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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-08-23Cyprus 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/>Monday, 23 August 1999[01] P>The President of Cyprus Mr Glafcos Clerides today accepted the resignations of Government Spokesman Costas Serezis and Defence Minister Yiannakis Chrysostomis.The Minister of Communications and Works also informed the President last week of his intention to resign in order to follow an academic career. In view of the above resignations, President Clerides is expected to reshuffle his cabinet shortly. [02] P>US President Mr Bill Clinton submitted on August 19 to Congress his periodic report on progress towards a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question covering the period April 1-May 31, 1999."My administration will continue efforts to bring about a settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation" the US President said in his letter. President Clinton noted that Nato's 50th Anniversary Summit in Washington gave him the opportunity to meet with Turkish President Demirel and Greek Prime Minister Simitis "to underscore the importance of a just and lasting solution for all Cypriots." He also pointed out that Secretary of State Ms Madeleine Albright, delivered a similar message to her Greek and Turkish counterparts in discussions on the possibilities for resuming negotiations in the fall. [03] P>"It is obvious now that the international community wishes and wants to see the Cyprus problem solved as soon as possible", Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said yesterday, adding that that European Union members are also in a state of urgency for a settlement, "because the problem is European, and concerns them directly".Opening the 11th World Congress of Overseas Cypriots, on behalf of President Glafcos Clerides, Mr Kasoulides pointed out that after the Kosovo crisis, the international community cannot invest so much to consolidate peace and security in the Balkans , work for a settlement in the Middle East, and at the same time leave "a black hole" in this same region, namely the Cyprus problem, which is the main cause poisoning the relations between Greece and Turkey. Mr Kasoulides expressed gratitude for the work of the overseas community which has kept alive, all these years, "traditions and customs, and the national, religious and cultural heritage, as well as its ties and love for Cyprus". He urged overseas Cypriots to "intensify" their efforts world-wide, to promote the "need for a solution of the Cyprus problem and the unification of the island. Mr Kasoulides also stressed the need for unity and praised the harmonious co-operation between the governments of Cyprus and Greece, as well as Greece's assistance to Cyprus' EU accession course. Also addressing the Congress Greek Deputy FM Gregoris Niotis referred to the "unprecedented" co-operation between Athens and Nicosia, and pointed out that the Cyprus question is "the top national priority" for Greece. Mr Niotis said that Cyprus' efforts to join the European Union as a full member is also a very important strategic goal and added that having learned from past mistakes, Greece and Cyprus are boosting their defence co- operation in the context of a joint defence pact. 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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