Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-06-24

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

News Update

Tuesday, 24/06/97

CONTENTS

• [01] UN Chief says new approaches and procedures needed
• [02] National Council meets
• [03] Registrar of Companies on the Internet

[01] UN Chief says new approaches and procedures needed

In a two-page report to the President of the UN Security Council dated 20 June 1997 on his mission of good offices in Cyprus, Annan said that the direct talks between the leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities "will constitute the beginning of a process which should continue as long as may be needed to achieve agreement on a comprehensive solution".

The UN Secretary-General added that he envisages that the first session, scheduled to take place in the New York area between 9 and 13 July, will be followed by another one in August and even a third further session, if necessary.

Noting that "the elements needed to work out a settlement are at hand", Annan called on the Security Council to urge the two sides on the island "to embark upon a sustained process of negotiations leading to the conclusion of instruments that will constitute a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue."

He also noted the full support of the Security Council to both the Secretary-General's mission of good offices in Cyprus and to the direct negotiations under his aegis, as well as the appointment of special envoys and representatives by the European Union and other countries in support of UN efforts.

"The active, firm and full support of all concerned, and particularly of the Security Council, is indispensable if the current efforts are to bring results," Annan said.

He also said that the proximity talks held in recent months between President Glafcos Clerides, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and UN representatives "have been valuable in clarifying aspects of the task of achieving our common objective of a viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem".

[02] National Council meets

Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides announced after the four-hour meeting that President Clerides will go to New York accompanied by party leaders (members of the National Council).

"He is going to New York supported and the presence of the party leaders facilitates the assessment of developments at any given moment," Christofides said.

He clarified that the party leaders would initially be accompanying the President to the first round of negotiations between 9 and 13 July.

Christofides added that President Clerides was satisfied with today's meeting during which no disagreements surfaced and party leaders suggested ways on how the negotiations will succeed.

The Government Spokesman also said there was understanding on issues faced by the Greek Cypriot side and that "the picture presented today is very encouraging."

Asked whether there are any indications that Turkey's intransigent stance will change, the Spokesman expressed the hope that Turkey will demonstrate flexibility during the talks.

"It is generally acknowledged that the lack of progress in Cyprus is due to Turkey's intransigence. We hope that, in view of the Secretary-General's observations and the presence of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, it will be possible at these talks to break through this intransigence and achieve progress", he said.

[03] Registrar of Companies on the Internet

Its website is at - http://www.pio.gov.cy/efoe E-mail address - deptcomp@rcor.gov.cy

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

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