Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-07-07

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

News Update

Monday, 07/07/97

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides flies to New York for face-to-face talks
• [02] Cyprus to participate in World Telefood
• [03] President Clerides thanks US President for his commitment to Cyprus
• [04] Greek Cypriot teacher Eleni Foka denied access to her home

[01] President Clerides flies to New York for face-to-face talks

President Clerides will attend the UN sponsored face-to-face talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash scheduled to start on 9 July at Troutbeck, north of Manhattan.

Invited to comment on recent threats by Turkish Vice President, Bulent Ecevit, who was Prime Minister during Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in 1974, that if Cyprus joins the European Union then the occupied areas will be annexed to Turkey, President Clerides said that we handle such threats with great seriousness. He noted that Turkey's claim that Cyprus cannot join the EU as a result of the London-Zurich agreements reached in 1960, which established the Republic, have already been turned down by many members of the United Europe.

"It has been made clear by many EU countries that if a solution to the Cyprus problem is not reached due to Turkish intransigence, this will not form an obstacle to the Republic's accession course", President Clerides pointed out.

Asked to comment on a statement by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel that Cyprus cannot join the EU with its political problem unresolved, President Clerides said the answer has been given by the Greek government.

"Greece will not agree to an enlargement of the EU that does not include Cyprus", Clerides said.

During the negotiations between 9-13 July, President Clerides will be accompanied by two advisors - Attorney General, Alecos Markides and Under- Secretary to the President, Pantelis Kouros.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will also be accompanied by two advisors.

Envoys from 12 countries will be in the wings of the direct talks, including representatives from the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the European Union.

[02] Cyprus to participate in World Telefood

The telethon, due to take place over three days from 17, 18 and 19 October this year, aims to collect money for the funding of development programmes in 80 FAO member-countries which face a permanent food shortage and depend on international humanitarian aid for the feeding of their populations.

[03] President Clerides thanks US President for his commitment to Cyprus

In his message, Mr Clerides also underlined his hope that the forthcoming UN-sponsored direct negotiations in New York "will pave the way to a just settlement of the Cyprus question based on UN resolutions and principles of international law".

[04] Greek Cypriot teacher Eleni Foka denied access to her home

Since last May when Foka came to the government-controlled areas for medical treatment, the occupation regime has been refusing to allow her to return to her home in the Karpass peninsula because she refuses to sign the identity card of the self-style Turkish Cypriot "state".

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

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