Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 02-11-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Turkish Cypriot side still not able to respond to Annan

[02] Annan says his document could provide sound basis for agreement

[03] US Senate supports Cyprus accession to EU

[04] Iraqi government gives assurances to UN inspectors

[05] European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus

[06] Blix and ElBaradei praise Cyprus' role in hosting office

[07] European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus(2)

[08] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[09] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[10] European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus (3)

[11] Lord Hannay: Crucial time in efforts to solve Cyprus problem

[12] European Parliament - UN plan

[13] DISY and UCP say UN plan can constitute basis for negotiations

[14] Blair tells Erdogan he expects progress on Cyprus

[15] UN still have no answer from Denktash, sources say he returns to Cyprus soon

[01] Turkish Cypriot side still not able to respond to Annan

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Turkish Cypriot side still not able to respond to Annan

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

United Nations, Nov 20 (CNA) -- Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's adviser Ergun Olgun has said the Turkish Cypriot side sent yesterday a letter to the UN Secretary General, putting forward its position, regarding the time schedule that has been suggested by Kofi Annan as regards his plan for a Cyprus settlement.

''That official application I don't think has been made through to the SG ... I don't think what you have now is a reply to today's letter,'' Olgun said invited to comment to a UN spokesman statement which said Kofi Annan was very concerned and that ''further delay could result in the disappearance of the opportunity.''

[02] Annan says his document could provide sound basis for agreement

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Annan says his document could provide sound basis for agreement

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

United Nations, Nov 20 (CNA) -- UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said in his report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus, that his bleuprint for a Cyprus settlement could provide a sound basis for agreement on a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem and expressed hope that ''it will be possible to bring the effort to a decisive conclusion in the coming weeks.''

[03] US Senate supports Cyprus accession to EU

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US Senate supports Cyprus accession to EU

by Demetris Apokis

Washington, Nov 20 (CNA) -- US Senate said yesterday in a resolution that membership of the Republic of Cyprus in the European Union should be strongly supported and that all Cypriots must be urged to support and encourage efforts to bring the Republic of Cyprus into the EU.

It said that while a successful resolution of the Cyprus problem would facilitate the accession of Cyprus to the EU, in the absence of such a resolution, the accession of Cyprus to the EU could act as a further catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem without the latter being a precondition for accession and with all relevant factors being considered.

The Senate noted that the current status quo in Cyprus must be ended and said the continuing of direct negotiations between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are encouraged to continue until a comprehensive settlement has been achieved.

''The current status quo in Cyprus must be ended and the island and its people be reunited, in a bizonal, bicommunal federal Cyprus, with full consideration of United Nations Security Council resolutions and international treaties,'' the resolution said.

[04] Iraqi government gives assurances to UN inspectors

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Iraqi government gives assurances to UN inspectors

Larnaca, Nov 20 (CNA) -- Chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director Mohamed ElBaradei, who arrived here today from Baghdad, said representatives of the Iraqi government had assured them that they would fully implement the recent Security Council resolution on Iraq ''and cooperate with us.''

[05] European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus

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European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus

By Themis Themistocleous

Strasbourg, Nov 20 (CNA) -- The European Parliament welcomes the detailed plan for a political settlement presented to the parties by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 11 November 2002.

It calls on both parties to use the plan as a basis for negotiations and to arrive at a framework agreement to be signed before the Copenhagen European Council (12 December).

More later

CNA/TT/GP/2002

[06] Blix and ElBaradei praise Cyprus' role in hosting office

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Blix and ElBaradei praise Cyprus' role in hosting office

Nicosia, Nov 20 (CNA) -- Chief UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix, praised the government of Cyprus for quickly accepting his request for setting up an office in Cyprus and being assured of the governments support in the future.

Speaking after he and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director Mohamed ElBaradei were received here Wednesday by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, Blix said more people would be arriving in Larnaca today and that by Christmas it is estimated the inspectors base in Baghdad will host around 100 people.

[07] European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus(2)

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European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus (2)

By Themis Themistocleous

Strasbourg, Nov 20 (CNA) -- The European Parliament welcomes the detailed plan for a political settlement presented to the parties by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 11 November 2002.

It calls on both parties to use the plan as a basis for negotiations and to arrive at a framework agreement to be signed before the Copenhagen European Council (12 December).

The European Parliament calls, at the same time, on the Commission of the European Union to certify whether the UN proposals can provide the basis for a viable and operational settlement in the framework of the European Union, in accordance with the acquis communautaire.

