Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-05-08

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Friday, May 8, 1998

Holbrooke still dominates the news

THE AFTERMATH of US envoy Richard Holbrooke's visit to Cyprus continued to dominate the front pages.

Simerini claimed that the US, through Holbrooke's initiative, was promoting the "de facto recognition of the pseudo-state as a political entity". Reliable sources in the Greek American community informed the paper that Holbrooke's visit was the preface to a drive aimed at securing recognition for the north.

This view was also adopted by the US Pentagon, which is regularly in contact with the Turkish military command as well as with Holbrooke. The aim is to impose a settlement in Cyprus based on the existence of two states, the paper claimed.

Alithia gave prominence to comments made by the White House spokesman, Mike McCurry, who said a Cyprus settlement could be found if the two sides left some of their differences aside and engaged in "serious negotiations".

Asked to comment about Holbrooke's failure to blame the Turkish side for the failure of his initiative, McCurry said that "we agree with some of the interpretations given by him". He added that the US would continue its initiative on Cyprus.

Haravghi said that after Holbrooke's failure, the Russian proposals regarding a settlement would be brought back. Special significance was now attached to the proposals as they could contribute to the lifting of the deadlock.

It quoted Russian ambassador Georgi Muradov as saying that there was now a need for a discussion on Cyprus at the UN Security Council to re-confirm the main aspects of the peace procedure such as the holding of intercommunal talks as opposed to inter-state talks which Rauf Denktash was demanding.

Machi made a big issue out of the planned visit to Moscow of Turkey's Chief of General Staff General Ismail Karadayi.

After Holbrooke's failure, the Turks were concentrating their diplomatic efforts on securing a cancellation of the delivery of the S-300 missiles to Cyprus.

Phileleftheros claimed that a 'major issue' had been caused by the accusations levelled by Spyros Kyprianou against the Greek government for its allegedly US-inspired change of strategy on the Cyprus problem.

President Clerides came to the defence of Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, saying in a written statement that relations between Athens and Nicosia were excellent. Greece's government spokesman dismissed the accusations as unfounded.

Agon said that Kyprianou came under concerted fire from Athens and Nicosia for his outburst. Disy, Edek and the United Democrats also attacked Kyprianou's comments, as did members of Diko. This did not deter Kyprianou from launching a new attack against the Greek government.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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