Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-07-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Escapees return - three still at large

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[04] Israel - S300 - Denial

[05] Mouradov - S-300s

[06] Government - Solana

[07] Conservative MPs write to Blair

[09] Cyprus - Turkey - CISM games

[10] Cyprus hosts UEFA Under-18 Championship

1430:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          84.61 (-0.25)

   Traded Value            CYP     845,026

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   324,332      99.31 (-0.12)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP    80,354      58.93 ( 0.19)
   Insurance Companies     CYP    58,016      59.04 (-0.52)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP    19,305      77.70 ( 0.00)
   Tourism Companies       CYP   122,318      71.36 ( 1.74)
   Trading Companies       CYP    21,137      40.22 (-6.75)
   Other Companies         CYP    41,423      71.21 (-0.17)

CNA AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1445:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Escapees return - three still at large

Police told CNA Friday that three of the escapees, who are of Kurdish origin, returned to the hotel yesterday afternoon. They were later questioned at the Limassol central police station.

The rest three Iraqis, the two had escaped Tuesday and the other earlier, are still at large.

The three, who returned are Dihia Abdul Latif, 31, Ali El Kirsani, 29, and Soyhaib Saleh, 25, all from Baghdad.

Around 20 policemen have been assigned to guard the 113 Arab and African immigrants rescued June 29 from the drifting "Rita Allah" Syrian- flagged boat, until the government concludes its investigations on their true identities before issuing new travel documents.

The immigrants are nationals from Iraq, Rwanda, Sudan, Syria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, Libya, Liberia, Egypt, Zaire, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia and India.

They had paid as much as 5.000 dollars each to the Syrian captain of "Rita Allah" to take them either to Greece or Italy.

Their boat was located in international waters by a Russian vessel, which having informed the Cypriot authorities, towed the boat to the port of Limassol.

She had developed engine problems while sailing from the northern Lebanese port of Tripoli to Libya.

CNA RM/AP/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1450:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

According to the CSE "Monthly Digest June 1998", June's volume of transactions fell to 22,2 million Cyprus pounds from 36,5 million pounds the previous month, a decrease of 39 per cent (one Cyprus pound is equal to 1,9 US dollars).

As a result, the average daily volume fell to 1,0 million pounds from 1, 8 million in May, a decrease of 42 per cent.

Metaxas said the decrease in the volume of transactions in June, and in summer in general, is a mere seasonal and regular phenomenon with no economic significance.

"What is important", he explained, "is the fact that the volume in June this year is 33 per cent higher than the volume in the same month last year", adding that in June 1997 the volume of transactions was only 16,7 million pounds.

Cyprus, with a per capita income of 12,7 million dollars in 1997, started accession negotiations with the European Union in March 1998.

CNA GG/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Israel - S300 - Denial

"The Israeli Army spokesman categorically denies the Turkish publications related to the Israeli Airforce Commander, in which they claim that he said Israel would consider attacking Cypriot missiles," a statement issued yesterday says.

It adds that "the army spokesman and the Airforce Commander, Major General Eitan Ben Eliahu, clarify that in the general interview with the Turkish television he (Eliahu) said clearly that neither the Airforce nor Israel have any involvement in the matter of missiles placement in Cyprus."

The Cyprus government ordered Russian-made S300 surface-to-air missiles in January 1997, in a bid to boost its air defence, in case of a new Turkish offensive. A 35.000-strong Turkish force has been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974.

The decision has prompted strong reaction from Ankara, who has threatened to retaliate.

In an interview with Turkish television station ATV, probably misquoted by the Turkish press, the Israeli Airforce Commander underlined his country's "very good relations" with Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.

Asked whether Israel would support Turkey if Cyprus goes ahead with the deployment of the S300s, Eliahu replied "no, no, no, not at all. We are not involved in this conflict".

He said Israel does not see the S300s "as a danger, because we have no conflict with Cyprus or with Greece and of course not with Turkey".

He echoed statements made by Israeli ambassador in Ankara Uri Bar-ner, to Anatolia news agency, on July 16, who said: "Israel does not interfere in Turkey's relation with the Arab countries. Turkey is now trying to draw Israel into the Cyprus issue. All these are separate issues."

"We do not intend to be involved in the Cyprus issue. We maintain good relations with Turkey as well as with Russia and Cyprus," Bar-ner added.

Invited by Anatolia to comment on reports that Israel is disturbed by the S300 radar, the Israeli ambassador replied "do excuse me for the comparison but no one can impregnate us".

