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Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 00-01-21Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>CONTENTS
FRIDAY 21 JANUARY 2000 [01] HEADLINESOccupation regime officials are directing their anger at the Greek Foreign Minister,While the Turkish Foreign Minister tried to distance Ankara from the Cyprus problem, Germany has made clear that nothing has changed with its invitation to the Turkish Cypriot leader for talks in Berlin, And two car bombings in the Centre of Madrid killed a Spanish army officer today, The Russian Ambassador to Cyprus revealed that his country as submitted more proposals for cooperation between the island's two communities, And Sweden believes that a solution in Cyprus would help the island's EU accession course. [02] TURKEY MINISTEROccupation regime officials are directing their vitriole against Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.The describe Mr. Papandreou as the devil under the guise of an angel, who is trying to present the Turkish Cypriots as a minority, even to Ankara. The insults were hurled by the President of the so-called house of representatives, Erdougroul Hasipoglou, who was plainly bothered by Mr. Papandreou's reference to the benefits they will gain from Cyprus' accession to the European Union. Mr. Hasipoglou said the Greek Foreign Minister considers the Turkish Cypriots to be a minority, and that no progress will be made with this kind of mindset. Reiterating the Turkish position regarding the existence of two states in Cyprus, Mr. Hasipoglou stated that the Turkish Cypriots will not again fall under Greek Cypriot administration. Despite this, the Turkish Cypriot press is looking on the Papandreou visit with a favourable eye, and refers to a raprochement between Greece and Turkey. [03] CEM DISTANCESpeaking at a joint press conference following the conclusion of talks with his Greek counterpart, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem Again tried to distance Ankara fro the Cyprus problem and to lend support to the occupation regime.Asked by CyBC if Turkey is indeed willing to hand Famagusta over to the United Nations as a gesture of good will, Mr. Cem deferred any reference to the Cyprus problem to the occupation regime. On his part, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou noted that there are issues, like the Cyprus problem, on which both sides continue to reiterate their position. He said Ankara believes that the Turkish Cypriot community constitutes a separate, sovereign state, but that the Greek side rejects this. Mr. Panadreou added that while Ankara supports a confederal solution, the Greek side backs a federal one. The Greek Foreign Minister also said that what is really important, is that both sides continue to look for was to break the deadlock, added that steps towards this goal should be taken carefully and that the sensitivities of both countries on all issues be taken into consideration. [04] GERMANY DENKTASHGermany has made clear that its invitation to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for a Berlin meeting with Foreign Minister Yiosca Fischer does not alter it's legal stance towards Cyprus and bears no relation to its status, but IS part of an effort to contribute to resolution efforts.German diplomatic sources in Cyprus have clarified that Berlin wishes to act out a helpful role in UN efforts towards an overall Cyprus solution, and it is in this light that it views the invitation. Asked why Berlin believes that a high level meeting was necessary in Germany at this point in time, the same sources said that Mr. Fischer wanted to speak with representatives who, in his words, are of significance. The diplomats reassured that the invitation is no reason for anyone to worry. They also put the Denktahs visit to Berlin afte rthe second round to proximity talks, but avoided revealing the location of the meeting. [05] SPAIN BOMBTwo car bombings rocked the centre of Madrid today, killing a Spanish army officer in the first attacks blamed on the Basque separatist group ETA since it ended its ceasefire in early December.The blasts, coming just four days after Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar called a general election for March 12, occurred within 40 minutes of each other during morning rush hour near a school in a neighbourhood where military personnel are housed. Police said a 14-year-old girl was hurt in the first explosion, but state radio reported that four people were injured. Authorities said they found a third car in the area believed to be booby-trapped and planned to blow it up in a controlled explosion. It was the first action attributed to ETA since June 1998, when a Basque town councillor was killed in a car bombing in northern Spain. [06] MURATOV ROLANDISRussian Ambassador to Cyprus Georgi Muratov revealed that his country has submitted to the UN other proposals for cooperation between the two communities on Cyprus, apart from the renovations to the occupied monastery of Apostle Andrew and Larnaca's Hala Sultan Mosque.Speaking after a meeting with Trade Minister Nicos Rolandis, Mr. Muratov said