Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-07-21

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

Wednesday, 21 July 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Government Spokesman comments on Ecevit's statements about confederation
• [02] House President appeals to foreign parliaments to take resolute action on Cyprus
• [03] Conservative Party to support the work of the international community to find a solution
• [04] Ukranian Privatbank Commercial Bank granted a banking business licence

[01] Government Spokesman comments on Ecevit's statements about confederation

"The Turkish side, through Mr Ecevit, confirms once more its true intentions, namely the consolidation of the faits accomplis of the 1974 'urkish invasion, which neither the Greek Cypriot side not the international community accepts. The United Nations, the European Union and the Group of 8, have all expressed their opposition to the status quo and are seeking a solution through intercommunal talks under UN auspices. The talks, as envisaged in the UN Security Council resolutions, must aim at the creation of a bizonal and bicommunal federation based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty, international personality and citizenship.

Mr Ecevit's positions and generally those of the Turkish side in favour of confederation must exercise the United Nations and all those who are interested in a solution of the Cyprus problem. They are, moreover, positions which will lead the initiative that is about to be undertaken into an impasse, unless the Turkish side changes its stand."

[02] House President appeals to foreign parliaments to take resolute action on Cyprus

In a message to his counterparts on the occasion of 25 years since the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island's northern part, Mr Kyprianou pointed out that for a quarter of a century the Cypriot people have been enduring through foreign occupation "the gross violation of the most basic human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a host of other international human rights instruments".

For twenty five years, he said, the refugees of Cyprus, who have been forcibly expelled from their homes and properties by the Turkish troops, are denied their right to return; those Greek Cypriots still remaining in the area under occupation are being constantly subjected to harassment and intimidation while the fate of many people missing since 1974 has not been ascertained "due to the refusal of the occupation power to provide information about their whereabouts". Moreover, he added, the rich cultural heritage in the occupied area is "systematically destroyed or looted or sold abroad".

Mr Kyprianou strongly criticised Turkey's policy of ethnic cleansing in Cyprus, its intransigence and total lack of political will to find a just settlement and urged the international community to act as soon as possible:

"It is quite obvious that what is needed most is concerted and resolute action by the international community in the direction of dissuading Turkey from following her expansionist policies and persuading her to abide by the United Nations decisions and the commitments undertaken by being a party to various international instruments".

[03] Conservative Party to support the work of the international community to find a solution

the British Shadow Foreign Secretary Mr John Maples MP, pointed out yesterday.

In a statement on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus,

Mr Maples said that "it is important on this anniversary for everyone involved to restate their willingness to find a solution."

Mr Maples pledged that "the Conservative Party will continue to support the work of the international community to resolve the situation". He expressed the hope "that the UN bizonal, bicommunal federal arrangement can be achieved" and promised that his party will do what it can to urge all parties to take part in the process.

"Above all we want a settlement which will allow all Cypriots to live in peace and growing prosperity within an enlarged European Union," he concluded.

[04] Ukranian Privatbank Commercial Bank granted a banking business licence

Privatbank, which is one of the first private commercial banking institutions established in the Ukraine, has managed over a short period of time to build up a substantial branch network.

It provides a very wide range of banking services in local and foreign currencies to corporate banks and individuals.

Privatbank's IBU will deal only in foreign currencies and transact business only with other non-resident entities and individuals both in Cyprus and abroad. It will be subject to the supervision and inspection of the Central Bank of Cyprus and the National Bank of the Ukraine, the country's central bank.

Currently there are 33 IBUs operating from within Cyprus and four Representative offices of foreign banks.

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

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