Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-11-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides - Pauline Green

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

1415:CYPPRESS:01

[01] President Clerides - Pauline Green

Speaking after meeting President Glafcos Clerides, Green expressed the view that even if Turkey is given a candidate status in the EU December summit it will only open negotiations if it meets the Union's human rights criteria, including ending its 25-year occupation of part of Cyprus.

The European Parliament rapporteur on Cyprus's accession to the EU, said that "in the next few weeks we'll be looking on what the European Parliament will say in advance of the Helsinki summit meeting where enlargement will be a major issue on the agenda."

The Labour Euro-MP said "we have to make it clear that Cyprus is set to become a member of the EU, there are no preconditions and nobody has a veto, and that I think is the critical element as far as Cyprus is concerned for Helsinki."

Asked if she believes the Union could declare that Cyprus would become a member even if its political problem is not solved, Green referred to statements to this effect made by Prime Minister Blair last week during a visit to north London where many Cypriots live.

"I was delighted he made that clear, which is very important because it means that view is actively in the heart of the European Council," she said.

"Mr Blair has said it publicly and will be taking that view to Helsinki," Green said, adding that "what we expect (in Helsinki) is the green light will be given to continue negotiations as with the other five with which we started, and to proceed to closure of the negotiations and entry."

Cyprus along with five eastern and central European countries opened accession talks with the EU last year.

Replying to questions, she said all members would like to see Turkey join the EU "if it is committed to human rights and minority rights, to dealing with Cyprus and the Cyprus problem and the Kurdish issue".

Green pointed out that such an outcome would be good for peace and stability in the region, but said that Ankara has a lot of work to do on its human rights record "before negotiations can even begin".

"Even if Turkey is declared a candidate, and at this moment it is impossible to tell, there is no question of Turkey opening negotiations or joining the EU whilst it remains occupying a part of Cyprus, whilst the Kurdish issue remains alive," she added.

Describing discussions going on today as to the possibility of Turkey obtaining a candidate status in Helsinki as semantics, the Euro-MP expressed the view that "if it is called a candidate it will mean no more than what was offered to them at Luxembourg."

Two years ago in Luxembourg the Union said it could not open accession talks with Turkey unless it satisfies criteria set out for all countries and also said Ankara should improve its human rights record, support a settlement in Cyprus and improve its relations with neighbouring Greece.

CNA FZ/MA/EC/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1340:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         632.83 ( 9.12)

      Traded Value            CYP 37,848,788

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP13,294,721     763.23 ( 5.01)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP 2,434,445     392.20 ( 8.67)
      Insurance Companies     CYP 1,240,244     276.90 ( 6.80)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP 1,919,820     242.66 (11.61)
      Tourism Companies       CYP 4,844,937     612.93 (16.00)
      Trading Companies       CYP 3,302,748     357.33 ( 5.53)
      Other Companies         CYP 6,541,976     656.77 (22.68)

CNA MA/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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