Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-08-29

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

News Update

Friday, 29/08/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Government considers diplomatic incident with Italy closed
• [02] House President appeals to Italian parliamentarians
• [03] A just settlement for Cyprus is a priority for overseas Cypriots
• [04] Holbrooke will do his best
• [05] Europarliamentarian reacts to Italian Foreign Minister's statement
• [06] New ambassadors

[01] Government considers diplomatic incident with Italy closed

Mr Christofides described the clarifications issued by the Italian Foreign Ministry and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi's reassurances that his country's stand on Cyprus had not changed, as a development which satisfies the government and restores political relations between the two countries.

He added, however, that the government was "concerned" over the timing of Dini's statement and was looking into the "motives" behind the statement.

He also welcomed the fact that the Greek Premier acted immediately and spoke with his Italian counterpart, who put the record straight.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Spokesman said that serious developments are expected in December when the date for entry negotiations with the European Union and that 1998 will be a very crucial year.

He denied Turkish claims that the first components of the Russian-made S- 300 anti-aircraft missile system will be installed in Cyprus in December.

"They will arrive in the middle of 1998, but they will not arrive at all if agreement is reached on President Clerides' proposal for demilitarisation, or if there is progress on the Cyprus problem which would justify such a decision", he said.

He also stressed that the peace process continues and has not stopped, but just paused until the UN decides what the next step will be.

"What the next step will be does not depend on us but on the United Nations", he added.

[02] House President appeals to Italian parliamentarians

Mr Kyprianou expresses his surprise at the statements saying that they are in total contradiction to all relevant UN resolutions which call on all states not to recognise any other state in Cyprus other than the Republic of Cyprus or in any way proceed with any actions that may assist the breakaway state.

He said the statements are also contrary to the official positions of the European Union on the Cyprus problem and on the start of Cyprus' entry negotiations.

He expresses satisfaction over the Italian Prime Minister's statement, he stresses that the concern he feels over Mr Dini's statements still continues, in view of the fact that they came after the failure of the recent UN-led talks on the Cyprus problem and in view of the crucial period Cyprus is now entering as regards its entry negotiations with the EU.

He concludes by expressing the firm conviction that Italian parliamentarians will continue to respect the principles of international law and to support the EU's decisions regarding Cyprus and that they will not condone any actions that would put obstacles in front of efforts to restore respect for the human rights of the people of Cyprus or to the island's efforts to join Europe.

[03] A just settlement for Cyprus is a priority for overseas Cypriots

This was stated today at a joint press conference between the new President of the International Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), Mr Harry Sophoclides and the President of the International Co-ordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) Mr Philip Christopher on the conclusion of the 10th World Congress of Overseas Cypriots (25-28 August 1997).

"Towards this end we try to co-ordinate our efforts with those of the Cyprus government", Mr Sophoclides said.

Mr Christopher on his part said that the next six months will be very crucial as the American (Holbrooke) initiative for the solution of the Cyprus issue will be starting as will be Cyprus' accession negotiations with the EU.

The PSEKA President said that in the USA they will keep reminding the Clinton administration that a Cyprus solution should be based on human rights. In European countries, overseas Cypriots will focus their efforts for Cyprus' entry into the EU for the benefit of all Cypriots, he said.

[04] Holbrooke will do his best

He said if we fail again, we fail. He added, however, that he would exert every possible effort and would be visiting the region later this year.

[05] Europarliamentarian reacts to Italian Foreign Minister's statement

In a statement issued yesterday Mr Monfils recalls that EU and US efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem were not fruitful because of Turkish intransigence. He also stresses that the Turkish Cypriot side does not respect the basic human rights of the enclaved.

Mr Monfils also refers to the position of the European Parliament, as confirmed by the European Commission in Agenda 2000, in that if no solution is found to the Cyprus problem before accession talks begin, then these will be carried out with the Cyprus government alone.

According to the statement Mr Monfils will propose that the presidency of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee on 2 September makes an official protestation to the Luxembourg EU Presidency on Mr Dini's stance.

[06] New ambassadors

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

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