THIRD MEETING OF THE THIRD ROUND TO BE HELD TODAY

The direct talks between TRNC President Rauf Denktaþ and the Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides are to continue with another meeting today.

The meeting was originally scheduled to take place yesterday, but was postponed to 10:00hrs today because of the President Denktaþ’s official programme.

The meeting will be held at the Lefkoþa Conference Centre in the buffer zone near the old International Airport and the UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro De Soto will also be present.

GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES WITH ITS REARMAMENT POLICY

According to Greek Cypriot press "Fileleftheros" as reported in the Turkish Cypriot daily "Kibris", Greek Cypriot administration plans to purchase six armored personnel transport helicopters for the operational needs of the Greek Cypriot National Guard.

It was reported that international tender was opened for purchasing the helicopters and the related companies were given two months for their offers.

It was also reminded that the previous tender for the purchase of four armoured personnel transport helicopters was given to the American Bell company, however, it was reported that the sell of the helicopters was prevented according to the US’s law preventing the sell of military equipments to the disputed regions.

ÝSTANBUL CITIZENS: TURKEY SHOULD NOT GIVE CONCESSIONS OVER CYPRUS

According to a survey carried out by the Academic Media and Public Opinion Researches Group of Ýstanbul University Communication Faculty, over half of the population of Ýstanbul, supported the entry of Turkey into EU.

On being asked on which issues concessions should not be given for EU entry, %81.4 of the citizens of Ýstanbul said concession over Cyprus should not be given.

TURKEY-EU ASSOCIATION COUNCIL CONVENED IN LUXEMBOURG YESTERDAY

CEM: "WE ARE HOPEFUL FOR ACHIEVING A SOLUTION TO THE CYPRUS ISSUE"

Turkey-EU Association Council convened in Luxembourg yesterday.

Among other things, latest developments on the Cyprus issue were discussed during the meeting.

In the meantime, the Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, during his contacts expressed his hope that a settlement to the Cyprus issue that will be welcomed by the two parties in Cyprus, would be reached.