Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 03-02-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] US supports Annan's efforts

[02] UN chief meets Cyprus leaders

[03] Cyprus leaders to meet March 10 in The Heague

[04] UN chief's statement on Cyprus

[05] Denktash: We will go to The Hague even if our answer is ''no''

[06] Papadopoulos to work for March 10 meeting

[07] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[08] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[09] Kasoulides says no cost for Denktash to accept UN invitation

[10] Annan leaves Cyprus "very satisfied" with mission

[11] Commission hopes sides in Cyprus will accept UN proposal

[12] Papadopoulos gives affirmation before House

[13] House President opens investiture ceremony

[14] Annan stresses need for referenda on 30 March

[15] Papadopoulos says Cyprus settlement to be a compromise

[16] Papadopoulos assumes office as fifth Cyprus President

[17] President Papadopoulos to visit Greece

[01] US supports Annan's efforts

0930:CYPPRESS:01

US supports Annan's efforts

by Demetris Apokis

Washington, Feb 28 (CNA) -- US Secretary of State Colin Powell has said his country continued to support UN Secretary General's efforts for a Cyprus settlement and stood ready to help ''if there was anything in addition he would like us to do in the days ahead.''

[02] UN chief meets Cyprus leaders

1025:CYPPRESS:02

UN chief meets Cyprus leaders

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has this morning his second joint meeting with the Cyprus president-elect Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Outgoing Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who hands over the reins of power to Papadopoulos at a special House of Representatives session this afternoon, is also present.

[03] Cyprus leaders to meet March 10 in The Heague

1140:CYPPRESS:03

Cyprus leaders to meet March 10 in The Heague

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- The leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have accepted an invitation by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to travel to The Heague on March 10 to tell him whether or not they would sign a commitment to submit the foundation agreement to approval at separate referenda on March 30.

The announcement was made by the UN chief after an hour-long joint meeting here today with Cyprus President-elect Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Present was also outgoing Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

Annan said the Cyprus leaders "will arrive in The Hague on March 10 to tell me whether or not they would sign a commitment to submit the foundation agreement to approval at separate referenda on March 30 in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus

[04] UN chief's statement on Cyprus

1210:CYPPRESS:04

UN chief's statement on Cyprus

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan made the following statement after meeting here today with the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus:

''We had a very constructive discussion. I have an announcement to make:

The two leaders have just told me they have accepted my inviattion to come to the Hague on 10 March. I had told them yesterday that I would expect them to arrive prepared there and then to tell me whether or not they would sign a commitment in the Hague to submit the Foundation Agreement to approval at separate simultaneous referenda on 30 March in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

[05] Denktash: We will go to The Hague even if our answer is ''no''

1310:CYPPRESS:05

Denktash: We will go to The Hague even if our answer is ''no''

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said here today that he accepted an invitation by UN Secretary-General to travel to The Hague to tell him whether or not he would submit a foundation agreement to approval at a referendum.

Speaking after an hour-long joint meeting here today with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Cyprus President-elect Tassos Papadopoulos and outgoing Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, Denktash noted that ''the point which was clear was that we should not be going to The Hague to say 'yes'. If the answer is 'no' we should still go and explain to him why it is 'no'.''

[06] Papadopoulos to work for March 10 meeting

1420:CYPPRESS:06

Papadopoulos to work for March 10 meeting

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- Cyprus President-elect Tassos Papadopoulos has said he would go to The Hague for a scheduled meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to say ''yes or no'' to his suggestion for separate referenda on his third peace plan.

''The Secretary General expects us to tell him in The Hague whether we will go ahead with separate referenda but it is obvious that on March 10 we could say yes or no,'' Papadopoulos said after today's joint meeting with Annan and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Asked if his acceptance to go to The Hague is half-way to saying yes to a referendum, he replied ''no, this does not mean anything, it is simply an agreement to meet the Secretary General.''

Asked if ten days is sufficient time for consultations on the plan, before each side gives its reply, Papadopoulos said ''we shall try, we will examine the plan in consultation with all the political forces, in the context of the National Council, so that we will get a clear picture of what we want.''

Replying to other questions, Papadopoulos, who assumes his presidential duties officially this afternoon from outgoing President Glafcos Clerides, said ''Secretary General's special adviser Alvaro de Soto will be at our disposal, whenever we ask for a meeting with Denktash, he would call one.''

He explained that there could be both direct and joint meetings with Denktash in the coming days.

Annan said earlier today that he expects the two leaders to arrive in The Hague ''prepared there and then to tell me whether or not they would sign a commitment, in The Hague, to submit the Foundation Agreement to approval at separate simultaneous referenda on 30 March in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.''

