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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-03-27
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
News Update
Thursday, 27/03/97
CONTENTS
- [01] Good will gestures expected before face-to-face talks
- [02] Human Rights in Cyprus put to the UN Commission
[01] Good will gestures expected before face-to-face talks
Continuing proximity talks are carried out in Nicosia between the UN
Resident Representative Gustave Feissel, President Glafcos Clerides and the
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Mr Feissel has twice-a-week meetings
with each leader, and following Wednesday's (26.3.97) meeting with
President Clerides he told reporters:
"We all agree that our main effort, which is to move towards an overall
settlement, could be helped by improving the atmosphere and the feelings of
the two communities and this could be done by each community making certain
gestures which are positive towards the other community".
The UN envoy added that such mutual gestures will foster trust and be
helpful for an overall solution and that he is discussing some ideas the
two leaders have.
[02] Human Rights in Cyprus put to the UN Commission
Cyprus Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Sotos Zackheos addressed the 53rd
session of the Human Rights Commission and referred to the island's "tragic
predicament as a result of the Turkish invasion and occupation, the vast
imbalance of military forces and the need to defend the very survival of
Cyprus".
The Cypriot Representative said that since the 1974 invasion, Turkey
continues the systematic looting, "destruction, desecration of churches and
even sale of religious artifacts from the occupied part of Cyprus". He also
referred to the destruction of many archaeologically valuable parts of the
island's cultural heritage.
The Ambassador further noted that the Cyprus government takes all necessary
measures for the preservation of mosques in the free areas.
The suppression of the human rights of the Greek Cypriot and Maronite
enclaved population still living in the occupied areas was also mentioned.
Mr Zackheos urged the UN Human Rights Commission, observers and other non-
governmental organisation to raise their voice over the violation of human
rights in Cyprus.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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