Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-05-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clerides - Greek minister

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Cyprus - UN - Protest - Turkish violations

[04] Cypriot MP's - France

[05] House President - Russian Ambassador

1230:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Clerides - Greek minister

Athens' stand was expressed here today by Greek Alternate Foreign Minister, Yiannos Kranidiotis, who was received by President Glafcos Clerides.

The Greek official said, at the same time, that Cyprus' European Union accession negotiations were proceeding smoothly, adding that full membership would also facilitate a just solution to the political problem.

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

Kranidiotis described the Presidential Palace meeting as "particularly constructive". He said he conveyed Prime Minister Costas Simitis' personal greetings and assured the Cypriot President that Greece stood by the side of Cyprus.

He said Greece "supports efforts aimed at a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, in the framework of UN resolutions".

Kranidiotis noted that there was no concrete proposal for a solution, and that various ideas were being looked into, adding that the G8 and the UN Security Council had put forward a proposal for a meeting between the two sides.

He said when this takes place, there will be something "more specific to talk about", adding that both Greece and Cyprus "support an effort, aimed at finding a solution, based on UN resolutions".

Referring to the island's EU accession course, Kranidiotis said it is "proceeding smoothly" and that some problems in the negotiating process "have been overcome".

"The accession process is not an opportunistic option for Cyprus, but a strategic choice, which will safeguard the future of Cypriot Hellenism and will give the potential for a just, viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on UN principles and the European law".

After the Presidential Palace, Kranidiotis was having talks with Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

CNA RG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         133.31 ( 0.64)

      Traded Value            CYP  6,337,032

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 3,008,536     176.60 ( 1.11)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   121,985      73.08 (-0.33)
      Insurance Companies     CYP    38,495      72.33 (-3.43)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   328,895      88.06 (-0.62)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   391,145      96.17 ( 0.55)
      Trading Companies       CYP   205,834      49.54 (-0.50)
      Other Companies         CYP   175,271      87.24 ( 0.26)

CNA GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - UN - Protest - Turkish violations

In a letter to UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, which circulated as a document of the international organisation, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Sotos Zacheos, points out that such flights violate international air traffic regulations and are contrary to provisions of UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

Cyprus complains about Turkish actions, which flagrantly scorn international law, the UN Charter and all recent UN decisions on Cyprus, and points out that such actions do not contribute to reducing tension in the region.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

CNA RG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1435:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cypriot MP's - France

Tassos Papadopoulos, President of the House Foreign and European Affairs Committee, will head the delegation, which will also include MP's Prodromos Prodromou, George Lillikas, Elias Myrianthus and Androula Vassiliou.

During their stay in the French capital, the Cypriot MPs will meet with representatives of political parties and National Assembly officials, as well as the Chairmen of the Franco-Cyprus Friendship Groups in the National Assembly and the Senate.

The delegation will also meet with the European Affairs Minister, Pierre Moscovici.

CNA RG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1430:CYPPRESS:05

[05] House President - Russian Ambassador

The Cyprus government has been criticised by the opposition for the decision and comments, attributed to Mouradov, indicated that Russia was not too pleased either.

"I have conveyed to political leaders the concerns of some businessmen whose interests are affected by the introduction of sanctions against Yugoslavia, in the banking and shipping sectors," Mouradov said here today after a meeting with House President Spyros Kyprianou.

Noting that his country has already condemned NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, the Ambassador said Russian businessmen working out of Cyprus will have to comply with the embargo.

"We simply have to take into account the prospects of further developing our relations and their significance for both countries," he said.

Russia, he said, is well aware of the fact that Cyprus has chosen to walk down the path leading to the EU and shows understanding about this choice.

Kyprianou said it looks as if there is a serious problem for the Russian businessmen in Cyprus as a result of the government decision to enforce the EU embargo, which calls for a freeze on funds held by Yugoslav and Serbian officials as well as individuals close to President Slobodan Milosevic.

CNA MK/MM/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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