Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-04-24

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Friday, April 24, 1998

Clerides seeks Athens support

THE US DIPLOMATIC initiative for the resumption of negotiations combined with President Clerides' visit to Athens fuelled speculation.

Simerini said that while Clerides' visit to Athens was of a private nature, the president would be discussing the US initiative with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis. According to the paper, Clerides wants to know what support he can expect from Simitis in view of the developments.

He would seek clarifications about Simitis' intentions so there could be some co-ordination between Athens and Nicosia. The paper said that the "tolerance levels of Athens and Nicosia", in view of US pressure, would be established.

Haravghi reported that decisions would be taken about how to handle the US initiative. It said that Athens and Nicosia would have to take joint decisions about the handling of the Cyprus problem and Greco-Turkish differences as the US and Turkey linked the two issues.

Despite the secrecy surrounding the recent visits of American officials, it was understood that the US was preparing a "package solution" regarding Cyprus, the Aegean dispute and Turkey's accession to the EU.

Phileleftheros claimed that American officials were considering whether President Clinton should invite Clerides and Rauf Denktash in an effort to get the intercommunal talks going again. They feel that the invitation would persuade Denktash to agree to a resumption of the talks.

Meanwhile Clinton's Cyprus envoy, Richard Holbrooke would be in Cyprus in the first 10 days of May for meetings with both sides. The US want to secure a commitment from Ankara for the resumption of talks before the EU- Turkey Association Council and the EU summit in Cardiff.

Agon said that Holbrooke would be discussing a new formula, aimed at overcoming the deadlock in the talks. He would also be visiting Athens and Ankara. There were also rumours that Secretary of State Madeleine Albright would be visiting Cyprus if her personal intervention was required.

Machi claims that Turkey had toned down its rhetoric because of the latest diplomatic efforts by the US, but had no intention of abandoning its intransigent positions.

Diplomatic sources claimed that State Department official, Thomas Miller's visit to Ankara had been a failure. Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz agreed to see Miller only after a written request from Clinton.

Alithia reported that Bishop of Limassol Chrysanthos had signed an agreement whereby he would give a Greek American businessman $500 million, that would be repaid in 10 years at a profit of $100 million. The deal did not go ahead because the businessman could not provide the Bishop with bank guarantees.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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