Britain favours "comprehensive agreement"

Nicosia, Feb 17 1997 (CNA) -- Britain's special envoy for Cyprus, Sir David Hannay, believes that solutions to various aspects of the Cyprus question can only be found at the negotiating table.

He considers that Cyprus' aspirations to join the European Union are linked to progress towards a settlement of the protracted Cyprus problem.

The envoy has also said that Britain has not, nor is it about to put forward a proposal for the deployment of a multinational peace-keeping force in Cyprus and stressed that without new security arrangements there can be no settlement of the island's political problem.

In an interview with London Greek Radio (LGR) today, Sir David Hannay said "I do not think a step by step approach on confidence building measures or things like that will do the trick."

Advocating a "comprehensive agreement", Sir David said he was convinced that "solutions themselves will only be found at the negotiating table" and added "I don't have any illusions or excessive expectations that we will get large chunks of the settlement agreed in advance of direct negotiations."

The settlement, he pointed out, can only come from the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus (Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities) and not from outsiders.

The British envoy said a comprehensive agreement "will pave the way for Cyprus to enter the European Union which is an important aspiration but one crucially connected in many ways with progress towards a settlement."

He also said 1997 "could be a year that one could hope for a solution or at least substantial progress towards one."

Sir David dismissed suggestions that Britain is taking the upper hand in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, and pointed out "we are not trying to achieve a British initiative - we are trying to achieve a concerted international effort in which the US, Britain, the EU, and others, including Russia, all take their part."

Commenting on press reports that Britain has proposed the deployment of a 5,000-strong international peace-keeping force for Cyprus, Sir David said "We are not making a choice or a proposal" but acknowledged that Britain is considering options which will fit in with UN ideas, President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for the demilitarisation of the island and Turkey's insistence on being a guarantor power for Cyprus.

"Without a clear security dimension, there would be no settlement and without a settlement there won't be a change in the present unsatisfactory security arrangements," Sir David told LGR.

The British envoy reiterated his government's strong disapproval of a decision by the Cyprus government to buy surface-to-air missiles and described the move as unhelpful and unwise at the present stage.

He also called on both sides in Cyprus to avoid making "defiant statements" to gain applause at home but instead to make statements about "a willingness to settle in a spirit of give and take."

Referring to Turkish Cypriot threats to settle the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta, on the east, Sir David said "it would be completely wrong if Famagusta is settled" as this runs contrary to UN resolutions.

"We would not condone it, we would criticise or condemn any action taken in Famagusta by the Turkish Cypriots," he said.

Sir David will be in Athens and Ankara next week and in mid-March he will visit Cyprus for talks with President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Cassoulides on British envoy's statement

Nicosia, Feb 18 1997 (CNA) -- Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides does not consider there is anything new in statements made by Britain's representative for Cyprus, Sir David Hannay, and noted that comments by third parties cannot always please.

"We cannot expect statements by third parties to please us always. What is important, is how we persist with our just cause," Cassoulides told his briefing Tuesday.

He said he was somewhat surprised at Sir David's view that "solutions can only be found at the negotiating table" and added "we do not demand a prior agreement during proximity efforts on all the fundamental issues."

The preparatory phase, he added, should manage to bring the positions of the two sides closer and give basic indications that there is a willingness, primarily on the part of the Turkish side, to shift its stance.

"We have never claimed that we will go to the negotiating table standing firm on our positions," Cassoulides said.

Commenting on Sir David's view that Cyprus' aspiration to join the European Union (EU) is "crucially connected with progress towards a settlement", the Spokesman said the government does not consider this to be the case.

"We do not think the EU March (1995) decision sets the solution of the Cyprus question as a precondition for EU membership," Cassoulides said and pointed out the government acknowledges that accession negotiations would be facilitated if the problem were solved.

"The Republic of Cyprus, more than anybody else, wishes to see the Cyprus problem settled," he said.

Replying to questions, Cassoulides said one good way of conducting negotiations would be through confidential talks.

On the security issue, Cassoulides expressed the view that a UN set of ideas, President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for the island's demilitarisation and the 1960 Treaty of Guarantees contain conflicting points on security matters.

Sir David had told London Greek Radio on Monday that all above three items could help iron out differences on security matters.

The right to unilateral intervention and the need for a multinational force for Cyprus seem to be at odds, Cassoulides said.

