Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 96-12-15

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org,cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Local polls open

[02] Cyprus welcomes EU summit conclusions

[03] Ireland: EU accession provides chance to solve the Cyprus issue

[04] EU expects Turkish commitment for Cyprus solution

[05] Local elections reinforce democracy, says Clerides

[06] British Foreign Secretary arrives

[07] EU-Cyprus membership talks to begin under British presidency

[08] Municipal elections end

[09] Britains sees opportunity for Cyprus progress

[10] Cypriot, British Foreign Ministers hold talks

[11] Municipal elections in Cyprus

0955:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Local polls open

A total of 315.000 voters and for the first time, 18-year-olds will elect Mayors and Councillors for the towns in both the free government- controlled areas of the island and those in the Turkish occupied north. Some 10.000 voters will vote for the first time.

Voting, which is compulsory, begun at 0630 local time (0430 GMT) and, with a one-hour break at midday, will continue until 1800 local time (1600 GMT).

Independent and party alliances mayoral candidates are contesting for the posts in 21 out of 24 municipalities in the government-controlled towns of the island and in five out of nine municipalities in the Turkish occupied part.

The Democratic Rally party and Democratic Party alliance is putting up 15 candidates for mayor, left wing AKEL party, seven candidates, while AKEL together with Socialist EDEK party back six candidates and in some cases are joined by the United Democrats. There are another 33 hopefuls who are either independent or receive some party backing.

Seven candidates have already been elected Mayors unopposed, three for towns in the free areas and five for towns in the occupied part.

A total of 565 polling stations will operate, 460 of these for the free areas and 105 for municipalities under occupation.

Refugees will have the right to vote twice, for the municipalities they are temporarily residents of and for the municipalities of their origin.

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.

For the first time, the counting of ballots will take place at the polling stations.

It is expected that the results of the mayoral elections will be announced around 2200 local time (2000 GMT) and the names of the elected councillors around 0200 local time Monday (2400 GMT).

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/EC/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1020:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus welcomes EU summit conclusions

Dublin, Dec 15 (CNA) -- Cyprus has welcomed the conclusions of the European Union (EU) Dublin summit with regard to Cyprus.

''We believe the conclusions are very positive as far as Cyprus concerned,'' Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides told Cypriot journalists covering the summit.

He noted this was the first time the EU Council has called on Turkey to contribute to a solution in Cyprus and that this means it is recognised that Turkey can contribute to a settlement.

The conclusions, he pointed out, are very positive because they reaffirm the EU Madrid conclusions of December 1995, which reiterate the start of accession talks, and perhaps more important, the EU Council urges Turkey to help resolve the Cyprus problem in accordance with UN resolutions.

''The message these conclusions convey is very positive, because in essence the EU Council wishes to get Turkey involved in the process for a settlement on Cyprus and, in practice, it lays some responsibility in Turkey,'' the Minister noted.

Asked what Cyprus expects the EU to do to implement its conclusions, Michaelides said ''underlining to Turkey what is expected of it, is a positive change in the EU position on Cyprus and in conjunction with Turkey's responsibility.''

Referring to Turkey's presence here, he said it was important to note that the Turkish presence took place after the end of the EU summit.

''The EU sees the role and the importance of Turkey but it also acknowledges the huge problems Turkey faces, which are difficult to overcome, including its strained relations with Greece, internal problems and human rights problems,'' he said.

On the sidelines of the summit, Michaelides had the opportunity to talk to his European counterparts.

Commenting on Cyprus' participation in the summit, he said it offers the chance for Cyprus to be informed about the various issues that concern the EU.

He said Cyprus stressed to the EU its readiness to join efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking.

CNA MM/AP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1030:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Ireland: EU accession provides chance to solve the Cyprus issue by Maria Myles

EU presidency spokesman, Daniel Mulhal, press officer at the Irish Foreign Ministry, told CNA in an interview here today ''we believe that in the context of the application from Cyprus to join the EU there is an opportunity which may not come again to resolve the Cyprus problem.''

