Russia proposes urgent meeting for Cyprus
CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY
Nicosia, Jan 2 (CNA) -- Russia has proposed an urgent meeting of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and a representative of the European Union to draft a joint plan of action on the protracted Cyprus question.
Russia, in a bid to contribute towards a settlement in Cyprus, has also suggested to set up a special contact group on Cyprus, drawn from the UN Council, to assist the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission for Cyprus.
Russia's new ambassador in Nicosia, Georgi Muratov outlined these proposals to President Glafcos Clerides at today's ceremony of presenting his credentials.
"We propose that the big five and an EU representative meet as soon as possible for a detailed discussion of the Cyprus problem and the preparation of a joint plan of action for a Cyprus solution," he said.
Russia, he continued, would also like to see a ''special contact group'' for Cyprus to be set up to facilitate the task of the UN Secretary-General.
Muratov backed President Clerides' proposal for the demilitarisation of Cyprus, which he described as ''an important step towards a speedy and peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem, the consolidation of peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.''
Replying to press questions after the ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Muratov indicated that Russia does not object to a proposed sale of surface-to-air missiles S300 to Cyprus because these are of a ''purely defensive nature.''
He said all the talk around a proposed sale of surface-to-air missiles S300 by Cyprus is unwarranted because this type of weaponry is ''of a purely defensive nature.''
Muratov said he had no information at present about any contract or agreement on the proposed purchase and refrained from further comment on the matter.
He also said he would work towards a visit to Cyprus by Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov in the first half of the year.
Accepting the credentials, President Clerides welcomed ''any initiative'' on Cyprus and reaffirmed his ''intention and readiness to cooperate for a just, viable and workable solution which would safeguard human rights of all citizens of the island and consolidate peace and security in Cyprus.''
''We accept the view for collective and concerted initiatives which could open up the road for a solution,'' he added.
He pointed out that the success of any initiative on Cyprus necessitates a change of Turkey's intransigent position on the Cyprus problem.
The Cypriot President expressed ''deep appreciation for the firm support'' Russia displays to Cyprus' struggle for justice.
Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.
CNA MM/GP/1997ENDS,
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