Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-09-25

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CONTENTS

[01] Cypriot Minister meets counterparts

[02] UN envoy briefs Security Council of Cyprus

[03] Lebanon ceasefire committee might pave way for ME talks

[04] ''CYSERV '96'' to be held late October

[05] Cypriot honoured with international prize

[06] New Greek PM to visit Cyprus

[07] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[08] CNA attends European Alliance Meeting

[09] EU Parliamentary Committee freezes funds for Turkey

[10] Ciller sets terms on European accession by Emilia Christofi

1040:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cypriot Minister meets counterparts

New York, Sep 25 (CNA) -- Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides had a series of meetings with counterparts, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Michaelides is accompanying Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who will address tomorrow the UN General Assembly.

Speaking after meeting Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, Michaelides said they discussed bilateral issues.

He said he briefed his Australian counterpart on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem.

Downer told Michaelides that he would make a special reference on the Cyprus problem during his speech to the General Assembly.

Downer conveyed an invitation to Michaelides to pay an official visit to Australia.

During his meeting with Slovenian Foreign Minister Davorin Kracun, Michaelides discussed ways to upgrade relations between the two countries, by signing a series of agreements for cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields.

Kracun said Slovenia intended to send to Cyprus a delegation to exchange views with Cypriot officials regarding cooperation in the two countries' preparations to join the European Union.

Michaelides is expected to visit Slovenia soon.

The Cypriot Minister had also a meeting with Moldova Foreign Minister Mihail Popov, who recently visited Cyprus. They discussed ways to promote an agreement on economic cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier yesterday, Michaelides addressed a meeting of Non-Aligned Movement countries, on behalf of the European NAM members, on the occasion of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Movement's founding.

He said the NAM countries gathered to pay profound homage to the founding fathers, whose bold vision and leadership led to the establishment of the Movement. Among them was the first President of Cyprus, the late Archbishop Makarios.

Michaelides said the NAM members remain faithful to the principles enunciated by the NAM founders at the Bandung Conference and they are committed to uphold their quest for a world of peace, justice and prosperity.

He said the Movement can play an important role in advancing democracy, the promotion of international law, respect for human rights and the safeguarding of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

CNA EC/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1145:CYPPRESS:02

[02] UN envoy briefs Security Council of Cyprus

New York, Sep 25 (CNA) -- UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Cyprus Han Sung-Joo briefed yesterday the UN Security Council, which met in a closed session, on his recent visit to Nicosia, Athens and Ankara.

Han stated that he told the Council that there were three objectives to his recent visit to the area.

The first ''was to contribute to the lowering of the tension in the aftermath of the incidents''. The second was ''to assess the implications of there incidents in the effort to find an overall solution''. The third was to pave the way for successful negotiations and agreement.

The UN envoy told the Security Council members that even though the tension had been heightened he felt this was ''the recognition that such incidents should not recur and the recognition that the situation is very dangerous, explosive, (and) underlines the need for finding an early solution to the problem''.

Han stressed the need for efforts to support the ongoing process so that negotiations can start. He said Greece and Turkey should undertake an active role.

He announced that he intends to visit the region again in December.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

UN Secretary-General's Resident Representative, Gustave Feissel, accompanied Han to his meeting with the Security Council members.

CNA EC/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1200:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Lebanon ceasefire committee might pave way for ME talks

Nicosia, Sep 25 (CNA) -- Members comprising the Monitoring Group, set up after April's ''Understanding'' between the US and Israel, Lebanon and Syria, are hopeful that its work could help the wider efforts for peace in the Middle East.

The Group, which has so far met twice following Israeli complaints, may even pave the way for talks between Israel and Syria, reliable sources have told CNA.

The Monitoring Group dealt with procedural matters at its first meeting on August 8 and has held two other meetings on 15 August and 1 September.

The Group looked into Israeli complaints about the killing of a Lebanese civilian in the so-called security zone in southern Lebanon and the wounding of two civilians in the last week of August, CNA has learnt.

None of these meetings has been acrimonious, it was revealed. Group proceedings and reports on any complaint are confidential and little else has been disclosed about the meetings.

The sources, who requested anonymity, believe that the representatives of the five countries, comprising the Group (US, France, Israel, Lebanon and Syria) ''take the Group seriously, would like it to function and expect it to have a preventive effect.''

''Israelis and Syrians sit together at these meetings and this can only be a good thing,'' they added, noting that ''the Group's meetings may help towards the resumption of negotiations in the Middle East process and in particular between Israel and Syria.''

