Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-10-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus - New Ghana Ambassador

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Cyprus - New Zambian High Commissioner

[04] Motorshow '98

[05] Ninth Radiomarathon

[06] UNFICYP - Concert postponed

[07] Cyprus - Finnish Parliamentarians

[08] Protests - Turkish airspace violations

[09] Cyprus - EU - Substantive accession talks

[10] Excavations - Thalassaemia

1515:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus - New Ghana Ambassador

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Ghana's new Ambassador Anthony Kwabna Twumasi reaffirmed his country's support "for a peaceful and just settlement of the Cyprus problem through negotiations and active dialogue in line with relevant UN resolutions."

Twumasi called on both sides "to refrain from actions hampering peace efforts" and said "the urgent need for peace in the region for both communities cannot be overemphasised."

"My country therefore calls on all people of goodwill, the international community in general and the UN Secretary-General in particular to restrengthen their resolve to work towards a speedy end to the painful division of the Republic of Cyprus," he said.

Pointing to serious inequalities in resource allocation and consumption in the world, he said "this state of affairs enjoins countries such as ours to work together towards the enhancement of our bilateral cooperation as well as the promotion of south-south relations". He also pledged to strengthen cooperation between Ghana and Cyprus.

Accepting the credentials, President Clerides also said the two countries "are linked together by long-standing excellent relations of cordial friendship and cooperation."

"We will continue to work together to strengthen our bilateral relations and enhance even further our cooperation," he pledged. The President reaffirmed his government will continue its efforts within the UN framework "for a just, viable and lasting solution of the problem of Cyprus".

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1525:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                          88.64 ( 1.43)

      Traded Value            CYP 1,615,188

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP   633,884     102.97 ( 1.54)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   107,940      60.48 ( 0.43)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   244,046      62.15 ( 1.09)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   137,502      86.40 ( 0.93)
      Tourism Companies       CYP    21,505      69.74 ( 1.47)
      Trading Companies       CYP   101,507      41.41 ( 5.40)
      Other Companies         CYP    78,364      81.64 (-0.09)

CNA MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1530:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus - New Zambian High Commissioner

"Zambia fully appreciates the role that the Republic of Cyprus and its people continue to play on the international and regional scene in respect of a peaceful resolution of the question of a united Cyprus," new Zambian High Commissioner Moses Musonda said today.

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Musonda also said "we support the UN efforts and are convinced that it is only a united Cyprus that will usher an atmosphere of tranquility in the region."

"The two countries' bilateral relations in the political arena, among others, have not only a long history but have also continued to grow from strength to strength," he added, pledging to work for the further strengthening of relations.

Accepting the credentials, President Clerides also said "we will continue to work together for the strengthening of our relations and the enhancement of our cooperation in all fields."

He referred to his government's and the international community's efforts for a settlement in Cyprus, noting they stumbled on the intransigence and the negative attitude of the Turkish side.

However, the President assured that "we are determined to continue our efforts to find a peaceful solution" based on UN resolutions.

"The people of Cyprus highly appreciate the consistent support of Zambia to the just cause of Cyprus throughout the years. We continue to count on your valuable support," President Clerides added.

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Motorshow '98

Speaking at a press conference Joannou said "this exhibition is expected to go on record as one of the most impressive and informative exhibition events ever held in Cyprus".

He expressed hopes of establishing the exhibition as "a regular regional event," since "it is a well known exhibition in our geographical region," as he pointed out.

Joannou added that of the 42 exhibitors taking part, 22 are importers of automobiles, who will present the latest achievements of the automobile industry.

Visitors to the Motorshow will have the opportunity for the first time to see the new models from international car manufacturers, which have not yet appeared in the Cyprus market.

Apart from automobiles, 20 exhibitors will exhibit audio systems, spare parts, decorative items and other supplies for cars. The "Friends of Historic and Old Cars" of the Cyprus Motor Car Association will organise an antique car exhibition in a separate pavilion. Within the framework of the Motorshow, the Association of Automobile Friends will organise the Tulip Rally on Saturday, 7 November.

The rally will start and finish at the Cyprus International Fair where prizes will be awarded to the winners.

The Motorshow will be opened on Wednesday, November 4, by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Nicos Rolandis.

CNA DG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1640:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Ninth Radiomarathon

Public figures from Greece will be in Cyprus for the Radiomarathon while famous Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti and President Glafcos Clerides have donated personal items to be auctioned in what has become one of the biggest and most popular annual charity events organised in Cyprus.

Pavarotti has donated items such as a scarf and photographs signed by him, while the Cyprus President offered his personal chair. For the first time events within the framework of the Radiomarathon will take place in New York, where a number of Cypriots are living.

It was announced that 10 thousand dollars have been raised at an event already organised in the US and 50 thousand dollars at a function held in Australia. Radiomarathon coordinator Yiangos Kleopas said that until today they have helped over four thousand children and hundreds of institutions.

The Radiomarathon, which raised over 1,2 million Cyprus pounds (one pound is about two US dollars) last year, does not only aim at helping people financially but also to raise public awareness. Newly elected Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos as well as popular singers Thanos Kalliris, Dakis, Evridiki, Lefteris Pantazis and Alkaios are among people from Greece coming to Cyprus for the event. CNA RM/MA/../1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1740:CYPPRESS:06

[06] UNFICYP - Concert postponed

UNFICYP announced that the decision was taken by chief of mission Dame Ann Hercus "out of respect in memory of Vergina Nikolaides". Three-year-old Vergina was crucially injured last Saturday, during a bicommunal event organised by the UN to celebrate 50 years since its establishment. She passed away on Monday.

Tomorrow's concert was to take place at the village Pyla, east of Nicosia, one of the only two mixed villages where Greek and Turkish Cypriots live together.

