Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-12-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cycle networks in Cypriot towns

[02] Greek Deputy Minister to visit Cyprus

[03] Government slams Denktash acts

1120:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cycle networks in Cypriot towns

Nicosia, Dec 30 (CNA) -- The European Union (EU) through its programme called "Life" for the environment, has approved a demonstration action project for the theoretical study of cycle networks in the free areas of the Cyprus Republic.

In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), George Hadzimichael, officer of the Town Planning and Housing Department, said the project concerns studies for cycle networks in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.

The project will start from Paphos and will follow with Nicosia, Larnaca and then Limassol.

The cycle networks will be independent and will cover the urban areas.

Asked why the Town Planning and Housing Department has chosen this project, Hadzimichael said the idea behind the decision was to improve the environmental standards within towns.

The project falls under the LIFE programme for Third Countries bordering on the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea.

The demonstration actions aim at promoting sustainable development and to increase environmental protection in these countries.

Hadzimichael said the creation of bicycle networks will not only relieve traffic within towns but also reduce pollution and make people more sensitive to environmental issues.

But for this to happen, people will have to learn to use bicycles more often, Hadzimichael said.

"We have come to the point where our towns are almost inhuman, especially during peak hours. It is necessary that this attitude changes", he added.

During the next three years a number of lectures, debates and gatherings aimed at enlightening people about the benefits of cycle networks will take place.

At the same time, the networks will make cyclists feel safer. "Today, 75 per cent of a cyclist's route is dangerous. We want to make this 75 per cent an independent track where the cyclist can feel completely safe", he said.

The remaining route will be restricted in small, local roads which will be safer for cyclists. If needed, some roads will become one-way, limiting traffic and allowing for their safe use by cyclists.

Hadzimichael anticipated there will be some reaction from local authorities, although municipalities have allocated 10.000 pounds each for practical structures.

He said two pancyprian population studies will take place to ascertain what Cypriots think about cycle networks and the environment.

CNA EC/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1400:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Greek Deputy Minister to visit Cyprus

Speaking to the press, Kasoulides said the aim of Kranidiotis' visit is to prove that the Cyprus problem is always in the limelight.

"Despite the pre-election campaign we should never forget the Cyprus problem", Kasoulides stressed, noting the need for cooperation and coordination between the Foreign Ministries of Cyprus and Greece.

Presidential elections will be held in February 1998.

CNA MM/MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1440:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Government slams Denktash acts

Government Spokesman, Manolis Christofides noted the decision "serves other purposes and expediencies".

"The bicommunal meetings and gatherings serve the good intentions of the Cyprus people", he said, and stressed the government will pursue to promote rapprochement.

"Rapprochement requires more deeds and less words. We believe in rapprochement", the Spokesman added.

The so-called "foreign minister" of the Denktash pseudo state, on Saturday announced that all bicommunal activities are suspended.

He claimed the decision was taken to allow the Turkish Cypriot side time to review the Luxembourg European Council decision which included Cyprus in the countries due to start accession negotiations with the European Union (EU).

Replying to other questions, Christofides stressed that according to the Cyprus Constitution, there are two communities on the island and not two states, as claimed by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

Invited to comment on Ankara and Denktash's threats that the Turkish Cypriot side would not participate in negotiations for a Cyprus settlement unless the pseudo state is recognised, the Spokesman said this was not a new policy of Denktash or Turkey.

"There are two communities in Cyprus, which are recognised by the Cyprus Constitution; there are no two states", the Spokesman recalled.

Both Ankara and Denktash have stepped up efforts to achieve recognition of the puppet regime unilaterally declared in the Turkish-occupied areas in 1983, nine years after the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus territory. The regime is recognised only by Ankara.

Denktash had claimed that from now on, the Cyprus peace talks would be held between "two equal states" and not between the two communities on the island.

Christofides reminded that the international community and a number of UN resolutions on Cyprus stress that in Cyprus there is only one Republic, the Republic of Cyprus, and one government, which is the legal government of the Republic.

CNA MA/EC/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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