Kranidiotis on G8 statement regarding Cyprus (16.6.99)

Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis issued a statement yesterday concerning   the G8 foreign ministers statement regarding Cyprus, calling on both sides to resume dialogue based on UN Security Council resolutions and to avoid heightened tension on the island. Mr Kranidiotis considers the statement as a  "conditionally positive" development. "The statement by the G8 foreign ministers constitutes a positive
development and offers a new opportunity, provided the Turkish side will also respond positively, for a resumption of intercommunal dialogue under the general secretary and in the framework of the UN. "The fact that the G8 session preoccupied itself with the Cyprus issue underlines that it is an exclusive international political problem for which the international community has responsibility," he said.
Mr. Kranidiotis added : a fortunate end to this process, combined with the European prospects of Cyprus, will allow all the people of Cyprus to "enjoy the fruits of an encouraging European future." He also said he looked forward to ratification of the decision taken by the FMs, and other leaders during the upcoming G8 summit.