Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Omirou - letters to European Counterparts

[02] Cyprus-Poland-Cultural Cooperation

[03] House President - Iranian diplomats

[04] House President - Kenyan Minister

[05] Greek Spokesman - Military Exercises

[06] President Clerides - Departure - New York

[07] President Clerides - Michaelides - Corruption allegations

1600:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Omirou - letters to European Counterparts

In letters to European Defence Ministers, Omirou denounces the strengthening of Turkish occupation forces as well as the renewal and upgrading of their armaments.

He calls for the exercise of influence over Turkey to be convinced to reduce military tension on the island and cooperate for a Cyprus solution based on UN resolutions.

Noting the continuous government efforts for a peaceful Cyprus settlement, Omirou, calls for the assistance of European countries for a reversal of the status quo on the island, which as he points out, constitutes a constant threat to peace and stability in the Mediterranean region.

CNA MCH/KN/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1605:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus-Poland-Cultural Cooperation

The Programme was signed by the Director of the Cultural Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Loria Markides and Poland's Ambassador in Nicosia, Wojciech Lamentowicz. The new, 7th Programme defines exchanges between the two countries in the fields of science, education, culture, art, archaeology, sports and communications. CNA KN/MCH/1998 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:03

[03] House President - Iranian diplomats

Kyprianou signed the book of condolences for the murders at the Iranian Embassy in Nicosia.

"Such crimes are condemned by all political parties and by the all the people of Cyprus", he wrote in the book.

Kyprianou's message follows the Cypriot government's official condemnation of the Taliban act last Tuesday. CAN DG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1740:CYPPRESS:04

[04] House President - Kenyan Minister

Speaking after a meeting with President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou, Musyoka stressed the Cyprus problem is a problem of invasion, occupation and ethnic cleansing, against the people of Cyprus.

He pledged that Kenya would remain a steady supporter of the rights of the people of Cyprus and expressed his country's readiness to contribute towards this direction.

Kyprianou briefed the Kenyan official on the new Turkish provocative demands for the establishment of a confederation of two states in Cyprus and thanked him for his country's consistent support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

During the meeting, Kyprianou and Musyoka discussed ways to strengthen further bilateral relations.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1745:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Greek Spokesman - Military Exercises

Declining from stating whether Greek aircraft will take part in the exercises, code-named "Toxotis" and "Nikiforos", he referred journalists to previous military exercises, pointing out that "what happened in the past will be repeated".

Greek military aircraft participated in previous joint military exercises.

The Greek Government Spokesman rejected demands by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, for the abolition a joint defence pact between Cyprus and Greece.

He said such demands did not help efforts of the international community and Greece towards the normalisation of Greco-Turkish relations.

"It is unreasonable for Turkey, the occupation force in Cyprus, to express so-called fears for Cyprus' initiative to strengthen its defence," Reppas remarked.

Asked to comment on a proposal by British Defence Secretary, George Robertson, for a moratorium of military overflights in Cyprus, Reppas said "Greece and Cyprus have exhausted all limits of good faith".

The British Secretary put forward his proposal during talks in Ankara and Athens, earlier this week.

The Cyprus government accepts a moratorium of military overflights provided that there would be international guarantees.

The Greek spokesman said both Greece and Cyprus have put forward a series of proposals to help efforts to defuse tension, "but unfortunately Turkey's stance has been absolutely negative."

Reppas stressed that "everybody should take this into account and if they wish to contribute they must direct their efforts to Turkey through the appropriate way."

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

CNA KI/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2030:CYPPRESS:06

[06] President Clerides - Departure - New York

Speaking at Larnaca Airport, President Clerides said that one of the reasons for the trip was to evaluate the prospects of a debate on the Cyprus problem at the UN General Assembly.

He pointed out that the decision for a debate would not depend solely on the reply of the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.

Asked on the prospects for an initiative by the UN Chief, President Clerides replied that during their recent meeting in Durban, South Africa, on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement summit, they decided the issue would be discussed again in New York.

President Clerides also noted that the UN Chief invited his Resident Representative, Ann Hercus, to attend the meeting while it is possible that his Special Advisor on Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, will also be present.

President Clerides will also have meetings with representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as other Council members.

A meeting with US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke has also been arranged.

Meetings will also be held with other heads of state. President Clerides is accompanied by Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides and leaders and representatives of the parties participating in the National Council.

President Clerides will return on September 29.

CNA MAN/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2130:CYPPRESS:07

[07] President Clerides - Michaelides - Corruption allegations

Asked whether Interior Minister, Dinos Michaelides, involved in allegedly corrupt practices, according to accusations by ruling DISI MP and President of House of Representatives' Watchdog Committee, Christos Pourgourides still enjoys his confidence, President Clerides replied:

"Of course he enjoys my confidence until investigations are held to determine the real situation."

He said he has prepared a letter and as soon as he receives Michaelides' reply on the accusations he will send both to the Auditor General to be investigated.

Commenting on Pourgourides' accusations, President Clerides pointed out that it would have been better if before public accusations were made they were substantiated through investigations.

Pourgourides claims Michaelides has acquired property worth more than two million pounds (one Cyprus pound is about two US dollars) since taking office.

He argues "this could not have been achieved by legal means". Pourgourides made public evidence concerning Michaelides' property, after briefing both President Clerides and House President, Spyros Kyprianou.

Michaelides on his part rejected the accusations, describing them as "false and unfounded", adding that he acquired his property through inheritance, loans, mortgages and business transactions, before he was appointed Minister.

During a press conference, he also presented evidence according to which Pourgourides had on a few occasions asked for favours, often disputing police reports of persons described as being of bad character.

CNA MCH/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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