Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 05-06-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate unamimously

[02] Cyprus rejects reports about embassy in Ankara

[03] Talks on EU regulations end without result

[04] Annual Cyprus Conference begins in Washington

[05] Cypriot President satisfied with UNFICYP resolution

[06] European Council to deal with crucial issues

[07] UN Security Council extends UNFICYP mandate (FULL TEXT)

[08] Greece says priority to prepare next steps for Cyprus

[09] EU Presidency cancels meeting with candidate countries

[10] Cypriot President says no hazardous terminology in UN resolution

[11] Cypriot President says Turkish Cypriots negative at EU meeting

[12] President says Cyprus and US reach agreement on weapons

[13] Weather forecast for Cyprus

[14] Cypriot President says EU summit crucial

[15] Cyprus' inflation rate drops and approaches Eurozone figures

[16] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[17] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

[18] EU summit - Arrival of Council members and delegations

[19] European Democratic Party to convene in Cyprus

[01] UN Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate unamimously

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UN Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate unamimously

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

United Nations, Jun 16 (CNA) - The UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1604, thus renewing the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a further six months, until 15 December 2005.

Cyprus' Permanent Representative at the UN Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis told reporters after the resolution was adopted that ''the government of Cyprus holds the view that the security situation on the island, defined by the continuing presence of the Turkish occupation troops, still requires the presence of UNFICYP.''

''We have therefore given our consent to the extension of the mandate of UNFICYP and we welcome the decision of the Security Council to renew UNFICYP with the same force level and the same concept of operation,'' he said.

Mavroyiannis noted that ''the government of Cyprus takes note of the satisfaction expressed by the Security Council for the lifting of restrictions of movement of UNFICYP by the Turkish forces in Cyprus and we also take note and expect the Turkish side to cooperate with UNFICYP for the restoration of the military status quo ante in Strovilia.''

''We also hope that the Turkish side will cooperate for the ascertainment of the fate of the missing persons in Cyprus, as called upon by the Security Council,'' he added.

[02] Cyprus rejects reports about embassy in Ankara

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Cyprus rejects reports about embassy in Ankara

Nicosia, Jun 16 (CNA) -- The Cypriot government has rejected allegations that the Republic of Cyprus has made moves to open an embassy or set up a diplomatic mission in Ankara.

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides asked why Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was invited to comment a relevant Cypriot request, said there is no such request.

The Spokesman added that there are ways for Cyprus to monitor Turkeys accession negotiations, even if there is no diplomatic mission in Ankara.

[03] Talks on EU regulations end without result

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Talks on EU regulations end without result

by Nicos Bellos

Brussels, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Consultations between the Cyprus government, the Luxembourg Presidency of the EU, the Commission and representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community concerning the two EU regulations for the Turkish Cypriots ended in Brussels last night without result.

During yesterdays second meeting this week, which aimed at finding a mutually acceptable agreement to adopt the two regulations, the financial regulation worth 259 million euros for the Turkish Cypriots and the regulation for EU direct trade with the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation, no progress was achieved since Turkish Cypriots refused to give anything in exchange.

[04] Annual Cyprus Conference begins in Washington

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Annual Cyprus Conference begins in Washington

by Apostolis Zoupaniotis

Washington, Jun 16 (CNA) -- The three-day 16th Annual Cyprus Conference of Greek-American and Cypriot-American leaders, which started yesterday in Washington, discussed proposals, in the context of the Conference's strategy session, to upgrade the Greek-American lobby.

The Conference is hosted by the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC) and the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH).

Today, some 100 delegates will be visiting the US Congress, where they will have the opportunity to meet with congresspersons and senators, who serve on committees and subcommittees and others who play a major role in the formulation of matters concerning US policy towards Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.

Tonight, a banquet will be given and on Friday the delegates will have the opportunity to meet with State Department and National Security Council officials.

[05] Cypriot President satisfied with UNFICYP resolution

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Cypriot President satisfied with UNFICYP resolution

Larnaca, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos described as satisfactory yesterday's UN Security Council resolution for the six-month renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Speaking before departure for Brussels, where he will participate in the European Council, President Papadopoulos said no discussions took place on changing UNFICYP's role, and that cuts in the Force appear to be yielding results.

