Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 97-01-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia responds positively to Clerides' message

[02] British representations against anti-missile purchase

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[04] Turkish threats not to be over-emphasised, says Cassoulides

[05] New MP assumes office

[06] Cyprus comments on Albright's Cyprus statement

[07] Cyprus: Open to discuss any matter with US official

[08] President Clerides to visit Greece

[09] Greek MPs in Cyprus for working meeting

1015:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Russia responds positively to Clerides' message

Speaking from Moscow, where he delivered a message from President Glafcos Clerides to Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov, Christofias told Cyprus radio his 50-minute meeting with the Russian Minister was ''constructive and friendly.''

''Primakov made positive comments about certain points of the message but this does not mean other points will not need further discussion,'' Christofias said.

He said he would brief President Clerides about his meeting, during which no serious disagreement emerged on the issues discussed.

''I believe the most important thing to have emerged from the meeting and the exchange of messages between the President and the Russian FM is that Russia has taken a political decision to be more involved in the Cyprus peace effort in accordance with UN resolutions and the two high- level agreements, which provide for a bicommunal, bizonal federation,'' AKEL leader said.

Russian involvement, he underlined, ''offers guarantee and stability'' towards a Cyprus settlement based on principles.

''We welcome American and British attempts to facilitate a solution in Cyprus but we should not expect Russia to impose its views on the US or Britain to reach a settlement. What we need to decide is how we are going to exploit the Russian interest in Cyprus,'' he added.

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/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] British representations against anti-missile purchase

The representations were made to Foreign Minister, Alecos Michaelides, during a morning meeting with Britain's Deputy High Commissioner to Cyprus John Buck.

''The Foreign Minister expressed the government position on the issue'', Cassoulides added, stressing that there is no intention of any military action against the Turkish Cypriots.

''The government'', Cassoulides added, ''concentrates its efforts towards a peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem and not a solution by military means.''

The Spokesman expressed the hope that efforts towards a settlement will be intensified during the coming months.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. CNA MM/MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    80.28 (-0.68)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  89.20 (-0.76)
Approved Investment Companies          72.53 (-0.59)
Insurance Companies                    56.48 (-0.84)
Industrial Companies                   81.22 (-1.26)
Tourist Industries                     70.56 (+0.68)
Commercial Companies                   60.62 (-1.04)
Other Companies                        66.98 (+1.03)

Trading Volume                         CYP 839904.625

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Turkish threats not to be over-emphasised, says Cassoulides

War threats against the Republic of Cyprus were expressed yesterday by Turkish Defence Minister, Turhan Tayan, claiming that the Turkish Cypriot community is threatened by the purchase of Russian anti-aircraft missiles S- 300.

''Turkish threats are not new and they should not be over-emphasised'', Cassoulides said, reminding the press that similar threats were made in the past by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel.

Stressing that there is no ground for military attack, Cassoulides pointed out that a permanent danger to Cyprus is posed by the presence of some 35.000 Turkish troops in the occupied northern part of the island.

Asked whether the installation of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles would give ground for such threats, Cassoulides repeated that efforts are concentrated on a solution to the Cyprus problem through peaceful means.

The Government Spokesman reaffirmed that no danger is posed to the Turkish Cypriot community, while he added that he does not share views of tension on the island.

Commenting on the decision of the Cyprus Republic to purchase Russian- made S-300 anti-missile system, Cassoulides said there is no provision for cancelation of the agreement.

He noted that the foreign governments, who have made representations against the purchase, are those who can exert pressure on Turkey to abandon its intransigent position towards a solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Spokesman was mainly referring to the United States and Britain.

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/MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1840:CYPPRESS:05

[05] New MP assumes office

Veniamin was the runner-up for the opposition party in this district, in the December 15, 1996 Parliamentary elections.

He gained the seat after MP Demetris Kontides resigned, having won the elections for Mayor of the southern coastal town of Limassol.

Veniamin, aged 75, had served for many years as Minister of Interior and Defence. CNA RG/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1930:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Cyprus comments on Albright's Cyprus statement

Cyprus Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides stated that Mrs Albright ''connects, what we have continuously stated, that progress in the political efforts to solve the Cyprus problem will carry with it many other actions, concerning the further consolidation of peace in the Eastern Mediterranean region.''

Cassoulides was asked to comment on Albright's statement on Cyprus, during her confirmation hearing at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Cypriot official stressed that all sides should show good will to avoid tension in the region. ''We do not deny this and we are ready to discuss it,'' the Spokesman said.

According to a written statement by Albright, the US are prepared to play a heightened role in promoting a Cyprus solution this year.

In her written statement, Albright referred to the ''long standing disagreement'', which remains unresolved in Cyprus.

