Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-05-13

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

News Update

Wednesday 13/05/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Rubin was "ill-informed", says Miller
• [02] Kasoulides meets French Foreign Minister
• [03] Austrian Federal Council President in Cyprus
• [04] Kranidiotis meets US officials

[01] Rubin was "ill-informed", says Miller

Mr Rubin had said on Monday that US Presidential Emissary on Cyprus Richard Holbrooke had blamed both sides in Cyprus for the deadlock, and that the "European Union had to rescind its willingness to have Cyprus join".

Miller said Rubin had been on a tour of Asia and Europe with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and was therefore not well-informed on the issue.

Meanwhile Mrs Albright herself, speaking at a press conference on the Middle East peace process in Washington yesterday, was asked to give her views on the Turkish position that to register progress in Cyprus, there needs to be some acknowledgement of the "TRNC" as a separate entity that exists.

She said: "We are for a federation, bizonal, bicommunal. That is out position. And we believe that that is the best approach to trying to resolve the long-running Cyprus dispute".

[02] Kasoulides meets French Foreign Minister

During the meeting the two Ministers exchanged views about ways that France can help the reconvening of the intercommunal talks on Cyprus as well as ways for promoting relations between the two countries.

Speaking to the press afterwards Mr Vedrine said that while the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus' accession talks is desirable, nevertheless it does not constitute a condition for the talks to take place.

He added that France steadfastly adheres to its policy that a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem should be found through negotiations based on UN resolutions and aimed at creating a federal, bizonal and bicommunal Cyprus.

[03] Austrian Federal Council President in Cyprus

Speaking on arrival he said he has come "to see the situation here," in view of Austria taking on the presidency of the European Union on 1 July.

Mr Bieringer had a meeting with House President Spyros Kyprianou, who briefed him on latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

The two men also discussed ways of developing further relations between the parliaments of the two countries.

"I have no doubt that Austria will do whatever it can to help efforts to settle the Cyprus question as well as Cyprus' accession to the European Union," Mr Kyprianou said afterwards.

He added that "Austria has always shown understanding in every development in the Cyprus problem" and described bilateral relations as "very friendly".

On his part, Bieringer said UN resolutions on Cyprus should be implemented and reassured he will put forward this position at all decision-making bodies of his country.

"Austria is a friend of Cyprus and one must show solidarity to friends, " he added.

During his stay here, the Austrian official will be received by President Clerides and will meet the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Nicosia mayor, Lellos Demetriades.

[04] Kranidiotis meets US officials

Speaking after a meeting with US Under-secretary of State Strobe Talbott and Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Mark Grossman, Kranidiotis said the US government insisted on a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions.

Mr Grossman brought up the issue of relations between the European Union and Turkey, in view of the EU Summit in Cardiff.

Mr Kranidiotis reaffirmed the Greek position regarding Turkey's European prospects, pointing out that "Turkey is a member of the European family, but it should abide by the same principles, criteria and conditions, as all other EU members or applicant countries".

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

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