Commenting on information that efforts were being made to iron out relations between Cyprus and the US, President Papadopoulos said ''our effort is to have good relations with all countries, especially the US,'' taking into consideration US actions that caused bitterness among the Cypriot people.

He added that the Republic of Cyprus had reached a bilateral agreement with the US regarding the trafficking of mass destruction weapons, noting that Cyprus is the first EU country to reach such an agreement with the US.

Regarding the financial strengthening of the Turkish Cypriots and relevant talks which ended yesterday in Brussels, President Papadopoulos said the Turkish Cypriots showed no willingness and dismissed the whole package the Luxembourg presidency of the EU and the European Commission had set out.

He noted that the Turkish Cypriot side was immovable regarding the two requests of the Republic of Cyprus, namely the return of the fenced-off area of Famagusta to its owners and the exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the areas under Turkish occupation.

[06] European Council to deal with crucial issues

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European Council to deal with crucial issues

Brussels, Jun 16 (CNA) -- The two crucial issues facing the European Union, ratification of the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe and the budget for the period 2007 - 2013, are to dominate the two-day meeting of the 25 leaders of the Union which begins in Brussels this afternoon.

In a letter to the heads of state or government, the current President of the European Council, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker, said the whole working session Thursday afternoon will be devoted to an initial exchange of views on the issue of the constitution for Europe, which has been ratified already by ten member states but rejected in referenda in France and Holland.

Juncker said the next steps in the process of ratification will be discussed over dinner Thursday evening with a view to adopting a joint declaration on the future course of action. The 25 European leaders will be joined at dinner by the President of the European Parliament, while the Foreign Ministers will discuss during a separate dinner all the external relations issues covered in the draft conclusions of the European Council.

[07] UN Security Council extends UNFICYP mandate (FULL TEXT)

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UN Security Council extends UNFICYP mandate (FULL TEXT)

United Nations, Jun 15 (CNA) --

The full text of resolution 1604 (2005) reads, as follows:

The Security Council,

Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 6 June 2005 (S/2005/353) on the United Nations operation in Cyprus,

Reiterating its call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness, and welcoming in this regard the resumption of the activities of the Committee on Missing Persons since August 2004,

Welcoming the Secretary-Generals review of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Cyprus (UNFICYP), pursuant to resolution 1568 (2004) of 22 October 2004,

Noting that the Government of Cyprus is agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond 15 June 2005,

Taking note of the assessment of the Secretary-General that the security situation on the island continues to be stable and that the situation along the Green Line remains calm, and, nonetheless, that there were problems in a few sensitive areas, and welcoming in this context the further decrease in the overall number of incidents involving the two sides,

Welcoming the Secretary-Generals intention to keep the operations of UNFICYP under close review, continuing to take into account developments on the ground and the views of the parties, and to revert to the Council with recommendations for further adjustments as appropriate to UNFICYPs mandate, force levels and concept of operation once he judges that sufficient time has passed since the implementation of UNFICYPs new concept of operations to make this assessment,

Taking note with satisfaction of the lifting of restrictions of movement of UNFICYP by the Turkish Cypriot side and the Turkish forces, and taking note in this connection that UNFICYP enjoys good cooperation from both sides,

Welcoming the fact that over seven million crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north and Turkish Cypriots to the south have taken place, and encouraging the opening of additional crossing points,

Expressing concern at the increase in crime across the ceasefire line and urging both sides to increase cooperation in order to address this issue,

Welcoming all efforts to promote bicommunal contacts and events, including, inter alia, on the part of the United Nations, and urging the two sides to promote further bicommunal contacts and to remove any obstacles to such contacts,

Echoing the Secretary-Generals gratitude to the Government of Cyprus and the Government of Greece for their voluntary contributions to the funding of UNFICYP, and his request for further voluntary contributions from other countries and organizations,

Welcoming and encouraging efforts by the United Nations to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping operations,

