Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-06-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] EU energy meeting gets underway

[03] Cyprus protests Turkish threats

[04] Stephanopoulos visits Kykkos Monastery

[05] Cyprus signs environment Convention

[06] Andreas Christofides laid to rest

[07] EU Commissioner on Cyprus' prospects

[08] Stephanopoulos calls international community to take action

[09] Greece has no claims over Cyprus, says Kyprianou

1530:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          83.64 (-0.37)

   Traded Value            CYP 706,618

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   409,362      96.75 (-0.49)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP    15,133      58.12 (-0.75)
   Insurance Companies     CYP    52,387      62.68 (-0.02)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP    10,475      76.70 (-0.20)
   Tourism Companies       CYP    24,800      69.00 ( 0.35)
   Trading Companies       CYP    48,448      45.29 (-0.64)
   Other Companies         CYP    26,094      70.84 (-0.08)

CNA AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1545:CYPPRESS:02

[02] EU energy meeting gets underway

The conference will examine two studies on Cyprus to assist the country in the preparation of a strategic energy plan for accession and an action plan to improve efficiency in the energy sector.

Speakers at today's opening said there will be challenges for both the EU and the candidate countries and recognised that these will not be as great for Cyprus as they will be for other candidate countries.

In his introductory remarks, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Nicos Rolandis referred to Cyprus' screening process to identify some important changes that need to be made, particularly in the area of deregulation of the energy sector.

"The approach we have adopted reflects our intention to comply with the practices of the Union in the energy sector, after taking into consideration the peculiarities of our small isolated island system, which has to cope with additional problems arising from the Turkish occupation of a considerable part of the territory of the Republic," Rolandis said.

The Minister thanked sincerely the EU for its assistance to Cyprus in harmonisation efforts.

European Commissioner Christos Papoutsis said the EU put on track two very important developments, the start of accession negotiations and the completion of the economic and monetary union.

He said that none of the candidate countries meets fully the terms the acquis communautaire as far as EU energy policy is concerned.

Noting that the obligations and rights of candidate countries have increased, Papoutsis said it was important for Cyprus to join community programmes.

"EU-Cyprus cooperation in energy matters must focus, among other concerns, on a strategy on energy, adjustment of Cypriot legislation and participation in the procedures of the Energy Charter," he said.

The EU, he pointed out, is well aware that Cyprus is serious about harmonising its institutions and laws with those of the Union.

"Cyprus' European course is granted and steady and is a prospect which we hope will benefit the entire island," he added.

The representative of the British presidency, Peter Bunn, referred to two important landmarks in the past six months with regard to the EU, the start of accession negotiations and the conclusion of the economic and monetary union.

He warned delegates that enlargement "will not be plain sailing" but it offers potential economic benefits.

Both the EU and candidate countries have to face challenges, he said, explaining that the EU has to change its institutions and applicant countries have to meet competitive markets and comply with the acquis communautaire.

"These challenges are greater for Central and Eastern European countries than Cyprus," he pointed out, stressing "it will not be easy for anyone."

CNA MM/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus protests Turkish threats

At the same time, Zackheos protested strongly "the new violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey."

In a letter to Annan, Zackheos recalls that 47 Turkish military aircraft entered the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) "in violation of international air traffic regulations" in a period of five days.

"Such unauthorised intrusions into the Nicosia FIR and the national airspace of the Republic of Cyprus are in complete disregard of the Charter of the UN, as well as the provisions of the Security Council resolutions on Cyprus," Zackheos said.

The resolutions "state that such overflights increase political tension on the island and undermine efforts towards achieving a final settlement and violate international air traffic rules," the Cypriot ambassador added.

In another letter, Zackheos refers to the letter addressed to the Secretary-General by Turkey's Permanent Representative.

"It is obvious that the Turkish aim is to stir up and maintain a climate of artificial tension for their own reasons," the ambassador said.

He explains that the enhancement of the defensive capabilities of the National Guard is "an expression of the exercise of the right to self- defence," recognised in the UN Charter.

In his letter, the Turkish ambassador claims that military measures by Cyprus "challenge the stability of and increase tension on the island and in the region."

Zackheos said the tension on the island is only caused "by the strong and threatening presence of the Turkish occupation troops, who are in an attack formation and who have the capability to get early reinforcements from Turkey."

Furthermore, Zackheos said Turkey is always ready to threaten to take military measures against Cyprus.

The government of Cyprus, the Cypriot ambassador said, "has given ample proof of its desire to find a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, providing security and prosperity to both communities on the island."

He said the proposal of President Glafcos Clerides for achieving progress in reducing military tensions "aims at a comprehensive discussion for a package agreement on all fundamental aspects of the security situation in Cyprus, of both a short-term and a long-term nature."

