Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 98-12-17

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Thursday, December 16, 1998

CONTENTS

[01] Gunmen slay Hambis Aeroporos

[02] Crucial developments ahead, says Cassoulides

[03] Peres: we want the Zygi two returned

[04] Paphos Bishop offers Christmas truce

[05] Lifting of embargo on Turkish goods could force Ankara to recognise Cyprus

[06] American emulates refugee hunger strikers

[07] Study finds high smoking rates in schools

[01] Gunmen slay Hambis Aeroporos

LESS than five months after the murder of his brother Andros, Hambis Aeroporos yesterday met the same fate when masked attackers gunned him down in Limassol.

Police now fear a new-round of turf wars in Limassol after

Hambis Aeroporos, 35, was shot dead near the town's new hospital at 11.20am yesterday.

A police manhunt was immediately launched for three gunmen. A brother and sister were being held in Limassol last night and were helping police with their enquiries, though they were not thought to have been among the killers.

The shooting took place yesterday morning on the busy Limassol to Ypsonas road.

Police last night issued a detailed statement based on the testimony of Hambis' cousin Charalambos Onisiforou, who was a passenger in the car driven by Aeroporos when the attack took place.

Onisiforou told police Hambis had noticed he was being followed by armed men driving a green rented car. The car tried to draw up alongside Hambis, one of the passengers leant out of the window and opened fire. The cars collided and veered off the road into a ditch.

Hambis stepped out and was cut down by a hail of automatic weapon fire. He died instantly from wounds to the head and neck. Police believe he was struck by nine bullets.

Onisiforou managed to escape under fire, using his army training to barrel roll as far as a neighbouring house, from where he watched the killers make their escape on foot.

Police found two Kalashnikovs discarded in a field near the scene of the crime. They found a third automatic weapon - a Czech made M58 - in the rented car, as well as three magazine cartridges, a mobile phone, a walkie- talkie and a jerry-can of petrol.

The rented car had been stolen from Larnaca airport last month.

Police said enough clues had been left at the scene to lead them to the culprits.

The mobile phone was quickly tracked down to 51-year-old Zoe Ioannou Alexandrou, who was arrested later in the evening, along with her brother, Sotiris Athinis, 43, the owner of the Panache nightclub in Limassol.

Athinis survived a bomb attack outside his club in August. His brother Melios was shot dead in November 1995.

Neither are thought to have been on the scene of the murder.

Onisiforou was able to give descriptions of the attackers, as well as words they exchanged as they fled, which police believe could be crucial to their search.

Onisiforou's father, Foris, was killed by a unknown sniper outside his gambling club in October 1995.

Hambis had narrowly survived an earlier attempt on his life in Limassol three years ago, needing lengthy and extensive surgery in Israel.

His brother Andros was riddled with bullets when he stepped outside a Limassol cabaret and into his car on July 31.

That murder still remains unsolved.

Andros was killed just weeks after he and his brothers Hambis and Panicos Aeroporos were acquitted by a Nicosia criminal court of the attempted murder of rival clan member Antonis Fanieros in Larnaca on May 27, 1997.

Panicos Aeroporos, 25, left the island for London after his brother Andros was murdered.

Yesterday's suspected gangland hit is thought to be part of a long-running underworld feud between Larnaca and Limassol gangs vying for control of lucrative gambling, drugs and prostitution rackets.

Since 1995, there have been at least a dozen suspected underworld killings. All of them remain unsolved.

Thursday, December 16, 1998

[02] Crucial developments ahead, says Cassoulides

DEVELOPMENTS crucial to the Cyprus problem are expected in the coming days, Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides said yesterday.

Cassoulides also confirmed that some progress had been achieved in the shuttle talks being carried out by UN deputy special representative to Cyprus Dame Ann Hercus.

The Minister said that, depending on what came out of Security Council discussions over the coming week, the National Council would be willing to review its decision to deploy the Russian S-300 missiles on the island, even if it had to convene on Christmas day.

He said if the Security Council showed a definite interest in the issue of Cyprus' security, "interest enough for us to reconsider the S-300s", then the National Council would be ready to review the whole situation.

"I don't want to prejudge anything at this point, only to make clear the government's position and to express the hope that at this the eleventh hour, the international community will prove to the people of Cyprus that it has the necessary sensitivity and appreciates that the people of Cyprus feel insecure because of Turkish occupying forces," Cassoulides said.

However, the Minister made no reference to intensive efforts made by the Americans over the past week, nor to the existence of a US-backed seven- point tension-reducing plan allegedly being touted by Richard Holbrooke.

Holbrooke, the US presidential emissary for Cyprus, was in Istanbul and Athens last week with his side-kick, US State Department Cyprus Co- ordinator Thomas Miller.

