Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-09-24

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

News Update

Wednesday, 24/09/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Russia calls for effective international co-operation on Cyprus
• [02] EU Presidency rejects any link between Cyprus resolution and accession negotiations.
• [03] Sweden welcomes agreement on security talks
• [04] Council of Europe could play a bigger role in Cyprus issue

[01] Russia calls for effective international co-operation on Cyprus

Mr Primakov said that a synergy of efforts would provide the shortest cut to the resolution of both long-standing and relatively new conflicts. "Our stance by no means implies that individual countries that have influence in a zone of conflict or exert it over conflicting parties should not make active use of their potential. They can do so but without putting up a high fence to ward off the others", he said.

[02] EU Presidency rejects any link between Cyprus resolution and accession negotiations.

"The latter will be initiated in line with the decisions taken by the European Council and will contribute in a positive manner towards the search for a political solution", he said. The European Union recalled that Cypriot membership should benefit both communities and help to bring about civil peace and reconciliation, Mr Poos added.

Moreover, the EU President called on the leaders of both communities in Cyprus to resume the UN talks, as proposed by Mr Cordovez and urged them and all parties concerned to work constructively and in good faith to bring about a successful outcome.

[03] Sweden welcomes agreement on security talks

A press release issued yesterday by the Swedish Foreign Ministry says that "security questions are a crucial element in a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue. It must therefore be considered an important step forward that the parties have now declared themselves willing to begin discussions under the auspices of the UN representative".

Sweden whole-heatedly supports the UN talks on a solution to the conflict and hopes that the security discussions will make a constructive contribution to these talks which are expected to continue in March 1998, Mrs Hjelm- Wallen said.

[04] Council of Europe could play a bigger role in Cyprus issue

Mr Cox said that the Cyprus issue is an urgent matter due to the violations of human rights in Cyprus by Turkey, the presence of Turkish occupation troops on the island and continued occupation of a large part of Cyprus. The British MP made special reference to Famagusta which remains deserted for 23 years.

Moreover, in yesterday's deliberations the head of the Cyprus delegation to the Assembly, MP Alexis Ghalanos, asked the President of the Ministerial Committee of the Assembly, French Minister of European Affairs Mr Pierre Moscovici, how can the intercommunal talks succeed if no pressure is exerted to get Turkey to respect the rule of law and withdraw its forces from Cyprus.

Mr Moscovici replied that the Ministerial Committee always supported the efforts of the UN Secretary General towards finding a solution to the Cyprus issue and stressed the Committee's readiness to contribute in any way possible towards creating a climate of mutual trust between all communities on the island.

Asked by Mr Ghalanos why the Council of Europe does not undertake a bigger role and always refers the issue to the UN, Mr Moscovici reiterated that the UN has the primary role but agreed with Mr Ghalanos that the Council of Europe could play a greater role in solving the Cyprus problem by increasing its efforts in this direction.

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

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