Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-06-22

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

News Update

Monday, 22/06/98

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides asks Kofi Annan to intervene personally
• [02] Turkish Cypriot demands not acceptable, says Holbrooke
• [03] Cyprus protests against Turkish violations of its airspace

[01] President Clerides asks Kofi Annan to intervene personally

In a letter sent to Mr. Annan on 18 June, Mr. Clerides makes reference to his 1993 proposal for a complete demilitarisation of the island and invokes Security Council Resolution 1146 which "calls upon all concerned to commit themselves to a reduction in defence spending and a reduction in the number of foreign troops in Cyprus to help restore confidence between the parties", stressing at the same time the importance of eventual demilitarisation as an objective in the context of an overall comprehensive settlement. The resolution, says President Clerides , "offers a sufficient framework for a comprehensive discussion" that could lead to a package agreement on security issues.

President Clerides considers that the UNFICYP proposal on reciprocal measures for reducing tension along the cease -fire line as well as the idea of demining the buffer zone, put forward by the Canadian Foreign Minister during his recent visit to Cyprus, "would constitute a component of these discussions with immediate application".

In the same letter the President reiterates his commitment to review the import of new weapons to Cyprus provided there is progress towards eventual demilitarisation of the island.

[02] Turkish Cypriot demands not acceptable, says Holbrooke

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, Mr. Holbrooke pinpointed that there was a "dramatic change in the position of the Turkish side, which has now changed to conditions precedent the very issues that had previously been under negotiations".

Mr. Holbrooke explained that the Turkish Cypriot side set as a condition for the resumption of any negotiations, the recognition of the "TRNC", something that can not be accepted by the international community as well as that Cyprus withdraws its application to the EU. "That will also not happen" he concluded.

[03] Cyprus protests against Turkish violations of its airspace

Mr. Zakheos indicated that it should be made clear to the Turkish side that its actions violate the principles of international law and that Turkey should comply with those principles and provisions.

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

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