Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 99-02-03

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

Wednesday, February 03, 1999

Israel says jailing heavy-handed

THE JAILING of two Israeli nationals, rumours of US and British intentions for Cyprus, Socialist Edek's relations with the government and hotel strikes were the main topics in yesterday's papers.

Simerini, under the headline "Heavy sentence says Israel", reported statements by Israel's ambassador to Nicosia, Shemi Tzur, following the Larnaca Assizes court decision to sentence two Israeli agents to three years imprisonment for "approaching a prohibited area." Tzur complained that the sentence was harsh, but also expressed relief that the court decision had made it clear the two convicts had not been spying against Cyprus.

Phileleftheros, in a piece entitled "Intermediate agreement being promoted", reported that it had information the principal aim of a Cyprus settlement push being prepared in Washington and London was to achieve some sort of minimum "intermediary agreement." This push was to materialise over the coming two months, the paper reported. Phileleftheros also reported that, just hours after the two Israelis were sentenced, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was stating he would be doing all in his power to get the two agents released and returned home.

Right-wing Machi said Edek leader Vassos Lyssarides was "flirting" with a government that his party abandoned only a month ago. Lyssarides had stated he was willing to work for the creation of a consensus position on the national issue and build bridges of co-operation with the government, the paper reported. The veteran socialist had said he was willing to take on any mission that might help towards finding a satisfactory Cyprus settlement.

Left-wing Haravghi reported on the fourth day of a strike by employees at the Lordos Beach and Golden Bay hotels in Larnaca.

Managers at both hotels had, without warning, decided to sack half their staff and contract out their jobs, the paper stated.

A strike at the state laboratory, where employees were protesting for pay rises, also got coverage in Haravghi.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1999

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