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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-12-23Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>Wednesday, 23 December 1998CONTENTS
[01] Security Council adopts resolutions on CyprusThe Security Council yesterday unanimously adopted two resolutions on Cyprus, one extending the mandate of United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) for a further six months until 30 June 1999(Res.1217), and the other calling upon the two sides on the island to comply with the objectives of the Secretary-General's Mission of Good Offices(Res.1218).By resolution 1217 (1998), the Security Council calls upon the military authorities on both sides to refrain from any action, particularly in the vicinity of the buffer zone, which would exacerbate tensions. The Council "calls upon all concerned to commit themselves to a reduction in defence spending and a reduction in the number of foreign troops in the Republic of Cyprus to help restore confidence between the parties". It stresses the importance of the eventual demilitarisation of Cyprus as an objective in the context of an overall comprehensive settlement, and encourages the Secretary-General to continue to promote efforts in that direction. Moreover the Council reaffirms its position that a Cyprus settlement must be based on a State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded and comprised of two politically equal communities in a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation. By Resolution 1218 (1998) the Council endorses the Secretary-General's initiative announced on 30 September 1998 within the framework of his Mission of Good Offices, with the goal of reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus. The Council requests the Secretary-General to work intensively with the two sides on the following : an undertaking to refrain from the threat or use of force or violence as a means to resolve the Cyprus problem; a staged process aimed at limiting and then substantially reducing the level of troops and armament on Cyprus; implementation of the UNFICYP package of measures aimed at reducing tensions along the cease-fire lines. The Secretary General is also requested to work towards achieving "substantive progress on the core aspects of a comprehensive Cyprus settlement"; take measures that would build trust and co-operation between the two sides, and keep the security Council informed on progress made on his initiative. [02] A political settlement of the Cyprus problem a high priority for US Government."A political settlement that would put an end to the tragic division of Cyprus has been and continues to be a high priority of my administration " the US President stated last night.Commenting on the adoption of Resolution 1218 by the UN Security Council, President Clinton stressed that the United States "wholeheartedly supports this resolution" and will take all necessary steps to implement it. "I believe 1999 can offer significant opportunities to achieve progress towards a Cyprus settlement that will meet the concerns of the parties involved" he said, adding that "the United States remains deeply committed to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus problem". [03] New Ambassadors of Albania and Iran to CyprusThe President of Cyprus Mr Glafcos Clerides, received yesterday at formal ceremonies the credentials of the first Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Cyprus and the new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of IranPresenting his credentials, the new Albanian Ambassador Mr Kastriot Robo referred to the close and friendly relations that exist between Albania and Cyprus and promised to promote a still deeper understanding and co- operation between the two countries in the interest of world peace, security and prosperity. Also presenting his letters of Credence the new Ambassador of Iran Mr Bahman Agharazi said that the existing friendly and warm relations between the two countries is a reliable ground to boost and enhance the mutual co- operation and collaborations. [04] Marcuard Cook and Cie S.A of Switzerland establishes Banking Unit in CyprusA banking business licence was granted to Marcuard Cook and Cie S.A of Switzerland yesterday by the Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus, to carry on banking business from within Cyprus through an International Banking Unit (IBU) in the form of a branch.Marcuard Cook and Cie S.A of Switzerland specialises in asset management for both private and institutional customers and investment advisory services , while it is also active on the capital markets and portfolio lending business. [05] Travellers to Cyprus increase in NovemberTravellers' arrivals to Cyprus including excursionists, reached a total of 155,222 in November 1998, recording an increase of 1.8 per cent, compared to the corresponding month last year. Departures reached a total of 176,654 recording an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to November 1997.According to a report by the Department of Statistics and Research, the majority of travellers excluding excursionists, arrived on the island from European countries (84.9 per cent), and in particular European Union countries (73.8 per cent). Out of these 36.1 per cent came from Britain , followed by 15.2 per cent from Greece, 11.8 per cent from Germany, 7.2 per cent from Israel , 3.6 per cent from Russia, 3.2 from Switzerland, and 2.8 per cent from Egypt. The arrivals of tourists in November 1998 reached 105,773 compared to 111, 110 in the same corresponding month last year, recording an increase of 4.8 per cent. During the same month, 29,349 residents of Cyprus returned from trips abroad, compared to the 23,810 of the same month in 1997. From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/Cyprus Press and Information Office: News Updates in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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