Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 98-11-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Espionage - Israelis - Media

[02] European Conference on Prison Education

1020:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Espionage - Israelis - Media

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become the prime target of today's front page reports, following his pledge to bring the Israelis back home, which did not go down well in Cypriot circles.

On the other hand, an array of government officials in Nicosia have made it clear to everybody that the case will be dealt with in Cyprus by the Cypriot authorities, stressing that nobody is above the law and the law will take its course.

Papers note that Israeli journalists are on the island to report on the case of Udi Argov, 37, and Ig'al Damari, 49, who are in police custody for eight days after police found in their apartment high-tech equipment, including scanners, and arrested them for acting suspiciously near military installations.

All the dailies carry photographs of diplomatic and other activity in connection with the case and many devote their editorials to the lessons one should learn from this affair, which came into the open only three days after a state visit to Cyprus by Israeli President Ezer Weizman.

One paper in its editorial stresses that "Cyprus is not a doormat and that noone is above the law". Another wonders whether Weizman could be convincing that his country's cooperation agreement with Turkey is not directed against any third party.

The main editorial in "Simerini" calls on Netanyahu to respect neighbouring countries, like Cyprus, which has never harmed Israel and urges him not to meddle in the internal affairs of Cyprus.

The people of Cyprus should give every assistance to the authorities of the Republic in their efforts to avert any harm to the country's security, an editorial in "Machi" says, and another one in "Alithia" points out that statements such as the one Netayahu made on Monday are "provocative, arrogant and stupid" and do not promote good relations between Israel and Cyprus.

The largest selling daily "Phileleftheros" notes in its editorial that a case of espionage should not be allowed to disturb links between Cyprus and Israel but on the other hand, this does not mean that actions eroding the security of the state should be tolerated.

"Alithia" refers to the urgent message President Weizman sent to President Glafcos Clerides, conveyed by his right hand man Arieh Shumer and Israel's Ambassador to Cyprus Shemi Tzur, and describes Netanyahu as "provocative."

"Machi" talks about "unbearable pressure" on the Cyprus government to hand back the two spies and condemns in no uncertain terms the position adopted by the Israeli Premier.

"Simerini" charges that Netanyahu "throws oil into the fire" whereas Weizman sends in his "fireman" and notes the cool response of the Cyprus government while police investigations are carried out.

"Phileleftheros" in its two front page reports presents an overall picture of statements and counterstatements from various officials here and in Israel and reveals that the two Israelis were very interested in radars of the National Guard, which are linked to the anti-aircraft missiles the government has purchased from Russia and intends to deploy on the island.

"Haravgi" points out that the Israelis instead of apologising, they are threatening through Netanyahu's statement and describes the statement as "cynical, provocative and unacceptable."

The English daily "Cyprus Mail" juxtapositions the two views taken by Tel Aviv and Nicosia, noting that the two arrests renew fears over Israel's military links with Turkey.

CNA MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1350:CYPPRESS:02

[02] European Conference on Prison Education

More than 30 representatives from all parts of Europe, including Israel, are taking part in the five-day Conference which will also deal with prison education for special groups, such as women, youngsters and foreigners as well as education for inmates and the "outside" world.

Welcoming the participants to the Conference who come from almost all European countries and Israel, Justice and Public Order Minister, Nicos Kosis, pointed out that security, humane treatment, education and rehabilitation are his Ministry's four main principles in dealing with inmates.

He said that in the field of prisons, Cyprus has harmonised fully with the aqcuis communautaire and stressed that Cyprus prisons "respect relative rules and instructions of the Council of Europe, both in terms of legislation and in terms of everyday practice".

"The organisation of the Third European Conference in Cyprus shows our keen interest in the issue of education in prisons," he added.

Cyprus Education and Culture Minister, Lykourgos Kappas, told the conference that Cyprus is a pioneer as far as educating inmates is concerned and pointed out that programmes have been introduced which could be models for other countries.

Director of Prisons, George Anastassiades stressed that Cyprus' rehabilitation system is anthropocentric and added that educational programmes should assist inmates in discovering new abilities and increasing their self-confidence.

On his part, Director of Prison Education, Henning Jorgensen, from Denmark, praised Cyprus' contribution to this field.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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