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Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Mr Bandler said that "the United States remains determined to encourage a Cyprus settlement that establishes a stable bizonal , bicommunal federation with adequate security guarantees for all".

"That is a task for the people of Cyprus themselves to accomplish" he said, adding that the US "will do all it can to help them find the right path to create the circumstances in which a settlement can be reached."

Mr Bandler said his country will support bicommunal programmes that increase mutual understanding between the two communities and address real problems that affect the daily lives of all Cypriots.

Receiving the credentials, President Clerides stressed that he expects the international community and especially the US with its unique position in the international scene to exert the necessary influence on Turkey so that it will negotiate a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

"We recognise the commitment of President Clinton to contribute effectively, in the remaining part of his mandate, to the finding of an acceptable and just solution which will end the division of the island and promote peace and stability in the region", he added.

President Clerides said his government is ready to participate in negotiations within the parameters contained in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions but stressed that he will not accept the preconditions demanded by the Turkish side nor accept the legalisation of the illegal and destructive invasion and occupation of Cyprus by Turkish forces.

"Cyprus' accession to the European Union opens a window of opportunity which can have catalytic effects on the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem for the benefit and well-being of both communities on the island", the President concluded.

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Speaking after the meeting, Mr Niotis said that the President briefed him on the prospects for developments in the Cyprus issue and that he had the chance to exchange views and to reconfirm that Athens stands by Nicosia.

Later Mr Niotis met with the President of the House of Representatives Mr Spyros Kyprianou, with whom he discussed ways by which Greeks and Cypriots living abroad, especially in the US and Europe, can campaign to help the two governments in their efforts to settle the Cyprus problem.

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

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