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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-05-07
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
Friday, 7 May 1999
CONTENTS
- [01] Cyprus President reacts to House resolution on Yugoslav oil embargo
[01] Cyprus President reacts to House resolution on Yugoslav oil embargo
The President of the Republic Mr Glafcos Clerides, in an official statement
issued today, said that the resolution adopted yesterday by the House of
Representatives on the imposition of an oil embargo against Yugoslavia by
the Cyprus Government , does not help Yugoslavia, nor does it strengthen
Cyprus' European Union accession course.
President Clerides stressed that "resolutions adopted by the House of
Representatives, either by majority or unanimously, reflect its own views
and are not binding on the Government".
He explained that under the Cyprus Constitution, the Council of Ministers
is responsible for shaping foreign policy, but over the Council of
Ministers and the House of Representatives, the Constitution gives the
President of the Republic the right of veto over decisions of the two
bodies if he disagrees with them on foreign policy issues.
In its resolution adopted yesterday, the House of Representatives considers
that the EU oil embargo against Yugoslavia is lacking legality, as it is
contrary to paragraphs 53, 39 and 41 of the UN Charter. Underlining that
Cyprus' cause is based on international law and the principles of the UN
Charter, the Parliament believes that every political act and decision
should be taken within the framework of international law and international
legal order, as this is the only means to save the national interests.
As a result, the House calls on the government "to revoke its decision to
align itself with the implementation of the oil embargo against Yugoslavia".
The resolution also mentions that, the Republic of Cyprus, "has no legal,
political or moral obligation to respond to the relevant directive of
Brussels", and reiterates the House's position for "the immediate end of
the bombing against Yugoslavia and the start of peace talks".
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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