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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-08-13Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
1645:CYPPRESS:01[01] Cyprus - Israel - ThanksNicosia, Aug 13 (CNA) -- President Glafcos Clerides has received personal thanks from Israeli President Ezer Weizman and Prime Minister Ehud Barak for his decision to free two Israelis, sentenced to three years imprisonment for approaching a prohibited military area without permission."President Weizman had a long and very warm and friendly conversation with President Clerides on Thursday evening during which he thanked the President of Cyprus for suspending the sentence," diplomatic sources told CNA. A government press release said yesterday the President decided to grant pardon and suspend the remainder of the Israelis' prison term as their continuing imprisonment "no longer served the national interest." The two Israelis, Igar Damary, 49, and Udi Hargov, 37, were sentenced in February this year to three years in jail for approaching a restricted area and possessing banned listening devices without the permission of the Cypriot authorities. Later Thursday, Barak telephoned President Clerides to thank him personally for his gesture. President Clerides has accepted an invitation from the Israeli President to visit Israel officially. The visit is likely to take place towards the end of the year. Weizman paid an official visit to Cyprus in November last year. CNA MM/EC/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1800:CYPPRESS:02[02] House President - Foreign deputiesNicosia, Aug 13 (CNA) -- A British parliamentarian has expressed optimism that the best chance to resolve the Cyprus question is on the cards, in the light of interest shown in the problem by the G8 group (the seven most industrialised countries plus Russia).Eddie O'Hara, speaking on behalf of visiting MPs, also stressed that any solution to the problem must safeguard the unity of Cyprus, the return of all refugees to their homes, freedom of movement and should be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation. On his part, President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou said effort for a solution must focus on averting anything that could consolidate the current division and Turkish occupation of the island's northern part. O'Hara, here to attend a commemorative rally to condemn 25 years of occupation of the eastern coastal town of Famagusta, said the case of the ghost town of Famagusta was a "tragedy within the tragedy of Cyprus and a disgrace." Noting that the human rights of Greek and Turkish Cypriots are being violated by the continuing division of the island, O'Hara said "we are heartened that recently the G8 countries have expressed their concern that the problem of Cyprus has gone unresolved for 25 years." "We have to be optimistic and I am optimistic that we have one of the best opportunities in the past 25 years at last to find a solution to Cyprus problem," he added. He said the solution in Cyprus must just and should secure the right of all refugees to return to their homes and freedom of movement, on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federal solution. "Any solution must be based on one Cyprus people, both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, one Cypriot nationality, one Cypriot state, one island of Cyprus with one international identity," he said. The British deputy said he and his colleagues will insist that a just and lasting settlement must be based on these "indisputable, unnegotiable principles." In his remarks, the House President said Cyprus, at these crucial times, needs as much support as possible in its efforts to find a just and viable solution. "Our immediate priority is to prevent the consolidation and the legalisation of the current situation, following the 1974 Turkish invasion, " Kyprianou said. Noting that Britain's role is "very important" in discussions on specific issues, he expressed hope that things may get a turn for the better but also warned of more difficult times ahead. CNA FZ/MM/EC/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY2005:CYPPRESS:03[03] Earth tremor - Geological DepartmentNicosia, Aug 13 (CNA) -- An aftershock, estimated at 4.5 on the Richter scale, rocked Cyprus here this evening, more than 48 hours after a much stronger tremor on Wednesday morning.According to Sotiris Krambis, Senior Geological Officer of the Geological Survey Department today's tremor was "strong and its epicentre was in the area north of the southern coastal town of Limassol." He said the aftershock is believed to have registered 4.5 on the Richter scale but its effects are not bad. The tremor is believed to have been felt by people across the island. Wednesday's earthquake measured 5.8. It was followed by a number of aftershocks. CNA MM/EC/1999ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCYCNA ENDSCyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |