 |
Compact version |
|
 |
        |
|
 |
||
|
Thursday, 21 November 2024
|
||
 |
 |
|
|
|
Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-05-21Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
1520:CYPPRESS:01[01] "Toxotis" military exercise continuesNicosia, May 21 (CNA) -- Parachutists were dropped Thursday at a Larnaca military exercises range during the second and last day of the joint Greek and Cypriot air defence exercise code-named "Toxotis".Parachutists were dropped from a Greek C-130 personnel carrier early in the morning at the Tersephanou area, in the southeastern district of Larnaca. Warplanes of the Greek Air Force participating in the exercise flew today within the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR). Warships of the Greek Navy also took part in "Toxotis", which will be completed today. It was reported that the exercise aimed at testing the radars and the anti-aircraft systems of Cyprus' National Guard. Yesterday, four Greek warplanes flew twice over the recently completed military airbase, near the western coastal town of Paphos. The four F-16 fighters left after attacking mock sea targets in the area. The governments of Cyprus and Greece agreed upon a joint defence pact, in November 1993, providing that Greece will come to Cyprus' aid in the case of a new Turkish offensive. Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since their 1974 invasion, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. CNA AP/GP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1530:CYPPRESS:02[02] Cyprus know-how to help Siberian regionNicosia, May 21 CNA) -- A delegation from the Siberian region of Altai is currently in Cyprus discussing the possibility of an agreement with the Cyprus government under which the island's know-how would be used to develop this region.The prospects for such a cooperation between Cyprus and the Siberian region were today discussed at a meeting between Cyprus' Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou and an Altai delegation. Speaking after the meeting, Christodoulou said he was briefed on the region's natural resources and its prospects for development, particularly in minerals and agriculture. Christodoulou noted the proposal for new cooperation between Russia and Cyprus will be studied within the context of existing agreements between the two countries. The prospects for a plan dealing with training and infrastructure in this particular area will be examined, he explained. Christodoulou said the heads of the Republic's Planning Bureau and the Cyprus Development Bank, as well as Russia's Ambassador in Nicosia will also participate in the process of the project's assessment. Referring to the Altai region, the Finance Minister pointed out it has not been developed but it is very reach in natural resources. The Altai region has a population of three millions. Cyprus participates in the development of Krasnotar, another region of the Russian Federation, near the Black Sea. CNA GG/GP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1550:CYPPRESS:03[03] Finance minister meets new French ambassadorNicosia, May 21 (CNA) -- "A new chapter in Franco-Cypriot relations will begin," Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou said here Thursday.Christodoulou met today with new French ambassador to Cyprus, Jean- Bernard de Vaivre, with whom he discussed further development of bilateral economic and trade relations. The minister said the two sides are exchanging views on how to further develop relations in certain important fields and noted that he briefed the ambassador on the Cyprus economy and efforts to harmonise with the European Union (EU) acquis communautaire. "France is one of the EU countries that plays an important role in Cyprus' accession talks," Christodoulou said, adding that de Vaivre acknowledged that Cyprus' economy will pose no problems to the Republic's EU accession course. Cyprus began accession talks with the EU in March and is considered one of the economically advanced applicant countries. CNA AA/MA/AP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1630:CYPPRESS:04[04] Cyprus Stock ExchangeNicosia, May 21 (CNA) -- The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:CSE All Share Index 86,52 (-0,89) Sectural Indices Banks 101,35 (-0,98) Approved Investment Companies 61,44 (-0,58) Insurance Companies 64,07 ( 0,27) Industrial Companies 76,67 (-1,65) Tourist Industries 66,37 ( 0,44) Commercial Companies 48,67 (-2,50) Other Companies 71,19 (-0,48) Trading Volume 1.706.197.72* The difference in brackets represents the percentage increase (+) or decrease (-) of the index from the previous stock exchange meeting. CNA AP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1645:CYPPRESS:05[05] New evidence in case of Jensen's murderNicosia, May 21 (CNA) -- The Public Prosecutor in the case of three British soldiers convicted two years ago of the brutal murder of a Danish tour guide, said today he would submit new evidence to uphold their life sentences.Alan Ford, 29, Justin Fowler, 30, and Jeffrey Pernell, 27, former servicemen with the British Armed Forces at Dhekelia military base, were sentenced in March 1996 to life imprisonment for battering to death 23-year old Danish tour representative, Louise Jensen, in September 1994. The three Britons lodged an appeal to the Supreme Court in Nicosia against their sentences, based on claims of illegal arrest and allegations of mistakes by the trial judge. The prosecution filed a petition to bring forward a new witness, a British detective, who served a sentence for burglary in the Cyprus prisons, who claims that during his imprisonment the three former servicemen told him what happened on the night of the murder. Michael Andrew Flack, of Bexley South London was sentenced in June 1997 to 18 months imprisonment on charges of burglary and theft. The court adjourned the hearing for June 15. CNA RM/MCH/AP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1810:CYPPRESS:06[06] Spokesman: President's statement in line with Athens positionNicosia, May 21 (CNA) -- The support the Cyprus government has expressed for Turkey's European course is in line with the position held by Athens, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said here today.He also said Cyprus could help in this direction by pointing out to Turkey it should comply with European Union (EU) decisions taken in Luxembourg last December. The Spokesman's comments come in response to criticism from the press following yesterday's statement by President Glafcos Clerides that Cyprus supports Turkey's European course and understands the interests of EU member-states. The President also noted Cyprus is willing to help as much as it can towards this end. "The President's statement is crystal clear and should be seen as serving towards rectifying certain impression some are trying to form with regard to Turkey's European course," the spokesman added. He pointed out that "some wish to accuse Hellenism of objecting to Turkey's European course." For this reason, he added, President Clerides' statement was imperative and in line with the position adopted by the Greek government. CNA MM/MCH/AP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1950:CYPPRESS:07[07] Homosexuality decriminalisedNicosia, May 21 (CNA) -- A government-proposed bill decriminalising homosexuality was passed today by the House of Representatives bringing Cyprus legislation in line with the European human rights convention.Thirty-six MPs voted for the decriminalisation while eight voted against and one chose to abstain. Eleven MPs were not present during the voting. The 56-member House is made up of deputies from five political parties. The European Court of Human Rights found Cyprus guilty in April 1993 of violating article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The Council of Europe had given Cyprus until May 29 to comply with the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, or face serious repercussions, which could include expulsion from the CoE. CNA SD/MCH/GP/1998ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCNA ENDSCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
All Rights Reserved.