Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 97-12-17

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

Wednesday, December 17, 1997

Young nun returns to convent

THE alleged abduction of nun Nectaria Papakyriakou from the Ayios Heraklidios convent and her return to the monastery late Monday night was one of the stories on the front pages of yesterday's Greek papers. Another news item of interest was Denktash's threat that the Cyprus peace talks have ended following the EU decision to start accession talks with Cyprus in March.

Phileleftheros says that after the police were told by the nun she was not going to file a complaint against anyone they took her back to the convent in safety.

The paper says that despite Nectaria's wish not to file a complaint the police would investigate a possible unlawful entry to the monastery.

On the EU issue the paper says that European countries tried to calm down Ankara in an attempt to keep all communication channels open with Turkey.

Both Athens and Nicosia chose not to confront Turkey but pointed out that they would answer through diplomatic measures should Ankara go ahead with its threats to integrate the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Simerini also has the Nectaria story on its front page. The paper says that her father had stated that if his daughter made it clear that she had taken the veil without any pressure he would personally lead her back to the convent.

The paper says that the Turkish Cypriot leader has sent a letter to the UN chief Kofi Annan asking that any future talks be conducted by the leaders of two states and not the two communities in Cyprus.

Alithia predicts that Attorney General Alecos Markides would announce his decision to stand for the presidency either yesterday or today.

According to the paper Markides had a meeting with former Attorney General Michalakis Triantafyllides on Monday in order to clarify legal issues surrounding his possible candidacy.

The paper says that Democratic party sources were convinced that Markides would in the end stand for the February elections.

Agon says that during her brief stay in her grandfather's house in Paphos Nectaria reassured all her relatives and her parents that she wished to remain in the convent.

The paper says that the young nun had asked God to forgive all those who had allegedly forced her out of the convent and into a car to take her back to her village on Monday.

Contrary to reports in Alithia, Machi says that Markides is expected to announce that he will not be a candidate in next year's presidential elections.

The paper says that former House president and Diko MP Alexis Galanos is expected to be Diko's candidate if Markides does not stand.

Haravghi highlights a call by Akel leader Demetris Christofias that all democratic forces of the electorate back the candidacy of George Iacovou.

Christofias said that Iacovou is the person who could best represent this part of the electorate from the position of President.

The paper also reports Denktash's demand that EU officials do not `disturb' his `officials' anymore.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1997

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