Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-02-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Government Spokesman - Cyprus problem - Ocalan

[03] Rolandis - Tourism

[04] SOCCER: Cyprus 0 - England 2 (Under 16)

[05] Britain - Loizidou case

[06] Greek Cypriot released

[07] US State Department - Human Rights report - Cyprus

1500:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         116.85  ( 1.71)

      Traded Value            CYP 5,073,299

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 2,421,724     143.51 ( 1.36)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   210,068      73.83 ( 1.89)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   102,971      77.48 (-0.33)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   531,405     106.29 ( 6.48)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   164,397      79.26 ( 1.47)
      Trading Companies       CYP   299,625      52.36 ( 0.63)
      Other Companies         CYP   386,498      87.77 ( 1.02)

CNA MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1620:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Government Spokesman - Cyprus problem - Ocalan

Speaking to foreign journalists based in Athens the Spokesman underlined that "continuing Turkish intransigence is the core of the issue and is what does not allow any developments in the Cyprus question."

However, he expressed the hope that the international community will find ways to pressure Turkey so a dialogue for a settlement to the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions could restart.

The Turkish side is refusing to participate in talks for a settlement in Cyprus and in violation of numerous UN resolutions stipulating for the establishment of bizonal, bicommunal federation, it demands the establishment of a "confederation of two states".

The illegal regime unilaterally set up in the areas of the Republic occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognised only by Ankara.

The spokesman referred to "certain commitments" that the UN and the US will undertake efforts to break the deadlock in the Cyprus peace process after April's elections in Turkey.

Stylianides also reiterated that the government's invitation to Turkish Cypriots to nominate representatives in the official Cyprus team negotiating European Union accession since March 1998, still stands.

Replying to questions, he said the Cyprus Republic has the right to decide on its defences and expressed regret with the fact that Turkey has rejected a proposal by President Glafcos Clerides for the demilitarisation of the island.

Stylianides also stressed that "the Cyprus government has no relations with the Kurdistan Workers Party" (lead by Ocalan), but pointed out that it "always supports the protection of human rights and cultural identity."

Echoing calls by other countries, he said that "Ocalan must be given a fair trial based on international rules."

CNA KI/MA/FZ/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1655:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Rolandis - Tourism

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Cyprus Association of Tourist Industries and the Association of Greek Tourist Agents based in the UK, in the southern coastal town of Limassol, he outlined the twelve-point government plan.

Rolandis said it includes the construction of six marinas and an equal number of golf-courses, the operation of casinos, the creation of four or five theme parks, the construction of about fifty athletic grounds and the increase of the number of facilities used for agrotourism.

He also pointed to the possibility of combined visits to Cyprus and neighbouring countries.

"While humanity is heading towards the 21st century, the tourist map is continuously changing and tourists demands increasing," he said, adding that "this is why the enrichment and diversity of Cyprus' tourist product is high in our priorities."

The minister said Cyprus offers a high-quality product, an advantage which must be safeguarded.

Rolandis described tourism as one of the most important and productive sectors of the island's economy, noting it contributes 20% to the Gross National Product.

CNA FZ/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1740:CYPPRESS:04

[04] SOCCER: Cyprus 0 - England 2 (Under 16)

The English team beat Cyprus' squad 2-0 at Pafiakon Stadium in Pafos, this afternoon.

England's Under 16 team doubled their wins in this preliminary group that also included Armenia. They had defeated Armenia 2-1.

Earlier this week, the Cypriot team thrashed Armenia 5-1 prompting Cyprus to hope to qualify for the final phase even with a draw with the English team.

CNA GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2000:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Britain - Loizidou case

In June 1998, the Court ordered Turkey to pay damages of more than 800 thousand US dollars to Titina Loizidou, having found Turkey guilty of continuous violation of her right to enjoy peacefully her property and having established that Loizidou was and remains the legal owner of her property.

In a written reply to a question in the House of Lords yesterday, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean said "responsibility for implementing the judgement in Loizidou v. Turkey lies with Turkey".

She was replying to a question by Lord Hylton regarding the action the British government will take in the Council of Europe if the judgement of the Court is not enforced.

"We take such responsibilities seriously, as with all obligations in the Council of Europe, and expect other members to do likewise," Baroness Symons said.

She noted that "we have reminded Turkey in the Committee of Ministers of these responsibilities, most recently on 9 February, and will continue to do so".

"We have made clear to Turkey the need to respect the Court's judgment. Turkey has confirmed its wish to uphold the authority of the European Court of Human Rights," the British official concludes.

CNA FZ/MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2120:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Greek Cypriot released

Chrysanthou was abducted in the Famagusta area and was held till today after a so-called decision by an illegal court in the areas of the Republic occupied by Turkey since 1974.

An announcement says that Chysanthou whement efforts between the two communities.

Haga leaves this afternoon after paying a four-day visit to Cyprus.

CNA AA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2155:CYPPRESS:07

[07] US State Department - Human Rights report - Cyprus

The 19-page reference to Cyprus in the State Department annual report on human rights around the world, notes however that instances of police brutality continued in the year reviewed.

The report also criticises the regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 for placing obstacles to meetings between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

With regard to the economy it says it is based on free market principles, but mentions that while in the government-controlled areas it is robust the occupied areas rely heavily on subsides from Turkey.

"In both the government-controlled areas and in the Turkish Cypriot community there is a generally strong regard for democratic principles," the report says.

It also notes that police in the government-controlled areas are under civilian control while the military authorities direct the illegal police in the Turkish occupied areas.

"In general the police forces of both sides respect the rule of law, but instances of police abuse of power continued," it adds.

The US report says that "the government of the Republic of Cyprus generally respected human rights norms and practices, however instances of police brutality continued to be a problem."

It adds that the "Turkish Cypriot authorities", according to the expression used, "generally respect human rights norms and practices, however, police abuse of suspects' and detainee's rights continues."

Pointing out that there were no reports of political or other extra judicial killings, it mentions the fact that the Turkish Cypriots have still not conducted significant investigations into the killings of a Turkish Cypriot journalist and two Greek Cypriots in 1996.

On the island's economy, the report says that "in each community there are significant administrative controls".

"The government-controlled part of the island has a robust, service- oriented economy, with a declining manufacturing base and a small agricultural sector," it says.

It adds that the economy in the occupied areas "which is handicapped significantly by an economic embargo by the Greek Cypriots, relies heavily on subsidies from Turkey".

The report notes the fact that since December 1997 the Turkish Cypriot side banned most bicommunal contact and sometimes attempted to prevent Turkish Cypriots from travelling to bicommunal meetings held abroad.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash does not allow most bicommunal events, in reaction to an European Union reconfirmation to open accession talks with the Cyprus Republic.

The State Department mentions that the regime in the occupied north has taken "some steps" to improve the conditions of some 650 Greek Cypriots and Maronites living there, but notes that "the treatment of those groups still falls short of Turkish Cypriot obligations under the Vienna III agreement of 1975".

The agreement stipulates for the respect of the human rights of the enclaved, including their rights to medical care, schooling and religious duties.

The State Department report notes that "violence against women remained a problem in both areas."

In its reference to freedom of speech and press, it says that they are freely practiced but notes that some actions were taken against newspapers and journalists in the Turkish occupied areas.

On religious freedoms, the report points out that missionary activities are monitored.

CNA DA/MA/AA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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