Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-04-07

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

Wednesday, 7 April 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] American soldiers to be released to the Government of Cyprus
• [02] Cyprus problem can only be solved according to international law
• [03] Foreign Minister stresses the need for national interests to prevail

[01] American soldiers to be released to the Government of Cyprus

According to Mr Kyprianou, President Milocevic has expressed his willingness to discuss the issue of the transfer of the three American captives to the Government of Cyprus which will hand them over to the US authorities.

Mr Kyprianou added that "this is a humanitarian mission and has nothing to do with political negotiations for a political solution to the problem of Kosovo".

[02] Cyprus problem can only be solved according to international law

Mr Kypianou, who was commenting on Turkish President Suleyman Demirel's recent statement that the Cyprus problem was resolved in 1974, said that óit is not the first time a Turkish official, and particularly the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr Bulent Ecevit, has claimed that the Cyprus problem was solved on the ground in 1974ò. Mr.Kyprianou noted that the statement made by the Turkish President óat this time, in the prevailing climate in Kosovo and generally in the Balkans, that the Cyprus problem was solved in 1974 amounts to a provocation not only to the Cypriot people and Greece but also to all those who were concerned in the past, as in the case of Bosnia, as well as the present about ethnic cleansingò.

As Mr. Kyprianou pointed out óneither the Government nor the House of Representatives nor the people of Cyprus consider that the Cyprus problem has been resolved or will be resolved until a solution is achieved which is in accordance with international law and the UN Charter and resolutions.

[03] Foreign Minister stresses the need for national interests to prevail

Speaking to the press, after a meeting with his Greek counterpart George Papandreou, Mr. Kassoulides underlined that principles relating to international law, the territorial integrity of all countries, the inviolability of borders, and the Security Council's role should be respected. He also pointed out that the defence of human rights and the protection of human lives are issues of major concern for Cyprus.

Moreover the Foreign Minister conveyed the government's concern over accounts of ethnic cleansing in Yugoslavia, adding that Cyprus has also been a victim of such practice.

Mr. Kassoulides said that he agrees with the views expressed by Greece's Premier Costas Simitis that national interests should be given top priority. óIn our approach to this international situation, we should act according to our national interests, he concluded.

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

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