Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-06-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] UN Chief calls on Security Council to aid in Cyprus problem

[03] President Clerides satisfied with National Council meeting

[04] Hannay - Holbrooke meeting in preparation for peace process

1545:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    76.76 (+0.34)

Highest: 82.46 (2/1/97)
Lowest : 73.90 (30/1/97)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  84.97 (+0.06)
Approved Investment Companies          66.40 (+1.41)
Insurance Companies                    60.51 (+0.38)
Industrial Companies                   80.70 (-0.32)
Tourist Industries                     63.87 (+1.11)
Commercial Companies                   51.01 (+0.93)
Other Companies                        59.71 (+3.97)

Trading Volume                         CYP 1378080.396

CNA AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1835:CYPPRESS:02

[02] UN Chief calls on Security Council to aid in Cyprus problem

"These face-to-face talks will constitute the beginning of a process which should continue as long as may be needed to achieve agreement on a comprehensive solution," Annan said in a two-page report to the UN Security Council, dated June 20, 1997, on his mission of good offices in Cyprus.

The UN Secretary-General added he envisages that the first session, scheduled to take place in the New York area between July 9 and 13, will be followed by another one in August and even a third further session, if necessary.

Annan called on the Security Council to urge the two sides on the island "to embark upon a sustained process of negotiations which will lead to the conclusion of the instruments that will constitute a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue."

He also noted the full support of the Security Council to both the Secretary-General's mission of good offices in Cyprus and to the direct negotiations under his aegis, as well as the appointment of special envoys and representatives by the European Union and other countries in support of UN efforts.

"The active, firm and full support of all concerned, and particularly of the Security Council, is indispensable if the current efforts are to bring results," Annan said.

On the direct negotiations, the Secretary-General was firm in his view that "new approaches and procedures" are needed so as "to avoid a prolongation and even a perpetuation of preceding inconclusive dialogues."

Noting that "the elements needed to work out a settlement are at hand," Annan expressed his belief that "it would be most appropriate to embark upon a sustained process of direct negotiations" that would ultimately lead to a comprehensive settlement.

Referring to proximity talks, held in recent months between President Glafcos Clerides, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and UN representatives Annan noted they "have been valuable in clarifying aspects of the task of achieving our common objective of a viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem".

CNA MH/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1855:CYPPRESS:03

[03] President Clerides satisfied with National Council meeting

"He is going there (to New York) supported and the presence of the party leaders facilitates the assessment of developments at any given moment," Christofides said in statements following a four-hour meeting of the National Council Monday.

The Council, the top advisory body to the President, met today in a bid to forge a strategy which President Clerides will follow in the UN- sponsored direct negotiations with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New York between July 9 and 13.

Christofides added that President Clerides was satisfied with today's meeting during which no disagreements surfaced and party leaders suggested ways on how the negotiations will succeed.

"They (party leaders) have responsibly expressed views and made suggestions aiming at how these negotiations could succeed," he said.

The Government Spokesman also said there was understanding on issues faced by the Greek Cypriot side and that "the picture presented today is very encouraging."

Asked to comment on whether the political leadership is going to New York with a unanimous position, Christofides said that suggestions where made which, taken as a whole, "lead to a common approach to the negotiations."

Party leaders going to New York are, for the time being, accompanying the President to the first round of negotiations, the Spokesman clarified.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a report to the UN Security Council on his good offices mission in Cyprus that a second round of direct negotiations will be held in August and a third one may be held if deemed necessary.

Asked to comment on Turkey's present stance on the direct negotiations, the Spokesman expressed the hope that Turkey will demonstrate flexibility during the talks.

"Turkey's stance concerns us because it presents a picture of intransigence. But we look forward to these negotiations and we expect there will be some flexibility if the goal is to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. That is our goal," Christofides said.

The Government Spokesman said the government "simply hopes" that Turkey will shed its intransigence and added that failure to achieve progress on the Cyprus problem so far is the result of that intransigence.

CNA EC/MH/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2035:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Hannay - Holbrooke meeting in preparation for peace process

"That was part of the intensive preparation for the next stage of the peace process on the Cyprus issue," the spokesman told CNA.

The spokesman added that the aim of the meeting "is to have effective coordination among all parties concerned for the talks to succeed."

CNA KT/MH/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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