Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-09-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Political parties - New York visit

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] New political movement announced

[04] Greek, British Defence Ministers - Cyprus

1600:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Political parties - New York visit

President Clerides is leaving Cyprus for New York on Friday and next week he will address the UN General Assembly.

He is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as well as other officials involved in efforts to settle the protracted Cyprus problem.

The President will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

"The delegation going to New York is joint and all its members are considered as equal," Stylianides said.

The Spokesman added that party representatives or leaders will take part in meetings where their presence would be considered helpful.

Invited to comment on press reports that foreign governments have suggested to the government of Cyprus not to bring the Cyprus problem before the UN General Assembly or the "big 5", Stylianides reminded of a decision taken last week that this issue would be discussed after the New York visit.

After a meeting last week the National Council, top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem, announced that a decision on this issue would be taken after the President and party representatives return from New York.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1610:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

   CSE General Index                          87.72 (-0.17)

   Traded Value            CYP 1,377,238

   Sectural Indices

   Banks                   CYP   631,037     103.05 (-0.16)
   Approved Investment
   Companies               CYP   159,871      58.49 (-0.12)
   Insurance Companies     CYP    29,099      59.56 (-0.43)
   Manufacturing Companies CYP     3,670      83.12 (-0.61)
   Tourism Companies       CYP   264,178      71.69 ( 0.48)
   Trading Companies       CYP     8,372      41.03 (-0.92)
   Other Companies         CYP    13,920      76.84 ( 0.79)

CNA MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1850:CYPPRESS:03

[03] New political movement announced

Announcing the formation of the Movement for the Renewal of the Centre, former Democratic Party (DIKO) member Kypros Chrysostomides, said "we want a society of justice and equality, with full respect of its citizens".

He described the renewal of political life as "a historic necessity" and said people who participate in the Movement aim at playing a constructive role and bringing together all forces with centre tendencies.

Chrysostomides clarified they do not aim at becoming a party and said that tomorrow they will meet representatives from socialist party EDEK.

He said they will also continue to have meetings with DIKO leaders. A Movement declaration underlines that all parties and politicians should have proposals on issues which modern society has to deal with and should reinforce democracy.

Referring to the Cyprus question, it says that it remains the Republic's main problem and a settlement should be based on UN resolutions and international law.

It also says that close cooperation with Greece is necessary and that the Republic's course for European Union accession should be safeguarded.

CNA RG/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2045:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Greek, British Defence Ministers - Cyprus

Pointing to the need for a moratorium of Greek and Turkish military flights over the island, he expressed Britain's readiness to offer supervision.

Speaking after a meeting with his Greek counterpart, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Robertson said Britain "does not support the Denktash proposal."

"We cannot accept any solution of confederation of two sovereign states", the British minister said, pointing out that it would be contrary to agreement for a bicommunal, bizonal federation that has been discussed for almost 25 years.

He said Britain "welcomes any proposals for a solution on the island but this is not one we would support".

Robertson, who met the Turkish Premier as well as the Defence and Foreign Ministers in Ankara yesterday, said this was the message he had conveyed from the British Foreign Secretary.

He repeated, however, his country's opposition to the deployment of the Russian-made S300 even though he recognised the right of governments to make decisions concerning their defence.

Pointing out that Britain was "genuinely concerned" over the S300, he argued they would not "add to the security" but rather "add to tension and therefore create problems".

"There are better ways of getting security than this particular system, " he added.

The British Defence Secretary said there should be a further postponement of the deployment of the missile system so that the UN process aiming at a peaceful settlement leading to a bizonal, bicommunal federation could continue.

He said that during his meetings in Ankara he gave "a very strong message that there is a need for a moratorium of military flights over the island."

Robertson said that Britain "is willing to offer the supervision of such a moratorium".

On his part the Greek Defence Minister said "those concerned with the problems created by the military build-up in Cyprus should support a policy of arms reduction, something both Greece and Cyprus support".

He also stressed that it is every state's undeniable right to choose the way to defend itself.

Commenting on Robertson's proposal for a moratorium, Tsohatzopoulos referred to the creation of a no-fly zone fully controlled and guaranteed by the UN Security Council.

CNA KI/MCH/MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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