Russia proposed the common use of water sources by both communities, and also use by the UN of the air fire brigade in fighting fires on both sides of the demarcation line. Mr. Muratov added that Russia is interested in something positive which will contribute to a Cyprus solution, as well as good relations with all its neighbours, especially those who could influence the issue. Asked to comment on criminal acts perpetrated by Russian citizens in Cyprus recently, Mr. Muratov said studies have indicated that in 99 percent of the time, the perpetrators are not from Russia, but from the former soviet republics. [07] SWEDEN CYPRUSSweden believes that a solution to Cyprus' political problem would make the island's course towards European Union accession easier.At the same time, the country believes, like other EU countries, that ongoing accession negotiations will positively affect efforts for a lasting Cyprus solution. These positions are contained in a reply letter by Swedish Foreign Minister Annan Lind, following a question by a left-wing deputy in the country's parliament, regarding the Cyprus problem and Turkey's accession to the EU. The letter welcomes the proximity talks and expresses hope that they will lead to direct negotiations for an overall solution. Regarding Turkey's accession course, Ms. Lind, noted that the road is a long one, due to the fact that the situation in relation to the country's democratic and human rights record is unsatisfactory. [08] WORLD HIGHLIGHTSThe Russian military said it had repelled a rebel attempt to break its siege of the Chechen capital Grozny and reported progress in its six-day battle for the city.Itar-Tass news agency said troops had prevented an attempt by a rebel group to break the Russian lines near a village 25 kilometres from Grozny, and create a corridor to the capital. - - - - Meanwhile, Acting President Vladimir Putin warned of the danger of fresh bomb attacks on Russian territory in retaliation for Moscow's military offensive in Chechnya. Mr. Putin was quoted as telling a meeting of security officials at the Interior Ministry that the danger of terrorist acts in Russia is growing and will only disappear once the rebel resistence is crushed. Mr. Putin also said security organs had information such attacks were planned. - - - - Austria's acting Chancellor Viktor Klima said he had abandoned efforts to form a new coalition with the conservative People's Party and would try instead to win backing for a minority government. - - - - An official with Germany's Christian Democrat opposition said the party might sue its longtime leader Helmut Kohl to make him reveal the source of secret slush funds that have dragged the party into its worst scandal. - - - - An Algerian-born man suspected of being a key figure in an Islamic guerrilla group was denied bail in Canada yesterday, pending a hearing on his extradition to the United States, where he is accused of aiding a bomb plot. - - - - Jesse Helms, the chairman of the powerful U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, appealed for a new beginning in U.N.-U.S. relations, but then set about smashing some of the most cherished icons in the temple of international diplomacy. He told Security Council members that the UN must recognize its limitations, if it is to survive into the 21st century. Mr. Helms also warned Security Council members against any U.N. bid to dictate U.S. foreign or domestic policy. [09] KYPRIANOU FINEHouse President Spyros Kyprianou's condition after yesterday's open heart surgery in Cleveland, Ohio, is reported to be normal.According to a doctors' press release, Mr. Kyprianou's heart began to beat on its own without medical support and was disconnected from the respirator this morning. But Mr. Kyprianou will remain in the intensive care unit for another two days and another seven in hospital. The double bypass surgery also repaired a faulty heart valve. [10] STOCK EXCHANGE TODAYA three point rise in the general price index marked today's session at the Cyprus Stock exchange.The index closed at 645 points, compared with 642 yesterday. Volume also rose by almost two million pounds, reaching 22 million. Insurance, industrial and tourism companies were the strongest in trading today, while all others posted a small drop. [11] WEATHERLocal cloudy periods may yield some rain and snow over the highest mountains this afternoon.Winds will be northwesterly to westerly moderate, 4 beaufort on moderate seas. Cloud cover will increase tonight, with smoe local showers and snow expected over the mountains. Winds will be westerly, 4 beaufort, on moderate seas. The temperature will drop to 2 degrees inland, 4 degrees on the coasts and minus four degrees over the highest reaches of the Troodos mountains. Tomorrow will be overcast with rain, isolated thundershowers and snow over the mountains. Snow depth on Mount Olympus is 35 centimetres and 25 centimetres on Troodos. All roads towards Troodos are dangerous due to ice, and are open only to cars equipped with tire chains or are 4-wheel drive capable. Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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