Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-09-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Rally - Italian winner

[02] Germany - Turkish proposal

[03] Kyrenia Cardiovascular Centre

[04] Labour fringe meeting - Cyprus

[05] Archbishop - Bulgaria

[06] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[07] South Australian Labour leader - Cyprus - UK - Turkey

0850:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Rally - Italian winner

Early leader, Angelos Zivas from Greece, retired on Leg 2 after stage 6, and Cyprus champion Andreas Tsouloftas took over the lead, but he stopped in stage 7. The short first Leg was eventful for the Italian: he limped home 18th on Friday night, after an altercation with a telegraph pole, but set out on Saturday morning determined to make up the time lost, and clocked fastest on every stage to finish the day first overall, ahead of Cypriot Andreas Peratikos, who was leading the Group N category.

Emil Triner of the Czech Republic had a steady drive in the Skoda Octavia Kit Car, and despite problems with the gearbox finished the day still in third, and at the front of the Formula 2 category.

The top three crews started the final Leg with their objectives achieved. Navarra could scent victory and the climb to the top of the European Championship, Peratikos had Group N and top Cypriot placing in the bag and Triner looked set for Formula 2 honours and top ranking in the European two-wheel-drive league: all they had to do was get round the remaining stages safety. Navarra said he would "take it easy" and Peratikos wasn't going to risk disaster for the sake of a higher overall placing.

Triner was just six seconds behind Peratikos and knew he could overhaul the Group N driver with little trouble. He did so within the first three stages, and by the time the cars reached the Limassol regroup Peratikos conceded that he was happy with third.

The crews headed back to the finish over the final three stages without taking any chances, and Navarra triumphantly mounted the winner's podium in Eleftheria Square on Sunday night, the European Championship now well within his grasp.

CNA GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

0910:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Germany - Turkish proposal

New York, Sep 28 (CNA) -- German special envoy for Cyprus, Graf Zu Rantzau refrained from commenting on a proposal by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for a "confederation of two states" in Cyprus.

However, he expressed the view that it is an indication the Turkish Cypriot leader is prepared to talk.

"I don't think that there is a need for me to comment on such proposals. I think that it is for both sides to discuss among themselves", Rantzau said after a working breakfast on Sunday with President Glafcos Clerides in New York, which he described as "very interesting" and "informative".

Referring to the stalemate in the Cyprus question, the German envoy said as a diplomat he had learned "there is never a standstill in life as in politics".

"So even if it appears that at the time nothing is moving I am sure that a solution will be found," he added.

Asked whether Denktash's proposal for a confederation could help in that endeavour or if he considered it an obstacle, Rantzau replied he did not think there was any need for him "to comment on such proposals."

Pointing out that "it is for both sides to discuss among themselves," the German envoy expressed the view that "the fact in itself that Denktash has made a proposal is a change, at least so far, in particular since last year at Troutbeck when he had chosen not to say anything".

"This is the first time he spoke out again, which we interpret as an indication that he is ethically and principally ready to talk and that is better than not talking," he remarked.

After two rounds of direct negotiations held in the summer of 1997, Denktash refused to negotiate further unless the European Union decided to change its position on opening accession talks with Cyprus.

Talks for accession to the EU officially began last March. Rantzau refrained from replying to a comment that Denktash's proposal is completely outside the framework of UN resolutions on Cyprus.

"I do not think it is for me to comment on the contents of the Denktash proposal except that as I said before it is an indication of his readiness to discuss things," he repeated.

Asked if he believes the specific proposal should be discussed, the German envoy replied, "our position is that whatever the two sides can agree on to discuss we shall support them".

Replying to a question on the prospects of taking over as EU envoy for Cyprus, when Germany assumes the presidency, he said it is "a bit early to talk about that but there is a good chance that I will be asked to take over".

The German envoy also said there was a chance he would be meeting Denktash next week when the Turkish Cypriot leader will be in New York.