Asked by CNA after a press conference what the EU council expects Turkey to do to "use its influence to contribute to a solution in Cyprus'' as the draft conclusions notes, Mulhal replied ''the EU sees an opportunity in that situation (Cyprus' application) to provide a new context for resolving the problem of Cyprus.

We would like to see all the parties taking part in the effort to resolve that situation,'' he added.

Recognising that the Cyprus question is a problem that has gone on ''for too long'', Mulhal said ''it needs to be resolved and we believe that in the context of the applications from Cyprus there is an opportunity which may not come again to resolve that problem.''

Asked if Turkey's reply to the EU presidency invitation to a working dinner was seen among the EU as a rebuff to the Union, the spokesman said the ''Irish presidency has been working very hard over the past several months to develop relations between EU and Turkey.''

Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan effectively turned down the EU presidency invitation to him and informed Dublin that his deputy and Foreign Minister Tansu Giller would attend.

Mulhall noted that Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring has had ''some very useful discussions with Giller on a number of occasions'' and noted that ''there are some issues that are out-standing which do cause difficulties with the relationship between EU and Turkey.''

These issues, he explained, ''are reflected in the conclusions of the EU council and they relate to human rights concerns and the situation in the Aegean.''

''We are committed to attempting to dilute these issues in a way that provides a basis for an improved relationship between the EU and Turkey because we recognise that Turkey is one of the EU's most important and largest neighbours,'' he concluded.

CNA MM/EC/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1130:CYPPRESS:04

[04] EU expects Turkish commitment for Cyprus solution

Dublin, Dec 15 (CNA) -- The European Union (EU) Commission and the EU Irish presidency expect Turkey to make some commitment with regard to the Union call on Turkey to contribute towards a Cyprus solution.

EU Commission President Jacques Santer and the President of the European Council, Irish Prime Minister John Bruton, expressed this view in an interview with CNA in Dublin yesterday.

Asked what the EU expected Turkey to do to meet the call for a contribution towards a Cyprus settlement, Santer said ''I think the EU is very clear about this. We are sticking to our commitment for Cyprus and we also expect some commitment from the Turkish side, so that Cyprus could accede.''

He said ''this is what we said in the package solution of March 6, 1995.''

Santer avoided to give a direct reply to a question if this commitment from Turkey could be the withdrawal of its troops from Cyprus, to help reunify the island.

''From our side, we have a special envoy, ambassador Kester Heaslip, who is in touch with the Irish presidency and both sides to see how we can manage a solution,'' he said.

The Commission President noted this issue would have been on the agenda of the working dinner with Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, held in Dublin last night.

On his part, the Irish Prime Minister John Bruton told CNA ''we need to see Turkey sort out its territorial disputes in the Aegean with Greece, and we need to see Turkey enhance its performance in certain internal affairs which are set out (in the final declaration) and which the Turkish government fully understands.''

The European Council urges Turkey to improve the human rights situation in the country, to promote an acceptable solution to the situation in the Aegean area in accordance with established international norms and use its influence to contribute to a solution in Cyprus in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

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/MA/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1425:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Local elections reinforce democracy, says Clerides

In his first appearance since last Wednesday after being confined at home with bronchitis, Clerides said he was feeling well and he will assume his duties tomorrow morning.

Clerides, who looked well, was speaking after voting for the municipal elections in Nicosia.

Asked about the municipal elections which resumed at 1300 local time (1100 GMT), after an hour's break, Clerides said they reinforce democracy on the island.

He said no political conclusions can be drawn from these elections because it is evident that people are not voting for their parties but for individuals.

Clerides was also asked to comment on the visit by British Foreign Secretary, Malcolm Rifkind, who is expected to arrive on the island this afternoon, around 1700 local time (1500 GMT).

The President expressed the view that Rifkind will not be conveying any proposals for a Cyprus settlement.

