Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-02-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Cyprus - Settlement - UN framework

[03] Cyprus - Greece - Agreement - Russian Missiles

[04] Kasoulides - Van den Broek

1600:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         102.99  (1.48)

      Traded Value            CYP 3,632,298

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 1,184,045     120.21 ( 1.47)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   228,011      64.17 ( 1.47)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   548,993      79.64 ( 0.98)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   344,114      96.67 ( 1.34)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   310,132      80.35 ( 3.18)
      Trading Companies       CYP   216,743      47.76 ( 1.79)
      Other Companies         CYP   216,583      86.42 ( 0.27)

CNA MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1820:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus - Settlement - UN framework

"The government remains firmly within the framework of UN resolutions, " Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said, when invited to comment on press reports that some foreign diplomats were raising the idea of a confederation in Cyprus.

The Cypriot official added that the reply to these ideas could be found within "the UN resolutions and European Union decisions."

"The Cyprus Republic does not discuss anything outside the framework which the UN believe should be the basis of discussion," Stylianides said.

Last summer Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash proposed the establishment of a "confederation of two states" in Cyprus, that was rejected by the UN and the Cyprus government.

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

Stylianides also said that President Glafcos Clerides is expected to meet UN resident representative Dame Ann Hercus on Thursday.

Dame Ann began shuttle talks with the two sides last October aiming at the reduction of tensions and the promotion of a process towards a just and lasting settlement.

CNA MCH/MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1825:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - Greece - Agreement - Russian Missiles

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides announced in late December his decision not to deploy the surface-to-air missiles in Cyprus and instead to negotiate with Moscow their possible deployment in the Greek southern island of Crete.

The decision, in compliance with the latest UN Security Council Resolutions, was taken jointly by the governments of Cyprus and Greece.

Speaking to the press, Chrysostomis made clear that the Russians will be involved practically in the implementation of the agreement only after it is signed by the Defence Ministers of Cyprus and Greece.

He declined to reveal the content of the agreement, saying only it is being negotiated and that during his visit to the Greek capital negotiations will continue.

Chrysostomis, who flies to Athens Sunday, expressed confidence that the negotiations will be fruitful.

The two parties' positions regarding the agreement have already been set out, he said, adding however that "an agreement has not yet been reached".

In November 1993, Cyprus and Greece decided to join forces in facing Turkish expansionism. They agreed to adopt a joint defence pact.

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

CNA AA/GG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2000:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Kasoulides - Van den Broek

After a meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides here today, the Commissioner responsible for enlargement said the decision will strengthen EU ties with Cyprus and especially the continuation of the Republic's accession talks, which opened last year.

At the end of last year, after two UN resolutions which referred to the need for the reduction of troops and armaments on the island, President Clerides announced his decision not to deploy the S300 defence missile system in Cyprus.

Negotiations are now carried out between Cyprus, Greece and Russia for its deployment in the southern Greek island of Crete.

Expressing the EU's "appreciation" for the President's decision, Van den Broek said the deployment of the S300 would have disturbed "the EU process that both sides are fully engaged in."

Referring to the Republic's accession negotiations he said "so far Cyprus has made good progress" and reassured "we will do everything on our side to see to it that this is maintained."

With regard to EU relations with Turkey, he said efforts for their improvement must continue.

The EU official also underlined that Ankara must understand that it must not take any actions that will pose problems in efforts to reach a settlement in Cyprus, which has been divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory in 1974.

On his part, Kasoulides described their discussion as "useful and productive" and said "what is important for us is that Cyprus' accession course continues as it has done till today".

Referring to the "common future" of all citizens of Cyprus, the Foreign Minister said "it is time for the Turkish Cypriots to accept the proposal to participate in the negotiations with their representatives, so that we can all join the EU."

President Clerides had proposed that the Turkish Cypriots nominate their own representatives in the Cyprus team negotiating accession, but his proposal was rejected by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

CNA NB/MA/GG/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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