Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-12-11

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

News Update

11/12/96

CONTENTS

• [01] Message by the President of the Republic on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• [02] UN Special Representative on latest fact-finding visit to Cyprus
• [03] Cyprus' defence programme will continue

[01] Message by the President of the Republic on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

"In this year of the 48th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the people and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus join me in warmly congratulating you for the achievements of the United Nations in the field of human rights law.

Indeed, significant accomplishments have been made in the promotion of human rights since the end of the Second World War through the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent conventions and instruments endorsed by the international community. At the same time, we cannot but recognize that the United Nations system is still not adequately equipped to meet the growing demands confronting it in the field of human rights. Nothing can be more important than meeting this responsibility. It is the raison d'etre of the United Nations and central to the vision of its founding fathers and many world missionaries who dedicated their lives for a world community living in peace, under the laws of justice.

We urgently need to focus our attention and efforts on the implementation of all existing human rights instruments. Perpetrators of violations should not only be identified and condemned, but the rule of law should, at all costs and in all cases, be restored in a way that would secure the prevention of future violations.

The case of Cyprus, especially as far as the plight of the missing, the displaced and the enclaved people is concerned, is a glaring example of flagrant violation of all human rights instruments and non-implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations.

The international dimension of the Cyprus question continues to have grave implications for the international legal and humanitarian order and for peace and security in our volatile region. It is a clear case of the violation of all human rights by a powerful neighbour, Turkey, bent on imposing by force its arbitrary prescription of a partitionist solution, thus violating both individual and collective human rights of the people of Cyprus.

We, in Cyprus, continue to look upon the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a guide to our struggle towards finding a just, viable and lasting solution to our national problem. We look to the future. Our vision is a homeland where individual human rights and fundamental freedoms are safeguarded, promoted and respected by all and for all, without distinction as to race, gender, language or religion".

[02] UN Special Representative on latest fact-finding visit to Cyprus

"The discussion centred on how the government would expect Han to act when the accelerated process towards proximity talks begins", he added.

The UN Special Representative did not discuss with President Clerides the question of the ongoing military dialogue nor the issue of banning military overflights over Cyprus, but President Clerides took the opportunity to bring up the latest Turkish threats against Cyprus, the Spokesman said.

On his part, Han refrained from giving any details about the meeting with President Clerides, noting that it was a continuation of the search "for possibility and feasibility of serious discussions which will hopefully and ultimately lead to negotiations between the two parties.

"I came here with the view of finding the possibility of launching an accelerated process and we are still seeking that possibility", he said.

Professor Han also briefed the Cyprus government about his recent visits to London, Washington, Bonn and Paris, saying that he feels he is in a position to co-ordinate all efforts towards peace negotiations and conveying the wishes of those governments to assist in his task.

Cassoulides also said it became clear that the UN Special Representative is the person who will take over the proximity talks and be in close co- operation with other governments.

Han had a meeting Tuesday (10.12.96) afternoon with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and a working breakfast with President Clerides was planned for Wednesday (11.12.96).

[03] Cyprus' defence programme will continue

Akbel said no one should expect Turkey to tolerate the deployment of long- range missiles that threatened its security. He was referring to reports that the Greek Cypriot side is interested in purchasing Russian-built S-300 surface-to-air missiles to boost the National Guard's air defences.

"As long as there is a strong military presence of Turkey in Cyprus we have an obligation to build our defences, and in doing this we are not going to seek approval from Turkey", Michaelides said on Tuesday (10.12.96).

"We are going to buy anything we think is necessary for our defence. That is our moral obligation", he said and added that we are seeking to defend ourselves, not attack anyone else.

Michaelides also reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side's demilitarisation proposal would be a significant step towards defusing tension on the island. He said the government would be ready to embark on such a proposal "tomorrow" were it not for the Turkish Cypriot side's rejection of the plan.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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