''What he will do, is to submit various questions in order to see whether there is a convergence of views on the fundamental aspects of the Cyprus problem,'' Clerides said.

Furthermore, President Clerides noted that Rifkind, who will be accompanied by Sir David Hannay, Britain's Special Representative for Cyprus, will raise the issue of security and the stationing of an international force on the island.

He explained that ''without a solution of the security issue there cannot be a substantial progress on the Cyprus problem.''

Clerides added that Rifkind's visit shows that Britain, a guarantor power of the island's independence, as well as the US and Europe, realise that stagnation of the problem creates serious dangers and that there must be a solution the soonest.

Asked to comment on a proposal made by US President Bill Clinton in his bimonthly report to the Congress on Cyprus, that practical measures will have to be implemented in order to reduce the potential for conflict on the island, Clerides said:

''Practical measures will bear some significance when a substantive dialogue begins, because if tension escalates from day to day, it will be very difficult for a constructive dialogue to continue.''

He added that this is not the substance of the Cyprus problem. ''I know that the danger of tension escalating is something which concerns - and I want it to concern - the big powers, the Permanent Members of the Security Council, to realise they cannot declare support to the Secretary-General's efforts and in essence leave him without help.''

Rifkind begins his visit with a meeting with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides. The British Secretary will attend Sunday night a reception given by Michaelides in his honour.

On Monday morning, Rifkind will have a working breakfast with President Clerides and later on he will meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Prior to his departure on Monday afternoon, the British Secretary will hold a press conference for Greek and Turkish Cypriot journalists at the Ledra Palace Hotel, in the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of the island's northern territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA EC/AP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1730:CYPPRESS:06

[06] British Foreign Secretary arrives

He was met at Larnaca International Airport by his Cypriot counterpart Alecos Michaelides.

The Cypriot Minister returned to Cyprus in the afternoon from Dublin, where he represented Cyprus in meetings of the European Union summit.

Later today, the British Secretary will hold talks in Nicosia with Michaelides.

Tomorrow, Rifkind will meet Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides over a working breakfast, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.

Later tomorrow, he will cross into the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Before flying back to London Monday afternoon, the British Foreign Secretary will hold a press conference for Greek and Turkish Cypriot journalists as well as foreign correspondents at the Ledra Palace Hotel, situated in the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia.

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

CNA MM/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1830:CYPPRESS:07

[07] EU-Cyprus membership talks to begin under British presidency

He was speaking at Larnaca Airport, on return from Dublin, where he attended a working lunch hosted by the Irish EU presidency and had meetings with European counterparts and Union officials, on the sidelines of the EU summit.

Michaelides said according to the Dublin conclusions, the EU Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) is expected to be concluded at the next summit, that will take place in Amsterdam, in June 1997.

''If this is the case, accession negotiations with Cyprus are expected to begin either at the end of 1997 or beginning of 1998, during the British EU presidency,'' he said.

The Cypriot Minister welcomed the Dublin summit conclusions, noting that they reaffirm the EU Madrid conclusions, of December 1995, which reiterated the start of accession talks with Cyprus, six months after the end of the IGC.

He also described the EU Council call on Turkey to help resolve the Cyprus problem, in accordance with UN resolutions as ''very important.''

Michaelides said the decision ''involves Turkey in the Cyprus issue and expects Ankara to contribute to its solution.''

The Foreign Minister noted the fact that Ankara is urged to improve its human rights situation and promote an acceptable solution to the situation in the Aegean.

Asked how the Cyprus government expects Turkey to become involved in a Cyprus solution, Michaelides said it was officially set out in the Dublin decision that Ankara has a role to play in the efforts to resolve the problem.

Replying to another question, he reiterated the Cyprus government's position that the EU accession prospect could act as ''a catalyst'' in efforts to solve the protracted Cyprus problem.

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/MA/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1900:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Municipal elections end

The first results are expected to come out in less than two hours after the end of the voting, which is compulsory in Cyprus. There were 565 polling stations.

