Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides - US ambassador

[02] SPORT: Commonwealth Games - Cyprus

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[04] Cyprus - Greece - Cultural Cooperation Agreement

[05] President Clerides - Kyprianou - Greek Ministers

[06] House President - British MPs

1430:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President Clerides - US ambassador

However, he stopped short from criticising a proposal by the Turkish side for the establishment of a confederation of two states in Cyprus, already rejected by the Greek Cypriot side.

Brill called on President Glafcos Clerides in view of the President's upcoming visit to New York for the UN General Assembly and in the light of his visit to South Africa, where he participated in the Non-Aligned Movement summit.

Asked what issues the US officials involved in the Cyprus problem are working on, the ambassador said they are "trying to get the parties back on the negotiations... on the basis we all understand."

He clarified this is "the UN Security Council resolutions, bizonal, bicommunal federation."

To a question if he rejects a proposal by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for a confederation, the US ambassador replied "we study this proposal, we look for ways to open doors, not ways to slam doors."

"I think it is important that we have political proposals not military proposals, it is important to get the focus on the Cyprus issue at political issues, on the core issues and not at things that distract, so that to the extent that people on either side making those kinds of proposals that is useful," he added.

Brill refrained from characterising any side's proposal, noting "we are trying to promote a serious political and diplomatic process."

He also said he expects President Clerides will have some meetings next week when he will be in New York for the UN General Assembly but they have not yet been arranged.

Brill also confirmed that Richard Holbrooke is still the US Presidential Emissary for Cyprus.

CNA MM/MA/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1435:CYPPRESS:02

[02] SPORT: Commonwealth Games - Cyprus

Costas Stratis and Antonis Nicolaides won their gold medals when they scored 188, beating England's Drew Harvey and Andrew Austin by one point.

It is the third gold medal in Cyprus' history in the Commonwealth Games.

CNA EC/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1600:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          87.87 ( 0.13)

   Traded Value            CYP 1,346,126

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   555,953     103.21 (-0.05)
   Approved Investment
  Companies               CYP    39,188      58.56 ( 0.83)
   Insurance Companies     CYP    88,333      59.82 ( 1.86)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP   248,416      83.63 ( 0.24)
   Tourism Companies       CYP    98,916      71.35 (-1.14)
   Trading Companies       CYP    69,255      41.41 ( 1.40)
   Other Companies         CYP    92,555      76.24 (-0.37)

CNA MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1610:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - Greece - Cultural Cooperation Agreement

The agreement provides for upgraded Greek participation in the annual Cyprus festival "Ta Kypria", now underway, the furthering of cooperation in theatre, music, cinema and archaeology, as well as exchanges and cooperation in the international art and music fields.

It also provides for Cyprus' participation in the Cultural Olympiad to take place in Greece from the year 2000 to 2004.

"As we believe closer cultural cooperation is our national duty, the two ministries have developed close ties aiming at safeguarding the historical identity of the Greek nation," Kappas told a press conference.

He added that meetings between delegations of the two ministries will be held every six months and there will be a constant exchange of information and views.

Venizelos underlined the importance of cultural cooperation between the two countries and pointed out that never before had it been set out in such a formal way as in the agreement signed today.

He said the agreement had a "practical basis". Replying to questions, Venizelos expressed disappointment with the European Union's stance towards the destruction of the cultural heritage in the areas of the Republic occupied by Turkey since 1974.

He said the EU should show more sensitivity as it believes in the common European cultural heritage and noted that UNESCO and the Council of Europe show more interest in the situation.

It is estimated that over 500 churches in the Turkish occupied areas have been looted, destructed or used for other purposes, while archaeological sites are not given the necessary attention for their protection.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1710:CYPPRESS:05

[05] President Clerides - Kyprianou - Greek Ministers

Speaking after the meeting with the President, Venizelos called on the international community "to realise that the problem in Cyprus is a problem of security and not a problem of military threat."

His statement was an indirect reference to the Cyprus government decision to purchase Russian-made surface-to-air missiles, which prompted strong disagreement from foreign government's.

The Greek Minister also stressed that "the basis for a settlement should be the establishment of a federation, according to UN Security Council and General Assembly decisions."

Last month Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash proposed the establishment of a confederation of two states in Cyprus, rejected by the government of Cyprus and most UN Security Council permanent members.

House President Spyros Kyprianou told reporters after his meeting with the Greek officials that for the time being there are no positive prospects for a Cyprus settlement.

The two Greek ministers will be returning to Athens later today.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1740:CYPPRESS:06

[06] House President - British MPs

Kyprianou said MPs Sir Peter Emery, Ernie Ross and Eric Illsley posed a number of questions with emphasis on how the government of Cyprus is planning on tackling Turkish Cypriot participation in accession talks with the EU.

He reminded that the Turkish Cypriot side has rejected a proposal from President Glafcos Clerides to nominate representatives in the official team carrying out the negotiations since March of this year.

Kyprianou pointed out that EU countries had described the President's proposal as "generous".

"I told them that the Greek Cypriot side is working towards unification whereas the Turkish Cypriot side towards the division of the island," he added.

Head of the British delegation, Sir Emery, told reporters that they are here to investigate and record the two sides' views on Cyprus' accession course.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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