Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-09-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus - UN - NAM

[02] Cyprus delegation - Strasbourg

[03] Czech MPs - Cyprus

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[01] Cyprus - UN - NAM

The letter included the reference on Cyprus in the Final Communique of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit which took place earlier this month in Durban, South Africa.

In his letter to the UN Secretary General, Cyprus' Permanent Representative, Sotos Zackheos, said that the communique "reflects the principled position of all the non-aligned countries concerning the situation in Cyprus."

In the extract on Cyprus, NAM condemns the Turkish intransigence and Ankara's efforts to change the bicommunal basis of the peace talks.

"At this crucial moment when the Turkish side hardens even further its positions and tries to undermine the basis of the intercommunal negotiations in Cyprus for finding a bicommunal, bizonal federal solution on the basis of the high level Agreements and UN Resolutions, the NAM countries condemned the declared attempts of the Turkish side for a change of the basis of the intercommunal dialogue under the mandate UN Secretary General," Zackheos said.

NAM leaders, he added, "consider such demands contrary to the relevant UN resolutions, the NAM declarations and the principles of international law and call for their withdrawal."

Zackheos cited NAM's disappointment over the fact that no progress has been achieved because of the Turkish side's intransigence and attempts to introduce preconditions in the two rounds of direct negotiations held under the aegis of the UN Secretary General last summer.

He added that NAM heads underlined the importance of the effective implementation of UN Resolutions on Cyprus and for resolute action to this end, including the President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for demilitarisation and reaffirmed their support to the UN SG efforts for a just, comprehensive workable solution in Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash earlier this month proposed the establishment of a confederation of two states in Cyprus, which was rejected by the Cyprus government and all political leaders as it is contrary to UN resolutions for a settlement.

CNA MA/KN/EC/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Cyprus delegation - Strasbourg

The delegation which is led by deputy Panagiotis Demetriou, will discuss the adoption of a European code regarding the sale of weapons, the European Maritime Policy and CoE's relations with the Organisation for the Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The Sub-Committee for Cultural Heritage is expected to discuss a report by Belgian senator, Paul Staes on the cultural heritage in Cyprus' Turkish occupied areas. Deputy Takis Hadzidemetriou co-chairs the committee.

CNA EC/KN/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] Czech MPs - Cyprus

During their four day official visit, the MPs will meet Acting President of the Republic and House President, Spyros Kyprianou and their Cypriot counterparts.

The Czech MPs will also participate in a session of the Foreign and Defence Committee which will be chaired by its President, Tassos Papadopoulos.

The seven-member delegation will meet Acting Foreign Minister, Christodoulos Christodoulou, Defence Minister Yiannakis Omirou and the Chief Negotiator in the European Union - Cyprus accession talks, George Vasiliou.

Finally they will visit areas near the buffer zone. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory

CNA KN/EC/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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