Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-04-21

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

News Update

Monday, 21/04/97

CONTENTS

• [01] UN Secretary-General appoints his new Special Representative for Cyprus
• [02] Canada appoints a Special Representative for Cyprus
• [03] No Greek military overflights during TOXOTIS exercise

[01] UN Secretary-General appoints his new Special Representative for Cyprus

Mr Cordovez, Equator Foreign Minister between 1988-92, had served for 25 years as staff member of the United Nations Secretariat. He was Under- Secretary General for Political Affairs from 1981 to 1988, in which capacity he conducted negotiations that led to the Soviet troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Geneva accord.

The UN announcement added: The Secretary-General is determined to press ahead with the intensified effort to bring about a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. The Secretary-General hopes that the current process will lead to direct talks between the two leaders within the next two or three months. The primary task of Mr Cordovez will be to prepare and assist the Secretary-General in chairing the next rounds of the inter-communal talks.

[02] Canada appoints a Special Representative for Cyprus

A statement by Mr Axworthy on April 17 said: "This appointment is aimed at demonstrating the keen interest we continue to have for the future of Cyprus and Canada's commitment to support the UN peace effort".

Canada contributed troops to the UN peacekeeping operations on the island from March 1964 until June 1993.

As Special Representative, Mr Bell will initiate discussions with the parties to the conflict as well as with other countries and organisations that are in a position to help reach a peaceful settlement. He will also provide an evaluation of the situation and present the views of the Canadian government.

Mr Bell will support efforts by the United Nations to foster a solution to the conflict in Cyprus. He will encourage all parties to co-operate with the UN and reach a final agreement".

Michael Bell, an experienced Foreign Ministry diplomat, has served as Canada's Ambassador in Peru, Russia, Holland and later became Assistant Deputy Minister. In 1996, he was appointed Canada's Special Representative on NATO enlargement.

[03] No Greek military overflights during TOXOTIS exercise

He explained this was a position adopted earlier by President Clerides, that the Greek Cypriot side will avoid any action that might negatively influence ongoing consultations on the Cyprus problem.

The Cypriot Foreign Minister added that this is a good will gesture from the government, but drew a distinction between this decision and the acceptance of a moratorium on all flights, which, he said, would view the Turkish illegal violations of Cypriot airspace under the same light.

In earlier statements in Athens, both Foreign Ministers, Pangalos and Kassoulides denied there has been any attempt by the United States to promote a package solution of all Greco-Turkish differences together with the Cyprus question. Yiannakis Kassoulides stressed, however, that any rapprochement between Greece and Turkey is bound to have a positive effect on Cyprus.

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

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