"We are not afraid of the S300 radar. US technology on the issue is at the highest level and we have that technology," he added.

Noting that neither Russia nor Cyprus are Israel's enemy, Bar-ner said "we however are not happy about the arms sales in the region".

From the Israeli ambassador's general comments, it is understood his last reference does not imply Cyprus' purchase of the S300s, political analysts suggested.

CNA MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1600:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Mouradov - S-300s

He also assured Russia will not yield to pressure and will honour its obligations, deriving from the contract signed January 1997 with the Cyprus government, for the sale of the S-300s.

Mouradov was speaking to the press after a brief meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

Assuring that "everything will be alright," the Russian ambassador said it is of no use "to make a fuss" on the S-300s issue since "this is what all those opposing the contract want."

Russia believes that "no one should create, especially in an artificial manner, a climate of tension," he said.

Mouradov reiterated that the arms deal between Russia and Cyprus is an agreement between two independent and sovereign countries.

Commenting on a US Defence Department statement that the US have proposed a "voluntary moratorium on military air flights" in Cyprus, the Russian diplomat pointed out that with the deployment of the S-300s the Cyprus Republic could, on its own, guarantee the ban of overflights.

Asked whether Russia, due to its economic problems, will yield to pressure and cancel the sale of the defensive missiles, he said President Boris Yeltsin was very clear when he pledged he would not yield to pressure and would honour the contract.

Mouradov also clarified that negotiations between Russia and the International Monetary Fund are in no way related with the S-300s issue.

Commenting on statements by US officials and the NATO Secretary-General that at this point there are several ideas aiming to reducing tension on the island, he said Russia had always supported a coordinated effort and cooperation on Cyprus.

Asked whether US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller, had exerted any pressure on the issue, during his recent Moscow meeting with Russian envoy on Cyprus, Vladimir Tchizov, he said that even if this issue was raised the answer would have been Russia's crystal clear political position.

CNA KN/AP/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Government - Solana

"The most productive way to achieve this is through President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for dimilitarisation," Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said.

He added that "we agree with Mr. Solana that ways to reduce tension and armaments have to be found."

Speaking in Washington, Solana said that NATO is prepared to monitor, if necessary, a no-fly zone over Cyprus and expressed disagreement with the Cyprus government's decision to purchase the Russian-made S-300 surface-to- air missile system.

The government ordered the S-300s in January 1997, in a bid to bolster its defences against the 35.000-strong Turkish troops stationed here since 1974, when Turkey invaded the island and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

The spokesman said Solana's statement about the no-fly zone proves that there is international interest and discussion over this proposal, put forward by Greece.

Refraining from disclosing any details about the discussion on this issue, Stylianides said "these are steps that could lead to demilitarisation and could be discussed."

Asked if there is prospect for progress on the creation of a no-fly zone over Cyprus, the spokesman said "the facts we have before us cannot be considered as absolutely optimistic."

"However, we believe that there is yet time and scope to begin substantial talks and take steps towards dimilitarisation, so that any armaments in Cyprus would be unnecessary," Stylianides added.

According to the spokesman, tension and armaments in Cyprus as well as efforts to resume peace talks for a settlement will be discussed in Nicosia later this month by US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller.

Talks to solve the Cyprus question reached a stalemate, after the Turkish Cypriot side said it would not participate in negotiations unless the illegal regime unilaterally declared in the Turkish-occupied areas in November 1983 is recognised.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has also said he will not return to the negotiating table unless Cyprus withdraws its application for European Union membership.

CNA EC/MA/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1645:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Conservative MPs write to Blair

In a letter to Blair, sent July 15, Sir Sydney Chapman, Nicholas Hawkins and David Amess, stress that they "feel strongly that the close link between Cyprus and Britain means that we should do everything within our influence to bring about a peaceful, just and lasting solution in Cyprus".

The three MPs point out that the 20th of July, anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus' territory, is "a sad time for Cypriots in both communities", because "many Cypriots lost their homes, their loved ones and their livelihood".

They also stress that "many more do not know for certain what happened to their families, whilst others are trapped and isolated living in enclaved communities in the occupied areas".

Furthermore, they ask Blair for his "renewed efforts to support all those who want to be positive and make progress towards a settlement".

They also point out that it is Cypriot President, Glafcos Clerides, and his Government "who are being positive, whilst the Turkish Cypriot leadership still refuses to make the commitment for peace".

