Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-11-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Speaker - Official visit

[02] Danish official - Visit

[03] Spokesman - EU

[04] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[05] Cook - LGR - Interview

[06] Spokesman - Koshis - Anastasiades - Espionage

[07] CEPT Meeting - Cyprus

[08] Conference on Accession to the EU - Cyprus

[09] Clerides - London - Cyprus

[10] Cyprus - France - Agreement - Road transport

[11] Kyprianou - EU - Vilnius

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[01] Greek Speaker - Official visit

He will hold a series of meetings before his departure on Monday evening.

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[02] Danish official - Visit

Petersen will be received on Wednesday by President Glafcos Clerides. He will also hold meetings with the President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, Tassos Papadopoulos, and Nicosia Mayor, Lellos Demetriades.

Petersen will hold talks at the Foreign Ministry on the Cyprus problem, the Cyprus-European Union course and other issues of mutual interest.

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[03] Spokesman - EU

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said attempts to link Cyprus' accession course with efforts to settle the Cyprus question do not help the peace process.

"We consider the start of substantive negotiations as a very important event and an important landmark in Cyprus' European course," he told his daily press briefing.

He said those who are trying to associate in any way the island's accession course with a solution to the Cyprus problem "do not help the peace process" because they encourage Turkey's intransigence.

Such statements, he pointed out, weaken the EU intention to act as a catalyst in efforts for a settlement in Cyprus.

Commenting on yesterday's declaration by France, Germany and the Netherlands that Cyprus' division poses "particular difficulties" to the Common European Foreign and Security Policy, Stylianides said the government did not underestimate the issue.

However, he pointed out the statement was "an expression of intent" and added "what is important and legally valid are the official documents and decisions by the EU."

Stylianides said the accession course is the only substantive lever which will exert continuers pressure on Turkey to change its position regarding a settlement.

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[04] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                          90.14 ( 1.32)

      Traded Value            CYP 1,674,881

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP   491,365     103.56 ( 1.47)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP    78,455      59.71 (-1.26)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   643,516      68.21 (-0.29)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP    86,912      88.73 ( 2.33)
      Tourism Companies       CYP    29,312      69.19 ( 0.64)
      Trading Companies       CYP   100,648      44.17 ( 1.87)
      Other Companies         CYP   103,977      82.95 ( 2.31)

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[05] Cook - LGR - Interview

In an interview with London Greek Radio, (LGR) Cook said that both sides on the island need to take measures to reduce tension, and welcomed the invitation reiterated today by Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, for Turkish Cypriot participation in accession negotiations.

Cook said that "we have just completed the accession conference with the Republic of Cyprus and I am very pleased with the progress that is being made."

He said that it is just over six months as president of the EU that he started the process and presided over the meeting at which Kasoulides then came and accepted on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus their part in that accession process.

"Six months later, we are reviewing progress, and progress has been good with Cyprus, which has made good work on transposing the laws of the European Union in Cypriot law and we are making good progress towards our goal of membership of the EU," Cook said.

He stressed that he spoke today "in the course of the conference" and expressed "satisfaction that progress has been made".

Cook added that he "warmly welcomed the invitation which Mr. Kasoulides repeated today to the Turkish Cypriot community to take part in these talks."

He stressed that the Turkish Cypriots "stand to gain even more than anybody else in Cyprus from accession to the EU because it would greatly help the state of their economy, which is not as good, not as prosperous as elsewhere on the island".

He furthermore regretted that the Turkish Cypriots "have not yet taken up that offer" and expressed hope that they will.

Invited to comment on statements that a solution to the Cyprus problem should be reached before the island accedes to the EU, Cook said that Britain's position is that "we do not believe that accession of Cyprus should be made conditional on a solution to the division of the island".

He said that Cyprus' membership "should be considered on its own merits", and expressed hope that "the process of accession will help to encourage a solution to the division of the island."

The British Foreign Secretary also said he hoped "it will be possible particularly for the Turkish Cypriots to recognise that it is in their interest to become members of the EU and it is therefore also in their interest to resolve the division of the island, so that the whole of the island can join the EU."

Responding to a question regarding Turkish threats against Cyprus, Cook said that "it is important that we try and take forward confidence building measures in Cyprus" and made special reference to the deconfrontation measures proposed by the United Nations.

Cook stressed that "what both sides need to do now is to help to lower the tension and not to take any action that is going to increase the tension".

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

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[06] Spokesman - Koshis - Anastasiades - Espionage

"The government does not wish to comment on any details in this case at this stage because the legal procedure is already underway", Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides, told his daily press briefing.

Stylianides said "the government has a duty and an obligation to implement the law and order, to fully respect the laws and the constitutional provisions and decisions of the courts of the Republic of Cyprus on the issue".

