Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-06-16

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

Wednesday, 16 June 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister in Singapore and South Africa
• [02] Cyprus' Defence Minister in Paris
• [03] Cyprus to chair UN committee

[01] Foreign Minister in Singapore and South Africa

During the meeting the two men agreed on ways to strengthen political ties between Cyprus and Singapore as well as bilateral cooperation in the services, trade, off-shore and merchant shipping fields.

From Singapore Mr Kasoulides flew to South Africa in order to attend the inauguration ceremony of the country's new President, Thabo Mbeki.

[02] Cyprus' Defence Minister in Paris

The French Defence Minister said his country backs efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions and supports smooth progress in Cyprus' course for European Union (EU) accession.

He also welcomed the Cyprus government's position in efforts for a settlement on the island and its conformity with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, as this was recently expressed in the Kosovo crisis.

The French Minister added that he fully understands Cyprus' need to boost its defences, as a result of the 1974 Turkish invasion so as to create conditions of security for the population.

The Cypriot Defence Minister thanked France for upholding international law on the Cyprus issue and reiterated that the government is willing to enter into negotiations without any preconditions, based on UN resolutions.

He said European countries believe that ways to promote a peaceful and just settlement in Cyprus must be found and expressed the hope that progress will be achieved soon.

Mr Chrysostomis is in France at the invitation of his French counterpart to visit the Paris Air Show.

[03] Cyprus to chair UN committee

The Fourth Committee deals with special political issues on the agenda of the UN General Assembly such as the Palestinian problem, the question of Western Sahara and decolonisation.

As chairman, Mr Zakheos will preside over the committee's meetings during the 54th Session of the UN General Assembly which starts on 6 September. He will also participate in the deliberations of the General Committee which is responsible for drawing up the General Assembly's agenda.

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

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