Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-12-16

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government reaction to Markides' decision

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Reactions over Markides' decision

1440:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Government reaction to Markides' decision

"He decided on his own free will not to contest February's presidential elections," Clerides told journalists shortly after his chief legal advisor announced his decision to the press.

The President, a 78-year-old veteran politician, is one of several presidential hopefuls and is seeking a second term in office.

Clerides' former coalition partner, the Democratic Party of Spyros Kyprianou, has proposed Markides as an alternative to Clerides' candidacy, stressing it would not back his bid for reelection.

Markides said he would not stand because his candidacy would not achieve unity or consensus but only add one more name on the list of candidates.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said he was pleased with Markides' decision.

"Nothing has changed for me," he said, adding that cooperation between the President and his top legal advisor will be as good as ever.

Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides described Markides' decision as "correct and wise under the circumstances."

CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    76.52 (-0.25)

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

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  87.32 (-0.13)
Approved Investment Companies          58.82 (-0.73)
Insurance Companies                    58.02 (-0.89)
Industrial Companies                   74.67 (-0.41)
Tourist Industries                     62.11 (+0.13)
Commercial Companies                   41.80 (-0.43)
Other Companies                        63.71 (-0.45)

Trading Volume                         CYP 399335.802

CNA AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1950:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Reactions over Markides' decision

Democratic Party (DIKO) leader, Spyros Kyprianou, whose party had pledged support to a possible Markides' candidature, expressed disappointment with the Attorney-General's decision.

Pointing out there are "alternative solutions", which he refrained to specify, Kyprianou stressed that DIKO's main concern is how to best serve the people of Cyprus and contribute towards a settlement of the protracted Cyprus problem.

President of ruling Democratic Rally (DISY) party, Nicos Anastasiades, described Markides' decision as a "pleasant development" for his party.

Markides had served as DISY's Deputy President prior to his appointment to the post of Attorney-General by President Glafcos Clerides, in 1994.

Noting that the road towards resuming cooperation with DIKO is now open, Anastasiades said he has already asked Kyprianou for a new meeting to discuss all issues.

However, he stressed support should be in favour of Clerides' candidacy.

DIKO held five ministries in Clerides' Cabinet. DIKO Ministers submitted their resignations to President Clerides in November, after the latter announced his decision to seek re-election.

On his part, main opposition left-wing AKEL party spokesman, Nicos Katsourides, expressed the view that the positions put forward by independent candidate George Iacovou (supported by AKEL) in his programme could easily be adopted by DIKO.

However, he pointed out that DIKO has not yet made clear its positions concerning Iacovou's candidature.

CNA MCH/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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