Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-06-11

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

Friday, 11 June 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus government ready to start negotiations
• [02] Greece hails G-8 initiative on Cyprus
• [03] UN Secretary General recommends extension of UNFICYP mandate in Cyprus
• [04] Cyprus welcomes peace agreement in Yugoslavia
• [05] President Clerides arrives in Shanghai
• [06] UK supports implementation of European Court's judgement on Loizidou vs Turkey case

[01] Cyprus government ready to start negotiations

In a statement issued today, Deputy Government Spokesman Mr . Spyros Arotis welcomed the reference to Cyprus in the conclusions of the Group of 8 Foreign Ministers who met in Cologne.

In the statement it is mentioned that the Cypriot side avoids any measures that could increase tensions on the island and complicate efforts to promote a just and lasting peace.

The statement follows an initiative undertaken by the Foreign Ministers of the group of eight (seven most industrialised countries plus Russia) yesterday to press for new UN - led bicommunal negotiations on Cyprus.

In a statement issued yesterday, at the conclusion of their meeting in Cologne, the Foreign Ministers "recommend that the G8 Summit leaders urge the UN Secretary-General to invite the leaders of both parties to enter into comprehensive negotiations without pre-conditions."

Moreover they "urge all those concerned to avoid any measures that could increase tensions on the island and complicate efforts to promote a just and lasting settlement."

[02] Greece hails G-8 initiative on Cyprus

Commenting on yesterday's statement Mr Papandreou said that "Greece had been expecting it for several weeks". He described an appeal launched by the G8 to all parties concerned "to avoid any measures that could increase tensions on the island" as particularly important.

This reference, Mr Papandreou said, does not apply exclusively to the two sides in Cyprus but also to Turkey which should abstain from moves that could create tension on the island.

"If we want to shape a climate without threats, without conflicting logic, we can open up a prospect for a solution to the Cyprus problem" he added.

[03] UN Secretary General recommends extension of UNFICYP mandate in Cyprus

The report, which covers the period from 9 December 1998 to 9 June 1999 recommends to the Security Council the extension of the mandate of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus for another six months, until 31 December 1999.

As Mr. Annan points out in his report, "the presence of UNFICYP on the island remains indispensable for the maintenance of the cease-fire between the two sides". In his report, Mr. Annan notes that "during the last six months, the situation along the cease-fire lines remained stable."

Referring to the role played by UNFICYP in maintaining the buffer zone between the cease-fire lines and by responding quickly to incidents", he underlines that "the increasing practice by members of the opposing forces of engaging in provocative behaviour heightens the risk of more serious incidents and gives cause for concern."

The adoption of UNFICYP package of measures to reduce tension along the cease-fire lines as well as direct contacts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots would further contribute to stabilising the situation, he notes.

The government of Cyprus contributes financially to the maintenance of the Force by paying one third of the total cost of its maintenance, equivalent to $ 14,630.810.

[04] Cyprus welcomes peace agreement in Yugoslavia

In a statement, made yesterday to the Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides, said Cyprus hails the decision "to send a peace-keeping force under UN auspices and the role played by the G8 in overcoming the crisis".

As Mr. Kassoulides pointed out "This could be a sign of certain positive developments for us if the international community realises that hotbeds of instability, as in the case of Cyprus, should not be allowed to create problems in a region in which humanity as a whole reposes its hopes for peace and stability."

[05] President Clerides arrives in Shanghai

During his stay President Clerides met with Shanghai Mayor Xu Kuangdi and other local leaders.

Today President Clerides will address a business forum and visit the special economic zone, established in 1992 in the framework of reforms aimed at opening up Chinese economy. Later today President Clerides will fly to Hong Kong. He returns to Cyprus on Monday.

[06] UK supports implementation of European Court's judgement on Loizidou vs Turkey case

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

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