Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 99-07-08

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From: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>

CONTENTS

THURSDAY 8 JULY 1999

[01] HEADLINES

[02] CLERIDES AKEL

[03] GERMANS CYPRUS

[04] TANK EXERCISE

[05] TURKEY ITALY

[06] FISHY PROBLEMS

[07] POTATO SQUABBLE

[08] CIGARETTE TAX

[09] PROTARAS CHASE

[10] MURDER SENTENCE

[11] WEATHER

[01] HEADLINES

A high-level German official said Cyprus remains at the top of the list over all other candidate countries for EU accession,

A military exercise to prove the battle worthiness of the T-80 tanks will take place tomorrow,

The row between Italy and Turkey over Ocalan has taken on a new edge,

President Clerides cancelled a meeting with fishermen,

And an occupation force coast guard vessel chased a speed boat out of the so-called dead zone.

[02] CLERIDES AKEL

President Clerides stressed that the placement of the national problem is demanded within the framework of responsibility and cooperation, inside and outside the National Council, beyond party confrontations.

He also said that the need for this arises from the fact that this phase of the Cyprus problem is the most difficult, because failure to find a solution may possibly lead to problems in the future handling of the issue.

In his statement, President Clerides added that the government does not underestimate the dangers and difficulties present in the island's accession course, as well as in the dialogue for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

He noted, however, that Turkish attempts at recognition are failing because of the government's preventive, but quiet diplomatic efforts.

Answering Mr. Christofias' statement that he has not been briefed by the President for many months, President Clerides said that he has never refused any of the Mr. Christofias' requests for a briefing.

[03] GERMANS CYPRUS

This from the President of the German Federal Parliament's European Affairs Committee, Fredbert Fluger.

Following a meeting with the House President, Mr. Fluger however, noted that many doubts still exist in Europe, particularly among those countries which do not know much about the island.

He expressed the hope that accession negotiations with Cyprus will create next year some kind pressure towards a resolution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Fluger stressed that it is wrong to maintain that the Cyprus problem must be resolved prior to accession, because that would give Turkey a right of veto.

On his part, Mr. Kyprianou said that Cyprus is aiming for accession to the European Union for economic and cultural reasons and added that everyone looks forward to a better Europe embodying the European spirit, as well as European values and principles.

[04] TANK EXERCISE

The exercise was announced today by the government spokesman. It will be held in the Larnaca area tomorrow afternoon and all T-80 tanks will take part.

Meanwhile, emerging from a meeting of the House Defence Committee during which the T-80 issue was discussed, the Defence Minister said the tanks have suffered no damage and are in full working order.

He also said the investigation into the unsuitable fuel situation will continue and that responsibility will be apportioned where it's due.

House Defence Committee President Takis Hadjidimitriou said the Committee is satisfied by what the Defence Minister told them about the condition of the T-80s.

[05] TURKEY ITALY

Italian Prime Minister Masimo Dalema announced to parliament that he has asked the Finish European Union presidency to push for a more intensive initiative, so that Turkey is convinced to rescind Ocalan's death sentence.

Mr. Dalema also tied the Kurdish leader's death sentence and the Kurdish problem with Turkey's prospects for EU accession.

Turkey's ambassador to Rome was called to the Italian Foreign Ministry to explain statements by Bulent Ecevit which have enraged the Italian government.

Mr. Ecevit accused Italy of intervening in Turkey's domestic affairs and of behaving as a supporter of the Kurdistan Workers' Party.

[06] FISHY PROBLEMS

Costas Serezis said the decision to cancel the meeting was taken after statements by representatives of the fishermen to the effect that they will take stronger action if their demands are not met.

Following this development, the President of the professional fishermen declared his readiness to retract his statement, as long as the President accepts to meet with them.

Agricultural organisations, along with the professional fishermen's council, will meet tomorrow to decide on what steps to take next.

[07] POTATO SQUABBLE

House President Spyros Kyprianou told both parties that he would try to solve their problems over compensation within fifteen days.

The two groups then converged on the Presidential Palace where they submitted a resolution.

Differences in opinion were revealed after the march to the Presidential Palace however, in statements on the responsibility shared by the Potato Trade Council over the situation that has unfolded.

Potato growers are asking for the Council director's resignation, who they say shoulders most of the responsibility.

But agricultural organisations say that the Council bears no responsibility for the situation and that anyone's resignation does not constitute a solution.

[08] CIGARETTE TAX

AKEL and EDEK describe the decision as arrogant and call on the government to rescind it.

Trade Union PEO also reacted strongly to the decision. PEO General Secretary Pambis Kyritsis warned that strong measures will be taken.

PASYDY union described the decision as one-sided and decided to hold contacts with all other trade unions to co-ordinate their actions.

DEOK maintains that the government's decision constitutes acquiescence to the bidding of the Employers and Industrialists Federation and calls on all workers to unite.

[09] PROTARAS CHASE

The incident occurred after water recreation craft owners entered the so-called dead zone from Kaparis area, to protest the new speed boat regulation.

According to police, one of the speed boats attempted to enter the area controlled by occupation forces, but a Turkish vessel forced it to turn back.

All the craft then left the area and headed for the Protaras coast.

Some craft violated the standing jetty laws, at which time police tried unsuccessfully to place them under their control.

[10] MURDER SENTENCE

Mr. Zavrantonas was given six more years in prison for illegally possessing and discharging of a pistol, another seven years for possessing and firing a Kalashnikov rifle and two more years for transporting explosive devices. The sentences are concurrent.

In its decision, the Criminal Court noted that the accused admitted to incessantly hunting down the victim, whom he kept on shooting even though already dead.

[11] WEATHER

The winds will gradually be westerly to north-westerly light, 2 to 3 beaufort and the sea will be slight.

The temperature will drop to 25 degrees inland, 23 on the coasts, and 20 in the mountains.

Tomorrow will be fine with high temperatures, while increased humidity will develop in some areas.

The winds will start off variable, 2 to 3 beaufort, turning gradually to southerly 3 to 4 beaufort. The sea will be slight, but moderate on the south and west coasts.

The temperature will reach 39 degrees inland, 33 on the south coast, 31 on the west coast and 30 in the mountains.

Maximum and minimum temperatures today.

Nicosia, 38 and 25 Limassol 32 and 22 Larnaca 32 and 23 Paphos 31 and 23 and Prodromos 29 and 20.

The fire hazard is very high in all forest areas.

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