Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-09-11

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

Monday, 11 September 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides meets with Greek Prime Minister
• [02] Bill Clinton calls on Turkish President to support Cyprus negotiations

[01] President Clerides meets with Greek Prime Minister

In a statement to the press after the meeting, President Clerides said that with Mr Simitis they discussed the present phase of the Cyprus problem and the UN-led proximity talks, scheduled to resume on September 12.

Replying to journalists' questions, he stressed that the Greek Cypriot side is ready to negotiate and expressed the hope that the Turkish Cypriot side will do the same.

He also underlined that negotiations must take place within the parameters established by the UN Security Council.

In his statement, the Greek Prime Minister pointed to the two main strategic aims of the Greek and Cyprus governments, namely the implementation of UN resolutions on Cyprus and Cyprus' European Union accession negotiations.

Mr Simitis said that, in view of the fourth round of proximity talks, it was especially important for Cyprus and Greece "to reaffirm their positions and convey to the international community the message that the decisions already taken, should lead to a solution of the Cyprus problem".

Referring to Cyprus' European Union accession negotiations, the Greek Premier expressed the conviction that Cyprus' accession to the European Union will contribute greatly not only to the resolution of its economic and social problems, but also to the resolution of all the aspects of the political problem.

[02] Bill Clinton calls on Turkish President to support Cyprus negotiations

US National Security Council official Mr Peter Crawly made the following statement to the press after the meeting:

"They had a detailed discussion on Cyprus. It was the President's view that whether you are a Greek Cypriot, a Turkish Cypriot, a Turk or a Greek, it is vitally important and in your interest that there is ultimately a settlement and encouraged President Sezer to encourage real negotiations to begin".

Noting that the talks are scheduled to begin under UN auspices next week, Mr Crawly added:

"It is in the interest of all parties in the Cyprus issue to find a settlement and we support that we want to see the talks under the UN auspices evolve into real negotiations that we hope will lead to settlement."

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

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