All names of the new mayors are expected to be announced at about 2200 local time, while those of the municipal councillors at around 0200 tomorrow.

Voting concerned 26 municipalities, of which 21 in the government- controlled southern part of this East Mediterranean island and five in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.

Three mayors in the free areas and four refugee mayors, whose municipalities are under Turkish occupation since 1974 have been elected unopposed.

A total of 315.000 people were eligible to vote, including, for the first time, 18-year-olds.

This is the first time that the counting of the votes is carried out at the polling stations.

CNA RG/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2025:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Britains sees opportunity for Cyprus progress

Progress towards a negotiated settlement, he added, would contribute greatly to the wellbeing of the Mediterranean and Europe as a whole.

Speaking at Larnaca International Airport, on the first visit to Cyprus by a British Foreign Secretary to discuss the Cyprus problem, Rifkind said he came here to ''learn a little bit more about Cyprus and the views of its leaders and to encourage those who are working for a peaceful solution to the problems of the island and its reunification.''

Acknowledging the difficulties involved in efforts to find a solution, Rifkind noted that ''there is an opportunity to move towards real dialogue leading to a solution that all the people of Cyprus can feel comfortable with.''

''We are all realistic and know that progress will not happen overnight, but if a solution can be achieved, this will be a victory for the people of Cyprus and a very big contribution to the wellbeing of the Mediterranean and of Europe as a whole,'' he said.

Rifkind added the problems in Cyprus ''sadly have not been resolved'' and pledged to ''do what we can to assist'' towards a solution.

He said he does not bring a ''separate British initiative'' and explained that the international community acts under the aegis of the UN ''as a single effort to encourage the process of finding a solution.''

The British Foreign Secretary said it is not unrealistic to suggest that real progress can be achieved in 1997 and added ''if the UK can help that process in some small modest way, then we will be very very content.''

''It is important primarily for the people of Cyprus and all of Cyprus' friends to do what we can to help take that process of building peace and the solution of the constitutional challenges that are facing the island how we can take that forward,'' Rifkind remarked.

On Cyprus' prospects for accession to the European Union, he said Britain looked forward to the start of accession negotiations and noted that ''there are great opportunities ahead that can bring economic prosperity, stability and security to the people of Cyprus.''

Asked what the EU expects Turkey to do with regard to the EU call on Turkey to contribute towards a Cyprus settlement, Rifkind replied ''we recognise that the main way in which progress will be made and solutions will be achieved is by the people of Cyprus and the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus coming together and assisting in that way.''

He added Britain also recognises that ''both Turkey and Greece have a particular influence and a particular ability to help progress if they wish to do so.''

''We hope the Turkish government and all that can influence events in Cyprus will use their influence in a very positive way recognising that at a time when the cold war is over, the Berlin wall has disappeared and apartheid has disappeared from South Africa, surely it is not unrealistic to believe that this beautiful island in the Mediterranean can also find unity, peace and justice, acceptable to all its people.''

Invited to outline his views on the issue of guarantees and the way it can be sorted out, Rifkind said the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee continues to be ''important'' but noted that he would not propose ''detailed ways in which these matters can be taken forward, that is for the people involved in a detailed negotiation to address.''

Security for all the people of Cyprus, he added, is a ''very important part of a settlement and people will need to feel secure as well as be secure.''

''I think it is for the leaders of Cyprus to identify the way in which they wish to address these matters and if it does require some help from the wider international community, I suspect the international community will be very willing to give a positive response,'' he added.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides warmly welcomed his British counterpart, and noted the timing of the visit is very important.

''It is very important at this stage to do the utmost to find a workable and viable solution, to bring an end to the division of our people and especially now that we are preparing to start soon accession negotiations with the EU,'' Michaelides said.

''We look at your visit as a signal of the increased interest of Britain in playing its own constructive and important role in bringing an end to the Cyprus problem and I am optimistic that 1997 may be the year for Cyprus,'' the Cypriot Minister told his British counterpart.