The two envoys were in Athens to discuss with the Greek government ways of preventing the deployment of the missiles. Athens has said the decision lies with Nicosia.

It is believed Holbrooke left Athens empty-handed, but Miller was still in the Greek capital yesterday.

Holbrooke's seven-point plan to reduce tensions has already been leaked on both sides, last week on a private Greek Cypriot television station, and yesterday in Turkish newspaper Millyet.

The plan proposes the widening of Green Line demilitarised areas by one kilometre on each side, a reduction in Greek and Turkish troops, the cancellation of all arms orders, postponement of military exercises, reduction in tank units, measures for free movement, and the resumption of intercommunal talks.

It is believed the original UN package of measures to reduce tension also remains on the table. These included unmanning on parts of the Green Line, prohibition of loaded weapons along the buffer zone and a code of conduct for soldiers.

According to the Turkish press, a Turkish official denied that a seven- point package was given to them. A similar statement was also made by President Clerides only days ago.

But the Americans are not denying that such a proposal exists.

US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Marc Grossman, answering questions on Tuesday referring to the plan, said: "In terms of our seven-point plan, obviously this is not the time or the place to talk about it."

On Tuesday, UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan, in a letter to the President of the Security Council, spoke of progress with the leaders of the two communities through the contacts of Dame Ann.

In the letter, Annan commended both leaders for their commitment to the shuttle talks, which began on October 16.

He also urged both sides to avoid any action that might increase tensions, such as the further build-up of arms on the island - a reference to the Greek Cypriot side's missile deal with Russia.

"I am encouraged by the constructive manner in which both Mr Clerides and Mr Denktash are engaging in these talks. I also consider it positive that both leaders have respected the confidentiality of the talks," Annan said.

"I welcome the progress achieved so far, which I believe is a significant contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the region."

Cassoulides confirmed that there had been 'relative' progress in the shuttle talks.

"Of course, our side does not know exactly what has passed between Dame Ann and the other side, but, as per the Secretary-general's report, we confirm that we are an advanced stage in discussions on issues concerning a series of pledges on the non use of violence or aggression or the threat of violence," Cassoulides said.

"We are discussing issues on promises for avoiding further expansion of arms on the island, and as a consequence the acceptance of the principle of a dialogue that would lead to a reduction in foreign military forces and arms in Cyprus."

The Minister said that, when Dame Ann returns to the island after Christmas, there may also be some discussion on the essence of the Cyprus problem.

Thursday, December 16, 1998

[03] Peres: we want the Zygi two returned

ISRAEL wants the release of its two nationals due to stand trial for spying next week, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres said yesterday.

When asked if the Israeli government wanted the two alleged spies handed back rather than standing trial, Peres said:

"A hundred per cent yes... I think you can show mercy when facing a mistake, not a crime."

Not wanting to sound bullish on the issue, the Nobel Peace laureate said he respected the laws of Cyprus, but suggested the spy fiasco was a special case.

"We respect the judicial arm of Cyprus, but we can ask for understanding," Peres told a news conference in Nicosia yesterday.

"You must distinguish between mistakes and crime. This had nothing to do with crime."

Officially, Peres visited Cyprus to oversee the presentation of business awards to Cypriot export companies who have done well in Israel.

But informed Israeli sources told the Cyprus Mail that Peres was urged by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu and top Mossad chiefs to negotiate the release of Udi Hargov, 37, and Igal Damary, 49, during his two-day visit.

It is understood that Peres' main topic of discussion when he met President Clerides on Tuesday evening focused on how to arrange the Israelis' release through the back door.

"I didn't ask for anything, I just made our position clear," said Peres about whether he tried to negotiate a deal with Clerides.

On his discussions with Clerides, Peres said: "I had very friendly talks, all problems were clarified."

Hargov and Damary are due to appear at a criminal court in Larnaca on December 21 to answer charges of spying against Cyprus, conspiracy to commit espionage and possession of illegal listening devices.

Spying charges carry a maximum sentence of ten years.

Israeli-Cyprus relations have soured ever since the two were arrested on November 7, only days after a fence-mending visit by Israeli President Ezer Weisman.

Nethanyahu muddied the waters when he vowed to bring back the spies whatever the cost less than 48 hours after their arrest in Zygi on November 7.

The Israeli government has not officially denied that they were working for Mossad.

"The two persons caught were not spying against Cyprus or any other country, but fighting terror, and we regret very much if we hurt Cyprus' feelings," Peres said yesterday.

He described the whole incident as an unfortunate "mistake" and said the two Israelis were in Cyprus to fight Islamic terrorism.

Although reluctant to elaborate on what their mission had been, he would only say it involved "Muslim terrorist intention".

Peres continued his PR offensive by dismissing as "nonsense" allegations that the Israelis were spying against the National Guard.

