Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-10-01

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Wednesday, October 1, 1997

Judges considering alternative action

THE row between the island's district judges and the government over the appointment of a non-member of the judiciary to the Supreme Court made front-page news in all the dailies yesterday.

Alithia says that even though the Supreme Court did not accept the resignations of 34 judges there are rumours that they will resort to other measures to help send a clear message that they are not pleased with the way President Clerides handled the issue.

The paper says that the government spokesman avoided comment when asked about the failure of Supreme Court president to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the two new members of the Supreme Court.

In another story the paper says that according to experts the weekend rains contributed very little to efforts to alleviate the water problem due to the drought.

Agon reports that the Director of the Central Prisons, George Anastassiades, speaking before a parliamentary committee, said that there are suspicions that some inmates are behind serious crimes. The Prisons director said that it would be very difficult to single out any of these criminals continuing to operate behind prison walls.

Regarding the security talks between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the paper says that during the first meeting last week, the President rejected a Denktash proposal that the Republic and the regime in the occupied area sign a non-aggression pact.

Taking up the issue of the row in the judiciary, Haravghi says that President Clerides has damaged the credibility of the legal system by going ahead with the appointment of a non-member of the judiciary to the Supreme Court.

The paper also covers the report of the auditor-general claiming that the state is being denied much needed revenue because of legislation loopholes.

Phileleftheros reports that it is not clear as yet if there will be a second meeting between President Clerides and Rauf Denktash on security issues.

The paper reaches the conclusion that there must still be hopes for a second meeting taking into account a statement by Greek government spokesman, Demetris Repas, that there will be another meeting between the two men.

Regarding the February presidential elections Machi says that attempts by some Akel members, supported by some Diko followers, to promote the candidature of Diko Representative Tassos Papadopoulos has not had any luck. The paper says that Akel's MP Nicos Katsourides is the person spearheading the attempt from the Akel side.

Simerini reports that during his meeting with Clerides, Denktash adopted a harsh stance on the issues being discussed.

The Turkish Cypriot leader put forward his position for two separate states and rejected the demilitarisation proposal saying that it was a tricky plan by Clerides to rid the island of the presence of Turkish troops.

© Copyright 1997 Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article