Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-11-04

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CONTENTS

[01] Greek official begins talks

[02] Cyprus to sign agreement for transfer of convicts with Russia

[03] European Youth Parliament starts session

[04] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[05] Greek officials continue talks

[06] Governmental rebuff to doubting EU members

[07] Mexico, Ecuador condemn murder by Turkish troops

[08] Municipal elections on December 15, 1996

[09] Charity Radiomarathon continues

[10] Cyprus to expand economic relations with India

[11] Illegal regime threatens to close crossing point

[12] Europarliament official praises Cyprus economy

[13] Cyprus, Israel to continue Rabin's vision for peace

[14] House President meets Greek Defence Minister

1050:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Greek official begins talks

The Greek official had a meeting earlier with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides.

Later in the day, he will hold official talks at the Foreign Ministry and start separate meetings with party leaders or representatives.

Rozakis' four-day visit to Cyprus aims at better coordination between Greece and Cyprus on the Cyprus problem.

CNA GP/1996

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1115:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus to sign agreement for transfer of convicts with Russia

The two Ministers will hold talks and sign a bilateral agreement for the transfer of convicts.

During his stay on the island, the Russian Minister will be received by President Glafcos Clerides.

He will also have meetings with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou, Attorney General Alecos Markides and other officials.

CNA GP/1996

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1220:CYPPRESS:03

[03] European Youth Parliament starts session

In his opening remarks to the 23rd session of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) here today, Michaelides said the road to EU accession ''offers a unique catalyst'' in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.

''Any statements or actions, casting doubts or reservations (about this catalytic role) are damaging this prospect (of a solution,'' he told nearly 300 delegates from 22 European countries and an array of diplomats representing EU member-states at today's opening ceremony.

Such statements, the Minister explained, may give Turkey, which continues to occupy part of Cyprus, the wrong signal in believing that she can exercise the right of veto on Cyprus' EU application and refrain from efforts to settle the problem.

''We have a responsibility to respect and implement the EU decisions,'' Michaelides said.

He also asked them to bear in mind that Turkey continues to flout European Parliament resolutions on Cyprus and said this East Mediterranean island is the only European country with part of its territory under foreign occupation, ''a stunning anachronism'' in today's Europe.

Describing the week-long meeting as ''an exercise of democracy'', the Minister urged young pupils attending the session to remain committed to the ideals of a united and integrated Europe as they will benefit most from them.

The meeting, organised by a local private school, the Grammar School, will debate various topics, including foreign affairs and security, tourism and travel, development and the environment, civil liberties and internal affairs, education, culture and the media and energy and technology.

The conference president, Julia Picket, from Britain, said the EYP is the ''most effective mechanism the EU has invented to help people make friends.''

She also urged young people, who abandoned their lessons for a week, to express themselves freely and told them that ''apathy and indifference towards an issue that does not concern them directly must be overcome.''

''Argue what you think is right, not what is possible. Act and be yourselves, the youth of Europe,'' Picket said.

Petina Carlian, also from Britain, President of EYP International, pointed out that ''free-thinking debate among young people teaches pupils to apply democratic values.''

Such gatherings, she said, offer the chance to hear other people's views and learn about their culture and described the Cyprus session as ''unique, innovative and inspiring.''

Grammar School Headmaster Akis Gregoriou welcomed all young participants and told them Europe's future lay in their hands.

''It is our responsibility to show you what democracy is all about and how it works. You will learn that it takes a lot of courage to comprise,'' he said.

Cyprus' aspiration to become an EU member will be realised, he said, because ''we believe that Cyprus belongs to Europe.''

A pupil from Belgium, Marie Van Eeckhoudt, told CNA EYP sessions offer the opportunity to young Europeans to get closer together.

Her special area of interest is politics in the Middle East and she will be taking part in discussions on foreign affairs, she said but did not think the European Parliament, to whom all EYP resolutions are communicated, takes too much account of what young Europeans say or think.

Another participant, from Dublin, Adam Donoghue, finds the EYP a very useful tool for the exchange of views, even though at times discussions among pupils can be acrimonious.

A third pupil from Poland, Katarzyna Kawa, from Pzeszon, believes such meetings would help young Polish people to become acquainted with EU matters and learn from other people's experiences.

''Europe must be one, not divided into poor and rich. Poland wants to join the EU and we are ready to work hard for this goal,'' she told CNA.

Deliberations for the meeting, which ends on Saturday, will take place at a local college.

