Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller.

The first leg of Mr Michaelides' tour will be to Athens where he will meet with Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister George Papandreou today.

Tomorrow he will hold talks in London with Foreign Secretary, Malcolm Rifkind, and Shadow Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Minister will discuss the Cyprus issue with his French counterpart, Michel Barnier, in Paris, and the following day he will meet Italian Foreign Minister, Lamberto Dini, in Rome.

On 10 March Michaelides will be in Bonn, where he is scheduled to meet German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Klaus Kinkel, and next Tuesday he will see his Dutch counterpart, Hans Van Mierlo in the Hague. Mr Michaelides returns to Cyprus next Tuesday.

[02] Deputy House President calls for Commonwealth support

"The Commonwealth has on many occasions expressed in a practical way its solidarity with the people of Cyprus, rendering political support to our efforts for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem", Mr Anastasiades said, addressing the opening session of the 28th British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association being held in Nicosia.

He recalled some of the Commonwealth's principles, such as fostering international co-operation for the achievement of peace and justice, and recognition that the security of each member country from external aggression is a matter of concern to all members.

"It is our wish and strong commitment that these principles be applied and developed further", he said.

[03] Justice Ministry annual report

However it was not so successful as regards a number of serious cases related to organised crime, despite the operation of a newly-established Crisis Centre at police Headquarters.

The also says that there was an increase in the number of drugs-related cases that the police was called to deal with, while the number of fatal traffic accidents remained at the same level as the previous year.

As regards legal issues the report says that several new laws were passed last year in accordance with the Ministry's efforts at updating and modernising the legal system. One such law aimed at combating serious crime pertains to money laundering and will enable the Republic of Cyprus to fulfil its international obligations stemming form the relevant European Convention.

[04] Attorney General holds talks in London

The discussions between Markides and Hannay focused on the content of a Cyprus solution to ensure it will be in line with International and European Law.

[05] Former Attorney General dies

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

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