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Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 01-09-17
From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>
Monday, 17 September 2001
CONTENTS
- [01] Cyprus will consider its contribution to an operation against
terrorism
- [02] Cyprus' High Commissioner in Malta briefed the country's Prime
Minister on the Cyprus problem
- [03] Seminar on the "Transition from Analog to Digital" system
- [04] Monetary Policy decisions
[01] Cyprus will consider its contribution to an operation against
terrorism
The Minister of Defence, Mr Socrates Hasikos, replying to a question by the
press, on 14 September 2001, concerning the island/s assistance to the
common efforts made by the West in combatting terrorrism, stated the
following: "Cyprus is not a NATO member and consequently has no commitment
in participating in this potential operation. However, Cyprus, a candidate
state for accession to the EU, has made its own contribution to the
European Defence Force which comprises mainly of providing facilities to
military forces which would launch operations in the broader region, like,
for example, facilities in terms of airports, ports, radars, research and
rescue, etc. When the EU decides to contribute to this NATO effort and
requests us to dispose of these facilities then the Government of the
Republic of Cyprus will look into the matter in all seriousness and take
its decisions accordingly".
[02] Cyprus' High Commissioner in Malta briefed the country's Prime
Minister on the Cyprus problem
Cyprus' High Commisssioner to Malta, Mr Alexandros Zenon, briefed, on 14
September 2001, the country/s Prime Minister, Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, on the
recent developments concerning the Cyprus problem and in particular on the
Turkish Cypriot leader/s refusal to accept the invitation conveyed to him
by the UN Secretary General for the continuation of the talks.
The two men exchanged ideas about the strengthening of the ties between the
two islands with regard to their accession course to the EU and of their
bilateral relations. They also discussed issues comcerning the forthcoming
Summit of the Commonwealth Country Leaders which will take place next month
in Australia.
[03] Seminar on the "Transition from Analog to Digital" system
A two-day seminar on the "Transition from Analog to Digital" system,
organised by the European Audiovisual Organization "Eureka" in cooperation
with Cyprus/ Press and Information Office was completed on 14 September
2001 in Limassol, with the participation of Cypriot and foreign experts in
the field of broadcasting.
Among the issues which were discussed was the arrival of satellite and
cable broadcasting, the UK experience in the area of digital TV broadcasting,
the European legal framework and the technical, financial and marketingstrategies
for the application of digital technology in the audiovisual sector.
[04] Monetary Policy decisions
The Administrative Council of the Central Bank of Cyprus decided, on 14
September 2001, to keep its basic interests, Lombard and Deposit facility,
unaltered at 6,5 per cent and 3,5 per cent respectively. The reference
pricefor the annual rate of increase of the banking credits for the year
2001 remains at 11 per cent.
The Council noted that the economy's progress continued at satisfactory
levels, whilst the market continued to enjoy conditions of full employment.
Moreover, the inflation rate has been adjusted to 1,8 per cent for the
first eight months of the year 2001.
The Council also stated that it follows closely the latest developments in
the United States and in the international markets, expressing its
willingness to intervene should the need arise with the necessary
measures.
From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/
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