Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-03-09

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

News Update

Monday, 09/03/98

CONTENTS

• [01] President Clerides praises work of the Commonwealth
• [02] Fate of one missing person traced
• [03] US Special Coordinator for Cyprus arrives
• [04] Former President George Vassiliou appointed chief EU negotiator
• [05] Denktash sends unacceptable letter to President Clerides

[01] President Clerides praises work of the Commonwealth

President Clerides stresses that the Commonwealth adheres steadfastly to democratic principles, to the respect of human rights and the cooperation promoting the development of its members.

Clerides also points out in his message that the Commonwealth continues to express its support to the just struggle of the people of Cyprus towards finding a viable and lasting solution to its problem.

[02] Fate of one missing person traced

According to press reports, the then sixteen-year-old Andreas Kassapis has been identified through DNA tests. He is one of five Greek Cypriots with American citizenship, missing since the Turkish invasion.

The US State Department's Special Co-ordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller, informed Kassapis' father Costas, now living in Detroit, of the confirmation of his son's death.

According to the same press reports, the boy's funeral will take place in Detroit, when his remains are delivered to his parents.

In statements to the "Proini" newspaper in New York, the President of the International Coordinating Committee-Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), Philip Christopher, has expressed his satisfaction from the development, as "over 23 years of suffering by the Costas Kassapis family was finally brought to closure".

The President of PSEKA also expresses the hope "that this case is just the first of many more to come" and points out that he is "encouraged by recent efforts to bring an end to this tragic humanitarian issue".

[03] US Special Coordinator for Cyprus arrives

Mr Miller who arrived in Cyprus yesterday, stressed the need to "keep our eye on the big picture" of the Cyprus problem. "Flexibility and creativity are also essential in solving any difficult problem", he said, pointing out that "the Cyprus problem is certainly one of the world's most difficult problems".

He added: "What I do promise from the US government and this is from President Clinton to Secretary Albright, to Ambassador Holbrooke to myself and all of us involved in trying to bring a resolution to the Cyprus problem, is we will give it a maximum effort".

Miller also said that Ambassador Holbrooke will come to Cyprus when he thinks he can make a difference. "He is very much focused on the Cyprus question for which he was brought on board. Holbrooke is totally committed to working on the Cyprus problem", he added.

Replying to press questions, he also said there is close cooperation between parties interested in a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"We continue to support a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal solution. That is the proposal that is on the table and we are all looking into", Miller said and stressed: "We do not recognise the north as a state".

The US representative is being received by President Glafcos Clerides today. Tomorrow he will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

[04] Former President George Vassiliou appointed chief EU negotiator

Speaking after a meeting of the Council of Ministers on 6.3.98, Stylianides clarified that Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides will be the person to represent the Republic of Cyprus and exercise executive power.

"Vassiliou will act in accordance with government policy and the positions of the government as these are outlined. He will not have any authority to undertake any commitment without the prior instruction and approval of the Council of Ministers," Stylianides added.

The Spokesman said Vassiliou, former Cyprus President from 1988-1993, will be kept informed by cabinet members about government efforts to align the country's legislation with that of the EU.

[05] Denktash sends unacceptable letter to President Clerides

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said "the government considers the letter as totally unacceptable both in terms of substance and ethics. The President and his Foreign Minister will take the necessary measures on both counts." President Glafcos Clerides returned the letter, he added.

In his letter, Denktash essentially rejects federation, to which he agreed years ago, and reiterates his long-standing demand for recognition of his breakaway regime in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.

The Spokesman said after a four-hour long meeting of the National Council on 6.3.98 that the President briefed Council members about his meetings with Greek government and European Union officials.

The Council, made up of political party leaders, exchanged views about Turkish Cypriot participation in the accession talks Cyprus is due to start end of March prior to President Clerides' meetings with the Greek and British Premiers this week.

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

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