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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-10-24Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>CONTENTS
1010:CYPPRESS:01[01] Turkish occupation ''unacceptable'' says Nobel laureateNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- Turkey's illegal occupation of part of Cyprus' territory is ''absolutely unacceptable,'' one of this year's Nobel peace laureate, Jose Ramos Horta, has said.Horta, a human rights activist in East Timor, Indonesia, has also called for talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island to try and reach a settlement that would allow them to live together. Speaking to the Melbourne-based multi-national radio station, SBS, Horta said the Cyprus question and the problem in East Timor, which Indonesia annexed in 1975, are similar. ''The territory which Turkey has under its control belongs to Cyprus. What happened in Cyprus is unacceptable, absolutely unacceptable,'' the Nobel prize winner said. Nonetheless, he added, there should be ''dialogue between the Greek and Turkish communities... they should be able to live together.'' Horta said he visited the island in 1991 and has ''many friends'' there. Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. CNA MM/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1100:CYPPRESS:02[02] Poland's First Lady to visit CyprusNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- Jolanta Kwasniewska, Poland's First Lady, arrives in Cyprus Friday for a four-day visit at the invitation of a local tour operator, Louis Tours.She will accompany some 70 orphans, who will spend ten days here sight-seeing around the island. On Friday, President Glafcos Clerides and First Lady Erini Clerides will host a lunch for Kwasniewska, who will tour the demarcation line dividing Nicosia since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. She will be accompanied by the city's Mayor Lellos Demetriades. On Saturday, Poland's First Lady will visit the tomb of the late Archbishop Makarios III at Kykko Monastery, on the Troodos mountain range, and lay a wreath. She will then travel to the western coastal town of Paphos, where Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides will host a lunch for her. She leaves the island on Monday. The children will follow their own programme of visits to all the main towns, laid out for them by their host. CNA MM/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1250:CYPPRESS:02[03] Cypriot MPs ask Euro-Parliament to condemn TurkeyNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- Cypriot deputies have informed Wednesday heads of the European Parliament political groups on the latest killing of an unarmed Greek Cypriot civilian by Turkish occupation troops, on October 13.A House of Representatives' delegation had a series of meetings Wednesday with leaders of Euro-Parliament political groups, on the sidelines of this body's plenary, in Strasbourg. The Cypriot MPs urged Euro-MPs to condemn Turkey for its unacceptable behaviour in Cyprus. Petros Kakoulli, 58, was shot dead by Turkish troops, near the British Base Area of Dhekelia, although he raised his hands after he strayed a few metres into the occupied area, while collecting snails. Kakkouli was the fourth Greek Cypriot killed by the Turks in the last four months. All were unarmed. The other three Greek Cypriots were murdered in the UN-controlled buffer zone. The Cyprus parliamentary delegation to Strasbourg is made up of ruling right-wing Democratic Rally (DISI) parliamentary spokesman Nicos Anastasiades, Socialist EDEK President Vasos Lyssarides, left-wing AKEL parliamentary spokesman Andreas Christou and centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO) parliamentary spokesman Tassos Papadopoulos. During their meetings with Euro MPs, the Cypriot deputies indicated that the European Parliament should insist on the implementation of its resolution adopted with an overwhelming majority in September, calling for the freeze of EU financial aid to Turkey. The delegation had successive meetings with the Socialist group President Pauline Green, the President of the European People's Party Willy Martens, the European Radical Alliance President Cathrenine Lalumiere, the President of the Confederal Group of the European United Left-Nordic Green Left Mr. Puerta and the Green Group President Mehtlild Rothe. The Cypriot deputies had also meetings with other Euro-MPs. Lyssarides and Christou took part in the Socialist and the United Left group meetings, respectively. The presidium of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee decided yesterday the agenda of the meeting of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Delegation, to be held on November 25-26 in Brussels. CNA AP/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1515:CYPPRESS:04[04] Government wishes for joint UN Security Council effortNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- The Cyprus government wishes for a joint effort by the five UN Security Council permanent members to assist the UN Secretary-General, in his good offices mission, Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides told the press today.Cassoulides, who was commenting on a statement by leftwing AKEL General Secretary Demetris