Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-04-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Podesta - Grossman - PSEKA

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[03] Ship - Fire rekindled

[04] Spokesman - Ecevit

1530:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Podesta - Grossman - PSEKA

Speaking during an award ceremony on the sidelines of the 10th annual conference of the International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) in Washington, Podesta, said "Cyprus has been divided for far too long."

He cited statements made by US Presidential Emissary, Richard Holbrooke and State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller, that the US will never recognise the illegal regime in the Turkish- occupied areas in Cyprus.

"There is no good reason why Nicosia should be the last capital in Europe to remain divided, or why Cyprus itself should remain divided", Podesta told Greek American leaders who honoured him.

"We know that the current stalemate in negotiations over Cyprus rests with the Turkish side", Podesta said, "because they act as if they are comfortable with an unacceptable status quo - but we are not."

He reiterated that US President Bill Clinton is "more committed than ever to finding a way forward and we will do what we can to bring the parties together for only they have the power to find a solution."

Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Marc Grossman, who was also honoured by PSEKA, said "there should be no need for a barbed award on the threshold of the 21st century."

"We want a Cyprus solution because we want justice for all the people of Cyprus... and Greek and Turkish Cypriots to live together peacefully," Grossman said, noting the US want "to grab every opportunity for progress which exists."

He added that "getting there will require a willingness to take risks and a willingness to reach out to the other side."

"No one can guarantee quick results", Grossman said, adding that "I can guarantee we will make every possible effort."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

CNA EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         124.68 ( 0.65)

      Traded Value            CYP 6,186,798

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 2,977,463     159.62 ( 0.33)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   163,591      73.20 ( 1.08)
      Insurance Companies     CYP   100,279      75.33 ( 0.48)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   115,615      89.85 ( 0.17)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   548,044      99.51 ( 4.67)
      Trading Companies       CYP   115,521      47.74 (-0.58)
      Other Companies         CYP   355,217      86.61 ( 1.04)

CNA MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1830:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Ship - Fire rekindled

The fire, which broke out in the engines of "Efxinos Pontos", off the western coastal town of Paphos on Wednesday, was rekindled yesterday after an explosion and continues to rage.

Speaking to CNA, senior Port and Marine Police officer Theodoros Stylianou said it was dangerous to approach the ship, but a towing boat was close by to monitor the situation.

The situation is closely being monitored by the Port and Marine Police, the Ports' authorities, the Fisheries Department and the Department of Merchant Shipping.

The crew of "Efxinos Pontos", nine Greeks and 19 Philippinos, left the tanker in time and none of them was wounded.

According to the Port and Marine Police, the fuel tanks of "Efxinos Pontos" were empty.

CNA RM/MCH/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1845:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Spokesman - Ecevit

Commenting on claims by Bulent Ecevit, who ordered Turkish troops into Cyprus in 1974, that there are "two peoples on the island" and that the Cyprus problem was resolved in 1974, Costas Serezis said, "this is no new statement by Ecevit".

He stressed that "our position as well as that of the international community and the relevant UN resolutions is well-known," pointing out that UN Security Council resolutions are respected.

Serezis also referred to a statement yesterday by President Glafcos Clerides that Ecevit's statements aim at creating tension and hampering efforts for a bi-communal dialogue in the future.

The government will not contribute to creating a negative climate, the Government Spokesman added.

Replying to questions, Serezis said the government is expecting an initiative on the Cyprus problem, pointing out that at present there is no government in Turkey to respond decisively to any initiative.

"When a proposal is put forward to the government, President Glafcos Clerides will convene a meeting of the National Council (top advisory body on the Cyprus problem) to discuss it," he added.

CNA MA/MCH/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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