Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 01-09-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus - Bush - Telegraph

[02] Cyprus - US - Cypriot civilians - Measures

[03] Turkish Cypriot tradeunionist - Public statement

[04] Cyprus Ambassador - Archbishop - US - Condolences

0900:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus - Bush - Telegraph

"On behalf of the government and the people of Cyprus please accept our deep condolences, sorrow and sympathy for the death of innocent civilians and the disaster caused by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C., which we strongly condemn," the telegraph reads.

CNA MK/GP/2001

1410:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus - US - Cypriot civilians - Measures

In Cyprus itself, security measures have been taken to prevent any possible terrorist attacks against American or Israeli interests.

Cyprus Airways flights to and from Cyprus continue as scheduled, except flights to Tel Aviv which have been suspended, as the airport there has been closed to foreign traffic.

Speaking to CNA, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Michalis Attalides said Cypriot diplomatic services in New York and Washington were seeking information about Cypriot nationals living in the two cities, by contacting American authorities and Cypriot organisations active in the US. There are a few thousand Cypriots residing in New York and Washington.

Attalides added that Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who flew to New York from Brussels on Monday, was in contact with the Cyprus Consulate in New York in order to follow up on any information about Cypriot citizens.

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who was on a Swissair flight to New York yesterday when the terrorist attacks occured, has ended up in Montreal where the flight was diverted and remains in contact both with Kasoulides and officials in Nicosia.

Clerides was bound for New York in order to meet UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today at 4 pm local time.

Attalides also said that Cyprus Permanent Representative to the UN Sotos Zakcheos was to find out whether Kofi Annan was still available for his meeting with President Clerides.

UN sources told CNA that it was most unlikely that the meeting could take place today and noted that UN headquarters in New York were for the moment open only for emergency purposes.

Justice and Public Order Minister Nicos Koshis told CNA that extra security measures had been taken at airports, ports, foreign embassies and particularly areas of American and Israeli interests in Cyprus as well as other high risk areas in the government-controlled territory.

Defence Ministry spokesman Andreas Yorkas told CNA that the National Guard (army) had increased security measures. He did not elaborate.

Cyprus Airways (CY) Press and Public Affairs Director Tasos Agelis said flights of CY aircraft from and to Cyprus were conducted as scheduled, noting that the airline was following Police and Civil Aviation instructions.

He noted that yesterday's flight to Tel Aviv had to be cancelled since the Israeli airports were closed.

Agelis said CY flights to Middle East destinations would be conducted without any stopovers for the crew, adding that the company was in constant touch with international aviation organisations.

A British Bases press release said security awareness at all military establishments in Cyprus had been raised as a prudent precautionary measure following events in the US.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and will take whatever additional measures are deemed appropriate and necessary," the British Bases said.

Because of yesterday's terrorist attacks in the US and the subsequent repercussions on the international money market, today's Cyprus Stock Exchange meeting was suspended.

A press release said that CSE board decided to suspend the meeting in order to protect investors.

The Cyprus government and political parties in statements, press releases and messages to President George Bush and US ambassador in Nicosia Donald Bandler have denounced the attacks against the US and expressed deep sorrow for the victims.

The US Embassy in Nicosia opened today a condolences book for those killed during the attacks.

Acting President, House of Representatives President, Demetris Christofias, and Acting Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Takis Klerides, as well as other officials have already signed the book. CNÁ MK/GP/2001

1440:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Turkish Cypriot tradeunionist - Public statement

In a public statement, Konuloglu refers to misleading allegations made in the media in the occupied areas with an aim to harm Turk-Sen and himself.

CNA AAR/GP/2001

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1445:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus Ambassador - Archbishop - US - Condolences

Primate of the Cyprus Church, Archbishop Chrysostomos, in a message to US President George Bush he expresses condolences of the Cyprus Church and people for the victims of yesterday's attacks. CNÁ MK/GP/2001 ENDS,CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

CNA ENDS

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