CNA MA/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1100:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Kyrenia Cardiovascular Centre

New York, Sep 28 (CNA) -- The name "Kyrenia" given to the cardiovascular centre of the New York Hospital Medical Centre of Queens, after the Turkish-occupied town on the northern coast of Cyprus, symbolises hope, speakers at an event held on the occasion of President Clerides' visit to the centre, said.

Kyrenia is the birthplace of Cypriot American, Philip Christopher, President of the Co-ordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus, a member of the Centre's board of trustees, who has pledged to raise five million US dollars for its needs.

Speaking at the Centre, President Glafcos Clerides underlined that despite its 25-year long occupation by Turkish troops, Kyrenia was still alive in the hearts of the people of Cyprus.

He referred to the Greek Cypriots missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island as well as the fact that in recent years an estimated 9.000 Turkish Cypriots have left the Turkish-occupied areas seeking political asylum in Britain.

"This is a real tragedy in such a small country," President Clerides stressed and pointing to UN resolutions on Cyprus he remarked the international community was not doing much for their implementation.

He reiterated his willingness to sit at the negotiating table for a Cyprus settlement and expressed the hope the Turkish side would respond.

Referring to the conclusion of his week-long meetings in New York, the President said everyone saw "the necessity for a solution in Cyprus, but they must go ahead and press Turkey".

During his visit, President Glafcos announced a personal contribution of 2.000 US dollars to the Centre and expressed the hope its staff will offer Cyprus its advice in view of the fact that the new Nicosia General Hospital will be built.

Welcoming the President, the Centre's Medical Director William Tenet said that "as the ancient ship Kyrenia, we are together on a voyage".

President Clerides' voyage he said, is to settle the Cyprus problem and the Centre's to battle the ills of cardiovascular disease the number one killer in the US.

"For both, Kyrenia represents hope and peace," he noted. Tenet told President Clerides the Centre would be happy to help Cyprus with its expertise so that the same quality of health care it offers could be available to the island.

On his part, Christopher underlined the importance of the name given to the Centre, as it symbolises, hope, freedom, justice and health care.

He reminded of the promise to raise five million US dollars for the Centre and called on the Presidents of Cyprus and Greece, associations present, as well as business persons, to help.

He added this is a big undertaking that needs the help of the whole community and thanked President Clerides for his visit, despite his heavy schedule in new York.

The Kyrenia Cardiovascular Centre is supported by 30 board certified cardiologists and is considered and is considered one of the leading centres in the US.

It responds to rapid changes in health care and medical research, giving emphasis to comprehensive patient care and research to improve and economise it.

CNA MA/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1130:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Labour fringe meeting - Cyprus

London, Sep 28 (CNA) -- The view that the key to a Cyprus settlement lies through the pressure the European Union can exert on Turkey, was expressed by British Secretary of State for Heritage, Media and Sport, Chris Smith.

Speaking at a fringe meeting yesterday, on the occasion of the Labour Party Conference which was due to start today in Blackpool, Smith said he believed "the key to resolving at long last the Cyprus question, restoring a united island of Cyprus does lie through the EU and the pressure the EU can bring to bear on Turkey".

Smith said he had long formed the view that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash "is almost certainly unmovable in his determination to preserve the status quo", on the island.

"Every attempt that has been made for some progress has been rebuffed," he remarked, pointing out that "the only way we are eventually to get progress is through shifting Turkey and Turkey deciding to exert pressure that Mr Denktash cannot ignore. This has to be the way forward," he remarked.

The British Secretary expressed the view that "the sooner we have a united free island of Cyprus the better," and pledged to "keep on making sure that my cabinet colleagues hear the message constantly and we will try to make sure to do what we can as a government and as a member of the EU to bring about the desired outcome".

Also speaking at the meeting, which was chaired by Minister of Transport, Alan Meale, Euro-MP Pauline Green, expressed the "absolute certainty" that Cyprus will join the EU.

