December 30, 1998 (5:40 p.m. EST) No. 298

AXWORTHY WELCOMES RECENT DEVELOPMENTS ON CYPRUS

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.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

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