Euro MP urges Turkey to assist Cyprus settlement

London, Mar 24 1997 (CNA) -- British Euro MP and President of the European Parliament Socialist Group, Pauline Green, has said she is a bit more encouraged that Turkey will change its attitude and help efforts to reach a solution to the protracted Cyprus problem.

In a statement today to London Greek Radio, after a three-day visit to Turkey last week, Green said she raised "the issue of Cyprus at every opportunity with everybody."

"What I found there was the sort of statements which is a bit more encouraging in that, for the first time, I did not get any of the more chauvinist statements that I had in the past, about Cyprus being a military fortress for Greece," she said.

The Labour Euro MP said she was "getting the view from them (the Turks) that it is time for a solution" and she was "a little encouraged". She noted however that "those are only words" and "as ever, we wait and see".

Green said she encouraged Turkish officials "to take a proactive stance, not just a passive approach but an active approach to making something happen towards a solution for Cyprus."

Referring to her recent visit to Cyprus, for the European Union (EU) - Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting, she said the Euro MPs "were very pleased with the state of readiness in Cyprus, to join the EU."

Green added that "the Cyprus government has done a huge amount to get Cyprus ready, and that is very encouraging".

Asked to comment on efforts by some EU countries to involve Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus' EU accession talks, Green said "we would all like to see T/C taking part in the negotiations, that is why we want a solution (to the Cyprus problem)."

She noted that "if there is a solution, Turkish Cypriots can take their place with Greek Cypriots in government and negotiate together for Cyprus' entry."

"That would be the best option for everybody," she said, underlining the need to find a solution through current efforts.

However, she made it clear that "there is only one party that can negotiate for Cyprus to join the EU, and that is the government of Cyprus."

Green visited Ankara with a European Parliament delegation monitoring the human rights situation in Turkey.

Green considers Holbrooke appointment a commitment

London, Jun 13 1997 (CNA) -- British President of the European Parliament Socialist Group, Pauline Green, believes the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as US presidential emissary "is a real commitment" for progress in the protracted Cyprus problem.

"I am fascinated by the appointment and specifically about the announcement now," the Euro-MP said in an interview with London Greek Radio today.

She added that when she recently spoke to the Americans "they were saying they will support the UN and the EU initiative, but they were not looking then to place one of their big hitters into a prominent position on Cyprus."

Noting there were some problems with the solution Holbrooke struck in Bosnia, Green expressed hope "he has a bit more time to spend looking at the history of Cyprus, understanding the problem" so that the solution will be "appropriate".

Asked to comment on UN-led direct negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, scheduled for June 9 - 13 somewhere near New York, Green pointed out they need to show vision, goodwill and a "spirit of finding an answer", if a solution is to be found.

Noting "this is a crucial moment for Cyprus" she said "we are all here willing those talks to go well".

Green also said everyone is aware of the difficulties in reaching a settlement in Cyprus, and added "I think it is incumbent on all of us now to keep quiet and anything we do say has got to be encouraging and supportive of those talks".

Reiterating her "deep commitment" to see Cyprus join the European Union, the Labour Euro-MP said she "looks forward to a British Labour government now being able to open negotiations with Cyprus, at the beginning of next year, when they are in the presidency".

On March 6 1995 the EU decided membership negotiations with Cyprus will begin six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference.

Cyprus' EU prospect is considered as one of the important new elements in efforts to solve the 22 year-old Cyprus question.

Hanney speaks to LGR on Cyprus

Nicosia, Jun 25 1997 (CNA) -- Britain's Special Representative for Cyprus, Sir David Hannay, admitted that Ankara is the key to progress on Cyprus at the forthcoming direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

He also said Greece has an important role to play as well but noted that the most important keys to open the door to progress on the protracted Cyprus problem are in the hands of the leaders of the two communities in the island.

In an interview with London Greek Radio (LGR) Wednesday, Sir David said his "reaction is mildly positive from all the capitals (Nicosia, Athens Ankara)", after his recent visits there as he found out that people are now talking about going to the UN-led direct negotiations and the ways these will be handled.

However, he noted "I don't underestimate the distance that remains to go" and said nobody should expect that "all of a sudden we are going to discover we have the comprehensive settlement which we are all working for."

