Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-02-26

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

News Update

Thursday, 26/02/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus and Greece decide on strategy and policy for next steps
• [02] Council of Ministers held its last meeting

[01] Cyprus and Greece decide on strategy and policy for next steps

Greek Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, currently on a Cyprus visit, was received yesterday by President Glafcos Clerides for an exchange of views.

Speaking after the meeting, Kranidiotis said he conveyed to President Clerides an invitation by Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, to visit Athens on March 10.He added that during the meeting "certain decisions concerning future policies", were also discussed.

Later, Mr Kranidiotis had a meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides which was followed by talks between delegations of the Greek and Cyprus Foreign Ministries. The two-hour talks focused on future tactics, in view of anticipated renewed efforts for a Cyprus settlement and the start of Cyprus' accession talks next month.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Kasoulides, Mr Kranidiotis said:"We decided to revitalise our working groups, which deal with the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' accession course, to study issues arising from the membership talks."

He added that the two countries agreed to undertake "a big diplomatic campaign to all European countries and the candidate states to promote our positions and views."

Kranidiotis stressed that already Cyprus' course for accession is acting as "a catalyst and Turkey recognises that Cyprus is not alone."

Moreover, Kasoulides and Kranidiotis reiterated that Turkish Cypriots are welcome to participate in the EU talks, provided they are part of the official delegation and there is no recognition of the illegal regime unilaterally declared in the occupied areas of Cyprus.

Mr Kasoulides said a formula for the participation of Turkish Cypriots will be worked out before the accession talks begin, after consultations with the Greek-Cypriot political leadership, the Greek government and EU officials.

Mr Kranidiotis added that Turkish Cypriot participation in the accession talks would prove "useful" but pointed out that Turkish Cypriots themselves should work in good faith for a mutually beneficial goal through a process which they should respect and not be able to undermine.

Moreover, the Greek official stressed that Cyprus' accession to the EU "cannot be isolated from the EU enlargement process and it is linked with the accession of other candidate countries." He added: "We do not believe it is possible to proceed with the accession of certain countries, if Cyprus is not included among them."

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Kranidiotis said that all those who wish to assist the UN Secretary-General in his mission should direct their attention to Ankara in order to persuade her that Turkey's intransigence will not lead her anywhere but it will create more problems for her.

The Greek official also pointed out that "relations between Greece and Turkey cannot be normalized unless there is a solution to the Cyprus problem."

[02] Council of Ministers held its last meeting

The new cabinet, expected to be announced very soon, will give its affirmation to the President on Saturday, February 28, and have its first meeting next week.

President Clerides, who was re-elected for a new five-year term, will give the prescribed affirmation during a ceremonial session at the House of Representatives on Saturday morning.

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

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