Cyprus PIO: News Update in English, 98-01-22

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

News Update

Thursday, 22/01/98

CONTENTS

• [01] Total number of voters published
• [02] Cyprus: Sir David Hannay's new role important for all concerned.
• [03] Cypriot delegation in Russia for economic co-operation

[01] Total number of voters published

According to figures given out on 21.1.98, the total number of voters is 446,731.

Most voters live in the capital and Nicosia district, amounting to 183,699, followed by Limassol with 126,310 registered voters.

This is the first time the 18-year olds will be eligible to vote, following an amendment to the constitution last November. The number of new voters comes to 25,402. Voting is obligatory in Cyprus. It will be the seventh election since the establishment of the Republic in 1960 for President of the Republic serving a five-year term.

There are seven candidates in the contest, including the incumbent Mr. Glafcos Clerides.

[02] Cyprus: Sir David Hannay's new role important for all concerned

Sir David Hannay, Britain's special co-ordinator for Cyprus, has also just been appointed British Prime Minister Tony Blair's personal envoy to Turkey over its relations with the European Union.

Government Spokesman Manolis Christofides asked whether the government believed Sir David's new, upgraded role would help push forward efforts for a settlement, described him as an "experienced diplomat" whose brief now covers three basic and related issues: the Cyprus problem, Cyprus's course towards Europe and Turkey's relations with the European Union.

The government sees EU accession talks and Turkey's EU ambitions as catalysts in efforts for a political settlement in Cyprus.

Sir David Hannay's new brief "gives a new dimension to the personality of the diplomat, to his influence and how he can affect the issues he is handling," the Spokesman said.

"Sir David Hannay... is a personality with reinforced possibilities to influence a settlement in Cyprus, and Cyprus's EU course and Turkey's prospects in Europe", he added. The framework for future action has been set out by the British EU presidency, which believes efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem must be intensified.

"The appointment and the assignments of Sir David indicate this interest," the Spokesman added.

Asked whether Sir David would now be in a stronger position to negotiate, Mr. Christofides said it was clear that the British diplomat was a respected personality. "We anticipate that his abilities and persuasiveness will contribute to progress" he added.

[03] Cypriot delegation in Russia for economic co-operation

The first session took place in Moscow on Wednesday 21.1.98. Prior to the Committee meeting the Cypriot Minister conferred with his Russian counterpart Michail Zardonov.

The joint Committee Session dealt with ways of promoting co-operation and investment in the areas of transport, commerce,science, culture and tourism.

The Cypriot delegation, which includes private business people,will visit the Black Sea region of Krasnodar where jointdevelopment projects are being promoted.

From the Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office (PIO) Server at http://www.pio.gov.cy/

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