Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-06-27

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Stefanopoulos stresses Greece is a peace-loving country

[02] Stefanopoulos visits National Guard Headquarters

[03] Cuban Parliamentary delegation to Cyprus

1250:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Stefanopoulos stresses Greece is a peace-loving country

Stefanopoulos was given a warm welcome by residents of the area, while head of the village council, Panayiotis Zoumas, stressed they feel more secure because of the presence of ELDIK in the area.

The Greek President was welcomed at the military camp by ELDIK commander, Colonel Aristides Tsoumanis, and officers who briefed him on the operational potential of the Force.

Speaking after a short ceremony in memory of Greek soldiers killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Stefanopoulos stressed:

"Greece is a peace-loving country and does not wish to attack any other country", adding however that "Greece is determined to defend its rights".

He also said that the joint defence pact agreed between Cyprus and Greece, was deemed necessary because of Turkey's aggressive policy.

"Cyprus is a separate state," the Greek President added, but noted that it is also a part of Hellenism.

"Cyprus and Greece are bound together by historic links", he said, pointing out that "the history of Cyprus is a part of the history of Greece".

On his part ELDIK commander, Colonel Aristides Tsoumanis, welcomed the Greek President to the "refugee military camp", since the Force's camp is now under Turkish occupation stressing that:

"The Turkish occupation is never forgotten" and expressed the determination of his men to see that there are no new refugees in Cyprus.

"Our country does not need any more dead heroes but alive victors", he stressed.

ELDIK, a contingent of the Greek army, is stationed in Cyprus in accordance with the provisions of the 1960 Constitution when Cyprus gained independence from Britain.

Turkey was also entitled to maintain a military contingent in Cyprus, according to the Constitution.

Some 40 per cent of the Republic's territory has been under the illegal occupation of Turkey since its 1974 invasion of the island.

Turkey has ignored repeated UN resolutions demanding the withdrawal of its troops from the island.

CNA KN/MCH/RG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1255 CYPPRESS:02

[02] Stefanopoulos visits National Guard Headquarters

Speaking after the visit, Stefanopoulos stressed the National Guard has "clearly defensive aims and its need to arm itself is clearly defensive".

Third parties posing obstacles in Cyprus' right to defend itself who "continuously arm Turkey" should realise this, he said, pointing out that this "hypocritical and foolish behaviour should stop".

Stefanopoulos furthermore stressed that "neither Greece nor Cyprus have an aggressive disposition against anyone", adding that both countries are "determined to defend their rights, their integrity, their dignity and their national pride".

Meanwhile, Omirou said Stefanopoulos' presence in Cyprus certifies the support of the Greek nation "in the struggle of Cypriot Hellenism for freedom and justice".

CNA RG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1320 CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cuban Parliamentary delegation to Cyprus

The delegation comprises the Chairman of the Cuba-Cyprus Friendship Group and Secretary-General of the Cuban Parliament, Ernesto Suarez Mendez, as well as Cuban MP, Leonardo Martinez Lopez.

During their stay, they will meet with House President, Spyros Kyprianou, leaders or representatives of parliamentary parties, and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

CNA RG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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