Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-04-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Carmen performances - Yugoslav dancers

[02] Cyprus - Britain

[03] G/C, T/C trade unionists - Forum

[04] Ukraine Justice Minister - Cyprus visit

1100:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Carmen performances - Yugoslav dancers

Nicosia, Apr 19 (CNA) -- Nine Yugoslav dancers managed to leave their war-torn country and come to Cyprus to take part in a ballet performance of "Carmen", including internationally acclaimed Duska Dragicevic and Konstantin Kostjukov.

"This is a victory of culture over war," Froso Hadjigeorgiou, head of one of the three Cypriot dance committees organising the performances, told CNA.

Dancers from Cyprus, England, Israel, Greece and Egypt are also taking part in the performances, which are taking place despite practical difficulties caused by the war in Yugoslavia.

"The Yugoslav dancers impressed us because they themselves asked for the performances not to be cancelled and carried on with their rehearsals in Belgrade," Hadjigeorgiou said.

She added that the war in Yugoslavia gave the performance "a different dimension" and pointed out that the dancers came to Cyprus via Budapest and Athens after consultations with their government and military leadership.

"Despite the fact that they are very upset, their performance is perfect," the Cypriot dancer said.

Asked if the performances could be considered an act of resistance, Carmen choreographer Vladimir Logunov, of the Belgrade State Opera, said "in a situation like this culture is a country's best ambassador."

Sending a message of peace to all artists, Logunov said that cultural events must continue "otherwise you loose control."

He pointed out that the Belgrade State Opera continues to give performances, despite the war, while a number of concerts and athletic events take place in his country on a daily basis.

The Carmen performances in Nicosia and Larnaca have already taken place, while today and tomorrow the dancers will perform at the Limassol town theater.

CNA NG/MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1215:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus - Britain

Clay succeeds David Madden, who has already left the island. Meanwhile, British Minister of State at the Home Office Joyce Quin will arrive in Cyprus on Thursday within the framework of London's efforts to help move the stalled Cyprus peace effort forward.

British Deputy High Commissioner John Buck today called on President Glafcos Clerides to discuss some of the issues which could be raised during the visit.

High Commission press spokesman Piers Cazalet told CNA that Quin is visiting the island in the light of written statements issued by British Premier Tony Blair and US President Bill Clinton last December that "there would be a big push" this year in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem.

Blair and Clinton had issued the statements after the UN Security Council approved resolutions 1217 and 1218 backing the Secretary-General's good offices mission in Cyprus.

Asked if Quin will bring any ideas or proposals or if is she is going to come to Cyprus to listen, Cazalet said "much more the latter."

"Obviously she is being well briefed in London but she wants to see the key players again. She's met Clerides before, she was here a couple of years ago, but she wants the opportunity to meet the key players to take the temperature and to look at what Britain can do to help move the process forward," he added.

The British official will be arriving in Cyprus on Thursday afternoon and will have a working breakfast with President Clerides on Friday.

Her meeting with the Cyprus President will be followed by a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who has stalled the peace process after his refusal to participate in talks unless his regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognised.

Denktash also demands the withdrawal of the Cyprus Republic's application to join the European Union, despite the fact that accession talks opened in March 1998.

Quin will hold a press conference for Greek and Turkish Cypriot journalists Friday lunchtime, before her departure the same day.

She will be accompanied by British government envoy for the Cyprus problem Sir David Hannay and her private secretary.

CNA MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1300:CYPPRESS:03

[03] G/C, T/C trade unionists - Forum

Representatives from three Greek Cypriot trade unions, namely PASYDY, PEO and SEK, and representatives from three Turkish Cypriot trade unions, namely KTAMS, TURKSEN and DEV-IS, met at the UN-controlled Ledra Palace Hotel, in Nicosia.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Michael Papaefstathiou, a PEO representative, said the trade unionists discussed practical issues related to the Third All trade Union Forum.

He said they agreed to hold a press conference on May 21, during which more details about the Forum will be announced.

A new meeting of the six trade unions is scheduled to be held on May 14.

CNA AA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1410:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Ukraine Justice Minister - Cyprus visit

During her visit, she will hold official talks with Koshis. The two ministers will sign a declaration of intentions concerning cooperation within the framework of legal reform and in the sphere of granting legal assistance on civil and criminal matters between the two ministries.

Stanik will also meet the island's Assistant Attorney General, the chairman of the House of Representatives Legal Affairs committee, the President of the Supreme Court and other officials.

CNA EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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