The Group could be seen, the sources remarked, as ''contributing in a positive manner to a better climate for peace negotiations in the region and may be helpful for the resumption of discussions in the Middle East peace process.''

They also expressed the view that should the Group decide to hold regular meetings, this would be welcomed by the five members.

''Such meetings could take place in Cyprus,'' they said.

Cyprus, the sources said, was chosen as the venue for the seat of the US and French presidents, following a proposal by Israel, readily accepted by the other four members.

''The proposal was made in the light of President Glafcos Clerides' and Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides' statements that Cyprus would welcome any talks on its territory to help the Middle East peace process,'' they added.

The island's proximity to the Middle East, its friendly relations with the countries involved in the Group, good air links and excellent telecommunications tipped the balance in Cyprus' favour against the other possible venues Cairo, Washington and Geneva.

Much improved relations between Israel and Cyprus made the selection of Cyprus as the venue easy, they said noting Israel would not have accepted such an arrangement ten years ago. Cyprus opened an embassy in Israel two years ago.

The Group meets at UNIFIL Headquarters compound in Naqoura, Lebanon, primarily because there is easy access to the areas where incidents may take place and members might have to carry out inspection on the spot before compiling a report on any incident.

At present it is headed by the US representative, Ambassador David Greenlee, who will hand over the rotating presidency to France in December, as agreed in the April Understanding.

Greenlee and Ambassador Jean-Michel Gaussot, of France, who are assisted by the military aides to the Group, are based at their countries' respective embassies in Nicosia.

The US and French delegations to the Group are both led by diplomats and assisted by military aides whereas Israeli, Syrian and Lebanese representations are led by the military and assisted by the diplomats.

One source close to the Group explained that it may not be authorised to take any action against a country found guilty of breaching the terms of the Understanding but the publicity that surrounds the Group's findings ''is seen as sufficient punishment for the country concerned.''

The Understanding said the US and the remaining four countries will ensure that ''under no circumstances will civilians be the target of attack'' and that neither Lebanon nor Israel will carry out attacks against each other.

The Understanding stipulates that ''in the event of a claimed violation of the Understanding, the party submitting the complaint will do so within 24 hours.''

It also points out that the US understands the importance of ''a comprehensive peace in the region'' and it proposes the resumption of negotiations between Israel and Syria and Israel and Lebanon.

''It is desirable that these negotiations be conducted in a climate of stability and tranquility,'' the Understanding added.

CNA MM/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1400:CYPPRESS:04

[04] ''CYSERV '96'' to be held late October

General Director of the local Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) Antonis Pierides told a press conference that OEB, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, will organise the 2nd Cyprus Services Exhibition ''CYSERV '96'' at the Cyprus International Conference Centre, between October 24-26.

Pierides said the services sector in Cyprus is new but promising to become a lucrative source due to existing important advantages and especially the high skilled manpower.

President Glafcos Clerides will open ''CYSERV '96''. About 50 local exhibitors will display their professional services that have turned Cyprus into a key regional services centre, attracting many clients from Europe and the Middle East, he added.

Pierides explained that among services available will be the entire spectrum of consultancy, advertising, accounting, auditing, banking and finance, research, tourism, publishing and telecommunications.

An independent feedback assessed ''CYSERV '95'' as ''very successful,'' and this led a lot of high ranking company officials from Europe and the Middle East, as well as some 25 foreign journalists to express interest in visiting ''CYSERV '96'', he added.

During the exhibition, OEB will hold a forum on services information and solution-seeking on relevant matters. It will also discuss the outcome of an OEB research among 360 industrial units on their professional services.

''Services Awards'' will be presented during the exhibition to companies in recognition of their high standard of services.

OEB has published a ''Cyprus Services Directory 1995-96'' containing 1,300 advertisements of companies in 100 different sectors.

It also issued an informative leaflet titled ''The Cyprus Services Industry... at Your Service''.

CNA AP/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1515 :CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cypriot honoured with international prize

The prize, comprising a small golden copy of the famous four horses placed on the facade of Saint Marco Basilica, is awarded to Karageorghis after a unanimous decision by the Veneto Centre of Studies and Research on the Classical and Oriental Civilisations.

The award ceremony will take place in Venice on 30 November.

The prize is awarded yearly to Italian or foreign academics, who distinguish themselves in research or studies on ancient and modern civilisations of the Near and Far East and the Mediterranean region.

