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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 03-07-30
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
[01]Wednesday, 30 July 2003 The US welcomes the readiness expressed by both
sides in Cyprus to discuss the de-mining of areas in and around Nicosia
including within the UN buffer zone
[02] Cyprus participates in EU operation "ARTEMIS"
[01] The US welcomes the readiness expressed by both sides in Cyprus to
discuss the de-mining of areas in and around Nicosia including within the
UN buffer zone
"We welcome the readiness now expressed by both sides on the island to
discuss with the UN Forces in Cyprus the de-mining of areas in and around
Nicosia, including within the UN buffer zone. This is the first time that
both sides have announced a common desire to address this important issue.
We hope these statements will translate quickly into concrete, practical
results," the Spokesman of the US State Department Mr Richard Boucher
stated yesterday during his press briefing. Invited to comment on the
proposal of the President of the Republic Mr Tassos Papadopoulos to Turkish
Cypriot leader Raul Denktash for a de-mining process of the entire Greek
line, the line separating the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, the
US Spokesman said that "removing the dangers that are posed by existing
minefields could make an important contribution toward improving the
atmosphere on the island, in particular by improving the safety with which
Cypriots may cross the Green Line". "Of course, while we hope that genuine
confidence-building measures improve the atmosphere on the island for
achieving a settlement, we note that they are not a substitute for a
comprehensive settlement", he added. Asked if the US supports that the
entire Green line should be de-mined, including the area he mentioned, Mr
Boucher replied: "I am sure that, you know, as much de-mining as occurs we
would be supportive of. We understand the proposals at this point are de-
mining in areas in and around Nicosia, including on the Green Line."
[02] Cyprus participates in EU operation "ARTEMIS"
In contributing to Common Foreign and Security Policy/European Security and
Defence Policy (CFSP/ESDP) of the European Union, Cyprus, along with other
contributing countries, is participating in Operation "ARTEMIS" at
operational Headquarters in Paris, having posted one senior military
officer. Operation "ARTEMIS" is the first EU autonomous military-led
mission, which has deployed troops in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The EU set up the force in responding to UN Security Council Resolution
1484 of 30 May 2003 establishing under Chapter VII of the UN Charter an
interim emergency multinational force aimed at contributing to the
stabilisation of the security conditions and the improvement of the
humanitarian situation in Bunia. This is also the first time Cyprus
participates in a UN peace operation. Operation "ARTEMIS" is the third EU
Operation carried out within the framework of ESDP. France acts as the
"Framework Nation" for the operation. Its deployment is up to 1 September
2003, when the UN is scheduled to take over the Mission. Moreover, under
CFSP/ESDP within the field of Civilian Crisis Management, Cyprus is
participating in the European Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with
four police officers. This Mission was the first EU operation in ESDP.
Through monitoring, mentoring and inspection activities, it assists the
Bosnia and Herzegovina police authorities. It was launched at the start of
the year, taking over from the UN.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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