Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Survey on security and defence matters

[02] Patents protection

[03] Defence Ministers discuss military cooperation

1540:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Survey on security and defence matters

According to a survey announced today 87 percent of Greek Cypriots support more measures for the safeguarding of their security, and many believe more money should be spent on arms.

People are also more satisfied today than in the past with Greece's support to the island's defences.

Announcing the results of a survey carried out by the Cyprus Centre for Strategic Studies, its president Aristos Aristotelous said it aims at providing the political and military leadership with views on a number of issues dealing with defence matters.

According to the survey, 68 percent of Greek Cypriots feel insecure over the presence of Turkish troops on the island since the invaded and occupied its northern third in 1974.

At the same time 77 percent fear a new Turkish military move against the government controlled areas of the Republic.

There is an increase in the number of people who are satisfied with Greece's military support of Cyprus, 48 percent as opposed to 23 percent in a similar survey carried out in 1992 mainly because of a joint defence pact agreed between the two countries.

A high percentage of people (65) believes an increase in the Republic's military strength reenforces the government's negotiating position.

Thirty-four percent of Greek Cypriots believe Cyprus can now successfully defend itself against a new Turkish offensive as opposed to 23 percent in 1992.

Regarding a government decision to buy the Russian made S300 surface-to- air missile system, 48 percent believe they will be deployed as opposed to 35 percent that believes the contrary.

Thirty seven percent of Greek Cypriots are not at all satisfied with civil defence, 26 percent are partially satisfied while 22 percent are somewhat satisfied.

Aristotelous said the majority of people questioned are in favour of "more deeds than words" about Cyprus' defences and are in general satisfied with the handling of defence expenses.

The number of Greek Cypriots in favour of the conscription of women in the army is on an increase, with 87 percent as opposed to 77 percent in 1992.

Sixty percent of women and 58 percent of men are in favour of women's voluntary conscription.

The survey was carried out end of July and beginning of August this year, with a random sample of 740 people, all living in the government controlled areas of the Republic.

Similar surveys were carried out in 1982, 1987 and 1992.

CNA KK/MA/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1740:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Patents protection

Paul Waterschoot, Director of the Division responsible for Intellectual and Industrial Property of DGXV (Internal Market and Financial Services) told a press conference however, legislation on patents protection must be harmonised with the acquis communautaire and international agreements.

Waterschoot said the delegation, has met with the House's Commerce and Industry Committee, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism officials, members of the main employers' organisations OEV and KEVE, and other state officials.

The European Union (EU) official said the patents protection in biotechnology and computer software was discussed in depth.

The production of samples before the expiry of the protection period, as well as the exceptions in the legislation, were also discussed, he said.

Waterschoot said the level of patents protection in a country affects the volume of attracted investment, while a high level of legislation harmonisation could affect positively the island's EU accession prospects.

The EU official said he is satisfied with the Cypriot officials determination to harmonise the island's legislation with the acquis communautaire.

CNA GG/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1940 CYPPRESS:03

[03] Defence Ministers discuss military cooperation

Defence Minister Costas Eliades and his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos exchanged views on initiatives taken within the framework of a defence agreement between the two countries.

They also discussed the details of National Guard military exercise "Nikiforos 97", scheduled for October in Cyprus.

Tsohatzopoulos said Greek participation in "Nikiforos 97'" will be as last year, when Greek fighter planes flew over Cyprus.

On his part Eliades said the military exercise will take place irrespective of talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on security issues, scheduled to start on Friday, September 26.

"These talks, will seek an agreement on the issue of demilitarization, or other issues since the agenda is open", he said.

Tsohatzopoulos accepted an invitation to visit Cyprus during "Nikiforos 97" military exercise.

CNA KN/MCH/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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