Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-04-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Cyprus - Czech Republic - Talks

[03] British official - Cyprus question

[04] Cyprus - Yugoslavia - EU oil embargo

[05] Kasoulides - Serezis - Quin

[06] Kasoulides - Yugoslavia

[07] Serezis - Turkish elections

[08] CoE - Cyprus - Celebrations

1450:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         119.80 ( 0.67)

      Traded Value            CYP 3,888,107

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 2,339,924     152.06 ( 0.51)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   111,465      71.22 (-0.06)
      Insurance Companies     CYP    23,765      75.24 ( 0.31)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP    57,062      92.21 ( 0.39)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   396,353      89.38 ( 4.49)
      Trading Companies       CYP   100,308      48.44 (-0.74)
      Other Companies         CYP   169,045      84.20 ( 0.06)

CNA MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[02] Cyprus - Czech Republic - Talks

"We again found common ground on most of the topics we have discussed, " Lansky told a joint press conference with Kasoulides after their meeting, describing their talks as "useful and positive".

On his part, Kasoulides said "we had a number of topics of common interest to discuss, in particular our common endeavour to join the European Union (EU) and also many other topics of concern to the world today."

The two men followed up talks they had in Prague earlier this year. Lansky said that issues relating to the EU and the accession negotiations the two countries opened last year were discussed.

"We also touched upon the tragic situation in the Balkans, in Yugoslavia and around," Lansky said, noting that Cyprus and the Czech Republic share "very close" views on the issue.

Lansky pointed out that Cyprus and the Czech Republic have "very close and historical ties to the Balkans."

"This is why we can be very helpful to one another and maybe even to the parties of the conflict," the Czech official added.

Replying to questions on the crisis in Yugoslavia, he said the Czech Republic "believes there are a few initiatives worth thinking seriously about, there is the German initiative, one Greek and even the Czech Republic itself has a few ideas about what can be done and how we can contribute to the solution."

Lansky said his country, that recently joined NATO, is prepared "to come up with ideas as soon as talks may start about it in Brussels within the framework of the NATO Council and or within a wider framework between the parties of the conflict."

He also pointed out that his country is "not a military power" so it cannot contribute militarily but can contribute to a settlement with its knowledge of the region.

CNA GG/RM/MA/1999

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[03] British official - Cyprus question

Noting there is some common ground between the two sides in Cyprus, she said it is important to get the process going in order to identify the opportunities which do exist.

However, she said she cannot guarantee a push will come about for Cyprus.

In a press conference at the end of her two-day visit to the island, Quin said her aim was "to demonstrate the UK's continuing and active commitment to international efforts to help bring about a comprehensive settlement."

The UK, she added, is "determined to see a major, sustained effort this year in support of the UN Secretary-General's initiative to secure a just and lasting settlement."

The UN, Quin said, can "continue to count" on Britain's "full support...in exploring the ground both on core issues for a settlement and on measures to reduce tension on the island."

She added that "the aim of all Cyprus' friends in the international community is to bring about negotiations until later this year between both sides, under the aegis of the UN, and building on all the work it has already done over the years, in order to secure a comprehensive political settlement."

Furthermore, she said they would like to see the "substance of all aspects of the settlement addressed in depth and without preconditions, and with the object of finding solutions which will reflect the political equality on which any agreed outcome must be based."

However, Quin emphasised that "ultimately, whether a solution to Cyprus' problems can be agreed depends on Cypriots and their leaders", adding that "no-one can impose a settlement from outside".

"Reaching agreement is going to require flexibility and a spirit of give and take from both sides," she stressed.

The British official said her country is also working closely with its international partners, in support of the UN's efforts and will discuss "these issues with the new Turkish government at an early stage."

Quin also said Britain "continues to support all efforts made to develop habits of trust and cooperation through bicommunal contact."

Asked if she believes there is a chance to hold bicommunal talks without preconditions, Quin acknowledged that getting talks underway "is not going to be easy".

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is refusing to participate in peace talks unless his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognised.

He demands negotiations aiming at the establishment of a "confederation of two states", contrary to numerous UN resolutions stipulating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

His demands have been rejected by the UN, key players in the peace effort and the Cyprus government.

Quin said that in her talks here she emphasised that if "either side insists on preconditions which are unacceptable to the other side, then negotiations won't begin."

Refusing to reveal any details about her meetings she said "the essence of the Cyprus problem remains, and the main elements that need to be dealt with in negotiations remain."

Quin added that one should "never be overwhelmed by pessimism" and reflected on the "painful and difficult negotiations" which took place in Northern Ireland, saying that when negotiations there commenced "it wasn't in a particularly helpful atmosphere".

Emphasising the need to "identify opportunities", Quin said she certainly believes it is important to keep the dialogue going.

Asked what she believes the obstacles are on both sides and how they can be overcome, Quin said there has been "a great history of distrust and difficulties of various kinds" and "the weight of the past is a very heavy weight" which cannot be ignored.

However, "there is a feeling that we are at the threshold of the new millennium and perhaps old problems do need to be tackled and resolved."

She reiterated Britain's support of "UN resolutions for a bizonal, bicommunal federation formula".

Asked if the "big push" from the international community is going to happen this year, Quin said "I can't guarantee that such a push will come about", adding that she knows there is a good deal of interest in the UN and other countries for Cyprus.

Quin said the best way to get a process forward is "simply to agree to meet and explore the issues", noting there "is common ground in terms of Cypriots" from both communities.

Invited to comment on the outcome of her talks, the British official said she "is an optimist and will report (to the British government) that this is a process that we should continue to be engaged with" and try to find ways to bring people to the negotiating table.