''We are prepared in this new year to play a new heightened role in promoting a resolution in Cyprus,'' she said.

Albright pointed out that ''for any initiative to bear fruit, the parties must agree to steps that will reduce tensions and make direct negotiations possible.''

She said in 1996 the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides ''moved no closer to a final decision on the status of the island.''

She referred to ''disturbing incidents of violence that marred the climate for negotiations'' and to ''related differences between NATO allies, Turkey and Greece, (which) affect European stability and our vital interest.''

In her oral statements, the Secretary of State-designate said ''today we stand ready to play a continuing or increased role in helping to reduce tension in areas where we have an interest, including Cyprus.''

She said there have been a number of occasions where the US have made the difference in terms of trying to solidify efforts of making peace.

She referred to Cyprus and said ''as I've mentioned we are going to be seeing whether the long-running and very sad struggle in Cyprus might be amenable to similar action in this very crucial year before they accede to, they make their attempt to accede to the European Union.''

The ranking member of the Committee, Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE) in his opening statement at the hearing urged both the US President and Mrs Albright ''to make the reunification of Cyprus one of our highest diplomatic priorities.''

Biden expressed the belief that ''the most sensible policy is the complete demilitarisation of the island, the withdrawal of all foreign forces, and firm guarantees for the safety and rights of minorities.''

He also noted that unfortunately every President, Democrat and Republican, takes great interest initially in Cyprus and then it goes away. ''They are some recent, in the minds of many, disturbing initiatives that have taken place with regard to Cyprus,'' he said.

Finally, the Senator noted that nothing will happen, unless the Cyprus problem is literally put at the top of the agenda.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. CNA DA/RG/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1955:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Cyprus: Open to discuss any matter with US official

This was stated here today by Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides, who expects that Cavanaugh's talks in Cyprus would focus on the preparation of the forthcoming US initiative for a political settlement in Cyprus.

Cassoulides said the Cyprus government is ready to discuss any matter, such as the military dialogue and a proposed-ban of flights of Greek and Turkish military planes in Cyprus' air-space.

Cavanaugh was due to travel to The Hague today, accompanying US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs John Kornblum, to meet European leaders.

After The Hague, Cavanaugh will fly on to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey to discuss developments in the Cyprus problem.

Cavanaugh's four-nation European tour follows strong reactions from the United States, Britain, Turkey and other states to the decision of the Cyprus Republic to buy Russian-made surface-to-air S-300 missiles.

The governments of Cyprus, Greece and Russia have defended the right of the Cyprus Republic, as an independent state, member of the United Nations, to strengthen its defences.

Turkey has threatened Cyprus with war in case the surface-to-air missiles were installed on this Eastern Mediterranean strategic island.

Greece has warned Turkey with war in case the Turkish occupation troops advance towards the government-controlled southern part of the island.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. CNA RG/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:08

[08] President Clerides to visit Greece

Simitis made the announcement after a three-hour meeting in Athens with the Greek Foreign Ministry leadership to discuss among other things a paper prepared jointly by outgoing Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Christos Rozakis and Greek Euro-MP Yiannos Kranidiotis, on the Cyprus problem, the Athens News Agency reported.

Asked to comment on Turkish reaction to the decision of the Cyprus Republic to purchase S-300 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia, Simitis said the Greek government is facing the Turkish threats and provocations with ''wisdom and insistence on international law and international conventions.''

Meanwhile, Greek National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, commenting on threats expressed against Cyprus by his Turkish counterpart, Turhan Tayan, stressed that no threats can halt efforts for the consolidation of peace in the area or the accession of Cyprus to the European Union (EU).

Tayan had threatened Cyprus with war in case the Russian-made surface- to-air missile S-300 were installed on this Eastern Mediterranean island divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

Greek Government Spokesman, Demetris Reppas, said all the necessary measures to avert any threats posed against Greece have been taken. CNA MCH/GP/1997

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2040:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Greek MPs in Cyprus for working meeting

The Greek delegation attended this evening a regular weekly session of the House of Representatives and had meetings with House President Spyros Kyprianou and Archbishop Chrysostomos.

Head of the delegation, Socialist PASOK MP, Eleftherios Veryvakis said he was convinced coordination of action between the two Parliaments would greatly strengthen their position in international fora.

Kyprianou agreed that this is the right time for such a move.

The Greek Mps will hold a meeting tomorrow with their Cypriot colleagues, participating in the Joint Coordinating Committee of the Parliaments of Cyprus and Greece.

The Greek delegation will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and later meet Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades, who will accompany them to the demarcation line in Nicosia, which divides Cyprus since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

The Greek MPs are leaving Cyprus tomorrow. CNA MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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