"I believe it will take a lot of hard work and a lot of political will on both sides, from the leaders of the two communities, and a good deal of help from those outside, who are working for a settlement, to get to a desirable conclusion," he said.

Asked to comment whether Ankara holds the key to any progress in the Cyprus problem, the British diplomat said "well, I always thought that...Ankara is the... key to the negotiations."

However he said "there are several keys that have to be turned, in order to open this door, and some of them, probably the most important, are in the hands of the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus."

He added that both the role of Greece and Turkey is "important" and said that while in Ankara he "was certainly given very clear indications that the Turkish government intended to engage constructively in this attempt for a negotiated solution and wanting to see one."

The British envoy noted, however, "I do really think it is unwise to focus exclusively on one capital in that way," as it "causes quite negative reactions there (Ankara)".

Sir David said he did not want to overestimate or underestimate the importance of this first, since October 1994, face-to-face meeting between President Clerides and Denktash, noting "it is nearly three years since they last met. And that is important."

Sir David pointed out previous direct negotiations, in 1992, did not aim at a comprehensive settlement.

"This time, we are looking, I think everyone is looking for a solid and more durable, mainly a comprehensive settlement itself. So, it is important this first meeting but it is not going to be a make-or-break meeting," he noted.

He said it is the first step along an important road, whose length and duration are actually quite impossible to predict at this stage.

Sir David said he will go to Troutbeck, Dutchess County, where the talks will take place, on July 10 the day after negotiations will start, due to other commitments.

He said "nobody will be at the negotiations, except for the leaders of the two communities, the UN Secretary-General and his Special Advisor, Diego Cordovez," and noted all the rest, including himself "will be in the wings" and "they will be available, if the UN needs any advice or support."

He reiterated its up to the leaders of the two communities to take the fundamental decisions about what is acceptable in terms of constitutional arrangements, in terms of the geographical definition of the two zones, in terms of the problems of refugees and all these things.

Sir David agreed, though, "that the Turkish troop presence is not consistent with a settlement. That is to say there couldn't be any conceivable settlement which involved the present level of Turkish troop presence in Cyprus," he pointed out.

Talking about measures and gestures of good will he said "the best gesture of good will that could be taken by both sides is to agree the package of measures proposed by the UN for unmanning, unloading and the code of conduct along the green line."

Sir David said he took the opportunity of US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke, visit to London last week to have "a chat about the work we are, along with many others, doing, to produce a concerted effort to support the UN peace negotiations."

He described their first meeting as "useful" and said "no doubt many meetings I will have with him, just as I have had and will continue to have many meetings with the parties in Cyprus, with the Greek and Turkish governments and with other governments which are making an effort to help the Secretary-General."

Asked if Cyprus could become a European Union (EU) member before a Cyprus settlement is reached, the British diplomat said "I don't know. I frankly cannot tell you the answer to that question."

He made it clear though, that the British government's stance is "that no country has a veto on Cyprus' application and that there are no external conditions."

He added "it is perfectly common sense, I think, to see that if there could be a settlement, Cyprus' membership will be quicker to negotiate and easier to implement. So, the desirable objective must be to get a settlement."

Sir David expressed the hope "it may be possible to negotiate without the arch-lights of publicity on the leaders all the time. I hope that it may be possible to get to a genuine exchange of give-and-take."

Concluding, he said "there is a degree of confidentiality, which is valuable for negotiators and which I think, if it can be achieved in this case, would be valuable to the chances of getting a settlement."

Sir David Hannay: "Ankara holds the key to the negotiations"

Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 97-06-26

Britain's special representative for Cyprus Sir David Hannay has stated that Ankara is the key to Cyprus peace negotiations. Asked during an interview with London Greek Radio (LGR) on Wednesday (25.6.97) to comment whether Ankara holds the key to any progress in the Cyprus problem, the British diplomat said "well, I always thought that ... Ankara is the... key to the negotiations".

However he said "there are several keys that have to be turned, in order to open this door, and some of them, probably the most important, are in the hands of the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus".

Referring to the upcoming UN-led negotiations, Sir David said: "I don't underestimate the distance that remains to go" and said nobody should expect that "all of a sudden we are going to discover we have the comprehensive settlement which we are all working for".

"I believe it will take a lot of hard work and a lot of political will on both sides, from the leaders of the two communities, and a good deal of help from those outside, who are working for a settlement, to get to a desirable conclusion", he added.