The British official returns to the UK this afternoon.

CNA EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1800:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - Yugoslavia - EU oil embargo

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said "we are considering a proposal made to us today by the German EU presidency regarding the oil embargo.'

The EU has formally adopted a decision to impose a ban on deliveries of oil and oil products to Yugoslavia.

Kasoulides said Cyprus' decision "will take very seriously into account our national interests and what this would mean."

He pointed out that "as Cyprus does not produce oil, in effect our contribution will be very minimal."

Replying to questions, the Foreign Minister said that only ships flying the Cyprus flag may be affected if the Republic decides to endorse the EU ban.

Asked if Cyprus has ever refused to conform with EU decisions, Kasoulides said "there were such cases, but they were cases in which this could be done."

He recalled that "there is already a UN Security Council arms embargo against Yugoslavia with which we abide fully."

The minister also made it clear that foreign governments have no problem with Cyprus' position on the Yugoslav crisis and said that the government takes into consideration the feelings of the people here.

He said that in their meetings government officials point out that Cypriots base their views on their own experience from the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of the island's territory.

A large number of Cypriots are against the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and believe that the international community is using double standards because it did not react in the same way when the island was invaded by Turkey.

CNA MA/EC/1999

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1920:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Kasoulides - Serezis - Quin

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said that during her meeting with President Glafcos Clerides today Quin assured the government about Britain's intention to work intensively in efforts to find a Cyprus settlement and that it supports the island's application to join the European Union.

Describing their meeting as "very interesting", Kasoulides said Quin also assured the government about the international community's efforts to secure the resumption of the UN-led peace talks.

"These efforts will be intensified after the formation of the new Turkish government," the FM said.

He believes negotiations will take place when conditions allow, probably during summer.

"We are looking towards Britain, because of its special relations with Cyprus, to exert the relevant influence...and support the island's accession to the EU," the Minister said.

Britain, along with Turkey and Greece, had guaranteed Cyprus' sovereignty and integrity, when it granted the island independence from colonial rule in 1960.

Kasoulides also said that Britain continues to believe a Cyprus settlement is preferable before accession to the EU, "but this is not a precondition".

On his part, Government Spokesman Costas Serezis said Quin had a very constructive meeting with President Glafcos Clerides. He said however that the prospects of resuming the bicommunal dialogue do not depend on the Greek Cypriot side alone.

The Greek Cypriot side is willing to embark on a dialogue without setting preconditions, the Spokesman said, "providing that it will be held under the aegis of the UN".

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is refusing to participate in peace talks unless they aim at establishing a "confederation of two states" contrary to UN resolutions stipulating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

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

The island began substantive accession negotiations with the EU in March, 1998.

CNA EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[06] Kasoulides - Yugoslavia

Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, invited to comment on US Ambassador to Cyprus, Kenneth Brill's, statement that the Cyprus problem and the Kosovo issue are different matters, said "the principles are the same".

"It would be too precarious of me to say that Cyprus and Kosovo are the same," Kasoulides said.

However, he added that "the principles are the same and what we point out is the double standard policy concerning Turkey's attitude towards Cyprus and towards minorities in the country itself."

Turkey maintains a strong military force on the island since it invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory in 1974.

CNA EC/MA/1999

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1940:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Serezis - Turkish elections

Invited today to comment on the Turkish electoral result, Serezis said the "Turkish stand on Cyprus has been the same since the 1974 Turkish invasion."

He also told his daily briefing that the island' accession course to the European Union does not depend on what is happening in Turkey.

Serezis recalled that EU officials have made it clear that no state which is not an EU member has the right to veto Cyprus' application.

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

The Republic applied for EU membership in 1990 and began substantive accession negotiations in March 1998.

CNA EC/MA/1999

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2020:CYPPRESS:08

[08] CoE - Cyprus - Celebrations

Announcing the programme of celebrations, Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides said the CoE "is the guardian of democratic freedoms and human rights".

He pointed out that it is the only organisation which provides citizens the right to seek justice when internal legal procedures are proved insufficient.

The Minister said that a special committee comprising representatives from the government, the House of Representatives, the Courts, the Attorney- General's Office and local administration has decided on a series of events to mark the 50 years of the CoE.

Democratic Rally deputy, Panayiotis Demetriou, one of the members of the Cyprus delegation to the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, referred to the case of Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou, who took Turkey to CoE's European Court of Human Rights for denying her access to her property.

Last year, the court ordered Turkey to pay over 400 thousand Cyprus pounds in compensation to Loizidou.

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

Demetriou said "Turkey will come under pressure to implement the court's ruling", adding that it has no other alternative because its participation in the CoE will be questioned.

Democratic Party deputy, Stathis Kittis said that through the various political groups in the CoE, Cyprus is promoting its problems and views.

Socialist EDEK party deputy, Takis Hadjidemetriou said that Cypriot deputies do not solely talk about the Cyprus problem at the CoE. They also deal with European issues, he added.

He also said that there are voices within the CoE supporting Turkey's punishment for violating human rights.

Nicosia Mayor, Lellos Demetriades, speaking in his capacity as President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities and representative at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (CLRAE), said the union has printed leaflets to inform citizens on the CLRAE.

Cyprus is a member of the CoE since May 1961 and participates in all its bodies and organs.

The CoE, responding to Cyprus' application, has found Turkey, through the relevant reports of the European Commission of Human Rights, responsible for serious violations of the European Convention on Human Rights in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

Cyprus has also received considerable financial and technical assistance from the CoE through its Social Development Fund.

CNA MK/EC/MA/1999

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