Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-04-15

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

News Update

Wednesday, 15/04/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Department of Antiquities calls for protection of cultural heritage
• [02] Hans Van Den Broek discusses Cyprus accession process with US Secretary of State
• [03] Britain's Foreign Secretary on Cyprus' EU accession
• [04] Presentation of credentials by Ambassador of Nepal, and High Commissioner of Jamaica

[01] Department of Antiquities calls for protection of cultural heritage

In an announcement yesterday, the Department notes that out of 774 listed monuments, 197 are situated in the northern part of the island, under Turkish occupation since 1974.

Access to these sites is impossible due to the intransigence of the occupation regime to allow inspection of the sites. As a result, important monuments such as ancient cities in the Famagusta, Kyrenia and Morphou districts have been abandoned to the elements.

Despite representations to international organisations such as UNESCO, ICOMOS and the World Council of Churches, the destruction and looting of Cyprus' cultural heritage continues.

[02] Hans Van Den Broek discusses Cyprus accession process with US Secretary of State

In statements after the meeting, Van den Broek said that they talked about "the accession process for Cyprus" and the negotiations that had started and expressed the hope that "the Turkish Cypriots will take the opportunity of joining those negotiations for which as you know an offer is on the table".

The EU Commissioner added that in the meantime efforts are being made in the direction of strengthening the European Union's relationship with Turkey through the Customs Union for which the European Commission has made proposals.

[03] Britain's Foreign Secretary on Cyprus' EU accession

Referring to the start of the negotiations between the European Union and Cyprus, Mr Cook clearly stated that "no third country can have a veto on whether a sovereign state should apply for membership of the European Union". He also pointed out that the prospects both of Cyprus's accession and the success of that accession would be greatly enhanced if progress was made on the parallel question of the division of the island. "Britain will continue to do all that it can to try to find a solution", he said.

Asked to comment on the Turkish Cypriot leader's refusal to talk to Sir David Hannay, Mr Cook stated that he regretted the fact that Mr Denktash "flatly turned down President Clerides's offer to include representatives of the Turkish Cypriot Community in a mixed delegation to negotiate on accession to the European Union".

Mr Cook pointed out that he had discussed that offer with President Clerides before it was made. "I believe it was a fair and a generous offer and it is a matter of regret for the Turkish Cypriot Community that its leader ruled out its participation", he said.

[04] Presentation of credentials by Ambassador of Nepal, and High Commissioner of Jamaica

Presenting his credentials Nepal's new Ambassador Mr Gopi Nath Dawadi reiterated his country's "consistent support to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and Non-Aligned status of the Republic of Cyprus. He expressed the certainty that the "cordial ties of friendship between the two countries will grow further and deepen in the days to come for the mutual benefit of the two nations".

The new High Commissioner of Jamaica Mr K. G. Anthony Hill presenting his credentials to President Clerides referred to the close cooperation between his country and Cyprus. His country, he said, continues to "be supportive of a return to a Cyprus whose territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty is respected".

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

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