The British diplomat elaborated on the talks, saying: "This time, we are looking for a solid and more durable, mainly a comprehensive settlement itself. So, it is important, this first meeting, but it is not going to be a make-or-break meeting", he noted.

He said it is the first step along an important road, whose length and duration are actually quite impossible to predict at this stage.

Euro Socialist leader slams Turkey

London, Jul 18 1997 (CNA) -- Pauline Green, Leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, called Turkish threats to annex the occupied area of Cyprus to Turkey "a bluff".

In an interview with the London Greek Radio (LGR) today, the British Labour Euro MP said "Turkey has a funny way of trying to make friends and influence people. If they want to get closer to the European Union, this is a very bad way to do it".

Commenting on Turkish officials' statements that the occupied area of Cyprus will be annexed to Turkey if negotiations begin for the accession of Cyprus to the EU, Green said although Turkey wants closer relations with Europe, it "will not do it by maintaining this belligerent and chauvinist attitude towards Cyprus and particularly towards attempts to find a solution to Cyprus".

Green pointed out that Turkey believes it "can hold talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem hostage on whether Cyprus joins the EU or not", adding this "is a disgrace".

She referred to threats that if the European Commission starts negotiations with Cyprus, then Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will not definitely be attending the second round of talks, scheduled for August 11-16 near Geneva, saying that this "is completely unacceptable. It shows the utter hypocrisy of their dealings with Europe".

Pauline Green said "it is a bluff, anyway, because their best interest has got to be to get closer to the EU and therefore they will not annex the north of Cyprus. I think it is a threat and a bluff and we should frankly call it".

Asked to comment on the European Parliament resolution on Turkey, Pauline Green said "we made it clear that we expect the new government to be taking a constructive approach, not just passively, but actively supporting a solution to the Cyprus problem and use the fact of Cyprus' application to join the EU as a catalyst to actually solve the problem".

Referring to the direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides, and Denktash, on the Cyprus issue, the Euro MP said "these talks will not achieve anything, unless they are talks of real substance and they are really serious".

She pointed out that the negotiators "have got to move on in Geneva to touch the hard problems and discuss the real issues".

Green reaffirmed her position that "Cyprus will join the EU even if there is no solution", but stressed that "some EU governments already say that unless there is a solution, accession of Cyprus is going to be very difficult".

The British Euro MP expressed the hope that "the people of Cyprus will be aware of the very staunch support they are getting from the European Parliament and the European Commission", adding that it's 1300-page document "Agenda 2000" talks about negotiations with six countries for the enlargement of the Union, which will include Cyprus.

Finally, Pauline Green spoke about the annual marches to mark yet another year since the invasion and occupation of part of Cyprus in 1974, stressing that she will be joining the marches.

She told LGR "we look forward to a massive celebration in Trafalgar Square, when we no longer have to go. Then we will have Cypriots out celebrating in Trafalgar Square and that will be great".

Denktash urged to attend talks

Nicosia, Aug 1 1997 (CNA) -- A number of Turkish Cypriot politicians and a fraction of the press in Turkish occupied Cyprus have appealed to the leader of their community, Rauf Denktash, to attend the second round of face-to-face talks with President Glafcos Clerides, scheduled for August 11- 16 in Switzerland.

In an interview with London Greek Radio (LGR) Friday, leader of the Turkish Republican Party (TRP), Mehmet Ali Talat, said "it is necessary (for him) to attend this meeting, so he will do it."

Denktash has threatened not to attend the second round of UN-sponsored negotiations in August unless the European Union (EU) suspends its decision to start accession talks with Cyprus.

Talat told LGR "in our community everybody is hoping for a good approach and progress in solving the problem...because we know that a solution will be beneficial to both communities, Cyprus and the region," Turkey and Greece.

"Denktash is hesitant about attending the meeting with Clerides in Montreux, but we are pressing, we are pushing him to attend because it is very important for the future of Cyprus," TRP leader said.

Talat also said Thursday's meeting here between the leaders of the two communities was "very encouraging" and said it "helped the climate to become much calmer".

Another party leader, Mustafa Akkinci, leader of the Turkish Cypriot "Communal Liberation" party was today quoted by the Turkish Cypriot press as saying that Denktash's failure to attend August talks is tantamount to giving President Clerides the "greatest support."

Noting that failure of the Turkish Cypriot side to take part in the talks will in no way put an end to Cyprus' accession talks with he EU, Akkinci said it will only give the impression that the Turkish Cypriot side does not want a Cyprus settlement.

An editorial in Turkish Cypriot daily "Halkin Sesi" Friday urges Denktash to attend the second round of direct talks, unless he wishes to see his side accused of opposing the peace process.

It indicated that "talking does not imply granting concessions" and pointed out that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are better served through negotiations.

President Clerides has already said he would attend the talks and Denktash is expected to announce his decision on Monday.

Britain's envoy on Cyprus talks

Nicosia, Aug 19 1997 (CNA) -- Britain's special envoy for Cyprus, Sir David Hannay, does not believe Ankara's arm should be twisted to exert pressure on the Turkish Cypriot side to cooperate for a settlement in Cyprus.

The British envoy also considers that the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have to make a contribution towards a settlement, and has described President Glafcos Clerides' stance in the second round of UN-led talks is Glion, Switzerland, last week as "very constructive".

Despite some disappointment with the outcome of two rounds of direct negotiations between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Sir David noted that the peace process is now moving into a new gear with the preparation of the legal texts of a settlement.

"I don't think that there is any cause for despair. That there is some cause for disappointment, yes, and I share that," the British envoy said in an interview with London Greek Radio.

He noted the two rounds of direct talks (the first in the US last month) "were not put to the best possible use", but said a work programme will go ahead this autumn as neither President Clerides nor Denktash had a problem with this.

"The peace process is now going to move into a new gear with the working by the UN, in consultation with the two parties, on the actual legal texts that will be needed for a settlement," Sir David added, noting they will cover issues such as a draft constitution, territorial adjustments, arrangements for security matters, refugees and compensation.

He expressed hope negotiations on these texts will begin in March 1998, after the presidential elections in Cyprus.

Commenting on the view that both the government and the people of Cyprus do not believe there is much hope for a settlement unless pressure is put on the party that is not willing to continue the peace talks, Sir David said he does not believe "we should be thinking in terms of just putting pressure on one party."

"Both the two communities and their leaders have to make a contribution. I know myself that President Clerides' contribution to the talks of Glion was very constructive, very positive, and he earned great credit," he said.

However, the British envoy said he does not think "you can assume that you can just put pressure on to Ankara to put pressure on to Denktash. That's a far over-simple way of looking at this."

He acknowledged that both Ankara and Denktash have an important role to play in efforts for a solution, but said "they have got to be satisfied through the process of negotiations that their fundamental needs and requirements are being taken account of, as are those of the other side."

"So it's not a straight-forward issue of who twists whose arm, it is a more complex matter, it is one that requires a sustained and concerted effort," Sir David added.

Asked to comment on the Turkish side's threats not to participate in another round of negotiations unless the European Union (EU) decides not to open accession talks with Cyprus next year, Sir David reiterated that "the EU remains committed to the opening of negotiations with Cyprus, six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference (last July)."

He noted he had made this position clear in all his contacts and added he had told Denktash that the EU dimension should be discussed "in great detail" this autumn.

The British envoy said he also told the Turkish Cypriot leader that he "wasn't at all convinced that his approach was one that would really bring benefits."

"The best outcome for both communities in Cyprus is that EU membership should come to a federal, bizonal, bicommunal Cyprus and not a divided Cyprus," he said, clarifying that he does not mean "that a divided Cyprus could never join the EU."

The former British diplomat noted "this would be rather problematic and difficult, but not impossible."

He also expressed "a very widespread view that it is only desirable that both communities should be associated in some way with the accession process."

Asked about American involvement in efforts for a Cyprus settlement, Sir David expressed hope that they "will be as active as the others of us in this matter", noting the US ambassador to Cyprus, Kenneth Brill, had close contact with all special representatives at the talks in Glion.

He said he was certain the American Presidential Emissary, Richard Holbrooke, and his deputy, Tomas Miller, "will be very active."

Euro-MP denounces Turkish threats

Nicosia, Sep 19 (CNA) -- Threats of war by the Turkish Cypriot leader against Cyprus are totally unacceptable and must be withdrawn, the European Parliament's socialist group leader said today.

Pauline Green said a resolution adopted yesterday by the European Parliament makes clear that the "war mongery" coming from Rauf Denktash is "completely unacceptable to us".

"We dismiss him and we make it clear that we are appalled by his statements and ask for them to be withdrawn," she said in an interview with London Greek Radio (LGR).

On August 25, Denktash threatened with war if Cyprus is allowed to join the European Union (EU).

Green noted the European Parliament has recognised there is opposition to Denktash and Turkish Cypriot leaders who are "at least willing to talk in a sophisticated, mature way about how you solve the Cyprus problem".

"People here are now aware that Denktash is not the only voice of the Turkish Cypriot community," she said.

The Euro MP said the resolution made clear that Cyprus-EU accession talks will start around March or April 1998 and rejects Turkey's attempts to tie them with its own bid to join the EU.

"We do not believe that Cyprus can be vetoed by Turkey, neither that Turkey's application can be tied with Cyprus' application. The two things are completely different," she said.

Green added that the EU wants good relations with Ankara and understands Turkey is eligible for accession, provided it meets EU criteria.

"That includes human rights, democracy, and of course, the two issues that are very difficult for the EU with regards to Turkey: the Kurdish issue and the Cyprus problem," she said.

The Socialist group leader said the resolution reminds of the European Parliament's commitment to a Cyprus settlement and its desire to see Greek and Turkish Cypriots join the EU.

Green confirmed she will visit Cyprus on October 11 and 12 for meetings with government and UN officials, MP's and others.

No concessions over human rights

London, Oct 29 1997 (CNA) -- The Greek Cypriot side will not make any concessions over the human rights of the Cyprus people, said Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides.

He was speaking at a gathering last night in London to celebrate the "Okhi (No) Day" (October 28, 1940), when Greece refused to surrender to an unconditional ultimatum by the Axis forces.

The Minister stressed the Greek Cypriot side rejects "any recipes to compromise what is irreconcilable and to negotiate what is non-negotiable".

"We will never make any concessions which will undermine the security and future of the people and the island", he said.

Meanwhile, in statements to London Greek Radio (LGR), Kasoulides expressed satisfaction with the results of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Edinburgh as well as the British positions on Cyprus.

The Cypriot Minister said he had witnessed an improvement of the British positions, especially regarding the island's European Union accession course.

In a statement to CNA, British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, had said how important is a Cyprus settlement in relation to Cyprus' EU accession course.

He pledged Britain would intensify its efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

Britain does not recognise Turkish Cypriot pseudostate

London, Nov 27 1997 (CNA) -- Britain's policy of not recognising the illegal regime unilaterally declared in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus in 1983 has not shifted, the Foreign Office announced today.

The Foreign Office issued a statement after reaction in Cyprus to statements made by Britain's special envoy for the Cyprus problem, Sir David Hannay, that Turkish nationals living in the occupied areas are now part of the country.

In an interview with a Cypriot daily , Sir David had also said that the Turkish settlers, brought to the occupied part of Cyprus in a bid to change the island's demographic character, have "Turkish Cypriot citizenship".

However, he acknowledged there is officially no such thing as a "Turkish Cypriot citizenship" but said that the illegal regime treats the Turkish settlers as Turkish Cypriots.

The Foreign Office statement says "Sir David Hannay made clear... that nothing in his remarks during his interview with the Greek Cypriot newspaper 'Fileleftheros', imply or was intended to imply a shift in Britain's policy of not recognising the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' which remains unchanged."

UN resolution 541, adopted in November 1983 when the pseudostate was illegally declared, describes the unilateral declaration of Turkish Cypriot independence as "legally invalid".

It calls for its withdrawal and urges all states not to recognise the puppet regime.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides will tonight attend a dinner hosted by Sir David, in London, during which the two men are expected to discuss the British envoy's positions on the settlers issue.

Cyprus High Commissioner Vanias Markides and David Redaway, Foreign Office Director of Southern European Department, will also attend the dinner.

In statements to London Greek Radio (LGR) earlier today, Kasoulides dismissed Hannay's statements as "unacceptable".

He reiterated the government position that "the Turkish settlers cannot remain in Cyprus after a solution."

"Turkey's colonisation policy aims at changing the demographic character and balance in Cyprus, creating new faits accomplis in Cyprus," Kasoulides added.

He said this policy "violates international law" and described it as "a war crime".

The Foreign Minister said during his meeting with Sir David he will elaborate on the government positions on the settlers issue.