Christofias on his return from Moscow, that Russia is concerned that the Cyprus problem has slipped out of the UN framework, added however that if this was not possible then the next choice would be for separate but coordinated efforts. ''Both the US and Britain have assured the government that they act in cooperation with UN who is the one to take up certain issues on which the governments of the five permanent members cannot act'', Cassoulides said. He noted that Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov did not express any concern to President Glafcos Clerides at their meeting in September, in New York. The Spokesman said President Clerides has not yet received Primakov's message brought by Christofias. Cassoulides expressed the government's satisfaction with Moscow's interest in the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1710:CYPPRESS:05[05] President Clerides to attend EU lunchNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides will attend a lunch hosted by Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.Present at the lunch, to take place here on November 8, will be Ireland's ambassador to Cyprus, Liam Rigney, who arrives here from the Greek capital Athens, where he is based. EU ambassadors, resident in Cyprus, and the head of the EU delegation here Gilles Anouil will also be at the lunch, which is given as a matter of routine during the six-month rotating presidency. The lunch takes place only a month before the EU summit in Dublin, scheduled for 13-14 December, and it is expected Cyprus' accession course will top the agenda. Ambassador Rigney arrives on Thursday, November 7, for a brief visit (he leaves Saturday) and this will probably be his last visit to the island in this capacity as he leaves his Cyprus post at the end of the year. The lunch, though not a preparatory meeting ahead of the EU Irish presidency representative for Cyprus, is believed to be in some way linked to Ireland's representative for Cyprus Kester Heaslip's forthcoming visit to the island. Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion, applied for full EU membership in 1990. It signed an association agreement in 1972 and a customs union agreement in 1987. CNA MM/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1730:CYPPRESS:06[06] Euro MPs vote to block EU aid to TurkeyStrasbourg, Oct 24 (CNA) -- Turkey received its biggest blow ever today from the European Parliament when the latter voted to block millions of dollars of aid to Ankara, accusing it of provocative actions in Cyprus, the Aegean, aggression in Northern Iraq and violation of human rights.In a resolution, following the first reading of the 1997 budget, the European Parliament planned to set aside 375 million ECUs (470 million US dollars) between 1996 and 2000 aimed at helping Turkey's customs union with the EU start. At the same time, the Parliament voted to review substantial aid for Turkey from the EU's MEDA programme. Regarding programmes for Turkey, the European Commission should submit these to the Parliament which will take the final decision. The Euro-Parliament, however, could not vote to block the MEDA programme, since it involves the financing of other Mediterranean countries as well. During the voting to block the funds to Turkey, the European Parliament said these funds should be linked with a respect by Turkey of democratic principles and international law. It also pointed out that ''significant progress towards the political resolution of the Cyprus problem and the Kurdish issue'' must be made on the part of Ankara. An EU Commission official said Euro MPs had expressed serious concern about Turkish human rights violations. EU External Relations Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek had expressed concern about Turkey's actions to Euro MPs. The plenary of the European Parliament this afternoon is expected to adopt further two resolutions concerning Turkey. The first condemns the latest brutal killing of a Greek Cypriot, Petros Kakoullis, on October 13, by the Turkish occupation troops, and demands that the culprits are brought to justice. The second condemns the attack on the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Istanbul) on September 30 and calls on the Turkish government to take measures to protect the building and other religious sites. Four unarmed Greek Cypriots were killed by Turkish occupation troops and extremists in the summer. Their brutal murders were condemned, among others, by the US, the UK, Britain, Russia, the United Nations and the EU. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory. CNA EC/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1745:CYPPRESS:07[07] Swiss official visits CyprusNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- Secretary of State of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jakob Kellenberger arrived in Cyprus today for a three-day official visit.Kellenberger will have meetings tomorrow with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Alecos Shambos and Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades. He will also visit the demarcation line that divides the capital. Meanwhile, President Glafcos Clerides received today Switzerland's Ambassador to the island Gian Federico Pedotti, who is based in Amman, Jordan. The Swiss Ambassador also met in the Turkish-occupied part of the island with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Pedotti will take part in the official talks tomorrow at the Foreign Ministry. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1820:CYPPRESS:08[08] ''Cyserv '96'' opensNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- ''Services in Cyprus have grown into a dynamic and increasingly important economic sector, resulting in the export of more and more services to Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East'', said here Thursday Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.President Clerides was addressing the opening of the second Cyprus Services Exhibition entitled ''CyServ '96'', organised by the Employers and Industrialists Federation in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. Clerides said the aim is ''to promote the wide range of services offered in Cyprus, which are being used by an increasing number of foreign companies, and also promote Cyprus as a regional services centre''. ''Indicative of the dynamism of the sector is the fact that in 1995 services had made the greatest contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, reaching about 62 per cent'', he added. Furthermore, President Clerides said the professional services offered in Cyprus, ''are of a very high level and compare favourably with these offered by other countries. ''Our basic economic goal is to create a strong economy which will compete as an equal partner in the EU and will turn Cyprus into a regional business and financial centre,'' the Cypriot President added. On his part, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Kyriacos Christofi said the exhibition ''projects Cyprus as a major services centre in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East region.'' Christofi stressed that to achieve this ''we must work hard and show flexibility, adaptability, determination and above all, far-sightedness and vision.'' However, he said he was ''confident that Cyprus will rise to the challenge of globalisation of the economy, the challenge of Europe and the challenge of the 21st century''. The three-day exhibition takes place at the International Conference Centre in Nicosia. CNA EC/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1835:CYPPRESS:09[09] Cyprus Stock ExchangeNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:CSE All Share Index 83.58 (+0.28) Sectural Indices Banks 91.46 (+0.44) Approved Investment Companies 74.96 (-0.01) Insurance Companies 62.03 (+0.63) Industrial Companies 80.96 (-0.09) Tourist Industries 73.63 (+0.53) Commercial Companies 67.57 (-0.85) Other Companies 80.43 (-0.21) Trading Volume CYP 903844.500* The difference in brackets represents the percentage increase (+) or decrease (-) of the index from the previous stock exchange meeting. CNA GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1845:CYPPRESS:10[10] President Clerides sends letter to DenktashNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides sent today his reply letter to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides, told the press.He declined to refer to the content of the letter but, he said, it is in line with National Council (top advisory body to the President) decisions. The letter had earlier been submitted to political party leaders. President Clerides replies to a 33-page letter by Denktash, who had rejected Clerides' proposal for the complete demilitarisation of the island. Meanwhile, President Clerides said he will meet National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Nicolaos Vorvolakos, to discuss with him the proximity military dialogue which is expected to start next week, between National Guard officers and Turkish occupation army officers. ''We have accepted an indirect military dialogue based on the provisions of 1996 UN Security Council resolution 1062'', President Clerides, said. Resolution 1062 calls upon the military authorities on both sides ''to enter immediately into discussions with the UN Peace-keeping Forces on the island (UNFICYP)'', to ''clear all minefields and booby-trapped areas inside the buffer zone'' to ''cease military construction in the immediate vicinity of the buffer zone'' and ''to enter immediately into intensive discussions with UNFICYP with a view to extending the 1989 unmanning agreement to cover all areas of the buffer zone where the two sides are in close proximity to each other.'' Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1940:CYPPRESS:11[11] Russian State Duma calls for Cyprus demilitarisationNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- The Russian State Duma fully supports President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for Cyprus' complete demilitarisation.According to an Athens News Agency report from Moscow, the State Duma adopted a resolution, noting that the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkey continues for 22 years with the use of force. It notes that the continued presence of Turkish troops prevents a solution to the Cyprus problem. The State Duma stresses the need to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, and refers to the existence of ''two politically equal communities'' on the island. The Duma describes as ''unacceptable'' the current situation on the island and considers ''imperative Cyprus' demilitarisation, together with the establishment of a multi-national force, as provided for by the recent proposal of Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides. It demands restoration of fundamental freedoms and individual rights, such as the right to property and movement. The resolution notes that urgent measures should be taken for the return of the refugees to their homes and for tracing those people missing. The State Duma calls for a solution, based on international law and United Nations decisions. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory. CNA EC/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2030:CYPPRESS:12[12] Euro-Parliament strongly condemns TurkeyStrasbourg, Oct 24 (CNA) -- The plenary of the European Parliament strongly condemned here today the killing of a Greek Cypriot by the Turkish occupation forces and called on all European Union member states to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw its forces from the island.In a resolution passed by acclamation, the Euro MPs strongly condemn the murder of Petros Kakoullis, 58, on October 13 by Turkish occupation soldiers after straying into the occupied areas while collecting snails. The Euro MPs call on the Commission and the EU Council of Ministers to express their outrage for the Turkish occupation forces over the incident. At the same time, the European Parliament demands a thorough investigation into the incident so that the perpetrators are found and brought to justice. The Parliament notes that Cyprus' accession to the EU will benefit both communities on the island and will contribute towards a solution. It also reminds the government of Turkey that its relations with the EU depend partly on Ankara's policy on Cyprus. At this point, the resolution reconfirms an earlier decision taken today by the European Parliament to block EU funds to Turkey, expressing reservations about funds for Turkey through the MEDA programme, with the exception of funds aimed at promoting democracy and human rights in this country. The resolution calls on Turkey to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Greek Cypriots, Maronites and the enclaved people and to put an end to violations of those rights and freedoms. It refers to the implementation of the Third Vienna Agreement, which outlines a number of measures for the protection of the human rights of the people living as enclaved in the Turkish-occupied territory. The European Parliament calls on member states to react to the situation on the island by exercising continued pressure on Turkey to withdraw its troops, to secure freedom of movement for all citizens and to cooperate for a just and peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The Euro MPs reiterate their support to President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for the island's demilitarisation and call on Turkey to withdraw its occupation forces and abide by the UN resolutions. The resolution will be distributed to the EU Council of Ministers, the EU Commission, the 15 EU governments, the parliaments of Cyprus and Turkey and the United Nations. CNA NB/EC/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2040:CYPPRESS:13[13] Feissel stresses need for Cyprus settlement on UN DayNicosia, Oct 24 (CNA) -- The need to pursue peaceful coexistence between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island and for a resolution of the protracted Cyprus problem was stressed tonight by UN resident representative Gustave Feissel, speaking at a reception on the occasion of the UN Day.Hundreds of people from both sides of the divide met at the Ledra Palace Hotel situated in the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia to celebrate the day when the UN Charter came into force on 24 October 1945. Among them were Greek and Turkish Cypriot political leaders and representatives and ambassadors of foreign countries in Cyprus. Greek and Turkish Cypriot children offered Feissel a basket of Cypriot fruit and products as a gift of appreciation for his work and that of the UN towards a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus question. Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. Feissel told participants that ''five tragic and unnecessary deaths in as many months is a stark reminder that the current situation in Cyprus is untenable and that a settlement is long overdue.'' He said ''the Charter of the UN is about faith in fundamental human rights and the practice of tolerance.'' He noted that ''first of all the Charter is about living together peacefully.'' ''As fellow human beings we are all saddened and diminished by what has happened,'' Feissel said, adding that ''it is important that both Greek and Turkish Cypriots affirm that these tragic incidents do not represent the true sentiments and desires of the people of the two communities in Cyprus and that such incidents must never happen again.'' Four Greek Cypriots were brutally murdered by Turkish troops and Turkish extremists in the last four months. A Turkish soldier of Kurdish origin was also found murdered in his observation post. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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