Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English, 98-01-20

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cynews.com/>

Tuesday, January 20, 1998

Britain expects `generous' proposals

MONDAY'S Greek newspapers mainly report on speeches made by presidential candidates over the weekend and some opt to cover on their front pages news about developments on the Cyprus issue as well.

Phileleftheros says that Britain expects the Cypriot government to come up with a `generous' proposition after the elections for the inclusion of Turkish Cypriots in the Cyprus negotiating team for the EU accession talks.

The paper says that the issue would be the main subject during talks yesterday between Sir David Hannay and the Greek Foreign under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis in London.

On another issue the paper quotes Turkish daily Milliyet as saying that the Turkish government has changed its stance on the issue of the S-300 Russian anti-aircraft missiles.

According to the Turkish daily the Turkish government has decided against a military strike and has decided to use the issue of the missiles as a bargaining chip during future talks. The paper says that the Paphos air base does not pose a threat to Turkey and will be used by Ankara as an example of its claims of massive armaments by the Greek side.

Alithia reports that socialist Edek party is willing to discuss the possibility of backing Clerides in the second round of elections.

The paper says that Edek would be ready to back Clerides if they reach a written agreement on what policy should be followed on the national issue. According to the paper Akel leader Demetris Christofias has taken a negative stand on such a development.

Alithia also reports on the violence which erupted between fans after the Omonia-Apollon soccer match in Nicosia, Sunday.

On another issue the paper reports the death yesterday in London of Cypriot businessman Yiangos Papadopoulos, aged 73, of a heart attack. Papadopoulos was a successful businessman with businesses set up in Africa as well as Cyprus.

Simerini reports that Britain's Cyprus envoy, Sir David Hannay, has prepared documents regarding the security issues of the Cyprus problem.

According to the paper Hannay's `non-paper' offers alternatives on various issues which could lead the two parties to an agreement.

Agon reports that the Diko dissidents are now organising in order to make their presence felt in the time period leading to the presidential elections on February 8.

The paper says that they aim to send the message that Diko's decision to back George Iacovou was wrong. They will try to drive home the message that Diko voters must instead vote for Alexis Galanos.

Haravghi highlights a speech by Christofias in Limassol during which he attacked President Clerides' policy on the Cyprus problem.

Christofias said that the President has made a mess of things in his handling of the national issue.

To Tharros says that despite British assurances that they did not see the Turkish jets violating Cyprus air space last week the paper has documents showing that the planes overflew the Akrotiri air strip.

The paper says that during the violations three British Tornado fighter planes had been put on alert.

© Copyright Cyprus Mail 1998

Cyprus Mail: Press Review in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article