USIA - Transcript: U.S. Official Meets With Clerides, Michaelides, 97-01-13

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TRANSCRIPT: U.S. OFFICIAL MEETS WITH CLERIDES, MICHAELIDES

(Cavanaugh sees "goodwill on all sides") (1670)

Following is a transcript of statements by Cavanaugh after those meetings:

(Begin transcript)

What he did do though, and I find this very helpful, was that he gave us assurances that not a single component of those missile systems would be brought to this island within the next 16 months. I believe that effectively should defuse this as a crisis issue for Cyprus; people should not be talking now about concerns of conflict here because that is not a problem of today.

We had further discussions that were very useful on other steps that could be taken in the island in the near term to help reduce tensions. I intend to continue those discussions this afternoon when I visit the North and meet with Mr. Denktash. Whether progress can be made today or not at this point, I cannot be certain. But I want to emphasize again these were very positive discussions here, headed in a positive direction, and I thank president Clerides for those.

QUESTION: Why does the U.S. insist on Cyprus being at the Mercy of the Turkish army?

CAVANAUGH: We do not insist on Cyprus being at the mercy of the Turkish army. Our intent here is to help promote a settlement for Cyprus, a durable settlement that will bring peace and prosperity to the people of this island, who we believe have deserved that for a long, long time.

QUESTION: Have you set any preconditions for the start of the U.S. initiative?

CAVANAUGH: I have made clear our desires on how we could start an initiative. We discussed steps that, as I have said, could be taken to help reduce tensions on the island now. A lot of those have been in play for several months, and I hope that soon we will soon be able to move forward with many of those.

QUESTION: What about the overflights?

CAVANAUGH: We discussed the overflights as well. It remains an item on the table, and we will continue to discuss that.

QUESTION: What exactly will you discuss with Mr. Denktash?

CAVANAUGH: When I meet with Mr. Denktash today, I will talk to him about the positive steps that were made here today on the missiles. As I have said, this is a very good step forward because it defuses this as an issue of crisis for today. I will also to him about steps that could be taken in the very near term to try to reduce tensions on the island.

QUESTION: The weapons of the Turkish Occupation Army come From the U.S. in violation of U.S. laws. What does the U.S. intend to do about that?

CAVANAUGH: This is not an issue we were discussing today. The Turkish army has had weapons for long before the '74 invasion. I do not wish to waste time discussing that situation. What I wish to spend my time on today in Cyprus is looking at ways to help defuse tensions and looking at ways to help promote a settlement. I must go now.

QUESTION: Do you intend to meet with General Karadayi (Turkey's chief of staff) today?

CAVANAUGH: I do not intend to meet with General Karadayi today, but I have had frequent discussions with the Turkish military staff, and I will be visiting Ankara later in the week.

(Begin transcript)

QUESTION: Has the U.S. given any assurances to the government of Cyprus about the security of Cyprus?

CAVANAUGH: No, I think the security of Cyprus is something that is clearly maintained both by the international environment and by the current geopolitical situation in the region. We have given no additional assurances, and I do not think that additional assurances were called for.

QUESTION: But you do recognize that it is the right of tHe government of Cyprus to look after its security?

CAVANAUGH: we have never questioned Cyprus' ability to provide for its defense. What we questioned, and I think I made clear last night, was the timing of this decision in light of the process of moving forward to work for a comprehensive settlement here. I would add though that countries can do things in their own self-defense that in fact create tensions that on occasion can create conflict. Countries are responsible to take very careful decisions when they do this so that it does not become a development.

QUESTION: It has been stated by Washington that these arms will take 16-18 months to arrive in Cyprus. So, what is the news?

CAVANAUGH: As I have said, the news this morning was that President Clerides gave me assurances that not a single component of those weapon systems will be on this island in the next 16 months. What is important about that is, this is a sign that this is not a crisis situation we face today. This is not a case where missiles will be coming to Cyprus in the near term; they will not be coming to Cyprus this year. We have already made clear repeatedly, and I will be glad to stress that again, Turkey has no right to respond to this threat because we have said today, President Clerides has made it clear, there is no threat today. There are no missiles here. There is nothing to respond to. But I think that is an important step.

QUESTION: What do you mean when you say component?

CAVANAUGH: A component is a part. Nothing is coming In the next 16 months of these missiles to this island. That is important.

QUESTION: Yes, but this was acknowledged by Nicholas Burns publicly...

CAVANAUGH: I think this was said in public, but what I have told you today is that we have very firm assurances that this will not take place. I think that these firm assurances are important. We appreciate that they were given, and we are supportive of that fact.

QUESTION: Can you review what proposals you presented to President Clerides concerning the overflights for the dialogue to restart?

CAVANAUGH: As I have said, the overflights question remains on the table. I think it's an important issue, but it is one that deals not simply with Cyprus but also with Greece and Turkey. As you know, I will go tonight to Greece and later this week to Turkey. President Clerides is also going to Greece later this week, so this issue will continue to be discussed this week to see if a solution might be found.

QUESTION: So, there are new proposals concerning the issue of overflights.

CAVANAUGH: The proposals are that question and other measures to reduce tensions on this island are on the table and, as I have said at the conclusion of the meeting with President Clerides and at the conclusion of this meeting, we are hearing positive things and ways to try to move those proposals forward.

QUESTION: Do you expect that you will be in a position to announce an agreement on the overflights after the conclusion of your trip to the three capitals?

CAVANAUGH: I am not today in a position to say that. I would like to be able to do that. I think there should be not doubt. I think that would be a very welcome development and a very welcome addition to security in the region and in Cyprus.

QUESTION: Yesterday you said that the Turks were Supportive of the overflight proposal in Lisbon, implying That it was the Greek Cypriot side which said no. Now After speaking with the Greek Cypriot side, do you think That the obstacles have been overcome?

CAVANAUGH: I think there is clear goodwill on all sides to try to find a way to move this forward. There are technical aspects to it that are still under discussion. Hopefully, these can be worked through; in fact, there is a meeting of the minds of all parties to do this.

QUESTION: but, according to reports, Mr. Michaelides was positive to your proposal in Lisbon. Has he changed his mind now?

CAVANAUGH: As I have said, it is an issue that remains on the table. We are working on this to make it come about. We were not able to conclude that initiative in Lisbon, but we are working on it. Thank you very much.

(End transcript)

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