Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 02-01-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN spokesman sees small window of opportunity on Cyprus

[02] Cyprus direct talks start

[03] Cyprus Defence Minister to visit Greece, China

[04] Britain urges two leaders to find just and lasting solution

[05] Clerides and Denktash to meet three times a week

[06] Europarliament President welcomes direct talks

[07] Very encouraging start to direct talks, says Alvaro de Soto

[08] Russian envoy in Cyprus for talks

[09] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[10] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[11] Barsony recommends more involvement of Turkish Cypriots

[12] Jurgens: No justification for Turkey's occupation of Cyprus

[13] Izcan: Moment is crucial for solution of the problem

[14] Upgrading defence will continue until settlement is found

[01] UN spokesman sees small window of opportunity on Cyprus

0830:CYPPRESS:01

UN spokesman sees "small window of opportunity" on Cyprus

New York, Jan 16 (CNA) -- UN Secretary General's spokesman Fred Eckhart believes there is "a small window of opportunity" to find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus prior to a decision by the European Union on enlargement, which should include Cyprus as well.

[02] Cyprus direct talks start

1100:CYPPRESS:02

Cyprus direct talks start

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- Direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash started here today under the watchful eye of UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

President Clerides arrived in his official car, with the flag of the Republic of Cyprus fluttering in the morning breeze, accompanied by his personal security men.

Media representatives wished him luck and he thanked them. He was welcomed by UN Secretary General's Acting Special Representative in Cyprus, Zbigniew Wlosowicz and afterwards by de Soto.

The room in the UN premises in the area of Nicosia International Airport, situated in the UN-controlled area, which will host a series of meetings between the two leaders has been specially arranged for this purpose.

Clerides is accompanied by his close aides, Attorney General Alecos Markides, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou and Undersecretary to the president Pantelis Kouros.

The Turkish Cypriot leader arrived at the venue accompanied by his aide Elgun Olgun. He was also welcomed first by Wlosowicz and afterwards by de Soto.

Asked to say why he was not escorted by his other aides, Denktash said "they will come".

Invited to say why there were not with him at the moment, Denktash said "because this is direct talks with Mr. Clerides. I want to talk to him directly. I have called him. I want face-to-face talks and then we shall start."

Clerides and Denktash exited the building together for a photo opportunity escorted only by their security men. They shook hands.

After comments by the press that de Soto, who was at the moment standing at the building's threshold was not with them Denktash waved at him asking him to proceed, something that he did.

Some 150 media representatives from Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and other countries are covering the start of this fresh attempt to find a negotiated settlement.

CNA/MM/MK/GP/2001 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

[03] Cyprus Defence Minister to visit Greece, China

1115:CYPPRESS:03

Cyprus Defence Minister to visit Greece, China

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus Defence Minister Socratis Hasikos left today for Athens to meet his Greek counterpart Yiannos Papantoniou.

[04] Britain urges two leaders to find just and lasting solution

1200:CYPPRESS:04

Britain urges two leaders to find just and lasting solution

London, Jan 16 (CAN) -- British Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Hain said direct talks on the Cyprus question, which began today in Nicosia, "represent a real opportunity for all Cypriots and all of us" and urged the leaders of the two communities on the island "to exert every effort to achieve a just and lasting settlement."

[05] Clerides and Denktash to meet three times a week

1200:CYPPRESS:05

Clerides and Denktash to meet three times a week

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash discussed here today the substance of the Cyprus question and agreed to continue direct talks three times a week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday - starting on Monday, January 21, at 1700 local time (1500 GMT).

[06] Europarliament President welcomes direct talks

1215:CYPPRESS:06

Europarliament President welcomes direct talks

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- Newly elected President of the European Parliament, Irish Pat Cox, has welcomed the beginning of direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, noting the great opportunities of this dialogue and expressing hope the time for reconciliation in Cyprus is approaching.

[07] Very encouraging start to direct talks, says Alvaro de Soto

1330:CYPPRESS:07

Very encouraging start to the direct talks, says Alvaro de Soto

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary General's special adviser on Cyprus, has said today's first meeting between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community was "a very encouraging start," noting they engaged immediately on the substance.

He also said the two have agreed to meet three times a week, starting Monday, and described the climate at today's meeting "good and cordial" and announced that journalists will no longer be allowed to cover future meetings, which take place in a renovated building in the Nicosia airport area, now under UN control.

"The two leaders met today in private first in my presence and they had a good discussion on the substance, they subsequently met with their advisers," de Soto told over 100 media representatives, adding that "they have agreed to establish a pattern of meetings, which will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 5 pm, beginning on Monday next."

He said Clerides and Denktash want to "reflect in the remainder of this week on what they discussed today."

