Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-08-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] New Peruvian Ambassador - Credentials

[03] President Clerides - Holy See Apostolic Nuncio

[04] Cyprus - Israel - Tourism

[05] Cyprus - US - Israel - Moratorium

[06] Cyprus - Turkish military planes

[07] Limassol Bishop - Police

[08] House President - Russian envoy

[09] Britain - Cyprus - Missiles

1440:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          85.27 ( 1.19)

   Traded Value            CYP 875,562

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   453,403     100.67 ( 1.54)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP    11,768      59.14 ( 1.15)
   Insurance Companies     CYP    60,668      59.34 ( 1.18)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP     3,109      76.07 ( 0.04)
   Tourism Companies       CYP    62,702      70.49 ( 0.93)
   Trading Companies       CYP    43,877      41.08 ( 0.34)
   Other Companies         CYP    32,205      71.53 ( 0.31)

CNA MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1445:CYPPRESS:02

[02] New Peruvian Ambassador - Credentials

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Luis Solari Tudela pointed to the establishment in Peru "of an enterprising Hellenic colony, most of whose members came from the island of Cyprus".

"In this connection my aim is to see that the ties of friendship and cooperation which happily exist between our two countries are further strengthened through the Embassy in my charge," he remarked.

Tudela reaffirmed his country's permanent support to all efforts aimed at reaching a timely solution to the Cyprus problem "in the light of the resolutions adopted by the UN".

"Current negotiations for Cyprus' incorporation to the European Union in the near future are likewise being followed by Peru with interest and anticipation," he added.

Replying, President Clerides said he was convinced "sincere cooperation and excellent relations between our countries... will improve even further."

He also expressed appreciation to the government of Peru "for the constant support it has provided to Cyprus over the years in the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement".

President Clerides reaffirmed his government's commitment to a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem through a fruitful dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot side.

"We sincerely welcome all efforts and initiatives undertaken by the international community in order to achieve a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem," Clerides said.

He expressed however, disappointment for Turkish intransigence and reluctance to cooperate in a constructive manner towards this objective.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1450:CYPPRESS:03

[03] President Clerides - Holy See Apostolic Nuncio

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides today, the Archbishop said "we must be convinced that if mutual respect, goodwill and willingness to admit past mistakes and a firm commitment to peace prevail, a way forward will be found."

He also extended his warmest greetings to the Catholic community of Cyprus "which shares the pain of division and which faithfully contributes to the remarkable development of the country".

Archbishop Sambi underlined that "we all want the new millennium to be a millennium of peace".

In his reply, President Clerides referred to the "small but vibrant Catholic community" of Cyprus, and pointed out it practises its faith, together with other religious groups, "with total freedom."

"We are very proud of our fellow Cypriot Maronite and Catholic Christians, whose contribution towards the economic, social and cultural development of Cyprus has always been truly remarkable," he added.

The President said the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus "caused incredible suffering to all Cypriots, including the members of the Maronite community."

There are over 4.000 Catholic Maronites living in Cyprus, most of whom were forced to flee their homes and properties in the Turkish-occupied areas. Only some 150 Maronites have remained in the occupied areas.

"The devastating effects of the Turkish occupation and the deliberate destruction of the religious and cultural heritage in the occupied lands continue unabated, in line with the growing intransigence and lack of political will of the Turkish side in efforts to reach an agreed settlement, " he added.

President Clerides said "nevertheless we remain hopeful and committed to a peaceful solution to the problem of Cyprus and a peaceful reunification of our country, despite the failure of successive recent initiatives on the part of the international community to help resume the negotiating process".

The President reassured that his government will continue its efforts for a settlement here, within the UN framework and based on the international organisation's resolutions on Cyprus.

He expressed sincere appreciation for the Holy See's "consistent and principled stance" for the just cause of Cyprus and said "your support gives us strength".

Efforts to settle the Cyprus problem are at a deadlock because the Turkish Cypriot side said it will not negotiate unless the illegal regime in occupied Cyprus is recognised and the application to join the European Union is withdrawn.

CNA MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1645:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - Israel - Tourism

"In the first five months of this year Israeli tourists increased fourfold, in comparison to last year. We are expecting 80 to 90 thousand this year, whereas last year around 50 thousand Israelis visited Cyprus," Rolandis said after a meeting with Tzur.

The two men discussed business and technological cooperation between Cyprus and Israel.

Rolandis has accepted an invitation from the Israeli Prime Minister and the Trade Minister, to attend a business summit which will take place in Jerusalem, October 13-15.

On his part, the Cypriot Minister invited the Israeli Tourism Minister to visit the island in November.