1. Reaffirms all its relevant resolutions on Cyprus, in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of 29 June 1999 and subsequent resolutions;

2. Decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period ending 15 December 2005;

3. Calls on the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to restore in Strovilia the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 June 2000;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on implementation of this resolution by 1 December 2005;

5. Welcomes the efforts being undertaken by UNFICYP to implement the Secretary-Generals zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to ensure full compliance of its personnel with the United Nations code of conduct, requests the Secretary-General to continue to take all necessary action in this regard and to keep the Security Council informed, and urges troop-contributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including the conduct of pre-deployment awareness training, and to take disciplinary action and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel;

6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

[08] Greece says priority to prepare next steps for Cyprus

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Greece says priority to prepare next steps for Cyprus

Nicosia, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Greece's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis has said that the priority in the Cyprus problem should be to look to the future and cautiously prepare the next steps forward.

In a statement after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for a further six months, Vassilakis said that ''it must be clear that the situation on the ground remains unaltered'' and that ''the Turkish occupation forces continue to be present in the north of the island and a just, viable and functional solution has still not been found.''

[09] EU Presidency cancels meeting with candidate countries

1330:CYPPRESS:09

EU Presidency cancels meeting with candidate countries

by Maria Myles

Brussels, Jun 16 (CNA) -- The Luxembourg European Union presidency has cancelled a meeting with the four candidate countries for accession, normally held after the conclusion of European Council meetings to brief the leaders of candidate countries about Union decisions taken at Council level.

The meeting was cancelled because it was not possible to predict when the 25 EU leaders would conclude their deliberations, given the thorny issues they are facing, namely the ratification process of the European Constitution and the EU budget for 2007-2013, on which there are sharp differences of opinions.

The EU - candidate countries meeting is set to take place at a later date, between the ambassadors of the four acceding states (Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia) here in Brussels.

No specific time has been fixed though for such an encounter.

Consequently Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, who was to have represented Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, at the meeting, will not be coming to Brussels.

[10] Cypriot President says no hazardous terminology in UN resolution

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Cypriot President says no hazardous terminology in UN resolution

Larnaca, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said today that the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is satisfactory, as are the provisions of the resolution, since provisions that may have caused hazardous terminology were avoided.

He added that ''the cuts in the previous revision of UNFICYP's operation have yielded results because its role changed and from static positions it is more flexible now, its effectiveness has not decreased, there was no discussion on changing UNFICYP's role, as some countries sought.''

[11] Cypriot President says Turkish Cypriots negative at EU meeting

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Cypriot President says Turkish Cypriots negative at EU meeting

Larnaca, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said today that during unofficial talks between the two sides in Brussels on the financial strengthening of the Turkish Cypriots, the Turkish Cypriot side showed no goodwill on issues raised by the Greek Cypriot side, namely the return of the fenced-off town of Famagusta to its owners and the termination of the exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the areas of the island under Turkish occupation.

Speaking on departure for Brussels, where he will participate in the European Council, President Papadopoulos said that the package of issues discussed in Brussels was set by the EU's Luxembourg presidency and the European Commission, which thought that the Greek Cypriot demands ''were reasonable and could be combined'' with other matters raised.

[12] President says Cyprus and US reach agreement on weapons

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President says Cyprus and US reach agreement on weapons

Larnaca, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said today that the Republic of Cyprus has reached a satisfactory agreement with the US to prevent the trafficking of mass destruction weapons, noting that Cyprus will be the first EU country to reach such an agreement with the US.

''In our position, our effort is to maintain good relations with all countries, especially a superpower such as the US, and we all know the influence it has on all developments, the Security Council, the UN and even the Cyprus problem,'' he told reporters at Larnaca Airport before departing for Brussels.

[13] Weather forecast for Cyprus

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Weather forecast for Cyprus

Nicosia, Jun 16 (CNA) -- The Meteorological Office at Larnaca International Airport has issued the following weather forecast for Cyprus:

Friday and Saturday: 17/06/2005 to 18/06/2005

Mainly fine with some patchy cloud. Wind light katabatic wind, 2-3BF during night and right moderate, 3-4BF seabreezes during day. The temperature will range between (19-34)C inland, (18-30)C over south and east coast, (18-28)C over west coast and between (14-24)C over Prodromos area.

