Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] President outlines views to US envoy

[02] Albright to stop-over in Cyprus

[03] Albright to Beirut via Cyprus

[04] National Council meeting ends, will convene Thursday

1055:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President outlines views to US envoy

Speaking after his first meeting with the President since he arrived in Cyprus on Friday, Miller said it was "very useful" and added "we discussed a variety of issues and I think I leave here with a very clear understanding of where President Clerides stands on many of the issues of importance to all sides."

He refrained from disclosing anything about the content of his discussions, which lasted 90 minutes, and repeated to the press "I am not going to get into the specifics of our discussions and I know you respect that because we all want to see the same end."

Asked if he was more hopeful, the US envoy said he is an "optimist by definition" and noted that in his job "it is very very useful to be hopeful, because if you are not, you are not going to succeed."

Invited to say if he expects any answers from Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Miller said it would be "absolutely premature for me to talk about anything regarding my meeting with Mr. Denktash before I see him."

Miller, who is accompanied by US Ambassador to Cyprus Kenneth Brill and other aides, was due to see Denktash right after his meeting with the President.

Later today he leaves for London and on Thursday he is scheduled to meet European Union External Relations Commissioner, Hans van den Broek, in Brussels.

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1145:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Albright to stop-over in Cyprus

Albright, on a regional tour in a bid to revive the stalled Middle East peace process, is expected to arrive from Amman around noon.

She is then flying on to the Lebanese capital, the last leg of her Middle East tour.

This is the first time Albright will set foot on the island since her appointment earlier this year to the top foreign post in the US Administration.

One of her predecessors, Warren Christopher, also stopped over at Larnaca some years ago.

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1230:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Albright to Beirut via Cyprus

Albright, who arrived here from Amman amid tight security, stopped over for about 30 minutes and then took off for Beirut.

Airport security kept local media well away from the airport.

Albright is expected to return to Larnaca later in the afternoon.

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1410:CYPPRESS:04

[04] National Council meeting ends, will convene Thursday

Speaking after a three-hour long meeting of the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus question, Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides said "the President briefed the Council about the content of his talks with UN top envoy in Cyprus Gustave Feissel and US State Department Special Coordinator on Cyprus Thomas Miller."

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides also briefed party leaders about his discussions in Rome, Bonn, Luxembourg, Athens and the three Baltic states over the past ten days.

The Council was informed about the content of a letter President Clerides sent to Greece's Prime Minister Costas Simitis, outlining some thoughts on how to handle the Cyprus question, the Spokesman said.

He also said the Council will meet on Thursday to discuss the situation as this has emerged after last month's UN-led talks in Switzerland.

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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