Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-08-07

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

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

Thursday, August 7, 1998

New cases involving Bishop?

EVERY DAY new cases allegedly involving the Bishop of Limassol appear in the press. Yesterday two new cases were reported.

Alithia, quoting Alpha TV station, said that Bishop Chrysanthos, on his return to Cyprus from the Philippines last weekend, had brought with him documents that showed him as the administrator of 25 tons of gold. The documents had been found in the Bishop's suitcases, which had been searched by policemen at the airport.

One document was a power of attorney for Chrysanthos to handle "billions of dollars" for humanitarian purposes. There was also documentation showing that the amount was in coins and 25 tons of gold. The documentation had been given to Chrysanthos by a Roman Catholic priest in the Philippines.

Simerini boasted that it had uncovered the business dealing of Chrysanthos which involved the largest amount of money. In a letter, dated May 23, 1996 and signed by him, the Bishop offered to provide a Pole by the name of Igor Ranziski, with $3 billion.

This was on condition that the Pole, whom Chrysanthos had invited to Cyprus, secure bank guarantees from one of the world's 20 largest banks. According to the paper, this was the first case of Chrysanthos offering money to somebody; in all others he was to be the recipient.

Haravghi led with a warning by the Akel chief Demetris Christofias who insisted that Cyprus had reached the limits of its "defence capabilities".

Speaking during the debate for the increase of the Defence Levy, Christofias explained that by limits he meant: avoiding giving the message that the Cyprus problem was a military issue and that the Greek Cypriot side was not committed to a peaceful settlement. He also felt that the economy could not sustain any more arms spending. Akel voted against the bill for the increase of the Defence Levy by one per cent.

Machi was critical of Akel's vote in the House, accusing the party of wanting Cyprus not to be able to defend itself. Aware of the public's support for defence spending, Akel proposed a an alternative to the government's bill, whereby a citizen's contribution to the Defence Fund would depend on income.

The fact that the majority of parties voted in favour of the bill (the United Democrats abstained) was highlighted by the Party leaders, the paper said.

Phileleftheros said that the prioritisation of the Greek side's objectives on the Cyprus problem and the playing down of the importance of the missile issue are the main aims of the Athens government.

These would be at the centre of discussions that Greek Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis is to have with the Cyprus government. Kranidiotis would be discussing the US proposal for an overflights ban, the paper said.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

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