Zackheos noted President Clerides's proposal for the total demilitarisation of Cyprus is still on the table and that its acceptance by Turkey "would pave the way towards a comprehensive and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem."

Referring to the landing of the Greek aircraft at Paphos, Zackheos said it took place "with the consent of the government of Cyprus and was in the framework of a scheduled routine exercise."

Regarding the Russian-made anti-missile system S-300, Zackheos refers to President Clerides's letter dated 18 June, where he notes that the Cyprus government "is committed to reconsidering the issue of non- importation of new weapons systems to Cyprus, provided that progress is made on a schedule which includes a number of measures and steps leading towards the eventual goal of demilitarisation."

CNA EC/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1640:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Stephanopoulos visits Kykkos Monastery

Describing his visit to Kykkos Monastery as a "religious and national pilgrimage", the Greek President stressed Greece will never desert Cyprus.

Deserting Cyprus would be like deserting Greece, he said and reaffirmed Greek Cypriots that the Greek people are always by their side.

"I cannot tell you when Cyprus will be liberated. I hope it will be soon," he said and pointed out:

"What I can tell you with certainty is that 'when' will never be 'never'."

Addressing the Greek President Kykkos' Abbot Nikiforos said Stephanopoulos visit to the island proves that Greece always stands by the side of Cyprus.

Stephanopoulos laid a wreath at the tomb of late President of the Republic Archbishop Makarios, at Throni.

On his way to Kykkos, he was greeted by people who expressed their gratitude for Greece's support to the Cyprus cause.

At Evrychou, the Greek President was addressed by the Mayor of the Turkish-occupied northern town of Morphou, Antigoni Papadopoulou, who stressed that his presence gives courage to refugees struggling for return to their homes.

Earlier today Stephanopoulos visited the Archaeological Museum, in Nicosia, escorted by Communications and Works Minister, Leontios Ierodiakonou.

CNA AA/MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cyprus signs environment Convention

The Convention lays the foundation for the active participation of citizens in efforts to protect the environment.

Addressing the meeting, Themistocleous said the Convention has all the potential to become a dynamic tool which will secure cooperation between the state and the people with the aim to protect the environment.

Earlier yesterday, Themistocleous signed two protocols which aim to reduce or fully stamp out toxic substances, harmful to humans and the environment.

He also signed the European strategy for the total elimination of lead in fuel.

Themistocleous returns to Cyprus later this afternoon.

CNA EC/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1715:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Andreas Christofides laid to rest

Christofides died on Monday at the age of 61. He had been suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Defying sweltering heat, politicians, journalists, literary and cultural personalities, relatives and friends packed St. John's Cathedral which proved too small to accommodate those who wanted to show their appreciation to the great teacher, politician, minister, writer and journalist.

The funeral service was officiated by Archbishop Chrysostomos, the primate of the Orthodox Church in Cyprus.

Hundreds of wreaths were laid on behalf of President Glafcos Clerides, the President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou, members of the Council of Ministers, the Government Spokesman, the board and staff of CNA, political party leaders, other officials and a lot of people.

The Greek government was represented by Foreign Under-Secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis, who laid wreaths on behalf of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and himself.

The director of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation, Costas Hadjistefanou, deeply moved said Cyprus "is bidding farewell to Andreas Christofides with sadness but with pride, because he has left a great legacy on how every Greek should present himself in his homeland."

He described his former student as a "bright teacher, a mystic of letters and a sharp-witted politician" who was a great student from early ages with a passion for reading.

"I doubt there was ever a Cypriot who has read so much and who has picked up the teachings of great Greek and foreign intellectuals," Hadjistefanou said.

He said Christofides's death is a great loss for the island which he had loved so much.

Laying a wreath, the House President, Spyros Kyprianou, who had appointed Christofides Government Spokesman and Education Minister during his presidency of the Republic, praised his former close associate for his achievements and work.

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

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

CNA KN/EC/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1730:CYPPRESS:07

[07] EU Commissioner on Cyprus' prospects

Speaking after a meeting this morning with President Glafcos Clerides, Papoutsis said the sooner Cyprus harmonises with Europe the faster it will become an EU member.

Earlier today, the Greek Commissioner on the island to attend an EU conference on energy, met with President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou, who pointed out that EU accession is the "only ray of hope in the horizon for Cyprus."

He noted there will be difficult times ahead, but expressed hope these can be overcome and help efforts for a settlement of the long-standing Cyprus question.

Papoutsis reassured the House President that the EU will continue its cooperation with Cyprus to facilitate and accelerate Cyprus' entry into the Union.

Later on Papoutsis told a press conference that Cyprus' European course is "granted, steady and on track."

Accession negotiations, he pointed out, should not be used under any circumstances as a pretext to finish off the intercommunal dialogue.

