Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-06-30

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Wednesday, 30 June 1999

CONTENTS

• [01] UN Security Council calls for unconditional talks for a Cyprus settlement
• [02] White House Spokesman comments on removal of US weapons from Cyprus
• [03] Foreign diplomats present credentials

[01] UN Security Council calls for unconditional talks for a Cyprus settlement

Reaffirming its previous resolutions, in particular Resolution 1218 (1998) by the terms of which the Council requested the UN Chief to work intensively with the two sides on "a staged process aimed at limiting and reducing the level of troops and armaments on Cyprus", Resolution 1250 (1999) requests UN Secretary General "to invite the leaders of the two sides to negotiations in the autumn of 1999".

In this context it calls upon the two leaders to commit themselves to four principles, namely to "no preconditions, all issues on the table, commitment in good faith to continue to negotiate until a settlement is reached and full consideration of relevant UN resolutions and treaties".

It also urges both sides to participate constructively in meetings held by UN Special Representative on the island Dame Ann Hercus "to create a positive climate on the island that will pave the way for negotiations in the autumn of 1999".

In its resolution 1251 (1999) the Security Council decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further 6 month period ending 15 December 1999.

Resolution 1251 reaffirms the Council's position that a "Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded as described in the relevant Security Council resolutions".

Moreover it calls upon both sides to take measures that will build trust and co-operation and reduce tensions between the two sides.

It also stresses the "importance of eventual demilitarisation of the Republic of Cyprus as an objective in the context of an overall comprehensive settlement welcoming any steps either side may take to reduce armaments and troops.

[02] White House Spokesman comments on removal of US weapons from Cyprus

"There has been a State Department report to Capitol Hill responding to allegations that some US government military equipment was inappropriately in Cyprus. The Greek and Turkish sides have both agreed to withdraw the equipment in question. Any additional questions should be best asked at the State Department".

[03] Foreign diplomats present credentials

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

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article