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is refusing to return to the negotiating table unless his illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas is recognised and Cyprus withdraws its application to join the European Union (EU).

EU negotiations with Cyprus opened in March. "The EU negotiations, together with UN and United States activity, give us in Britain, as co-guarantees, another chance to take a lead in restoring a truly united Cyprus," the Conservative MPs say in their letter.

Britain, along with Greece and Turkey, had guaranteed the Republic's sovereignty and independence, when it granted Cyprus freedom from colonial rule in 1960.

CNA RG/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1920:CYPPRESS:09

[08] Cyprus - Turkey - CISM games

President of the Cyprus Federation of the World Military Games (CISM), Nicos Serdaris, told CNA today they protested to the Turkish organising committee because they "did not fly the Cyprus Republic's flag in the stadium and other areas where the games are being held."

Serdaris, Assistant Police Chief, along with Limassol Superintendent Miltiades Neocleous, were heading the Cypriot delegation to the games, held July 13-22.

They have protested the organisers' attitude as an "unacceptable discrimination", to both the CISM Belgian President and the Turkish president of the organising committee.

The Cypriot delegation also protested the fact that the organisers did not include Cyprus in the catalogue of participating countries and for attempting to present it as the "Greek representatives of South Cyprus".

It demanded that CISM's rules are observed and the Cypriot team was given equal treatment with all other countries participating.

After the Cyprus teams demands were not met the delegation walked out on the Ankara games in protest.

Serdaris told CNA that further measures of protest are pending before CISM and that "Cyprus' written protest will also be put before the CISM plenary."

He noted that the organising committee had never replied to the Cypriot delegation's protests.

"On the contrary, they had asked us not to deal with such issues, saying these are for the politicians to discuss," he said.

Dismissing this view, Serdaris reminded a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem, after his country was drawn to play against the national military football team of Cyprus.

The Turkish politician had said that their players would not use the Larnaca International Airport, but the illegal airport at Tymbou, in the Turkish-occupied areas.

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.

Both Ankara and the regime in the Turkish-occupied areas have stepped up their efforts for recognition of the illegal "state", unilaterally declared in November 1983, which is recognised only by Turkey.

CNA AP/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:10

[09] Cyprus hosts UEFA Under-18 Championship

Lefkaritis was speaking at a press conference on the arrival of UEFA officials and foreign journalists covering the final stage of the UEFA Under-18 Championship, organised by CFA between July 19 and 26.

CFA chief said "this is the second most important event that UEFA has entrusted to CFA after 1992, when Cyprus had organised the Under-16 Championship."

He noted that "the final stage of any European Championship is a great event in itself and is of greater importance when these are games for young talents, the foundation of football's future".

"The challenge of organising the final stage of the 1998 European Under- 18 Championship in Cyprus, by UEFA, honours us and at the same time lays on us great responsibilities," Lefkaritis said.

"We are certain, though, that hospitable Cyprus will respond with absolute success to the responsibilities entrusted to it by UEFA, as it has happened in 1992 when we hosted the Under-16 finals," CFA President added.

On his part, UEFA President, Lennart Johansson, invited to attend the event, said "it is largely thanks to Lefkaritis drive and initiative that we now return and I know that he and everybody else at the CFA are doing their utmost to guarantee a memorable event."

"With the World Cup fresh in all our minds, these youngsters have an opportunity to prove that they have the right qualities to perform on the international stage. It has taken quality to get here," UEFA President added.

Praising the hosts, Chairman of the UEFA Youth Committee, Des Casey, said "the excellent organisational capacity of the CFA is proven, as Cyprus staged the European Under-16 Championship, in 1992."

"That tournament was professionally organised and as much as we are delighted to return here, I have no hesitation in predicting that this competition will prove to be a similar success," he noted.

In this important soccer event eight countries divided in two groups will participate.

Cyprus, England, Ireland and Croatia form group A, while group B is made up of Germany, Spain, Portugal and Lithuania.

The first two teams in both groups will qualify for the semi-finals while the first six will qualify for the Under-18 World Cup, to be hosted in Nigeria between April 3-24, 1999.

The first matches will be played on Sunday July 19, with the final being on July 26.

The matches will be refereed by international referees whose countries are not participating in the tournament and four Cypriot international assistant referees.

Representatives of the Disciplinary Committee will also be present as well as members of the UEFA Refereeing Committee.

CNA MAN/DP/AP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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