Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-23

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

News Update

Tuesday, 23/12/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Election day officially announced
• [02] Stolen church treasures returned
• [03] Cyprus favours improved Greco-Turkish relations

[01] Election day officially announced

An official decree designated 9 January as the last day for presidential hopefuls to submit their bids.

The five-year term in office of President Glafcos Clerides ends formally on 28 February 1998.

Under the constitution, presidential elections are held every five years.

So far, six persons, including incumbent President Clerides, 78, who has topped most recent polls, have declared their decision to run for the presidency. Clerides candidature is backed by the island's largest party, the right-wing Democratic Rally (Disy).

Independent George Iacovou, 59, a former Foreign Minister, is backed by left wing party Akel, the island's second biggest party and centre-right party Diko, which announced its decision to back him yesterday.

Other candidates include former President George Vassiliou, Socialist EDEK leader Vasos Lyssarides, former Foreign Minister George Iacovou, and other party leaders.

Under the constitution, if no candidate secures more than 50 per cent on 8 February, a second ballot will take place the following Sunday between the two front-runners.

Voting is compulsory, and over 400,000 people are eligible to vote. For the first time, 18-year-olds will be allowed to vote in presidential elections. The previous age limit was 21.

[02] Stolen church treasures returned

The 32 pieces consist mainly of frescoes from the church of Antiphonitis and one mosaic from the church of Kanakaria in the village of Lythrangomi in the Turkish occupied areas.

[03] Cyprus favours improved Greco-Turkish relations

This was stated yesterday by Government Spokesman, Manolis Christofides, who stressed that "Greco-Turkish friendship would also imply a solution to the Cyprus problem in the framework of UN resolutions".

Christofides said the government "supports Turkey's European aspirations", pointing out, however, that Ankara should respect the preconditions set by the EU.

"Turkey's European prospect will also depend on the progress achieved in the Cyprus problem, and on abandoning its policy of trying to obstruct Cyprus' accession to the EU", the Spokesman added.

Mr Christofides expressed satisfaction with the meeting in Washington between US President Bill Clinton and Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, because the Cyprus problem was among the issues discussed.

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

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