Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-03-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russian Foreign Ministry - Famagusta

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Cyprus - Russia - Business Seminar

[04] AKEL Secretary-General - Departure - Surgery

[05] French Foreign Minister - Cyprus - EU accession

[06] UNFICYP Chief - Pyla - Irish contingent

1525:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Russian Foreign Ministry - Famagusta

The ministry was commenting on threats by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to settle the town of Famagusta, on the eastern coast.

Denktash described Famagusta as a "Turkish Cypriot city" and claimed he can do anything he wishes with the town, which he said was "his property".

"We can do whatever we like, any time we like and there is no need to bring up the issue for discussion as we only provoke a reaction from the other side", he said.

In its statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out it is not the first time the Turkish Cypriot leader made such threats, which have been denounced by the international community.

"Such moves by the Turkish Cypriot leadership would constitute clear defiance and lack of respect for UN Security Council resolutions on the issue, primarily resolution 550/1984" the statement noted.

The Russian Ministry added that the said resolution clearly describes attempts to settle any part of Varosha (Famagusta) by people other than its inhabitants as inadmissible.

"It is difficult not to see these statements by the leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community as one more proof of lack of political will and readiness to seek a viable solution to the Cyprus problem, which would benefit all Cypriots", the Ministry pointed out.

Denktash signed two agreements in 1977 and 1979, the latter of which stipulates that priority should be given to an agreement to resettle Famagusta under UN aegis.

UN Security Council resolution 550 calls for the "transfer of Varosha to the administration of the UN".

Famagusta has been occupied since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of Cyprus' territory.

CNA GG/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1530:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         122.11 ( 0.62)

      Traded Value            CYP 6,075,871

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 3,318,382     154.22 ( 0.62)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   195,394      75.29 (-0.28)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   211,386      81.46 ( 4.01)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   265,717      96.90 (-1.92)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   373,390      83.80 ( 1.07)
      Trading Companies       CYP   115,770      51.41 ( 1.10)
      Other Companies         CYP   241,666      87.07 ( 0.28)

CNA MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1905:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - Russia - Business Seminar

Ambassador Kyriakides stressed the island's economic achievements in the past few years and said Cyprus has become one of the most important international business centres, which attracts investors from a number of countries, including Russia.

He said bilateral relations cover all basic sectors, such as political, diplomatic, economic, commercial as well as tourism.

Referring to a new agreement for the avoidance of double taxation Cyprus and Russia intend to sign, Kyriakides said it would update the existing agreement and create the conditions for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

A significant number of Russian business people and investors participated in the seminar, which was organised by the auditors - accountants KPMG (Cyprus).

CNA GG/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2000:CYPPRESS:04

[04] AKEL Secretary-General - Departure - Surgery

Speaking on his departure, Christofias appeared moved but expressed optimism that "everything will run smoothly as this is routine surgery."

The head of Cyprus' second largest party said a number of people have conveyed get-well messages, giving him courage.

However, he did not hide his concern. "Of course I am somewhat concerned, I cannot act like a person with no feelings," he said.

Christofias added he expects to remain in the UK for about a fortnight.

CNA MA/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2035:CYPPRESS:05

[05] French Foreign Minister - Cyprus - EU accession

Responding in writing to a question by deputy Roland Blum on Cyprus' accession to the EU, French Foreign Minister, Hubert Vedrine, said his country believes the Republic's accession should contribute to its reunification.

"France supports Turkish Cypriot participation in the accession negotiations, in a single delegation," Vedrine added.

The Turkish side has rejected a proposal by President Glafcos Clerides to nominate representatives in the official team carrying out accession talks since last year.

The French Foreign Minister also said negotiations between Cyprus and the EU should in no way foster the partition of the island.

"With the start of accession negotiations in November, it emerged that the continuing division of the island was posing problems to the implementation of the acquis communautaire, particularly regarding foreign and common security policy," Vedrine said.

However, he pointed out "this does not imply that either the Turkish Cypriot community or Turkey will have the right to veto Cyprus' accession as the decision regarding a country's accession to the EU lies with the member-states themselves."

He added that the Council should have the means to control the accession procedure and at the same time encourage the interested parties to reach a political solution before accession.

CNA GG/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2040:CYPPRESS:06

[06] UNFICYP Chief - Pyla - Irish contingent

Speaking at an event held in the village square, Hercus underlined the need for peaceful coexistence between the two communities on the island, divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island.

According to the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, the UN resident representative visited the 31 Irish soldiers serving in this south-eastern village on the occasion of Saint Patrick's day, Ireland's national day.

Hercus said that "the UN have some money for some projects here and once agreement is reached, then that money will be given to the communities."

Some 1.200 UN peace-keepers monitor the 180-kilometre long buffer zone, created in Cyprus after the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA MA/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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