Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-08-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Eliades - "Globe International" - Turkey - Cyprus

[02] Bolshoi Opera Theatre - AIDA - Paphos

[03] Cyprus government - Hala Sultan Tekke - Attempted arson

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[01] Eliades - "Globe International" - Turkey - Cyprus

Socialist EDEK Deputy, Demetris Eliades, who participated in the "Globe International" Assembly in Bonn between 22-26 August expressed the solidarity and sympathy of Cypriots towards the Turkish people.

He also referred to President Glafcos Clerides' telegram of condolence to his Turkish counterpart, Suleyman Demirel, as well as the cabinet decision to send aid to Turkey worth 100,000 US dollars.

Speaking to CNA, Eliades said he told participants that human pain and misery unite peoples and go beyond borders and nationalities and urged them to call on their governments to send humanitarian aid to Turkey.

Eliades' statement was received with tumultuous applause while the Turkish representative thanked Cyprus for its position against the Turkish disaster.

The Turkish delegation and other foreign delegations also personally thanked Eliades.

He said during meetings on the sidelines of the Assembly foreign delegations referred to the Cyprus problem, noting it is high time for a solution to be found.

Greek Cypriots have been touched by the devastating effects of the quake on the Turkish people and have offered their assistance despite the fact that Turkey continues to occupy the island's northern third.

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

Two Greek Cypriot doctors and a nurse went to Turkey to offer their expertise while a local radio station is waging a campaign to raise funds for the stricken areas.

CNA EC/GG/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1500:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Bolshoi Opera Theatre - AIDA - Paphos

Nicosia, Aug 29 (CNA) -- One of the most renowned operas in the world, the Bolshoi Opera Theatre, will present Giuseppe Verdi's AIDA in the western coastal town of Paphos next month.

A total of 280 people will arrive on the island to present the opera, Panicos Schinis of "Papadopoulos and Schinis Productions" which have undertaken the administration and production of the event in Cyprus, told CNA.

The organisers are the "Paphos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus" which annually aims to bring to Cyprus renowned international operas.

The symphonic orchestra and choir comprising 90 members each, accompanied by 10 solists and 50 actors will present the opera in its original language, Italian. They have already appeared at London's Coliseum.

An additional 37 technicians will arrive for the setting of the opera outside the medieval castle of Paphos between September 10-12.

Schinis said production costs are expected to reach 300 thousand Cyprus pounds (one Cyprus pound trades at 1,8 US Dollars) with the Ministry of Education and Culture providing the largest amount.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation as well as the Antiquities Department, the Ports Authority and the Cyprus Electricity Authority are also supporting and funding the production.

Conducting Bolshoi's AIDA is Mark Ermler, while artistic director is Bela Rudenko and artistic director and principal of the Bolshoi Theatre is Vladimir Vassiliev.

Starring are Elena Zelenskaya, Marina Lapina, Olga Teryushnova, Badri Maisuradze, Vitaly Taraschenko, Vladimir Matorin and Yuri Nechaevy.

CNA EC/GG/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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[03] Cyprus government - Hala Sultan Tekke - Attempted arson

Sources told CNA that the culprits tried to set fire in four different places in the shrine, situated on the Larnaca salt lake near the international airport on the island's southern coast. Slight damage was reported mainly on the shrine's tapestry.

The shrine was visited by Justice and Public Order Minister, Nicos Koshis and senior Police officials.

Government Spokesman, Michalis Papapetrou, said the government "strongly condemns the criminal act of sabotage against the Hala Sultan Tekke in Larnaca."

In a statement, Papapetrou said "President Clerides immediately ordered the full mobilisation of the Police to investigate the crime and to bring to justice the culprits."

"Such acts undermine the struggle of the people of Cyprus and the government is not willing to show the least tolerance," he added.

His statements were echoed by Justice Minister Koshis who said after inspecting the site that "the government will not show any mercy" against the culprits who left behind a leaflet with the printed inscription "Pancyprian Organisation of Cypriot Fighters".

Koshis said any damage will be repaired and the shrine will be restored. He also said that although a policeman is guarding the site, Police are contemplating the installation of an alarm system for additional security.

The attempted arson was also condemned by political parties. House President Spyros Kyprianou said if it is proved that the attempted arson was carried out by Greek Cypriots, then it will be the "most treasonous act" against Cyprus since the 1974 coup, engineered by the Greek junta.

Expressing the hope that Greek Cypriots are not the culprits, Kyprianou said the attempted arson comes at a time when relations between Greeks and Turks have improved to a great extent following the devastating earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.

"Wherever it comes from, it is a deplorable provocation", the House President added.

Hala Sultan Tekke was built in memory of Umm Haram, an aunt of the Prophet Mohammed who is said to be buried in the shrine, which is considered to be one of the most holiest Moslem sites.

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

CNA EC/GG/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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