Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] G7 communique for Cyprus

[02] ‹ilitary build up in Cyprus will continue if no solution

1300:CYPPRESS:01

[01] G7 communique for Cyprus

The G7, plus Russia called upon Greek and Turkish Cypriots "to resume the direct talks under the auspices of the UN" and urged all concerned "to work for a settlement on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation".

They also expressed concern "that new developments in the military sphere, including an increase in force levels and the upgrading of sophisticated weaponry may risk further raising tension in this already unstable region".

Reiterating their support for UN efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem the G7 and Russia particularly urged Greece and Turkey, "to promote good relations between them and to work for the peaceful settlement of their bilateral differences".

The Cyprus problem was discussed during a meeting of Foreign and Finance Ministers of the G7 and Russia.

The issues they discussed included Iraq's compliance with UN weapons inspections, Iran's new government, the situation in Nigeria, Cambodia and the Balkans.

CNA TZ/MCH/KN/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1340:CYPPRESS:02

[02] ‹ilitary build up in Cyprus will continue if no solution

Speaking on departure for a 13-day tour to France, Argentina, Col¦mbia and New York, Kasoulides also said that as long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved more weapons will be concentrated on the island and called all those concerned to assist efforts for a solution.

The G7 communique on Cyprus, Kasoulides said: "It proves that the Cyprus problem is not forgotten but is high up in the international agenda".

Commenting on the concern expressed over "new developments in the military sphere including an increase in force levels and the upgrading of sophisticated weaponry", Kasoulides said it would not influence the government decision for the deployment of the Russian defensive system S- 300.

"They should worry because for as long as the Cyprus problem remains unresolved more weapons will be concentrated on the island", he added, pointing out that if Turkish occupation troops withdraw from the island there will be no need for armaments.

"They should therefore act in such a way as to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem", he said.

Kasoulides also stressed that there could be no change concerning the basis of bi-communal talks aiming at a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"Any attempt to change this basis, which is in accordance to UN resolutions, would not make the resumption of talks easier but rather encourage Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to continue with his intransigence in demanding recognition of his puppet regime", he said.

Denktash has demanded the recognition of the illegal entity unilaterally declared in the northern Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus in order to resume talks.

He demands that bi-communal talks should change to state to state talks.

The puppet state in the Turkish-occupied north, illegally declared in 1983, is recognised by no other country but Turkey.

Kasoulides stressed that the internationally recognised government of Cyprus is that of Glafcos Clerides and pointed out that the borders of the Republic of Cyprus are its shores.

"Anything else is illegal and secessionist", he added. CNA MAN/MCH/‰Ś 1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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