Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-05-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Czech Republic - Cyprus International Fair

[02] New IBU - DePfa Investment Bank

[03] Iran - Cyprus

[04] President - Theodorakis

[05] Rolandis - Abu Karsh

1520:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Czech Republic - Cyprus International Fair

He was speaking today at a press conference on the occasion of his country's participation in the 24th Cyprus International Fair, attended also by Czech Ambassador in Nicosia, Vera Jerabkova.

Relations between the two countries "have traditionally been friendly, without any controversial issues", Hajny said, adding that these relations are based mainly on "the sustained support provided by the Czech Republic to an equitable solution to the Cyprus question".

He said the two countries "hold a positive view of their mutual economic relations to date, which is also reflected in, among other things, growing interest to establish joint ventures".

Referring to bilateral trade, Hajny said Czech exports reached 17,5 million US dollars in 1998 while imports from Cyprus reached 3,8 m. dollars.

The Czech exports include textile yarn and fabrics, electrical and medical equipment, iron, steel, machinery and prefabricated buildings, while citrus fruits constitute the bulk of imports.

Hajny pointed out "there is considerable interest in mutual cooperation on the part of both Cypriot and Czech business circles", adding, however, "it is solely up to the abilities of each individual company how they will be able to utilise it".

"Proof of the Czech companies' interest in the Cyprus market is the regular participation of the Czech Republic in the Cyprus International Fair", he noted.

Responding to a question, the Czech Ambassador said only five thousand Czech tourists visit Cyprus yearly, but she expressed confidence the number will increase shortly.

Jerabkova said at the end of this month 90 Czech journalists will visit the island in a bid to familiarise the people of their country with the advantages Cyprus has as a tourist destination.

Cyprus and the Czech Republic started substantive accession negotiations with the European Union in November 1998.

CNA GG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1530:CYPPRESS:02

[02] New IBU - DePfa Investment Bank

According to a press release, DePfa Investment Bank was recently established in Cyprus by Germany's largest public sector bank, DePfa Deutsche Pfandbrief Bank AG.

The new IBU "is set to become a leading player" in the field of regional project and infrastructure finance, and consultancy services, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, the press release says.

DePfa Investment Bank has already recorded "remarkable achievements by arranging and participating in several sovereign bond issues in Hungary, Lithuania, Slovenia and the Czech Republic", it notes.

According to it, DePfa Group remains the leading service provider for public sector entities, with global public sector financing totalling 168,6 billion Deutsche-marks.

In Cyprus, DePfa Investment Bank, which has been capitalised by DePfa Group with 100 million US dollars, employs eight persons managing both the Bank's and the Group's investments in Eastern and Central Europe.

CNA GG/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1910:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Iran - Cyprus

Speaking during his meeting with President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou, who is on an official visit to Iran, heading a House delegation, Nouri said that his country supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.

Nouri also referred to the strong relations between the two countries within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement.

On his part, Kyprianou informed his Iranian counterpart on the latest Cyprus developments pointing out that the issue neither involves religious differences nor is a bicommunal dispute.

On the contrary the Cyprus problem is a problem of invasion and occupation by Turkey, which is pursuing the division of the island and an unjust solution, Kyprianou added.

The House President also refered to the various aspects of the problem including the Turkish settlers and the mass immigration of Turkish Cypriots abroad, a fact which depicts that they (the T/Cs) are not happy with the situation in the Turkish occupied areas, he added.

Kyprianou stressed the Cyprus government's willingness for a solution which will secure the human rights of all Cypriots, without the presence of occupation troops.

He also refered to Cyprus' proposal for a complete demilitarisation of the island and the presence of an international force under the auspices of UN Security Council.

During his visit, Kyprianou will also meet Vice President of Iran Dr. Hassan Habibi, former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani and Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohsen Amizadeh.

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

CNA RM/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1925:CYPPRESS:04

[04] President - Theodorakis

President Clerides paid tribute to Thedorakis' contribution to Cyprus and his long standing support saying that "Cyprus was a source of inspiration to Theodorakis and we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation."

Accepting the medal, the Greek composer referred to NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia and its consequences and said "it makes the need for national unity and cooperation between Greece and Cyprus even more imperative."

Theodorakis assured he will continue to devote his life and work to achieve this goal.

Yesterday, Theodorakis was declared honourary citizen of the southern coastal town of Limassol and at a special event to be held tomorrow he will be bestowed the same honour from the Municipality of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta.

The famous Greek composer has taken part in many events held for Cyprus, divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory in 1974.

CNA MK/MA/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1940:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Rolandis - Abu Karsh

Abu Karsh, who is on an official visit to Cyprus at the invitation of the Commerce Minister, conveyed to Rolandis an invitation by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to visit Palestine.

Speaking after the meeting Rolandis said further discussion on the issues they examined is required in an effort to boost bilateral trade relations.

He also said that among the issues raised was that of direct flights between Larnaca and Gaza.

On his part, Abu Karsh noted the friendly relations between the two peoples as well as the common problems they face.

"Both countries have suffered a lot. We know each other's problems," he said and thanked the people of Cyprus for their support to the Palestinian cause and pledged his people would always stand by the people of Cyprus.

Abu Karsh discussed with Rolandis the establishment of a council of businessmen and the conclusion of agreements between the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries.

Concerning the issue of direct flights between Larnaca and Gaza, Abu Karsh said that although it is being discussed, in July there will be flights to Gaza via Bucharest which will be available by Romanian airlines.

The Palestinian Deputy Minister will tomorrow meet Cyprus International Fair General Manager, Takis Kallis.

CNA MCH/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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