Cypriot Minister meets British envoy

London, Nov 28 1997 (CNA) -- Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides appeared satisfied after discussing here last night with Britain's envoy on Cyprus the latter's controversial reported remarks about the Turkish settlers in the occupied part of Cyprus.

On his part, Britain's special representative for Cyprus Sir David Hannay described as "helpful" his two-hour discussions with Kasoulides here last night, but refrained from giving any details.

"Sir David told me he was never of the opinion that the (Turkish) settlers should stay (in Cyprus), although he did point out that there may be certain humanitarian considerations with regard to people who are married to (Turkish) Cypriots," Kasoulides told the media.

The Foreign Minister added: "Having heard what Sir David had to say, I am a lot happier and I would say perhaps even more contended than I was before our meeting."

Earlier in the day Kasoulides told the London Greek Radio he considered Sir David's objectivity and usefulness as a mediator had been damaged by his remarks on the settlers.

The British envoy was earlier this month quoted by the Cyprus daily "Phileleftheros" as saying that settlers in the occupied part of Cyprus married to Turkish Cypriots had acquired the pseudostate's so-called "citizenship" and therefore had the right to remain on the island after a Cyprus solution.

Sir David told the media after the London meeting "I had a very good and useful discussion with the Minister and all the subjects that come up under the Cyprus issue and I think that it has been very helpful."

He refused, however, to say anything about the issue of Turkish settlers in the occupied areas of Cyprus, noting he did not want to add to what he had told British MPs earlier in the day.

Sir David told MPs there had been no change in the British government stand against recognition of the breakaway "state".

The British envoy attended also yesterday a meeting in Paris on the Cyprus question with UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, and the European Union's envoy on Cyprus Kester Heaslip, but gave no details on this.

"Cordovez who had been to Brussels yesterday (Wednesday) to brief Hans van den Broek briefed the special representatives on his visits to Ankara, Athens and Cyprus. It was a useful discussion but just a briefing meeting," he said.

Kasoulides also said he had discussed with the British envoy ways for the smooth resumption of Cyprus peace talks after the presidential elections of February 1998, as well as Cyprus' accession course towards the EU and the December EU summit in Luxembourg.

Earlier in the day the Foreign Minister had a meeting with the Cyprus branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union, chaired by Labour MP Tom Cox.

Cox told reporters the branch's MPs had a meeting with Sir David on Wednesday, who clarified to them what exactly he meant with his statements about the settlers.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

Only Turkey recognises the puppet regime unilaterally declared in November 1983. The UN has called on all states "not to recognise" the self- styled entity and "not to facilitate or in any way assist the aforesaid secessionist entity."

Kasoulides returns to Cyprus this afternoon.

Turkish official on missiles, EU, Cyprus question

London, Dec 10 1997 (CNA) -- A senior Turkish official has said Turkey would render anti-aircraft missiles, to be deployed in Cyprus, "ineffective".

He also said Turkey alone cannot solve the Cyprus question, and called on Greece and the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities to contribute to the peace effort.

The Turkish official urged the European Union to treat his country on an equal par with other applicant countries and said "Turkey deserves to be invited to the European Conference".

Inal Batu, Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister, told London Greek Radio Turkey must improve its human rights record, "not to please anybody or get closer to Europe or as a concession but because our people deserve it".

"We deserve equal status with the other eleven candidate countries (for EU accession), we think we deserve pre-accession strategy and to be invited to the European Conference which will have some substance," Batu said.

Referring to Cyprus, he said Turkey is not the only country which can contribute to a possible solution.

"We need the contribution of at least three other sides, the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and Athens and that's what we are trying to achieve," he added.

Fending off criticism about Turkish threats to annex Cyprus' Turkish occupied part, Batu said "we are not trying nor do we intend to annex the north of Cyprus. We are only saying that if the southern part of the island is integrated with Greece on a full membership in the EU, we will need economic integration with the northern part of Cyprus so that it can survive as a political entity".

Commenting on plans by the Cyprus government to deploy Russian surface- to-air missiles as a deterrent against Turkey's military machine, Batu said his government "will not allow these missiles to be a threat against our country".

"I am not saying that we will be hitting them or destroying them, we will take measures which will make these missiles, if they are bought, ineffective against our country as a threat", he said in an interview with LGR.

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