Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-10-13

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clerides - Vassiliou

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Greek Cypriot apprehended by Turks

[04] Cyprus - Slovakia - Air agreement

[05] Holy Synod - Bishop of Limassol Chrysanthos

[06] Cyprus - Mining

[07] Government - British Bases - Illegal immigrants

1500:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clerides - Vassiliou

Speaking after a meeting today with President Clerides, Vassiliou said he is leaving for Israel this evening where he will be one of the key-note speakers of a business conference organised there.

The business meeting will discuss regional cooperation and the importance of economic cooperation as a means of strengthening peace.

Replying to questions of the press, Vassiliou said Cyprus wishes for the assistance of all countries, in its efforts for a solution to its political problem, stressing the importance of Israel both as "a neighbouring country and having in mind the strong Jewish lobby in the US".

Referring to the military agreement between Israel and Turkey, he said it was understandable "Israel had its own reasons for the agreement", but pointed out that Cyprus was also concerned of Turkish military strengthening against the Cyprus Republic.

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

Vassiliou will return to Cyprus Thursday.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          85.54 (-0.16)

   Traded Value            CYP 961,147

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   461,588      99.92 (-0.13)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP    57,216      58.26 (-0.70)
   Insurance Companies     CYP   108,016      57.62 (-0.16)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP    72,982      82.97 ( 0.24)
   Tourism Companies       CYP    50,714      68.93 (-0.56)
   Trading Companies       CYP    26,624      38.45 (-1.23)
   Other Companies         CYP    84,257      79.21 (-0.05)

CNA MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1550:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Greek Cypriot apprehended by Turks

The UN informed the Police today that Kyriakos Sotiriou, 32, from the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta and now a Larnaca resident, was apprehended last Saturday when he entered the occupied areas with his car, through Dhekelia in the British Sovereign Base Areas, according to a police announcement issued Tuesday.

Sotiriou is illegally detained by Turks in Famagusta, in the eastern coast.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

The illegal regime unilaterally declared in 1983 in the occupied areas is recognised only by Ankara.

Britain retains two military bases on the island since it granted Cyprus its freedom from colonial rule in 1960.

CNA EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1640:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - Slovakia - Air agreement

The agreement was signed by Cyprus Communications and Works Minister Leontios Ierodiakonou and Minister of Transport, Posts and Telecommunications of Slovakia, Jan Jasovsky.

It provides for the air companies set out by each country to carry out regular scheduled flights between Cyprus and Slovakia with full commercial rights to transport passengers, cargo and post.

Ierodiakonou said the agreement will contribute to the further development of the air transport field and relations between the two countries in the field of tourism, economy and trade.

On his part, Jasovsky said the agreement strengthens cooperation between the two countries.

He also extended an invitation to Ierodiakonou to visit Slovakia.

CNA EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1720:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Holy Synod - Bishop of Limassol Chrysanthos

The decision was reached after a five hour crucial session of the Holy Synod which examined a report by a special investigative committee regarding the allegations against Chrysanthos.

The Holy Synod will convene again for a final decision on the issue at the end of the inquiry.

Sources said the decision of the Holy Synod was based on article 25 of the Church's charter which defines procedure in such cases, that may even lead to dethronement.

According to the article, the Holy Synod appoints three members which carry out an inquiry in an event of a misdemeanour by a high ranking clergyman.

If evidence is produced, the three bishops forward the accused for trial before a church court which is made up of at least 13 high ranking clergymen. The court decision, according to article 25, is final.

The inquiry decided today will be led by bishop of Kition (Larnaca) Chrysostomos, along with the bishops of Morfou, Neofytos, and Kyrenia, Pavlos.

Invited to comment on the decision, Bishop Chrysanthos described it as "very good", noting it will be a continuation of the investigation.

Both his financial advisor and lawyer said they were satisfied with today's decision.

The Bishop's lawyer, Yiannis Kyriakides, described the decision as "wise, and based on the interpretation of justice and righteousness."

He said the decision is a "way of doubting the conclusions" of the investigative committee.

In this way, Kyriakides said, Chrysanthos will be given the opportunity to present his views.

His financial adviser, Alkis Mavronikis, claimed the report of the investigative committee contains many "uncertainties" and was not based on any facts.

The Bishop is accused of involvement in a 3,7 million dollar alleged fraud case.

He has also been accused of having a 1,25 million personal bank account in Iraqi dinars, of being involved in the transfer of 1,7 million dinars, of withholding charity money and other charges.

CNA AA/EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1915:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Cyprus - Mining

The announcement was made today by Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Costas Themistocleous, after a visit at Skouriotissa, the only copper mine still operating on the island.

Themistocleous said the Council of Ministers decided to review and liberalise the existing mining policy which provided that companies be 51 per cent Cypriot owned.

He said this will apply to companies mining copper, other sulphurous metals and gypsum.

"The government wants to encourage the re-activation of the mining industry", Themistocleous said, stressing that the "new framework will act as an impetus for investment."

Referring to Skouriotissa, Themistocleous said depleted deposits could still be utilised through advances in technology, stressing that it is "unique" in Europe.

CNA EC/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2005:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Government - British Bases - Illegal immigrants

Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, told reporters Tuesday that the government and the authorities of the British Bases are negotiating "for a more proper cooperation with an aim to send abroad the illegal immigrants".

The illegal immigrants for Middle Eastern countries, including 10 women, 19 children and five infants, had boarded a boat in Lebanon and claim they paid 2.000 US dollars each to be transported to Italy.

They were found off the British Base of Akrotiri, in the western coast of Cyprus, one of the two bases retained by Britain since it granted Cyprus independence from colonial rule in 1960.

Asked if the British Bases no longer consider their areas as "sovereign" and thus want the Cyprus government to take over the care of the 75 illegal immigrants, Kasoulides said this question should be addressed to the Bases authorities.

The fate of the 75 illegal immigrants was discussed today at a meeting between Kasoulides, Attorney General Alecos Markides and British High Commissioner in Nicosia David Madden.

Markides said "friendly consultations" between the two parties are continuing but no decision has yet been taken.

CNA EC/MA/GG/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article