Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-02-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Cyprus, Greece undertake concerted diplomatic effort

1550:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    81.75 (0.58)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  95.17 ( 0.59)
Approved Investment Companies          62.04 ( 0.13)
Insurance Companies                    59.83 ( 0.27)
Industrial Companies                   76.35 ( 0.97)
Tourist Industries                     66.58 ( 1.08)
Commercial Companies                   40.84 ( 0.99)
Other Companies                        66.22 (-0.45)

Trading Volume                         908.192

CNA MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1715:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus, Greece undertake concerted diplomatic effort

Delegations headed by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Greek Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, had two-hour talks and discussed future tactics, in view of anticipated renewed efforts for a Cyprus settlement and the start of accession talks, next month.

"We decided to revitalise our working groups, which deal with the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' accession course, to study issues arising from the membership talks," Kranidiotis said.

He said the two countries agreed to undertake "a big diplomatic campaign to all European countries and the candidate states to promote our positions and views."

Kranidiotis noted that already Cyprus' course for accession is acting as "a catalyst and Turkey recognises that Cyprus is not alone."

Both Kasoulides and Kranidiotis stressed that EU accession talks with the government of Cyprus will open on March 30-31 and said this fact cannot be questioned.

They also reiterated that Turkish Cypriots are welcome to participate in the EU talks, provided they are part of the official delegation and there is no recognition of the illegal regime unilaterally established in 1983 in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974.

Kasoulides said a formula for the participation of Turkish Cypriots will be worked out before the accession talks begin, after consultations with the Greek-Cypriot political party leaders, the Greek government and EU officials.

"We would like to see our invitation to the Turkish Cypriots accepted and have them with us in the negotiating team," the Minister added.

The Greek diplomat said Turkish Cypriot participation in the accession talks would prove "useful" but pointed out that Turkish Cypriots themselves should work in good faith for a mutually beneficial goal through a process which would respect them and which they would not be able to undermine.

Kranidiotis stressed that Cyprus' accession to the EU "cannot be isolated from the EU enlargement process and it is linked with the accession of other candidate countries."

"We do not believe it is possible to proceed with the accession of certain countries, if Cyprus is not included among them," Kranidiotis added.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Greek official said there is convergence of views between the two governments and added "we decided on the tactics and the policy we shall follow".

Conditions for an immediate and concerted international effort in support of the UN efforts exist, he said, noting that all those who wish to assist the UN Secretary-General should direct their attention to Ankara.

Replying to a question about reaction to a Cyprus government decision to buy the Russian-made S-300 missile system, Kasoulides and Kranidiotis defended the Republic's inalienable right to build up its defences.

Kranidiotis pointed out, however, that the Greek government fully backs a proposal put forward by President Glafcos Clerides in 1993 for the demilitarisation of the island.

The Greek Foreign Under-Secretary also said that issues relating to "the Aegean and Greco-Turkish relations is not connected to the Cyprus issue".

However, he pointed out "relations between Greece and Turkey cannot be normalized unless there is a solution to the Cyprus problem." Kranidiotis stressed Greece wants to improve relations with Turkey, which must be based on international law and conventions.

The agenda for President Clerides' first visit to Athens since his re- election was also discussed at today's meeting.

Clerides will be going to Athens on March 10 for a meeting with Greek Premier Costas Simitis.

CNA MA/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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