Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-10-02

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CONTENTS

[01] Clerides honours Simitis

[02] Cyprus, Greece draft future strategy

[03] Simitis outlines his vision of Greece

[04] Simitis honorary citizen of Nicosia

[05] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[06] Simitis concludes official visit

1210:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clerides honours Simitis

The Greek Premier completes today his two-day official visit to Cyprus with talks with President Clerides.

Clerides told Simitis that the presentation of the highest decoration to him is a recognition of his sincere and keen interest in Cyprus, not only as a Prime Minister of one of the guarantor powers of the independence of the Cyprus Republic but mainly as a Greek brother.

He noted the fact that Simitis had placed the Cyprus problem on top of his priorities.

President Clerides said the national policy followed on the Cyprus problem by Simitis strengthens the struggle of the Cyprus people in their effort to find a solution through diplomatic means.

He particularly mentioned Simitis' pledge to strengthen even more the joint defence pact agreed upon by the two countries in November 1993, in order to face Turkish expansionist designs against Cyprus and Greece.

Clerides also referred to Greece's declaration that in case the Turkish occupation troops advance towards the government-controlled southern part of Cyprus would mean war between Greece and Turkey.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

''Your national policy on the Cyprus problem causes relief and satisfaction among the Cypriot hellenism and strengthens our struggle for physical and national survival on the land of our fathers. In essence, it helps the course for finding a just, viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem through diplomatic means,'' President Clerides said.

Receiving the decoration, Premier Simitis thanked President Clerides for the honour bestowed on him and assured the Cypriot people that Greece would always support their struggle for vindication.

''We are tied with a contract of honour, until the final vindication, until the withdrawal of the occupation forces, until the restoration of the unity of the independent Cyprus Republic, until the day that all Cypriots, regardless of origin, language and religion, will be able to live free in a prosperous country, equal member of the big European family'', Simitis declared.

Last night, the Greek Premier attended an official dinner given in his honour by President Clerides.

In a speech, President Clerides expressed the hope that the forthcoming new initiative would end to a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

He called on the international community and especially the permanent members of the Security Council to exert pressure on the Turkish side to change its negative stand on Cyprus.

The Cypriot President repeated his readiness to embark on direct talks next year, provided that common ground would be found on the key aspects of the Cyprus problem to secure a successful dialogue.

The Greek Premier stressed that the Cyprus problem was going through a ''crucial and extremely delicate phase the outcome of which will decide the future of Cyprus and hellenism.''

Referring to Cyprus' course towards membership of the European Union, Simitis expressed the view that this could act as a "catalyst" for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

CNA GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1310:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus, Greece draft future strategy

A joint communique, issued here today after lengthy talks between President Glafcos Clerides and visiting Greek Premier Costas Simitis and their aides, stressed that ''the necessary planning on future moves was dealt with at the talks'' in view of anticipated increased efforts by the international community and the US in particular to move closer to a resolution of the Cyprus problem.

The communique, read by Cyprus Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides, also underlined the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to resume a dialogue provided the appropriate approach is achieved.

''The two governments, having reviewed extensively the Cyprus question in the light of recent developments, established that the current phase is particularly crucial and needs to be tackled carefully,'' Cassoulides said.

Both governments reiterated their adherence to ''peaceful means to reach a settlement in Cyprus on the basis of UN resolutions on Cyprus and the high level agreements (between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in 1977 and 1979).''

They also reaffirmed their support for the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission and initiatives by the international community, in aid of UN efforts, and underlined the need for coordination among these efforts.

''The Greek Cypriot side has made it clear that it is ready to resume negotiations, provided the necessary ground work has been made to allow substantial approach between the two sides on the basic principles,'' Cassoulides added.

Having ascertained the ''significant progress'' towards Cyprus' path to full EU membership, the two governments underlined the need to ''further intensify joint efforts to enable Cyprus join the Union soon.''

Both governments ''recognised the importance of defence cooperation between them in the framework of the joint defence pact and made it clear that any renewed offensive by Turkey in Cyprus is casus belli.''

The statement also points out that full demilitarisation of Cyprus would ''secure peace and stability on the island and the wider region.''

The issues of missing persons and Greek Cypriot enclaved were also on the agenda of the bilateral talks and it was decided to follow closely developments in efforts for their resolution and make the necessary moves in the direction of the UN to have a third (UN) member appointed to the Committee of Missing Persons.

This, the communique added, would facilitate and speed up the task of the Committee, which is to establish the fate of the 1,493 persons listed as missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Talks between the two delegations took place in an ''excellent climate and reaffirmed the close cooperation between the two in all fields.''

''Both sides are committed to intensify contacts and comprehensive two-way exchange of information to continue cooperation at all levels,'' the communique concluded.

CNA MM/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1515 :CYPPRESS:03

[03] Simitis outlines his vision of Greece

He said Greece is ''the strongest regional country in economic and political terms'' and its geographical and strategic location demand that it meets a wide ranging spectrum of challenges and problems.

Receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Cyprus, at a special ceremony here today, Simitis also said Greece aims to be an outward-looking country whose objective is to promote democracy, social justice and respect for human rights, while safeguarding its own national interests.

''The emerging international environment poses risks and creates problems but it also provides a lot of room for initiatives and interventions,'' he said.

Simitis considered that Turkey, its neighbour on the east, constitutes a ''serious and permanent threat to Greece, Cyprus and regional stability.''

''Greece will give an active and dynamic presence in talks about the future of the European Union and aims to help render the Union more democratic, transparent and closer to the European citizen,'' Simitis said.

