Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-01-09

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

News Update

Friday, 09/01/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Presidential candidates submit their nominations
• [02] British EU presidency will stick to Luxembourg decisions on Cyprus
• [03] Foreign Minister stresses importance of firm EU stand on Cyprus
• [04] New Cypriot ambassador in Iran

[01] Presidential candidates submit their nominations

In all seven politicians expressed their intention to run for the elections, namely George Iacovou, backed by AKEL and the Democratic Party; former President and President of the United Democrats, George Vassiliou; current President, Glafcos Clerides; Liberal Party leader, Nicos Rolandis; Socialist EDEK President, Vassos Lyssarides; New Horizons President, Nicos Koutsou; and independent candidate, Alexis Galanos.

[02] British EU presidency will stick to Luxembourg decisions on Cyprus

According to an Athens News Agency despatch, Mr Blair said in reply to questions on Cyprus' entry negotiations that the non participation of Turkish Cypriots in the negotiations would not affect the timetable that was decided upon recently in Luxembourg.

Asked how the EU reacted to Turkey's threats to annex the occupied part of Cyprus if entry negotiations go ahead, Mr Blair said the EU's stand was clearly set out in Luxembourg. Entry negotiations with Cyprus will go ahead, he added.

Mr Blair went on to say that of course the EU would like to see the Turkish Cypriots included in the Cyprus delegations in the belief that prospects would be better if a settlement were achieved and efforts were directed at finding a viable solution.

He stressed that as EU President, Britain will implement the timetable and decisions taken in Luxembourg as regards Cyprus' entry.

[03] Foreign Minister stresses importance of firm EU stand on Cyprus

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Kasoulides said he had stressed to the German Parliamentarian the importance that Cyprus' entry into the EU has for efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"I explained that it would act as a catalyst because it would put Turkey before the dilemma of either the creation of a federal Cyprus before the next EU enlargement or the danger that Cyprus would join before a federation is created", he said, adding that he believed that Turkey would choose the former.

The Foreign Minister stressed that for this to occur, the EU must maintain the firm stand that Cyprus' entry into the EU is in no way connected with the finding of a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Dr Hornhues ended his visit to the island with separate visits to party leaders.

[04] New Cypriot ambassador in Iran

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Mr Khatami expressed sadness about the situation in Cyprus and wished that a solution to the protracted political problem could be found soon, via peaceful means.

He added that a solution to the Cyprus problem should guarantee the security and peaceful cohabitance of Greek and Turkish Cypriots and should be sought through negotiations.

Cyprus, he added, due to its geographical position, can play an important role in keeping peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean and can act as a bridge of understanding, friendship and cooperation between the people of the East and the West.

He also expressed satisfaction over the excellent relations between his country and Cyprus, which exist since ancient times, and stressed that he looks forward to further strengthening and developing these ties in all fields.

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

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