He added ''If we all join together to give a big push on the Cyprus problem, then we can hope to see an end to the Cyprus drama, the division of our land and the consequences of the prolonged occupation of our land.''

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/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2125:CYPPRESS:10

[10] Cypriot, British Foreign Ministers hold talks

Speaking after an hour-long meeting at the Foreign Ministry, Michaelides said they began an exchange of views and described their talks as ''very constructive''.

The Cypriot Minister said they laid ''the groundwork for the discussions that we will continue tonight during a working dinner and tomorrow during the meeting with the President of the Republic''.

The British Foreign Secretary is scheduled to meet President Glafcos Clerides over a working breakfast tomorrow.

He will then cross into the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

''I must say the spirit is one of sharing ideas as to how we can move forward in a positive and constructive way,'' Michaelides said.

He added the Cypriot government is looking forward to proceeding with these discussions.

On his part, Rifkind said ''we are half way through our discussions.''

He noted their talks today ''will be a very good preparation'' for the meeting he will be having with President Clerides tomorrow.

CNA KN/MA/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2400:CYPPRESS:11

[11] Municipal elections in Cyprus

Demetriades, who has been Nicosia mayor for the past 25 years, clinched 61,79 per cent or 17.677 votes as against 38,21 per cent or 10.930 votes received by Anna Marangou.

Demetris Kontides was elected mayor of Limassol town with 51,20 per cent or 25.520 votes. Former mayor Antonis Haggipavlou received 45,96 per cent or 22.904 votes followed by Antonis Protopapas with 2,04 per cent or 1.018 votes and Costas Anastasiou with 0,80 per cent or 398 votes.

Andreas Pouyiouros was re-elected mayor of the Turkish-occupied town of Famagusta with 88,48 per cent or 16.290 votes as against 11,52 per cent or 2.121 votes received by Chrysostomos Paraskevopoulos.

Georgios Lykourgos was re-elected mayor of Larnaca town with 51,86 per cent or 12.719 votes followed by Christoforos Christofides with 48,14 per cent or 11.805 votes.

Phidias Sarikas was elected mayor of the western town of Paphos. He polled 38,58 per cent or 4.104 votes. He was followed by Theodoros Aristodemou with 28,05 per cent or 2.894 votes, Simos Tselepos with 16,31 per cent or 1.735 votes, Andreas Ataliotis with 6,84 per cent or 728 votes, Andreas Constantinides with 4,86 per cent or 517 votes, Philippos Kritiotis with 4,47 per cent or 476 votes and Andreas Efstratiou with 0,88 per cent or 94 votes.

Antigoni Papadopoupou was elected mayor of the Turkish-occupied town of Morphou with 83,28 per cent or 3.089 votes followed by Andreas Sittis with 16,72 per cent or 620 votes.

Savvas Eliophotou was elected mayor of Strovolos with 45,01 per cent or 12.368 votes followed by Kyriacos Kousios with 41,99 per cent or 11.540 votes and Iosif Hadjiiosif with 13 per cent or 3.573 votes.

Michael Korakas-Stylianou was elected mayor of Polis tis Chrysochous, clinching 38,44 per cent or 369 votes, as against 36,15 per cent or 347 votes polled by Andreas Kallasides, 15,52 per cent or 149 votes by Demetris Papadopoulou, 7,60 per cent or 73 votes by Christodoulos Vassiliou and 2,29 per cent or 22 votes by Michael Philippou.

Menelaos Christodoulou was elected mayor of Yeroskipou, receiving 46,13 per cent or 1.056 votes, followed by Panayiotis Sekke with 34,69 per cent or 794 votes, Solon Markou with 10,92 per cent or 250 votes and Antonis Tsadiotis with 8,26 per cent or 189 votes.

Demetris Kappetzis was elected mayor of Peyia with 53,17 per cent or 512 votes as against 46,83 per cent or 451 votes taken by Andreas Sophocleous.

