Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-04-11

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

Tuesday, 11 April 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] British Prime Minister willing to intervene personally to assist efforts for a settlement
• [02] Finish Parliamentarians express support for Cyprus

[01] British Prime Minister willing to intervene personally to assist efforts for a settlement

Speaking after the meeting, President Clerides said that with the Prime Minister they reviewed the Cyprus problem "in the sense of where we stand and what the difficulties we face are", and discussed ways in which Britain could assist so that the UN-led peace talks on Cyprus could proceed.

"We also stressed the fact that we have not yet entered negotiations for a solution," President Clerides said, adding that this was due to the refusal of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to negotiate unless the illegal entity, set up in the northern Turkish-occupied part of the island, is recognised.

"We examined this matter in depth and reached the conclusion that there are ways in which we can face the situation," he said.

Replying to a question as to whether Britain is determined to assist in the process, the President said that the Prime Minister held a very positive attitude and reiterated at the end of the meeting that he was "willing to intervene personally".

"I can say I am very satisfied with the outcome of discussions," the President added.

[02] Finish Parliamentarians express support for Cyprus

Mrs Uosukainen is heading a parliamentary delegation, currently visiting Cyprus, at the invitation of the President of House.

In her statement to the press, she described the meeting as "very helpful and fruitful and said that with Mr Kyprianou they exchanged views on Cyprus' EU course.

"We told Mr Kyprianou that we want to do our best to support Cyprus's accession," she said and expressed the hope that this will have a positive development.

On his part, Mr Kyprianou described the meeting as "very friendly and useful" and said he briefed Mrs Uosukainen on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, for which she shows a special interest.

He said that Mrs Uosukainen showed great understanding of the issues discussed and added:

"I expect she will play an even more important role regarding Cyprus- Finnish relations and the Cyprus problem".

Mr Kyprianou also said that he has accepted an invitation by the Speaker of the Finnish Parliament to visit Finland.

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

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