Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-04-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government protests Turkish violations

[02] "Cyprus Link" women's forum in the offing

1055:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Government protests Turkish violations

In a letter to the UN General-Secretary, the Republic's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Nicos Agathocleous, points out that these violations took place at a time when UN efforts to begin negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem are underway.

He adds that the Turkish violations contravene international law, as well as UN resolutions on Cyprus and the UN Charter.

The ambassador's letter circulated as a Security Council and General Assembly document on April 18.

CNA MA/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1425:CYPPRESS:02

[02] "Cyprus Link" women's forum in the offing

The women are expected to deal with the logistics of setting up the "Cyprus Link" in a meeting, scheduled for mid-May in Cyprus.

"It was a great success, we ate together, talked, argued, cried, and got all our feelings out," one of the participants told CNA today on her return from Brussels.

This is the first time in the past 23 years Cypriot women, from both communities, had the chance to spend three days together talking about their feelings and expressing their views about the division of the island.

The Greek and Turkish Cypriot women, along with four Greek and Turkish Cypriot women from the UK, two Palestinian and two Israeli women met under the slogan "Give peace a chance - Women speak out in Cyprus," initiated by the President of the non governmental organisation "Action in the Mediterranean", Simone Susskind, and former Belgian Minister and Senator, Anne-Marie Lizin.

Speaking to CNA today, MP and former First Lady, Androulla Vasiliou, said this was the first time Greek and Turkish Cypriot women came together for three days "without any restrictions."

Vasiliou, who participated in her capacity as head of the Professional Cypriot Women's association, noted that at times "the meeting was truly moving to the extent that even the two Belgian chairpersons ended up in tears".

In a declaration issued after the meeting, held April 17-19, the women pledged to work towards the establishment of the "Cyprus Link", in "a joint effort to bring about a just and lasting peace and empowering women in Cyprus", along the lines of the "Jerusalem Link", which brought together Palestinian and Israeli women.

The women, representing different political persuasions and professional status, declared that "lasting peace can only be found in Cyprus if security for both communities is established", as well as respect for human rights and democracy and respect for the cultural heritage and national identity of each other.

They also noted the need for affirmative action against any kind of discrimination and freedom from any form of oppression.

"We, as women, wives, mothers, sisters, are in the front-line whenever antagonisms unfortunately thrive amongst people, be it in Cyprus or elsewhere," they noted in the declaration.

"We solemnly claim our right to have a say and develop our own initiatives concerning the promotion of peace between the two parts of our beloved island, and even beyond the activities of our political leadership, " the declaration added.

During the conference, the women participated in four workshops and discussed the role of education in promoting tolerance, the role of women in peace-making and decision-making, cooperation for health, social services and environment, media contribution to peace and the promotion of women's rights and their empowerment.

Sotiroulla Charalambous, who helped organise the meeting, said the Greek Cypriot women are scheduled to meet after the Greek Orthodox Easter, this Sunday, to discuss future moves and representation in a preparatory committee which will work on the establishment of the "Cyprus Link".

She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, and pointed out that it was not an easy task. "Meetings between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have taken place in the past, but it was the first time a meeting was held for three days, leading to a joint declaration and practical goals, " Charalambous said.

She pointed out "we tried to find ways to influence the road towards peace, under difficult circumstances."

CNA MA/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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