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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-07-23Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>News UpdateWednesday, 23/07/97CONTENTS[01] Britain says Cyprus solution and EU talks should not be linkedThe President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou, currently in London having taken part in the events organised by the Greek Cypriot community to mark the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, met on Monday with the British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.In a statement after the 40-minute meeting, Mr Kyprianou said that the British Foreign Secretary believes that Cyprus' accession to the European Union should not be associated with a settlement to the Cyprus problem. Kyprianou added that even though Cook expressed the view that a solution prior to EU accession was preferable, he did not consider it a precondition. [02] This is a time of great opportunity for Cyprus, says BurnsUS State Department Spokesman Nicholas Burns said that "this is a time of great opportunity and promise in the Eastern Mediterranean"."There may not have been a better opportunity since the troubles began in Cyprus in the 1960s for Cyprus to be resolved. Dick Holbrooke is going to put all of his considerable creativity and experience behind our effort to be helpful to resolve the Cyprus problem", Mr Burns said at his last briefing yesterday as Spokesman. According to reports, the announcement is expected soon that he will be appointed as Ambassador to Athens. Mr Burns added that the US is now looking to the three governments - the Cypriot government, the Turkish government and the Greek government - to coalesce now and work with the United Nations and with Dick Holbrooke to move ahead on Cyprus. "I think this a time of great opportunity for all of us who wish to help Greece and Turkey and Cyprus create a new century of peace in the Eastern Mediterranean. That would be a great achievement for the Greek and Turkish and Cypriot peoples", he concluded. [03] US Congress approves resolution on CyprusThe US House of Representatives yesterday approved a resolution, concurrently with the Senate, calling for a United States initiative seeking a just and peaceful resolution of the situation on Cyprus.The resolution, which was approved by 417 votes in favour and four abstentions, considers that lasting peace and stability in Cyprus can best be secured by a process of complete demilitarisation and providing for alternative internationally acceptable and effective security arrangements as negotiated by the parties. It welcomes and supports the commitment by President Clinton to give increased attention to Cyprus and make the search for a solution a priority of US foreign policy and encourages him to launch an early substantive initiative, in close co-ordination with the United Nations, the European Union and interested governments, to promote a speedy resolution of the Cyprus problem. [04] Trade relations with Syria discussedWays to improve trade relations and the economic cooperation between Cyprus and Syria were discussed in Damascus yesterday at a two hour meeting between Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and his Syrian counterpart Mr Faruk Al Sharaa.Other subjects discussed at the talks included the Cyrpus problem, the Middle East question, bilateral relations and international issues of mutual concern. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |