Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-11-04

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

News Update

Tuesday, 04/11/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Greek Cypriot side has replied to UN on issue of missing
• [02] Clerides discusses Kofi Annan's letter with UN envoy
• [03] Balkan Summit: Greek Premier issues an invitation of cooperation in the new era
• [04] Simitis describes his meeting with Yilmaz as a useful step
• [05] European Programme LEONARDO DA VINCI inaugurated in Cyprus
• [06] Chinese Minister of Culture to visit Cyprus
• [07] Tourism Council holds first meeting

[01] Greek Cypriot side has replied to UN on issue of missing

Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides said he hoped the Turkish Cypriot side would keep its word and hand in information concerning Greek Cypriots missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Moreover, Mr Christofides said he hoped it was "a matter of time and not a matter of refusal" to hand in the information as agreed.

[02] Clerides discusses Kofi Annan's letter with UN envoy

Kofi Annan wrote to the two sides in Cyprus as well as the governments of Greece and Turkey, proposing a visit by Cordovez to investigate whether they would be willing to participate in open-ended talks to solve the Cyprus problem.

Mr Feissel said after the meeting that he will discuss the matter with Denktash when he returns to Cyprus.

The UN envoy refrained from commenting on what could be expected from Cordovez's visit in view of Denktash's public statements that he would not be able to meet the UN official.

During the Clerides-Feissel meeting the issue of the missing was also discussed as well as possible dates for future talks.

[03] Balkan Summit: Greek Premier issues an invitation of cooperation in the new era

[04] Simitis describes his meeting with Yilmaz as a useful step

The Greek Premier described the meeting as a "useful" step and said that both sides had expressed their support for the Madrid declaration of principles to smooth out relations between the two countries last July. Moreover, they agreed to continue the process of exchanging views through bilateral committees of experts as well as to treat the 1988 Papoulias- Yilmaz memorandum as a basis for overcoming disputes.

"Mr Yilmaz believes that problems can be overcome by dialogue on all issues, which however, has taken place in the past, but without results. We insist on a step-by-step approach, and particularly on the steps we have defined for overcoming differences", the Greek Premier said.

Mr Simitis also said he had accepted an invitation to visit Turkey at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.

Prior to the meeting, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said in Nicosia that whatever the result of the Simitis-Yilmaz meeting "it will surely affect the Cyprus problem".

He said if the atmosphere of the Crete meeting is similar to that of the Madrid encounter in July, (on the sidelines of a NATO summit) "then the consequences on the Cyprus problem will be positive".

"If talks fail, then tension will be greater and there will be repercussions on the Cyprus problem", he added.

Moreover, Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides also said yesterday before the meeting, that an improvement in relations between Greece and Turkey would reflect positively on Cyprus.

He described the Madrid and Crete meetings between Mr Simitis and Mr Yilmaz as a "window of hope" for Cyprus, pointing out, however, that this would entirely depend on how sincere the Turkish side would be about these meetings.

[05] European Programme LEONARDO DA VINCI inaugurated in Cyprus.

The pledge was given by Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Andreas Moushiouttas during a ceremony yesterday to inaugurate Cyprus' participation in the LEONARDO DA VINCI Programme.

The Minister pointed out that the achievement of common goals in this programme presupposes the existence of excellent relations, convergence of views and the offer of sincere cooperation.

Mr Moushiouttas urged the Cypriot present and future participants in the programme to work hard and systematically for high achievements in the area of European cooperation.

[06] Chinese Minister of Culture to visit Cyprus

The two Ministers will sign a programme for cultural cooperation between Cyprus and China.

During his visit, Zhongde will be received by President Glafcos Clerides.

Cultural cooperation between Cyprus and China includes the exchange of visits by artists from both countries, as well as exhibitions of fine and folkloric arts, books and cinema. Moreover, it includes cooperation and promotion of educational cultural issues, athletics, tourism, the youth and the mass media.

[07] Tourism Council holds first meeting

Set up by the Council of Ministers, the Council includes six ministers as well as 45 representatives from the private sector.

Minister of Commerce and Industry Kyriakos Christofi said there has been a good exchange of views, mainly from the private sector on the role and function of the Tourism Council. This was important as the Council would have to tackle many diverse issues in the future, he said.

"The general consensus was that the formation of this body was a positive move, and all expressed willingness to act, each in his own way, for the successful functioning of the body", he added.

The Minister also said that committees dealing with specific issues would be appointed and the Council would meet again at the end of November to decide committee regulations. Draft regulations would be prepared by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Minister also stressed the advisory role the Council would play, complementing government tourism policies.

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

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