He also called on the Turkish Cypriot side to take up a proposal by President Glafcos Clerides to join the Republic's negotiating team with the EU.

CNA MM/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1945:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Stephanopoulos calls international community to take action

Addressing a special session of the House of Representatives, Stephanopoulos called upon the international community to look into the substance of the Cyprus problem and abandon never-ending discussions on its procedure.

"A peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem and the enforcement of legality is of primary importance to Greece," Stephanopoulos said.

He noted that if Ankara abandons its intransigent stance and contributes towards a Cyprus settlement "this will be an important step for confidence building between Greece and Turkey."

"This is the existing relation between the Cyprus problem and Greco- Turkish differences," he said, stressing that no Greek would ever accept a settlement of relations between the two states with the Cyprus problem unresolved.

It was in this context that the political decision for a joint defence pact between Cyprus and Greece was taken, Stephanopoulos added, pointing out that this aims at the protection of Cyprus.

The Greek President remarked that in the case of Cyprus, which is the victim of an invasion and occupation of a large part of its territory, the right to defence is imperative.

"To the rational of a peaceful dialogue we offer the proposal for demilitarisation, to insanity and aggression it is our duty to develop our defensive strength," he added.

Stephanopoulos made special reference to the great number of Turkish Cypriots emigrating from the northern Turkish-occupied part of the island due to harsh living conditions, noting that they are being replaced by Turkish settlers.

The Greek President also made a note of the deliberate destruction of the island's cultural heritage by the Turkish-occupation regime in an effort to erase Cyprus' Greek and Byzantine history.

Speaking on Cyprus' course for accession to the European Union, Stephanopoulos said this will create the conditions for continuing development and help overcome mistrust between the two communities.

"Cyprus' accession to the EU serves the common interests of both Greek and Turkish Cypriots and will secure the viability of a future Cyprus federation," the Greek President remarked.

Describing as "unacceptable" Turkey's demand to impose its position on the European states with regard to Cyprus' accession to the EU, Stephanopoulos said:

"Ankara should realise that Europe will not be humiliated and succumb to blackmail and that a Cyprus solution is a condition not only for settling its relations with Greece, but also for the future of its European prospects."

CNA MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2000:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Greece has no claims over Cyprus, says Kyprianou

Speaking at a special session of the House, which was also attended and addressed by Greek President, Constantinos Stephanopoulos, currently visiting the island, Kyprianou said:

"The Greek President has come here to assert that Greece stands by the side of Cyprus. Greece is our main support in our struggle for what is lawfully ours," he added.

He pointed out, however, that "Greece is not here to make any claims over Cyprus, but to defend the rights of Greek Cypriots and may I add Turkish Cypriots as well."

Kyprianou said that Turkey through its policy "encourages Turkish Cypriots to emigrate and trusts Turkish settlers more than Turkish Cypriots."

He repeated the wish of the Greek Cypriot side for cooperation with Turkish Cypriots in a united, free and demilitarised state, where the rights of both communities will be safeguarded.

The House President made special reference to recent statements by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, in Vienna, commenting on Stephanopoulos' visit and insisting that there should be two "states" in Cyprus.

Turkey's aim, Kyprianou remarked, has always been to Turkify a large part of the island, perhaps aiming at the expulsion of the Greek population altogether.

Kyprianou said federation has not been the objective but a compromise for Greek Cypriots, pointing out that "Turkey does not accept the kind of federation we have accepted as the final compromise."

"We must clearly state that we cannot accept the consolidation and legalisation of the division that exists in Cyprus for 24 years now," the House President stressed.

He reminded that both during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and during the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia the international community and especially the US intervened dynamically.

"In Cyprus there has been both an invasion and ethnic cleansing, but what has happened," Kyprianou wondered.

"I dare say that both the US and Britain have tried to make us move from compromise to compromise to meet the Turkish positions," he noted, adding that:

"The more we try to show goodwill the more intransigent and demanding Turkey becomes, due to its expansionist policy."

Kyprianou expressed Cyprus' gratitude for Greece's support, stressing the need for the survival of Hellenism in Cyprus.

Making special reference to the joint defence pact between Cyprus and Greece, Kyprianou said that Cyprus' choice is for a peaceful solution and not for a military adventure.

He called upon the US and Europe to make Turkey feel the need to abandon its expansionist policy.

Concluding, he thanked Greece for the assistance it offered to Cyprus' course of accession to the European Union, stressing that EU membership "is the only beam of light in the horizon."

Earlier today, the Greek President met with political party leaders, while later tonight he held a reception for President Glafcos Clerides at the residence of Greek Ambassador to Cyprus, Kyriakos Rodousakis.

CNA MCH/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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