Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-09-02

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

Tuesday, 02/09/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Commonwealth to appoint Special Representative on Cyprus
• [02] EU President: "Turkey should be the first to insist on Cyprus' membership in the EU"
• [03] Greek and Turkish Cypriot trade unions sign peace declaration
• [04] National Council to convene on 15 September
• [05] Foreign Minister has contacts in Estonia
• [06] House President sends message of condolence over Princess Diana's death
• [07] Cyprus President to address 52nd UN General Assembly

[01] Commonwealth to appoint Special Representative on Cyprus

Mr Anyaoku completed yesterday a three day official visit to Cyprus. He said he had "extremely useful discussions" with the President of the Republic on the Cyprus problem as well as the agenda for next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Edinburgh, UK. Chief Anyaoku said that the Cyprus problem will be discussed in the meeting.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General also had a meeting yesterday with House of Representatives President, Spyros Kyprianou, who briefed him on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

Asked how the Commonwealth can help efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, Chief Anyaoku said the Commonwealth has a mechanism which is set up as a means of supporting UN efforts to resolve the issue.

"The Commonwealth has had a very clear position on the Cyprus situation and I hope that the collective influence of the Commonwealth can be useful to those who are actively engaged in searching for the solution to the problem", he said.

On his part, Mr Kyprianou noted that the Commonwealth Secretary-General "is demonstrating great interest" in the Cyprus problem and that the Commonwealth's position on the issue is "absolutely clear".

He also said the Commonwealth can play a substantial role in solution efforts and that the Secretary-General is determined to do so.

[02] EU President: "Turkey should be the first to insist on Cyprus' membership in the EU"

According to press agency reports, Mr Poos, who was in Ankara for a one-day working visit, when asked whether the decision to start full membership negotiations with Cyprus in 1998 will contribute to a Cyprus solution, said: "Yes, I sincerely hope so. Turkey should be the first to insist on Cyprus' membership in the EU. This would have been my view had I been a Turkish citizen. Furthermore, I would have said that the talks should proceed and Cyprus should become a full EU member as soon as possible".

[03] Greek and Turkish Cypriot trade unions sign peace declaration

The joint declaration was handed yesterday to Peter Schmitz, UN peace- keeping force senior political advisor, who said that this was "a very encouraging sign for the future" and makes "the UN feel very much encouraged to continue with its work to bring about a peaceful settlement" in Cyprus.

The UN official said he will convey the declaration to UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, in New York.

Speaking on behalf of the Trade Union Coordinating Committee, General Secretary of the Cyprus Workers' Confederation, Michalakis Ioannou, said that "it is the result of hard work, and the trade union movement's determination to work towards peace on our island".

[04] National Council to convene on 15 September

The National Council, which is the top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem, during its next meeting will deal with the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, the island's bid to join the European Union as well as other issues that might be raised by members of the Council, Mr Christofides said.

He also added that at the same meeting, Foreign Minister Kasoulides will brief the National Council on his contacts with his counterparts during his current tour of six European countries.

[05] Foreign Minister has contacts in Estonia

The main issue discussed between the delegations of the two countries was the need for supporting each other in Cyprus and Estonia's efforts in their bid to join the European Union. The two Ministers agreed to a close cooperation in facing and tackling problems in their accession to the EU as well as the exchange of information and experiences.

Decisions were also taken on further promoting bilateral relations.

Mr Kasoulides briefed his Estonian counterpart on recent developments in the Cyprus problem and reiterated Cyprus' political will for a speedy solution to this problem.

[06] House President sends message of condolence over Princess Diana's death

In the message, the House President expresses his profound distress as well as that of all the Members of the House representing the people of Cyprus, for the untimely loss of Diana, the Princess of Wales, "who was very rightly called the people's Princess and the Princess of the heart".

Mr Kyprianou adds in the message that Diana "stood by and inspired and gave hope to the poor, the sick, the children and the needy. She gave joy and comfort to the suffering, not only in her own country but throughout the world".

[07] Cyprus President to address 52nd UN General Assembly

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

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