More later

CNA/TT/GP/2002 ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

[08] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

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Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Nov 20 (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 28 9 FINE Larnaca 27 12 FINE Limassol 27 13 FINE Paphos 25 11 FINE

[09] Cyprus Stock Exchange

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Cyprus Stock Exchange

Nicosia, Nov 20 (CNA) - The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share
Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:

CSE General Index                              104,45   (-1,13)

Traded Value                  CYP  2.102.656

FTSE/CYSE 20                  CYP    924.627   412,84   (-1,10)

Sectoral Indices

Banks                         CYP    601.606   118,07   (-1,01)
Approved Investment
Companies                 CYP     92.570    91,25   (-0,69)
Insurance Companies           CYP      9.137    23,24   (-2,35)
Manufacturing Companies       CYP     22.666    67,65   (-1,26)
Tourism Companies             CYP     27.291   119,83   (-2,18)
Trading Companies             CYP     27.122    21,71   (-0,78)
Building and Cement Companies CYP      5.308    71,95   (-1,33)
Énformation Technology
Companies                 CYP     29.111     3,99   (-0,99)
Financial Services Companies  CYP    122.212    24,17   (-1,87)
Fish Culture Companies        CYP      2.198    14,29   (-6,42)
Hotels                        CYP     86.837    52,29   (-0,66)
Other Companies               CYP    576.045    97,65   (-1,10)

* The third column presents the percentage variation of

[10] European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus (3)

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European Parliament welcomes UN plan on Cyprus (3)

By Themis Themistocleous

Strasbourg, Nov 20 (CNA) -- The European Parliament today welcomed the plan presented by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to the parties to the Cyprus conflict on November 11 and called on the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to use the blueprint as a basis for negotiations and to conclude a framework agreement proposed by Annan before December 12, when the leaders of the European Union meet in Copenhagen to decide on the accession of Cyprus and nine other countries to the EU.

At the same time, the EP called on the Commission of the EU to certify whether the UN proposals comply with the acquis communautaire, as EU legislation is termed in Brussels.

Cyprus was part of the overall report on enlargement tabled today before the EP which met in Strasbourg over the last two days. The report was approved by an overwhelming majority of 505 for and 20 against, with 30 abstentions.

The EP accepted an amendment proposed by rapporteur for Cyprus Jacques Poos to his own earlier report and also by Jannis Sakellariou, on behalf of the group of Socialists in the Europarliament, to take account of developments in the last few weeks.

Under the amendment, the EP welcomes the detailed plan for a political settlement presented to the parties by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 11 November 2002 and calls on both parties to use the plan as a basis for negotiations and to arrive at a framework agreement to be signed before the Copenhagen European Council opening on December 12.

Under a second amendment, proposed by Greek Euro-MPs Christos Zacharakis and Konstantinos Hatzidakis, as well as their colleagues Arie Oostlander and Elmar Brok, the rapporteur for enlargement, on behalf of the PPE-DE group in the EP, the parties were invited to examine the UN proposals thoroughly and objectively.

Further, it called on the EU Commission to certify whether the proposals made by Annan can provide the basis for a viable and operational settlement in the framework of the European Union in accordance with the acquis communautaire.

The ten paragraphs on Cyprus in the overall report endorsed by the EP today include a requirement that the political settlement to be achieved should enable Cyprus to participate in the decision-making process and the policies of the EU and to ensure the proper application of EU law.

This implies that the Federal Government and Parliament of Cyprus should be fully functioning entities at international level, the report said.

The EP shared the hope that a reunited Cyprus under single sovereignty, but with guarantees for the regional autonomy and protection of the interests of both communities, will accede to the EU on the basis of a comprehensive settlement to be achieved before the completion of accession negotiations and that the terms of the accession treaty may reflect this settlement.

The EP reiterated its call on Turkey to lend full support to efforts for a Cyprus settlement this year, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

[11] Lord Hannay: Crucial time in efforts to solve Cyprus problem

Speaking in the Greek capital after meeting Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Lord Hannay said that their discussion was useful while commenting on the delay of the Turkish Cypriot side to reply to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans plan for a Cyprus settlement, said one should consider Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktashs health and that the new government in Turkey has just been formed.

However, he emphasised that the Secretary-Generals appeal should not fall in deaf ears.

It is a very crucial time in this major effort to settle the Cyprus problem, said Lord Hannay, noting there have been quite a lot of encouraging developments in recent weeks.

I think we all agree, we in Britain and Greece, that we want to try to put the best possible use of the period, between now and 12th December, because as we stated in Brussels yesterday, the best outcome of all would be if we get a settlement in that period of time, and if we could work on a reunited Cyprus into the EU on December 12, he said.

The British envoy remarked he would be very active, travelling to Cyprus later Wednesday and then to Ankara during the weekend. Tomorrow he is expected to hold a working breakfast with President Glafcos Clerides.

[12] European Parliament - UN plan

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Strasbourg, Nov 20 (CNA) --

Here follows the full text of the approved report on Cyprus by the Eurpopean Parliament. It was approved by an overwhelming majority of 505 for and 20 against, with 30 abstentions (see CNA story earlier).

