[01]

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou expressed the hope that Mr Denktash would attend "in a fresh spirit" having already decided it is time to settle the Cyprus problem on the basis of a federation.

He added that the government believes that remarks by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that one should not have unrealistic expectations from next month's talks display "seriousness and realism."

He said moreover that neither Greece nor Cyprus consider the mere start of proximity talks as sufficient justification to warrant a decision by the European Union to give Turkey the status of an EU candidate country.

[02]

He added that "the division of Cyprus is the shame of Europe" and that a solution to the Cyprus problem should be sought within the context of UN resolutions, Athens News Agency reported.

He said the Cyprus proximity talks, scheduled to be held in New York on December 3, should be substantive as determined by the UN and as confirmed by the UN Secretary-General.

[03]

The agreement comes into force on 8 December 1999.

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