Flora Ioannou was elected mayor of Dherynia. She received 51.33 per cent or 1.471 votes as against 48,67 per cent or 1.395 votes clinched by Andreas Soteriou.

Yiannis Groutas was elected mayor of Idalion with 48,90 per cent or 1.505 votes. He was followed by Nicolaos Nicolaou with 46,95 per cent or 1.445 votes and Stavros Efthymiou with 4,16 per cent or 128 votes.

Ioannis Kallis was elected mayor of Engomi receiving 44,72 per cent or 2.217 votes, followed by Nicos Hadjicharalambous with 34,32 per cent or 1.701 votes, and Sophia Giorgalla with 20,96 per cent or 1.039 votes.

Christakis Violaris was elected mayor of Lakatamia with 48,68 per cent or 5.197 votes followed by Costas Tylemachou with 47,78 per cent or 5.101 per cent and Andreas Savva with 3,53 per cent or 377 votes.

Panikos Louroudjiatis was elected mayor of Yermasogia with 54,08 per cent or 1.518 votes followed by Evripides Pavlou with 45,92 per cent or 1.289 votes.

Andreas Hadjiloizou was elected mayor of Ayios Dhometios with 55,54 per cent or 4.761 votes followed by Andreas Kleanthous, who received 44,46 per cent or 3.811 votes.

Andreas Petrou was elected mayor of Aglandjia with 60,64 per cent or 5.969 votes followed by Eleni Kyrkou-Koliou with 39,36 per cent or 3.875 votes.

Panayiotis Koumi was elected mayor of Athienou with 50,66 per cent or 1.376 votes followed by Costas Sakkalos with 48,60 per cent or 1.320 and Stavros Mestanas with 0,74 per cent or 20 votes.

Kyriacos Hadjittofi was elected mayor of Ayios Athanasios with 49,36 per cent or 2.137 votes followed by Phidias Diamantis with 47,54 per cent or 2.058 votes and Michalakis Agathocleous with 3,10 per cent or 134 votes.

Christakis Liperi was elected mayor of Aradippou with 50,39 per cent or 2.218 votes followed by Andreas Trattos with 49,61 per cent or 2.184 votes.

Costas Thoma was elected mayor of Kato Polemidia with 53,92 per cent or 4.102 votes followed by Antonis Vassiliou, who clinched 46,08 per cent or 3.506 votes.

Stelios Markides was elected mayor of Mesa Yitonia with 59,46 per cent or 3.422 votes as against 40,54 per cent or 2.333 votes received by Andreas Michaelides.

Christakis Christofides was elected mayor of Latsia with 57,51 per cent or 3.559 votes followed by Andreas Koukoumas with 42,49 per cent or 2.629 votes.

Costas Frangoudes was elected mayor of the Turkish-occupied village of Kythrea with 57,93 per cent or 1.005 votes followed by Leandros Christides with 42,07 per cent or 730 votes.

Panayiotis Tsentas was elected mayor of the Turkish-occupied village of Karavas with 41,75 per cent or 612 votes, followed by Stelios Panayides with 34,92 per cent of 512 votes and Demetris Kozakos with 23,33 per cent or 342 votes.

Ionas Papaioannou was elected mayor of the Turkish-occupied village of Lysi with 55,34 per cent or 1.980 votes followed by Andreas Ttofia with 44, 66 per cent or 1.598 votes.

Seven mayors were elected unopposed, three in the free areas of the Republic and four in the Turkish-occupied areas.

They are Nicos Vlittis of Paralimni, Varvara Pericleous of Ayia Napa and Sophoclis Sophocleous of Pano Lefkara, in the free areas, and Elli Leptou of Kyrenia, Nicos Evangelou of Lapithos, Lykourgos Kappa of Lefkonico and Soteris Hailos of Akanthou, in the occupied areas.

CNA MA/KN/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article