Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-08-27

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Italy only recognises the Cyprus Republic

[02] US Congressmen praise Cyprus President

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

0950:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Italy only recognises the Cyprus Republic

The written statement was issued following dispatches in international news agencies quoting Italian Foreign Minister, Alberto Dini, as saying that "there are two republics in Cyprus, two entities, two governments."

Dini was speaking at a press conference in Rome after talks with his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem.

The Italian Foreign Ministry says in its statement that it "reconfirms that on the issue of the start of negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the EU, the Foreign Minister Alberto Dini stated that they should constitute a positive element in the search for a political agreement, which would be to the benefit of both communities on the island."

It also refers to current UN efforts for a settlement "which will take into consideration the aspirations of both entities" and adds that "in its international relations, Italy, along with other EU countries, only recognises the Republic of Cyprus."

In a report named "Agenda 2000", made public in July, the EU reconfirmed it will begin accession talks with Cyprus next year.

Following the reconfirmation the Turkish side stepped up its intransigence in efforts for a settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Meanwhile Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash threatened, after the breakdown in the Cyprus peace talks, he would not take part in any UN negotiations if the EU talks went ahead as scheduled.

Only five days before the start of the second round of UN-led negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, held in Switzerland earlier this month, Turkey and the illegal regime in the occupied areas signed a partial integration agreement.

The puppet regime, illegally set up in 1983 is recognised by no other state but Turkey.

UN Security Council resolution 541 (1983), considers the unilateral declaration of the creation of a breakaway state in the northern Turkish- occupied part of the island "legally invalid and calls for its withdrawal", while it "calls upon all states not to recognise any Cypriot state other than the Republic of Cyprus."

CNA MA/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1355:CYPPRESS:02

[02] US Congressmen praise Cyprus President

They also described war threats by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, if the EU begins accession talks with Cyprus next year, as "provocative and outrageous"

Speaking after an American delegation called on President Clerides today, Congressman Robert Menendez said that the President and his administration "have consistently shown by their actions that they are sincere in their attempts to reach a successful, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue."

He noted that the Congressmen working towards a solution to the Cyprus problem "look for actions not words" and expressed concern "about the intractability on the other side."

Menendez cited the deadlock in the negotiations between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, held earlier this month in Switzerland, as an indication of Turkish intransigence for a Cyprus settlement.

"We see President Clerides putting forth a series of positive attempts, talking about the demilitarisation of the island, seeking an international peace keeping force, willing to submit funds for the development of the northern part, assuming that there is agreement, and those are positive steps," he said.

Menendez added these are "steps that the US Congress would look on favourably" and noted that "if there is someone that has tried to move this issue forward in a positive way on behalf of all Cypriots, I think it is President Clerides."

The congressman pledged to carry on with efforts for a Cyprus settlement, saying "the US Congress has a role to play in the US foreign policy and we will continue to stay engaged."

Menendez dismissed a question that the US government and Congress do not pressure Turkey to change its stance.

"The only limitations that have been applied to Turkey in terms of aid have come from the US Congress," he said, pointing to Congress resolutions on Cyprus, reductions in the aid to Turkey and a letter to President Clinton on the Cyprus talks.

"We have time and time again sent messages from the Congress to both the US administration and to Turkey that we understand that they (Turks) live in a tough neighbourhood, but they must observe international law and human rights and that we expect them to move forward," he added.

Commenting on Denktash's threats, he said they "are not only provocative but outrageous and not in the best interest of moving this process forward." He added, "all of us agree Cyprus should be able to pursue accession to the EU and no one should stop this process as the standards met by the EU have been set."

The delegation, comprised of Congressmen Robert Andrews, Patrick Kennedy, Alcee Hastings, Maurice Hinchey and Mike Pappas, and senator Charlie Crist, is in Cyprus to attend the 10th Congress of Overseas Cypriots.

CNA MA/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    76.58 (-0.43)

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

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  86.41 (-0.33)
Approved Investment Companies          65.40 (+0.09)
Insurance Companies                    56.95 (-0.82)
Industrial Companies                   75.38 (-0.54)
Tourist Industries                     66.46 (-0.46)
Commercial Companies                   46.90 (-0.26)
Other Companies                        60.66 (-1.11)

Trading Volume                         CYP 245934.977

CNA AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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