July 30, 1998

In an address to the nation, on July 19, to mark the 24 years of the illegal Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus, President Glafcos Clerides said that the existing status quo in Cyprus, a result of the continuing Turkish occupation, will not be accepted.

He also told all those who criticise the government's decision to upgrade its defence capability in view of the Turkish military might that he will not accept any restrictions on Cyprus' right to defend itself against Turkish aggression.

The President called on Greek and Turkish Cypriots to make the necessary compromises to enable them to live together again in peace and security, stressing that the past should not dictate "our lives." He also called on the international community and especially the permanent members of the UN Security Council to move in a more concerted manner towards Ankara to facilitate a negotiated settlement.

President Clerides pledged to do all he can for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus question and renewed his invitation to the Turkish Cypriots to participate in accession negotiations with the European Union.

President Clerides said that " a more decisive and coordinated action in the direction of Ankara" from the part of the international community is needed, in order to find a " just, viable and workable solution of the Cyprus problem to consolidate peace and security and safeguard the human rights of all the people of Cyprus."

The Cyprus government expressed satisfaction with the decision as it is making crystal clear that Turkey is an occupation force in Cyprus which is responsible for the violation of the right to property and for depriving the right of freedom of movement, access and enjoyment of property.

Attorney-General, Alecos Markides, told reporters that the ECHR ordered Turkey to pay pecuniary damages of 300.000 CYP pounds (one pound is about 2 US dollars) to Titina Loizidou from the Turkish occupied town of Kyrenia, a further 20.000 for non-pecuniary damage and 137.084 for her costs and expenses.

In its decision, the ECHR dismissed by 15-2 Turkey's claim that Loizidou, has no entitlement to an award of just satisfaction under Article 50 of the Convention.

With the ruling, Markides said Loizidou's legal battle over the violation of her right of property, which began in 1989 ended.Markides said the amount of 300,000 was assessed as the loss suffered by Loizidou with reference to the annual ground rent, calculated as a percentage of the market value of the property that could have been earned on her properties between 1989-1997.

The Attorney-General said the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe will monitor the implementation of the ruling. He said the amount should be collected within three months from the date of the issue of the ruling.

During his stay, the President met Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov, with whom he discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus issue. President Clerides expressed full satisfaction with his meetings.

He said common positions on the settlement of the Cyprus problem were reconfirmed giving emphasis to the demilitarization of the island. He also said that they also discussed the Turkish side's demands for recognition of the illegal regime, unilaterally declared in 1983 in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974.

"We came to the conclusion that the international community will not recognise this regime and Russia's policy is the same as ours, namely that we should carry on with the discussions for a bizonal, bicommunal federation", the President said.

The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Under-Secretary to the President Pantelis Kouros.

Speaking to the press before departing the island, Mr Cordovez said that he was hopeful he would find a "reasonable, practical and fair" formula to allow negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides to resume when he returns to Cyprus in September.

Describing his talks as "positive, substantive and constructive." the Special Adviser said that the UN "know the basis" of the negotiations. He expressed the "deep concern" of the Security Council about the situation in Cyprus and said that his principle task is to "get a process of negotiations started."

Upon her arrival, Ms Hercus said that she came to Cyprus to offer a new UN perspective and do her best to help the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides to arrive at a settlement. She also made it clear that her work is "totally within the existing UN framework" and indicated this falls within the mandate of the Security Council resolutions.

Dame Ann Hercus, said, as an outsider "without any baggage", she is bringing in a "very practical streak, creativity and integrity" which characterise her native New Zealand, noting she intends to bring in fresh ideas and a different approach in her task.

Speaking to the press, Dame Ann said she was honoured by the appointment and expressed "enormous respect" for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

"He reaffirmed to me his determination to pursue intensified efforts to bring about a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem," she said, adding that being part of this effort was "a real challenge" for her.

According to a Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA) report, the cable, entitled "LEV" will come into operation in the beginning of 1999. The landing points will be Israel (Tel Aviv), Cyprus(Yeroskipou) and Italy (Mazara).

Cyprus will participate in the system through the Israeli MED1 Submarine Cable Ltd company, which has undertaken the cable's construction, operation and maintenance.

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