In the Balkan region, he noted, Greece wants to iron out differences with Albania and Skopje to open up avenues of cooperation while in the Mediterranean Greece can contribute to peace, development and prosperity.

On Greco-Turkish relations, Simitis said Greece's reply to Turkish threats is ''a politically, economically, militarily and diplomatically strong Greece, engaged in Europe and the international arena.''

Simitis made it clear that Greece's ''relations with Turkey cannot be ironed out unless there is a just, lasting and permanent solution in Cyprus on the basis of UN resolutions on Cyprus.''

The PM said the international community and the big powers had not shown the ''necessary strength or will to exert pressure on Turkey in order to comply with international law.''

''A strong front between Greece and Cyprus is an essential prerequisite to achieve our goal and bring justice to Cyprus. The object of my visit to Cyprus is to reaffirm and strengthen our close cooperation with Cyprus,'' Simitis said.

The PM also said the Greek language and civilisation as well as the academia can complement diplomatic, military and defence efforts to help consolidate Hellenism.

The President of the University, Michalakis Triantafyllides, noted Simitis' ''sensitivity about national issues and in particular the Cyprus problem which tops his priorities.''

He said the University of Cyprus strengthens the national identity of Greek Cypriots and brings together ''all those, who fate has destined to live on this island.''

Aris Spanos, economic professor at the University of Cyprus, paid tribute to Simitis' academic and political life and said ''Simitis, the politician and the academic, is truly a moderniser, a politician with a new approach.''

''Hellenism in Cyprus lays its hopes on a strong Greece,'' Spanos added.

This was the first time the University of Cyprus has awarded an honorary doctorate and the ceremony was attended by politicians and intellectuals.

CNA MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1715:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Simitis honorary citizen of Nicosia

''Nicosia is a capital where the civilised and progressive citizens of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean will feel, as I do today, a true Nicosian,'' the Prime Minister said in perfect vernacular.

Nicosia Mayor, Lellos Demetriades, offered visiting Simitis the gold key of Nicosia and announced him an honorary citizen of his capital at a ceremony here today at the Town Hall in the presence of many dignitaries and scores of people.

''Your presence here gives us great pleasure and hope for the people of Cyprus and sends a clear message to our enemies. Your new approach paves the way for fresh prospects for a Cyprus settlement,'' Demetriades said.

The Mayor called on Simitis to ''use his personal influence to end the division of Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe.

Receiving the gold key of Nicosia, Simitis said he was saddened by the sight of the dividing line that cuts the capital into two. The Town Hall is only a few hundred metres from the demarcation line, the result of the 1974 Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of the island's northern third.

''The wall of shame casts a shadow on Hellenism and the international community which has not displayed the necessary political will to reverse the fait accompli of the Turkish invasion,'' Simitis said.

He also pledged that ''my receiving the key of the city is a commitment on my part to open up the gates that divide Nicosia and allow a free capital city to join Europe,'' he added.

CNA MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1735:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    81.72 (-0.86)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  88.86 (-0.41)
Approved Investment Companies          74.45 (-1.29)
Insurance Companies                    60.09 (-1.44)
Industrial Companies                   80.50 (-0.51)
Tourist Industries                     73.42 (-3.57)
Commercial Companies                   66.15 (-1.81)
Other Companies                        79.76 (-1.63)

Trading Volume                         CYP 618222.121

CNA MM/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1735:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Simitis concludes official visit

''The elements that would constitute common ground will emerge as we move along,'' Greek Premier Costas Simitis said here today at the close of his two-day official visit to Cyprus, the first trip abroad since the Greek elections in September.

Asked to define what common ground would mean for him, Simitis replied ''we (with President Glafcos Clerides) have agreed that there must be some kind of convergence of views to go ahead with substantial discussions.''

The Prime Minister dismissed press suggestions that the US is pushing for a five-member conference on Cyprus, with the participation of Greece, Turkey, the representatives of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and the Cyprus government.

''Contacts between us and US officials do not aim at preparing such a meeting nor any other special conference on the Cyprus question,'' he said.

There is nothing of the kind on the horizon, he explained.

''Any consultation is welcomed, but dialogue on sovereignty rights is not possible. We have put forward our proposals in relation to Greco-Turkish relations and we stand by them,'' Simitis added.

Replying to questions, he also welcomed ''any initiatives that could lead to a resolution of the Cyprus problem'' and noted that the US and three European Union member-states (Britain, France and Germany) have expressed an intention to help settle the problem.

However, he underlined that any moves to settle the Cyprus question must come under the UN umbrella.

Assessing the outcome of his contacts here, Simitis said ''I return to Greece with the feeling that a common approach on all the aspects of the Cyprus issue is the best prerequisite we have secured to succeed in our joint efforts (to bring justice to Cyprus).''

''This joint effort will be systematic and shall be based on close exchange of views and close cooperation,'' he added.

The PM also stressed that ''it is imperative that Ankara shifts its intransigent position, if we are to make progress.''

Simitis reiterated once again that Greece will stand by Cyprus in its efforts to reunite the island and its bid to join the EU and reaffirmed Greek military backing for Cyprus.

In his remarks, President Clerides said ''the people of Cyprus feel encouraged by your presence here because we realise that Cyprus is one of the priorities in Greece's foreign policy matters.''

''We also understand that our joint defence pact lies on sound foundations and will continue to be consolidated,'' the President said.

There is no doubt that Cyprus and Greece share the same understanding on how to move forward and have a ''joint policy on the handling of our national issue.''

CNA MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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