Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-05-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] White House on Holbrooke's mission and S-300

[02] Cyprus clothing industry in Greek fashion fair

0910:CYPPRESS:01

[01] White House on Holbrooke's mission and S-300

Replying to a question regarding the failure of US presidential emissary Richard Holbrooke's recent mission to Cyprus, McCurry said that the United States is prepared to continue its effort "to facilitate the search for settlement on Cyprus, in the ongoing conflict between two of our allies and their - in turn, their allies and their associated populations on the island of Cyprus."

The White House spokesman said that "it's high time to end that conflict and try to bring about a settlement, which we believe you can see your way to if the parties set aside some of their differences and move forward and negotiate seriously."

On the issue of the S-300 missiles and the possible involvement of NATO if Turkey proceeds with its threats to attack Cyprus when the missiles arrive, McCurry said "I'm not aware that there is a pending issue with respect with the S-300's that arises in NATO, although they (NATO) clearly are concerned about that within NATO, our allies share the concerns that we've expressed about the potentially destabilising aspects of the introduction of that missile technology into the region."

CNA DA/KN/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1410:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus clothing industry in Greek fashion fair

Speaking at a press conference on the Cypriot participation in EUROMODE/TEXTILIA, Sotiris Kallis, President of the Cyprus Clothing Industries Association, pointed out the clothing industry is by far the island's largest exporter.

The industry's exports reached 30 million Cyprus pounds in 1997 (one Cyprus pound is equal to 1,9 US dollars).

The second-largest exporter of the island is pharmaceuticals with exports of 19,6 million pounds last year, he said.

According to unofficial estimates, around 250 clothing industrial units operate in Cyprus, while the sector employs 5 to 6 thousand people.

Kallis pointed out the industry is mainly labour-intensive and therefore very "vulnerable" to high labour costs, calling for government support, "in difficult times".

"Competition is strong in clothing even from neighbouring countries, which leads to the reality that only countries with low labour costs survive," he added.

Given the large number of traders from Europe visiting EUROMODE/TEXTILIA, Cyprus clothing manufacturers expect substantial results from their participation in the fair, Kallis noted.

CNA GG/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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