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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Party leaders on direct talks

1325 CYPPRESS:01

[01] Party leaders on direct talks

Nicosia, Jul 6 (CNA) -- Party political leaders pointed out the need for a change in the intransigent positions held by Turkey and Turkish Cypriot side if progress towards a solution to the Cyprus problem is to be achieved.

Speaking to CNA, right-wing ruling Democratic Rally (DYSI) leader, Nicos Anastasiades said that Turkey has not only not deserted its intransigent stance towards a solution to the Cyprus problem, but it has actually hardened its positions.

Noting that the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus shows increased American interest towards a settlement, he also pointed out that the question is when the American initiative on Cyprus will be launched.

Anastasiades also said that the UN and the European Union show an increased interest in Cyprus and stressed that twelve countries are sending special representatives to follow direct negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, which start in Troutbeck, near New York on July 9.

On his part left-wing AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias said that "we have no proof of even the slightest change in the positions held by either Ankara or Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash."

"On the contrary", he stressed, "recent statements made by Turkish Vice- President Bulent Ecevit show that Turkey has hardened its positions even more."

Christofias pointed out that if there is lack of progress in forthcoming direct talks, then the blame for the deadlock should be put on Ankara and Denktash.

Answering a relevant question, Christofias told CNA that the US and Britain as well as the EU have shown no signs of desiring to exercise any pressure on either Turkey or Denktash in order to desert their intransigent positions towards a Cyprus settlement.

Centre-right, Democratic Party (DIKO) President, Spyros Kyprianou stressed that if Turkey does not feel obliged to desert its expansionist policy the Cyprus problem cannot be solved.

"I do not expect any progress to be made, either during the first, or during the second round of direct talks", Kyprianou said, adding that a Cyprus settlement can only be reached if the US and the EU force Turkey to desert its expansionist policy.

Speaking to CNA, Socialist EDEK leader, Vassos Lyssarides was pessimistic regarding the results of UN-led direct talks between President Clerides and Rauf Denktash.

"Unfortunately we cannot expect any results from direct talks since Turkish intransigence has increased even further", Lyssarides said.

"Our side", he added, has noting more to give" stressing that the Greek Cypriot side has already made too many concessions.

The great importance given by the international factor to the upcoming talks was pointed out by United Democrats President, George Vassiliou, who noted that for this reason the Greek Cypriot side should stress its desire for progress in the Cyprus problem.

Pointing out at recent statements and threats expressed by the Turkish leadership against the Cyprus government, Vassiliou said that "there are no good omens coming form Turkey or the Turkish Cypriot side", in relation to direct talks, due to start next week.

CNA MM/MCH/KK/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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