Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-04-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Strike - Ports

[02] President Clerides - Finnish envoy

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[01] Strike - Ports

Limassol and Larnaca ports and the offices of the Ports Authority were affected by the strike.

The decision to stage a 24-hour warning strike was endorsed at a meeting on Wednesday.

The Ports Authority links the collective agreement with the introduction of a rota system at the ports.

CNA MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] President Clerides - Finnish envoy

At same time he said a lot of hard work is needed to push forward with Cyprus' accession negotiations with the European Union but noted he sees no problems ahead.

"I am encouraged by the feeling that I get here that there is an urgency felt to proceed in the settlement process and Finland stands ready to support it in every possible way," he told the press after an hour-long meeting with President Glafcos Clerides.

He said he had "very useful discussion" in the context of the Finnish government's wish to support the settlement process on the question of Cyprus" and expressed Finland's support for the UN effort in this respect.

The Finnish diplomat, who is accompanied by Finnish ambassador to Cyprus Pasi Patokallio based in Tel Aviv, said he also discussed with the President the forthcoming Finnish EU presidency (the second half of the year) and the enlargement and accession negotiations which Finland during the presidency will give high priority.

"We see no problem (in accession process) but a lot of hard work, it is a very demanding task and hope we are able to keep pace with that process and there will be no delays during Finnish presidency," he added.

Blomberg refrained from giving any further details on the content of his discussions but said "it is quite natural that any prolongation of a settlement would not be benefitting either party, Cyprus would be gaining by achieving a satisfactory and lasting settlement."

Commenting on the work carried out by UN resident representative Dame Ann Hercus, he said she works "very hard on the basis of her feeling that there must be progress made, of course it is a difficult task."

He also noted her determination to "influence the process in the direction that is determined by the UN."

Hercus began shuttling between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in mid-October 1998 with a view to resume the interncommunal dialogue and reduce tension on the island.

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

CNA MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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