The Embassy of Italy in Cyprus here said in a statement today that the award would further strengthen ''already close relations of friendship between Italy and Cyprus.''

CNA MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1645 :CYPPRESS:06

[06] New Greek PM to visit Cyprus

''The Prime Minister will visit Cyprus as originally planned on October 1,'' Repas told the press, dispelling speculation that the visit might be postponed because it is too close to last Sunday's elections in Greece.

No further details were given about Simitis' visit, which coincides with the 36th anniversary of Cyprus' independence day when a grand military parade takes place.

Repas also said that Simitis will be in Dublin on October 4 to attend an extraordinary European Union summit.

Earlier today in Athens, outgoing Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis, called on his replacement, Akis Tsohazopoulos, to maintain a joint Greek-Cypriot defence pact and urged him not to relinquish any of its provisions.

Handing over the Ministry to his successor, Arsenis, who takes over the Education Ministry, said ''the defence pact upgrades our defences against Turkish expansionism, reverses political balances in the wider region and creates the necessary infrastructure for a credible foreign policy.''

The pact, agreed between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and the late Greek PM Andreas Papandreou, provides Cyprus with air, sea and land cover from the Greek military in the event of a fresh Turkish offensive against the island. One third of Cyprus' territory has been under Turkish occupation since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the island.

CNA MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1755:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    82.99 (-0.47)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  89.89 (-0.63)
Approved Investment Companies          75.63 (-0.81)
Insurance Companies                    61.48 (-0.60)
Industrial Companies                   81.43 (-1.18)
Tourist Industries                     75.72 (+1.00)
Commercial Companies                   69.41 (+1.98)
Other Companies                        80.04 (-0.82)

Trading Volume                         CYP 495688.490

CNA MM/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1840: CYPPRESS:08

[08] CNA attends European Alliance Meeting

The meeting, which opens here Thursday, will deal with the code of conduct news agencies should adhere to and is considered an important gathering in view of European Union enlargement and the future of the Union itself.

Christophides has already had separate meetings with his counterparts from other European countries, including France, Ireland and Germany.

Present at the Venice meeting is also a large delegation from the Turkish News Agency, but not the self-styled Turkish Cypriot News Agency (TAK), which operates illegally in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.

The meeting ends on Friday.

CNA AC/MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1905 :CYPPRESS:09

[09] EU Parliamentary Committee freezes funds for Turkey

The funds, amounting to 95 million ECU for 1997, will be lodged in the reserve of the EU budget, provided today's decision is ratified by the plenary of the Parliament, scheduled to meet in the second half of October.

The decision was taken by an overwhelming majority and is seen as the first step towards the implementation of last week's resolution, by the Parliament, which called for a freeze of EU funds to Turkey because of its human rights record.

The resolution also calls on Turkey to comply with the terms of a customs union agreement it has signed with the Union and urges the Turkish government to outline clearly its position on democratisation, the Cyprus question and the Kurdish problem.

Should today's decision take effect, the funds will not be released until the Parliament decides to do so, on condition that Turkey complies with the terms of the resolution.

The Parliamentary Committee has approved amendments which provide for a freeze on the allocation of EU funds to Turkey through the Union's MEDA programme, relating to Mediterranean countries.

The amendments recognise that substantial progress towards a political solution of the Cyprus and the Kurdish questions must be made.

Observations, included in the amendments, stipulate that EU funds for Turkey should be put in the reserve until the Commission prepares its report on the situation in Turkey and until it is established that the provisions of the MEDA programme on respect for human rights are met.

CNA NB/MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2045 :CYPPRESS:10

[10] Ciller sets terms on European accession by Emilia Christofi

''We are in a position to discuss the full membership of the Turkish side (the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus) and the Greek side (the Republic of Cyprus) into the EU with Turkey,'' Ciller told a press conference here today when asked if she would be ready to discuss the demilitarisation of Cyprus.

Ciller also reiterated earlier statements that the Turkish flag ''is sacred'' and that ''some sort of action must be expected from the Turkish side'' if anyone tries to lower the flag from its poll.

The Foreign Minister was commenting on a statement by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns that one cannot kill another person if they insult one's flag.

Last month Turkish troops shot and killed an unarmed Greek Cypriot demonstrator who climbed up a flag poll during demonstrations in the UN buffer zone in his attempt to pull down the Turkish flag. His death was recorded on camera and caused an outcry from many quarters in Cyprus and abroad.

''Our flag is sacred and this is the way it is and this is the way it is going to be,'' Ciller told the press.

CNA MM/RG/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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