CYPRUS WANTS TO REMOVE MINES IN BORDER AREAS

NICOSIA [MENL] -- The Republic of Cyprus wants to remove land mines inborder areas in an attempt to reduce tension with the breakaway republic ofNorthern Cyprus. The government has pressed parliament for funding to remove the landmines as well as ratify an internatinoal convention to prohibit suchweapons. Officials said the removal of the land mines do not need theapproval of Turkish troops in the breakaway republic of Northern Cyprus.