Invited to comment on statements made by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, that he will bring back home the two Israelis, Stylianides said "it is his right to make any statements which concern the repatriation of the two Israeli suspects".

He stressed, however, that any repatriation must be done legally, adding that the Cyprus government will act according to the laws of the state.

Stylianides said the Israeli government did not make any representations to the Cyprus Embassy in Tel Aviv, nor did the Cyprus government make any representations over Netanyahu's statements.

The Spokesman said Israeli President Ezer Weizman's message to President Glafcos Clerides will not be made public, noting that negotiations regarding the two Israelis are underway through diplomatic channels.

Referring to yesterday's allegations by a former agent of the Israeli intelligence service "Mossad" that young agents are being trained in Cyprus, Stylianides said the government and its relevant services are closely monitoring the international press.

Meanwhile, Justice and Public Order Minister, Nicos Koshis, said the Cyprus authorities will continue with their investigation.

He added that all evidence will be forwarded to the Attorney-General for a final decision.

Ruling Democratic Rally Party leader, Nicos Anastasiades, told reporters today that he was "sad" over Netanyahu's statements.

However, he wondered if the Israeli premier's remarks were quoted correctly.

Udi Argov, 37 and Ig'al Damari, 49, were remanded in custody for eight days on Saturday in connection with a case of espionage against the Cyprus Republic's National Guard (army) between November 6-7 in the southern coastal village of Zygi.

According to the Israeli Embassy in Nicosia, the two Israelis have denied the allegations against them.

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[07] CEPT Meeting - Cyprus

The Group is expected to form common European views on telecommunication issues, in view of the International Conference of Radiocommunications of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The delegates will discuss issues regarding ground and satellite telecommunication services and the handling of radio frequencies.

Cyprus is represented by officials from the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.

CEPT is an organisation of regulators, the members of which are the postal and telecommunications administrations competent in these fields at national level.

Norway is the Managing Administration of CEPT for three years, as of October 1, 1998.

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[08] Conference on Accession to the EU - Cyprus

It was ascertained that yesterday's declaration by the Netherlands, Germany and France which said "the division of the island poses fundamental problems for the operation and the coherence of the Common Foreign and Security Policy" had no negative effect.

On the contrary, the Austrian presidency of the EU and other EU member states welcomed the start of the accession negotiations.

The President of the Council of the EU, Austrian Foreign Minister, Wolfgang Schussel, said "it represents a historical moment when the accession train is picking up speed".

He also expressed hope that "as a result of these negotiations, the political negotiations will receive a new impulse".

Speaking at a joint press conference with Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, and EU External Relations Commissioner, Hans Van den Broek, Schussel said that today "is the actual day for the beginning of negotiations and nothing can stop those going ahead".

He said they studied seven important chapters and that in the case of Cyprus "we had a very good atmosphere, we developed a very harmonious cooperation".

Noting that no further discussion is needed on the five chapters of Research and Science, Education and Youth, Small and Medium Size Enterprises, Industry, Culture and Audiovisual Policy, Schussel said the two chapters of Telecommunications and Common Foreign and Security Policy need further treatment and are still being discussed.

He said he was very grateful to Kasoulides for "his clear statement that the efforts of the UN to achieve a political solution will be granted a very high priority", adding that he can only give the "full support from the EU for the peace efforts of the UN".

Schussel said "as Kasoulides pointed out, the door of negotiations was open for participation to all population groups of Cyprus", noting that the "process of opening and integration is of particular relevance to the economically weaker northern part of the country", (the Turkish occupied north), which can be assisted in this way.

He also said Kasoulides' announcement that "people to people contacts (to inform the Turkish Cypriot community about the negotiation process of Cyprus) promoted by Internet and radio programmes, "is an important initiative and will receive the full support of the EU".

Speaking at the conference, Kasoulides thanked Schussel, the Presidency, the country members, the European Commission, Commissioner Van den Broek and the Task Force for the "assistance, the cooperation and the effort which has been made jointly to arrive to this day, which is an important day for Cyprus".

He reiterated that it is the Cyprus government's "desire to see our Turkish Cypriot compatriots participate with us in the efforts for joining the EU".

Kasoulides said the official invitation made by President Glafcos Clerides to the Turkish Cypriot community "still stands" and said he hoped that "the political circumstances will allow them to take it".

"We will not cease to try and promote contacts between the societies as well as the citizens of both communities" and expressed hope that Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, "will reciprocate to this effort, despite the difficulties he is showing at the moment".

The Cypriot Minister said "we will work honestly with the UN in order to achieve a political solution of the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN resolutions in the formation of a bizonal and bicommunal federation, if possible, which is also our wish, well before the next enlargement of the EU".

