Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-12-31

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

News Update

Wednesday, 31/12/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Kasoulides: Turkey will face dilemma if it continues its negative stance þ
• [02] Government will seek to reopen bicommunal channels, Spokesman saysþ

[01] Kasoulides: Turkey will face dilemma if it continues itsþ negative stanceþ

Speaking to reporters on 30.12.97 Mr. Kasoulides repeated that Cyprus applied to join the EU as a whole, unitary state. If Turkey continues its negative stance, he added, and does not contribute to a solution, it will run the risk of militarily occupying territory which will be part of the European Union.þ

"Turkey's reaction to our accession course is proof that this course will, at the end of the day, be the catalyst of a solution and the only substantive pressure lever which can realistically be expected to exert pressure on the Turkish side to change its position", Mr. Kasoulides told the press.

The Turkish response, he pointed out, aims to halt the start of membership talks because such a development would bring Turkey before a serious dilemma.þ

"It will either have to accept a bicommunal, bizonal federation in Cyprus, or run the risk of seeing Cyprus part of Europe prior to a solution", the Minister explained.þ

He warned that Turkey would find itself occupying part of the EU, if there is no solution in Cyprus prior to accession.þ

Referring to Turkey's threats to integrate Cyprus's northern part, the Foreign Minister said:þ

"I do not underestimate Turkey's threats but it has been made clear by the EU, the US and the international community that a new illegal move on the part of Turkey will not be tolerated".þ

On the US role Mr. Kasoulides said that during the Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's recent visit to Washington the US gave him assurances of support, but he was also asked to take action towards a solution of the Cyprus problem and to help resolve differences with Greece.þ

Mr. Kasoulides added that it has now become self-evident that Turkey's interests in her European orientation can be served through a solution of the Cyprus problem.þ "The EU made this clear the European governments made it clear", he said.þ

[02] Government will seek to reopen bicommunal channels, Spokesman saysþ

He told his daily press briefing an 30.12.97 that the Government believes in rapprochement between the two communities and it will seek to reopen such channels and improve the form of bicommunal contact.þ

"Bicommunal meetings and events are in the interest of the Cyprus people as a whole" he said, adding: "In rapprochement more deeds and fewer words are required".þ

Responding to other questions Mr. Christofides underlined that according to the Cyprus Constitution, there are two communities on the island and not two states, as claimed by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.þ

Invited to comment on Ankara and Denktash's threats that the Turkish Cypriot side would not participate in negotiations for a Cyprus settlement unless the pseudostate is recognized, the Spokesman said this was not a new policy of Denktash or Turkey.þ

"There are two communities in Cyprus, which are recognized by the Cyprus Constitution; there are no two states", the Spokesman stressed.þ

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

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