Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-03-24

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

News Update

Tuesday, 24/03/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Cyprus Government firm on talks on a bicommunal basis
• [02] Cancellation of missiles will depend on demilitarisation or solution
• [03] Cordovez comments on Cyprus issue
• [04] Cordovez meeting with Kranidiotis
• [05] Byzantine Medieval Cyprus exhibition opens

[01] Cyprus Government firm on talks on a bicommunal basis

The above was stressed by Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides commenting on the government's position regarding international involvement in the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Stylianides emphatically pointed out that the Cyprus Government stands "firm" on its position that negotiations to settle the Cyprus problem should be conducted by "the leaders of the two communities" and on the basis of the 'High level Agreements and UN revolutions".

Mr Stylianides added that President Clerides had made it quite clear to the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor Diego Cordovez, during their recent meeting, that a change in the procedure cannot be acceptable because it would imply recognition or acknowledgement of Denktash's illegal regime.

[02] Cancellation of missiles will depend on demilitarisation or solution

This position was emphatically stressed as a response to speculative reports suggesting the possibility of cancelling the missile deal in return for a US guaranteed moratorium on flights over Cyprus.

Greek Government Spokesman Demetris Repas, commenting on the same issue, expressed his Government's support towards the Cypriot government's position by pointing out that "the Cyprus Government is handling this issue with responsibility and good sense".

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, clarifying his position on the matter of flight moratorium over Cyprus, explained that what was suggested during his meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, was not a "mere moratorium" in return for the cancellation of the missile system, which could in fact be violated by Turkey at any time, but "a binding agreement" for Turkey, which would be guaranteed by the United Nations, the United States, or Nato, so that Cyprus' defence against Turkey could be safeguarded.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said that only a flight exclusion zone would be acceptable. He explained that 'a flight moratorium' would not be enough because the Turks could not be "trusted" in observing it.

[03] Cordovez comments on Cyprus issue

[04] Cordovez meeting with Kranidiotis

On the issue of the talks Mr Kranidiotis rejected the conditions set out by Denktash as unacceptable and stressed that as long as Turkish intransigence continues, the matter should be put before the Security Council. "The Security Council should take up its responsibilities so that the effort for negotiations can begin", he said.

Kranidiotis further stressed Greece's support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General whose mission is based on "UN resolutions providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation". He also expressed the belief that it is not possible to "move away from this framework".

[05] Byzantine Medieval Cyprus exhibition opens

The exhibition comprises of 227 original artefacts belonging to important Cypriot collections which represent the Byzantine Medieval period of Cyprus.

Byzantine Art and culture developed in Cyprus between the 4th and 12th centuries and continued even after the island was taken over by the Crusaders (1191) and the establishment of the Medieval Kingdom (1192- 1489).

Byzantine icons, ecclesiastical relics, medieval ceramics, coins manuscripts, maps and rare books are among the exhibits.

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

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