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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-11-05Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>CONTENTS
1220:CYPPRESS:01[01] EU must help end Cyprus divisionNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- The European Union must make every effort to end the current situation, Willy de Clercq, Chairman of the Committee for External Economic Relations of the European Parliament told here today Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides.The European Parliament official had a meeting this morning with Michaelides. He was earlier received by President Glafcos Clerides. Willy de Clercq left Cyprus today after a five-day visit, at the invitation of the House of Representatives. Michaelides told the press after the Foreign Ministry meeting that he exchanged views with the Europarliament official focusing on the role the EU can play for a solution to the Cyprus problem. He described de Clercq's visit as ''very useful'' because the Europarliament official ''has now a personal experience on what the Turkish invasion and status quo on the island mean.'' Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. The Cypriot Minister said Willy de Clercq had been impressed by the development and particularly the cultural heritage of the Cyprus Republic and expressed the opinion that every effort should be made to resolve the Cyprus problem. After meetings yesterday with party leaders, Willy de Clercq stated that Cyprus is one of a few countries that meets the Maastricht Treaty convergence criteria for economic and monetary union with the EU. He described Cyprus' economy as ''very prosperous'', expressing the hope that this East Mediterranean island republic will soon join the EU. Cyprus applied for full membership in 1990. It signed an association agreement in 1972 and a customs union agreement in 1987. The EU Council of Ministers gave Cyprus on March 6, 1995 a firm date for the start of membership talks, six months after the Intergovernmental Conference. EU summits have decided that Cyprus will be involved in the next EU enlargement. CNA GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1415:CYPPRESS:02[02] Turkish fighters violate Cyprus air spaceNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- Two Turkish F-16 fighters violated on Monday Cyprus' sovereign air space and territory, Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides said today.He said the government intends to protest these violations to the appropriate bodies. The Spokesman pointed out that Turkish troops continue to violate the Republic's territory since 1974 when they invaded and occupied the island's northern third. The UN estimate that some 30,000 Turkish troops are in occupied Cyprus. This is the first time Turkish fighters actually land in the illegal airport near the Turkish-occupied village of Lefkoniko. In the past, the fighters restricted themselves to violating Cyprus' air space, without touching down. Cassoulides said on several occasions Turkish navy vessels have also violated the Republic's territorial waters. The fighters are taking part in joint military manoeuvres code-named ''Toros-2/96'' between the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime and Turkey. Last month, the National Guard, the Republic's armed forces, staged military exercises, code-named ''Nikiforos '96'', with the participation of Greece's armed forces. Greek navy vessels reached Cyprus ports while Greek air force jets took part in the manoeuvres. CNA MM/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1400:CYPPRESS:03[03] Cyprus Stock ExchangeNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:CSE All Share Index 84.24 (+0.38) Sectural Indices Banks 93.14 (+0.27) Approved Investment Companies 77.25 (-0.67) Insurance Companies 61.11 (-0.75) Industrial Companies 81.94 (+2.50) Tourist Industries 74.94 (+0.48) Commercial Companies 65.74 (-0.48) Other Companies 74.99 (-0.44) Trading Volume CYP 616692.095* The difference in brackets represents the percentage increase (+) or decrease (-) of the index from the previous stock exchange meeting. CNA GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1550 :CYPPRESS:04[04] Government warns Turkish Cypriot regimeNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- The government considers any attempt by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime to prohibit Greek Cypriot enclaved to visit the government controlled areas of the island ''a grave violation of human rights and would respond accordingly,'' Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides said here today.Cassoulides' comments came in response to threats by the self-styled Turkish Cypriot prime minister Dervis Eroglu that the illegal regime would close the Ledra Palace crossing point into the southern free areas of the Republic. The Turkish Cypriot threats were made in the wake of a protest by a group of Greek Cypriots, led by MP Marios Matsakis, to inform tourists wishing to visit the occupied part of Cyprus about the continuing occupation and violation of human rights by Turkey in Cyprus. For the past three weeks, refugees, relatives of missing persons