Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-22

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

News Update

Monday, 22/12/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister addresses OSCE meeting
• [02] US not aware of Turkish threats against Cyprus; Clinton and Yilmaz meet

[01] Foreign Minister addresses OSCE meeting

Addressing the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Copenhagen on 18 December, Mr Kasoulides cited Cyprus as such an example where the occupation of 37 per cent of its territory constitutes a constant threat both to the island's security as well as to that of the region as a whole.

"The proposal of the Cyprus President for the total demilitarisation of the island is an example of facing the situation according to the OSCE principles," he added.

On the sidelines of the two-day OSCE meeting, the Foreign Minister held meetings with his counterparts from various countries, during which he discussed Ankara's displeasure at the EU decision to start accession negotiations with Cyprus and not Turkey and its threats that this would have negative effects on the Cyprus problem.

Turkey has warned it would integrate Cyprus' occupied areas if the EU goes ahead with membership talks and would end the political dialogue with the EU.

Speaking on his return to Cyprus, Mr Kasoulides called on Turkey to reconsider its position on Cyprus and work towards a settlement of the Cyprus question before the next enlargement of the European Union.

"It must be pointed out, and we do that to our European partners as well as the US, that Turkey has never displayed any political will to settle the Cyprus problem, to allow anyone to claim that the EU decision has led Turkey to adopt a negative position," the Minister added.

The Union's stance, he added, is "not at all anti-Turkish, it is just and appropriate in that it offers something to Turkey and demands nothing more than what is required of other applicant countries."

"I believe that if Europe firmly maintains this position on Cyprus, sooner or later, Turkey will understand the need to allow a Cyprus solution to be reached before the next EU enlargement," he pointed out.

Replying to questions, Kasoulides said the international community will respond in a forceful manner if Turkey proceeds with plans to integrate Cyprus' occupied part.

"I would like to believe that no such move will take place on the part of Turkey. If it does, we shall respond accordingly," he stressed.

[02] US not aware of Turkish threats against Cyprus; Clinton and Yilmaz meet

State Department Spokesman, James Foley, said at his daily press briefing on 18 December, that he is "not aware" of threats by Turkish Premier, Mesut Yilmaz, that Turkey will annex the areas of Cyprus it occupies since it invaded the island in 1974.

"I'm certainly not aware of any such comments. We believe that the focus should be on the UN-sponsored talks between the two communities", Foley said.

He said the US continues to support a solution by which a bizonal, bicommunal federation would be established in Cyprus.

"That's the only solution we think is a viable and fruitful one, to bring peace and reconciliation to the island. It's a process that we're supporting, that ambassador Holbrooke is involved with."

The State Department Spokesman said the US "looks forward" to the resumption of the Cyprus peace talks after February's presidential elections in Cyprus.

US President Bill Clinton met with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz in Washington on Friday 19 December.

A White House statement issued after the meeting said that the two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest, including energy, trade and investment, regional co-operation, security co-operation, the Aegean and Cyprus issues. In addition, they discussed Prime Minister Yilmaz's human rights and economic reform plans.

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

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