Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Andreas Christofides - Obituary

[03] Government on Christofides' death

[04] Cyprus willing to use positive examples for peace

[05] Greek Premier discusses Cyprus with Holbrooke

[06] Party leaders praise Christofides' work

[07] Clerides' says Stephanopoulos' visit "symbolic"

[08] Cyprus to promote demilitarisation proposal

[09] Greek Cypriot farmer jailed by British bases court

[10] Cypriot minister to attend environment meeting

[11] Government determined to locate missing persons

1400:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          85.38 ( 0.58)

   Traded Value            CYP 820,145

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   407,623      98.55 ( 0.50)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP    26,385      60.36 (-0.07)
   Insurance Companies     CYP   123,361      63.45 (-0.53)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP    18,270      78.43 ( 0.08)
   Tourism Companies       CYP    15,688      70.31 ( 1.02)
   Trading Companies       CYP    53,839      47.33 ( 2.25)
   Other Companies         CYP    50,047      73.32 ( 3.21)

CNA AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1410:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Andreas Christofides - Obituary

Andreas Nicolaou Christofides was born in Nicosia, Cyprus, on August 20, 1937, the fifth of six children in his family.

He was educated at the Pancyprian Gymnasium, the Philosophic School of Athens University and the Columbia University of New York, where he received an MA in Education and Mass Communication.

Upon his return to the island, Christofides became a teacher at the Pancyprian Gymnasium (1958-63).

In 1964, he was appointed director of Programmes at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC). Three years later, he became Director- General of CyBC, a position he held until 1983. He was greatly renowned for his contribution to the Cyprus radio and television.

He was appointed Government Spokesman by former President Spyros Kyprianou between 1983-85 and served as Minister of Education between 1985- 88.

He went to Greece where he taught at the Indianapolis University in Athens and was one of the directors of the first multinational Greek cable television.

He was also the chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information. Upon his return to Cyprus in 1991, he served as Director-General of private television station "O LOGOS".

His last post was Director of the Cyprus News Agency. He was appointed in January 1996.

A man of many talents, Christofides served as chairman of the Cyprus National Theatre between 1975-81.

He was also Chairman of the Electronic Media Committee of the Council of Europe 1975-83 and member of the Administrative Council of the European Broadcasting Union between 1970-78.

He represented Cyprus at the Communication Committee of UNESCO and was Chairman of a Non-Aligned Committee. He also served as delegate to the United Nations and other international Organisations.

Christofides was co-founder of the literary magazine, "Pnevmatiki Kypros" 1960 and was the founder of the political magazine "Criterion" with its first publication issued in 1997.

An avid writer, Christofides was the author of five books of essays and four poetry collections, the political monograph "Kissinger and Cyprus", and "Introduction to Propaganda", two anthologies, of Cypriot Poetry and Short Stories, (translated into English and French) and two collections of speeches, on Cyprus, education and international relations.

He was awarded the National Book Award for three of his books (two essay collections and one for poetry).

During his career, Christofides earned a number of awards. He was presented with the "Taxiparches tou Phenicos" by the late Greek President, Constantinos Karamanlis and was made a "Chevalier d'ordre du Merite" by the late French President George Pompidou.

In 1987 he was made an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Athens on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.

An international personality, Christofides was a member of the International Foundation "News Concern" and had the supervision of the news agency "Gemini Press" and member of the International Communications' Institute. He was also a member of many international and regional bodies.

Christofides is survived by his son Haris and daughter Angela and four grandchildren.

CNA EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Government on Christofides' death

He said, "the loss of a man of letters, of such high stature, who surpassed the Cyprus frontiers, is a loss for Cypriot Hellenism and the Cypriot society."

Christofides died in the early hours today. He had suffered from multiple sclerosis and his condition was said to have worsened in the last month.

CNA MM/EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1830:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus willing to use positive examples for peace

Asked to comment on a statement by outgoing UN resident representative, Gustave Feissel, that Cyprus should take Ireland as an example, Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said:

"In its efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, the government has never excluded the use of any elements from former positive examples, as for instance the case of Ireland."

Stylianides pointed out, however, that "there are firm positions and provisions on the Cyprus problem as a result of which it could not be compared with any other problem."