[07] Cyprus Stock Exchange

1430:CYPPRESS:07
Cyprus Stock Exchange
Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) - The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share
Index closed at today's stock exchange meeting as follows:

CSE General Index                               87,27   (-0,39)

Traded Value                  CYP    915.431

FTSE/CYSE 20                  CYP    626.421   333,72   (-1,05)

Sectoral Indices

Banks                         CYP    544.132    96,05   (-1,55)
Approved Investment
Companies                 CYP     18.073    76,32   (-0,25)
Insurance Companies           CYP        351    18,39   ( 0,99)
Manufacturing Companies       CYP     15.300    60,69   ( 0,21)
Tourism Companies             CYP     12.696    95,34   ( 3,64)
Trading Companies             CYP      7.080    18,64   (-0,11)
Building and Cement Companies CYP     14.587    73,62   ( 1,85)
Énformation Technology
Companies                 CYP     10.517     3,07   (-0,32)
Financial Services Companies  CYP     68.133    16,85   ( 0,00)
Fish Culture Companies        CYP         39    11,87   ( 1,28)
Hotels                        CYP      5.925    44,85   ( 0,22)
Other Companies               CYP     88.895    81,75   ( 0,33)

* The third column presents the percentage variation of

[08] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

1440:CYPPRESS:08

Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Feb 28 (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                14             2         FAIR
Larnaca                16             3         FAIR
Limassol               18             9         FINE
Paphos                 16             5         FAIR

[09] Kasoulides says no cost for Denktash to accept UN invitation

1530:CYPPRESS:09

Kasoulides says no cost for Denktash to accept UN invitation

Nicosia, Feb 27 (CNA) - Outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides said today that no matter how negative Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is regarding a Cyprus settlement, it would cost him nothing to go somewhere else and respond negatively once again.

Kasoulides was commenting on the fact that both sides in Cyprus have accepted an invitation by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to travel to The Hague on March 10 to tell him whether or not they would sign a commitment to submit the Foundation Agreement on a political settlement to approval at separate referenda on 30 March.

[10] Annan leaves Cyprus "very satisfied" with mission

1605:CYPPRESS:10

Annan leaves Cyprus "very satisfied" with mission

Larnaca, Feb 28 (CNA) - UN Secretary General Kofi Annan left the island today saying that a peace plan for a comprehensive settlement he has handed the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides was "fair and balanced, it is a compromise" and urged all parties to ''catch the tide before it turns, perhaps irreversibly''.

He said he was very satisfied with the outcome of his mission in Ankara, Athens and Nicosia, in relation to a Cyprus settlement.

Speaking at Larnaca Airport, Annan said he was glad that President-elect Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash have agreed to meet him again in The Hague on March 10.

[11] Commission hopes sides in Cyprus will accept UN proposal

1630:CYPPRESS:11

Commission hopes sides in Cyprus will accept UN proposal

by Nicos Bellos

Brussels, Feb 28 (CNA) - The European Commission hopes that the two sides in Cyprus will accept a proposal by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to reply positively by March 10 at The Hague about signing a commitment to submit the Foundation Agreement on a political settlement to approval at separate referenda on March 30.

[12] Papadopoulos gives affirmation before House

1635:CYPPRESS:12

Papadopoulos gives affirmation before House

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- New Cyprus Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos was invested today during a ceremony at the House of Representatives, in the presence of outgoing President Glafcos Clerides and House President Demetris Christofias.

Giving his affirmation before the 56-member Parliament, Papadopoulos said, ''I do solemnly affirm faith to, and respect for, the Constitution and the laws made thereunder, the preservation of the independence and the territorial integrity, of the Republic of Cyprus''.

[13] House President opens investiture ceremony

1645:CYPPRESS:13

House President opens investiture ceremony

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) - House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias said the climax of developments in the Cyprus problem, with the visit to the island of UN chief Kofi Annan and the presentation to the two sides of a new solution plan, ''call for unity on the home front and collectiveness in the handling'' of the situation.

Opening the investiture ceremony of new President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos, Christofias assured that the House and all parliamentary political parties would stand by the new President.

[14] Annan stresses need for referenda on 30 March

1715:CYPPRESS:14

Annan stresses need for referenda on 30 March

Larnaca, Feb 28 (CNA) -- UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has said he believes ''it will be a sad day for the people'' of the island and for the region if the current opportunity for a political settlement in Cyprus was lost.

He also said it was important the ''people are given a chance to decide'' on their future in separate referenda.

Speaking on departure at Larnaca airport, at the end of his three day visit to the island, Annan said this was a unique opportunity that must not be missed and added that he believed a UN peace plan for a settlement that is on offer is ''fair and balanced''.

In his opening statement, Annan said ''I am very satisfied with the outcome of the mission which I have conducted over the past few days in Ankara, Athens and Nicosia, in relation to a Cyprus settlement''.

He said, ''in particular, I am glad that the two leaders, Mr (Rauf) Denktash and Mr (Tassos) Papadopoulos, have agreed to meet me again in The Hague on 10 March''.

''I have asked the two leaders to arrive at The Hague prepared to tell me, there and then, whether or not they would sign a committment to submit the Foundation Agreement to approval at separate simultaneous referenda on 30 March in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem,'' he said.

The Secretary-General said he has also asked ''the two leaders to arrive in The Hague having completed all necessary internal consultations and processes so that the response on 10 March is definitive''.

