Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-04-02

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

Friday, 2 April 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Bill Clinton: US committed to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus problem
• [02] Cyprus Government expresses deep concern for the situation in Yugoslavia
• [03] Cypriot American honoured for outstanding services
• [04] President Clerides on a private visit to Lebanon and Syria
• [05] Cyprus ranks fourth as a future member of the European Union

[01] Bill Clinton: US committed to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus problem

In the covering letter accompanying the report on progress towards a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus problem, which covers the period between December 1, 1998 and January 31 1999, US President Bill Clinton praises the Cyprus Government's decision not to deploy the Russian defensive system S-300 on the island.

"This positive and welcome decision gave important new impetus to efforts to reduce tensions and promote a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus dispute", he says.

Referring to Security Council Resolution 1218 that endorsed the UN Secretary General's September 30 initiative to reduce tensions and promote a just and lasting peace in Cyprus, the US President emphasises that he "wholeheartedly endorsed the Resolution and directed that the United States take all the necessary steps to support a sustained effort to implement it".

[02] Cyprus Government expresses deep concern for the situation in Yugoslavia

An official statement published on 31 March by the Foreign Ministry said that the government hopes that diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution to the problem will continue and succeed but notes that it would like to see "a more active involvement "of the Security Council on the issue.

"Cyprus continues to firmly support unwaveringly the right of the people of Kosovo for the respect of their human rights, their cultural identity and their autonomy within the territory of new Yugoslavia," the statement said.

Furthermore the Government expresses its deep regret and anxiety for the fact that atrocities are committed against civilians and considers " that all those who would be found guilty of any crimes against humanity should be dealt with in a decisive manner by the international community".

[03] Cypriot American honoured for outstanding services

Presenting the award President Clerides said that Mr Constantinou has successfully served the Cypriot community in the US and has promoted the social, cultural and educational goals of the community.

He praised Mr Constantinou's appointment to the post of American Ambassador to Luxembourg, a post he held for five years, saying it had made all Cypriots proud as it was the first time a Cypriot American was appointed to such an important post.

Mr Contantinou has also been honoured in the professional, social and political fields, earning the respect of Americans and especially of US President Bill Clinton, with whom he is a close associate for many years, the President said, adding that his commitment to promoting Cyprus' just cause is highly appreciated.

[04] President Clerides on a private visit to Lebanon and Syria

Cyprus Government Spokesman Costas Serezis announced last Wednesday during his press briefing that President Clerides will meet his Lebanese counterpart on Friday.

"The President of Lebanon asked to meet President Clerides at lunch time on Friday. The meeting will be followed by a lunch in the President's honour", the spokesman said".

Asked if the issue of the increasing number of illegal immigrants from Lebanon will be discussed, Mr Serezis said that "all bilateral and international issues will be raised".

President Clerides will return to Cyprus on the Orthodox Good Thursday, April 8.

[05] Cyprus ranks fourth as a future member of the European Union

According to a report by the CNA yesterday, an opinion poll conducted last October and November showed that European Union citizens in their greater numbers favour the accession of Malta to the Union and then follow Hungary, Poland, Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

In the case of Cyprus, 45 per cent of those asked support Cyprus' accession to the European Union, 31 per cent oppose it and 24 per cent have not expressed an opinion.

The country which most favours Cyprus' accession is Greece with 89 per cent and then follow Sweden with 56 per cent, Britain 55, Spain 52 and Ireland 51.

The opinion poll also showed that the people questioned consider as the most important criterion for accession to the EU the respect of human rights followed by the combating of organised crime and drug abuse, the protection of the environment, contribution to EU resources and harmonisation with the acquis communautaire.

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

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