Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-05-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Brill: Cyprus is a regional business centre

[02] Government welcomes Security Council reply to Turkish side

[03] Cyprus, Czech Republic to strengthen ties

[04] South Africa a good trading partner, says H. Commissioner

[05] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[06] Homosexuality bill amendment welcomed

[07] Cyprus and Russian Parliaments to strengthen relations

[08] NAM calls for withdrawal of Turkish demands

[09] Cyprus' EU course runs smoothly, says British envoy

[10] Cyprus gives marketing diplomas to European students

[11] Cyprus, Syria to work for closer links

1510:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Brill: Cyprus is a regional business centre

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Brill pointed to the removal of Cyprus from the list of countries that do not protect intellectual property rights by the Office of the US Trade Representatives (USTR).

This, he said, "was very nicely timed for the Cyprus International Trade Fair, to help signal that Cyprus is a regional business centre".

The Fair was opened by President Glafcos Clerides on Wednesday.

Stressing that "Cyprus is more than a problem. It is a regional business centre", Brill said the US is "trying to promote Cyprus as a business centre, as an island of stability".

Asked to comment on the visit of State Department Special Co-ordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller, to the island on Monday, Brill said, "he will be talking to the two sides on the Cyprus issue".

CNA RG/MCH/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1540:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Government welcomes Security Council reply to Turkish side

"The position of the UN Security Council, which insists on relevant UN resolutions, strengthens our efforts for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem", Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides said today.

In a reply to a letter by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, made known today, the Security Council stressed that efforts for a Cyprus settlement should continue through bi-communal talks.

The Security Council members also reiterated their strong support to Annan's good offices mission, on the basis of relevant Security Council resolutions.

Stylianides pointed out that the Security Council's position constitutes "a reply to Denktash's unacceptable demand to change bi- communal talks into state-to-state negotiations, as well as on the substance of a solution to the Cyprus problem."

He described the Security Council reply as "a development which greatly assists the way the government handles the Cyprus problem in this difficult period".

Until today President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash participated in negotiations in their capacity as leaders of their respective communities.

In a bid to achieve recognition of his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974, Denktash told the UN he would not participate in peace talks unless his secessionist entity is recognised.

Asked if the Council's reply could curb Turkish intransigence in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem, Stylianides said there were "no such expectations".

"There is no intention on our part to either talk of triumph or be complacent, but the position outlined by the Security Council at a time when Turkish intransigence is at its peak is significant," he added.

The Spokesman said the Security Council, which to a great degree represents the international community, responded to Turkish intransigence.

Replying to questions, Stylianides also said that international mediators in the Cyprus problem should remain within the Security Council framework.

Asked on the prospect of Cyprus Republic recourse to the UN Security Council, the Spokesman said this issue is being discussed by the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem.

He added that the Security Council reply "is a new element that should be considered by those studying the issue".

CNA MCH/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1710:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus, Czech Republic to strengthen ties

The Commerce Ministers of both countries agreed here today to exchange delegations to realise this objective.

"We have agreed that it is not possible to be fully satisfied with the level of our economic and commercial ties. We have promised each other that we shall be in very close contact," Czech Minister of Commerce and Industry Pavle Dvorak said after meeting his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Rolandis.

Dvorak noted the Czech Republic and Cyprus are at the same stage on the road to EU membership, both countries need foreign investment and depend on foreign trade.

"We have agreed upon the exchange of delegations, headed by the Minister and maybe myself, to the Czech Republic and to Cyprus in order to realise such goals," Dvorak added.

Cyprus' Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Nicos Rolandis, expressed hope that future exchanges of government and private sector officials could take place within the year.

"The Ministry will work in this direction," he added.

The Czech Minister was in Cyprus on the occasion of the annual 23rd International State Fair, which opened earlier this week.

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1725:CYPPRESS:04

[04] South Africa a good trading partner, says H. Commissioner

Jacobs also said his country may sell armaments to Cyprus in the future.

Speaking at a press conference on the occasion of the 23rd annual Cyprus International Fair, Jacobs said South Africa is the "second most important trading partner of Cyprus on the African continent" with a trade balance of 1:6,5 in favour of South Africa.

