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Friday, 22 November 2024
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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-05-27Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>News UpdateTuesday, 27/05/97CONTENTS[01] President Clerides dismisses statements by DemirelPresident Glafcos Clerides rejected yesterday statements by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, who said in a T.V. interview that his country continues the occupation of part of Cyprus because it is only interested in the security of the Turkish Cypriots. Responding to Demirel's statements, President Clerides stressed that Turkey occupies part of the island "for her own interest".In the statement, read yesterday to the press by Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides, it was also pointed out that ''Cyprus' accession to the European Union will also ensure the security of the Turkish Cypriots, '' and Mr. Demirel ''contradicts himself'' when he says Cyprus cannot join the EU before Turkey, or else the Cyprus problem will never be solved. President Clerides noted the Turkish position over Cyprus' EU membership ''was known to the EU when it set the date for accession talks to begin six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference''. Clerides described Demirel's precondition for Cyprus' entry to the EU as ''colonial'', noting that Ankara ''has an attitude by which it considers Cyprus as its colony''. He also dismissed the Turkish President's position that according to the Treaties through which the Republic of Cyprus was established, in 1960, Cyprus cannot join the EU. ''This stems from a wrong and arbitrary interpretation of these agreements, '' the President added. Commenting on Demirel's statement that had Turkey wanted to take over the whole of the island, it could have done so when it invaded Cyprus in 1974, Clerides said Ankara's expansionist policy towards Cyprus is ''indisputable through its various illegal actions", giving as examples the influx of some 60.000 mainland Turks, the destruction of Cyprus's cultural heritage and the change of names of the towns, villages and all places in the Turkish occupied areas ''which have been internationally condemned.'' [02] UN Secretary General considers next steps on CyprusGovernment Spokesman Manolis Christofides said yesterday that Cyprus is expecting the UN Secretary-General to decide his next steps on Cyprus after studying a report prepared by the Under Secretary-General, Sir Kieran Prendergast, who recently visited the island for meetings with the two sides.Mr. Christofides also said that the new round of direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, expected to begin early in July in New York, is believed to be different to previous meetings. The Government Spokesman added that there are assurances that this round of talks will not be like the others, noting that if one takes into consideration the number of foreign countries that have expressed willingness to help efforts for a Cyprus solution, one would expect ''they will have the result they are aiming at.'' Christofides also said the government has been informed that ''other powers'' with the ability to exert influence will be present at the place where the direct negotiations are expected to be held. [03] Eleni Foka transferred to free areas for medical treatmentFollowing representations by the Cyprus government to the UN over Eleni Foka's health, the enclaved Greek Cypriot teacher was brought from Ayia Triada village to the free areas yesterday and was admitted to Nicosia General Hospital for examinations.Foka, who has not been well for some time, suffering from dizzy spells and headaches, had refused to leave her house in the Karpass peninsula in Turkish- occupied Cyprus for the past nine months, because of Turkish threats she would not be allowed to return unless she agreed to be issued with an ''identity card'' of the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime. Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides earlier in the day regretted the fact that Council of Europe diplomat Andras Barsony had been unable to meet the enclaved teacher when he visited the Karpass peninsula last week. Barsony has been criticised for taking the word of a Turkish Cypriot doctor on the state of her health when declaring that Foka was not ill. [04] Akamas region should be protectedA mass rally was held in Paphos last night organised by political parties and local organisations calling for the termination of British military exercises in the Akamas Peninsula.The House of Representatives Environment Committee also called on the government to be more dynamic in its efforts to put an end to the British Forces exercises which bring destruction to the environmentally sensitive area of Cyprus, unique for its flora and fauna. Today, Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides underlined the need to protect the environmentally sensitive Akamas region. The statement was made following yesterday's protest against British military exercises in the area. Christofides added that the United Kingdom has consented to end military exercises in the region of Akamas once an alternative training area is provided by the government. The competent authorities of the Republic are in the process of studying a number of alternatives. He also pointed out that the facilities granted to Britain are included in the 1960 Treaty of Establishment. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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