"Cyprus has become an attraction to Israeli tourists," Tzur said, noting that his countrymen are calling the embassy to help them find rooms in coastal towns.

He said Israelis "are happy with Cypriot hospitality. The numbers are growing monthly and daily."

The Ambassador also said Rolandis will visit his country to advance cooperation in the high technology sector, after a favourable report prepared by a government delegation that had recently visited Israel.

Rolandis said Israeli business persons dealing in the high technology sector are interested in investing in Cyprus, together with Cypriot business persons, because of the Republic's relations with the European Union.

CNA AA/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cyprus - US - Israel - Moratorium

"Yes they spoke to Israel concerning that moratorium, but these kind of talks are held between governments and countries," Tzur said.

He pointed out that the US Pentagon spokesman had recently said the moratorium issue was discussed with many countries, including Israel.

"Israel will support any idea, any measure, any activity to calm down things here, to defuse tension and slowly bring it to a stage that you reach an agreement," the Israeli Ambassador said.

Tzur also reiterated that military cooperation between Israel and Turkey does not affect Cyprus.

"We did explain and gave assurances that nothing in this cooperation harms Cyprus, will be against Cyprus," Tzur said, adding that "Cypriots know that Israel is a friendly country. Israel won't do anything to harm Cyprus".

Asked if he believes Israel will be affected by the deployment of the Russian-made S300 surface-to-air missile system later this year, Tzur said "Israel is not threatened by the neighbouring friendly country of Cyprus. We have good relations."

However, he described the question as "hypothetical" and said "we don't know if they will come or not and Israel is not part of that".

Asked if the US is trying to involve his country in the S300 issue, the Israeli Ambassador replied: "Not that I know".

CNA AA/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1750:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Cyprus - Turkish military planes

In a letter to the UN Secretary General, dated July 27 and made known today, Cyprus' permanent mission to the UN underlines that the Turkish aircraft violated international air traffic rules as well as Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

It adds they also "undermine efforts towards achieving a final settlement" in Cyprus.

"They expose once more that country's systematic disregard of the norms of international law, the UN Charter and the relevant decisions of the organisation on the question of Cyprus," it concludes.

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus in 1974 and continue to occupy 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1900:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Limassol Bishop - Police

Two Cypriot policemen met the Bishop at his house in this southern coastal town, in the presence of a Scotland Yard police officer.

Bishop Chrysanthos read them a signed statement in which he says he never possessed the 3.7 million dollars, nor part of the money, and neither did he have access to it.

"I never tried to possess this money and I'm sorry that I cannot help you in any other way on this issue," his statement reads.

The Bishop supported this case was closed 14 months ago and there was no evidence to implicate him.

Scotland Yard is investigating this fraud case in which the cash is alleged to have ended up in a Nicosia-based offshore company.

Bishop Chrysanthos has already met the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos, to whom he gave explanations regarding his recent trip abroad, when furore over the alleged fraud case began.

CNA CS/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2010:CYPPRESS:08

[08] House President - Russian envoy

The two men exchanged views on the present situation in the Cyprus issue and the further handling of the problem.

Invited to comment on reports that Russia has let the US take the lead in the Cyprus peace effort, Tchizhov said that "if such a view prevails, I think it is somehow wrong".

He underlined that "Russia, as a UN Security Council permanent member, always plays an active role in the Cyprus issue, which is acknowledged by all."

The Russian diplomat reminded of initiatives taken by his government, the first outlining the basic principles of a Cyprus settlement and the second on ways to achieve the island's demilitarisation.

"These two documents are well known and have circulated as official Security Council documents," he added.

On his part, Kyprianou described the meeting as "very useful", pointing out it took place at "a critical period for the Cyprus issue and the island's future".

He said "Russia's interest for a proper solution is obvious" and expressed the view that "as time goes by it will play an even greater role in the international scene".

The House President underlined the need for regular and frequent meetings between Cyprus and Russia.

CNA RG/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2030:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Britain - Cyprus - Missiles

Britain reiterated its position invited to comment on reports in today's "Guardian" newspaper, that the Greek government is hoping to defuse the missile crisis by persuading Nicosia to cancel its order for the Russian anti-aircraft missiles and buy a shorter-range weapon.

Invited to comment on the dispatch from Athens in the newspaper, a British Foreign Office spokesman said:

"We are not interested in any compromise solution in the form of smaller range missiles. Britain is against the deployment of any missile system in Cyprus".

The Cyprus government ordered the Russian-made S300 last year, in a bid to boost its air defence in view of the heavily armed Turkish troops occupying the island's northern territory since they invaded in 1974.

CNA KT/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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