Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] US-EU coordinate efforts for Cyprus solution

[02] Cyprus President receives WHO delegation

1430:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US-EU coordinate efforts for Cyprus solution

The Cyprus question was discussed in Brussels today during a meeting between US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, EU Commission President, Jacques Santer, and External Relations Commissioner, Hans Van den Broek.

A Commission spokesman said Albright made special reference to the Cyprus problem, noting that 1997 offers an opportunity for progress in efforts to reach a solution.

He added the two sides agreed to coordinate their efforts.

According to the spokesman, Albright also said her country believes it is important that Turkey remains a secular state belonging to the west.

Cyprus applied for EU membership in July 1990 and a Commission avis, in June 1993, considers the country eligible for membership.

The EU Council has decided that accession negotiations with Cyprus will begin six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference.

CNA NB/MA/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1445:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus President receives WHO delegation

The delegation is currently visiting Cyprus, at the invitation of Health Minister Manolis Christophides.

During their two-day visit, the WHO officials will visit the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia and the bi-communal Institute of Neurology and Genetics.

Speaking after the meeting, Christophides expressed appreciation for the assistance provided to Cyprus by WHO.

Nakajima said "Cyprus has made great progress in health care" and he referred to special programmes against Thalassaemia, a blood disease.

He did however express concern about the quality and standards of health care in the Turkish-occupied part of the island, stressing that the provision of health care to all Cypriot citizens should not be hindered.

"We are working together with the UN High Commission for Refugees to try to secure this", he said.

Christophides pointed out that the Turkish Cypriots have also the right to health care either locally or abroad if this is considered necessary.

He said Turkish Cypriot patients were sent abroad for treatment with the expenses covered by the Cyprus Republic.

The Cypriot Minister said the question of the enclaved Greek and Maronite Cypriots living in the Turkish-occupied territories of the Republic, will be discussed with the WHO delegation.

CNA MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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