Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-05-07

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

Wednesday, 07/05/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Foreign Minister addresses Council of Europe
• [02] Cyprus Foreign Minister met with Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister in Strasbourg
• [03] Government Spokesman on US Ambassador's comments
• [04] South Australia's Labour Party leader sends a strong appeal for Cyprus to new British Prime Minister

[01] Foreign Minister addresses Council of Europe

"This institution will provide the Organization with a high profile in the field of human rights and enhance its visibility to the citizen," he said.

The Foreign Minister added that the creation of a new single Court of Human Rights "will no doubt constitute an important step in the field of protection of human rights and fundamental principles".

Mr. Cassoulides pointed to the new challenges facing the Council of Europe as a result of its recent enlargement, first and foremost the consolidation of democratic security.

"Despite great accomplishments, recent crises demonstrate that democratic security has not yet been consolidated. While European societies are confronted by new challenges, the broadening and enlarging of the acquis (communautaire) remain nonetheless necessary and relevant," he said.

The Foreign Minister stressed that the credibility of the Council of Europe greatly depends both on the compliance by member-states, new and old alike, to their commitments and the effectiveness of the Organization's monitoring mechanisms.

[02] Cyprus Foreign Minister met with Greece's Deputy Foreign Minister in Strasbourg

During the meeting there was an exchange of views on current developments affecting Cyprus and Greece, about their respective contacts at the Council of Europe and also Mr. Papandreou briefed the Cypriot Foreign Minister on the contents of his recent meeting with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Onur Oymen.

[03] Government Spokesman on US Ambassador's comments

Mr. Christofides made the statement during his daily press briefing when asked to comment on statements made by US ambassador to Athens, Thomas Niles, to a Greek private TV station, that his country is contemplating appointing a new personality to help efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

The US ambassador was quoted to have said his country may come up with new ideas.

The Spokesman said the government "has no clarifications regarding these new ideas", but stressed that "a lot of effort has to be exerted and new ideas are needed to break the deadlock and achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Describing the US ambassador's statements as an "indication and proof" of US interest, the Spokesman said: "The Cyprus government is informed and is satisfied with the interest shown by the US for a Cyprus solution".

He also pointed out that the US may exercise its influence in the Cyprus peace process, within the UN efforts, and added it is up to the American government to decide when to begin its initiative for Cyprus.

[04] South Australia's Labour Party leader sends a strong appeal for Cyprus to new British Prime Minister

With this strong urging South Australia's Labour Opposition leader Mike Rann ended a 3-page letter to Britain's newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair. The letter is entirely devoted to the various aspects of the Cyprus problem and suggests that Britain within the European Union and with the United States and other allies should find a way to push forward a just solution to the problem.

The Australian politician referring to his commitment as a Minister and to a visit to Cyprus in 1995 comments:

"Over the years it is quite clear that attempts to secure meaningful talks by the UN and other intermediaries have been frustrated by a lack of genuine commitment by Turkey to withdraw troops and actively seek some negotiated settlement."

On the question of Cyprus' accession to the European Union Mr. Mike Rann said: "I firmly believe that European Union membership is essential for Cyprus. In doing so I strongly oppose the views of those who say that Cyprus can only join the European Union after it has been unified. Such an approach would simply give Turkey and the Denktash regime the right of veto over the legitimate Government of Cyprus' application to join the European Union.

And the letter to the British Prime Minister continues: "It is now vitally important that members of the European Union resolve that Turkey will never be allowed to join the European Union unless it withdraws its troops and complies with international law in respect to Cyprus. A satisfactory resolution of the Cyprus problem should be a pre-condition to Turkey's entry into the European Union. I hope the international community, led by Britain, will use European Union membership as a lever to secure concessions from the Turkish Government".

The South Australia Labour Party leader also underlines that "the problem of missing persons, the `enclaved' and the rights of refugees must be seriously addressed before meaningful `confidence building' measures or talks about a constitutional settlement can make real progress. Along with the withdrawal of Turkish troops, it is vital to secure agreement for refugees to be able to return to their homes".

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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