He said South Africa's first ever participation in the Fair "is an expression of our faith in the future of your country" and noted the potential for expansion of trade relations "is promising."

Jacobs pointed out that both countries are strategically located, enjoy political stability and technological advancement and therefore are "important players in their respective regions."

Outlining his country's advantages as a trading partner, the High Commissioner said South Africa offers business opportunities locally and serves as a gateway to the whole of the Southern African region.

"South Africa is to a large extent a highly developed country with a sophisticated manufacturing and industrial sector able to produce a variety of goods," he said.

Asked if South Africa would be prepared to sell armaments to Cyprus, Jacobs noted the "excellent ties" with Cyprus in all fields and added "at the moment we are not selling any specific armament to Cyprus but in future the situation may change."

Cyprus imports a wide variety of goods from South Africa, including fruit and vegetables, wood and wood products, precious stones and metals, electrical equipment and machinery as well as sea food.

South Africa imports from Cyprus nickel and nickel articles, footwear, machinery and mechanical appliances, furniture and related products.

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1730:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    85,84 (-0,79)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                 100,37 (-0,97)
Approved Investment Companies          61,42 (-0,03)
Insurance Companies                    63,09 (-1,53)
Industrial Companies                   76,26 (-0,53)
Tourist Industries                     69,64 ( 4,93)
Commercial Companies                   47,46 (-2,49)
Other Companies                        69,67 (-2,14)

Trading Volume                   1.698.709,31

CNA MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1750:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Homosexuality bill amendment welcomed

"The government is satisfied with the House decision which troubled the legislative body of the Republic and tarnished its image abroad," Government Spokesman Christos Stylianides said here today.

The Council of Europe had warned Cyprus of serious repercussions, if current legislation was not amended to be in line with the European Convention of Human Rights.

The European Court of Human Rights had castigated Cyprus in April 1993 for its antiquated law and ordered the government to amend it.

The bill was faced with strong opposition by many deputies, the Church and various organisations because it was seen as encouraging homosexuality.

United Democrats party, which voted for the amendment, also welcomed yesterday's decision and praised the House for "displaying a sense of responsibility and respect of human rights."

"We are pleased that demagogy has not managed to place Cyprus in huge political risks. Cyprus proved that respect for human rights is neither selective nor opportunistic," a party press release said here today.

A statement issued by the Cyprus Association for the Protection of Human Rights, said "at last, the House has acted in a way that brings Cyprus into line with the existing notion of respect for human rights in Europe and worldwide."

The Association has often raised its concern about the five-year delay in amending current legislation.

However, it noted that the bill was passed after compromise and warned that it would take "appropriate action" if there is any deviation from the fundamental principles of respect for human rights.

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2015:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Cyprus and Russian Parliaments to strengthen relations

The issue was discussed today during a meeting between the House Foreign Relations Committee and a delegation of the Russian State Duma, visiting the island.

The Russian deputies proposed the discussion of the Cyprus problem in the Duma, noting that this would help MPs to understand the island's political issue.

President of the Foreign Relations Committee, Tassos Papadopoulos, described the proposal as "positive", adding the Cyprus problem could be discussed either separately or during a discussion of other conflicts in the region.

One of the suggestions was to establish relations between the two countries' political parties.

A proposal for exchange visits by children was welcomed by deputies, who said this would "tighten links between the two countries and their two peoples".

Expressing his support to the proposal, Papadopoulos pointed out that children from Albania, Bosnia, Romania and the Chernobyl area in the Ukraine have already visited Cyprus.

The Russian deputies, who are members of the Russia-Cyprus Friendship Association of the Duma, today held separate meetings with the island's political party leaders or representatives.

The State Duma (lower chamber) together with the Federation Council (upper chamber) form Russia's Federal Assembly, which is the country's highest representative and legislative body.

The delegation comprises Association president Yuri Utkin, as well as Nikolai Astafiev, Michael Bugera and Vladimir Piatoshin.

