Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 02-07-18

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

Thursday, 18 July 2002

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister returns from Israel
• [02] President of Lebanon to pay a state visit to Cyprus

[01] Foreign Minister returns from Israel

During his visit, the Foreign Minister was received by the President of Israel Mr Moshe Katsav, the Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon, the President of the Parliament Mr Avraham Burg, the Minister of Defence Mr Benjamin Ben- Eleizer as well as the leader of the opposition, Mr Yossi Sarid.

Mr Kasoulides also had a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Mr Shimon Peres, during which talks were held between the two delegations.

Finally, Mr Kasoulides was received by the President of the Palestinian Authority Mr Yasser Arafat.

Upon arrival to Cyprus, Mr Kasoulides reiterated Cyprus' willingness to maintain friendly relations with all countries of the region. Asked to comment on the degree to which the situation in Turkey had an effect on the talks, he replied as follows:

Because the situation in Turkey is still unstable, and one cannot foresee where things will be lead, there isn't only on way in which the talks can be affected. We monitor the situation very closely, and, of course, if there are elections in the horizon, the range of Mr Denktash' s maneuvers still exists. From there on, things will be judged with an open spirit during the talks.

[02] President of Lebanon to pay a state visit to Cyprus

General Lahoud will arrive on the island Friday, July 19, at 09:00 local time. He will be unofficially welcomed at Larnaca Airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ioannis Kasoulides.

President Clerides will welcome General Lahoud during an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace at 10:30.

After the welcoming ceremony, the two Presidents will have a brief meeting at the presence of the Vice Minister of the Republic of Lebanon Mr Issam Fares, the Cyprus Foreign Minister Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Republic of Lebanon Mr Mahmoud Hammoud and the Undersecretary to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr Pantelis Kouros.

Delegations of both sides, headed by Mr Clerides and General Lahoud, will hold, at 10:50, official talks that will last for about an hour.

The two Presidents will sign bilateral agreements at 11:50 and make statements to the press at 12:15.

In the afternoon General Lahoud will receive at his hotel Ambassadors of Arab countries resident in Cyprus and will have a meeting with members of the Lebanese community in Cyprus.

At 21:00 a State Banquet will be given by President Clerides and his spouse in honour of Mr and Mrs Lahoud.

On Saturday the Lebanese President will travel to the Presidential Residence at Troodos Mountain and will visit the southern coastal town of Limassol.

On Sunday morning President Clerides will see off Lahoud and his accompanies at an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

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

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