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Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 01-10-08Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
0030:CYPPRESS:01[01] Cyprus Foreign Minister - US-led attack - StatementNicosia, Oct 8 (CNA) -- Cyprus shares the view that the military operation that began today in Afghanistan is not targeting Moslem countries, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides stressed here tonight, in an initial reaction to the attack, noting that this operation is part of an overall campaign against international terrorism, which includes diplomatic, political and economic objectives.Welcoming statements by US President George Bush and British Premier Tony Blair that the offensive is not targeting innocent and unarmed civilians in Afghanistan, the minister said Cyprus is one of 40 countries which have offered its air space and landing rights to US military aircraft. Kasoulides reassured the neighbouring friendly Arab countries that Cyprus' policy towards them remains unaltered, as the Republic joins the fight against international terrorism. On the situation in Cyprus, he said everything is under control, there are increased security measures at airport and ports but there is no cause for alarm. The minister also said he had been in touch with the ambassadors of foreign countries on the island to brief them on the security measures taken by the Cypriot authorities. "The government of Cyprus has taken note of the commencement of the military operations which are targeting international terrorism, its headquarters and the regime that is harbouring the headquarters and the camps of the international network of Osama bin Laden," the minister said. He said Cyprus "appreciates the statements made by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair and in particular that this military operation is not targeting the people of Afghanistan or innocent civilians but it is targeting specifically the terrorists and the regime that is harbouring them." He said Cyprus is among the 40 countries, mentioned by Bush in his statement, that have offered the air space and landing rights to military aircraft from the US and the UK that are taking part in this operation. "Cyprus considers itself member of the coalition which along with other European countries but also Moslem countries and in particular friendly countries of the Arab world that are also participating in the fight against terrorism," Kasoulides said. He stressed that this is not an attack against the Moslem world but against the specific terrorist organisation and network that needs to be tackled around the world. "I address myself to our friendly nations of our vicinity, the Arab countries in particular, to say that our policy towards them remains the same, a policy of friendship and bon voisinage and we have taken all the necessary precautions that Cyprus will never be used for any action against them," he said, adding that Nicosia considers that these countries have pledged to fight international terrorism. "Our general policy regarding the Palestinian issue remains the same," he concluded. Replying to press questions, the minister said "the situation is under control, there is no cause for alarm and I would suggest we remain calm." He said movement in Nicosia FIR is being monitored, there are increased security measures at airports and ports and the Republic's armed forces, the National Guard, are implementing a programme as planned, in the event of military strikes in Afghanistan. Asked how and when the government was informed about the offensive, he said "the government was not informed about the start of the operation, nor did it expect to be informed about this but it has known that part of international campaign against terrorism would be military operations against the headquarters or training camps of terrorists and those who harbour them." CNA MM/GP/20011030:CYPPRESS:02[02] Weather forecast for CyprusNicosia, Ïct 8 (CNA) - The Meteorological Office at Larnaca International Airport has issued the following weather forecast for Cyprus:Tuesday and Wednesday: 9/10/2001 to 10/10/2001 Mainly fine with small amounts of cloud on Tuesday. On Wednesday the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with prabability of isolated showers. Winds will be Southwesterly to Westerly light to moderate and the state of sea generally slight but locally moderate during the afternoon, over the south coastal areas. Maximum temperature: 32C inland and around 29C over coastal areas. Minimum temperature: 17C inland and around 19C over coastal areas. Outlook for Thursday and Friday: 11/10/2001 to 12/10/2001 Unstable weather conditions with isolated showers, are expected on Thursday and Friay, especially after noon. Gradual fall of temperature is expected. Sea Temperature: 25C CNA/GP/2001 1130:CYPPRESS:03[03] Cyprus Foreign Minister - US attackLarnaca, Oct 8 (CNA) -- Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said here today there should not be any concerns in Cyprus, in the wake of the US military operation against terrorism, and assured "the situation is under control" and "all measures have been taken."Speaking to the press prior to his departure for Brussels where he will attend the 20th meeting of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee, Kasoulides expressed the conviction that foreign envoys assigned to follow the Cyprus problem will continue to do so and that not in the near future but in the medium-term, efforts aimed at reaching a solution to the problem will resume. CNA MAN/MK/GP/20011300:CYPPRESS:04[04] Cyprus - Lebanon - Presidential visit - PostponedNicosia, Oct 8 (CNA) -- The official visit to Cyprus by Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has been postponed, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou announced here today.Lahoud was due to arrive on the island Wednesday for an official visit but it was postponed, apparently because of the US and British air strikes in Afghanistan. CNA MK/MM/GP/20011400:CYPPRESS:05[05] Cyprus Airways - Extra chargeNicosia, Oct 8 (CNA) -- Cyprus Airways (CY) decided today to impose an extra charge of 5 US dollars per passenger per flight (10 US dollars per return ticket) to meet increased airlines' insurance fees, after the terrorist attacks in the US.CY Press and Public Affairs Director Tassos Angelis told CNA the decision comes into effect as from today and noted that other European airlines had decided to do the same thing, most of them imposing an extra charge of the same amount. As far as CY insurance fees are concerned, he said they have been multiplied by five, "posing an unbearable burden on the company's shoulders." CNA/KST/MK/GP/2001 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY1420:CYPPRESS:06[06] Cyprus - US attack - MeasuresNicosia, Oct 8 (CNA) -- The Cyprus government has moved quickly with a view to avert any panic among the public, following the US-British air strikes in Afghanistan, stressing that there is no cause for alarm and calling on people to go about their business as normal.Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou, Communications and Works Minister Averof Neofytou and Interior Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou stepped in today to convey as firmly as possible the message that people must remain calm and that everything is under control. CNA DN/MF/MK/MM/GP/2001 CNA ENDS Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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