On his part, Labour MP, Tom Cox, who attended the recent session of the Council of Europe Assembly where Titina Loizides' case came up, stressed "Turkey will have either to accept the decision of the (European) Court or to leave the Council. Any attempt by Turkey for a compromise on the judgement or for a delay will not be accepted," he added.

The European Court of Human Rights ordered Turkey last July to pay Loizides, a Greek Cypriot from the Turkish-occupied town of Kyrenia pecuniary damages of some 600.000 US dollars.

Cyprus' High Commissioner, Michalis Attalides and the President of the Cypriot Brotherhood of Britain, Haris Sophoclides, also spoke at the Labour Party meeting.

CNA KT/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1200:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Archbishop - Bulgaria

Chrysostomos will be visiting the country at the invitation of the Patriarch of Bulgaria Maximos and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

He will return to Cyprus next Monday.

CNA MAN/MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1445:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          86.27 (-0.50)

   Traded Value            CYP 1,445,909

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP    427,640    101.09 (-1.15)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP    72,911      59.22 ( 0.54)
   Insurance Companies     CYP    81,020      58.60 ( 0.62)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP    60,533      81.13 (-0.15)
   Tourism Companies       CYP    42,233      70.62 ( 1.55)
   Trading Companies       CYP    61,232      40.81 ( 2.28)
   Other Companies         CYP   135,144      76.99 ( 0.52)

CNA EC/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1450:CYPPRESS:07

[07] South Australian Labour leader - Cyprus - UK - Turkey

Responding to Rann's letter, the British government expressed its support to "a just and workable settlement, on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi- communal federation".

According to a statement released by Rann's office, the South Australian Labour leader has written to the Australian, British and South African governments proposing that "the issue of Cyprus be placed on the agenda of next year's Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (GHOGM) in South Africa".

"We need to secure agreement to have the Cyprus problem designated as the keynote issue for discussion at next year's meeting", Rann said.

The Australian politician also called for an Eminent Persons' Commission on Cyprus, comprised of former Commonwealth leaders, a body which "was highly successful in achieving a breakthrough in ending apartheid in South Africa", the statement added.

Referring to the Commonwealth role on Cyprus, he noted "Cyprus is a fellow Commonwealth nation. After nearly 25 years of illegal occupation it is time for the Commonwealth to lead on Cyprus rather than simply follow the US and UN".

Replying to Rann's letter, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the agenda for next year's CHOGM will first be discussed at the senior officials' meeting in November in Belize, Central America.

Referring to Cyprus, the Foreign Office said "progress towards solving Cyprus' problems remains an important priority for the UK".

"That is why we are committed to using the UK's unique position - as a Guarantor Power, a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council and as a member of the European Union - to do all we can to assist the people of Cyprus to achieve a just settlement", the Foreign Office noted.

It reiterated that at the 1997 CHOGM in Edinburgh, the Heads of Government "called for a cooperative attitude from all sides for the achievement of a comprehensive, just and workable settlement on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation".

"The UK is working hard in support of the UN Secretary-General's efforts within that framework, which is accepted by all parties as the best way to achieve a solution", the Foreign Office pointed out.

According to a second press release by Rann's office, the South Australian Labour leader "has refused to meet the Turkish Ambassador to Australia during a proposed visit to Adelaide".

Rann warned that he would not meet with the Ambassador "until the government of Turkey recognises basic concepts of international law and human rights in respect of Cyprus", the statement said.

Meanwhile, Cyprus' High Commissioner to Australia Andreas Georgiades presented Rann with the "Alki" award in recognition of his years of active support for justice for Cyprus.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Rann noted that "the Turkish government continues to sabotage every meaningful attempt by the UN an the US to achieve a breakthrough over Cyprus".

"The attacks made on me by the Turkish government, the Denktash regime and its supporters in Australia will only encourage me to do more for the cause of a free and united Cyprus", he pointed out.

Rann, however, made it clear that he had "never criticised Turkish Australians or their contribution" to multicultural Australia.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

CNA GG/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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