Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-09-29

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

News Update

Tuesday, 29/09/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister meets US officials
• [02] EU Commissioner on Cyprus

[01] Foreign Minister meets US officials

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Kasoulides said discussions were continuing along the lines they had been running on for quite some time now, namely on finding ways to get out of the present stalemate in the Cyprus problem as a result of the stand adopted by the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Denktash.

Asked whether the US had come up with a formula to break the deadlock, Mr Kasoulides said he wished they would come up with such a formula, as it would be one that would be acceptable and could be announced.

He added that the US efforts are currently concentrated on Mr Miller's visit to Ankara in the summer.

"The US would like some more time to continue their efforts, because they do not believe that all prospects have been exhausted. On our part, we do not see any prospects for the moment, but are waiting", Mr Kasoulides said.

He added, however, that the US officials do not bring good news from their contacts with the Turkish side.

[02] EU Commissioner on Cyprus

Speaking yesterday at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Mr Van den Broek repeated the EU position that EU entry should be to the benefit of both communities in Cyprus and that therefore the EU expresses its political will for intensification of efforts towards solving the Cyprus problem simultaneously with the entry procedure.

The EU Commissioner mentioned that in this context he had had a meeting last week with the UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Cyprus, Mr Diego Cordovez and that the EU continues to encourage as far as it is possible the taking of steps towards finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

He noted, however, that for the time being, although prospects are dim, the EU is trying to assist both the search for a solution as well as the reduction of tension caused by the impending deployment in Cyprus of anti- aircraft missiles.

Mr Van den Broek argued that trying to jump to conclusions as regards the outcome of Cyprus' entry negotiations and whether Cyprus will join before or after a solution is found, does not help the general exercise. Besides, he added, this was why the EU doesn't have an official position as to what will happen in the end.

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

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