Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-08-22

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

News Update

Friday, 22/08/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus government satisfied with Security Council's position on talks
• [02] Richard Holbrooke consults with UN Special adviser on Cyprus
• [03] Overseas Cypriots begin their 10th World Congress in Nicosia

[01] Cyprus government satisfied with Security Council's position on talks

Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides said during Thursday's (21.8.97) daily press briefing: "We note with satisfaction that the Council expressed concern and disappointment over the fact that the Turkish Cypriot side tried to block any substantive progress, introducing terms which are contrary to recent Security Council resolutions and which the European Union (EU) also rejects."

After a Security Council briefing on Wednesday, by the Secretary-General's Special Advisor for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, its President told the press "there was a sense of disappointment" that progress was not reached during recent direct talks at Montreux, Switzerland, between 11-15 August.

"There was a sense that commendation was due to President Clerides for the flexibility and co-operation that he had shown at this round of talks," Sir John said.

He added there was also "some concern and disappointment that further substantive progress at this time was impeded by the attempt to bring preconditions to the table by the other party, and here of course I mean the Turkish Cypriots".

The Cyprus Spokesman underlined that the government "remains committed to the procedure for a solution to the Cyprus problem, through the Secretary- General's good offices mission."

"We are ready to cooperate fully in this direction", he stressed.

Mr. Christofides added that "it is up to the UN to find ways to handle this temporary impasse the Turkish side's intransigence has created" and decide on the procedure it will follow to solve the Cyprus problem and implement its resolutions on Cyprus.

Asked to clarify what he meant by "temporary impasse", the Spokesman noted "the procedure to solve the Cyprus issue is continuous." Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, brought the talks to a standstill because he insisted the European Union postpones or reverses its decision to begin accession talks with Cyprus next year.

[02] Richard Holbrooke consults with UN Special Adviser on Cyprus

"Richard Holbrooke, the United States Special Presidential Emissary on Cyprus, visited Headquarters today, the Associate Spokesman said. He held a meeting with the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, and Under-Secretary-General Kieran Prendergast in which they reviewed in detail the recent meeting in Glion, Switzerland. Mr. Holbrooke and Mr. Cordovez agreed to remain in touch, to exchange views and information regarding their efforts to pursue a process of negotiations on Cyprus".

[03] Overseas Cypriots begin their 10th World Congress in Nicosia

The Congress will tackle the various problems facing Cypriot communities abroad and especially those affecting the younger third generation, and the role of Cypriots living abroad as the 21st century approaches.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides will open the Congress and will also brief the delegates on recent political developments in Cyprus.

The Congress will be addressed, among others, by House President Spyros Kyprianou, Archbishop Chrysostomos, Athens Mayor, Demetris Avramopoulos, the President of the Parliamentary Committee of Overseas Greeks, Gregoris Notis, US Ambassador to Luxembourg, Clay Constantinou and several British MPs.

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

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