On Cyprus' opposition to Israel's alliance with Turkey, the former prime minister dismissed that it had any military content.

"We don't have a military agreement with Turkey, but we do business."

Asked about reports that the Israeli airforce was training Turkish fighter pilots and that the two alleged spies were looking for S-300 missile locations, Peres blamed this view on the press.

"There is a problem with the press... it's totally unfounded."

"You will not succeed in making us enemies, we are too friendly with Cyprus, " Peres told a reporter at yesterday's press conference.

"We are not going to act against Cyprus directly or indirectly," the peacemaker assured.

Thursday, December 16, 1998

[04] Paphos Bishop offers Christmas truce

THE BISHOP of Paphos changed his tune yesterday, offering a guarded apology for the sordid detail of his allegations against a Mount Athos elder.

But Chrysostomos insisted on the truth of his claims that elder Iosif was a "pervert" who had "molested" nuns and young girls while in Cyprus 17 years ago. Iosif's Mount Athos monastery, Vatopedhi, is taking libel action against the Paphos Bishop.

"Without detracting from the validity and importance of the revelations, we recognise that needless details concerning the case were mentioned, which have shocked the public, something which saddens us deeply," Chrysostomos said at a press conference he called in Paphos yesterday.

Archbishop Chrysostomos has reportedly ordered his namesake to put an end to his barrage of lurid public allegations about elder Iosif.

Bishop Chrysostomos yesterday said he was "ending this public confrontation" because it was the Christmas season.

The Bishop has claimed he can produce seven Paphos nuns who would testify to having caught "infections" after being molested by the elder. He has also levelled undefined "immorality" allegations at Abbot Athanasios of Machairas, an associate of elder Iosif's and former Mount Athos monk who is running for Limassol Bishop.

Bishop Chrysostomos's claims have outraged priests and further damaged the reputation of a Church already reeling from the recent fraud allegations that forced Bishop Chrysanthos of Limassol to resign.

"We understand the reaction and anger of certain Christians over the disappointment they felt, because the revelations we were forced by provocation to make have blackened the picture they had of certain people," Chrysostomos said yesterday.

He denied claims his allegations were aimed at undermining Father Athanasios's candidacy for next month's elections for Bishop of Limassol.

"There must not be even the slightest implication that it was ever our target to serve our own interests."

He repeated that he had considered it his "duty" to let the public know what had gone on at a remote Paphos convent 17 years ago.

Vatopedhi monastery yesterday sent its abbot, Efrem, to Cyprus to discuss a libel action against the Paphos Bishop with top local lawyers Tassos Papadopoulos and Christos Clerides.

Clerides said two libel suits, one civil and the other criminal, would be taken out against the Bishop "in the next few days".

The libel suits will concern the Bishop's statements against elder Iosif and against abbot Athanasios.

Lawyer Clerides has said a criminal conviction for libel is punishable by up to three years imprisonment.

Thursday, December 16, 1998

[05] Lifting of embargo on Turkish goods could force Ankara to recognise Cyprus

CYPRUS will, ironically, win Turkish recognition as a state merely by complying with EU rules and opening its doors to Turkish imports, Commerce Minister Nicos Rolandis said yesterday.

And if Turkey refuses that recognition - the first since its 1974 invasion of the island - it can surrender all hopes it ever had of winning an EU seat, Rolandis added.

Cyprus's trade embargo against Turkey was "incompatible with the aquis communautaire, the rules of the European Union," Rolandis said.

EU officials recently pointed this out to George Vassiliou, Cyprus's chief EU negotiator, he told the Council of Ministers, and it agreed to lift the trade restrictions. Rolandis added he expected to sign the order ending the embargo "any day".

Cyprus had to open the door to Turkish exports, Rolandis said, "because now that we are proceeding towards joining, we must extend all the rights which the Union offers to associate members."

Before the Republic agreed to end the embargo, Turkey could argue "that we are not imposing in Cyprus the (European) Community laws and regulations, and invoke this breach of ours to stop our products from entering Turkey as well," he said.

"Now the (European) Union has an association agreement with Turkey, and also a Customs Union," Rolandis said. And in those EU memoranda that Turkey has signed, "Cyprus is shown as one of the applicant countries... so these terms will have to apply to us as well," and Turkey "will have to admit Cyprus products".

"Now, Turkey, through this European Union liaison, which is created because of our liaison, will - if she wants to join the Union - have to recognise all the member states, and accord to them the same rights and privileges," Rolandis said.

"I think that if she doesn't, she cannot proceed really, because she will be contravening Community rules."

This has "a double benefit" for Cyprus, Rolandis said: Not only will Cyprus and Turkey reciprocally have to admit one another's products, but "it's an indirect recognition by Turkey that Cyprus is a state, which they have not done thus far."

