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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-08-09Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
1130:CYPPRESS:01[01] White House says Turkish actions not helpful in peace processWashington, Aug 9 (CNA) -- The US does not believe that an agreement signed between Ankara and Turkish Cypriot occupation regime on partial integration of the occupied areas to Turkey is helpful to efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, the White House said."We do not believe that the announcement of an association council made by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and by the Turkish Foreign Minister was helpful, because we don't want to see steps taken which undermine the UN negotiating process," White House Spokesman Michael McCurry said Friday. Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime, illegally set up in the areas occupied by Turkey since its 1974 invasion of Cyprus, signed earlier this week an agreement for "gradual economic and financial integration and partial integration on security, defence and foreign policy matters." Asked about this provocative action, which came a few days before the Switzerland second round of UN-led direct talks, McCurry said, however, that US President Bill Clinton does not "necessarily interpret" the agreement "in exactly that fashion." The White House Spokesman added the US "strongly supports" the second round of UN-led direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash, to be held between August 11 and 16 in Glion, Switzerland. "We believe that this is the correct venue for the resolution of differences between the two parties and between those on the outside who are concerned about an attempt to influence the parties as they seek resolution," McCurry said. He noted that the goal of both the US and the international community remains the settlement of the Cyprus problem. The US, he added, urges both sides "to take steps forward that will advance a solution (and) not to take steps independently that will undermine the confidence that they have that they can resolve the differences they do have." CNA DA/MH/AP/1997ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1145:CYPPRESS:02[02] US welcomes UN-led Cyprus talks in MontreuxWashington, Aug 9 (CNA) -- The United States welcomes the second round of UN-sponsored direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash from August 11 to August 16 in Glion, Switzerland, the US State Department Spokesman said."The US strongly supports the UN negotiations process to resolve the Cyprus dispute. The ultimate objective continues to be a comprehensive settlement that will establish a bizonal, bicommunal federation for Cyprus, " Spokesman James Rubin said. The talks, to be held in Glion, near Montreux, are a continuation of the direct talks held at the secluded Troutbeck rural retreat, north of New York from July 9 to 12. The Special Advisor of UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, on the Cyprus problem, Diego Cordovez, will host the talks. "We urge the parties to work toward a positive outcome that bridges the differences dividing the two communities in Cyprus," Rubin said. The State Department Spokesman added that US Ambassador to Cyprus, Kenneth Brill, will represent the US in Glion. The US is not a participant in the direct talks themselves. CNA DA/MH/AP/1997ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1340:CYPPRESS:03[03] Defence Minister says government seeks peaceful solutionLarnaca, Aug 9 (CNA) -- Although the government's major priority is a peaceful solution to the protracted Cyprus problem, it will continue bolstering its defences as planned, Defence Minister Costas Eliades said.Speaking here this morning, after a swearing-in ceremony of National Guard new recruits, Eliades said all military works planned are being completed "according to set deadlines." The Defence Minister added selection of inauguration date for the military air base near the southern coastal town of Paphos is a "political decision" to be made by the government. Noting that efforts towards a peaceful Cyprus solution leading to the island's reunification continue, Eliades said that bolstering its defences at the same time is a government "obligation." "It is the only foundation to efforts in support of the political leadership's aim to free and reunite our homeland," he explained. The Defence Minister noted that the annual military exercise "Nikiforos" will take place on schedule and according to plan. Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos will be in Cyprus for this military exercise. CNA MAN/KK/MH/AP/1997 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCNA ENDSCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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