Outlook for Sunday and Monday: 19/06/2005 - 20/06/2005

Mainly fine with no significant change in temperature.

Sea temperature: 22C

[14] Cypriot President says EU summit crucial

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Cypriot President says EU summit crucial

Larnaca, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos described the two-day European Council that begins tonight in Brussels as crucial and very important, expressing the hope that Cyprus' views regarding its special interests, as well as other matters concerning Europe, will be met positively.

He added that the dedication of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU remains steadfast and expressed certainty that ''from our course towards Europe we continuously gain developing benefits.''

Speaking at Larnaca Airport before departure for Brussels, where he will participate in the European Council, President Papadopoulos said that the two-day summit was one of ''the most important.''

He added that ''probably during the past decade there has been no meeting more important, to the point that we have been notified that the participants should be prepared to stay an extra day'' because there were two serious matters on the agenda.

The first issue is developments after the referenda in France and The Netherlands, which rejected the European Constitution, as well as diverging views on the future of the EU as regards the ratification of the Constitutional Treaty, and the second is the economic prospects of the Union, namely the budget covering the period 2007 to 2013, the President explained.

''The EU is facing a serious financial problem because the demands are more than the contributions of the member states can cover,'' he said.

The Cypriot President noted that during the last meeting he had in Luxembourg with the European Council president, Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker, ''we found a very good response,'' and expressed hope that, ''despite reductions in other funds, the promises Mr. Juncker made regarding Cyprus' special treatment, will be kept in the new economic framework.''

President Papadopoulos also said that ''our dedication to the EU remains steadfast,'' adding that ''our course towards Europe gives us continuously developing benefits.''

''I hope that in the end the views of Cyprus regarding our own special interests, as well as other matters concerning Europe, will be reciprocated,'' he added.

[15] Cyprus' inflation rate drops and approaches Eurozone figures

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Cyprus' inflation rate drops and approaches Eurozone figures

by Nicos Bellos

Brussels, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus recorded a decrease in inflation during May 2005, reaching 2% from 2.8% in April. The annual harmonised inflation rate in Cyprus is now very near the average of the Eurozone.

[16] Cyprus Stock Exchange

Cyprus Stock Exchange

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Cyprus Stock Exchange

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

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS=1000

TRADED VALUE                       343.560,28

GSE GENERAL INDEX                       85,74     0,06    334.416,80
FTSE/CySE 20                           411,22     0,47    293.176,08
MAIN MARKET INDEX                    1.233,57     0,46    288.493,94
PARALLEL MARKET INDEX                  988,56    -1,50      6.540,12
INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX      961,25    -0,46      7.756,49
MAIN AND PARALLEL MARKETS INDEX      1.224,33     0,40    295.034,05
BANKS INDEX                          1.263,57     0,53    260.090,17
HOTELS INDEX                           955,62     0,50        978,97
ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX               938,72    -0,08     32.680,51
FTSE Med (15/6/2005)                 7.882,49     0,41

* The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices
as compared to the last meeting.

[17] Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

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Weather and Temperatures for Cyprus

Nicosia, Jun 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                 33          20          FINE
Larnaca                 30          18          FINE
Limassol                29          19          FINE
Paphos                  28          18          FINE
---------------------------------------------------------------

[18] EU summit - Arrival of Council members and delegations

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EU summit - Arrival of Council members and delegations

by Maria Myles

Brussels, Jun 16 (CNA) -- Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, heading the Cypriot delegation to the European Council, has arrived at the Justus Lipsius building, that will host what has been described a crucial EU summit.

Papadopoulos, accompanied by his Foreign Minister George Iacovou, was met at the entrance of building by the current EU president Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker and Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn.

[19] European Democratic Party to convene in Cyprus

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European Democratic Party to convene in Cyprus

Nicosia, Jun 16 (CNA) -- European leaders as well as Members of the European Parliament will participate at the deliberations of the European Democratic Party's Conference that will take place in the southeastern town of Larnaca.

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