''At the end of my visit'', said Kofi Annan, ''I am convinced that all concerned - Greece, Turkey and the two parties in the island - understand that the holding of referenda on 30 March is the key to a reunited Cyprus signing the Treaty of Accession on 16 April''.

''I myself am absolutely certain that a Cyprus settlement which brings about a new state of affairs, would be a great benefit to all the people of Cyprus, as well as to the motherlands, the region and the entire international community'', said the UN Secretary-General.

Annan said that ''there is a unique opportunity that must not be missed. As I said on arrival, Cyprus has a rendezvous with destiny. I believe very strongly that the Plan for a Settlement that is on offer is fair and balanced''.

''Of course it is a compromise. But all negotiated settlements require compromise. I urge all concerned to catch the tide before it turns, perhaps irreversibly'', Annan noted.

Annan said he would pray and hope that ''you will soon have the settlement so long hoped for and so long denied''.

Asked what would be the purpose of the meeting in The Hague given that Denktash said he would not sign the plan, Annan said that he made it very clear in the statement he issued this morning ''and in my discussions with the leaders, that I want them to come to The Hague, to tell me that they are going to put the settlement plan to a referendum and that they will let the people decide''.

''I think it is important that the people are given a chance to decide,'' he added.

Annan said, ''I have not asked Mr. Denktash to sign the agreement. What I want is a committment from him when we meet, that the issue be put to referenda on 30 March''.

Asked what would happen if the people say no at the referenda, Annan replied ''if one party or the other says no, there should be no doubt we are at the end of the road''.

''We have put lots of effort in it and I am not sure this opportunity will come again soon, if it ever comes again. I think it will be a sad day for the people of this island, for both communities and for the region,'' the Secretary General said.

''We have an opportunity to reunite this island, and get them into the EU, a development that would improve the Turkish-Greece relationship, the Turkish-EU relationship and relationships in the region. And so I think we should all consider the downside very carefully,'' he added.

Invited to say what would happen if one party tries to put off its response to his call beyond 10 March, Annan responded, ''no one has that choice. I have stated to them very clearly that if a reunited Cyprus is to enter the EU to sign the Accession Treaty on the 16th April, we must have that referendum on the 30th of March. They don't have the time.

[15] Papadopoulos says Cyprus settlement to be a compromise

1735:CYPPRESS:15

Papadopoulos says Cyprus settlement to be a compromise

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) - New President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos said the final solution of the Cyprus problem would be a compromise, but noted that this compromise could not cause problems to the implementation of a settlement because ''if the solution is not functional, it cannot be viable, and if it is not viable, it cannot be lasting''.

Speaking before the House of Representatives, after giving his affirmation as new President of the Republic, Papadopoulos assured he was ready to tackle all developments in the Cyprus problem.

''It remains for us to prove, and we will prove, that we dare to reach a compromise, a constructive compromise, in the solution of our huge national question'', he said, noting that ''we dare to walk with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots towards reconciliation, cohabitation, peace and welfare, in a common, united homeland''.

He said ''the vision for a united Cyprus within the European family, the vision for a peaceful and certain and secure future, the vision for a society of equality and justice, the vision for a better quality of life, is the common vision of all''.

Papadopoulos said his election coincided with ''a sensitive phase of developments in the Cyprus problem'', adding that ''we are ready to face these developments in a responsible, serious and realistic manner''.

He said the Greek Cypriot side wanted a solution as soon as possible because ''we, as victims of a continued invasion and occupation, want the immediate termination of the tragedy of our land, the reunification of our people and our country, the establishment of security, the safeguarding of human rights and the construction of a hopeful future for all the legal inhabitants of our homeland''.

''A non solution is not a solution. On the contrary, it will mean the beginning of new perils and new problems'', he said.

Papadopoulos expressed hope that the National Council, top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus question, will study the third peace plan presented to the sides by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and would evaluate it.

[16] Papadopoulos assumes office as fifth Cyprus President

1750:CYPPRESS:16

Papadopoulos assumes office as fifth Cyprus President

Nicosia, Feb 28 (CNA) -- Tassos Papadopoulos assumed his duties as the fifth President of Cyprus Republic, during a ceremony at the island's Presidential Palace.

Earlier, Papadopoulos gave his affirmation before the plenary session of the 56-member House of Representatives.

After 10 years in power, Glafcos Clerides handed over the presidency to Tassos Papadopoulos.

On departure from the Presidential Palace, Clerides shook hands with Papadopoulos and wished him every success.

The new President will announce tomorrow morning his 11-member Council of Ministers.

Papadopoulos won the presidential elections on February 16, 2003. He is the fifth President of the Republic of Cyprus, since the island gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

[17] President Papadopoulos to visit Greece

1940:CYPPRESS:17

President Papadopoulos to visit Greece

Athens, Feb 28 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will go to Athens on Thursday, 6 March, Greek Government Spokesman Christos Protopapas has said.

This will be the first visit to Greece by President Papadopoulos, Protopapas noted.

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