The concert was part of the activities to commemorate 50 years of peace-keeping, but has been postponed "until further notice".

CNA MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1820:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Cyprus - Finnish Parliamentarians

The ten-member delegation, headed by Grand Committee Chairman Erkki Tuomioja will arrive on November 1 and leave the following day.

During their stay the Finnish parliamentarians will be received by House President, Spyros Kyprianou, and meet Acting Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, Christodoulos Christodoulou and Head of the Negotiating team for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, George Vassiliou.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1830:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Protests - Turkish airspace violations

In a letter to Annan, Zackheos points out that on October 23, 24, 25 and 26 Turkish military aircraft entered the Nicosia FIR, "violating international air traffic regulations" and also violated the national airspace of the Republic. "On behalf of the government of the Republic of Cyprus, I wish to strongly protest these new provocative acts by Turkey against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus," Zackheos stresses. He describes the violationsas "a further reminder of Turkey's offensive disregard of international law, the Charter of the UN and all the relevant decisions of the Organisation on the question of Cyprus".

The Cypriot Permanent Representative points to the fact that "continuing overflights by the Turkish Air Force, as well as the presence of the Turkish military occupation forces on the island constitute the underlying causes of tension in Cyprus." The ambassador asks for the letter to be circulated as a document of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1950:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Cyprus - EU - Substantive accession talks

Brussels, Oct 29 (CNA) -- French efforts to associate the Cyprus problem with the Republic's European Union accession course fell through after a German initiative and a discussion of the issue by the 15 permanent representatives.

According to diplomatic sources, Paris today withdrew its proposal to add a phrase connecting the Cyprus problem to the island's EU accession course in the chapter referring to the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

However, a proposal by the Cyprus government for Turkish Cypriot participation in the official team negotiating accession, that has been turned down by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, is mentioned.

The 15 EU permanent representatives met with the chief negotiators of the six states that began accession talks and discussed the first seven chapters of the acqui communautaire. The other six chapters are: Industrial Policy, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Research and Scientific Development, Education, Training and Youth Policy, Telecommunications and Information Technology Policy and Culture and Audiovisual Policy.

At a press conference the Cyprus Republic's chief negotiator, George Vassiliou, said the agreement reached on five of the seven chapters could be considered as final.

He added that one of the chapters remaining open concerns Common Foreign and Security Policy, which was expected pending the changes that are taking place within the EU itself.

The Chief negotiator said Cyprus has asked for a 12 month transitional period in the EU directives regarding the liberalisation of telecommunications, until 31st December 2003.

Vassiliou also said he told the 15 ambassadors that the government is not to blame for the refusal of Turkish Cypriots to participate in the accession talks. At the same time he informed them on government efforts to keep the Turkish Cypriots posted on EU developments, through a page on the internet as well as radio and TV programmes.

The former President also underlined that Nicosia, more than anybody else, wishes for a settlement to the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions. He called on member states to help in any way the can so that progress on the Cyprus issue can be achieved. As from today we can say that substantial accession talks have began, Vassiliou concluded.

CNA NB/MA/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1955:CYPPRESS:10

[10] Excavations - Thalassaemia

The Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Communications and Works, announced the results of a study by an acknowledged expert on ancient Cypriot dentitions, Dr. Dorothy Lunt, an American osteologist, Melodie Domurad, of material from excavations at the site of Kissonerga, north of Paphos.

According to the announcement this is the first time thalassaemia's ancestry on the island has been traced to such remote antiquity. The dentition and the bones from bodies in tombs found after excavations at the site of Kissonerga, carried out under the direction of Prof. Edgar Peltenburg of the University of Edinburgh, were given to separate researchers who investigated the remains "blind", that is in ignorance of each other's work. Dr. Dorothy Lunt noticed a prevalence of a peculiar condition in the Kissonerga assemblage, known as shovel -shaped second incisors. She said in studies of the dentition in patients suffering from beta thalassaemia researchers found that "the thalassaemics had a markedly higher prevalence of trace shovevelling of second incisors (73%) than the normal controls (38%) and concluded that a high prevalence of shovelling of the second incisor was a dental characteristic of beta thalassaemia major".

By itself, this surprising result was suggestive, but when independent corroboration came from Melodie Domurad, the conclusion that thalassaemia existed in Cypriot populations around 2.500 BC became compelling.

In the burial of one family she found that a probable father and his child suffered from bowed bones, and that the child had a thickening of the skull consistent with thalassaemia.

She concluded that the child died from acute thalassaemia, having inherited it from both parents (homozygote) while the adult male had evidence of the lesser form of thalassaemia (heterozygote).

Professor Edgar Peltenburg, director of the archaeological Prohect, commented that the clearest specific evidence for the condition comes from bodies in a chamber tomb, the earliest example of this popular type of ancient tomb in Cyprus.

It is not known where the tomb type originated or if it was introduced by newcomers who carried this inherited form of anemia.

The tomb was built during the late Chalcolithic Period of Cyprus, when many changes occurred at Kissonerga. Amongst these is the earliest evidence for metal production on the island and the importation of glassy beads known as faience, perhaps from Egypt.

More research on a larger sample is required to substantiate these preliminary findings of thalassaemia, but Kissonerga, the longest - lived Cypriot settlement, from about 6.000 to 2.000 BC, is proving to yield an exceptionally varied harvest of discoveries.

Thalassaemia is an inherited anemia dependent on a recessive gene(s). It is still endemic in most of the Mediterranean, occurring in 5 - 50% of various populations in Italy, Greece and Cyprus while Cyprus leads the way in research into the problem. The findings are being published in the final report of results from the University of Edinburgh's archaeological excavations at Kissonerga.

Plans are in hand to open part of the site to the general public.

CNA DG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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