Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-02-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Cyprus government criticises EU members attitude

[03] EU confirms accession talks will begin as scheduled

1640:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    77.49 (+0.44)

Highest: 82.46 (21/1/97)
Lowest : 73.90 (30/1/97)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  88.22 (+0.22)
Approved Investment Companies          66.11 (+0.36)
Insurance Companies                    58.41 (+0.36)
Industrial Companies                   73.90 (+1.50)
Tourist Industries                     63.58 (-0.45)
Commercial Companies                   54.01 (+2.31)
Other Companies                        58.04 (+0.14)

Trading Volume                         CYP 686394.650

CNA MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1830:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus government criticises EU members attitude

Government Spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides described the joint attempt as "unsatisfactory" and "not helpful" and said Greeces' refusal to accept the proposed text was "correct."

Last night's meeting focused on a joint British, German and French attempt to include a phrase in the final text of the common statement that "circumstances will allow soon the participation of all the Cypriots in the accession process."

As a result, the Dutch EU rotating presidency called off today's meeting between the EU and Cyprus, within the framework of the structred dialogue, while a meeting of the EU-Cyprus Association Council was scheduled to go ahead as planned.

Cassoulides noted the three countries attitude raises certain questions, as they refused to accept other texts which could have incorporated their concerns.

"'We believe the proposed text could not be accepted and that Greece was very correct not to agree on the proposed phraseology," the Spokesman said.

He explained the proposed text could have multiple interpretations, some of which were contrary to the EU decision, of March 6 1995, which provides for Cyprus' membership negotiations to begin six months after the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).

Cassoulides noted it could have complicated Cyprus' accession process and made efforts for a Cyprus solution more difficult. He added it would also complicate EU enlargement.

The Spokesman said such actions encourage Turkish intransigence in efforts to reach a solution in Cyprus and noted an agreement could be reached on a text that would send the Turkish Cypriot community the correct message.

The Cyprus government does not object to Turkish Cypriots participation in membership talks, but wants them to be part of the official delegation of the internationally-recognised Republic of Cyprus, which, according to an EU 1995 statement, is the "sole interlocutor."

Cassoulides said Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, who is in Brussels for the Association Council meeting, had asked for meetings with his British, German, French, Italian and Dutch counterparts.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the EU External Affairs Commissioner, Hans Van den Broek, told the press in Brussels yesterday the Commission hopes the whole problem will be overcome the soonest possible.

He also reiterated accession talks with Cyprus will begin six months after the IGC, he noted a solution to the Cyprus question would facilitate EU accession and said the EU only recognises the government of the Republic.

Asked what will happen if no solution in Cyprus is reached when accession talks are completed, the spokesman said that at the time neither the Commission nor the EU Council of Ministers have a position on such an outcome.

CNA AP/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2130 :CYPPRESS:03

[03] EU confirms accession talks will begin as scheduled

On his part, Cyprus Foreign Minister, Alecos Michaelides, urged for more EU involvement in efforts to solve the protracted Cyprus problem, and described 1997 as an important year for a solution.

Speaking today at a joint press conference, in Brussels, at the end of the EU - Cyprus Association Council meeting, EU External Affairs Commissioner, Hans Van den Broek, said accession talks will begin, even if a way for Turkish Cypriots participation cannot be found until then.

The EU Commissioner, who is arriving tomorrow in Cyprus for a three-day official visit, said Turkish Cypriot participation "in one way or another" is useful, because they have to be aware of the benefits they will gain from Cyprus accession to the EU.

Both, Van den Broek and Dutch Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Michiel Pateijn, said Cyprus has made substantial progress to comply with the acquis communautaire, which was examined during today's Association Council.

Pateijn refrained from commenting on yesterday's disagreement among EU Foreign Ministers, regarding a common position which was to be reflected in a communique that would have been issued after a political dialogue meeting, scheduled for today.

The meeting, within the framework of the Cyprus - EU structured dialogue, was postponed following disagreement among EU member states, over Turkish Cypriot participation in the accession talks.

Pateijn said "it is no secret that certain countries believe it would be rather impossible for Cyprus to join the EU, before a solution to the political problem."

The Dutch official noted progress for a Cyprus solution must be achieved, to facilitate the island's EU accession.

However, he reaffirmed the EU will keep its commitment to begin accession negotiations with Cyprus six months after the IGC.

Cyprus' Foreign Minister indirectly called on countries that support Turkish Cypriot participation in the negotiations, to join efforts with Nicosia for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Adding phrases (to a communique) does not approach the problem in a constructive way, he noted.

Michaelides described 1997 as an important year for efforts to reach a Cyprus solution, because of increased US and EU interest.

The Foreign Minister also said the Cyprus government, above all, wants a united Cyprus to join the EU and expressed hope that the Turkish Cypriot side will respond positively.

CNA NB/MA/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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