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<title>AXWORTHY WELCOMES RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON CYPRUS</title>
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<p><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">December 30, 1998<em> (5:40 p.m. EST)</em> No. 298</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">AXWORTHY WELCOMES RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON CYPRUS</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council
(UNSC) of two recent resolutions on Cyprus, and the decision by the President of the Republic of Cyprus,
Glafcos Clerides, not to deploy Russian-purchased S-300 missiles in Cyprus.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"President Clerides' decision will contribute to a lessening of tensions in the eastern Mediterranean," said Mr.
Axworthy. "On December 18, I wrote my counterparts in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey to emphasize that Canada
supports the efforts of both UN personnel and community leaders in Cyprus in finding a solution to the current
situation."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">UNSC Resolution 1207 extends the mandate of UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) for
another six-month period, until June 30, 1999. UNSC Resolution 1208 refers to efforts by UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan and UN Secretary-General Deputy Special Representative for Cyprus Dame Ann Hercus to promote
measures to reduce tensions and develop core aspects of a comprehensive Cyprus settlement. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Minister Axworthy welcomed the inclusion of a demining proposal in the resolution, which he had initiated during
his visit to Cyprus in June 1998. "Canada supports the adoption of a demining program in Cyprus and would be
prepared to assist in its implementation," said Mr. Axworthy. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Canada provided peacekeeping troops to Cyprus for 29 years, until June 1993; there are three Canadian
military officers currently serving with UNFICYP. Canada will continue to follow closely developments in Cyprus
while serving on the UN Security Council.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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