Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-11-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Children's charity surpasses million

[02] New ministers sworn in

[03] New cabinet members take over

[04] New cabinet ministers

0950:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Children's charity surpasses million

As it drew to a close at midnight last night, funds collected over the past 42 hours 1.300.000 pounds.

This year's event, which involved local radio and TV stations, accepted donations from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, Canada and Greece.

A special television programme marked the end of the fund-raiser and included the sale of a photograph of President Glafcos Clerides at a religious shrine in Jerusalem for 10,000 pounds.

Party leaders have also donated various items to raise funds.

A sports fiesta also took place last night in Nicosia with the participation of Greek heavy-weight lifting Olympic medalists and entertainers.

This is the seventh consecutive year the charity event is taking place, which so far has raised over five million pounds.

Donations go to children with special needs, ranging from medical to financial help, rehabilitation programmes or home help.

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

0920:CYPPRESS:02

[02] New ministers sworn in

The new ministers are:

Minister of Defence - George Charalambides.

Minister of Interior - George Stavrinakis.

Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment - Andreas Mantovanis.

Minister of Labour and Social Insurance - Efstathios Papadakis.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism - Michalakis Michaelides.

CNA MA/EC/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1015:CYPPRESS:03

[03] New cabinet members take over

As the five (defence, commerce, interior, agriculture and labour) swore allegiance to the Constitution and the laws of the Republic at a brief ceremony, the President thanked all five for accepting the cabinet post for a short period of time (until February's presidential elections next year).

"I am sure we shall cooperate fully," he said.

The appointments of five ministers was forced upon the President after the government coalition partner Democratic Party (DIKO) pulled out its five ministers from the 11-member cabinet, following Clerides' announcement he would seek re-election.

DIKO party leader Spyros Kyprianou will also contest the elections and said his party has now joined the ranks of the opposition.

Replying on behalf of the five, George Stavrinakis, thanked Clerides for the trust he has shown in them and added "our appointment takes place at a crucial time because of developments in Cyprus and ahead of next year's presidential elections."

He also pledged to do all they can to offer "substantive services to our respective ministries."

The hand over ceremonies at the five ministries will follow later today.

George Charalambides takes over the Ministry of Defence from Costas Eliades.

George Stavrinakis takes over the Ministry of Interior from Dinos Michaelides.

Andreas Mantovanis succeeds Costas Petrides at the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.

Efstathios Papadakis succeeds Andreas Moushiouttas at the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.

Michalakis Michaelides takes over the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism from Kyriakos Christofi.

CNA MA/MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1435:CYPPRESS:04

[04] New cabinet ministers

Interior Minister, George Stavrinakis, 65, was born in the capital Nicosia and is a barrister-at-law. He worked as a lawyer, District Judge and President of the Kyrenia and Nicosia District Courts.

Stavrinakis served as Labour and Social Insurance Minister, in 1980, and Caretaker Minister of Justice and Public Order, last year.

George Charalambides, the new Defence Minister, was born in the western coastal town of Paphos and is a holder of a post-graduate degree in Development Management. He has served as Nicosia District Officer and worked in four ministries and the Planning Office.

New Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister, Michalakis Michaelides, 64, was born in Nicosia and is a graduate of the Cyprus Pharmaceutical School. He served as Minister of Commerce from 1985 to 1988.

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Andreas Mantovanis, 59, was born in the southern coastal town of Larnaca. He studied law at the Aristotelion University in Thessaloniki. He has a master degree in public administration from an American university.

Mantovanis has worked in the civil service and for 16 years he served with the Interior Ministry. He was appointed Famagusta District Officer in 1985 and from 1987 until his retirement earlier this year he was Larnaca District Officer.

The 59-year-old new Labour and Social Insurances Minister, Stathis Papadakis, was born in Athens and is a graduate of the School of Economic and Trade Sciences.

The five new ministers will serve until February's presidential elections.

They take over after the coalition partner, the centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO), decided to withdraw its support to the government of President Glafcos Clerides.

The other six ministers coming from the ruling rightwing Democratic Rally party will keep their portfolios until the February elections.

They are Ioannis Kasoulides (Foreign Affairs), Christodoulos Christodoulou (Finance), Nicos Kosis (Justice and Public Order), Leontios Ierodiakonou (Communications and Works), Christos Solomis (Health), George Hadjinicolaou (Education and Culture).

CNA MA/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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