Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 96-12-20

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

News Update

20/12/96

CONTENTS

• [01] Boutros-Ghali warns Cyprus sides of the need for reconciliation
• [02] Government Spokesman on UN Secretary-General's report on Cyprus
• [03] Greek and Turkish Cypriot youth have common concerns

[01] Boutros-Ghali warns Cyprus sides of the need for reconciliation

In his final report of his mission of good offices in Cyprus to the Security Council, Boutros-Ghali says that the situation on the island has deteriorated seriously and has been marked by a level of violence unprecedented since 1974. Frustration that a settlement has proved elusive for so long runs deep within both communities, he adds.

"Unless the political leadership on both sides manifests the necessary determination to negotiate an overall settlement and this process is fully supported by Greece and Turkey, the present situation will persist and even lead to greater dangers", he says.

He explains that the developments of recent months and the military build up in Cyprus "have underscored...that the status quo in Cyprus is most unstable and is not tenable", adding that the recent events are "a warning".

"The apparent calm that has prevailed for some years has lulled political leaders and the people of both communities into a false sense of stability'', Boutros-Ghali notes. "Beneath the surface, however, the situation in Cyprus is changing, in terms both of the demographic composition of the island and of the relationship of the two communities with each other and to the outside world''.

"Either the two communities will take control of their destiny by reaching an overall settlement on the basis that has already been agreed, or forces beyond their control will fundamentally change the situation on the island", he warns.

The UN Secretary General says that an urgent effort is require in 1997 to bring about early direct talks between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus and preparations in this respect are being intensified by the UN Secretariat. He calls upon Greece and Turkey ''to become active in support of the Secretary-General's good offices mission''.

However, he says, the success of this effort will depend on the creation of an atmosphere of confidence and reconciliation between the two communities. He says both leaders should clearly and publicly commit themselves to such a process and must give tangible indications that they are seeking an overall settlement on the basis of one country and to ensure that their words and deeds are in harmony with that objective. "

Both leaders, he remarks, should "shift away from polemics and mutual accusations and towards their future relationship in a federal Cyprus. Messages of reconciliation and tolerance from both leaders and their communities are long overdue".

Mr Ghali then calls on both sides to implement goodwill measures that give tangible indications their good intentions. Such measures should include crossing with minimal formality by members of both communities, facilitating bicommunal contact, co-operation and joint projects in areas of inter- communal concern, elimination of provocative emblems and slogans, island- wide telephone communications, and bicommunal commercial activities and trade. He also stresses that the UNFICYP proposals for further unmanning, the prohibition of loaded weapons and a military code of conduct along the cease-fire lines be agreed to and implemented without delay.

Referring to the Cyprus government's efforts to join the European Union, he says that this is an important new development that should facilitate an overall settlement. "It is clearly in the vital interests of both communities to reach a solution before accession negotiations begin", he adds.

In conclusion he says that the current situation offers the two communities both a warning signal and an opportunity.

"The two leaders have a responsibility to their communities and Cyprus as a whole to recognise the seriousness of the moment and to seize the opportunity it presents by agreeing to negotiate a comprehensive settlement on the basis of mutual concessions and to facilitate this process by conveying to each other in both words and deeds a message of reconciliation".

[02] Government Spokesman on UN Secretary-General's report on Cyprus

Cassoulides says that it is evident that the UN Secretary General comes to the conclusion that direct negotiations cannot begin and yield positive results for the time being and therefore agrees that common ground and proper preparation are required.

Asked to evaluate the outgoing UN Secretary-General's contribution to Cyprus, the Government Spokesman said that Ghali had shown special interest in the Cyprus problem during his term in office and had not hesitated to denounce the lack of political will displayed by the Turkish Cypriot side.

Cassoulides expressed the conviction that Ghali's work towards a settlement of the Cyprus problem would be continued by his successor, Kofi Annan.

[03] Greek and Turkish Cypriot youth have common concerns

''The youth express the concerns of both communities on the island and reaffirm the need for frequent meetings between Greek and Turkish Cypriots'', President Clerides told the press after receiving 24 Greek Cypriot and 18 Turkish Cypriot students.

The meeting between the Cyprus President and the students from both communities took place within the framework of bicommunal working groups organised by the Fulbright Commission.

On the usefulness of bicommunal meetings, President Clerides pointed out that "with an open dialogue between the youth of the two communities many of the misunderstandings regarding the obligations of one side towards the other are resolved".

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

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