Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-02-08

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton's bimonthly report on Cyprus

[02] De-institutiolalisation scheme for people with special needs

0950:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clinton's bimonthly report on Cyprus

In his bimonthly report to the Congress, President Clinton also reiterated his commitment to pursue a comprehensive settlement of the protracted Cyprus problem.

''Although it is properly the subject of my next report, I should also note my concern about the recent decision of the Government of Cyprus to purchase anti-aircraft missile systems and the resulting threats of a military strike from Ankara,'' US President noted in his report.

''We have forcefully made our concern known to both governments,'' he added.

President Clinton also repeated his commitment to pursue a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus.

He quoted Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright's statement during her recent confirmation hearings.

''We are prepared to play a heightened role in promoting a resolution in Cyprus, but, for any initiative to bear fruit, the parties must agree to steps that will reduce tensions and make direct negotiations possible.''

US President pointed out his disappointment about the failure of the UN attempts, to obtain an agreement on a series of practical measures, to reduce the prospects for further violence along the divided island's cease- fire lines.

''Given the events of past summer and fall, we are disappointed that the United Nations attempts to obtain this agreement have not yet succeeded, '' President Clinton said, noting ''we will continue to press the issue with the parties.''

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

CNA DA/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] De-institutiolalisation scheme for people with special needs

Nicosia, Feb 9 (CNA) -- Cyprus' Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance has introduced with great success a new scheme to help the gradual de- institutionalisation and rehabilitation of people with special needs.

''The first state-run Home for people with special needs opened its doors a month ago,'' Director of the State Welfare Office, Loulla Theodorou, told CNA in an interview.

She said there are various schools of thought as to the way people with mental and physical disabilities should live.

Theodorou explained that at the moment there are five youths living in the state prototype Home with different degrees of disability.

The inmates receive all the necessary individual attention. ''This does not imply that people staying in other institutions lack care and attention'', Theodorou explained.

She said living in an institution for too long has its drawbacks. Mass coexisting with no contact with the outside world lead to institutionalisation, which should be urgently abolished.

With regard to the success of this programme, Theodorou said that there has been already an obvious positive result.

''The inmates have improved themselves. Epileptic incidents have been decreased while inarticulate cries have been diminished and generally they appear to be more relaxed and happy.''

In an effort to become more independent and socially integrated, with the help of their caretakers, they visit the local supermarket, shops and exchange visits with their neighbours.

The Home is warm, cosy and very family oriented. It was decorated by themselves, reflecting their enthusiasm for being there.

The Home looks just like any other house in the neighbourhood. The inmates have their own privacy and interests.

Additionally, they do not have to keep to a strict routine in the same way they did at the institution ''New Eleousa'', where they were staying before.

At the same time, they are not deprived of any vital provisions, such as physiotherapy and music-therapy, because they visit New Eleousa as often as necessary for this reason.

Likewise, they participate in recreational programmes, excursions and other activities.

The caretakers said all the inmates are exceptionally happy and well- adjusted. They said the neighbourhood has accepted and embraced them with love.

Theodorou told CNA that apart from ''New Eleousa'', other local institutions have proceeded with similar schemes.

She added that the aim of the Welfare Office is to de-institutionalise all the people living in ''New Eleousa''.

The Welfare Office Director explained that this would be possible as soon as the first results of the prototype Home are analised and assessed. CNA/AZK/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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