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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-11-13Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org,cy>CONTENTS
0900:CYPPRESS:01[01] Working level diplomatic mission from USAWashington, Nov 13 (CNA) -- The US delegation headed by State Department's Director of Southern Europe Affairs Carey Cavanaugh, which is travelling to Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, is just a working level diplomatic mission, said State Department Spokesman Glyn Davis.The US officials are due to arrive in Cyprus this afternoon from Athens. They are scheduled to meet President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Davis said Cavanaugh is leading ''an interagency delegation. I don't have the itinerary that he's on, but they are out there for discussions with the parties. They are not out there with any kind of an elaborate, new initiative in hand. They're simply getting views from the various parties out there'', Davis told his press briefing. He said the US officials will come back to Washington and make their report. ''And we'll see where we go from there. But I don't have anything splashy to tell you about that.'' Asked to comment statements by US Ambassador to Cyprus Kenneth Brill that this delegation might be carrying new proposals, the Spokesman said ''I would steer you away from concluding that they are out there to unveil some new shiny thing. I don't think that's the case. They're out there doing good, hard, slogging diplomatic work with the various parties, and we are all familiar with events on Cyprus recently. There's been a great deal of tension,'' he added. Davis said the United States wants to be as helpful as it can be. ''The United States wants to remain on that issue and be as helpful as we could be. So he (Cavanaugh) is there to talk to both sides, both communities leaders, and, of course, to consult with our Ambassador and others in the region, and we'll see what he comes back with. But I don't have anything specific.'' Asked why Richard Beattie, the US Presidential Emissary on Cyprus, is not a member of this delegation, Davis said: ''He doesn't necessarily need to be on this mission. As they say, it's a working level diplomatic mission to discuss the state of play with the parties on Cyprus, and it is not, to my knowledge, a big public affairs new initiative kind of a mission.'' Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. CNA DA/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1140:CYPPRESS:02[02] Michaelides and Spring discuss Cyprus-EU accession processNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides has discussed the process of Cyprus' accession to the European Union (EU) with his Irish counterpart and President the European Council Dick Spring.The two Ministers met in Cairo yesterday, on the sidelines of the Middle East/North Africa Economic Conference. Meanwhile, Michaelides flew to Athens this morning to address a seminar attended by press attaches of Cypriot and Greek embassies around the world. The Cypriot Minister will have meetings later today with his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos, and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, George Papandreou. Michaelides returns to Cyprus tonight. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1250:CYPPRESS:03[03] Cyprus and Greece cooperate closely, says Greek MinisterNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- The close cooperation between Cyprus and Greece on national issues was reaffirmed here today by Greek Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos.Speaking after a brief meeting with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, Yiannopoulos described his visit as a ''duty'' to the people of Cyprus. He referred to the close cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, in the promotion of national issues, including the Cyprus problem, and noted the importance of the joint defence pack agreed by the two countries. The Greek Minister had also a meeting with the island's Justice and Public Order Minister Alecos Evangelou. Yiannopoulos is here to attend tonight an anti-occupation gathering organised by the Kyrenia coordinating committee to denounce the illegal declaration of a separatist entity by the Turkish occupation regime, in the northern part of the island. President Clerides and other officials will attend the meeting. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1310:CYPPRESS:04[04] Cyprus, Poland to sign legal cooperation agreementNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- Cyprus and Poland will sign here tomorrow an agreement on legal cooperation in civil and criminal matters.Cyprus Justice and Public Order Minister Alecos Evangelou had a meeting today with Poland's Justice Ministry Secretary of State Grzegorz Ciecierski, who is on a three-day official visit. Evangelou described the meeting as ''very useful'' and said that the content of the agreement to be signed tomorrow as well as other issues of common interest were discussed. Ciecierski said the issues concerning trade and tourism will also be discussed during his Nicosia talks. The Polish official reaffirmed his country's support to a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem, based on UN Security Council resolutions. Tomorrow, Ciecierski will have meetings with MP Panayiotis Demetriou, Chairman of the Legal Committee of the House of Representatives, and Attorney General Alecos Markides. He will also visit the so-called ''green line'' dividing the capital into two. Ciecierski leaves on Friday. