Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-03-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Feissel hosts lunch for Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders

[03] Sir David meets Michaelides

[04] DISY President resigns

[05] DISI decides for party elections by June

1450:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    78.06 (+0.33)

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

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  87.25 (+0.29)
Approved Investment Companies          65.31 (-1.02)
Insurance Companies                    57.73 (+0.31)
Industrial Companies                   83.52 (+0.30)
Tourist Industries                     63.58 (+1.21)
Commercial Companies                   54.00 (-0.68)
Other Companies                        57.83 (+1.76)

Trading Volume                         CYP 501513.737

CNA MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1530:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Feissel hosts lunch for Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders

UN Secretary-General's Resident Representative, Gustave Feissel, hosted a lunch at his residence in Nicosia in honour of Sir David, who arrived in Cyprus yesterday for a three day visit.

Speaking to journalists before the lunch, Feissel said he was "delighted" that the leaders of political parties of the two communities were able to join him.

"We look forward to a very interesting and useful conversation over lunch", he added.

Sir David, who was accompanied by Britain's High Commissioner to Cyprus, David Madden, avoided replying to reporters' questions.

The British diplomat is expected to cross over into the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia this afternoon to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Tonight, Britain's former permanent representative to the UN and the European Union, will speak on "The UN: An agenda for Reform" at a gathering at the University of Cyprus organised by the UN Association of Cyprus.

Tomorrow, he will have a second round of meetings with President Clerides and Denktash.

CNA EC/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1550:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Sir David meets Michaelides

Sir David refrained from making extensive statements about the meeting, and only said he continued discussions "in a very useful, friendly and constructive way."

The British envoy called on President Clerides before his meeting with the Foreign Minister.

Meanwhile, speaking after the meeting with the British official, Michaelides referred to his tour of European capitals, last week, during which he discussed the Cyprus problem with his European counterparts.

Noting that the Cyprus issue is entering a stage of more active and intense UN involvement, Michaelides pointed out that "all those concerned about a resolution of the Cyprus problem should contribute substantively to strengthen this effort."

It is understood, Michaelides said, that a joint European-US effort is necessary to bring about results.

Michaelides also said his Greek counterpart, Theodoros Pangalos, briefed him on his recent meeting in Washington with US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, who reaffirmed US interest in Cyprus as well as support to the UN initiative.

In his statements, the Foreign Minister said Europe is concerned that developments in Cyprus could intensify internal tensions in Turkey.

He also pointed out that Turkey may change her negative stance on the Cyprus issue if she realises the many problems the country is facing. However, he noted "it would be a mistake to hastily conclude that Turkey is deserting her policy and adopting a positive stance on the Cyprus problem."

Referring to Cyprus' accession negotiations with the European Union, Michaelides said they "will be conducted with the Cyprus government".

He added his German counterpart, Klaus Kinkel, assured him that whatever has been agreed so far with the Cyprus government will be realised. CNA AZK/MCH/MA 1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1825:CYPPRESS:04

[04] DISY President resigns

Matsis made the announcement during a speech at an extraordinary closed party conference provoking heated arguments among party members.

Shortly after the announcement, Matsis along with his supporters left the conference, without making any statements.

According to sources, Matsis has been contemplating resignation for some time now due to internal party differences.

The party conference is expected to decide whether to hold elections for the new party leadership in May or after the presidential elections, due to take place in February 1998.

The proceedings of the conference are continuing with DISY officials expressing their views on the election issue as well as their President's resignation.

CNA EC/MCH/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2110:CYPPRESS:05

[05] DISI decides for party elections by June

The decision was taken with 514 votes for and two against, following heated arguments provoked by the resignation of DISY President, Yiannakis Matsis and his departure from the conference.

The conference also called on Matsis to return to the party leadership.

According to the decision, elections for the new party leadership, which will remain in office for a period of two years, will take place by mid June, at the latest.

Speaking after the proceedings, DISI Deputy President, Nicos Anastasiades said the decision was reached after "an extensive and fruitful discussion" and expressed regret over Matsis' resignation and called on him to withdraw his decision.

CNA MCH/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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