Asked how important an achievement was today's meeting for him, the UN top envoy on Cyprus replied "I thought it was a very encouraging start, they engaged immediately on the substance."

Replying to questions, he said his role at the talks is to "assist in any way I can."

He also clarified that when the two leaders met alone, he was alone too without his advisers but when they met with their advisers, his advisers were present as well.

President Clerides was accompanied by Attorney General Alecos Markides, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou and Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros.

Denktash was accompanied by one adviser, his self-styled undersecretary to the president Elgun Olgun only.

De Soto normally has with him three aides, including a legal adviser.

In his brief remarks to the press, de Soto said that his statement today was "probably the last you will hear from me for sometime" but explained that journalists will be called if there is any announcement to be made in the future.

"The usual pattern will be that no press will be present at future meeting, they will be proceeding at a businesslike pace," he said.

Replying to other questions, he said he is settled on the island for the duration of these talks.

President Clerides did not make any statement as he was leaving the premises where the talks took place.

Denktash said he had a "very good" meeting during which he discussed the substance of the Cyprus question, adding that the next meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

CNA MM/GP/2002 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

[08] Russian envoy in Cyprus for talks

1400:CYPPRESS:08

Russian envoy in Cyprus for talks

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- Russian Foreign Ministry Special Representative for Cyprus, Vladimir Prygin, arrived here yesterday for a week-long visit, during which he will hold meetings with Cypriot officials.

[09] Cyprus Stock Exchange

1440:CYPPRESS:09

Cyprus Stock Exchange

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) - The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share
Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:

CSE General Index                              131,35  (-0,13)

Traded Value                  CYP  2.218.438

FTSE/CYSE 20                  CYP    922.788   529,75  ( 0,42)

Sectoral Indices

Banks                         CYP    408.724   144,64  ( 0,01)
Approved Investment
Companies                 CYP    235.079   126,07  (-0,48)
Insurance Companies           CYP     35.258    50,82  (-1,24)
Manufacturing Companies       CYP    254.746    55,60  (-0,20)
Tourism Companies             CYP    230.190    97,38  (-1,68)
Trading Companies             CYP     41.694    33,12  (-0,87)
Building and Cement Companies CYP     12.518    56,29  ( 1,00)
Énformation Technology
Companies                 CYP      9.247     8,71  (-2,13)
Financial Services Companies  CYP    347.827    29,56  ( 0,27)
Fish Culture Companies        CYP         13    25,42  (-0,20)
Hotels                        CYP    175.557    80,97  (-0,12)
Other Companies               CYP    389.457   145,54  ( 0,00)

* The third column presents the percentage variation of

[10] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

1440:CYPPRESS:10

Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) - Today's weather and temperatures for Cyprus,
according to the Meteorological Service at Larnaca International
Airport are:

Temperatures (degrees Celcius)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Station               Maximum     Minimum       Weather
(At 1200 UTC)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Nicosia                  16           3         CLOUDY
Larnaca                  17           5         CLOUDY
Limassol                 18           7         CLOUDY
Paphos                   17           7         FAIR

[11] Barsony recommends more involvement of Turkish Cypriots

1700:CYPPRESS:11

Barsony recommends more involvement of Turkish Cypriots

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- There must be more engagement of representatives of Turkish Cypriot political forces and civil society in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, if the peace effort is to be assisted, a report by the Assembly's Political Affairs Committee says.

The report notes increasing pressure to find a political solution to the Cyprus question as the country's accession to the European Union draws nearer, pointing out that the EU, being in an exceptional position with direct contacts with Nicosia and Ankara, can play a key role in pressing for a settlement.

[12] Jurgens: No justification for Turkey's occupation of Cyprus

1730:CYPPRESS:12

Jurgens: No justification for Turkey's occupation of Cyprus

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- There is no justification for the continuing occupation of the northern part of Cyprus by Turkey and no justification can be found for violations of basic human rights of the population of the island, Rapporteur for Cyprus to the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Erik Jurgens, notes in a memorandum.

[13] Izcan: Moment is crucial for solution of the problem

1945:CYPPRESS:13

Izcan: Moment is crucial for solution of Cyprus problem

Nicosia, Jan 16 (CNA) -- The time has come for a solution of the Cyprus problem to be achieved, General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Patriotic Unity Movement Izzet Izcan said here today, adding that the protracted Cyprus problem should be solved on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions and high level agreements, which provide for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

[14] Upgrading defence will continue until settlement is found

2005:CYPPRESS:14

Upgrading defence will continue until settlement is found

Athens, Jan 16 (CNA) -- The effort to upgrade Cyprus' defence within the framework of the Joint Defence Pact between Greece and Cyprus will continue until a solution to the Cyprus problem is found, Defence Minister Socratis Hasikos said today after a meeting in Athens with his Greek counterpart Yiannos Papantoniou.

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