CNA MM/GP/1996

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1430:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    83.92 (-1.04)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  92.89 (-1.17)
Approved Investment Companies          77.77 (-0.54)
Insurance Companies                    61.57 (-0.89)
Industrial Companies                   79.94 (-0.79)
Tourist Industries                     74.27 (+0.19)
Commercial Companies                   66.06 (-0.83)
Other Companies                        75.32 (-1.97)

Trading Volume                         CYP 526316.660

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1430:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Greek officials continue talks

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Rozakis said the visit aims at better coordination between Greece and Cyprus in the Cyprus problem.

Rozakis refrained from making further comments. He described the meeting with the Cyprus President as ''most productive''.

The delegation also met with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides and Foreign Ministry officials.

Later today and tomorrow the Greek officials will have separate meetings with political party leaders or representatives.

CNA MCH/GP/1996

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1450:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Governmental rebuff to doubting EU members

The Spokesman has also stressed the government is not prepared to sacrifice the interests of the people of Cyprus for the island's accession prospects.

''Those who tell the Turkish side that Cyprus will not join the EU if a Cyprus solution is not found are doing the worst service to efforts towards this goal,'' Cassoulides told his press briefing today.

He said such an attitude encourages Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to stick to his intransigent positions, which aim at blocking a resolution of the problem, and therefore prevent the EU accession prospect from acting as a catalyst for a solution.

His statement echoes an earlier statement today by Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, who warned that actions or moves casting doubt or expressing reservations about EU decisions on Cyprus are damaging the prospects for a solution.

Cassoulides' comments came in response to press reports that the German Foreign Ministry, in an internal report, questions the validity of the EU decision to start accession negotiations with Cyprus and notes that Cyprus is not politically ready to join the Union.

The report, leaked by the top circulation daily ''Fileleftheros'', also said Germany sets out the resolution of the Cyprus problem as a prerequisite for Cyprus' EU membership.

''Certain messages are out of tune with the general spirit of the EU decision to start accession talks and Germany must understand that Cyprus' application for accession will help the applications of Central and Eastern European countries,'' Cassoulides told the press.

The government, he said, recognises there will be problems if the Cyprus issue is not settled and admits that these difficulties will be far less if the Turkish side is responsible for blocking such a settlement.

''One cannot but wonder how a divergence of opinion on this matter can facilitate a Cyprus solution,'' he added.

Cassoulides said Cyprus' accession prospect will not overshadow the content of a settlement and added ''Cyprus will not reach the stage when it will have to choose between EU accession and concessions towards a Cyprus settlement.''

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

Cyprus applied for full membership of the European Community in July 1990. It signed an association agreement in 1972 and a customs union agreement in 1987.

CNA MM/GP/1996

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1630:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Mexico, Ecuador condemn murder by Turkish troops

The Mexican Foreign Ministry, in a reply to a relevant demarche by the Embassy of Cyprus in the country, said it condemns the murder of Kakoulis by the Turkish occupation forces.

Referring to the violent incidents on the cease-fire line, the Mexican Foreign Ministry called on all states to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Cyprus Republic.

Furthermore, it stressed that negotiations are the only way to solve disputes and called on all parties to respect their obligations in order to safeguard security in the region and strictly adhere to the rules of international law.

The Foreign Ministry of Ecuador, expressed deep regret over the murder of the 58-year-old Greek Cypriot man.

It noted the country's strong desire for peace in Cyprus, something which becomes difficult when such incidents occur.

It also said that all reports concerning the murders of unarmed Greek Cypriots from the Turkish occupation forces have been conveyed to the Permanent Mission of Ecuador at the United Nations to take proper action.

Kakoulis was murdered by Turkish occupation troops after straying a few metres into the occupied areas, on October 13, while collecting snails.

Three more Greek Cypriots were either shot or brutally murdered by Turkish troops and extremists, in the UN-controlled buffer zone, in the last four months.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

CNA EC/GP/1996

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1640:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Municipal elections on December 15, 1996

A press release issued here Monday says mayors and municipal councils will be elected for all municipalities, either in the free areas or in the Turkish-occupied areas.

Thousands of refugees will vote for the heads of the Turkish-occupied municipalities in polling stations in the free areas.

The Minister appointed Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Thanos Michael as the Chief Returning Officer and his deputies, who will be the respective District Officers.

This year, municipal elections will be held in 33 municipalities, nine of which are in the occupied part of the island. Two of the occupied municipalities are situated in the Turkish-occupied areas of Nicosia District, four in the Famagusta District and three in the occupied northern District of Kyrenia.

