Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-07-01

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From: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Denktash threatens not to attend UN-led talks

[03] Cyprus and Greece to cooperate towards Cyprus solution

1520:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    76.53 (-0.91)

Highest: 82.46 (2/1/97)
Lowest : 73.90 (30/1/97)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  84.77 (-0.55)
Approved Investment Companies          65.06 (-1.81)
Insurance Companies                    60.81 (-1.38)
Industrial Companies                   79.17 (-2.17)
Tourist Industries                     64.30 (-0.63)
Commercial Companies                   49.85 (-2.71)
Other Companies                        62.00 (+0.60)

Trading Volume                         CYP 639388.930

CNA AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1730:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Denktash threatens not to attend UN-led talks

Denktash said that if they (UN) intend to give us a document of an unknown content, I think I will not go to New York, the Turkish Cypriot illegal radio "Bayrak" reported Tuesday.

He was speaking before a meeting of the so-called parliament in the Turkish-occupied part of the island.

The self-styled parliament in the pseudostate, illegally declared in November 1983 and recognised only by Turkey, convened today to discuss the Cyprus question and the face-to-face negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash, to be held near New York, from July 9 to 13.

Denktash said he has asked UN resident Representative, Gustave Feissel, to inform him on the document, adding he received no reply so far.

According to the illegal radio, the Turkish Cypriot leader claimed that the idea of presenting the two sides with a document followed a meeting between Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and the UN Secretary- General's Special Representative for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, who will be holding the talks.

Denktash also claimed that the document will be put forward in an expression of support to President Clerides, as the Greek Cypriot leader will take up the issues that he agrees with.

However, Denktash said he wants to go to New York to achieve an agreement, talk with President Clerides and find out his intentions.

CNA MK/MA/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1950:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus and Greece to cooperate towards Cyprus solution by Emilia Christofi

Speaking after a meeting in Athens today, President Glafcos Clerides and Greek Premier Costas Simitis reiterated that Cyprus' prospect for accession to the European Union (EU) could facilitate ongoing efforts for a solution in Cyprus.

The two leaders chaired talks in Athens, in view of President Clerides' participation in the face-to-face talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, near New York, between July 9 and 13.

Noting that the two countries cooperate closely, Simitis said they discussed latest developments in the Cyprus question and preparation of the next steps.

"We believe the negotiations should lead to a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem," he said, adding that after a request from Athens the EU will be present at the negotiations.

Foreign governments, including the five UN Security Council permanent members, will be on hand at the negotiations to back the UN in its efforts for a solution.

The Greek Premier pointed out "the international community should realise it is the Turkish side that has to comply with international law and end its occupation of part of Cyprus" and stressed that "only then can an early solution be reached."

He also welcomed foreign governments' initiatives for a solution in Cyprus, provided they are within the UN framework, and described Cyprus' prospect for EU accession a "catalyst" to these efforts.

Simitis noted that any solution to be found should comply with EU principles.

The Greek Premier described the issues of independence, territorial integrity, security, sovereignty and EU membership of "top priority" in efforts for a settlement and said his government "will continue to work closely with the Cyprus government in the next few months to achieve these goals."

On his part, President Clerides said they took "unanimous decisions on the handling of the Cyprus question" at the forthcoming direct talks and stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries.

He also described support by Greece to the island's bid to join the EU as "important and substantial."

Asked to comment on threats by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he may not participate in the talks if he is not informed on a document to be presented by the UN, Clerides said this has nothing to do with the Cyprus government.

"If Denktash does not go to the talks, this will be to the disadvantage of the Turkish Cypriot side and the Cyprus problem," he noted.

Replying a question whether the government is contemplating cancelling an order for the Russian-made anti-aircraft missile system S-300, the President said "we have not discussed such thoughts at this stage."

Asked by CNA if a joint defence pact, agreed and implemented by the two governments since November 1993, was discussed, as Greek Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was present at the meeting, Simitis said "all aspects of the Cyprus question, including security, was discussed" during meetings with President Clerides.

"The pact is being implemented as agreed," the Greek Premier added.

Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, Attorney General, Alecos Markides, Government Spokesman, Manolis Christofides, Under Secretary to the President, Pantelis Kouros, and Cyprus' ambassador to Greece, Charalambos Christoforou, were present at the meeting.

Apart from the Defence Minister, Greek Foreign Under-Secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis, Alternate Foreign Minister, George Papandreou, outgoing Greek ambassador to Cyprus, Alexandros Sandis, and Charge d' affaires in Nicosia, Themos Demiris, also took part in the meeting.

President Clerides is scheduled to meet Greek political party leaders before he returns to Cyprus Wednesday.

CNA EC/MA/AP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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