Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-09-21

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

News Update

Monday, 21/09/98

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides in New York to address UN General Assembly
• [02] Defence Minister calls on Europe for the reversal of the status quo in Cyprus
• [03] Cyprus-Poland sign programme for cultural cooperation
• [04] Excavations at Khirokitia completed

[01] President Clerides in New York to address UN General Assembly

President Clerides is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to discuss the possibilities of launching a new initiative on Cyprus. Mr. Annan has also invited the UN's Special Representative in Cyprus Dame Ann Hercus, to attend the meeting.

Speaking at Larnaca airport, prior to his departure, the Cypriot President said that one of the reasons for his trip was to evaluate the prospects for debating the Cyprus problem at the General Assembly. He pointed out that the decision for a debate would not wholly depend on the reply of Mr. Annan.

President Clerides will also meet with representatives of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as other Council members. A meeting with US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke has also been arranged.

The President is accompanied on his trip by Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kassoulides, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides and representatives from political parties.

[02] Defence Minister calls on Europe for the reversal of the status quo in Cyprus

In letters addressed to European Defence Ministers, Mr. Omirou denounces the reinforcement of the Turkish occupying forces in Cyprus as well as the renewal and upgrading of Turkish military armaments.

Noting the continuous government efforts to reach a peaceful settlement in Cyprus culminating in President Clerides' proposal for a complete demilitarisation of the island, Mr. Omirou calls for the assistance of European countries for the reversal of the status quo in Cyprus, which, he adds, constitutes a permanent threat to peace and stability in the Mediterranean.

[03] Cyprus-Poland sign programme for cultural cooperation

The programme, which was signed by the Director of the Cultural Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms Markides and Poland's Ambassador Mr. Lamentowicz defines exchanges between the two countries in the fields of science, education, culture, art, archaeology, sports and communications.

[04] Excavations at Khirokitia completed

The excavation work at the first point at the top of the hill uncovered the immediate surroundings of the entrance of the preceramic Neolithic village. The excavation work at the second point at the top of the hill, consisted of the extension to the east of the zone excavated during earlier periods.

This year's work brought to light architectural remains dating from the reoccupation of the site during the Neolithic ceramic period as well as a house, whose dimensions and standard of the interior arrangement provide evidence of vigorous architectural activity during the site's occupation.

The third area, the excavation of which started last year at the foot of the hill, gave important information concerning the site's ancient topography and the history of its occupation.

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

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