Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-06-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Skoda Tour of Cyprus begins

[02] Blair, Simitis meet in London

[03] Government disappointed over French statements

1035:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Skoda Tour of Cyprus begins

According to a press release, for the first time the Cyprus Rally is part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.

Leading the field was the favourite for the event, current Cypriot championship Andreas Tsouloftas, in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III, who last month finished second in the Jordan Rally, and who is currently in fifth place in the eight round Middle East Championship.

Tsouloftas' main contenders are expected to be his Cypriot rivals, Christakis Thoma at the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV and Andreas Peraticos in a Subaru Impreza 555.

The two day event covers 763 kilometres of the island's mountain roads and includes sixteen special stages totalling 260 kilometres.

CNA KN/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1345:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Blair, Simitis meet in London

In a short statement to the press the Greek Premier described the meeting as "friendly and cordial", pointing out that "all issues to be discussed in Cardiff" were raised.

The two Premiers discussed the course of EU economy, issues relating to the agenda 2.000, funding, the international situation, the Kossovo crisis, Greco-Turkish relations and the situation in the eastern Mediterranean.

"Greece's positions are well known. I repeated those positions and we will insist on them", Simitis stressed.

On the part of British Premier, Tony Blair, a Downing Street Spokesman, described the discussion as "positive and constructive", noting that "the Greek Prime Minister made clear his firm view that the Cardiff Summit should not go beyond the Luxembourg statement."

He added "the British Prime Minister made clear he believes that the EU should try to re-open fruitful discussions with Turkey and has found widespread support to this view."

Greek Foreign Under-Secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis, Greek Ambassador to Britain, Vassilis Zaphiropoulos and British representative for Cyprus, Sir David Hannay, were also present at the meeting.

After the meeting Blair escorted his Greek counterpart to the Trooping of the Colour.

Simitis flies to Cardiff tomorrow.

CNA KT/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1415:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Government disappointed over French statements

In a short statement today, Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides pointed out that:

"After the visit of Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, to Paris and other meetings with French officials we were disappointed to see this statement because we believe it is not helpful."

Stylianides added that statements, such as those expressed yesterday by French officials, are "contrary to EU decisions on Cyprus and of course to the position of the British presidency."

CNA KN/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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