Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-02-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Turk carrying pistol returns to occupied Cyprus

[02] Two more arrests in connection with French woman's murder

[03] Voting ends, ballot boxes taken to counting centres

[04] Counting of votes begins - Interior Minister fully satisfied

[05] Exit poll gives Clerides slight lead

[06] Iacovou has slight lead

[07] Clerides takes the lead

[08] Iacovou leads in Paphos

[09] Clerides maintains slight but steady lead

[10] Clerides' fans rejoice

[11] Iacovou concedes defeat

[12] Clerides wins in Nicosia district

[13] Clerides re-elected to the presidency

[14] President-elect Clerides calls for unity

[15] Iacovou bows out honorably

[16] EU congratulates Clerides, hopes for new impetus

[17] Iacovou wins majority in Larnaca

1630:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Turk carrying pistol returns to occupied Cyprus

Cyprus Police Chief Panikos Hadjiloizou identified the man as Habil Yilmaz, 42, from Turkey, married to a Turkish Cypriot.

Yilmaz came this morning to the free areas of the Republic with a group of 30 Turkish Cypriot journalists to cover the second round of the presidential election.

Hadjiloizou said the Turkish national claimed he was a journalist and that he was "legally" possessing a gun in the occupied areas.

Yilmaz handed over to an officer of the Republic's Press and Information Office (PIO) a revolver and three bullets he had forgotten, as he claimed, in a bag with his photo equipment.

Ballistic tests on the revolver carried out by Police have shown the gun had no record, but it was confiscated, Hadjiloizou said.

Following a decision by the Republic's Attorney-General, Yilmaz was released and returned to the occupied part of the island with the group of the Turkish Cypriot journalists.

Hadjiloizou said Yilmaz claimed to be a journalist, but could not confirm the media he is working for or if he was accredited to the PIO to cover the elections.

Police were investigating explanations given by Yilmaz, Police Chief said.

CNA MK/AP/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1715:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Two more arrests in connection with French woman's murder

The first suspect Panicos Andreou, 38, alias Shoferos, from Larnaca, appeared today before the Limassol District Court and was remanded in custody for eight days in connection with the case.

The second suspect Andreas Nicolaou, 30, alias Andy, from Oroklini village, appeared today before the Larnaca District Court and was remanded for three days.

Police told the Court Shoferos allegedly helped another taxi driver arrested for the murder, Kyriakos Andrea Zanas, 36, from Kiti village, to dump the body of Francoise-Jacqueline Chomik, 49, in a well at Xylotymbou.

Chomik died of gunshot wounds and her body was found in a well in the southeastern Kokkinohoria area last Sunday.

The Court heard the third suspect, Nicolaou allegedly supplied Zanas with the stolen shotgun used in the killing.

According to Police, Zanas has confessed to shooting Chomik en route to her Limassol hotel, after picking her up from Larnaca International Airport on Christmas Day, 1997.

Last Monday Zanas was remanded in custody for eight days in connection with the case.

Chomik, a regional administrative council employee from Rhone-Alps, had been reported missing by her family early January after failing to catch her flight back to France January 1.

Her body was sent to France for burial.

CNA AP/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1800:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Voting ends, ballot boxes taken to counting centres

Polling stations closed at 17.00 local time (1500 GMT), as scheduled, and ballot boxes are being carried to counting centres especially set up in all five districts in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.

The contenders in Sunday's elections are incumbent President Glafcos Clerides, 78, who won 40.06 per cent of the vote last week, and independent candidate, former Foreign Minister, George Iacovou, 60, who polled 40.61 per cent of the vote.

Clerides is backed by the rightwing Democratic Rally party, the United Democrats, the New Horizons, the Liberal Party and Alexis Galanos, who broke ranks with the Democratic Party, after his party supported Iacovou.

On his part, Iacovou is backed by the leftwing AKEL party and the centre-right Democratic Party.

Counting of the votes in Nicosia will take place at the International Conference Centre, in Limassol at the Olympia athletic centre, in the government-controlled areas of Famagusta at the Municipal Hall in Paralimni town, in Larnaca at the community centre and in Paphos at the athletic centre Aphrodite.

Votes will begin to be counted shortly after the arrival of the first ballot boxes, around 1830 local time, by civil servants and party representatives.

Final results are expected to be announced by 2300.

