Clerides flies to Israel for first ever state visit

PRESIDENT Glafcos Clerides yesterday flew to Israel for a four-day state visit — the first by a Cypriot President.

Reports say the visit aims at promoting Cyprus’ role in the area by creating better relations with neighbouring countries to help consolidate peace.

Speaking before his departure, Clerides said this was the "first visit by a President of the Republic of Cyprus since its establishment (in 1960)," adding the visit was taking place in return for the visit to the island by Israeli President Ezer Weizman in November 1998.

Commenting on the military pact between Turkey and Israel, Clerides said that although it did not seem to pose dangers for Cyprus, such agreements should be avoided as they created blocs in the region instead of promoting peace.

He noted that the government had looked into the issue and found that there was no intention by Israel to use the agreement against Cyprus.

He did, however, express his concern about the agreement and hinted it may be targeted against a country or countries in the Gulf.

Clerides said he did not expect his trip to create any problems with the Conference of Islamic countries, but said instead it would help to solve problems.

The government’s position toward the Palestinian people was the same as that followed on the Cyprus problem, that refugees must return to their homes and human rights be enforced, Clerides said.

The Palestinians must have a home, an area to administer and of course they should be helped to overcome their economic problems.

The President who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides, and Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou will tomorrow morning meet with the Israeli President.