Cyprus

32. Notes with satisfaction that the Commission considers that Cyprus, along with nine other candidate countries, will be able to assume the obligations of membership within the envisaged time frame; considers that, in the run-up to accession, Cyprus must continue its preparations in accordance with the commitments entered into during the negotiations;

33. Shares the hope that a reunited Cyprus under single sovereignty, but with guarantees for the regional autonomy and protection of the interests of both communities, will accede to the EU on the basis of a comprehensive settlement to be achieved before the completion of accession negotiations and that the terms of the accession treaty may reflect this settlement;

34. Welcomes the detailed plan for a political settlement presented to the parties by the Secretary General of the United Nations on November 11 2002; calls on both parties to use the plan as a basis for negotiations and to arrive at a framework agreement to be signed before the Copenhagen European Council; invites the parties involved examine these proposals thoroughly and objectively and calls on the Commission to certify whether they can provide the basis for a viable and operational settlement in the framework of the European Union in accordance with the acquis communautaire;

35. Recalls, in particular, that this political settlement should enable Cyprus to participate in the decision-making process and the policies of the European Union and to ensure the proper application of EU law; underlines that this implies that the Federal Government and Parliament of Cyprus should be fully functioning entities at international level;

36. Stresses the fact that once a settlement is reached the Government must also ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the whole territory of the island;

37. Supports the efforts of the Commission to generate and finance bicommunal projects, and appeals to the northern Cyprus leadership actively to support these efforts and stop any harassment of those who are in favour of a solution and EU membership;

38. Is convinced that in the event of a political solution, a supplementary budgetary effort will be required in order to facilitate the catching-up of the north of the island with the acquis communautaire and to contribute to the reconstruction of the buffer zone as well as areas in most need;

39. Welcomes the fact that opinion polls indicate increasing support among Turkish Cypriots for accession to the EU; welcomes, too, the European engagement of 90 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the north;

40. Urges Turkey, in particular, to lend its full support to efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement this year, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions;

[13] DISY and UCP say UN plan can constitute basis for negotiations

Speaking during a meeting with United Cyprus Party (UCP) General Secretary Izzet Izcan, DISY leader Nicos Anastasiades said they exchanged views on how Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can be better informed on the benefits, which might follow with a solution.

Izcan said he was very pleased to see that Kofi Annans is being accepted on the basis of negotiations by DISI and the majority of Greek Cypriot parties.

We believe that Cyprus should not miss this chance, he said, noting that if we miss it, Cyprus may remain divided for a long period of time, something which none of us wish to see happen.

Izcan said we have to work very closely towards any negative elements in both communities who may try to prevent the settlement on the island, adding there is still time and we should do everything we can for solution of the Cyprus problem and reunification of Cyprus and of course to restore respect of the human rights of all Cypriot.

Both parties, he said, agree that the plan "can be a basis for negotiations and if there are some points which have to be looked again they can be looked.

The two parties will form joint committees for better communication between the two communities, and encourage the other political sources on both sides to cooperate and have a common voice towards the international community, the T/C politician added.

[14] Blair tells Erdogan he expects progress on Cyprus

Blair made the statement after meeting here Wednesday Turkeys leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said the issue of setting a date for Turkey to start accession negotiations with the European Union (EU) should not be associated with a Cyprus solution, and that the Turkish government will negotiate the UN Secretary-Generals plan for a comprehensive settlement.

Erdogan, accompanied by Turkeys newly appointed Foreign Minister, Yasar Yakis, also met Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who said Turkey and the UK strongly support the UN Secretary-Generals efforts to secure a settlement in Cyprus.

We should not associate the issue of setting a date for Turkey to start accession negotiations with a solution to the Cyprus problem, Erdogan said, replying to questions after his Ten Downing Street meeting with Blair.

Asked whether he will negotiate the Annan plan, Erdogan replied, yes.

During their meeting with Blair, the two discussed European defence, Cyprus and relations between Turkey and the European Union, a statement from the Prime Ministers office said.

On Cyprus, the Prime minister said that he expects progress to be made on the basis of the Kofi Annans proposals. Mr. Erdogan said he will work on the proposals, the statement said.

On the Turkey-EU relations, the Prime Minister hoped that progress will be made while on the European defence, both sides were keen to make progress, the statement concluded.

Foreign Secretary Straw said that he and Blair talked about Cyprus during their meeting. Turkey and the UK strongly support the UN Secretary-Generals efforts to secure a settlement in Cyprus, he said, adding this visit was a valuable opportunity for us to compare notes on prospects for a durable, comprehensive settlement, which meets the needs of both partiers.

[15] UN still have no answer from Denktash, sources say he returns to Cyprus soon

At the same time, Turkish sources said Denktash will be discharged in two to three days and will immediately return to the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

During Wednesdays briefing, UN spokeswoman, Hua Jiang, asked when Denktash will give his answer to the UN plan said I have no information on that.

Asked whether the UN will give him the extension he had asked in a letter to the UN, the spokeswoman said, the SG said in the statement issued yesterday he is very concerned. He mentioned the calendar is an important part and a parcel of the plan. So, as I said yesterday, the clock is ticking.

Hua also said she had no information as to where and when Kofi Annans Special Adviser, Alvaro de Soto would meet the UN chief.

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