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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-11-29Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
0850:CYPPRESS:01[01] Greek and Turkish Cypriots organise peace eventNicosia, Nov 29 (CNA) -- Greek and Turkish Cypriots will have the chance to meet this afternoon at an event organised by associations from both communities, at the Ledra Palace hotel in the UN controlled buffer zone in Nicosia.The "Festival for Peace" is the first event organised solely by some 30 organisations from the two communities. A declaration against war and for a common homeland is expected to be adopted during the festival. The organisations have joined forces on their own initiative because they are aware "that peace cannot be achieved by waiting." In an announcement they condemn the escalation of armaments on the island and "call upon our people to leave aside all prejudices and join the struggle for peace." They also stress that Cypriots are capable of "solving their own problems" and building their "common homeland". Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been estranged since Turkey invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island's territory in 1974. Efforts for members of the two communities to meet and get to know each other have recently been stepped up, mainly with the help of foreign diplomatic missions and the UN peacekeeping force on the island. CNA MA/EC/1997ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1030:CYPPRESS:02[02] EU Commissioner to visit CyprusNicosia, Nov 29 (CNA) -- European Union (EU) External Affairs Commissioner, Hans Van den Broek, will pay a two day visit to Cyprus next week for meetings with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.The EU official will arrive in Cyprus on Monday, and will call on President Glafcos Clerides. The Commission announced that Van den Broek will exchange views with the leaders of the two communities on EU accession talks with Cyprus, scheduled to begin in spring 1998, and UN efforts to settle the Cyprus problem. He will also meet representatives of trade unions, student organisations, the business community, women organisations and lawyers from both communities. On Tuesday, Van Den Broek and Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides will inaugurate the Cyprus European Institute, which aims at informing the people of the island on EU affairs. The EU has funded the institute with 1,3 million ECU. CNA MA/EC/1997ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |