Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-08-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] US State Department - ECHR decision on Loizidou's case

[02] Kasoulides - ECHR decision - Clinton's report

1025:CYPPRESS:01

[01] US State Department - ECHR decision on Loizidou's case

"We are aware of the Court decision and we have no further comment on the decision", the official told CNA, pointing out, however, that the US "would like to underline the need to begin a process that addresses the full range of issues in a Cyprus settlement."

He also expressed hope that "the parties can engage in a process that leads to negotiations with the goal of achieving a bizonal-bicommunal federation that protects the interests of all Cypriots."

In a decision described as a landmark, the ECHR ordered Turkey to pay 300.000 CYP pounds damages to Greek Cypriot refugee Titina Loizidou for the continued violation of her right to peaceful enjoyment of her property.

The ECHR dismissed by 15-2 Turkey's claim that Loizidou, has no entitlement to an award of just satisfaction under Article 50 of the Convention.

The ruling ended Loizidou's legal battle over the violation of her right to property, which began in 1989.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since their 1974 invasion, in violation on repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA DA/KN/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Kasoulides - ECHR decision - Clinton's report

Asked to comment on the political implications of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to order Turkey to pay compensation to a Greek Cypriot refugee, Kasoulides pointed out:

"The decisions reached by the Council of Europe over cases concerning Cyprus show clearly that Turkey is responsible for what goes on in the part of Cyprus it occupies."

The ECHR ordered Turkey to pay pecuniary damages of 300.000 CYP (one pound is about two US dollars) to Titina Loizidou for the continued violation of her right to peaceful enjoyment of her property.

Kasoulides pointed out that the ECHR decision notes that the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied part of the island is a "subordinate local administration to Turkey".

"The decision also proves that violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms are not accepted by international law and conventions and that Turkey is responsible for such violations," Kasoulides added.

The Foreign Minister stressed that Turkey should abide by the decision of the ECHR "otherwise it will have to face the consequences which begin with sanctions and finish with expulsion from the CoE."

Replying to another question, Kasoulides said that Turkey's invasion against Cyprus is confirmed by international law and court rulings.

"What is important is to overturn the results of Turkish invasion and occupation and we will continue working through diplomatic means to achieve this end," he stressed.

Commenting on the US President's bi-monthly report on the Cyprus problem to the Congress, Kasoulides stressed that it puts the blame for the impasse on the Turkish side.

He also pointed out that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is not reliable any more because he always finds new excuses in order not to enter bi-communal talks aiming at a Cyprus settlement.

Kasoulides also described as possible, a meeting between President Glafcos Clerides and Greek Prime Minister, Costas Simitis. He did not give any exact date about such a meeting, however.

CNA KN/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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