Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-09-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Security talks aim at concrete solutions

[03] Russia welcomes agreement on security talks

[04] President on Denktash's proposal

1630:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    78.38 (-0.41)

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

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  89.36 (-0.56)
Approved Investment Companies          64.55 (-0.15)
Insurance Companies                    56.00 (-0.71)
Industrial Companies                   77.97 (-0.01)
Tourist Industries                     65.88 (-0.05)
Commercial Companies                   47.22 (+0.34)
Other Companies                        60.32 (+0.10)

Trading Volume                         CYP 738723.802

CNA MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1645:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Security talks aim at concrete solutions

Responding to questions during his daily briefing today, Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides said "the UN will not put forward any proposals" during the talks, expected to begin this month.

The agreement was announced Monday by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright during a stop-over in Cyprus while on a tour of the Middle East.

Asked if President Clerides has identified the topics he will put forward at the first meeting, Christofides said the President "has clear thoughts on security concerns and will elaborate on them during the talks."

Noting that there are many security matters, he said each side will present particular security concerns and added there is no agenda to the talks.

Replying to questions, the Spokesman said President Clerides' proposal for the demilitarisation of the island is "a fundamental aspect which could be included in the security matters to be discussed."

Christofides clarified that "only President Clerides and Denktash will be present at the talks, in the presence of UN Resident Representative Gustave Feissel."

He added the interlocutors will be able to consult their advisors and experts, but not during the actual meetings.

The Spokesman said the agreement reached aims at creating an atmosphere which would facilitate negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides on the fundamental aspects of the Cyprus problem.

CNA KN/MA/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1650:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Russia welcomes agreement on security talks

Russian Ambassador to Cyprus, Georgi Muratov said he hoped the planned meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, to discuss security issues, will yield results.

Speaking to state radio CyBC after a meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Muratov said: "Russia welcomes all initiatives which will contribute to a just and permanent solution to the Cyprus problem."

CNA EC/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2000:CYPPRESS:04

[04] President on Denktash's proposal

Asked today about Denktash's proposal, President Clerides described it "a positive development" and reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side "has always aimed at a peaceful settlement to the Cyprus question".

Clerides agreed with recent statements made by US President's Emissary for Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke, that security in Cyprus affects security in the region.

The President compared the situation on the island to a volcano and said that if it erupts, it will have consequences on the whole region.

"What everyone has realised is that if there is an eruption in Cyprus, not only will relations between Greece and Turkey be affected, but it could destabilise the Balkans," he said.

President Clerides added that increased international interest in a settlement in Cyprus stems from the realisation that "the Cyprus problem is not a dormant volcano."

Asked to comment on his forthcoming talks with Denktash on security issues, Clerides said "we will begin discussing all issues and results will depend on the overall agreement we will reach."

CNA RM/MA/MM/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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