Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-06-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Cypriot side willing to negotiate with open mind

[02] Albright: Priority to Cyprus settlement

[03] President appeals for unity in critical times

1145:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Greek Cypriot side willing to negotiate with open mind

"I think that the face-to-face meeting will take place without resolving any issue unfortunately. Nonetheless, we have declared that this doesn't discourage us. We'll go to these meetings with an open mind to negotiate in a spirit of give and take, positively and constructively," Kasoulides said last night in an interview with the Canadian television news channel, "CBC Newsworld".

Kasoulides said that although unresolved issues of the Cyprus problem still remain, the appointment by the US of Richard Holbrooke as Presidential Emissary for Cyprus, as well as the European Union's expressed interest in the negotiations means that Cyprus has again attained hightened international importance.

"This time we have an upgrading of the Cyprus problem on the international agenda. So many countries in the world are now demonstrating a keen interest to see this problem resolved, so, I think there is a difference from the last time," he said.

The Foreign Minister noted that third parties involved on the sidelines of the negotiations may contribute positively in efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"I think that the people that will be assisting behind the scenes to narrow differences will be definitely expressing ideas, we will be asking for opinions, they will be making suggestions, so I think there are ways that they can be of help," Kasoulides added.

Casting doubts of a positive outcome aside, Kasoulides said that "it would be wrong" for the Greek Cypriot side to proceed to the negotiations in a pessimistic mood, and that the island's troubled past should not hijack its chances for peace in the future.

"I don't think that scars and wounds should forever prevent people from reconciling their differences and going ahead with peace," Kasoulides said. "The future is common for all Cypriots on this small island in the Mediterranean and therefore, I don't think that scars and wounds should discourage us."

Speaking on the same television programme, Turkish Cypriot so-called representative Cypriot community to the United States, Namik Korhan, said the Turkish Cypriots must also be optimistic entering the face-to-face talks "because it's the only possibility for the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to get together and settle this Cyprus history".

Korhan added the Turkish Cypriot side welcomes Holbrooke's appointment and the negotiating experience he brings with him from Bosnia, but warned that the Cyprus issue does not resemble what the US envoy had to contend with in the Balkan country.

"(Holbrooke) has experience from the Bosnian issue, although the Bosnian issue does not resemble the Cyprus issue - (they) do not have the similarities," Korhan said.

Direct negotiations between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are expected to begin sometime in early to mid July.

CNA MH/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Albright: Priority to Cyprus settlement

"That is a very strong manifestation of our interest in helping the United Nations and helping the Cypriot government and the Turkish community achieve a resolution of that problem," Burns said in his regular State Department briefing.

Describing yesterday's meeting between Kasoulides and Albright in Washington as "excellent", Burns said the US Secretary of State emphasized the importance of the upcoming direct talks and added the US "strongly supports these talks".

"I know Ambassador Holbrooke intends to work very closely with the new UN special negotiators and with the UN system in general," Burns said.

The State Department spokesman said Kasoulides expressed the Cypriot government's approval of the Holbrooke appointment at his meeting with Albright.

"I think we have seen, from the Greek and Turkish governments as well, very strong support for that appointment," Burns added.

The US official pointed out that Holbrooke does not intend to participate in the UN talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, but that he will be monitoring the talks.

He said Holbrooke will not travel to the region for "at least several weeks, and perhaps even beyond that".

"(Holbrooke) is prepared to be patient, take a longer-term view, spend a lot of time thinking about strategy and then, beginning his own talks, working very closely with the United Nations," Burns added.

Asked whether Holbrooke will play a role in mending Greek -Turkish relations over the Aegean, Burns said the presidential emissary's "clear and primary responsibility and direction from the Secretary of State" is the Cyprus problem.

"Now obviously, (the Cyprus) problem exists in an environment that includes other countries, Greece and Turkey and other issues. But his primary, overriding, focus-like-a-laser approach is going to be on the Cyprus problem," Burns said.

The State Department spokesman added that Kasoulides and Albright also discussed "in some detail" the nature of the Cyprus problem, some of its historical aspects, as well as the issues that must be resolved in order that a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus is reached.

Burns added the issue of the Cypriot government's recent decision to purchase the highly sophisticated, S-300 Russian anti-aircraft missiles, was also discussed between Albright and Kasoulides.

"The Secretary noted our long-standing disagreement with the decision by the government of Cyprus to acquire the (S-300) missile system from Russia. We think it is destabilising. And frankly, we are interested in the security of Cyprus. And we do not believe that acquiring the system will add to the security," Burns said.

The spokesman noted the discussion on the missiles was "a very respectful, very calm conversation".

"There was no acrimony between the Secretary and Minister Kasoulides and they're good friends," he added.

CNA MH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] President appeals for unity in critical times

In his address to the 7th Pancyprian Conference of the party he founded, the Democratic Rally (DISY), Clerides said the Greek Cypriot side will go to the upcoming direct negotiations determined to find a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

"We are ready to work with all those powers which are seeking a solution, but we will never sign a solution that does not secure for the Greek Cypriots the land of its forefathers", he stressed.

Describing concerns expressed by some on the direct negotiations as justified, President Clerides reiterated that "fear must not dominate because we know how to defend our people's rights" and stressed that as someone who has given his life fighting for those rights, he does not want to "smear his name".

President Clerides noted that pressures exerted during the direct negotiations will not be levelled only on one side, "but will be on our side as well".

Referring to the UN-led proximity talks between the two communities, the President said have proved the Turkish side is not interested in finding a solution.

"Despite the fact that we warned the UN Secretary-General that the decision to hold direct talks was premature and that proximity talks should have continued in an effort to reach convergence on views, we decided to go and demonstrate our willingness for a solution based on the High Level agreements, (concluded between the two sides in 1977 and 1979), and on United Nations resolutions," the President said.

President Clerides also assured party leaders that there will be absolute cooperation with them and added that he remains steadfast in his difficult task by the party leaders' support as stated during the conference's proceedings.

CNA KK/MH/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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