Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-07-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] British tourists - Cyprus

[02] Anastasiades - Malaga

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[04] EU - Poll - Cyprus

[05] Irish MPs - Arrival

1700:CYPPRESS:01

[01] British tourists - Cyprus

This represents a ten per cent increase in the number of British tourists visiting the island over 1998 figures.

Last year, 2.222.706 tourists visited Cyprus, marking a 6,5 per cent increase compared to 1997.

Britain was again the major source of tourism to Cyprus in 1998, with a share of 45,7 per cent in the tourist traffic, while Germany ranked second with 9,4 per cent, followed by Russia with 7,9, Sweden with 5,1, Switzerland with 3,8 and Greece with 3,2 per cent.

At the end of 1998 there were in operation 4.344 tourist accommodation units with a total capacity of 86.151 beds.

CNA KT/MCH/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Anastasiades - Malaga

The meeting will deal with political developments in Europe after the victory of the European People's Party in recent elections for the European Parliament.

It will also discuss a proposal by President of New Democracy party (Greece), Costas Karamanlis, for an agreement for security and stability in the south-eastern Mediterranean.

Anastasiades returns to Cyprus on Sunday.

CNA MCH/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1705:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         170.21 (-1.07)

      Traded Value            CYP  15,477,398

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 5,544,663     224.91 (-1.71)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   322,262      87.46 ( 0.28)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   135,694      85.57 (-1.19)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP 1,433,233      96.12 (-0.40)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   334,894     123.33 ( 1.88)
      Trading Companies       CYP 1,971,409      92.86 ( 2.34)
      Other Companies         CYP 1,365,879     128.18 ( 0.40)

CNA MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1930:CYPPRESS:04

[04] EU - Poll - Cyprus

According to the opinion poll, 42 per cent of those asked were in favour of Cyprus' accession, 33 per cent were against and 25 per cent did not express an opinion.

In eleven of the EU member states public opinion favours Cyprus' accession but in the remaining four people oppose such a prospect.

The majority of the Greek people, 82 per cent, back Cyprus' entry into the EU. Support for Cyprus is reflected in Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands with 50 per cent, followed by the United Kingdom and Denmark with 49 per cent.

First among candidate countries is Malta, followed by Hungary, Poland, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Turkey has the least preferences among European citizens and second last is Slovenia.

According to the poll, most Europeans believe that respect for human rights, combat of organised crime and drugs and the protection of the environment are very important criteria candidate countries should comply with.

CNA NB/MM/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2045:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Irish MPs - Arrival

Talking to CNA shortly after his arrival here, Bernard Durkan, who heads a six-member delegation said Cyprus "is taking a very constructive and useful route" toward accession to the EU, stressing at the same time the importance of "having a friend within (the EU) at a crucial time".

"I think that Cyprus is entitled to have its case heard at the highest level just as in the same way a number of other applicant countries are," Durkan said and warned that it would be a disaster "if the case is held in suspense for a long period of time".

"I think it would not be beneficial to anybody and certainly not the Cypriots, be it Greek Cypriots or Turkish Cypriots, and this would not be of great benefit to the EU either," he added.

The Irish deputy said that "ultimately it is imperative that Cyprus enters the EU and a resolution has got to be found to ensure that both sides come together, that we have an agreement within the EU".

Invited by CNA to comment on an illegal visit by some Irish MPs to the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island for meetings with Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, Durkan expressed the view "that there is nothing wrong with talking to both sides".

Asked to outline his country's stance with regard to Denktash's demands for recognition of his illegal regime, the Irish MP said the Dublin government "has been reluctant to do other than recognise the existence of a problem".

Drawing a parallel with the situation in Northern Ireland, which he described as a "classic example of a place where two groups of people have dearly held views and convictions," he pointed out that "it is difficult in a situation like that to say we do not recognise and we will not talk to one or the other".

"I personally believe that we must involve and indulge ourselves in dialogue, conversation and interaction with the two groups and they would with each other as well. Ultimately that is the way things must happen," Durkan said.

Concluding the Irish MP welcomed the interest of the group of seven most industrialised countries and Russia (G8) in the Cyprus problem and described their suggestions as "constructive".

The Irish delegation will have meetings tomorrow with President of the House of Representatives, Spyros Kyprianou, and the House Committee on Foreign and European Affairs.

On Thursday they will meet with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Costas Themistocleous and Chief negotiator for Cyprus in talks for accession to the EU George Vassiliou.

They will depart on Friday, July 9.

CNA MAN/MCH/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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