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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Government - UNFICYP

[03] House President - Belgrade mission - Press conference

[04] Interior Minister - Illegal immigrants - Syria

[05] President Clerides - Greece

[06] Syrian Prime Minister - Cyprus Labour Minister

[07] Cyprus - Yugoslav refugees - Humanitarian aid

1520:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         120.53 (-0.36)

      Traded Value            CYP 2,797,642

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 1,510,455     153.11 (-0.53)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   119,314      72.60 (-0.86)
      Insurance Companies     CYP    66,723      76.51 ( 0.94)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP    89,803      93.31 (-0.09)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   220,209      85.77 ( 0.79)
      Trading Companies       CYP   119,525      50.44 (-0.71)
      Other Companies         CYP   233,052      84.48 (-0.20)

CNA MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1540:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Government - UNFICYP

Government Spokesman Costas Serezis also told his daily press briefing that the government will complain over statements made yesterday by UNFICYP chief of mission Dame Ann Hercus regarding how the Force was first deployed in Cyprus.

"We all know that the Security Council took the decision for the deployment of the Force on an application from the Cyprus government," Serezis said.

At a press conference yesterday, Hercus said that UNFICYP was deployed at the consent of the two sides.

After clashes between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, the UN Security Council approved on March 4, 1964 resolution 186 which "recommends the creation, with the consent of the government of Cyprus, of a UN peace- keeping force in Cyprus."

The government spokesman said that the Foreign Ministry will "point out to the UN certain inaccuracies" that came up at yesterday's press conference.

Noting that UNFICYP is in Cyprus to create conditions of peace which would enable a dialogue to take place, Serezis said "we cannot say we are satisfied with the work done by the peace-keeping force as it did not manage to avert the invasion."

However, he added that "the government accepts UNFICYP's presence here."

CNA RG/MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1900:CYPPRESS:03

[03] House President - Belgrade mission - Press conference

Kyprianou was speaking during a press conference here Thursday about his unsuccessful mission last week to Belgrade to secure the release of three US servicemen, captured by Yugoslav forces.

Noting that "the effort had not failed" but was rather "interrupted because of the circumstances which had been created", Kyprianou said that he is in contact with the Yugoslav authorities to find out when Cyprus can help in any other humanitarian way.

The Cypriot leader explained he had announced his initiative to help Cyprus. "Its announcement was made on purpose" to help improve the attitude of the American people towards Cyprus, he added.

He supported the view that "even though the initiative was not completed, it had managed to put Cyprus and its national problem back on the international map".

The House President said that the mission was "appreciated by Yugoslavia, the US and other countries."

He refuted criticism that he undertook the mission to promote himself. "It is not my intention to secure votes", Kyprianou said, adding that it was "solely a humanitarian mission".

Asked whether during his stay in Belgrade there was any moment when things looked favourable, Kyprianou said that with his arrival in Yugoslavia last Thursday, "there were many rumours and reports that things were going well". However, the next morning, there were reports that the three Americans would not be released.

Invited to comment on his appeal to the Americans for a 24-hour ceasefire to help him complete his mission, Kyprianou replied that he was "not given the chance to reach something positive. It is unfortunate that the effort was not completed", he remarked.

Referring to the NATO bombings, the Cypriot official expressed the view that they have failed to achieve their goal even though "some people want them to continue", he said.

Kyprianou added that during his meeting with Slobodan Milosevic, the Yugoslav President had told him that if NATO and other countries were willing to leave Yugoslavia alone, then they (the Yugoslav people) would be able to sort out their problems.

CNA FZ/EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1920:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Interior Minister - Illegal immigrants - Syria

In an interview with CNA today, Christodoulou said the aim of his 36- hour visit to the neighbouring country would be to secure an agreement, similar to that between Cyprus and Lebanon and "set the framework for a practical approach on the issue".

He said the agreement should provide the framework for the illegal immigrants' deportation.

Asked how many illegal immigrants and workers were in Cyprus, Christodoulou said he could not give a specific number.

Noting that from time to time, various figures had been provided the minister said he had not been able so far to verify them. "Such a number ranges between five to ten thousand," he told CNA.

Christodoulou said three ministries, namely the Ministries of Justice, Interior and Labour, were involved in the illegal immigrants issue.

Asked to what extent Cyprus, which aspires to become a full member of the European Union, had been advised by the EU on how to handle the issue, the Cypriot official noted the Union was very sensitive on this issue.

He said "...there is no doubt, especially because of our geographic position, that Europe would not like to have a member which would be used as a bridge by illegal immigrants to enter the EU".

During a recent private visit to Syria and Lebanon, President Glafcos Clerides discussed the issue, following the influx of illegal immigrants on the island from the two neighbouring countries.

CNA EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:05

[05] President Clerides - Greece

Serezis said that during his two day visit to Athens the President will be accompanied by his wife.

CNA RM/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2035:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Syrian Prime Minister - Cyprus Labour Minister

The reassurances were given today by Prime Minister Mahmoud Az-Zoubi during a meeting in Syria with Cyprus Labour and Social Insurance Minister, Andreas Moushoutas, who is on a two-day visit to the country.

Az-Zoubi said Cyprus and Syria face mutual problems and mutual enemies and pointed out that the two countries should work together to restore justice.

The Syrian PM assured Moushoutas that his government will continue working towards promoting bilateral relations.

He also expressed Syria's appreciation to Cyprus for its firm support. Expressing satisfaction with the meeting, Moushoutas said the aim of his visit is to secure the rights of Cypriots and Syrians who work in either country.

He assured the Syrian Prime Minister that Cyprus will continue to offer its support to his country.

CNA EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2040:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Cyprus - Yugoslav refugees - Humanitarian aid

(One Cyprus pound is about two US dollars) Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Serezis said that the aid comprises medicine, foodstuff, blankets and makeshift beds.

He said that the humanitarian aid will be transferred by a military aircraft provided by the Greek government and it will be distributed by the United Nations.

CNA RM/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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