Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-07-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] No agenda for Clerides-Yeltsin meeting

[02] Greece to be represented in events marking Turkish invasion

[03] Turkish General illegally visits occupied areas

1500:CYPPRESS:01

[01] No agenda for Clerides-Yeltsin meeting

"This is a courtesy visit by the President to Moscow," he said. Clerides, who leaves tomorrow for a four-day visit, is also scheduled to see Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov, following a Russian request, and the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II.

Asked what the government expects from the presidential visit, the spokesman said "the President is the guest of honour at the opening of the World Youth Sports" Games, to take place in the Russian capital.

Invited to comment on Turkish Cypriot press reports that Clerides and Yeltsin will decided the exact date of delivery of Russian S300 missiles Cyprus has bought, Stylianides pointed out that "courtesy meetings have no agenda."

Cyprus purchased an anti-aircraft defence missile system from Russia because of the strong military might Turkey maintains in the northern areas of the Republic it occupies since 1974.

The government of Cyprus has repeatedly said the missiles, whose planned deployment has drawn criticism from various countries, will not be used for offensive purposes.

Commenting on Turkey's purchase of American missiles ATACMS, Stylianides said the government is making the necessary diplomatic moves to point out that Turkey's forces are positioned in an offensive formation against Cyprus.

"Turkey's offensive intentions are well known and in the past we have often pointed out this reality to the international community and the Security Council," he said.

CNA KN/MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1600 CYPPRESS:02

[02] Greece to be represented in events marking Turkish invasion

The announcement was made here Friday by Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides, who added that Papadopoulos' schedule will be made known in the next few days.

A military coup engineered by the junta ruling Greece at the time toppled President Archbishop Makarios III on July 15, 1974.

Five days later (July 20), Turkey, using as a pretext the protection of the Turkish Cypriot community, invaded this defenceless island situated in the Eastern Mediterranean, 75 kilometres south of Turkey.

Turkish troops still occupy 37 percent of the island's territory, in violation of numerous United Nations resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA KN/EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1930 CYPPRESS:03

[03] Turkish General illegally visits occupied areas

In statements upon arrival, Karadayi claimed the Turkish armed forces constitute the Turkish Cypriots' guarantee and security.

He claimed that "the Turkish Cypriots should not be nervous about the recent arms build up by the Greek Cypriots".

Karadayi described as a "provocation" the Cyprus government's legal decision to purchase the S-300 Russian anti-aircraft missile system.

The Cyprus government decided last year to buy this defensive missile system in a bid to boost the Republic's defence capability.

The Turkish General warned that Ankara is closely monitoring the every move made by the Greek Cypriots.

He supported that Turkey and its armed forces want peace on the island, but at the same time said they are not willing to make any concessions.

On his part, Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, described the Turkish military official's visit "a moral boost" for Turkish Cypriots.

According to press reports, Karadayi will inspect the 35.000-strong Turkish occupation forces which divide the island since they invaded in 1974 and will discuss counter measures against the deployment of the missiles.

The Cyprus government has repeatedly said it would reconsider halting the import of new weapons systems provided progress is made on a schedule leading to demilitarisation or if there is substantive progress in a Cyprus settlement.

Karadayi's visit to the occupied areas is considered illegal since the breakaway "state", unilaterally established in 1983, is recognised only by Ankara and declared legally invalid by the UN Security Council.

The Cyprus government is expected to protest to the UN over the visit.

CNA SA/EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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