and other individuals gather at the Ledra Palace check point and hand out leaflets to tourists in a bid to persuade them not to cross over. Most turn back, some do not. The government had stated its disagreement with the Ledra Palace protest on several occasions. Cassoulides said the UN have made representations to the government about the protest following complaints that visitors are prevented from crossing into Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus. The Spokesman said it might be possible to set up a special kiosk near the Ledra Palace check point where foreign visitors can, if they want, be informed about the reality of the situation in Cyprus and then decide for themselves what to do. The government, he said, has its own reasons for wishing this type of protest to end and be replaced by a different kind of protest. Cassoulides also expressed the government's ''displeasure'' about visits to the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus by foreign diplomats based here when these (visits) have nothing to do with their diplomatic mission. ''The government monitors the movements of diplomats and makes its own observations. Whenever we consider it necessary to act, we do so,'' he added. CNA MM/MCH/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1650:CYPPRESS:05[05] Funds keep coming in for RadiomarathonNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- Some 820.000 Cyprus pounds, (around 1.650.000 US dollars) have been raised so far by the annual Radiomarathon in aid of children with special needs.The fund-raising event which takes place for the seventh consecutive year started yesterday and will finish at twelve midnight. Almost all radio and TV stations on the island take part in this year's Radiomarathon, which was originally an idea initiated by a private radio station in co-operation with the Cyprus Popular Bank. A series of fund raising events have taken place with the participation of Greek Olympic champions and Cypriot and Greek artists and politicians, including a football match and charity walks. President Glafcos Clerides has offered a personal photo-album and a military cap to be auctioned to raise funds. CNA MCH/MM/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2030 :CYPPRESS:06[06] Funds near a million in charity eventNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- An annual two-day charity event in aid of children in need, which ends at midnight tonight, has so far raised 900,000 Cyprus pounds (about 1,800,000 US dollars).Donations continue to come in for ''Radiomarathon'96'', which will officially end at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation with a special televised programme. CNA MM/EC/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2130:CYPPRESS:07[07] Cyprus, Greece conclude talksNicosia, Nov 5 (CNA) -- Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Christos Rozakis concluded here today their meetings, during which they discussed the Cyprus problem with special emphasis on the island's European Union (EU) accession process.Describing the meetings as ''successful,'' Michaelides noted that many issues were discussed in great detail as part of a preparatory process before intensive talks start in an effort to settle the Cyprus problem. Referring to Cyprus' accession process, Michaelides said ''close bilateral cooperation'' is essential if a successful outcome is to be achieved. On his part Rozakis described his talks as ''very productive'' and noted that discussions focused on Greece's contribution to issues concerning the island's accession to the EU. He said both political and technical issues were discussed, adding that no conclusions were reached and that similar meetings will take place both in Athens and in Nicosia in the future. Asked to comment on a proposed US initiative on Cyprus, expected to be launched after the American Presidential elections, Rozakis replied, ''Athens has no specific information from any reliable sources regarding the nature of the initiative.'' Commenting on the same issue, Michaelides said US President Bill Clinton has repeatedly pledged to be actively engaged in efforts to solve the Cyprus question. ''We do not know how substantive this initiative will be'', Michaelides added, noting that ''we will have to wait until after the US elections.'' Asked about Britain's intention to facilitate the Cyprus peace process, Rozakis said ''this has a more specific framework.'' Referring to EU attempts to help settle the problem, he noted the absence of co-ordination and of a common stance on Cyprus among EU member states. ''At present we see some kind of European movement on Cyprus, expressed through the missions undertaken by various officials to interested countries,'' Rozakis added. Commenting on Turkey's position on Cyprus' prospect for accession, the Greek diplomat said ''it appears there is no unified stance on the matter, emanating from one source of authority.'' Michaelides stressed that Turkey is clearly concerned about the prospect of Cyprus joining the EU. Rozakis leaves Cyprus tomorrow. CNA MCH/MM/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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