Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-05-20

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

News Update

Tuesday, 20/05/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Bi-communal concert sends message of peace and love
• [02] Cyprus discussed between Albright and Cook
• [03] British envoy to visit Cyprus
• [04] European rapporteur on Cyprus arrives
• [05] Kranidiotis and Prendergast meet on Cyprus problem
• [06] Closer trade links between Cyprus and the Ukraine

[01] Bi-communal concert sends message of peace and love

Greek singer, Sakis Rouvas, and his Turkish colleague, Burak Kut, embraced as they appeared on stage, at the specially adapted football pitch of Tchetinkaya in the UN-controlled buffer zone, and their audience of about 3000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots held hands together and started dancing.

Emotions ran high during the 90-minute concert, and spectators cheered both artists and chanted "We want peace", as the curtain went down.

The atmosphere as people left the concert area was very charged, with people throwing flowers and parting in tears, wishing they could meet again soon.

Sakis Rouvas and Burak Kut told a press conference at the end of their concert that their action sent the message that there is the desire for a solution in Cyprus.

Rouvas called on the people of Cyprus to "reap the harvest from the seeds sown by the concert" and bring peace to the island. Rouvas said the past must be remembered but one should also strive for a better future.

On his part, Turkish singer, Kut said he was "very happy for a great show" but disappointed about the reaction of certain groups in both communities.

"What is done belongs to the past, what is important is to work for friendship in Cyprus. I am sure that what we did tonight will give a lesson to the people", he said.

Thanking the two singers, UN Resident Representative, Gustave Feissel said "they came to Cyprus to give the message which everyone here should follow."

He praised the approximately 3.000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots who attended the concert for their exemplary behaviour and said they "sent the message across the island which hopefully will be received by the others."

"In the long run, there can be no doubt that this is the way, because the alternative is obviously bad news for both communities", Feissel added.

Witnesses from the occupied north said there were demonstrations on the other side and that Kut's bus had been stoned by Grey Wolves on the way to the concert. The Turkish singer later confirmed he had received death threats.

The UN concert took place with the full backing of the Cyprus government. Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides said earlier yesterday "The UN is offering our young people this beautiful opportunity to meet. This is a major event. It's the biggest meeting of the young people of Cyprus who have never had the chance to meet. What counts is the fact that for decades the position of the Turkish Cypriots has been to isolate themselves. This is an opportunity for us to show the two sides can live together."

However, there was also harsh criticism for the concert from certain quarters. Two groups, the Cyprus Motorcycle Federation and the Pancyprian Anti-occupation Movement, organised a counter concert in Eleftheria Square.

As this event was taking place, skirmishes with police occurred nearby, with several arrests being made and a number of people injured.

The government in an official statement issued today, described the clashes as "a sad discordancy" caused by "irresponsible troublemakers", whose "unacceptable actions included attacks and vandalisms, with the principle aim of preventing citizens of the Republic from exercising their constitutional right to assemble peacefully and demonstrate their wish for the peaceful coexistence of Greek and Turkish Cypriots".

[02] Cyprus discussed between Albright and Cook

US State Department Spokesman Nicholas Burns said that, although not a major issue, Cyprus was also discussed.

"Obviously, it's always an issue between the United States and the United Kingdom - an issue on which we agree. That is that all of us should do what we can to help promote peace in Cyprus and help promote better relations between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean", he said.

Moreover, according to Athens News Agency, an advisor to Mr Cook revealed that the two officials had agreed to promote in a serious way, the procedure of the talks that the UN Secretary-General is about to embark on. He added that both countries were determined to support this effort and that they both acknowledged that this was an opportunity to solve the problem.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides will meet US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in Washington on 6 June, while consultations are also under way for an early meeting between Cassoulides and new British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

[03] British envoy to visit Cyprus

"He will assist the new government in helping to encourage a negotiated settlement to end the Cyprus dispute in accordance with UN resolutions", Mr Cook said.

He added that Sir David Hannay is expected to visit the island early in June, before any direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"The continued division of Cyprus after 23 years is a tragedy for the people of that island and a continued source of tension in the eastern Mediterranean. Successive UN Security Council resolutions have confirmed that the current situation is unacceptable. A settlement is more urgent and necessary than ever", Mr Cook said.

[04] European rapporteur on Cyprus arrives

[05] Kranidiotis and Prendergast meet on Cyprus problem

According to an Athens News Agency report, Mr. Kranidiotis underlined the negative stance of the Turkish Cypriot leadership resulting in a discontinuation of proximity talks on Cyprus, since it was not possible to find common ground for negotiations.

Sir Kieran referred to efforts being made by Mr. Annan and the UN for negotiations to go ahead with the purpose of finding a solution.

Mr. Kranidiotis will meet Mr. Annan in New York on May 26 with whom he will primarily discuss the Cyprus issue, as well as Greece's candidacy for the Security Council after 1998.

[06] Closer trade links between Cyprus and the Ukraine

Speaking during the ceremony, the Minister said that Cyprus' exports to the Ukraine reached 1.5 million Cyprus pounds in 1996 while imports amounted to 13 m. Cyprus pounds.

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

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