Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-08-27

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

News Update

Wednesday, 27/08/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Denktash's threats against Cyprus would mean war with Greece
• [02] House President urges overseas Cypriots to pressure governments to seek Cyprus solution
• [03] British MPs meet with Cyprus Foreign Minister
• [04] Italy recognises only the Republic of Cyprus

[01] Turkish threats against Cyprus would mean war with Greece

Reacting to statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that there would be a war if Cyprus joined the European Union, the Spokesman said such an action would constitute a casus belli.

"If Turkey declares war against Cyprus, this would also mean declaration of war against Greece", he said.

Reiterating the wish of the Greek Cypriot side for peace, Christofides said the two communities should compete as to which will offer more towards the creation of a common home and for the happiness and prosperity of all Cypriots.

Asked whether Denktash's threats make the arrival of the Russian made S- 300 anti-aircraft missiles in Cyprus all the more necessary, the Spokesman repeated that the Russian missiles are defensive weapons and recalled President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for demilitarisation of the island still stands.

Mr Christofides said that even though the first and second round of direct talks between President Clerides and Mr Denktash were not successful, the process will continue.

"We are waiting for the next step which is expected to be very serious", he added.

[02] House President urges overseas Cypriots to pressure governments to seek Cyprus solution

Speaking at a meeting yesterday with a group of Cypriot diaspora members, who are taking part in the 10th World Conference of Overseas Cypriots currently taking place in Nicosia, Mr Kyprianou said that it was no surprise that there had been absolutely no shift in Turkish positions over the Cyprus problem in either of the two rounds of UN-led direct talks aimed at resolving the issue.

"This was very natural, since Turkey continues to believe that it can promote its plans against Cyprus," he said.

"Any false impressions that Turkey would be willing to arrive at a rational solution of the Cyprus problem if not pressured to abandon its expansionist policy should be dismissed", he added.

Kyprianou stressed to the diaspora members that a Cyprus solution must not be a precondition to the island's accession to the European Union (EU) "because in this way, a right of veto is given to Turkey".

[03] British MPs meet with Cyprus Foreign Minister

The delegation consisted of Labour MPs Alan Meale, Rudy Vis, Stephen Twigg and Joan Ryan, and included Mr Tony Sophoclides, Secretary to the Deputy British Prime Minister, John Prescott.

"I think I speak for all of us when saying that we reinforced our sense of cautious optimism that events may move forward, but also an understanding that the situation is very fragile," Stephen Twigg said after the meeting.

[04] Italy recognises only the Republic of Cyprus

The statement came after Reuters reported yesterday that the Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini had said that the EU, in conducting negotiations for membership with Cyprus, should recognise that "there are two republics in Cyprus, two entities, two governments", otherwise it will run into problems.

After Cyprus' Foreign Ministry requested clarifications, the Italian Foreign Ministry issued the statement saying that Mr Dini had said that the start of negotiations between Cyprus and the EU should constitute a positive element in the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem to the benefit of both communities on the island.

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

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