Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 99-09-27

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

CONTENTS

MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 1999

[01] HEADLINES

[02] ECEVIT CLINTON

[03] DENK CY

[04] GREEK US AMB

[05] BANDLER CHRIST

[06] ATTGEN CSE

[07] MEXICO BLASTS

[08] RUSS CHECH

[09] WEATHER

[01] HEADLINES

Turkish Cypriot Leader Rauf denktash says President Clerides's address to the Un General Assembly has killed any hopes of a settlement

The Attorney General says he may extend the remit of a shares probe.

Fifty-six people are killed by a series of explosions in Mexice

Russia continues bombardment of Chechnya

And an insider look at more marginal British politics

[02] ECEVIT CLINTON

Prime Minister Ecevit has already left Ankara for Washington, and in statements prior to his departure, said that he does not expect any pressure on the Cyprus Issue by the US government. As reported by our New York correspondent however, US officials will seek to make full use of the recent warming-up of relations between Greece and Turkey in order to achieve progress in the island's long-standing problem.

Meanwhile, it was further reported that Turkey's Prime Minister is expected to seek compensation for the loss of revenue incurred by his country following the UN-sanctions on Iraqi oil exports, a figure he says amounts to 30-35 billion dollars. Prime Minister Ecevit has also scheduled meetings with World Bank President James Wolfenson and International Monetary Fund Director Michel Camdessus.

[03] DENK CY

According to the Turkish-Cypriot press, Mr Denktash repeated his demand that a basic prerequisite for the realisation of talks is that they be held on a two-state basis and that he acknowledged as president of the breakaway "TRNC", not recognised by the international community. He did add, however, that he would be willing to accept the UN Secretary-General's invitation to direct talks if this conforms with the desires of the Turkish side and is extended in a spirit of good will.

Commenting on Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the United States, Mr Denktash said that the Cyprus Issue is not a high priority in US-Turkey relations, adding that should the international community continue to consider the Greek-Cypriot administration that of the whole of Cyprus, then he will proceed apace with the integration of the occupied areas with Turkey.

[04] GREEK US AMB

While appreciating the current and increased US and UN Security Council interest in reaching a Cyprus settlement, Ambassador Philon noted that the key to resolving the problem is the bringing-to-bear of pressure upon Turkey on the part of the United States, and expressed the hope that such pressure will be exerted at tomoroow's Clinton-Ecevit meeting.

[05] BANDLER CHRIST

The US diplomat further gave assurances over his country's active involvement within the framework of G8 efforts towards a resolution of the Cyprus Issue and in meetings with the leaders of both Greece and Turkey. Ambassador Bandler further disclosed that a new working group on the island's long-standing problem has been set up at the US embassy in Nicosia.

On his part, Mr Christophias expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, adding that he stressed to Ambassador Bandler that the US is expected to exercise its influence and exert pressure upon Turkey in order to bend its current intransigence and facilitate a substantive dialogue based on UN resolutions.

[06] ATTGEN CSE

Giving assurances that the investigation will cover all aspects of the case, Attorney-General Markides added that the current process is in no way affected by the presence, at crucial posts, of certain persons.

In closing, the Attorney-General of the Republic said that any further announcements will be issued by the police, with the first not expected before next Monday.

[07] MEXICO BLASTS

Rescue workers said many more were believed to be trapped in a collapsed building and under fallen masonry. They said they feared the death toll could rise above 100.

A first explosion, in a warehouse stacked with fireworks, rocked a market in Celaya at about 1530 GMT. The market was, at the time, packed with families who were out buying food for their Sunday lunch.

A second, more powerful explosion went off some 20 minutes later just as firefighters and rescue workers were rushing to the scene. It appeared the second blast occurred when a gas tank in a restaurant was engulfed by flames. Two further explosions went off later in quick succession.

President Ernesto Zedillo ordered the public prosecutor's office to open an investigation into the causes of the accident.

[08] RUSS CHECH

Moscow launched its bombing campaign against separatist Chechnya last Thursday to destroy what it says are Islamic rebel bases and industrial sites under the rebels' control. Russian generals have also not ruled out a land operation.

The scenes were similar to those of the Chechen war of 1994-96, when Russia tried unsuccessfully to quash the region's independence bid and tens of thousands died.

Up to 40,000 people have crossed from Chechnya into Ingusheti a diplomat told Reuters. "The U.N. is concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the displacement."

[09] WEATHER

Clear but rather warm condiitions are forecast for tomorrow, with northeasterly light winds in the morning turning to southeasterly to northeasterly light by the afternoon.

Seas will be slight, rising to moderate in windward areas, while temperatures will reach 35C inland, 33C on the South coast, 30C in the west and 25C on the higher reaches of the Troodos mountains.

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