Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-07-20

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

News Update

Monday, 20/07/98

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides: "We shall not accept the faits accomplis of the invasion"
• [02] Greek President reiterates Greece's support for Cyprus' cause
• [03] Protests against the Turkish invasion
• [04] Government Spokesman condemns Turkish provocations
• [05] European Commissioner arrives in Cyprus
• [06] Cyprus issues Euro bond

[01] President Clerides: "We shall not accept the faits accomplis of the invasion"

In his address to the nation, to mark 24 years since the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus' northern territories, President Clerides pointed out that the tragic events of 1974 send the message that "there should be absolute respect for democratic institutions and continuous dialogue among all political forces, tolerance of opposite views, mutual understanding and consistent effort to reach consensus wherever possible".

The President called on Greek and Turkish Cypriots to make the necessary compromises which will enable them to live together in conditions of peace and security stressing that "the past is useful in that it can make us wiser but it should not dictate our lives".

He pointed out that Cyprus has been compelled to exercise its rights to defence "by the powerful and ever-threatening presence of the Turkish occupation troops who are in attack formation and are able to have immediate cover and reinforcements from neighbouring Turkey".

He called on the international community and especially on the Permanent members of the Security Council "to take a more decisive and coordinated action in the direction of Ankara" in order to facilitate a negotiated settlement.

On his part the Cyprus President pledged to do all he can for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus question and renewed his invitation to the Turkish Cypriots to participate in accession negotiations with the European Union.

[02] Greek President reiterates Greece's support for Cyprus' cause

In a message on the 24th anniversary since the Turkish invasion and subsequent occupation of one third of Cyprus, President Stefanopoulos said the Turkish occupation forces must at long last leave so that "all Cypriots, irrespective of ethnic origin or religion, could march together down the road of conciliation and creation within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation".

[03] Protests against the Turkish invasion

Several British parliamentarians from the country's three largest political parties addressed the gathering. They expressed their support for the struggle of Cyprus against the continuing Turkish occupation and the promotion of a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem , in accordance with the principles of international law.

The Minister of Interior Mr Dinos Michaelides also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for the international community to abandon its policy of complacency and actively work towards the re-establishment of unity among the people. of the island.

To mark the tragic events of 1974 three Conservative British Members of Parliament delivered a letter to the British Premier Mr Tony Blair asking for his renewed efforts to support President Clerides and his Government to make progress towards a settlement.

Similar anti-occupation events , to condemn the invasion and occupation of Cyprus and reiterate the Cypriot people's resolve to find a negotiated settlement were organised both at home and abroad.

[04] Government Spokesman condemns Turkish provocations

In a statement issued last Saturday, Mr Stylianides referred to the arrival of Turkish military aeroplanes and vessels in occupied Cyprus and pointed out that such actions "are a provocation and a challenge to the international community to adopt a clear-cut stance against Turkey, the cause of tension and anomaly in Cyprus".

[05] European Commissioner arrives in Cyprus

Speaking on arrival, Commissioner Flynn expressed the hope that Cyprus' sound economy will maintain its strength and that the island's accession negotiations with the European Union will be completed as soon as possible.

On his part Mr Moushouttas stated that with Mr Flynn they will review the situation regarding the labour and social sector and evaluate measures taken to harmonise the existing legislation with the acquis communautaire.

During his visit Mr Flynn will be received by President Clerides and will hold separate meetings with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Cyprus Chief Negotiator with the EU George Vassiliou.

Mr Flynn will give a press conference on Tuesday.

[06] Cyprus issues Euro bond

This is the first time Cyprus has issued a Euro bond in ECU, which will be converted into Euro as from 1 January, 1999 when eleven of the 15 EU member- states will adopt the Euro as their currency. Cyprus is listed among the first countries which issued a Euro bond in Euro, Europe's single currency, a fact that demonstrates the country's European prospect.

Foreign investors showed a keen interest in the bond, which meant the amount spent on issuing the bond has been fully recovered, an official statement said.

Cyprus stands to gain from this financial move, according to dealers, in that it may obtain a low cost loan, the statement added.

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

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