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1410:CYPPRESS:05[05] Education Minister: Ankara encourages Cyprus divisionNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- ''Through its expansionist policy, Ankara attempts to partition our homeland and pass the message that Greek and Turkish Cypriots cannot peacefully co-exist.''This was stated here today by Education and Culture Minister Claire Angelidou, in a message denouncing the illegal declaration of independence in the Turkish-occupied part of the island, 13 years ago. The secessionist regime unilaterally declared independence on November 15, 1983. No country other than Turkey has recognised the illegal entity. UN Security Council resolution 541 of 1983 deplored the secessionist act and branded the UDI ''legally invalid''. In her message, Angelidou declared that the struggle against the division of Cyprus would continue and noted that human rights of all Cypriots, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, should be respected. The Education and Culture Minister called for the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops and settlers from the island, as demanded by numerous United Nations resolutions. President Glafcos Clerides will attend tonight in Nicosia an anti-occupation gathering to protest against the continuing occupation of Cyprus' northern third by Turkish troops since 1974. CNA MCH/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1420:CYPPRESS:06[06] National Council aims at common strategyNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- The National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem, met here today to draft a common strategy on future moves aimed at pushing the Cyprus peace process forward.''We had a very constructive exchange of views and everybody made an effort to define a common strategy on how to deal with the forthcoming initiative on Cyprus, during the preparatory stage as well as later on,'' Acting Government Spokesman Spyros Arotis told the press after the meeting. No decisions were taken as such but there was an in depth discussion on various issues, Arotis said, but refrained from identifying these issues. Pressed by the media on this matter, Arotis said the Council discussed procedural matters relating to preparations by the Greek Cypriot side in anticipation of direct talks on the Cyprus question. ''The discussion will continue at the next Council meeting. I believe all party leaders regard this initiative as very important and have tried to outline a common strategy,'' he said. Referring to a UN-sponsored military dialogue between the Republic's National Guard and the Turkish occupation troops, Arotis said ''the President will brief the Council on the military talks before our side replies to the UN proposals on the matter.'' The UN is inviting the two sides to extend the 1989 unmanning agreement, to remove loaded weapons along the cease-fire line and define the code of conduct of their soldiers. Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. No date has been set for the next National Council meeting. CNA MM/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1440:CYPPRESS:07[07] President Clerides to attend FAO ConferenceNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides flies Thursday to Rome to attend the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Heads of States or Governments Conference.President Clerides will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides and Acting Government Spokesman Spyros Arotis. Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Costas Petrides, will also join the Cyprus delegation in Rome. Petrides will fly to Rome from Argentina, where he paid an official visit, at the invitation of his Argentine counterpart Felipe Sola. The Agriculture Minister conveyed to President Carlos Menem a personal message from President Clerides, as well as an invitation to visit Cyprus. CNA AP/GP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1500:CYPPRESS:08[08] Cyprus Stock ExchangeNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:CSE All Share Index 82.94 (-0.54) Sectural Indices Banks 91.67 (-0.60) Approved Investment Companies 76.10 (-0.04) Insurance Companies 59.82 (-0.88) Industrial Companies 81.95 (-0.41) Tourist Industries 72.56 (+0.39) Commercial Companies 62.75 (-0.79) Other Companies 75.40 (-0.71) Trading Volume CYP 519064.313* The difference in brackets represents the percentage increase (+) or decrease (-) of the index from the previous stock exchange meeting. CNA MM/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1730:CYPPRESS:09[09] Party leaders stress need for common strategyNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- Parliamentary party leaders, members of the National Council, underlined the need for concerted action to display a united front, in view of moves by the international community for direct talks on the Cyprus question.Ruling Democratic Rally (DISY) leader Yiannakis Matsis welcomed Greece's active engagement in Cyprus in an effort to help the governments of Greece and Cyprus to act in concert. He expressed the hope that teams of experts would be formed to define the Greek Cypriot positions on each aspect of the Cyprus issue. ''Today's very constructive discussion focused on our future strategy on the substance as well as the procedures to be followed ahead of expected initiatives on Cyprus, in 1997,'' Matsis told the press. Main opposition leader, AKEL Secretary General Demetris Christofias stressed that any initiatives on Cyprus, undertaken by various countries or bodies, should be coordinated and under the aegis of the UN. He called for Russian involvement in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem and described Russia as ''an ingredient of the solution process.'' ''We cannot reject any initiative but we must create the right preconditions to ensure a successful dialogue. Those undertaking initiatives must address their efforts towards Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot leader,'' he said. Coalition Democratic Party (DIKO) Spyros Kyprianou described today's meeting as ''one of the most constructive Council meetings'' and noted that all party leaders tried to attain the closest possible approach on the handling of issues that will crop up during future talks on Cyprus. ''Everybody must understand that no progress can be achieved unless the Turkish side shifts from its intransigent position,'' he said. He also warned against outside pressure on Nicosia and Athens in view of anticipated initiatives to push for talks. Socialist EDEK leader Vasos Lyssarides said he believed the forthcoming initiatives ''will not be constructive for the Greek Cypriot side.'' George Vassiliou, who heads the Free Democrats, said there is no common policy on the tactics that need to be followed, even though there is agreement on the objectives. Replying to questions, Vassiliou argued for talks which must be based on UN resolutions and the two high-level agreements the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides