wfn.org | Statement on Cyprus

[smm@wcc-coe.org]

                   WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

        Office of Communication - Press and Information

              150 Route de Ferney, P.O. Box 2100
                  1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland

 Telephone: (022) 791 61 52/51        Telefax: (022) 798 13 46
                   E-mail:  JWN@WCC-COE.ORG

PRESS RELEASE			FOR IMMEDIATE USE		12 AUGUST 1996

           WCC STATEMENT ON ETHNIC CLASHES IN CYPRUS

The World Council of Churches expresses its deep concern at the
recent clashes in Cyprus between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot
communities.  These resulted in the killing of a Greek Cypriot,
injuries to several others from both communities, as well as to
members of the UN peace-keeping mission.  The tragic incident is
a grim reminder of the uneasy peace that has prevailed in that
part of the region since the invasion of the Turkish military
forces in 1974.

During the last two decades, despite mediation efforts under the
auspices of the Secretary General of the United Nations, not much
progress has been made towards a negotiated political settlement. 
Among more recent developments have been reports of peace
initiatives by the United States and the European Union, but
these have yet to take the form of a concrete proposal.  Cyprus,
therefore, continues to be a divided land and a potential
flashpoint in the heart of Europe.

The World Council of Churches has on several occasions in the
past drawn the attention of the concerned governments, UN
agencies and the international community to the need to defuse
tensions in this area.  The clashes refocus attention on the
urgent need for the implementation of the relevant United Nations
resolutions on Cyprus.

The World Council of Churches appeals to the leadership of the
Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities to restrain their
followers.  It is imperative that the parties to the conflict
ensure the sanctity of the buffer zone established by the United
Nations.  This is necessary if a just and peaceful solution of
the conflict is to be achieved within an inter-communal
framework.

Contact: John Newbury  WCC Press & Information Officer
             (+41.22) 791.61.52 (Office); 369.37.26 (Home)