Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-03-21

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

News Update

Friday, 21/03/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Two new ambassadors to Cyprus
• [02] House President in London
• [03] Cyprus and Lebanon sign protocol on transfer of convicts
• [04] Summer time

[01] Two new ambassadors to Cyprus

Mr Mrkic expressed his country's deepest gratitude to the people of Cyprus for the support and countless humanitarian assistance provided to his people in the years of need, as well as Yugoslavia's "strong support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus."

He said "we sincerely hope that the long standing and just demands of the Cypriot people will be finally acknowledged and fulfilled."

Mr Jacobs, who is the first South African ambassador to Cyprus, referred to common interests between the two countries.

He said that the most important single ingredient of their relations is the Cypriot community in South Africa, including the South African-Cypriot expatriates now living in Cyprus, and added that they are an asset to both countries.

He said this community has always been deeply involved in South African Society, excelling in the vital sphere of the economy, which is at the centre stage of their bilateral and multilateral foreign policy objectives.

He said South Africa "would support Cyprus in finding an internationally acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem with the same steadfastness and principled stance displayed by the people of Cyprus during our country's struggle to solve our internal divisions and to regain our rightful place within the family of nations".

[02] House President in London

The House President briefed the MPs on the latest developments in Cyprus and stressed that support for Cyprus is vital at this critical juncture when intense efforts are underway in finding a solution to the island's protracted problem.

Mr Kyprianou also met with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd.

Yesterday Mr Kyprianou met with British Special Representative on Cyprus, Sir David Hannay, who described his country's role in efforts towards a Cyprus solution as "supportive" and not "alternative".

Asked about the role of Britain, the US and the European Union (EU) at this stage of the ongoing UN-sponsored proximity talks between the two sides in Cyprus, Sir David said "we are all trying to help the UN, we are trying to help the process of intensive preparation underway now and I hope this will lead on to face-to-face talks."

He said "it is the UN that is in the lead" and "are now engaged in very intensive talks."

Sir David stressed that what is most important is "to ensure that this concerted effort by the international community to get a solution, which in the end will come down to the two leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, and ensure that there is the best chance they possibly have."

Later on Mr Kyprianou had a meeting with Shadow Foreign Secretary, Labour MP Robin Cook.

[03] Cyprus and Lebanon sign protocol on transfer of convicts

Cyprus' Justice and Public Order Minister, Alecos Evangelou, currently on an official visit to Lebanon, and his Lebanese counterpart Rabige Tabbarah signed the protocol, which will be effective in 30 days time.

[04] Summer time

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

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