Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-07-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] President - Anti-corruption bill

[02] Kasoulides - Hercus - Missing persons

[03] President Clerides - German envoy

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[01] President - Anti-corruption bill

The bill will be examined first by the House Legal Committee before it goes before the 56-seat House, probably next week.

The bill was returned to the House yesterday.

CNA MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Kasoulides - Hercus - Missing persons

Hercus met today with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and discussed with him a range of issues, including this matter.

"I categorically deny that I asked the Security Council not to make a reference to the missing persons issue in its resolution this time, either as one media report has it that I was about to produce result on the issue or in another absolutely contradictory media report that the inclusion of an element of this nature in the resolution would cause difficulties to the general process", Hercus said.

She said "both assertions are wrong", adding "I deny categorically in any way, directly or indirectly, making such an assertion to the Security Council."

Hercus said "the minister has of course totally accepted my word. That is the end of the matter".

The Security Council adopted on Tuesday resolution 1251 on the extension of UNFICYP's mandate until 15 December 1999.

The 15-member international body also adopted resolution 1250 on the Secretary - General's good offices mission, calling for unconditional talks for a settlement in Cyprus with all issues on the table, endorsing a statement by the Group of seven most industrialised countries plus Russia (G8)

CNA MK/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] President Clerides - German envoy

The German diplomat also hinted there might be a change of heart on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side, noting that the word "never" does not apply either in life or in politics.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash insists so far to have his self-styled regime in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus recognised before he returns to the negotiating table.

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Rantzau said the President "would consider an invitation from the UN Secretary-General to attend a conference on the Cyprus issue, under the UN auspices, very positively."

"If conditions were right, he would then be ready to accept the invitation," he said.

Replying to questions, he said neither side has finalised yet its reaction to the UN resolutions on Cyprus and the G8 communique "because the invitation from the Secretary-General is not yet on the table."

"I understand very well that it is difficult to react to something they do not know the details of," he said.

He said Denktash "could not commit himself to accept such an invitation but also stressed that for him it was only possible to attend negotiations if they were held on a state to state basis."

Asked if this can be achieved, Rantzau said it is quite normal for potential parties to any negotiations "take their maximum positions" but added "I think it remains to be seen whether he would hold to that position once the invitation is on the table."

Invited to say if there would be a climb down, he replied "what I wanted to say is that in life as in politics, there is never a never and so I think reactions will correspond to the details of the invitation."

Rantzau, on the island for a five-day visit, was accompanied by German Ambassador to Cyprus Mari Gabriele von Malsen-Tilborch.

CNA MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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