Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-01-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides - Russian Ambassador

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Government - Akamas - British military

exercises

1625:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President Clerides - Russian Ambassador

Mouradov called on President Glafcos Clerides today with whom he discussed issues regarding the contract between Nicosia and Moscow for the purchase of the S300 missile system, signed in January 1997.

"We exchanged views on certain technical issues that have arisen after the Cyprus government's decision not to deploy the S300 on the island," he said.

The Russian diplomat explained that these issues concerned the S300 contract and Cyprus' defence.

In a written statement issued last week President Clerides announced his decision not to deploy the S300 on the island and said he would negotiate with the Russian government its possible deployment in Greece.

To a question if Cyprus is paying some kind of rent in view of the fact that the S300 still remain in Russia, Mouradov said "this is a technical defence issue which is discussed between the sides."

Mouradov refrained from commenting on press reports according to which Cyprus is examining the possible purchase of the TOR-M1 anti-aircraft missile system, saying that President Clerides had asked him not to discuss defence issues in public.

Asked if Russia has reservations over the S300 missile system being deployed in Crete, he said "this is a negotiable issue", adding that "the contract for the S300 does not provide its transfer to a third country".

"There are no preconditions, it is an issue of negotiations and I think that our friendly relations with both countries (Cyprus and Greece) will enable us to find solutions," Mouradov added.

Asked if the President's decision on the S300 has affected bilateral relations, the Russian Ambassador said friendly ties cannot be affected.

"We have worked and we are working on their further development," he added.

CNA FZ/MA/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1600:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                          91.18 ( 0.54)

      Traded Value            CYP 1,828,438

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP   913,876     107.82 ( 0.85)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP    56,580      57.55 (-0.48)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   295,477      65.42 ( 0.41)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   195,681      85.79 (-0.20)
      Tourism Companies       CYP    88,494      69.00 ( 0.38)
      Trading Companies       CYP    37,349      40.17 ( 0.53)
      Other Companies         CYP    70,747      80.78 (-0.64)

CNA MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Government - Akamas - British military exercises

Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides told his daily briefing that "the government does not want the British exercising in Akamas and for some time now has been carrying out negotiations so that another site could be found."

The British Bases in Cyprus are planning on holding a military exercise in Akamas tomorrow.

Britain retains two military bases and the right to exercise in designated areas since it granted Cyprus independence from colonial rule in 1960.

The Spokesman pointed out that the government position on the issue reflects its respect of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment.

He also reminded that the Foreign Ministry has managed to achieve a reduction in the number of troops that will participate in the exercise.

Both local and international environmental organisations are strongly opposed to the British military exercises in the region and have stepped up their campaign so that Akamas is declared a national park.

CNA MK/MA/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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