have signed in the 1970s. CNA MM/AP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2240:CYPPRESS:10[10] US top officials in Cyprus for talksLarnaca, Nov 13 (CNA) -- A team of US high-ranking officials arrived here tonight to reinforce the commitment of the US Administration to pursue a comprehensive Cyprus settlement, head of the delegation, Carey Cavanaugh, Director of the State Department Office of Southern European Affairs, has said.Cavanaugh is accompanied by Gwenyth Todd, Cyprus Desk Officer at the Office of International Security Affairs of the US Defence Department, Director of European Affairs at the US National Security Council, John Schmidt, and Siria Lopez, Cyprus Desk Officer at the State Department Office of Southern European Affairs. Speaking to the press on arrival, Cavanaugh said the primary purpose of this trip is ''to reinforce the commitment of the US Administration to working on pursuing a comprehensive settlement of Cyprus and to make clear that the engagement will continue to be very active in the months ahead.'' He said the visit will ''look at aspects of the support of a comprehensive settlement and at concrete steps that can be taken to improve the situation on the island now, to help reduce the tension we have seen developing here in the past couple of months.'' He pointed out that these tensions do not serve well the interests of bringing the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus together. Asked if the team carries any specific ideas, Cavanaugh said ''there are always specific ideas'' and noted that several of them were raised during his July visit to the island with US Permanent Representative to the UN Madeleine Albright and US Presidential Emissary on Cyprus Richard Beattie. Cavanaugh said he will raise those ideas tomorrow, both to President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. ''I would say the preparatory work for an initiative is a lot of activity from the international community, by the US, the UK and the UN to work on the Cyprus problem, to help find a way for that solution,'' he remarked. The US official said he had just come from Greece, travelling with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, and said ''we were doing what would be called "double-teaming" the Greeks, I guess.'' He explained that he will not be going to Turkey on this trip and said he cannot see the need to go all the time to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, in that order. Cavanaugh said he is responsible in Washington for everything in terms of policy with Greece, Turkey and Cyprus and that he visits these countries very regularly. CNA TA/AP/MM/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2255 :CYPPRESS:11[11] Kyrenia people express will for freedomNicosia, Nov 13 (CNA) -- The people of Kyrenia have vowed to continue their struggle until their town is freed from Turkish occupation troops and Cyprus is reunited.They received solemn pledges from foreign dignitaries in Greece, the US, Germany and France that they will help them achieve this goal. Addressing a gathering here tonight, organised by various Kyrenia organisations and clubs, Greek Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos said ''one cannot be optimistic about the prospects for a Cyprus settlement unless the US and Europe exert substantial pressure on Turkey to change its intransigent position.'' He said UN resolutions on Cyprus have not been effective because ''foreign governments do not exert the necessary pressure on Ankara.'' ''The absence of a solution in Cyprus rests on the shoulders of the UN and the international community,'' he added. He also pointed out that Cyprus and Greece form the only defence for the US and Europe in the region. US Congressman Ron Klink expressed regret that Cyprus is still divided and added ''the final battle will be won when there is one Cyprus, an independent Republic and no dividing line.'' Chastising Turkey for ''totally ignoring UN resolutions on Cyprus,'' he stressed the need to have ''justice and peace'' on the island which must be reunited, he added. ''We work on your behalf'' he said, noting that the problems of Cyprus are not just problems of Cyprus but of the entire Aegean and the world and Hellenes the world over. ''You have our pledge of support,'' the US Congressman said. Referring to the issue of people listed as missing in Cyprus, including five American citizens, Klink said he was unhappy because he had not seen a report on the five US citizens. ''We shall not rest until their remains are returned to their families,'' he told the audience. Kyrenia born, Philip Christopher, President of the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) said US President Bill Clinton had made certain promises about the return of every refugee to his home. ''We are going to push and pressure that those promises be kept, we have promises of every Congressman and Senator we have elected,'' he said. He also pointed out that there can be no solution in Cyprus unless every refugee returns and Kyrenia, along with other Turkish-occupied towns, are free. Christopher gave President Clerides' policies the seal of approval and expressed the conviction that his administration will not sign any solution that would not guarantee Kyrenia its freedom. The gathering was dedicated to three Greek Cypriots recently killed by Turkish occupation troops. President Glafcos Clerides, who attended the event, presented the victims' families with a plaque on behalf of the people of Kyrenia. Kyrenia Mayor Elli Leptou emphasised that the people of Kyrenia will not give up their struggle to return to their ancestral homes. She appealed to Klink's democratic feelings to give a just solution to the Cyprus problem, which would guarantee the withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops and settlers and the return of the refugees to their homes. Kyrenia people adopted a declaration expressing their firm determination to return to their town. The declaration appeals to the political leadership to help towards this objective and calls on the international community to ensure that Turkey respects the rights of the people of Cyprus. CNA MM/AP/1996ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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