Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-12-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Defence Minister - Message

1140:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Defence Minister - Message

In a message on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year, Omirou congratulates the National Guard military and political staff for the devotion they display in carrying out their duties.

"The continuing occupation of part of our country and the violent division of our people place a shadow over the spirit of hope that marks these days and force Cypriot Hellenism to continue to struggle for its rights," he says.

Underlining the dangers for "our ethnic and physical survival in the land of our ancestors", the Defence Minister says "we reaffirm our determination to struggle for the inalienable sovereign rights of the Cyprus Republic and the human rights of our people."

He says the armed forces are "the shield that will prevent a new Turkish offensive and will back peaceful efforts to put an end to the occupation of part of our country."

UN efforts for a settlement in Cyprus, divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory in 1974, have so far failed because of the unwillingness of the Turkish side to cooperate.

Omirou points out that Greece, Greeks living abroad and the civilised international community back the Republic's struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We express the hope that the expectations of Cypriot Hellenism will be met," he adds.

CNA MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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