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Cyprus News Agency - September 27, 1998
Albright - Cyprus message By Myria Antoniadou New York, Sep 27 (CNA) -- US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, has reaffirmed that the US is working towards a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus and reassured that US commitment for a settlement to the Cyprus problem remains firm. In a message to the annual awards gala of the Cyprus Federation of America, read by State Department Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Miller, the US diplomatic chief described the division of Cyprus as an "anachronism", which "is unjust to the people of Cyprus". "The continuing stalemate affects US security interests in the region and complicates relations between two important NATO allies", she said, adding that US President Bill Clinton has made the search for a solution a "high priority". "Lest there by any doubt about our position. We seek a negotiated settlement under the UN framework that is based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and that ensures security and prosperity for all Cypriots", Albright added in her message. The Secretary of State assured Greek Americans and the Cypriot political leadership who attended the gala, that "we have and will continue to have a good deal of influence for a solution in Cyprus". She pointed out the setbacks in the Bosnian and Irish peace effort and said "as we work for a Cyprus solution there will be similar setbacks... but I assure you this administration will not be deterred and our efforts will not flag". In his address, President Glafcos Clerides said he stood for re-election as he felt he could contribute towards reaching a bizonal, bicommunal federation and believed his relationship with Denktash would have been a helpful element. "I'm sorry to say it has not," he added, stressing that "Denktash, with guidance from Ankara, has taken the road that leads to partition, to two protectorates", a clear albeit indirect reference to Denktash's recent proposal for a Cyprus confederation on the basis of two sovereign and separate states. The President underlined that "no Cypriot would sign a document that would partition Cyprus" and called on the international community to recongise this. He expressed the appreciation of the people of Cyprus to Greek Americans and Cypriot Americans for their support to Cyprus' struggle and encouraged them to continue their efforts. The gala ceremony was co-ordinated by US ambassador to Luxembourg, Clay Constantinou, who referred to Cyprus talks for accession to the European Union describing them as a catalyst which will benefit all Cypriots. In his greeting, President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, Philip Christopher, told Cyprus Americans attending that "their presence proves the struggle will continue, because we have promises to keep". "We, as Americans, have a double obligation because the principles of our country must be enforced in Cyprus," he added. President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, Andrew Athens, announced that after a decision with the Cyprus government next year's balance will have the promotion of a settlement in Cyprus as its highest priority and underlined the need for co-operation. President of the Cyprus Federation of America, Peter Papanicolaou, expressed the Cyprus American community's gratitude to the Clinton administration for its interest in a Cyprus settlement. He also thanked the community for its efforts and called for unity. In his greeting, new Greek Ambassador to the US Alexandros Filon expressed the pain he feels with the fact that the Cyprus problem remains unresolved and said a lot can be done beginning from the grassroots level. Filon described the Cyprus Republic's EU accession bid as "a major political step". The Justice for Cyprus award was given to Senator Alfonse D' Amato, who backs a Cyprus settlement. The lifetime achievement award went to John Brademas, an academic and first native born American of Greek origin to be elected to Congress, and the Humanitarian and Philanthropic Award to the Rachel Cooper Foundation for its "Heal of Heart" programme. Twenty-six children from Cyprus have undergone life-saving open heart surgery at the Montefiore Medical Centre in New York, within the framework of this programme. | The awards were presented by Clerides and Archbishop Spyridon of the Americas. In his address the Archbishop emphasised the need for justice, human rights and love, noting that these elements must guide all in every action they may take. [ Cyprus News Agency - www.cyna.org.cy/ - September 27, 1998 ]
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