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

Lellos Demetriades, Mayor of Nicosia, the world's last divided capital, announced today that he will seek re-election as an independent candidate.

CNA AP/GP/1996

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1745:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Charity Radiomarathon continues

''Radiomarathobn '96'' is organised jointly by the Cyprus Popular Bank and the radio Channel 3 of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC), with the participation of local TV and radio stations and Greek speaking stations in Greece, Britain, Canada, South Africa and Australia.

This annual 42 hour-long charity event aims to raise funds for children with special needs. This year's events include relay competitions, runs, a sports fiesta with the participation of Greek medalists in the Atlanta Olympics, cycling and works of art auction.

President Glafcos Clerides has again this year given some of his personal belongings which will be auctioned to raise cash. They are a photo-album on his life and his military hat with his signature.

In a statement, President Clerides said ''Radiomarathon'' has been established as the major humanitarian institution of Cyprus' society and called on every citizen to contribute generously.

Forty-one collection stands have been set up around Cyprus and four piggy-bank vehicles are touring the countryside to collect contributions.

The target of this seventh consecutive ''Radiomarathon'' is to break last year's record of 1.029.006 Cyprus pounds (about 2.100.000 US dollars), which for the first time exceeded the margin of one million pounds.

This event's slogan ''even the smallest contribution is big'' aims to increase public awareness of the problems children with special needs are facing throughout the year.

Since 1990, when the first ''Radiomarathon'' took place, four million Cyprus pounds have been collected and distributed to children with special needs and relevant institutions.

CNA AP/GP/1996

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1755:CYPPRESS:10

[10] Cyprus to expand economic relations with India

The Committee operates within the framework of the economic, commercial, scientific, technical and industrial cooperation agreement signed in April 1989.

The delegation headed by Planning Bureau Permanent Secretary Simeon Matsis, includes representatives of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the Planning Bureau and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

The Intergovernmental Committee will review cooperation between the two countries in various fields and will examine ways to promote further the bonds of friendship between Cyprus and India.

Matsis will sign a tourism agreement between Cyprus and India and will have meetings with representatives of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

CNA EC/GP/1996

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1925:CYPPRESS:11

[11] Illegal regime threatens to close crossing point

The group headed by Democratic Party MP Marios Matsakis and made up of refugees, relatives of missing persons and relatives of recently murdered Greek Cypriots by the Turks continued for a third consecutive weekend to inform tourists, who wish to cross into the occupied territory, about the Turkish atrocities in Cyprus.

As a result, many of the foreign visitors chose not to cross into the occupied areas and instead, they condemned the Turkish policy in Cyprus.

Self-styled Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu threatened after meeting today Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that the illegal regime would close the crossing point leading to the free areas if the Greek Cypriots continue their protest.

He was apparently threatening to prevent Greek Cypriots living as enclaved in the occupied areas from visiting their relatives in the government-controlled territory.

Last weekend, protestors were joined by a Turkish Cypriot couple living in the free areas of the Republic.

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

Turkish troops and extremists brutally murdered four unarmed Greek Cypriots in the last four months.

CNA GP/1996

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2020:CYPPRESS:12

[12] Europarliament official praises Cyprus economy

This was stated by the Chairman of the Committee for External Economic Relations of the European Parliament, Willy de Clercq, who arrived in Cyprus last Friday for a five-day visit at the invitation of the House of Representatives.

He was speaking after a meeting with House Acting President Nicos Anastasiades, during which they discussed the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' bid to become a full member of the Eropean Union.

The Europarliament official noted that despite the small size of Cyprus' economy, this is ''very prosperous'' and expressed the hope that Cyprus will soon join the EU.

He noted that if Cyprus were already a member of the EU it would fully meet the Maastricht criteria for its economic and monetary union.

A decision of the EU Council of Ministers, of March 6, 1995, said membership talks will begin with Cyprus six months after the completion of the current Intergovernmental Conference.

De Clercq referred to a Europarliament resolution, which rejects any connection between Cyprus' entry into the Union with a prior solution to the Cyprus problem.

''Even if the island were not reunited, the people of Cyprus that wish to join the EU should be given this opportunity,'' he said.

The European Parliament official said Cyprus meets all the Maastricht economic criteria, especially those regarding inflation, monetary and prices stability, the rates of interest, funding and the government deficit and debt.

On his part, Anastasiades described the meeting as ''very useful'' and said it considerably helps the promotion of the Cyprus question in the European Parliament.

The House Acting President said the meeting also helped towards closer relations between the Cyprus and the European Parliaments, and their harmonisation in several fields.