"It is a big political benefit for us," Rolandis said. Greek Cypriots are no more likely to import Turkish goods than Turks are to import products from Cyprus, Rolandis said. "But the advantage is: Turkey has to recognise Cyprus as a state."

Turkey currently recognises Cyprus only "as an entity... a simple administration, not a state and a government," he said. "On the contrary, they recognise Mr Denktash as the government of Cyprus, and they say we are the illegal administration."

"It is an irony," Rolandis conceded, "but there is no other way... because (of) the community rules. From the moment we are associate members - and we are going to become full members - and Turkey is an associate member and has customs union, there is no other way... This is where we are."

"Turkey would be very happy if we did not have to enact this order, because she would have an excuse not to do her own duties toward all the Union members, including Cyprus," Rolandis said.

The new arrangement "doesn't make any difference" regarding the diplomatic status of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus," Rolandis said, "because as far as the European Union is concerned, the north is part of Cyprus, and we have invited them to participate in the (EU) talks."

Under the new order, Turkey cannot force Cyprus to import goods made in northern Cyprus, he added. "Formally, they cannot do it, because by exporting through closed and illegal ports to Turkey, they are violating Community laws. They (the occupied north) cannot export goods to Turkey legally under Community rules, because the occupied part uses ports and airports which are legally closed."

"This is the position of the European Union. And... we also have judgments of the European Court regarding such exports. So formally, they cannot do it. But of course if they do do it, and we do not realise that... probably it may happen. I cannot exclude it," he said.

Thursday, December 16, 1998

[06] American emulates refugee hunger strikers

AN AMERICAN man and his Cypriot wife yesterday began a hunger strike at the Ledra Palace checkpoint to protest against US policy on Cyprus.

Matthew J. Stowell from Massachusetts and his wife Olga Glyki from Limassol were the only protestors at the normally busy checkpoint yesterday morning as they began their hunger strike.

Sporting sandwich boards with slogans criticising the American government, the couple shrugged off the rain as they ensconced themselves under the canopy which will be their home for the next three or four days.

The boards read: "America, do the right thing. Enforce UN resolutions on Cyprus", "Clinton: It's time to keep your word on Cyprus. Now" and "The American government does not care about Human Rights. It cares about Arab oil".

The couple, who have four children, not currently in Cyprus, said their hunger strike was in solidarity with the one staged last week by refugee women.

Stowell, a writer and former anti-Vietnam War activist, who until a few months ago ran his own bookshop in New York, said he wanted to expose American hypocrisy. "When Iraq flaunts UN resolutions against it, America sends bombs and missiles to punish them," he said.

He admitted the vast majority of Americans did not know where Cyprus was, let alone know anything about the Cyprus problem.

"One fellow American I talked to thought it was somewhere near Germany. Another said it was off the coast of Indonesia," Stowell said.

Stowell believes that if the American people, "who have always considered themselves defenders of freedom and upholders of justice", were made aware of the tragedy of Cyprus, they would demand action from their government.

He also wants to find a way of raising funds for a substantial advertising blitz in the American media to inform his fellow citizens of Turkey's continued abuse of human rights in the north.

Stowell hopes the hunger strike will show the people of Cyprus that "there is at least one freedom-loving American who is concerned about their plight and wants to see justice done.

"Maybe no one will pay attention and people will say we're wasting our time, but we feel we have to do something," he said.

"We are fed up".

Stowell's wife Olga, said: "I cannot even begin to describe the emotions I feel to think Cyprus is occupied by Turks."

Thursday, December 16, 1998

[07] Study finds high smoking rates in schools

The study found that one in 25 primary school children smoked either occasionally or habitually. This increases to 16 per cent of gymnasium students, and the trend continues, rising to 32.8 percent among lyceum pupils and 54 per cent of those at technical schools. Of university students polled, 32.7 per cent smoked.

The survey also found that young people living in towns were more likely to smoke than their village counterparts.

Reasons given by those asked as to why they started smoking included mimicking peers and elders seen as role models, and belief that the habit had some positive effects. Other said they smoked because they thought it made them look good, and others would admire them for it.

Dr Eleni Stavrou Kostea, a professor at the university, said the reason the study had focused on the 10-24 age group was because these were the ages between which people were most likely to start.

She added that those in this age group, especially those going through puberty, were at high risk: they were most likely to start smoking, and, once they did, were most likely to remain smokers for life.

The earlier someone starts to smoke, Kostea went on, the greater the risk of damage to their health in later life.

Kostea said the university now wanted to co-ordinate an action plan to slash the number of young smokers, which it would present to the government.

The campaign is being co-ordinated in co-operation with the anti-smoking league.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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