Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-03-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russian ambassador - Kosovo

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Cyprus - Poland - Koshis

[04] Cyprus - Violations - UN - Protest

[05] Cyprus House - Resolution - Kosovo

[06] Cyprus' Ministers - Bulgarian parliamentarians

[07] Cyprus - Latvia - Agreements

[08] Cyprus - Minister - EU official - Shipping

1450:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Russian ambassador - Kosovo

He said Russia will exhaust all diplomatic means to resolve the problem and called on NATO not to adopt a "double standards" policy.

Addressing himself to NATO members participating in the air strikes, he said "let them think about what they are sacrificing in the name of so- called humanitarian aid which they do not offer to other parts of the world where similar situations exist."

The ambassador pointed out that he does not advocate a similar reaction in other parts of the world but added "double standards must be not applied."

Speaking after a meeting with Cyprus House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou, the Russian diplomat described the situation in Yugoslavia as "very worrying, which endangers world peace and the existence of humanity."

"We are now seeking solidarity and support, through political means, from all countries to stop NATO's aggressive actions, which has no right to launch such attacks," Mouradov added.

He said NATO's intervention is "a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter."

"If we move on to military means, we will be faced with grave dangers for humanity and Russia will not jeopardise world peace and will not act in the same irresponsible manner that NATO countries apply," he added.

Replying to questions, Mouradov said Russia is a nuclear power and remains an important factor in the world stage and its opinion should be taken into account.

CNA MA/MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1515:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         119.90 (-0.71)

      Traded Value            CYP 5,278,494

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 3,131,012     151.25 (-0.85)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP    93,047      73.77 (-0.47)
      Insurance Companies     CYP    26,243      76.72 (-0.12)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   990,395      96.42 (-0.45)
      Tourism Companies       CYP    97,921      84.04 (-0.41)
      Trading Companies       CYP   219,117      51.75 (-0.44)
      Other Companies         CYP   161,448      86.24 (-1.08)

CNA MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - Poland - Koshis

The decision was taken during a meeting in Poland last week between Cyprus' Justice and Public Order Minister, Nicos Koshis and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Janusz Tomaszewski.

An official statement said here Monday the decision was taken due to "important changes and developments in the structure of both countries".

Koshis invited Tomaszewski to Cyprus for the signing of the agreement. During his three day visit, the Cypriot Minister and his Polish counterpart, Hanna Suchocka, exchanged views on legal cooperation between the two countries and discussed harmonisation efforts with the acquis communique.

Cyprus, Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Hungary started substantive negotiations for accession to the European Union in November 1998.

Koshis extended an invitation to Suchocka to visit Cyprus for further discussions of issues of common interest.

CNA EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1640:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - Violations - UN - Protest

In a letter to the UN Secretary - General, Cyprus' Charge d'affaires, James Droushiotis said "these new provocative acts by Turkey, demonstrate its blatant disregard of international law, the UN Charter" and all the relevant decisions of the UN on the question of Cyprus.

He further said the violations "are not conducive to reducing tension and run counter to the initiative of the Secretary - General", which was announced last September, with the goal of reducing tension and promoting progress towards a just and lasting Cyprus settlement.

The letter, which was circulated as a UN document, stressed "these unauthorised Turkish intrusions" "are in violation of international air traffic rules and simultaneously in contravention to the provisions of the UN Security Council".

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

CNA EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1645:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cyprus House - Resolution - Kosovo

The statement was made here Monday by President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou after an extraordinary meeting with representatives of the House parties.

Kyprianou said they exchanged views on the dangers created for the region with the Kosovo crisis and what the House can do for Kosovo.

The House President said members will submit a draft resolution" on Friday so that "the House can officially take a position" on the issue. The resolution will be submitted by all political parties.

"It is the desire of all parties to express, in the most formal manner...their utmost support to the people of Serbia and condemn the methods used which have virtually abolished the UN charter, the role of the Security Council and international law", Kyprianou said.

