Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-02-25

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

News Update

Tuesday, 25/02/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus - EU structured dialogue meeting postponed
• [02] Greece rejects German, British pressure over EU - Cyprus talks
• [03] Turkish side must make concessions too
• [04] Government Spokesman: "Cyprus' reunification and EU accession will pave the way for common future
• [05] President Clerides sends condolences for the death of Deng Xiaoping
• [06] Pangalos reacts to "Grey Wolves" threats to settle Famagusta

[01] Cyprus - EU structured dialogue meeting postponed

The Cyprus - EU Association Council will meet today (25.2.97) as planned.

The postponement of the ministerial meeting on the structured dialogue was decided following a failure by 15 EU Foreign Ministers to adopt a common statement presented by the Dutch presidency on the subject "The political situation in the S.E. Mediterranean".

Last night's discussions among EU Foreign Ministers focused on a joint British, German and French attempt to include a phrase in the final text of the common statement that "circumstances will allow soon the participation of all the Cypriots in the accession process".

Invited to clarify the meaning of the proposed text, none of the three Foreign Ministers came up with an answer.

The Cyprus Government does not object to Turkish Cypriot participation in membership talks but wants the Turkish Cypriots to be part of the official delegation of the government of the internationally-recognised Republic of Cyprus, which, according to an EU 1995 statement is the "sole interlocutor".

[02] Greece rejects German, British pressure over EU - Cyprus talks

According to Athens News Agency Mr Pangalos described the two countries' behaviour as "underhanded and hostile" towards Cyprus which he said "we will resist".

He explained that the British and German governments attempted to include in the text a phrase which renders the Turkish Cypriots as "parallel negotiators" with the European Union. "The Community does not belong to anyone", Mr Pangalos said, adding that "we will not accept masters. If some have misinterpreted our moderation as a sign of weakness or faint- heartedness, the time has come for them to see that they have made a major mistake". He said such positions will not be included in the joint statement of the 15 EU member-states and warned that if there is no joint position and a comprehensive Association Council with Cyprus, "it will be difficult for all the remaining association councils (with eastern European countries) which have been scheduled to proceed". Mr Pangalos noted that the participation of the Turkish Cypriots is not an issue, as Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides has already invited them to fully participate in the Cyprus delegation.

[03] Turkish side must make concessions too

"This is a fact since we made significant and painful concessions in accepting that the basis of a solution had to be a bizonal, bicommunal federation and a series of other concessions which are well known", Cassoulides said.

"Since then, our side has shown its good will for a political settlement to the problem. It is not, however, prepared to make further concessions without any indications that the Turkish side, which has not so far made any concessions, will do what is demanded of it".

Mr Cassoulides was commenting on statements by American Ambassador in Nicosia Kenneth Brill who said that Greek and Turkish Cypriots must give up their traditional stance on the Cyprus problem and work towards compromise.

Mr Cassoulides went on to explain that there is room for concessions in the 1989 positions and that we will not enter negotiations presenting our positions as an ultimatum. However he added, we expect the Turkish side to make its own concessions, as our side has already made big and painful concessions.

[04] Government Spokesman: "Cyprus' reunification and EU accession will pave the way for common future"

He noted that Cyprus remains divided because of the Turkish invasion and the continuing illegal occupation of part of the island and because of a decision by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash to declare the Turkish Cypriot pseudostate.

"We would like the Turkish Cypriots to participate in the official delegation of the Republic of Cyprus and when there is a relevant response from the Turkish side, then the Government will deal with the matter", the Spokesman said.

Moreover, Mr Cassoulides stressed that efforts should concentrate on finding a Cyprus settlement "to help overcome all these problems at the same time as the start of accession talks".

[05] President Clerides sends condolences for the death of Deng Xiaoping

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Deng Xiaoping. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus I convey deepest and most sincere condolences for this loss.

Through his great vision, inspired leadership and profound love for his country Deng Xiaoping has bequeathed to China a legacy of enviable economic growth.

Please convey my sympathy to the widow of the late Deng Xiaoping Zhuo Lin".

President Clerides also signed yesterday a book of condolences at the Chinese Embassy in Nicosia.

[06] Pangalos reacts to "Grey Wolves" threats to settle Famagusta

"Appropriate measures must be instituted, not only against Denktash, who is acting as an intermediary, but against the Grey Wolves, their political mentors and leaders", Mr Pangalos specified.

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

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