Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-12-08

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

Tuesday, 8 December 1998

CONTENTS

• [01] Greece's options are identical to those of Cyprus, says Reppas
• [02] Greece stands by Cyprus in its cause for freedom, independence and democracy
• [03] Council of Europe rapporteur holds contacts in Cyprus

[01] Greece's options are identical to those of Cyprus, says Reppas

Speaking to the press, at his arrival in Cyprus last Sunday, Mr. Reppas pointed out that "Cyprus' defence is an asset that nobody - under any circumstances - can endanger" and added that the Greek government's options on that matter are identical to those of Cyprus.

Laying special emphasis to Cyprus' legitimate right to defence, Mr. Reppas stressed that "Cyprus is not a country of reduced rights It has the same rights and same obligations as any other UN member state".

Mr. Reppas, who arrived in Cyprus for a one-day visit as Head of the Greek Delegation of the Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of National Issues also noted that Greece and Cyprus share a common vision for the future.

"This vision is built on modern democratic institutions, on the development of welfare and on the consolidation of peace and stability in the region", he added.

[02] Greece stands by Cyprus in its cause for freedom, independence and democracy

He pointed out that "this field should not be one of armaments, heightening of tension and confrontation, but of developing welfare, respect of human rights, and democratic institutions as well as of the consolidation of stability in the wider region".

Mr Reppas noted that this is a time of "challenges", and "opportunities" which should be made full use of. He stressed that the way forward is the constant exertion of pressure on all those who can directly or indirectly contribute to a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

In this light, he added, the Cyprus Government has paved the way for the reduction of tension and armaments, a way which must be followed both by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side.

"Greece stands by the side of Cyprus in its fight for a great cause which is for freedom independence and democracy," he concluded.

Mr Reppas, also briefed President Clerides on the issues to be discussed at the meeting of the Co-ordinating Committee for the Promotion of National Issues.

[03] Council of Europe rapporteur holds contacts in Cyprus

Mr. Barsony, who is on a working visit to Cyprus, held also a series of meetings with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, the President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou and with other officials and party leaders.

During his meetings Mr. Barsony discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' EU course.

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

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