Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-08-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] CNA - Board

[02] Greek Cypriot - UNFICYP - Canadian High Commission - Brother

[03] Russian national - Bribery - Extradition

[04] Holy Synod - Miss Universe pageant

1340:CYPPRESS:01

[01] CNA - Board

Anthos Lykavgis, editor-in-chief of the largest-selling daily newspaper "Phileleftheros" remains chairman of the board.

The members are George Tsalakos, head of news and head of programmes and news at Antenna TV and radio respectively, Nicos Hadjinicolas, Papyros Press Distribution Agency Director-General, Christakis Georgiou, journalist, Evangelos Louca, head of News Division at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, George Hadzisavvas, Director of the Press and Information Office (PIO) and Ioannis Solomou, Senior Press and Information Officer (PIO).

CNA EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1740:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Greek Cypriot - UNFICYP - Canadian High Commission - Brother

At the same time, the Canadian High Commission, based in Damascus, said it is doing everything possible under the circumstances to achieve 48- year-old Rogiros Georgiou's release.

United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) spokeswoman, Sarah Russell, told CNA the living conditions of Georgiou are "acceptable".

Noting that UNFICYP took Georgiou's brother Dafnis to visit him today, she said "the conditions in which he is being held are quite acceptable."

Russell explained that the reason why Georgiou is being illegally held for a further eight days by the occupation regime is because he did not accept the so called "charges" which were made yesterday, when he appeared before an illegal court.

The UNFICYP spokeswoman said Georgiou was "charged" with entering a "first degree military area" and violating the so called "borders" of the illegal regime on July 22.

He will appear again before an illegal court on August 10. Asked about Georgiou's health, Russell said an UNFICYP doctor visited him today and that Georgiou is "okay".

She said if Georgiou asked "to see his own doctor, the Force would make all the arrangements for the visit", adding that it was difficult to organise the visit last Sunday when Georgiou's doctor had asked to visit him.

Georgiou was abducted by the Turkish occupation forces on July 21, when he accidentally drove into the occupied areas from Piroi village, south-east of Nicosia.

Meanwhile, his brother, Dafnis Georgiou told CNA that his brother is systematically beaten by the Turks.

"He was left without food, water or cigarettes on a number of occasions", Georgiou said.

Dafnis Georgiou added his brother is being tortured by the Turks so that he will reveal information about military positions in the free areas of the Republic and that the Turks suspect Rogiros Georgiou is a spy.

They also question his Canadian citizenship, claiming his documents are false and want him to sign a false statement and to recognise the illegal regime, Dafnis Georgiou said.

Asked about the condition of the cell where Rogiros is illegally detained, Dafnis told CNA his brother was moved to cell outside Turkish occupied Nicosia, which is better than the one he was held before where the 48-year-old slept on the floor.

Meanwhile, Canada's Honourary Consul, Eleni Chrysostomidou, told CNA that the Canadian High Commission in Damascus is showing "a very strong interest" in Georgiou's case and "is doing everything possible, under the circumstances, to achieve his speedy release and to end his illegal detention."

She said High Commissioner, Alexandra Bugailiskis, remains informed about the situation and is doing everything possible to help the Canadian citizen.

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

The illegal regime set up by Rauf Denktash in November 1983, is recognised only by Ankara.

CNA FZ/EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1800:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Russian national - Bribery - Extradition

Alexander Vladimir Suchkov, 46, was arrested Monday night on his arrival in Cyprus for a holiday.

According to the Russian authorities, Suchkov, who appeared before Larnaca District Court here Tuesday, is charged with bribing Russia's deputy Finance Minister between December 1995 and January 1996.

The Attorney-General's office asked the court to postpone the hearing until September 2 to allow time for the Justice Minister to authorise the start of the extradition procedure and the Russian authorities to forward the relevant extradition documents.

Suchkov was released on conditions.

CNA MAN/EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2005:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Holy Synod - Miss Universe pageant

A statement here Tuesday by the Holy Synod, comprising the island's bishops chaired by the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos, called on the people not to participate in the pageant.

The Holy Synod "was surprised and sad to hear that during celebrations marking 2000 years since the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, instead of any religious celebrations taking place... an international (beauty) pageant will be held, promoting female nudity and scandalising the respected church flock."

The church leaders, who maintain a strong influence over Cypriot society, said the "Holy Synod denounces the staging of the pageant", especially at a time when the people of Cyprus are facing their greatest national and religious threat.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Nicos Rolandis, announced last month that Cyprus had signed the papers to host the Miss Universe pageant for the year 2000 in May.

Rolandis, who has faced criticism by some political parties over the organising of the contest, explained the hosting of the pageant was decided as part of events marking the millennium.

He said it will promote tourism, the island's main source of income, and that the money to organise it will derive from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation funds for advertising.

CNA EC/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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