Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-04-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign Minister to visit Greece

1630:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Foreign Minister to visit Greece

Pangalos' deputy, Yiannos Kranidiotis, on a visit here, extended the invitation at his meeting today with the Foreign Minister here, during which they discussed Cyprus' prospects for accession to the European Union and the ongoing UN-sponsored proximity talks.

The Greek Deputy Foreign Minister told the press after the meeting, the next two to three years will be crucial to the Cyprus problem in relation to the island's EU accession course, reiterating that this course is progressing normally.

"We don't foresee an easy road, there will be difficulties, but I believe that there will also be opportunities," Kranidiotis said, stressing that those opportunities must be taken advantage of through a long-term strategy.

"What matters is a long-term strategy dealing with the Cyprus problem that is methodical and has potential," he said.

Kranidiotis also said a Cyprus solution must be based on the 1977 and 1979 High Level Agreements the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides have signed, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, adding that ideas discussed in the past affect discussions for a solution.

The High Level Agreements provide for a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus.

"Everything is subject to the terms of the final settlement," he explained.

The Greek Deputy Foreign Minister said the Set of Ideas on the Cyprus problem proposed by former UN Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros Ghali have been rejected in their entirety by the Greek Cypriot side because they do not serve its interests.

Kranidiotis added however, that this does not mean there are no positive aspects to the Set of Ideas.

On this, Cassoulides pointed out that the government has rejected the Set of Ideas as a framework for an overall settlement.

"This, however, does not mean we are throwing them in the waste basket. We need to modify them to allow the state to function and ensure they are in line with Cyprus' EU accession course," he said.

Cassoulides also noted that these Ideas should not create any problems during a transitional period in relation to the international recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

As far as common ground on the views of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides is concerned, Kranidiotis said both Greece and Cyprus will assess whether there is any when the proximity talks conclude, adding that it is too early at this stage to make that assessment.

The Greek Foreign Minister revealed that he discussed yesterday with Attorney-General, Alecos Markides, the possibility of setting up a team of legal experts to work on ironing out legal difficulties that may arise from Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Kranidiotis furthermore denied press speculation that he will announce his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections in Cyprus early next year.

He leaves Cyprus tomorrow.

CNA MH/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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