He stressed that "every problem has its own peculiarities and this should be taken into consideration."

Stylianides also pointed out that the solution reached in the case of Ireland is being studied by the Foreign Ministry and the Attorney General's office.

CNA MM/MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1905:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Greek Premier discusses Cyprus with Holbrooke

Present at the meeting were also Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos, and US ambassador to Greece, Nicholas Burns.

Government Spokesman, Demetris Reppas, said the meeting was arranged following a request by the American side to discuss issues which concern the area and "especially the Cyprus problem and the Balkans."

Holbrooke, who was recently appointed by US President Bill Clinton as the US Ambassador to the UN, arrived in the Greek capital earlier today.

He will visit Sarajevo and Skopje while on Friday he will give the commencement address at the American College of Athens.

The US diplomat will attend a dinner later this evening hosted by Pangalos and Foreign Under-Secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis.

CNA KI/EC/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1910:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Party leaders praise Christofides' work

House President and President of the Democratic Party, Spyros Kyprianou, described Christofides as an "intellectual man who offered a lot".

"He was determined to offer much more, but the incurable disease which he had suffered from killed him early," Kyprianou said.

During his term in office as President of the Republic, Kyprianou had appointed Christofides Education Minister (1985-1988) and Government Spokesman (1983-1985). "He was a close associate, close friend and close colleague", Kyprianou said.

The leader of the ruling Democratic Rally party, Nicos Anastasiades, said Christofides' death "makes Cyprus and its intellectual and political people poorer."

He said Christofides was "distinguished for his moral standards, honesty and sound judgment."

A spokesman for the leftwing AKEL party said Christofides was a "political and intellectual personality who had left a personal legacy" on the island.

Socialist EDEK leader, Vassos Lyssarides said Christofides' death is a "great loss because he was a versatile personality, who was active in many fields of public life".

Christofides leaves behind "a great legacy and I am deeply saddened for the loss of such personality," Lyssarides added.

United Democrats president, George Vassiliou, said Andreas Christofides was a man whose "political action undoubtedly marked the course of the Cyprus Republic".

Vassiliou said that even though on many occasions the two disagreed, "there is no doubt that he was a man whose judgement, and perception I greatly honoured and appreciated."

New Horizons Vice President, Stratos Panagides, said that his party always "valued the views of Andreas Christofides".

"He was a gifted servant of the media and politics", Panagides added. Greece's Foreign Under-Secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis, said Christofides was a personality who was renowned in Greece for his views on cultural and political issues.

"From all his posts he had served as a bridge of cooperation and strengthening ties between Greece and Cyprus", Kranidiotis said.

The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, where Christofides served as Director - General between 1967-1983, observed a minute's silence at 1 p.m.

CNA EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1930:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Clerides' says Stephanopoulos' visit "symbolic"

In an interview with Athens News Agency (APE), Clerides pointed out the visit underlines close relations between the two countries and excellent cooperation between their governments.

Stephanopoulos' visit takes place in a very critical period for Cyprus, during which "we need the greater possible support and Greece is our most loyal supporter," Clerides added.

The Cyprus President stressed Greece's significant support to the Republic's course of accession to the European Union and in strengthening Cyprus' defence through the joint defence pact.

Stephanopoulos is scheduled to arrive on June 25 for a four day official visit, the first visit of a Greek head of state since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, in 1960.

During his stay, Stephanopoulos will be received by President Clerides, the President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou and the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos.

He will also have meetings with party leaders and address a special session at the House of Representatives.

Stephanopoulos will be escorted by Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, Finance Under- Secretary Alexandros Baltas and other officials.

CNA EC/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1935:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Cyprus to promote demilitarisation proposal

Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides, repeated today the government's willingness for dialogue on issues concerning security, aiming at the demilitarisation of Cyprus.

Asked to comment on President Clerides' letter to UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on demilitarisation, Stylianides said:

"The letter is a political move that speaks for itself and any statements and interpretations are unnecessary."

The government, Stylianides added, believes the letter formulates our willingness and our dedication to demilitarisation that is directly linked to the issue of security, which is considered to be of great importance.

Stylianides also expressed the hope the international community, the UN Security Council and the UN will realise that Clerides' proposal is an answer to artificial tensions.

