Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-05-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Leaders discuss latest developments

[02] Netanyahu: Israel-Turkey military alliance, not against others

1340:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Leaders discuss latest developments

The National Council, top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus issue, met for nearly three hours this morning and will continue its session this afternoon.

President Glafcos Clerides briefed political party leaders on the three- day inconclusive consultations here last weekend by US presidential emissary Richard Holbrooke.

Holbrooke's much awaited visit did not manage to break the deadlock and bring the two sides back to the negotiating table, because of preconditions set by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Denktash demands the recognition of his illegal entity in areas of the Republic occupied by Turkey since it invaded in 1974 and the withdrawal of Cyprus' application to join the European Union.

Both preconditions are unacceptable to the internationally recognised government of the Republic, that will not accept a situation imposed through the force of arms.

Numerous UN resolutions call on all states not to recognise or facilitate the secessionist entity unilaterally declared in 1983.

At the same time, the Cyprus government believes EU accession can act as a catalyst in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem and will benefit both communities.

Foreign envoys involved in efforts to reach a settlement here have often pointed out that EU accession will benefit Turkish Cypriots most, as the standard of living in the government-controlled areas is much higher.

CNA KN/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1400:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Netanyahu: Israel-Turkey military alliance, not against others

This was stated here by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during the CNN World Report Conference 1998.

Speaking via satellite, Netanyahu was invited by a Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) reporter to comment on how can Israel seek peace when it is making a military alliance with Turkey.

Replying, Netanyahu said, "we respect Cyprus. Cyprus is a very friendly country, we have friendly relations with Cyprus."

He praised Cyprus for its success in the field of economy noting that Israel and Cyprus "are even competing with each other on the economy level" only to add, "congratulations".

However, the Israeli Premier said that both his country and Turkey are concerned about stability and peace in the region and that was the purpose of their alliance.

Referring to Cyprus and the other countries in the region, Netanyahu said the alliance "is not meant against any state".

CNA EC/KN/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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