Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-06-20

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

News Update

Friday, 20/06/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Kofi Annan considers EU prospect as new impetus towards Cyprus settlement
• [02] Spyros Kyprianou: "Russian involvement in UN effort at this stage is really crucial"
• [03] Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister visits Cyprus
• [04] Present division of Cyprus is not acceptable, says British Minister

[01] Kofi Annan considers EU prospect as new impetus towards Cyprus settlement

Mr Annan, who was replying to questions after an address he gave at the Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C., said "this year there is a new element, the desire of Cyprus to join the EU and the fact that the parties and the EU and us (UN) would want to see this issue resolved before admission to the Union".

He added that this might also "give them a new impetus to want to settle".

Mr Annan referred to the upcoming direct talks between President Clerides and Mr Denktash on 9 July, saying "we are bringing them to New York to discuss face-to-face peace, the peace process".

The UN Chief welcomed the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as the US Presidential emissary on Cyprus and said Holbrooke was someone "who is going to get involved for peace in Cyprus", adding that he thinks "he's going to a be a wonderful addition".

[02] Spyros Kyprianou: "Russian involvement in UN effort at this stage is really crucial"

He was referring to the Russian involvement as part of the team of the five permanent members of the Security Council, ahead of the face-to-face talks between President Clerides and Mr Denktash due to start on 9 July.

Mr Kyprianou, heading an all-party parliamentary delegation on an official visit to Moscow, had a meeting yesterday with the President of the State Duma Gennady Selezniov as well as with Patriarch Alexios II.

The House President called on the US, which opposes the deployment of the Russian S-300 missile system in Cyprus, to take advantage of the period between now and the delivery of the system (16 months) to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw its occupation troops from Cyprus and help promote the demilitarisation of the island.

[03] Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister visits Cyprus

"China, as well as the permanent members of the UN Security Council, have always been concerned about the Cyprus problem and we hope a rapid solution can be brought about through the efforts made by the international community, the UN in particular, to address the issue appropriately", Peiding said upon his arrival at Larnaca airport yesterday.

Mr Ji Peiding is having a meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides today which will be followed by official talks at the Foreign Ministry. After the talks a Protocol on Cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries will be signed.

The Chinese official will also be received by President Clerides and will have a meeting with the House Foreign Affairs committee as well as with Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades

[04] Present division of Cyprus is not acceptable, says British Minister

The British Minister responsible for Cyprus, in a letter replying to Conservative MP Sir Sydney Chapman, also said that Britain is determined to help in any way it can to ensure that direct, face-to-face negotiations take place soon, stressing his country's support in the UN effort.

"The prospect of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union also brings a new opportunity to make progress towards a settlement", Mr Henderson wrote in his letter. "Accession negotiations will open six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference under the UK's Presidency of the EU. We believe that Cyprus can make a substantial contribution to the EU. We hope that accession will benefit all Cypriots. The accession of a united Cyprus can achieve this", he added.

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

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