On his part, Van den Broek described today's conference as "a very important further step on the way to the EU membership of Cyprus".

He said the Commission very much appreciates "the professional and cooperative approach from the Cypriot delegation" and said he looks forward to "seeing the negotiations extended, the delegation extended and include the Turkish Cypriot community".

"We are all decided and so much convinced that it will be to the ultimate benefit of the island as a whole, an in particular to the Turkish Cypriot community to participate in this historical enterprise", he added.

Invited to comment on the declaration of the three EU member states concerning the process of negotiations with Cyprus, Kasoulides reminded that "we must not forget that there is a common position".

Noting that Cyprus has not disagreed that its political issue created certain problems in the process, Kasoulides said "the question is what do we do to solve the Cyprus problem" and whom has one to address for the solution of this problem.

Kasoulides said that all reports from the UN, the Secretary-General and even US Presidential Emissary, Richard Holbrooke, "pointed fingers to the Turkish side for being responsible for blocking a solution".

Therefore, he said, "a more equitable position would have been to address themselves to Turkey and say that Turkey must work positively and honestly in order to achieve a solution of the Cyprus problem, as urgently as possible", and that Turkey "will not be able to veto the accession of Cyprus to the EU by blocking the political solution of the problem".

On this point, Schussel said, as President of the Council, that "there is nothing new or dramatic about something which was said, without any discussion, in the Council yesterday".

He said "everybody wants a political solution and a political settlement under the auspices of the UN".

Schussel described as "a very positive development" the way in which the Cypriot government is tackling the problem.

Furthermore, he said according to a survey in the occupied areas, "there is a majority in favour of joining the EU" and this is a positive element, therefore economic exchanges and business relations between both parts much be encouraged.

"What happened yesterday and today is not an obstacle for Cyprus", he said.

In his statement at the ministerial meeting of the conference on accession to the EU, Kasoulides said "Cyprus believes strongly that her accession to the EU will strengthen the internal coherence of the Union".

He said "sending the message that the Cyprus problem, if unresolved through no fault of our own, excludes Cyprus from joining the Union, is a certain way to deepen and perpetuate the existing cracks in the common foreign and security policy towards our sensitive area".

During the meeting, Greek Alternate Foreign Minister, George Papandreou, described the conference as "historical" and welcomed a statement made by British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, who warmly welcomed the Cypriot invitation to the Turkish Cypriots to participate in the accession talks.

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[09] Clerides - London - Cyprus

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Nicos Rolandis, will also address the conference, which is organised in cooperation with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE).

The Director-General of CBI, J. Adair Turner, said that "the conference will be an interesting and informative occasion and will help promote awareness of the Cypriot market in the lead up to its accession to the European Union".

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[10] Cyprus - France - Agreement - Road transport

The agreement provides for the exchange of licences for the transportation of cargo between the two countries and between Cyprus or France and third countries.

Under the same agreement, Cypriot vehicles will be granted licenses to traverse France while other issues such as the avoidance of certain road taxes by Cypriot transport companies are also dealt with.

A clause in the agreement provides for license-free transportation in the case of cultural activities such as exhibitions and theatrical performances.

The agreement was signed in Nicosia by the Permanent Secretary of the Cyprus Ministry of Communications and Works, Vassos Pirgos and the Senior Official of the French Ministry of Public Works, Housing, Transport and Tourism, Bernard Fournier.

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[11] Kyprianou - EU - Vilnius

Kyprianou was speaking in Vilnius, Lithuania during a session of the sixth Meeting of the President of the European Parliament with the Presidents of the Parliaments of the European Union (EU) candidate member states.

During the meeting, the participants exchanged views on the developments in the EU enlargement process.

Kyprianou stressed that Europe has historical and political responsibilities regarding Cyprus and a duty to use its influence and play a role in implementing EU principles.

He noted that the aim of Europe should not only be to resolve economic difficulties of member states, but to contribute substantively to facing political problems, such as the Cyprus problem.

He also welcomed the favourable references of the European Commission on the progress Cyprus has made in the accession talks.

Kyprianou called on the European Parliament and his counterparts not to allow the punishment of Cyprus and its people, due to lack of progress on the Cyprus problem from Turkish expansionist aspirations and its policy of ethnic cleansing in Cyprus.

Kyprianou stressed that Cyprus cannot be victimised due to the absence of a political decision on behalf of Turkey on the Cyprus problem.

The President of the House of Representatives extended an invitation for the meeting after next to be held in Cyprus, so that all participants can form their own impressions on the Cyprus problem.

Kyprianou's presence was welcomed by the President of the European Parliament.

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