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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-05-25Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
1520:CYPPRESS:01[01] Stock Exchange - Inauguration - Electronic TradingNicosia, May 25 (CNA) -- Finance Minister Takis Clerides today inaugurated the electronic trading system of the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE).Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Clerides said the system will help the CSE deal with the demands of modern capital markets as it will increase its competence. "It is a substantial step forward which the government welcomes", he pointed out, adding that the CSE "is moving on the right track" in the effort to turn Cyprus into a regional business hub. He reassured the CSE administration that the government will give the Stock Exchange "every support in order to secure its sustained development". CSE Chairman Dinos Papadopoulos described the introduction of the electronic trading system as a "landmark" which marks the achievement of goals in the CSE computerisation process. Papadopoulos said the full computerisation of the CSE will be concluded with the dematerialisation of titles, which is already under way. Referring to CSE statistics, he said the daily number of transactions in the first five months of 1999 reached 800, compared to 300 last year, adding that yesterday their number jumped to 2.435. Papadopoulos pointed out that the current number of companies with listed titles is 54 compared to 49 in 1997, The daily volume of transactions reached 6,5 million Cyprus pounds in the first five months of 1999 compared to 1,4 million in 1998 (one Cyprus pound is trading at 1,83 US dollars). The CSE witnessed an extraordinary rally of shares in recent days, which pushed share prices 70 per cent up compared to those of January 1, 1999. CNA GG/GP/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1800:CYPPRESS:02[02] Foreign Minister - EUNicosia, May 25 (CNA) -- The government has adopted a "wait and see" position on some difficulties that have arisen in connection with Cyprus' accession process relating to the common foreign and security policy of the European Union.The local media reported that Britain, France and Germany have attempted to raise obstacles to Cyprus' EU course because of the pro- Yugoslav position the House of Representatives has adopted. According to the reports, these three countries would be willing to close this chapter of EU accession negotiations, one of 30, for five of the candidate countries but keep it open for Cyprus. "At this stage, the government does not consider it appropriate to comment in public on this issue. The government will respond if the matter moves on for discussion at the EU institutions and it is being looked at," Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said here today. He also noted that there have been difficulties on other issues in the past and they were dealt with. The Minister explained that this specific chapter was not discussed during the current rotating EU presidency, held by Germany. "It is not a matter of halting Cyprus' European accession process but a matter relating to the conclusion of the chapter for all candidate countries, for five of them or for none," the Minister said. Government Spokesman Costas Serezis reiterated the government point of view saying that "the discussion on this chapter is at an initial stage and when the matter is being examined in depth, the government of Cyprus and Greece will deal with it accordingly." On his part, Greece's Ambassador to Cyprus, Kyriakos Rodousakis gave assurances that Greece will try and deal with any difficulties that may arise concerning Cyprus' accession process. House President Spyros Kyprianou said that Britain, France and Germany are trying to raise obstacles for Cyprus and described these attempts as a kind of pressure. A House resolution, adopted in early April, unanimously condemned NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia and stressed that its territorial integrity and sovereignty should be respected. The House also called on the international community to exert pressure to end the bombing and seek a political settlement. CNA MM/MCH/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1925:CYPPRESS:03[03] Foreign Minister - Yugoslav Deputy MinisterNicosia, May 25 (CNA) -- Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has confirmed reports that a Yugoslav Deputy Minister was denied access into the country.Kasoulides, however, pointed out that relations with Yugoslavia remain "friendly", noting that Yugoslavia understands that Cyprus has chosen the road to Europe. Speaking to the press, the Foreign Minister said the decision to bar the Yugoslav official, whom he did not name, falls within the government policy to align with European Union measures against Yugoslavia. Replying to questions, Kasoulides said "bilateral relations remain friendly and we believe Yugoslavia understands the difficulties we are facing." Cyprus, he added, has opted to go along the path leading to Europe. He also said the decision to deny entry to the official does not constitute a hostile action. The Minister's comments come amid criticism from opposition parties for a cabinet decision to enforce EU rules relating to Yugoslavia. Meanwhile House President, Spyros Kyprianou, said in a statement today he would raise the issue of entry of Yugoslav businessmen or residents of Cyprus at a meeting of party leaders on Thursday. CNA MM/MCH/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2040:CYPPRESS:04[04] CoE Parliamentary Assembly - Cyprus problemNicosia, May 25 (CNA) -- A solution to the Cyprus problem should be based on UN resolutions which call for a bizonal bicommunal state, Cyprus Rapporteur at the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Andras Barsony, stressed today.The Hungarian MP was speaking at a meeting of the CoE Parliamentary Assembly Political Committee, during which he presented his draft report on the situation in Cyprus. He described the beginning of substantial negotiations with the European Union and a European Court of Human Rights ruling in favour of a Greek Cypriot against Turkey as positive elements, which could form the basis of a new initiative on Cyprus. The Court said Turkey is guilty of human rights violations in the northern part of Cyprus it occupies since 1974 and said Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou, denied access to her property in occupied Cyprus, is and remains the legal owner of her property. The ruling also said Turkey exercises effective control in occupied Cyprus through the presence of its troops. On the issue of security the CoE Rapporteur stressed that the ultimate goal should be the demilitarisation of the island. He pointed to the need for a multinational force with jurisdiction on the whole island with the participation, in equal numbers, of Greek and Turkish forces. Barsony also stressed the need to strengthen bicommunal contacts to facilitate a Cyprus settlement. MP Panayiotis Demetriou, who heads the Cyprus delegation, thanked Barsony for his efforts and stressed the need for a peaceful solution based on UN resolutions. He also expressed agreement with Barsony's views on the issue of security, pointing out that funds destined for armaments would, as a result of demilitarisation, be used for the benefit of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. During the discussion both Barsony and French MP Jacques Baumel expressed their strong disapproval of views put forward by Turkish Cypriot Ertugrul Hasipoglou who repeated unacceptable claims for the creation of two states in Cyprus. CNA MCH/MM/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2055:CYPPRESS:05[05] Earth tremorNicosia, May 25 (CNA) -- An earth tremor was felt this evening in Nicosia, Limasol, Larnaca, and Paphos districts.According to the police there have been no reports of damages or injuries so far. The tremor was felt at around 20.15 local time (17.15 GMT). CNA MCH/MM/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCNA ENDSCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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