Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-04-13

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

News Update

Monday, 13/04/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus hails Northern Ireland peace deal
• [02] EU committed to Cyprus solution
• [03] Russian diplomacy will proceed with serious initiative
• [04] Turkey accused of human rights violations
• [05] New ambassador of Korea and High Commissioner of Pakistan present credentials

[01] Cyprus hails Northern Ireland peace deal

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said in a statement that goodwill combined with international support can resolve difficult problems to the benefit of peace and prosperity for all.

In light of the agreement, Mr Kasoulides pointed out that the present situation in Cyprus constitutes a "historic anachronism" and places great responsibility on all those seeking a solution to the Cyprus problem. Mr Kasoulides expressed the hope that the international community will play a more decisive role now in reaching a just and viable solution in Cyprus.

[02] EU committed to Cyprus solution

Replying to a question after a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Athens last week, on the fact that the Cyprus problem is still the only European political issue that remains unresolved, Mr Santer said that the European Union supports all efforts in search of a solution and expressed the hope that the EU accession talks with Cyprus would eventually contribute towards reaching a viable solution in Cyprus.

[03] Russian diplomacy will proceed with serious initiative

The Turkish Cypriot leadership's negative stance is due to the way the European Union has dealt with Turkey's membership prospect on one hand and the start of the accession negotiations with Cyprus on the other, he said. Mr Nesteroushkin pointed out that what is needed to break the present deadlock is an intense effort by the permanent members of the Security Council.

He stressed that Russian diplomacy will proceed with a serious "initiative" on the manner of co-ordination with the UN Security Council permanent members and will work towards the demilitarisation of the island and a guaranteed bizonal federation with a single international personality.

[04] Turkey accused of human rights violations

Speaking at the 54th session of the Commission of Human Rights, on the issue of "Human Rights, Mass Exoduses and Displaced Persons", the Cyprus Representative, Mr Petros Eftychiou referred to the tragic results of the Turkish invasion, the suffering of the refugees and displaced persons, their plight to return to their homes, the constant harassment and discrimination against Greek Cypriots living in the occupied areas, and the continuing violation of human rights in Cyprus by Turkey.

Mr Eftychiou stressed that everyone had a duty not only to "ameliorate" the suffering of the refugees but to tackle the "root causes" of the problem in order to enable them to return to their homes in conditions of safety. The Cyprus Government, he said, will continue its efforts for a peaceful and just solution based on UN resolutions and human rights for all Cypriots.

[05] New ambassador of Korea and High Commissioner of Pakistan present credentials

Presenting his credentials the new Ambassador of Korea Mr Byung Yong Soh, expressed pride and satisfaction at the strong relationship between Korea and Cyprus. He welcomed the start of Cyprus' accession negotiations with the European Union and expressed the hope that Cyprus' enhanced status will enrich bilateral relations with the Republic of Korea in many ways, including trade and investment.

Presenting his credentials the new High Commissioner of Pakistan, Mr Aneesuddin Ahmed, expressed his country's commitment to further enhancement of bilateral understanding and co-operation and said his mission would be to strengthen bonds of fraternity between the two countries.

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

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