Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-03-23

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 - Credentials - Ukraine - Moldova

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Government - Christodoulou - Koshis - Murder

[04] Spokesman - US - Initiative

[05] Vassiliou - EU website

[06] Murder - Arrest - Demonstrations

[07] President Clerides - Murder

1445:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clerides - Credentials - Ukraine - Moldova

The statement was made by President Glafcos Clerides, receiving here Tuesday the credentials of the ambassadors of Ukraine and Moldova, Dmytro Markov and Emil Clobu, respectively.

Clerides also expressed the view that "the process of accession of Cyprus to the European Union can and should play the role of a catalyst towards finding a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem."

Receiving the credentials of Markov, Clerides said Cyprus is ready to work closely with Ukraine "to expand cooperation between our two countries in many fields such as trade, tourism, culture, information and others and to strengthen even further the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Ukraine."

On his part, Markov said "Ukraine speaks out for the implementation of all relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions on Cyprus."

He expressed support to the UN Secretary-General's efforts for a settlement safeguarding the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus.

Markov also said Ukraine sees "broad opportunities for stronger partnership" with Cyprus in many fields.

Receiving Clobu's credentials, President Clerides said Cyprus will "pursue the strengthening of our relations on the basis of our mutual adherence to the eternal values of freedom, peace, democracy, justice and respect for human rights."

The Moldav ambassador said the "potentialities our two countries give us the possibility to intensify and improve a reciprocal advantageous bilateral cooperation."

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

CNA EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         125.08 ( 1.15)

      Traded Value            CYP 7,714,238

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 4,405,243     159.57 ( 1.56)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   284,007      76.08 (-0.55)
      Insurance Companies     CYP    77,015      77.81 ( 0.03)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   328,550      98.27 ( 0.69)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   946,061      86.78 ( 0.61)
      Trading Companies       CYP   117,566      51.80 ( 0.48)
      Other Companies         CYP   224,218      87.72 (-0.19)

CNA MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1520:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Government - Christodoulou - Koshis - Murder

Spokesman Costas Serezis expressed the government's "sorrow" over the brutal killing of a senior civil servant today, noting it is very concerned about the situation.

Interior Minister, Christodoulos Christodoulou said he was appalled by the murder this morning of the head of the Game and Fauna Service of his ministry.

Savva Savva, 51, was killed after a bomb exploded in his car as he was driving along a busy Limassol road, in the southern coast.

Expressing outrage, Christodoulou pledged the government will combat "illegality and will not compromise with murderers and blackmailers."

He assured that every possible effort will be made to apprehend the murderers.

Justice and Public Order Minister Nicos Koshis said that "the Police is determined to take all measures to investigate" what he described as a "hideous" crime.

The minister said the Police believe the motives behind the murder were poachers' interests.

Government Spokesman Serezis said "the President of the Republic, the government and I express our sorrow for the victim of the bomb blast."

Invited to answer questions about the government's responsibilities, Serezis said it is "natural for citizens to react to such crimes" but added that the state does not have any responsibilities and will do all it can to solve and combat such murders.

Political parties have issued statements condemning the latest killing, noting that "large financial interests of poachers" are hidden behind the murder.

CNA MK/EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1600:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Spokesman - US - Initiative

Asked whether the Americans have received any positive messages from Ankara or are acting on their own to promote an initiative, Serezis replied:

"The intention of the Americans is that after the Turkish elections they will undertake an initiative and will raise all issues at the negotiating table."

He pointed out this was confirmed by British envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hannay during statements yesterday after his meeting with Cyprus' Chief Negotiator in the EU accession negotiations, George Vassiliou.

Asked if the US have anything concrete regarding their initiative, Serezis said "we are aware of the Americans' intention (to undertake an initiative) after the Turkish elections, and following consultations with the new Turkish government."

President Glafcos Clerides, in a televised interview last night, confirmed the existence of US scenarios to boost efforts for a settlement in Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

The President said the Americans will raise both constitutional and security issues.

CNA MM/EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1750:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Vassiliou - EU website

Presenting the website to the press today, Vassiliou said it facilitates communication between Greek and Turkish Cypriots which has become difficult due to obstacles placed by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

Denktash has banned Turkish Cypriot participation in most bicommunal events since December 1997, in reaction to an EU reconfirmation that it would open accession talks with Cyprus.

The website (WWW.cyprus-eu.org.cy) contains details and information in Greek, Turkish and English on Cyprus' bid to become an EU member as well as a brief historical background on relations between Cyprus and the Union.

It also contains tables referring to the screening process and the substantive accession negotiations which got underway at the end of last year.

EU decisions on Cyprus, news on recent developments as well as information on the advantages of Cyprus' EU accession and the Republic's participation in EU programmes can also be found on the website.

Vassiliou said the Cyprus government had promised the EU to launch the website in order to promote communication between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

The page E-mail address is: eunegotiator@cytanet.com.cy and the Office is expected to respond to any questions or remarks.

The Chief Negotiator also referred to his meeting last Friday with Turkish Cypriots living in London, organised by head of the European Parliament Socialist Group Pauline Green.

The head of the EU negotiating team for Cyprus' accession, Leopold Maurer, was present at the meeting.

Vassiliou said he was "impressed by the fact that the Turkish Cypriots' will for accession to the EU and a settlement to the Cyprus problem is a strong as it is among Greek Cypriots."

CNA AA/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1930:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Murder - Arrest - Demonstrations

Charalambos Panagi Spirou, 25, from the Turkish occupied village of Lapithos, was arrested in Kantou village, in the Limassol district.

A Police statement said "investigations are continuing to resolve the latest ruthless explosion."

Savvas Savva, 52, head of the Game and Fauna service of the Interior Ministry, was killed after a bomb exploded in his car as he was driving along a busy Limassol road during rush hour this morning.

He had just dropped off his children at school when the device went off.

Police said the "explosion was due to a device which was placed under the driver's seat and it seems to have been detonated by a remote control."

Authorities suspect the attack was linked to a feud between wardens and gangs of poachers over illegal hunting.

The latest attack angered hundreds of Limassol residents, politicians, officials and students who demonstrated outside the town District Office.

Vice Mayor, Yiannis Danielides, said the people of Limassol were outraged by the latest fatal bomb blast and called on residents to cooperate with the Police.

General Secretary of the Civil Servants Union (PASIDY), Glafcos Hadjipetrou, described the attack as an "unprecedented" crime which was designed in a professional manner.

Savva's only "mistake", he said, was that he faithfully carried out his duties and called on the state to protect civil servants.

CNA SC/EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2100:CYPPRESS:07

[07] President Clerides - Murder

Speaking in the southern coastal town of Limassol where the chief game warden was murdered earlier today, the President also said the evidence law and criminal procedures have to be amended.

Savvas Savva, 52, head of the Game and Fauna service of the Interior Ministry, was killed after a bomb exploded in his car as he was driving along a busy Limassol road during rush hour this morning.

The police arrested Charalambos Panagi Spirou, 25, in Kantou village, in the Limassol district, in relation to the killing. Investigations are continuing.

President Clerides assured that "all measures will be taken to protect citizens from organised crime."

"Crime is not more out of control than it was in the past," he added. Authorities suspect today's attack was linked to a feud between wardens and gangs of poachers over illegal hunting.

The latest crime angered hundreds of Limassol residents, politicians, officials and students who demonstrated outside the town District Office.

CNA SC/MA/AA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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