Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-09-30

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

News Update

Wednesday, 30/09/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Greek Defence Minister arrives on official visit
• [02] President Clerides says US will continue efforts for Cyprus settlement
• [03] Foreign Minister continues contacts in New York
• [04] Australian Foreign Minister condemns proposal for a confederation in Cyprus

[01] Greek Defence Minister arrives on official visit

He will attend celebrations, including a military parade, to mark the island's independence day, on October 1.

Tsohatzopoulos was due to meet Mr Omirou at noon before visiting the National Guard command.

Later today he will meet the House Defence Committee and House President, Spyros Kyprianou.

Tomorrow the Greek Minister will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and Archbishop Chrysostomos. He will also have separate meetings with party leaders and attend a formal reception on the occasion of the national day.

[02] President Clerides says US will continue efforts for Cyprus settlement

He also pointed out that not only the US but also the Permanent Members of the Security Council have issued a joint statement through their Foreign Ministers calling on the two communities to start "a sustained process of direct negotiations" to achieve a comprehensive political settlement" in accordance with the Security Council resolutions".

Speaking to the press on arrival at Larnaca airport yesterday, after a week long visit to New York where he addressed the UN General Assembly, the President expressed satisfaction with the position adopted by the permanent members of the UN Security Council on Turkish demands for a confederation in Cyprus.

He indicated however that he was not pleased with the non-implementation of relevant UN resolutions. "How long will (the UN) allow one country, not only not to implement their resolutions but also to violate them flagrantly", he asked.

Asked if he had any assurances from the US that in the event of an initiative the Turkish side will respond to calls for talks on the basis of UN resolutions, the President expressed the view that the Turkish side will continue to demand recognition of their illegal regime.

"Without saying that I have assurances, I would say that the position the Turks have adopted, to have talks only for a Cyprus confederation and to gain recognition of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot regime in Turkish occupied areas, will be maintained for quite some time."

"It will depend on the international community whether it will give any cause to create the impression that there can be such a development," the President said adding that the Foreign Ministers of the permanent members of the UN Security Council have clarified their position on the matter.

On the issue of the Russian anti- aircraft missiles President Clerides made it clear that the arrival of the missiles will only be postponed "if talks start and if progress is made" towards a negotiated settlement.

President Clerides also said that the overall assessment of the outcome of contacts in New York will be made at a meeting of the National Council on 9 October when decisions will be taken.

[03] Foreign Minister continues contacts in New York

During these meetings Mr Kasoulides informed his counterparts on the recent developments of the Cyprus problem in view of the Turkish side's unacceptable proposal for a confederation.

He also had meetings with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, with the Foreign Ministers of Erythrea and Benin as well as with the Special Representative of Slovakia with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem and other issues of mutual interest.

Mr Kasoulides also had a working lunch with the Special Advisor of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus, Mr Diego Cordovez.

[04] Australian Foreign Minister condemns proposal for a confederation in Cyprus

Mr Downer reiterated the Australian government's position that it only recognises the government of the Republic of Cyprus and stressed that his country has no intention of recognising the pseudostate. He also added that Australia is trying with the appointment of its special representative on Cyprus to contribute in a positive way to the efforts in search for a solution to the Cyprus problem, an international problem which exists for almost a quarter of a century.

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

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