Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-10-30

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

News Update

Thursday, 30/10/97

CONTENTS

• [01] Fast forward for Cyprus-EU talks during British presidency
• [02] US committed to push for Cyprus settlement
• [03] Cyprus' application to join the EU will be a catalyst for a solution

[01] Fast forward for Cyprus-EU talks during British presidency

Speaking in a debate on Cyprus in the House of Commons, Mr Henderson said Britain "desperately wants to see success in the (Cyprus) peace talks next spring".

"At the end of the day it is the parties in Cyprus who must bring peace", he said. "Ultimately the parties must recognise that the big prize is peace, prosperity and stability for all and for that they must work out a common solution with which they can all live".

Moreover, in written replies to questions in the House on Tuesday (29.10.97), Mr Henderson reiterated that Britain supports Cyprus' accession to the EU and hopes this will be on the basis of a settlement, leading to the accession of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

"This will bring benefits to both communities on the island", he said and added that "every effort must be made by all parties to solve the difficulties in the communities, as that will allow accession to take place successfully".

"I hope that all the people of Cyprus recognise that the world is different from the one in which the current divisions were drawn up, many years ago. All those who can bring some intelligence to the process of resolving the difficulties must do what they can", he said.

He also said that the United Kingdom welcomes the intention of the UN to resume talks on the Cyprus problem in early 1998 and intends to remain active and creative in support of the UN Secretary-General's mission of good offices on Cyprus.

[02] US committed to push for Cyprus settlement

"The situation in the Aegean and Cyprus is too dangerous to allow it to be untended", he said, speaking before the House International Relations Committee on recent developments in Europe.

Mr Grossman added that Ambassador Holbrooke and special co-ordinator Tom Miller along with the US ambassadors in Athens, Nicosia and Ankara, are a powerful team to help achieve progress.

He added, moreover, that the US consider the planned meeting between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr Denktash, on security issues a significant step.

[03] Cyprus' application to join the EU will be a catalyst for a solution

He was speaking during a dinner in London last night given by the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood and attended by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Heritage Secretary Chris Smith, Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Howard, and members of Parliament and the House of Lords.

"A firm and unwavering position of the Union on this issue remains its best possible contribution to the efforts to solve the Cyprus problem", he said, adding that such an attitude will lead Turkey to realise that it is in her own interest to opt for a solution as it will facilitate her own European ambitions as well.

Mr Kasoulides expressed the belief that Cyprus will join the Union as a reunited country so that all Cypriots will enjoy the benefits and share the responsibilities of membership.

"We have a strong sense of purpose in that direction and we urge the Union to offer its assistance because this will pay dividend in the end and will make the EU effectively that single factor which can help resolve this, difficult political problem.

The Minister returns to Cyprus this afternoon with President Glafcos Clerides.

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

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