Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-05-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Kasoulides - Kranidiotis - Press Conference

[02] Czech ministers - Official visit

[03] House President - Iran - Visit

[04] US - Cyprus - Trade

1625:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Kasoulides - Kranidiotis - Press Conference

The strategy also relates to increasing Cyprus' military deterrent as part of a joint Greco-Cypriot defence pact and reiterates that any offensive against Cyprus would constitute an act of war, as far as Greece is concerned.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kasoulides, speaking at a press conference after their talks, pointed to the need for effective pressure on Turkey to shift from its intransigent stand and help open the road towards a settlement.

Kasoulides and Kranidiotis indicated that neither Greece nor Cyprus have any other option but to comply with the EU embargo on Yugoslavia, as being left out in the cold, isolated from European partners, would not serve anybody's interests.

Kranidiotis reiterated that the Cyprus problem is the top priority for Greece as it is linked to the country's security and said the joint strategy for a solution is based on four counts:

Closer cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, promotion of Cyprus' European accession course, pressing on with a resumption of a dialogue on the Cyprus problem and strengthening the Republic's military deterrent are the basis of this strategy, he explained.

"Greece considers any anticipated initiative on Cyprus as a positive move provided this complies with UN resolutions," Kranidiotis said, pointing out that any engagement on the part of others would be welcomed.

Kranidiotis said "there is no dialogue at present, nothing specific now but there is international interest in Cyprus and we call on the world community to show the same sensitivity for Cyprus as in Kosovo."

The Greek diplomat said the outcome of the Turkish elections is not very encouraging but expressed the hope that a strong government in Ankara would be in a position to negotiate and realise that a Cyprus solution would be in its own benefit too.

Replying to questions about Cyprus' and Greece's position in relation to the war in Yugoslavia, Kranidiotis said Cyprus must take into consideration what is happening in Europe.

"Cyprus must adjust with the EU decision and overall, Cyprus' long term interests dictate adjustment with the EU course," Kranidiotis pointed out.

Noting that Greece has already taken a somewhat different approach to the Yugoslav crisis, Kranidiotis said "if Greece were isolated, this would have affected our relations with Turkey and it would have an impact on Cyprus too."

Commenting on the same issue, Kasoulides said "it is very important for Cyprus to show that it will not be any different from the other EU members."

"We are sitting examinations," he added, noting that Cyprus, in contrast to the other candidate countries for EU accession, has distanced itself on certain points and expressed disapproval of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

The minister said today's discussions were "helpful and productive" and covered in depth "all aspects of the Cyprus problem."

He said defence matters, the EU accession course and the peace effort are "all moving ahead" normally and called on the international community to bow Turkey's intransigence.

CNA MM/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1920:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Czech ministers - Official visit

Minister of Industry and Trade, Miroslav Gregr and Minister of Finance, Ivo Svoboda of the Czech Republic will be received by President Glafcos Clerides on Friday, 21 May.

They will also meet their Cypriot counterparts, Finance Minister, Takis Clerides and Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister, Nicos Rolandis.

The Cypriot and Czech ministers will hold discussions on trade and industry matters.

Gregr and Svoboda will meet President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vasilis Rologis and visit the Cyprus International Fair.

They will also visit Nicosia Mayor, Lellos Demetriades, and the ceasefire line, which cuts across the island, divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern part.

CNA EC/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1950:CYPPRESS:03

[03] House President - Iran - Visit

This is the first Cypriot parliamentary delegation to visit the Islamic Republic of Iran, an official statement said here Friday.

During the visit, the Cypriot delegation will meet Assembly President Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri and Vice President of Iran Dr. Hassan Habibi, as Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will be abroad at the time of the visit.

Kyprianou and the Cypriot deputies will also meet former Iranian president, Hashemi Rafsanjani and Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohsen Amizadeh.

CNA EC/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

2010:CYPPRESS:04

[04] US - Cyprus - Trade

Total exports from Cyprus to the US recorded a 42.8 per cent increase in 1998, from 14 billion US dollars to 20 million, a US embassy press release said here today.

However, total imports from the US experienced a 34.1 per cent drop due to a significant reduction in imports of US cigarettes for re-export to the region.

"Despite this development, the US remained Cyprus' leading supplier of total imports in 1998 for the fourth year in a row", the statement said, adding that "Cyprus and the US continue to be important trading partners."

According to the press release, the US has the largest single country pavilion at the Cyprus International State Fair, which President Glafcos Clerides inaugurated last night.

Twenty-one exhibitors feature impressive and innovative high tech equipment and consumer goods at the Fair which will remain open until May 23.

CNA EC/MM/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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