He further added that other ways to express the condemnation of the House will be examined during the Friday session, such as organising a rally.

Kyprianou said "all parties believe that the credibility of the UN should be restored the soonest".

He added that sometimes, "in the name of the protection of human rights, these (the human rights) are violated" and the developments in Kosovo and the situation in Cyprus are "blatant examples" of such behaviour.

The House President expressed the hope that the American people and other countries which participate in the NATO bombings will act to make their countries abandon their plans.

CNA MA/EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1730:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Cyprus' Ministers - Bulgarian parliamentarians

Sokolov was speaking to the press after a meeting of a delegation of Bulgarian parliamentarians he is heading and Cyprus' Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

Earlier today the Bulgarian parliamentarians, who are on a two-day official visit to the island, met with the Cyprus Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nicos Rolandis.

"We observed the great similarity in our views on a number of issues including the European integration", Sokolov said after the meeting with Kasoulides.

Joining the European Union (EU) "is our common goal" he pointed out, adding that he was "pleased to hear the assurances of the Minister concerning the support Bulgaria will receive" in its efforts towards meeting the accession requirements.

Cyprus and Bulgaria are both candidates for accession to the EU, but only the first is included in the first wave of EU enlargement.

Sokolov pointed out similar views were also expressed regarding the crisis in Kosovo and the Cyprus problem.

Referring to peace and stability in Europe, he said "two peace-loving countries like ours, can contribute to that, by expanding their friendship and cooperation".

On his part, Kasoulides described bilateral relations as "excellent", adding that he discussed with the Bulgarian parliamentarians the crisis in Kosovo and other matters "of common concern".

Kasoulides noted that they discussed also issues related to the "necessity for stability in the Balkans and in our region" and both countries' EU accession course, pointing out that "the enlargement process must be inclusive of all candidate countries.

Speaking to the press after his meeting with the Bulgarian delegation, Rolandis said Cyprus was in favour of the expansion of the economic and trade relations between the two countries, adding "there is room" for such expansion.

Rolandis said he has repeated his invitation to the Bulgarian Minister of Trade and Tourism to visit the island.

CNA GG/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1850:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Cyprus - Latvia - Agreements

An agreement on air transport, which had been initialled in the capital of Cyprus in 1996, was signed in Riga, the capital of Latvia on March 26.

Two other agreements for the cooperation between two countries in the fields of merchant shipping and international road transport were initialled also in Riga on the same day.

Speaking at a press conference on the agreements in Riga, Latvia's Minister of Transport Anatolijs Gorbunovs and the Permanent Secretary of Cyprus' Ministry of Communications and Works Vassos Pirgos pointed out the agreements will strengthen trade and cultural relations between the two countries.

Both Cyprus and Latvia are candidate countries for accession to the European Union (EU) but only the first is included in the first wave of enlargement.

CNA GG/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Cyprus - Minister - EU official - Shipping

Ierodiaconou had a meeting with the Director of the General Directorate VII of the European Commission Georgette Lalis, who arrived here today for talks on matters relating to merchant shipping and transport at sea.

According to an official statement, during the meeting Ierodiaconou briefed Lalis on the measures taken by the government in the last four years to improve the image of the Cyprus flag.

These measures include higher safety standards of the Cyprus-flagged ships, more frequent inspections of ships and stricter requirements for entry in the island's register.

On his part, Lalis spoke of the need for results in that field in the near future.

Issues such as the safety of passenger ships and ports, as well as cooperation between Cyprus and the European Commission on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) were also discussed.

Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Cyprus Ambassador Donato Chiarini was also present at the meeting.

Lalis, who is accompanied by Jacques De Dieu of the same Directorate, will leave the island Wednesday.

Cyprus along with Slovenia, Poland, Hungary, Estonia and the Czech Republic started substantive accession negotiations with the EU in November 1998.

CNA GG/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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