The new President will be announced around midnight by Chief Returning Officer Thanos Michael at the indoor stadium "Eleftheria" (Freedom), in Nicosia.

The first results are expected from the Paphos district around 1830 local time, while completion of votes counting is expected around 2230. A total of 1.023 polling stations operated throughout the free areas today for a total number of 446.731 voters, out of whom 25.402 new voters.

Six thousand civil servants are working today to make sure the elections are carried out smoothly.

CNA AP/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1840:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Counting of votes begins - Interior Minister fully satisfied

"I am fully satisfied with the exemplary manner in which today's elections were carried out and the orderly manner voting took place," the Minister told a press conference this evening at the Cyprus International Conference Centre.

He noted that people "showed once more political maturity and a civilised behaviour, proof that they not only believe but also serve democratic values."

Voting ended in all 1.023 polling stations and around 94 per cent of more than 446.000 registered voters cast their ballots today.

"The smooth running of today's elections is undoubtedly the result of the collective effort by all competent authorities, candidates and political party representatives," the Minister added.

Stavrinakis pointed out that candidates and political parties alike have cooperated "in a constructive manner with the Chief Returning Officer, Thanos Michael, and other authorities during the two rounds of the presidential election."

Thanking Michael and others for their hard work, the Minister extended thanks to the Attorney General and his department for their advice and assistance as well as the Chief of Police and the entire police force.

The Interior Minister said the mass media played a pivotal role in the effort to inform accurately and objectively the public at large during the campaign.

Stavrinakis expressed the conviction that the people of Cyprus will accept the final result in a sober way and coolness confirming once again their deep devotion to democracy and its institutions.

"We all should recognise that the real winner of this election is democracy itself and legality," he concluded and wished to the new President to be elected "every success in his hard work."

The Minister confirmed that counting of the votes is expected to be completed around 2200 local time (2000 GMT).

According to the Central Elections Service around 94 per cent of the registered voters cast their ballots today, 93 per cent in Nicosia District, 95 per cent in Limassol, 94 per cent in Famagusta and 93 per cent in Paphos District.

CNA AP/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1930:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Exit poll gives Clerides slight lead

The poll, carried out by AMER research company, said Clerides will receive 51 per cent and Iacovou 49.

The results of the poll were announced here tonight after voting ended by AMER Director Yiannis Papadopoulos, who pointed out that there may be some modifications in the result because the sample taken for the poll was small.

"However we do not think the final outcome will be any different than what we have just announced," he added.

The poll was based on a representative sample of 30 ballot boxes from around 100 polling stations throughout the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.

AMER took into account about 150 - 300 ballot papers and based its poll on some 4,000 personal interviews.

CNA MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1945:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Iacovou has slight lead

With ten per cent of the overall votes counted, former Foreign Minister George Iacovou received 50,15 per cent or 20.384 votes and incumbent president Glafcos Clerides got 49,85 per cent, accounting for 20.266 votes.

CNA MM/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Clerides takes the lead

After a count of 122.897 votes, the incumbent President received 61.784 or 51,60 per cent.

Former Foreign Minister, George Iacovou received 57.941 votes or 48,40 per cent. The blank votes were 1.847 and non valid votes 1.325.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2050:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Iacovou leads in Paphos

Iacovou, backed by left wing AKEL and centre right Democratic Party, gained 54,00 per cent or 18.969.

The incumbent President received 46,00 per cent or 16,158 votes.

Thirty six thousand 268 votes were cast in the Paphos district, of which 596 were blank and 545 non valid.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2115:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Clerides maintains slight but steady lead

From 355.594 votes, the incumbent President received 175.836 or 50,72 per cent over Iacovou's 170.844 or 49,28 per cent.

Blank votes were 5,070 and non valid votes 3,844.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2130:CYPPRESS:10

[10] Clerides' fans rejoice

Celebrations are already taking place in other cities as well.

So far with 90,47 per cent of the vote counted, Clerides received 50,86 per cent against George Iacovou's 49,14.

Waving flags, hooting the horns of their cars and shouting slogans such as "Clerides is the winner for one more time" Clerides' supporters poured onto the streets to celebrate.

Scores of fans have gathered in Eleftheria sports centre in Nicosia where Chief Returning Officer Thanos Michael will announce later tonight the winner of today's election.

Police have taken stringent measures to ensure no incidents occur between supporters of the two rivals in the elections.

