Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-05-17

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Cypriot concerns expressed to Sir Kieran, says Kasoulides

1650:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Greek Cypriot concerns expressed to Sir Kieran, says Kasoulides

Speaking to the press, Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, repeated today that the decision to call for direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash rests in the hands of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and the Greek Cypriot side has already stated that it would not refuse such an invitation.

He pointed out, however, that President Clerides "explained to Sir Kieran the reasons for which failure of direct talks will have grave consequences for Cyprus."

President Clerides, Kasoulides said, "explained why direct talks have to be well-prepared and why common ground has to be reached between the two sides if such talks are to have fruitful results."

Asked why the UN are pushing for direct talks, since common ground has not been achieved, Kasoulides said, "they may feel that since there have been no results in proximity talks they should try to achieve results through direct talks."

Commenting on the consequences of failure of direct talks, the Foreign Minister said they would be "grave". He added however, that the Greek Cypriot side relies on Sir Kieran's statement that "the UN will make every effort to secure that the talks do not fail."

Kasoulides said at direct talks the substance of the Cyprus problem will be discussed and noted that "what happens at the first phase of the talks will determine which our position will be in the following phases".

Answering a relevant question, he noted, however, that it would be "destructive if there are any developments suggesting a Deyton-style agreement on Cyprus."

CNA MCH/KN/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article