Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-06-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Ambassador leaves

[02] House President cautious on direct talks

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[01] Greek Ambassador leaves

Speaking on his departure here Saturday, Sandis assured he will always keep Cyprus in his heart.

Sandis has been appointed Ambassador of Greece to Rome and will be replaced by Kyriakos Rodosakis, who has been so far serving as Greece's Ambassador to Moscow.

Outgoing Ambassador told the press he takes with him "the picture I saw when I firstly visited Cyprus twenty years ago, namely the picture of the Turkish occupation troops and the Attila line," dividing the island since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

Sandis expressed the hope Cyprus will have better days in view of its close ties with the Greek government, its accession course to the EU and the joint defence pact, agreed between the governments of Cyprus and Greece in November 1993.

Finally, Sandis wished that on his next visit to the island "Cyprus will be free, united, without Turkish occupation troops and settlers, and will be a member of the EU."

CNA MAN/AP/RG/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] House President cautious on direct talks

He has also criticised the US and the European Union (EU) as baring great responsibilities for not managing to convince Turkey to abandon its expansionist policy in Cyprus.

In an interview with New York "Aktina FM" Greek radio on Friday, Kyprianou, who heads a bipartisan House delegation in Moscow, at the invitation of Russian Duma President, Gennadi Seleznev, said it is unrealistic for one to believe that Turkey will abandon this kind of policy with "simple advices."

"We have many reservations and fears about the process scheduled to begin on July 9 in New York," he said.

Despite these, he noted, we unanimously agree that President Clerides should attend direct talks and with good will to make every effort so that progress on the protracted Cyprus problem is achieved.

The House President said that "great responsibility lies with the US and the EU, which now has the potential to influence Turkey in a correct way, particularly after signing a customs union agreement with Turkey, and even more in view of the fact that both the US and the EU wish to upgrade their relations with this country."

Kyprianou called on all Greeks abroad to urge the US administration in every possible way, so that it understands that the Cyprus question cannot be solved unless a policy is adopted which treats both sides equally.

"The Cyprus problem", he added, "is not a merchandise where the give and take policy can be adopted."

Regarding House delegation's contacts in Moscow, Kyprianou said the Russian government and all political parties share the view that Turkey carries on an expansionist policy, not only in Cyprus, but in the former Soviet Republics, the Aegean and Thrace.

"We have encouraged Russian involvement" in a Cyprus solution, in its capacity as a permanent member of the Security Council, he said, but noted he could not foresee to what degree Russia can influence developments.

Kyprianou reiterated that nobody believes there can be a "logical" solution on Cyprus unless Turkey feels obliged to abandon its expansionist policy.

The Cyprus House delegation returns to Cyprus later today.

CNA AP/RG/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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