Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 00-07-05

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

Wednesday, 5 July 2000

CONTENTS

• [01] Third round of proximity talks starts in Geneva today
• [02] Recent Turkish provocative acts denounced at the European Parliament

[01] Third round of proximity talks starts in Geneva today

In a statement released yesterday by the Spokesman of the UN Secretary General, it is noted that «The Secretary General believes that the process must move on from here in an earnest way. He will be encouraging the parties to engage in a continuous and intensified process of discussion which will enable them to engage in detailed examination of the main issues.

He envisages that this process should be ongoing for an extended period into the autumn, with occasional breaks to permit reflection and further preparation as necessary».

Moreover it is noted that «The Secretary General places great importance on the need for confidentiality around the talks. He will repeat the request for a press blackout, under which the delegations are asked not to disclose the substance or procedure of the discussions. Based on experience, he sees this as essential for the effectiveness of the process.

[02] Recent Turkish provocative acts denounced at the European Parliament

Socialist Deputy Mr George Katifaris said that the forward movement of the Turkish troops in Strovilia village, impedes the free movement of UNFICYP. He added that Turkey's status as an EU candidate country creates for Turkey certain obligations that must be respected.

Moreover in her intervention New Democracy Euro MP Ms Marietta Yiannakou pointed to the fact that the recent Turkish provocative acts create problems to the UNIFCYP force and occur at a crucial time on the eve of the third round of UN-led proximity talks on Cyprus.

Ms Yiannakou asked the President of the European Parliament to send a letter to the UN Secretary General and to indicate to Turkey that its acts do not comply with its status as a candidate country for EU accession.

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

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