Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-09-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Turkish occupation hampers democracy

[02] President calls for change in Turkish stand

1310:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Turkish occupation hampers democracy

In his remarks on human rights issues, he said "peace and security are necessary prerequisites for the prevalence of democracy."

In the case of Cyprus, he explained, "democratic principles are under threat because of the illegal occupation of the island's northern areas by some 35.000 Turkish troops."

"Their presence and that of some 100.000 illegal Turkish settlers in occupied Cyprus impedes free speech, even for the Turkish Cypriots who want to speak out for a peaceful settlement of the protracted Cyprus question," Philipou said.

Democracy, he stressed, cannot exist "unless the law and human rights are safeguarded."

Another Cypriot deputy, attending the Cairo meeting, Androula Vassiliou of the United Democrats, addressed the issue of unemployment, noting the rate of unemployment in Cyprus ranges between 3 - 3,5 per cent.

"Our Turkish Cypriot compatriots, however, are not as lucky. The absence of opportunities and the artificial isolation of the occupied areas have pushed unemployment to very high levels," she said.

The regime unilaterally set up by Turkish Cypriots in occupied Cyprus in 1983 has been declared "legally invalid" by the UN and it relies almost entirely on Turkey for its survival.

"We must reunite Cyprus if we want to tackle unemployment for all Cypriots and turn Cyprus into one of the biggest business and services centres in the world and a bridge between East and West," Vassiliou said.

CNA MM/EC/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1400:CYPPRESS:02

[02] President calls for change in Turkish stand

The President has also reiterated his determination to work in a constructive manner towards this goal.

Speaking in the village of Vrysoules (in the south east), President Clerides said "if the international community moves decisively in the direction of Ankara to persuade it to abandon its intransigent positions and adopt a constructive approach, I am sure that we can look to the future with optimism."

He also pledged to continue his own "positive and constructive policy" in the interests of a solution, as soon as possible.

"We shall continue to be consistent and work wisely and with resolve, taking into account the just cause of our struggle," the President added.

The President said the intiative to push for a Cyprus solution is expected to culminate early next year, after the presidential elections, due in February 1998.

"In the meantime, we are working to better prepare future talks and render them effective, this time. We are also trying to protect our bid towards European Union accession," he noted.

Commenting on Turkish moves to block Cyprus' course towards accession of the European Union, he said these were "not only ineffective but also helped the EU to reiterate its stand that our course to Europe will not be halted and that membership talks will begin as scheduled (in early 1998)."

Referring to Turkey's threats for partial integration of Cyprus' occupied northern areas, the President said "the Turkish side is simply maintaining the status quo, declared unacceptable by the international community. Basically nothing has changed."

CNA MM/EC/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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