Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-03-31

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

News Update

Monday, 31/03/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Cooperation protocol between Russian Duma and Cyprus House
• [02] Duma President: "Cyprus solution found in UN resolutions"
• [03] Concern over ancient Greek theatres in occupied areas
• [04] Cyprus should become bridge for cooperation between Europe and Middle East

[01] Cooperaton protocol between Russian Duma and Cyprus House

The protocol calls for a joint parliamentary committee whose chairmen and rules will be determined by the two parliaments and will aim at enhancing existing ties through consultations and exchange of information on matters of mutual interest. The protocol has an immediate effect and is valid for three years.

Mr Seleznev described the protocol as "very important" while Mr Kyprianou said that it aims at safeguarding close cooperation between Cyprus and all parties represented in the Russian Duma.

"The Cyprus question is one of few issues for which the Russian Duma has approved a unanimous resolution", Mr Kyprianou noted. He also said that Mr Seleznev's visit to Cyprus is a historic day as it marks the beginning of a new era to the benefit of both countries.

[02] Duma President: "Cyprus solution found in UN resolutions"

"There is a basis for a solution in Cyprus, there are the numerous UN Security Council resolutions on ways towards a solution, all that remains is their implementation", Seleznev said, while addressing the Press in a joint press conference with House President Spyros Kyprianou.

Highlighting Russia's awareness of its obligations towards Cyprus, the Duma President reiterated his country's full support for the Cyprus government's policy for re-uniting the island.

He also described Turkey's threats against the Cyprus government's decision to purchase Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles as an "outright provocation".

"It's incomprehensible that Turkey reacts in this way", Seleznev said, adding that if the threats continue, the international community must deal with the matter.

On his part, Kyprianou described as "bizarre" the reaction of other countries to the missile purchase.

"They weren't concerned with Turkey's arms purchases and its continuing occupation of part of Cyprus for 23 years", the House President said.

Seleznev was also received by President Glafcos Clerides who thanked him for the unanimous resolution the Duma adopted in October last year which stipulates that the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus prevents a solution of the Cyprus question.

Mr Seleznev also exchanged views on a Cyprus settlement during a meeting on 29.3.97 with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides. The Cypriot Minister agreed with Mr Seleznev that "the solution to the Cyprus problem can be achieved through the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions".

[03] Concern over ancient Greek theatres in occupied areas

This concern was expressed in a resolution addressed to the UN Secretary- General under the title "Freedom to our ancient Greek Theatres", which was handed on 29.3.97 to representatives of the UN Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus, at the Ledra Palace checkpoint in Nicosia.

In its resolution, on the occasion of the World Theatre Day, celebrated March 27, the Centre "expresses grave anxiety about the preservation of the ancient Greek amphitheatres in the occupied northern part of Cyprus, which were declared as World Heritage at the first International symposium on ancient Greek drama" held in Cyprus in 1990.

The actors requested the UN Secretary-General's intervention "for access to these theatres under conditions of freedom and safety".

[04] Cyprus should become bridge for cooperation between Europe and Middle East

Mr Christofi added that his Ministry was also aiming at the modernisation and qualitative upgrading of local production, the safeguarding of conditions for healthy competition, as well as the safeguarding of the security, health and interests of the consumers in order to make Cyprus businesses more competitive.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, said that at the same time, his Ministry contributed to a great extent in promoting Cyprus as an important and organised regional business and services centre.

"Our conviction is that Cyprus has the advantages and should be developed into a bridge for cooperation between European and Middle Eastern countries", Mr Christofi noted.

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

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