CNA GG/MA/1998

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2020:CYPPRESS:08

[08] NAM calls for withdrawal of Turkish demands

The Movement also expressed concern at the continuing lack of political will on the part of the Turkish side for a settlement and backed the convening of an international conference on Cyprus and the demilitarisation of the island.

In a resolution adopted at the NAM Foreign Ministers meeting, in Colombia, they reiterated their support for "the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and their solidarity with the government of Cyprus."

The Ministers underlined the "importance and urgency" for effective implementation of UN resolutions and called on the Security Council for "resolute action and appropriate measures, including the holding of an international conference and the demilitarisation of Cyprus, as repeatedly proposed by the President of Cyprus."

They "condemned the declared attempts of the Turkish side for a change of the basis of the intercommunal dialogue under the mandate of the UN Secretary-General" and described such demands as "contrary to the relevant UN resolutions and call for their withdrawal."

The Ministers deplored threats by the Turkish side that it will not attend any new round of talks unless the purported state in the Turkish occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus is recognised.

NAM Ministers said "recent continuous Turkish threats of use of force against Cyprus and integration of the occupied territory by Turkey" caused "grave concern."

Expressing deep concern and disappointment at the lack of progress towards a negotiated settlement, the Foreign Ministers said this was due to "the Turkish intransigence and the attempt of the Turkish side to introduce pre-conditions to the two rounds of direct negotiations" last summer.

Two rounds of UN-led talks on the Cyprus issue were held last year during which Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash refused to negotiate.

Denktash has now said he will not return to the negotiating table unless his illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas is recognised and Cyprus withdraws its application to join the European Union.

The NAM ministers called for the withdrawal of "all occupation forces and settlers, the return of the refugees to their homes in conditions of safety, the restoration of and respect for human rights of all Cypriots and the accounting of all missing persons."

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2025:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Cyprus' EU course runs smoothly, says British envoy

The announcement was issued after a meeting here today between Hannay, representing the rotating European Union British presidency, and Greek Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

"Hannay has reassured Kranidiotis that Cyprus' accession course is developing smoothly," the announcement said.

It added that Kranidiotis outlined the positions of the Greek government on the Cyprus problem and relations between the EU and Turkey.

The Greek Official expressed displeasure at the absence of any shift on the part of Turkey from its positions.

Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side demand a change in the basis of the UN-sponsored talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and insist on conducting inter-state negotiations.

The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has told Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that talks can only take place within the framework of his good offices mission, which provides for dialogue between the leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

The Turkish side has also demanded the withdrawal of Cyprus' application to join the EU, if it is to return to the negotiating table.

Sir David also met Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and briefed him and Kranidiotis about a recent visit to Ankara by British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

Hannay outlined the positions of the British EU presidency in view of the Cardiff summit, to be held between 15-16 June.

Turkey broke off political dialogue with the EU following the latter's decision in December not to invite Turkey to start accession negotiations.

CNA KI/MM/MA/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2030:CYPPRESS:10

[10] Cyprus gives marketing diplomas to European students

The programme, organised by the Mediterranean Institute of Management, focused on "Marketing management for small and medium size business."

"Cyprus, despite its small size and the occupation of 40 per cent of its territory by Turkish troops has managed to develop a very effective system of marketing management for small and medium size businesses," Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Andreas Moushioutas said as he handed out the diplomas.

He said Cyprus, as a regional business centre and a maritime and financial services hub, serves as an ideal venue for such training programmes.

CNA MM/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2040:CYPPRESS:11

[11] Cyprus, Syria to work for closer links

Relations between the two countries were discussed at a meeting here today between Deputy Minister of Finance and Foreign Trade of Syria Fouad Al-Sayed and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nicos Rolandis.

They discussed ways to promote Cypriot products via Syria to the countries of the Middle East and Asia and means to market Syrian goods via Cyprus to Europe.

Al-Sayed suggested that Cypriot companies consider undertaking the processing of Syrian agricultural and industrial raw materials.

The two men examined the possibility of setting up a ministerial committee to look into various problems that may arise, the exchange of commercial missions and co-operation in the investment sector.

On Monday Al-Sayed will brief Cypriot businessmen on his country's investment policy.

CNA DP/MM/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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