Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-07-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus - US Congress

[02] US - Cyprus - Turkish invasion

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

1045:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus - US Congress

On the occasion of yesterday's 25th anniversary since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory, the US Congress was also expected to hold a special order.

In its legislation the US House of Representatives says that "the time has come for the US to expect from Turkey actions on the Cyprus issue in the interest of peace, including steps in conformity with US proposals concerning Cyprus and in compliance with provisions contained in UN Security Council resolutions..."

It also commends the Cyprus government's "conciliatory and courageous action taken in the interest of peace" and its compliance with two UN resolutions approved at the end of last year calling for measures to reduce tensions and armaments and steps to reach a settlement on the island.

Following the resolutions the Cyprus government had decided not to deploy on the island the S300 defence missiles it had ordered from Russia.

The US Congress notes that Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had rejected the resolutions and urges the American President to use its influence to persuade Ankara to comply.

In the same resolution the Congress says a settlement in Cyprus would not only benefit the security, political, economic and social well-being of Cypriots but would also contribute to improving relations between Greece and Turkey.

It adds that a lasting solution on the island would also "strengthen peace and stability in the eastern Mediterranean and serve important interests of the US."

The other two resolutions call for US efforts to end restrictions on the freedoms and human rights of some 500 Greek Cypriots and Maronites who have remained in the Turkish occupied areas.

The enclaved do not enjoy full respect of their basic human rights and freedoms, such as secondary schooling, the exercise of their religious duties and full medical care.

There have often been reports of harassment suffered by these people, mainly elderly.

CNA DA/MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1220:CYPPRESS:02

[02] US - Cyprus - Turkish invasion

Speaking yesterday at an event organised to mark 25 years since the Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus' territory, Blinken said President Clinton is personally committed to this goal "which is not just a policy but something he feels."

A number of congress persons and senators who spoke at the "Hands around the Capitol" event underlined the fact that 25 years is too long and said pressure must be exerted on Ankara to abandon its intransigence in efforts for a Cyprus settlement.

They also called for the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from the island.

In his remarks Blinken said the US is committed to doing all it can in the weeks and months ahead for negotiations to begin, in line with a statement issued by the seven most industrialised countries of the world plus Russia (G8) in June.

He outlined the two challenges ahead as: Getting the two parties in Cyprus at the table and finding a settlement that would meet the needs of both sides, noting this is not a simple matter.

The American President's special assistant said that only the two sides themselves "can make the tough decisions it will take to reach an acceptable agreement."

Kathryn Porter, President of the organisation "Human Rights Alliance" which coordinated the event, said "we are here to encircle the Capitol with the reminder to Congress that will resonate within the walls of the White House that Cyprus must be divided no more."

Democrat senator Paul Sarbanes described the island's division as "a scar" and said "we will not give up until we return to occupied Cyprus, until we bring back peace and justice."

Referring to increased international interest in a settlement, Sarbanes said "now is the time to move forward within the framework of the UN resolutions for a just and lasting solution."

Republican congressman Ben Gilman said "it is time for the Turkish occupation forces to go home", stressing that "the impasse in Cyprus is caused by Ankara and (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash."

He underlined the need for the Turkish side to abandon its intransigence.

Dentash, backed by Turkey, is refusing to participate in peace talks unless they aim at establishing a "confederation of two states", a demand rejected by the UN, the Cyprus government and other key players as it is contrary to UN resolutions stipulating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Democrat congressman Ron Klink said "Ankara still stands alone on the Cyprus issue, but Cyprus has the whole world around it as witnessed by the Security Council resolutions that call for a single state, sovereignty and citizenship on the island."

His colleague Rob Andrews sent the American President the message that he should "bring the same effort to Cyprus that you showed in bringing Arabs and Jews together in the Middle East and Protestants and Catholics together in Ireland."

Republican congressman John Porter described Turkey as a "military dictatorship" and criticised the American government for not pressuring Ankara on the Cyprus question.

Democrat congressman Robert Menendez assured "we will not stop until the last boot of the last Turkish soldier leaves northern Cyprus."

His colleague Frank Pallone said "the US must pressure Ankara and especially the military on the Cyprus issue".

Similar statements were made by deputies Joseph Crowley, Joseph Hoeffel, Shelley Bergley and Michael Bilirakis.

Cyprus' ambassador to the US Erato Kozakou Markouli said the presence of so many Americans at the event is "a symbol of the world position that the problem created by the Turkish invasion and occupation not only exists and needs to be reversed but moreover that this problem is also an American problem that needs US active involvement to be resolved."

She said the US can play a major role and noted that a settlement in Cyprus would benefit the people of the island, Turkey and NATO and will serve the US broader interests in the region.

Greek ambassador Alexandros Filon said "it is for reasons of principle that the Turkish troops have to leave Cyprus and Cyprus must be united."

A human chain was formed around the Capitol after the speeches and the event ended with a march to the White House and a gathering at a nearby park where Blinken spoke.

CNA DA/MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         211.61 (-0.57)

      Traded Value            CYP 28,410,044

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 9,352,898     273.90 (-0.22)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP 1,114,296     101.22 (-2.78)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   483,837      94.45 (-0.85)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP 1,298,841     102.42 (-2.02)
      Tourism Companies       CYP 2,181,092     192.80 (-0.26)
      Trading Companies       CYP 2,470,091     109.92 (-4.29)
      Other Companies         CYP 2,030,490     188.41 (-0.51)

CNA MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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