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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-12-10Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Thursday, 10 December 1998CONTENTS
[01] Cyprus is fully committed to the promotion and application of Human RightsOn the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the President of Cyprus Mr Glafcos Clerides sent a message to the UN Secretary-General Mr Kofi Annan yesterday, commending on the crucial work carried out by the United Nations in advancing the fundamental principles of Human Rights around the globe."Cyprus attaches utmost importance to the issue of Human Rights and is committed to promoting their full application by all nations and for all peoples, for it is this very non -discriminatory implementation of Human Rights standards that has the ability, along with peace, democracy and development, to guide mankind securely to the 21st century, " the message said. President Clerides underlined once again the extent to which the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Cyprus are being flagrantly violated for the past quarter of a century as a result of the Turkish invasion and continuous military occupation. "It is indeed tragic for the people of this small country to commemorate the paramount day of human rights in the presence of occupation forces that continue to keep them forcibly divided, as it is tragic to note that this very day serves as a recollection of the drama of the refugees, the enclaved and of the families of the missing." "The people of Cyprus continue to rest their hopes in the UN for the "full restoration and safeguarding of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, " he concluded. [02] Russia makes diplomatic representations to the US over delivery of missilesThe Russian Foreign Ministry has made diplomatic representations to the Minister - Counsellor on Political Affairs of the US embassy in Moscow Mr John Ordway on 8 December, with regard to "the unfriendly statements by the US Ambassador in Nicosia, concerning the delivery of the Russian air defence systems S300 to Cyprus".In the press release issued by the Foreign Ministry "the Russian side stressed the inadmissibility of the external interference into the exclusively commercial deal, which is related to the sphere of the Russian- Cypriot bilateral relations and is in no way connected to the present deadlock in the Cyprus settlement." [03] Special Cyprus Co-ordinator Tom Miller expected in Cyprus for a two day visitUS Special Cyprus Co-ordinator Tom Miller arrives in Cyprus today for a two day visit.US State Department spokesman James Foley stated yesterday during his news briefing that Mr Miller's trip is "part of a general trip to the region". "While in Cyprus Ambassador Miller will consult with US Ambassador Brill and with the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Dame Ann Hercus." the spokesman said. He stressed that the meeting between Mr Miller and Dame Hercus underlines the "strong US support for the Hercus shuttle talks and the United States' continuing close co-ordination with the United Nations in its efforts to achieve a reduction of tensions on Cyprus and progress toward a lasting settlement". [04] Cyprus and EU sign bilateral audio-visual agreementCyprus and the European Union have signed a bilateral agreement which provides for the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in the community programme Media II.The agreement was signed during a special ceremony at the European Union Council's offices in Brussels by the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the EU Ambassador Nicos Agathocleous on the part of the Republic and by the Acting Permanent Representative of Austria Mr Judith Gebethsroither on the part of the European Union Presidency. In a statement after the signing of the agreement Mrs Gebethsroither welcomed the audio-visual agreement adding that it is taking place in the context of the pre-accession strategy which includes the participation of Cyprus in community programmes. The Media II programme promotes the development and circulation of European audio-visual productions and organises professional training in this sector. The agreement envisages that Cyprus will participate in all the phases of Media II, that it will take part in committee meetings and in the monitoring and implementation mechanism of the programme. [05] Extension of UNFICYP mandate recommendedThe situation in Cyprus is not static and the continued upgrading of military equipment and infrastructure gives cause for concern, according to the UN Secretary General Mr Kofi AnnanIn his report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus, Mr Annan said that notwithstanding numerous minor violations, over the last six months the situation along the cease-fire lines remained generally calm and that the presence of UNFICYP remained indispensable for the maintenance of the cease- fire between the two sides. He therefore recommended that the security Council extend the mandate of the Force for a further period of six months, until 30 June 1999. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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