Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-09-01

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

News Update

Tuesday, 01/09/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Denktash's confederation proposal rejected
• [02] Foreign Minister holds contacts in Durban
• [03] Foreign trade statistics

[01] Denktash's confederation proposal rejected

Mr Denktash's proposal, which was announced yesterday at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in the occupied Nicosia, provides for the establishment of a Confederation in which the two sides will maintain special relationship with Greece and Turkey respectively.

In a written statement in reply to Mr Denktash's proposal, the President of the Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides stressed that "it is obvious that the intention of the Turkish government and Mr Denktash is to turn Cyprus from an independent and sovereign state into two protectorates". He categorically rejected the proposal as a potential basis for talks since "it is unacceptable right from the start. It is also contrary to and contemptuous of the very resolutions of the United Nations on Cyprus, the high level agreements which Mr Denktash himself has signed, the substance and spirit of international law and all the international organisations which have deplored the Turkish sides' attempt to question the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus" he said. Mr Clerides added that the National Council will meet next Monday to discuss the "unacceptable Turkish action".

In Athens, Greek government spokesman Demetris Reppas said "the proposal essentially asks to make the division and occupation in Cyprus official".

[02] Foreign Minister holds contacts in Durban

Mr Kasoulides, who participates in the 12th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, also met the Foreign Ministers of New Zealand and Jamaica and briefed them on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem.

In the afternoon Mr Kasoulides met the Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue and the role of Non-Aligned Movement in its promotion, problems faced by Cypriots living in South Africa and other issues.

[03] Foreign trade statistics

According to the report the total imports reached 938,3 million pounds as compared with 938,6 million pounds, while total exports totalled 315,6 million pounds in relation to 308,5 million pounds in the corresponding period last year.

The trade deficit totalled 622,7 million pounds compared to 630,1 million pounds in January-June 1997.

The EU countries supplied Cyprus with goods representing 52,5 per cent of the total imports as compared with 47,0 per cent during the first six months of 1997.

Cyprus domestic exports were mainly absorbed by the EU countries which accounted for 58,1 per cent followed by the Arab countries with a share of 22,9 per cent.

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

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