Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-09-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Copyright problem addressed effectively in Cyprus

[02] UN envoy says Cyprus settlement is possible

[03] Pangalos reaffirms Greek support for Cyprus-EU accession

[04] Turkey: The real threat...

[05] Kasoulides dismisses Cem's claims

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[01] Copyright problem addressed effectively in Cyprus

This was stated by US Ambassador to Cyprus, Kenneth Brill, at a press conference here on the occasion of the Software and Multimedia Show 1997, now taking place in Nicosia.

The US diplomat congratulated the Cyprus government for achieving substantial progress in the battle against copyright theft.

Brill said Cyprus' copyright problem, especially with pirated video tapes of US-made films, "has been addressed quite effectively through the passage of modern copyright legislation in 1994 and vigilant enforcement by the Cyprus police."

He added that in response the US Trade Representatives (USTR) removed Cyprus from the Watch List in 1995 and 1996, but stressed the need for an effective new patents law.

Unfortunately the aspect of the copyright law stating that it is illegal to copy, sell or rent software without the consent of its author, is not enforced as well as it should be, he remarked.

According to the Business Software Alliance (BSA) approximately 80 to 85 per cent of business software in Cyprus is obtained illegally and in 1996 illegal copying cost legitimate software developers about 15 million pounds (some 30 million US dollars).

CNA MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1240:CYPPRESS:02

[02] UN envoy says Cyprus settlement is possible

Commenting on the prospects of a security dialogue that started yesterday in Nicosia between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Cordovez said:

"I have been saying all the time that they are basically interested in a settlement. I believe a settlement is possible."

He was speaking after a meeting in New York with Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, during which they discussed the Cyprus problem and Cordovez's possible visit to the island some time before December.

"To me these are indications that if they are willing to meet for this it means they are willing to meet for others and one of the purposes of course if I will go (to Cyprus) is to review the results of these talks", he said.

Asked whether he would submit any documents during his visit to Cyprus, Cordovez pointed out that it is the two leaders that are expected to submit documents to him.

Kasoulides described the meeting as "interesting", adding he exchanged views with the UN envoy on the current situation in Cyprus.

The Cypriot Minister said he expressed to the UN official the readiness of the Greek Cypriot side to study "in an open spirit" any suggestions he might make.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

CNA MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1300:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Pangalos reaffirms Greek support for Cyprus-EU accession

In his speech to the 52nd UN General Assembly Session, Pangalos expressed regret for Turkey's "blackmailing policy" regarding Cyprus' accession to the EU.

"We sincerely hope that Turkey will eventually realise the benefits of Cyprus' accession to the EU, especially for the Turkish Cypriot population, and will change its present rejectionist stance," he said.

The Greek Foreign Minister also blamed Ankara for the lack of progress towards a Cyprus settlement, noting that Turkey's aim is to legitimise the present status quo on the island.

"Ankara's negative stance and lack of political will was once again displayed during the direct talks under the auspices of the UN Secretary- General, held recently at Glion-sur-Montreux", he pointed out.

Pangalos noted that a workable solution to the Cyprus problem "would, no doubt, eliminate a source of instability in the region and contribute to the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations."

Greece together with Turkey and Britain were the guarantors of Cyprus' independence under the 1960 treaties establishing the Cyprus Republic.

Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and occupied 37 per cent of its territory, forcibly uprooting 200.000 Greek Cypriots (one third of the island's population) from their homes.

CNA MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1330:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Turkey: The real threat...

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Nicos Agathocleous dismisses Ankara's claims that the installation of the S-300 missile defence system on the island would pose threats to Turkey's security.

Agathocleous says it is astonishing that Turkey, which for 23 years illegally occupies 37 per cent of Cyprus' territory, appears concerned about security and stability in the region.

"It is Turkey itself that is the real threat to Cyprus, the Turkish Cypriots and peace and security in the region, through its expansionist policy and aggressive action", he points out.

The Cypriot Permanent Representative to the UN adds that by its prolonged intransigence and negative attitude, Turkey, has undermined all efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

He points out that the Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missiles, expected to be deployed in Cyprus next year, are for exclusively defence purposes.

"It is ludicrous to believe that, small Cyprus, with no airforce, can possibly pose a threat to a major military power such as Turkey."

The Cypriot diplomat refers to President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for complete demilitarisation of the Republic.

"The deployment of the missiles will not be necessary if substantial progress in the efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem is achieved", he adds.

Agathocleous also refers to threats against Cyprus expressed in a letter this week to the UN Chief by Turkey's Permanent Representative to the UN Huseyin Celem.

"I wish to strongly protest this most blatant threat of use of force by Turkey and its escalating aggressive attitude and actions against the Republic of Cyprus", Agathocleous concludes.

Agathocleous' letter to Annan will be circulated as a document of the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

CNA MCH/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1420:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Kasoulides dismisses Cem's claims

Exercising his right to reply to the speech of his Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem, to the 52nd UN Generaly Assembly Session, Kasoulides said:

"I want to categorically state that these weapons are purely defensive surface-to-air missiles destined to defend the small island of Cyprus from a potential attack, since it has no airport of its own."

He also pointed out that the missiles will not be necessary if there is substantial progress towards a Cyprus settlement or agreement for the demilitarisation of the island.

Commenting on Cem's claim that there are "two distinct peoples, two separate administration and two democracies" in Cyprus, Kasoulides said:

"One cannot accept as realities the faits accomplis created by the use of force and maintained by military strength in blatant disregard of international law and UN Resolutions."

He also dismissed Cem's claims that Cyprus cannot join the European Union, by citing a recent statement by Luxemburg's Foreign Minister and EU President, Jacques Poos, that the 1960 treaties, establishing the Republic of Cyprus, do not prevent it from joining the EU.

CNA MCH/KN/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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