Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-12-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Albanian Ambassador - Credentials

[02] Iran - New Ambassador - Cyprus - President Clerides

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[04] Interior Minister - Corruption allegations

1510:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Albanian Ambassador - Credentials

Presenting his credentials to President Glafcos Clerides, Robo conveyed his President's Rexhep Meidani warm personal greetings.

Robo said he felt most honoured to be representing his country in Cyprus and stated, "I shall strive to the upmost of my ability to promote a still deeper understanding between the two countries".

"I earnestly believe that it is not only to the good of our two countries, but it is also in the interest of world peace, security and prosperity, that this friendship and the contingent close cooperation between our two people should continue to develop and expand in every field", he added.

Pointing out that Albania is in a period of transition, Robo stressed that the main objective of his country's foreign policy was "its integration into the Euro-atlantic family".

"We consider that the European orientation of our two countries is an integral part of their political, economic and social development," he stressed.

President Clerides welcomed the Ambassador to Cyprus and expressed the belief the two countries have strengthened the basis for friendship, understanding and cooperation in the greater establishment of diplomatic relations.

"We have been following with great interest developments in your country, and particularly your efforts to build a new modern state with the ultimate goal of achieving full integration with the existing European institutions. I would like to assure you, Mr. Ambassador, of Cyprus' full support in these efforts", Clerides concluded.

CNA MEM/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1515:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Iran - New Ambassador - Cyprus - President Clerides

Presenting his credentials today to the President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides, Bahman Agharazi said existing friendly and warm relations between the two countries "is a reliable ground to boost and enhance the mutual cooperations and collaborations".

Iran is firmly pursuing the idea of a "Dialogue Among Civilisations" initiated by the country's President in the course of the 53rd UN General Assembly, he noted.

Referring to Cyprus, Agharazi said unity and coexistence of different peoples and cultures on the island "is one of the most prominent characteristics" of its history.

"Based on this historical background, the Islamic Republic of Iran is hopeful that the problem of Cyprus will be solved in the framework of the UN resolutions", he pointed out.

Replying, President Clerides said relations between the two countries "have deep roots in history", adding "we are looking forward to working closely with you to strengthen them even further".

Referring to the island's problem, he said it remains unresolved and the negotiating process at an impasse, stressing that the Cyprus government remains "committed to a peaceful solution".

Clerides described the problem as "purely political" and having "nothing to do with religion".

"We will continue to work on the basis of the UN relevant resolutions and the two high level agreements of 1977 and 1979, within the framework of the good offices mission of the UN Secretary General for a peaceful solution which will safeguard the coexistence and well-being of the people of Cyprus as a whole, irrespective of their religion, ethnic, cultural, linguistic or any other difference", he noted.

Expressing his "deep appreciation" for Iran's support to the just cause of Cyprus, Clerides said the idea of a "Dialogue Among Civilisations" offers "a very good basis and wide framework within which to pursue peace and stability at a global level".

CNA GG/MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1700:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                          90.51 ( 0.75)

      Traded Value            CYP 1,405,935

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP   562,457     106.34 ( 0.33)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP    38,312      57.99 ( 0.03)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   386,978      65.85 ( 1.35)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP    52,377      85.17 ( 0.34)
      Tourism Companies       CYP    80,111      68.63 ( 4.33)
      Trading Companies       CYP    41,200      41.31 ( 1.05)
      Other Companies         CYP    52,180      81.90 ( 1.39)

CNA MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1825:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Interior Minister - Corruption allegations

Speaking to journalists, one day after the announcement by Attorney General, Alecos Markides, that investigations showed no evidence justifying his prosecution, Michaelides also thanked President Glafcos Clerides for the confidence he showed in his person "during this year of trial".

Ruling Democratic Rally (DISI) MP, Christos Pourgourides, who is also President of the House of Representatives' Watchdog Committee, had accused Michaelides that he abused his power as Interior Minister for personal profit.

Yesterday, Attorney General Markides said investigations carried out showed that there was no evidence justifying prosecution of the Interior Minister.

"I consider the cooperation and trust shown to my person by President Glafcos Clerides as a great honour and I wish to continue honouring this cooperation," Michaelides stressed.

Asked whether he intends to take legal measures against Pourgourides, Michaelides replied he would consult his legal advisors.

Meanwhile Government Spokesman, Christos Stylianides, said earlier today, that the government fully respects the views expressed by the Attorney General concerning accusations against the Interior Minister.

Asked whether the government considers the issue closed, Stylianides pointed out that the Ombudsperson and the Income Tax Inspector are still investigating into the matter.

CNA MCH/AA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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