Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-08-26

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

News Update

Tuesday, 26/08/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Overseas Cypriots meet
• [02] President Clerides receives Greek opposition leader
• [03] EU membership constructive element in Cyprus solution, says US
• [04] Cyprus division an anachronism, says international telecommunications body

[01] Overseas Cypriots meet

He said that the recent deadlock in the UN-led direct talks did not signal the end, but rather the start of a process by which the international community would seek a solution in Cyprus. Nor does it imply that the Greek Cypriot side should revise its strategy towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, he added.

"It looks we have entered the track of a systematic, intense and obstinate search for a Cyprus solution", he said, adding that this is just the beginning of a course by which the international community, based on UN resolutions on Cyprus, will proceed to overturn the unacceptable status quo on the island.

The Cyprus government, he assured, will show "constructive political will for a solution and at the same time its commitment to internationally accepted principles and human rights."

He went on to say that concerted efforts to take Cyprus into the European Union and reach a settlement would continue, despite threats by Turkey to annex northern Cyprus.

"Turkey should realise that any decision to integrate the occupied areas and abandon the negotiating process will give Greece particularly and Europe in general every right to proceed to bury Turkey's relations with Europe," Cassoulides said.

He said that, in view of the fact that "the road towards accession will not be easy and without a solution it will be even harder", the government has a dual aim - to achieve both a settlement and EU accession, placing Cyprus' European course at the service of efforts for a settlement and putting the settlement as a first priority in terms of significance, but not necessarily in terms of timing.

The Minister praised harmonious co-operation between the governments of Cyprus and Greece, noting that their efforts and those of overseas Cypriots and Greeks have contributed towards attracting greater international interest in the Cyprus issue.

Also addressing the opening ceremony, the President of the International Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), George Christofides said Cyprus, Greece and Hellenes of the diaspora must co-ordinate their actions and speak with one voice.

He noted that Turkey's intractable position on Cyprus is continuously proven, but stressed that overseas Cypriots affirm the efforts of President Glafcos Clerides and the island's political leadership for their "genuine disposition and political will to find a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem".

He expressed his conviction that the Cypriot diaspora "never ceases to struggle on all levels for an end to the Turkish occupation of part of Cyprus" and noted that "we have no margins for sitting back or wavering".

In his address, President of the International Co-ordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), Philip Christopher, stressed that in spite of international indifference towards the Cyprus problem since Turkey's 1974 invasion of the island, Cypriots of the diaspora have kept the cause for freedom alive and that is finally paying dividends.

"After 23 years, I am happy to say that today, Cyprus is at the forefront of American foreign policy", he said.

Addressing the conference, Council of Overseas Hellenes (SAE) President, Andrew Athens, said that all Hellenes abroad are united in spirit and deed with their Cypriot brethren in the common cause for a free and reunified Cyprus. "Hellenism united presents a more powerful front in countering the problems it faces", he said.

British Labour MPs, who flew to Cyprus for the meeting, also pledged their support and solidarity. They said the new Labour government would make Cyprus a key foreign policy priority during London's six month European Union presidency which begins in January.

The conference was also addressed by the President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou, Archbishop Chrysostomos and the Greek ambassador Mr Rodousakis, on behalf of Greece and the Greek government.

Party leaders also addressed the participants, stressing that overseas Cypriots constitute the best ambassadors for the cause of a free and reunified Cyprus and praised them for their untiring work in doing everything within their power to promote a just solution of the Cyprus problem to foreign governments.

The conference is being attended by some 250 delegates from the Cypriot diaspora world-wide. It will discuss ways to promote a settlement of the Cyprus problem and will also deal with a series of issues, including the problems facing second and third generation Cypriots abroad, education, repatriation and human rights.

[02] President Clerides receives Greek opposition leader

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr Karamanlis said he assured the President of his personal and his party's commitment to a just solution to the Cyprus problem in compliance with relevant UN resolutions.

He also affirmed New Democracy's full support to Cyprus' bid to become a European Union (EU) member, saying that this would "facilitate" a solution to the Cyprus problem as well as formalising Cyprus' position as part of a united Europe.

The Greek politician, who arrived in Cyprus on Sunday for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Democratic Rally party, was accompanied by DISY leader Nicos Anastasiades.

Karamanlis, who leaves Cyprus tomorrow, will also meet with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, the President of the House of Representatives and Archbishop Chrysostomos.

[03] EU membership constructive element in Cyprus solution, says US

"But as far as who makes the decision who joins and when they join, that is a decision for the European Union", he added.

He was replying to a question whether the US government, which has stated in the past that it sees the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey becoming simultaneously EU members, sees this as occurring prior or after a resolution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr Rubin also said that the US' Cyprus co-ordinator, Thomas Miller will be visiting Cyprus in advance of Ambassador Holbrooke's trip, but that he had no exact dates yet, in any case not before the end of the month.

[04] Cyprus division an anachronism, says international telecommunications body

Delegations from over 100 countries at the PTTI 28th world congress, held in Montreal, Canada, from August 18 to 22, unanimously expressed their "concern that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and the island divided" despite UN resolutions.

The resolution notes that "the strong Turkish military presence on the island, which keeps the country divided, is an obstacle to the successful completion of talks for a peaceful and lasting solution."

It described further continuation of the island's division an "anachronism in the current trends for world-wide co-operation and abolition of borders and violations of human rights."

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

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