The Government Spokesman pointed out that despite certain reservations expressed, all political parties in Cyprus have described Clerides' proposal as "positive".

Replying to questions on proposals by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for unmanning of military posts along the demarcation line, Stylianides stressed the "government was always for a military dialogue, but had expressed concern over the security of inhabited areas."

"The government is ready to enter a dialogue to discuss these issues," Stylianides said, pointing out that solutions to some could be implemented immediately.

Replying to questions, the Spokesman said the government has no other proposals to submit to UNFICYP.

He also stressed that the government "considers that it is not only small isolated actions that help reduce tension, but bigger actions, as for example the issue of setting a timetable for demilitarisation".

The Government Spokesman also said the government expects the "right" resolution will be adopted by the UN Security Council, following the submission of the two UN Secretary-General's reports on Cyprus.

Diplomatic efforts are made so as "to have the right resolution," Stylianides said and expressed the conviction that President Clerides' proposal to the UN Chief on demilitarisation will also be taken into consideration.

CNA MM/MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2040:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Greek Cypriot farmer jailed by British bases court

The Chief Public Relations Officer of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA), Mervyn Wynne Jones told CNA that Himonas was charged with reckless driving, wilfully assaulting a police officer and failing to obey the directions of a police officer when on 2 April the Bases went to clear a British military training area from trees planted by local farmers.

Jones said there was an incident involving Himonas which resulted in his arrest.

The British official said the trees "had been planted illegally and were being used for the illegal trapping of birds".

Himonas was brought before the SBA Court on 29 May where he had pleaded not guilty on all charges. The case was adjourned for 3 June.

However, Himonas had failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The warrant was acted upon on 18 June and today he was brought before the SBA court to answer to the charges.

The Greek Cypriot was found guilty of all three counts and was charged 40 pounds for failing to obey the instructions of a police officer, two months' imprisonment for reckless driving and was sentenced to one month, to run concurrently, for wilfully assaulting a police officer.

Himonas' relatives were allowed to attend the hearing. A statement by a local Committee against the English policy and the Bases in Cyprus condemned Himonas' conviction.

It called on the Cyprus government, the House of Representatives and party leaders to protest the conviction and express their support to Himonas, a farmer from Xilophagou in the Famagusta area.

Britain has retained two Sovereign base areas in Cyprus, under the 1960 Treaty of Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

CNA EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2045:CYPPRESS:10

[10] Cypriot minister to attend environment meeting

Themistocleous, left today for Arhus, Denmark, where some 80 countries are expected to be represented in the meeting, which is entitled "Environment in Europe".

Among the issues to be discussed are a new convention for access to information on the environment, pollution control, programmes for new independent states, initiatives for saving energy and the funding of programmes.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2100:CYPPRESS:11

[11] Government determined to locate missing persons

Speaking after a memorial service for Andreas Kasapis, the fifth American citizen of Cypriot origin missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, whose remains have been recently discovered and handed to his relatives, Clerides said:

"We will continue our efforts to ascertain the fate of all persons missing," and pointed to the arrival to Cyprus, early next month, of UN representative to the tripartite Investigatory Committee on Missing Persons, set up in 1981 for this purpose.

Jean-Pierre Ritter has been appointed as UN representative to the Investigatory Committee. Takis Christopoulos represents the Greek Cypriot side and Rustem Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot side.

A report, released earlier this year, concludes that the other four Americans, of Greek descent, "in all likelihood did not survive the events in Cyprus in the summer of 1974."

Replying to questions, President Clerides said "we will do everything possible (to locate the remains of the four Americans) and I believe we will succeed in this."

Asked whether the government will proceed with the exhumation of remains of persons listed as missing in the free areas of the Republic, Clerides said:

"We have taken a political decision, according to an agreement we signed with the Turkish Cypriot community before a UN representative."

The two sides in Cyprus exchanged information on missing persons, following a UN-brokered agreement on this humanitarian issue, with a view of proceeding to the return of the remains of those killed.

The memorial service was also attended by US Embassy in Nicosia First Secretary, Donald Shemanski.

Kasapis' remains were buried today in his home-town of Detroit, US.

CNA GG/MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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