Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 97-07-21

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Ankara's threats poison atmosphere, says Clerides

[03] Spokesman considers Turkish moves serious

[04] Cyprus - EU accession talks confirmed to begin early next year

1510:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    74.91 (-0.28)

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

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  83.67 (-0.31)
Approved Investment Companies          63.46 (-1.17)
Insurance Companies                    57.62 (+0.17)
Industrial Companies                   76.87 (-0.32)
Tourist Industries                     63.67 (+0.28)
Commercial Companies                   46.79 (-1.04)
Other Companies                        60.88 (-0.15)

Trading Volume                         CYP 134581.645

CNA MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Ankara's threats poison atmosphere, says Clerides

Asked today if a joint declaration issued by Turkey and the puppet regime in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus, along with provocative statements made by the Turkish Deputy Premier, Bulent Ecevit, affect the direct talks, President Clerides replied "certainly they will have a negative effect".

A joint declaration issued by Turkey and the illegal entity, unilaterally established in 1983 and recognised only by Ankara, outlines a proposed series of steps towards integration of the Turkish occupied areas.

It states that the partial integration in economic and financial areas and partnerships in the fields of security, defence and foreign policy, will coincide with Cyprus' European Union (EU) membership.

Asked whether the Greek Cypriot side might reconsider its decision to take part in a second round of direct talks, President Clerides said "the issue will be discussed in depth both at the National Council (top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem) meeting, on Thursday, and with the Greek government."

Direct negotiations between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, for a solution to the protracted Cyprus problem, took place in the US on July 9-12 and a second round of talks is scheduled for August 11-16, in Switzerland.

Ankara's plans for a "partial integration" of the territories it occupies since its 1974 invasion of Cyprus, were announced yesterday by Ecevit and Denktash.

Ecevit, who was Prime Minister in 1974, attended celebrations organised in the occupied north to mark the 23rd anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island, which resulted in the occupation of 37 per cent of the Republic's territory and the displacement of some 200.000 Greek Cypriots.

According to Reuters, Ecevit claimed the illegal entity in the north "will live for ever as an independent state, but its foreign policy and defence will be handled by Turkey."

He also threatened that "the world must understand that Turkey is not bluffing", noting that "it proved in 1974 that it does not bluff."

Ankara stepped up its provocations and threats to annex the territories it occupies after a recent reaffirmation by the EU that accession talks will begin with Cyprus in 1998.

CNA MM/MCH/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1850:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Spokesman considers Turkish moves serious

Commenting today on an illegal visit to the Turkish-occupied areas by Turkish Deputy Premier, Bulent Ecevit, and a "partial integration" declaration issued, Christofides said "the situation that has developed is serious."

He said that the whole issue will be discussed at the National Council (top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem) meeting, on Thursday.

The Spokesman noted, however, that there have been no suggestions so far that the Greek Cypriot side should not attend the second round of UN- led direct talks between the two communities, scheduled to take place in Switzerland, August 11 - 16.

He also clarified that there is no question of cancelling a meeting between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, under the auspices of UN Resident Representative Gustave Feissel, to discuss humanitarian issues.

The leaders of the two communities decided to meet in Nicosia and discuss humanitarian issues during their first round of direct talks on the Cyprus issue, held in Troutbeck, New York, July 9 - 12.

The joint declaration, announced by Ecevit and Denktash, last Sunday, July 20, states that partial integration in economic and financial areas and partnerships in the fields of security, defence and foreign policy, between Ankara and the illegal regime, will coincide with Cyprus' European Union membership.

Ecevit, who was Prime Minister when Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, was in occupied Cyprus to attend celebrations.

Refraining from stating whether the government has made any representations regarding Turkish provocations, Christofides said "the situation is being examined and will take all necessary measures."

CNA MM/MCH/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2020:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus - EU accession talks confirmed to begin early next year

Responding to a question by Greek Euro MP Panayiotis Lambrias, during a European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, Poos made it clear that the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus cannot be cast in doubt.

He also described Ankara's position that Cyprus cannot join an organisation of which Turkey is not a member, as absolutely doubtful according to international law.

Poos revealed that he stated the Commission's position in a reply to a recent letter by Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem, who argued Ankara's position to all EU members except Greece.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Poos expressed hope that the direct negotiations between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, which began July in New York, will bear fruit and that Cyprus' accession to the EU will bring positive results to both communities on the island.

A second round of direct negotiations on the Cyprus problem will be held in Switzerland next month.

CNA NB/MH/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article