Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-11-20

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

20/11/96

CONTENTS

• [01] The EU condemns Turkish violence in Cyprus in UN speech
• [02] British Minister condemns Turkish violence in Cyprus in House of Commons reply
• [03] State measures on local government
• [04] News in brief

[01] The EU condemns Turkish violence in Cyprus in UN speech

The EU representative said:

"The EU calls for full respect of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Cypriots. We stress, in line with Security Council resolutions that the status quo in Cyprus is not acceptable and causes suffering to the population. In this respect the EU supports Security Council resolution 1062 of June 1996 and, in particular paragraph 7 concerning the human rights situation in the island.

The European Union strongly deplores the recent violence in Cyprus and the disproportionate use of lethal force by the forces in the north of the island against unarmed civilians. We wish to express out deep concern at the several tragic deaths which have occurred, and the many cases of injuries sustained, including by the United Nations peacekeeping personnel. We support UNFICYP in its insistence on the principle that deadly force must not be used.

We affirm once again our strong support for the good offices mission of the Secretary General. Through the Special Representative for Cyprus of the Presidency, the EU remains ready to co-operate fully with his mission and all other efforts to bring about a peaceful solution".

[02] British Minister condemns Turkish violence in Cyprus in House of Commons reply

"We have made clear to the Turkish government that we condemn the disproportionate use of force by security forces in the north of Cyprus, which has resulted in the tragic deaths of unarmed civilians along the ceasefire line. These incidents reinforce the importance of UN efforts to secure agreements on demanning, unloading and rules of conduct along the ceasefire lines".

[03] State measures on local government

He said that state funding to local government has increased this year to 4 per thousand of state income. This amounts to 2.9 million Cyprus pounds for the current year. In 1992 this amount was only one million Cyprus pounds, Mr Cassoulides said.

The improvement and simplification of tax returns to municipalities is also being promoted. This year municipalities are expected to receive 600,000 Cyprus pounds in tax returns, Mr Cassoulides added.

He also noted that the government was carrying out studies for reviewing the amount of financial aid given for street lighting and for town planning projects.

Contributions towards the construction of municipal buildings and the computerisation of their services will also continue, Mr Cassoulides said.

He also pointed out that the amendments to the Municipalities' Law have widened the jurisdiction of municipalities, which in turn will lead to the improvement of their finances.

[04] News in Brief

- The Ministry of Trade has announced that it is preparing a study on the treatment of used engine lubricants. The study is in its final stages and is part of the government's environmental policy.

- The Free Democrats Movement (KED) and the Renewal Democratic Socialist Movement (ADISOK) yesterday officially merged to form a new political party under the name of United Democrats.

Main Index

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