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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 99-06-11

Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Friday, 11 June 1999


CONTENTS

  • [01] Cyprus government ready to start negotiations
  • [02] Greece hails G-8 initiative on Cyprus
  • [03] UN Secretary General recommends extension of UNFICYP mandate in Cyprus
  • [04] Cyprus welcomes peace agreement in Yugoslavia
  • [05] President Clerides arrives in Shanghai
  • [06] UK supports implementation of European Court's judgement on Loizidou vs Turkey case


[01] Cyprus government ready to start negotiations

"The Greek Cypriot side has repeatedly expressed its readiness to enter negotiations without preconditions with the Turkish Cypriot side to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as also supported by the G8."

In a statement issued today, Deputy Government Spokesman Mr . Spyros Arotis welcomed the reference to Cyprus in the conclusions of the Group of 8 Foreign Ministers who met in Cologne.

In the statement it is mentioned that the Cypriot side avoids any measures that could increase tensions on the island and complicate efforts to promote a just and lasting peace.

The statement follows an initiative undertaken by the Foreign Ministers of the group of eight (seven most industrialised countries plus Russia) yesterday to press for new UN - led bicommunal negotiations on Cyprus.

In a statement issued yesterday, at the conclusion of their meeting in Cologne, the Foreign Ministers "recommend that the G8 Summit leaders urge the UN Secretary-General to invite the leaders of both parties to enter into comprehensive negotiations without pre-conditions."

Moreover they "urge all those concerned to avoid any measures that could increase tensions on the island and complicate efforts to promote a just and lasting settlement."

[02] Greece hails G-8 initiative on Cyprus

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou hailed yesterday the initiative undertaken on the Cyprus issue by the Foreign Ministers of the G8 during their meeting in Cologne.

Commenting on yesterday's statement Mr Papandreou said that "Greece had been expecting it for several weeks". He described an appeal launched by the G8 to all parties concerned "to avoid any measures that could increase tensions on the island" as particularly important.

This reference, Mr Papandreou said, does not apply exclusively to the two sides in Cyprus but also to Turkey which should abstain from moves that could create tension on the island.

"If we want to shape a climate without threats, without conflicting logic, we can open up a prospect for a solution to the Cyprus problem" he added.

[03] UN Secretary General recommends extension of UNFICYP mandate in Cyprus

UN Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan submitted on June 8 to the Security Council a report on the United Nations Operation in Cyprus.

The report, which covers the period from 9 December 1998 to 9 June 1999 recommends to the Security Council the extension of the mandate of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus for another six months, until 31 December 1999.

As Mr. Annan points out in his report, "the presence of UNFICYP on the island remains indispensable for the maintenance of the cease-fire between the two sides". In his report, Mr. Annan notes that "during the last six months, the situation along the cease-fire lines remained stable."

Referring to the role played by UNFICYP in maintaining the buffer zone between the cease-fire lines and by responding quickly to incidents", he underlines that "the increasing practice by members of the opposing forces of engaging in provocative behaviour heightens the risk of more serious incidents and gives cause for concern."

The adoption of UNFICYP package of measures to reduce tension along the cease-fire lines as well as direct contacts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots would further contribute to stabilising the situation, he notes.

The government of Cyprus contributes financially to the maintenance of the Force by paying one third of the total cost of its maintenance, equivalent to $ 14,630.810.

[04] Cyprus welcomes peace agreement in Yugoslavia

Cyprus welcomed the peace accord in Yugoslavia describing it as "a step in the right direction and towards peace".

In a statement, made yesterday to the Cyprus News Agency, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides, said Cyprus hails the decision "to send a peace-keeping force under UN auspices and the role played by the G8 in overcoming the crisis".

As Mr. Kassoulides pointed out "This could be a sign of certain positive developments for us if the international community realises that hotbeds of instability, as in the case of Cyprus, should not be allowed to create problems in a region in which humanity as a whole reposes its hopes for peace and stability."

[05] President Clerides arrives in Shanghai

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides arrived yesterday in Shanghai, last stop of his six day state visit to China.

During his stay President Clerides met with Shanghai Mayor Xu Kuangdi and other local leaders.

Today President Clerides will address a business forum and visit the special economic zone, established in 1992 in the framework of reforms aimed at opening up Chinese economy. Later today President Clerides will fly to Hong Kong. He returns to Cyprus on Monday.

[06] UK supports implementation of European Court's judgement on Loizidou vs Turkey case

The British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ms Joyce Quin stressed last Wednesday the need for Turkey to respect the European Court of Human Rights' Judgement in the case of Loizidou vs Turkey. In a written answer to a relevant question tabled in the House of Commons, Ms Quin pointed out that "we will continue to discuss with EU partners, as with other members of the Council of Europe how best to achieve Turkish implementation of the Court's Judgement."

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


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