Speaking to CNA Nicosia Deputy Chief of Police, Mikis Kouis, said a 100- man strong police force is at Eleftheria to oversee that order is maintained.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2125:CYPPRESS:11

[11] Iacovou concedes defeat

Speaking to the press, he said "a few minutes ago I telephoned President Glafcos Clerides and congratulated him on his win."

Now, I would like to congratulate him in public, he added. More later

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2135:CYPPRESS:12

[12] Clerides wins in Nicosia district

Clerides received 52,87 per cent or 87.686 votes over Iacovou's 47,13 per cent or 78.155 votes.

A total of 170.348 people voted in Nicosia of which the non valid votes were 1.836 and blank votes 2.671.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2200:CYPPRESS:13

[13] Clerides re-elected to the presidency

The 78-year-old veteran politician received 50,82 per cent or 206.879 votes, beating former Foreign Minister George Iacovou, 60, with 49,18 per cent (200.222 votes).

Clerides was backed by the right wing Democratic Rally, the party he founded in 1976 and by four of the five presidential candidates, who ran in last Sunday's first round of voting.

The fifth candidate, EDEK leader Vassos Lyssarides, who garnered more than ten per cent last Sunday, asked his supporters to vote at will.

Iacovou was backed by left-wing AKEL party and centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO).

Chief Returning Officer Thanos Michael will officially announce the winner of today's elections later tonight.

The new president will be sworn in on February 28.

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2210:CYPPRESS:14

[14] President-elect Clerides calls for unity

In a message read by Foreign Minister, Ioannis Cassoulides, Clerides said "these are times of unity. We should all give our hands because serious developments in the Cyprus problem lay ahead of us."

"Tonight there are no winners and losers," he stressed, calling on his supporters to reach out to all citizens of the Republic, from all parties, with love, friendship and cooperation.

"Tonight all Cypriots are patriots, they all love their country and they will work together in unity for the reunification of Cyprus," the newly elected President adds.

Clerides won with 50,82 per cent over his rival, former Foreign Minister, George Iacovou, who received 49,18 per cent.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2230:CYPPRESS:15

[15] Iacovou bows out honorably

Iacovou said he had to face many difficulties and described the electoral battle against Glafcos Clerides as "unequal".

The 60-year-old former minister said he congratulated Clerides by phone.

"The fight was not equal," he said, adding that his opponent had more means at his disposal.

Iacovou thanked the leaders and members of the left-wing party AKEL and the centre-right Democratic Party for their support in the election and all people who voted for him.

"We chose to fight our battle based on principles, proposals and positions," he said.

The former Foreign Minister said he and his supporters were the first to speak of the need for national unity and collective decisions in both efforts to solve the protracted Cyprus problem and promote the Republic's European Union accession course.

He expressed the hope that his call for unity and consensus will be heard.

Iacovou explained he contested the elections because he wanted to serve his country and said he will continue "to be present in all our future struggles".

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2230:CYPPRESS:16

[16] EU congratulates Clerides, hopes for new impetus

Cook also said he looks forward to seeing a new impetus in Cyprus to create peace, prosperity and security on the island and the region.

"I am delighted to congratulate Glafcos Clerides on his re-election as President of the Republic of Cyprus," a statement issued here tonight on behalf of the EU presidency said.

Cook said "with the re-election of Glafcos Clerides, I look forward to seeing a fresh impetus in Cyprus to help us work together to create the peace, prosperity and security which the island of Cyprus and the region so richly deserve."

The Foreign Secretary notes that "now we need to get down to work" and said that Britain will be talking soon to the new Cypriot government "to set out our approach to the important events facing us in the weeks to come."

"We want to see a UN-led search for a settlement in Cyprus start again soon, and we want to get the EU accession process off to the best possible start on 31 March," the EU presidency statement added.

New attempts by the international community, spearheaded by the UN, are expected to begin in March with a view to resuming the intercommunal dialogue.

Cyprus is also among the first group of countries due to start accession talks with the EU.

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2235:CYPPRESS:17

[17] Iacovou wins majority in Larnaca

The former Foreign Minister garnered 50,81 per cent or 34.380 votes against incumbent president Glafcos Clerides' 49,19 per cent or 33.290 votes.

Blank votes were 791 and there were 595 non valid votes.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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