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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-09-03
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
News Update
Thursday, 03/09/98
CONTENTS
- [01] President Clerides addresses opening ceremony of NAM Summit in
Durban
- [02] US remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus
- [03] UK supports UN efforts for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement
[01] President Clerides addresses opening ceremony of NAM Summit in
Durban
The President of the Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides stressed yesterday the
significant role of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the new international
environment.
Addressing the official opening ceremony on behalf of the European member
states at the 12th NAM Summit of Heads of State and Government, President
Clerides congratulated South African President Nelson Mandela on the
assumption of the Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. He said that
"under South Africa's leadership our voice will be heard in support of
peaceful resolution of conflicts on the basis of international law and the
UN Charter". The President expressed confidence that the Movement "will
strengthen efforts for South-South cooperation, while at the same time, it
will enhance our dialogue with the industrialised countries and the
international monetary institutions on global economic and financial
issues. Moreover, the Movement will be an active partner against racial
discrimination, in the eradication of poverty and social injustice, and in
facing the common challenges and dangers in an increasingly interdependent
world", he concluded.
On the sidelines of the Summit, President Clerides held meetings with his
counterparts from Algeria and Colombia, Presidents L. Zeroual and A.
Pastrana, with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue and bilateral relations.
[02] US remains committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus
In a statement released on September 1, a spokesman for the US State
Department reiterated his country's support for a bizonal, bicommunal
federation in Cyprus agreed to in the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements.
The Spokesman, who was commenting on the Turkish Cypriot leader's proposal
for a "Cyprus Confederation" said that the US is actively involved in
bringing the two sides into a negotiating table.
He added that the two sides must focus their attention on the core issues
of the Cyprus dispute and prepare themselves for comprehensive negotiations.
[03] UK supports UN efforts for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement
The United Kingdom fully supports UN Secretary General's efforts "to
promote negotiations for a comprehensive Cyprus settlement aiming at a
bizonal, bicommunal federation as agreed by high-level agreements", a
British Foreign Office spokesman stated yesterday.
He reminded EU's position that the accession of Cyprus to the EU should
benefit both communities and help bring about peace and reconciliation,
adding that the UK welcomes any constructive thinking on accession by a
federal Cyprus.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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