He said neither De Clercq and his country, Belgium, nor the European Parliament had linked Cyprus' entry into the EU with the solution of its problem, and noted that this is an issue raised by certain EU member-states. He did not name them.

The Europarliament official had also separate meetings with the island's party leaders or representatives. He also met Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades.

Tonight he gave a lecture at the University of Cyprus on ''The political and economic shape of the European Union for the next century.''

De Clercq will meet Tuesday morning with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides and in the afternoon he will leave for Brussels.

In a speech, which he delivered last Thursday at the London School of Economics, Cyprus' Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou noted that for the government ''it has been a basic objective of fiscal policy to meet the Maastricht Treaty convergence criteria.''

He elaborated on the performance of Cyprus economy and said, in terms of macroeconomic indicators, it ''compares favourably with the performance of most EU members.''

''It is noteworthy that in 1995, Cyprus along with Luxembourg, were the only counties to fully satisfy all the Maastricht convergence criteria,'' the Minister noted.

Cyprus applied for EU full membership in 1990. It signed an association agreement with the European Community in 1972 and a customs union agreement in 1987.

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

CNA AP/GP/1996

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2035:CYPPRESS:13

[13] Cyprus, Israel to continue Rabin's vision for peace

In a memorial tribute to Rabin on the first anniversary memorial service for the late Premier, Michaelides, who is the first Cypriot Foreign Minister to have officially visited Israel, said it was a real privilege to have known ''a statesman of the stature and calibre of Rabin''.

He noted that ''we have proved in word and deed, that we are genuine friends with our neighbours and we stand ready to make our contribution for peace and prosperity for all the peoples in the region''.

Michaelides paid tribute to Rabin who together with his partner in peace, Shimon Peres, with rare political courage and unwavering dedication to the peace process, they embarked on the ''mission to change the Middle East from an area of confrontation, hatred and belligerency into a region of stability, tolerance, understanding and common prosperity''.

He said the crowning recognition and vindication came in December 1994 when Rabin, Peres and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat were awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.

The Cypriot Minister said the ''great statesman, who became the architect of peace, the visionary who wanted future generations never to experience the horror of wars, was cruelly assassinated'' on November 4, 1995 at a peace rally.

Michaelides said although Rabin is dead, ''his vision, his achievements and his messages will always shine... Not only to his own people and to the peoples of the Middle East, but to all who are suffering from long-standing conflicts''.

Quoting Rabin's pledge that the ''time of peace has now come'', Michaelides said ''peace for the Middle East; peace for Cyprus; peace for the world'', has come. ''We in Cyprus, will continue to share Rabin's vision for peace'', he added.

Israeli Ambassador, Tzur said the bullets which killed Rabin ''will remain in the memory of every Israeli''.

Noting that the memories and the shock of this horrific event still linger on, Tzur pledged that the ''historic process of reconciliation and peace in the Middle East has reached a point from which there is no return''.

He said all ''have an obligation to work together, to try and reach a peaceful solution, as the words of the late Prime Minister said, ''there is no other solution but peace'', Tzur said although they are facing some difficult times, ''all sides should have the courage, determination and goodwill to overcome the difficulties... and work for a better future secured by peace''.

He further said ''Israel and Cyprus and all democratic nations of the world must learn a very difficult lesson from this terrible assassination'', that is ''never to allow violence to influence our actions or use of violence to influence our actions or use violent means to enforce our way of thinking upon others''.

The ceremony began with reciting of prayer by the Ambassador and lighting of candle. A musical tribute preceded the speeches.

The audience was moved as a video clip entitled ''Last farewell to Yitzhak Rabin'', was screened, highlighting the most significant moments of Rabin's career and the last moments of his life.

The gathering ended with ''The Song of Peace'', which marked the end of the great leader.

CNA EC/GP/1996

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2045:CYPPRESS:14

[14] House President meets Greek Defence Minister

According to an Athens News Agency report, the two men discussed matters concerning the security of the Greek Cypriot population, with emphasis on the joint defence pact agreed upon by the governments of Cyprus and Greece in November 1993.

Tsohatzopoulos expressed the conviction that the strengthening of Cyprus' defence capabilities ''guarantees peace, security and cooperation in the region''.

Kyprianou said the joint defence pact was a major factor in reaching a just solution to the Cyprus problem.

Earlier in the day, the House President was received by Greek President Costis Stephanopoulos and attended a working lunch given by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

Kyprianou, who is visiting Greece at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis, will continue his meetings in Athens tomorrow with Greek officials and party leaders.

CNA GP/1996

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