Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 03-06-17

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From: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>

CONTENTS

[01] HEADLINES

[02] VERHEUGEN TASSOS

[03] CHRISTOFIAS VERHEUGEN

[04] WESTON CHRISTOFIAS

[05] CYPRUS SALONICA

[06] RUSSIA STROVILIA

[07] MIDEAST

[08] IRAQ

[09] IRAN DEMO

[10] TAIWAN SARS

[11] STORES CLOSED

[12] WEATHER Tuesday 17/6/03

[01] HEADLINES

-- House President Demetris Christofias expressed the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to resume negotiations for a Cyprus settlement during a meeting today with US State Department Coordinator on Cyprus, Thomas Weston.

-- The Cyprus problem is among the issues which are included in the forthcoming European Council at Thessaloniki to be held from June 20 to 21.

-- New U.S. envoy John Wolf met Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas today in an effort to save a "road map" to peace with Israel that has been rejected by Islamic militants and battered by a flare-up of violence

And, -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) today lifted its month-long recommendation against unnecessary travel to Taiwan issued because of a large number of SARS cases there

[02] VERHEUGEN TASSOS

Speaking after being received by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Mr. Verheugen said Cyprus will enter the EU and called on Mr. Denktash and Ankara to seize the opportunity.

On his part, Mr. Papadopoulos pledged that the Republic will grant every possible assistance to the Turkish Cypriots and make every effort to solve the problem by May 2004.

[03] CHRISTOFIAS VERHEUGEN

Speaking after meeting Mr. Verheugen, Mr. Christofias assured the EU official that Cyprus will make every effort to fulfil its obligations towards harmonisation with the acquis and will work to implement the measures agreed in support of Turkish Cypriots.

Mr. Christofias said the measures are not the solution but the Greek Cypriot side is committeed to resume negotiations in an effort to find a solution before May 2004.

Mr. Verheugen said that Cyprus is expected to ratify the Accession Treaty by summer and will be the first country to do so.

He also said the Cyprus government clearly conveyed to him that it is ready to resume negotiations but there are other players too, including Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

[04] WESTON CHRISTOFIAS

During the meeting, Mr. Christofias made clear that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and various circles in Turkey will have to lift their intransigence.

Mr. Weston said the two sides have common views on the issue and reiterated that the US aim is the solution of the Cyprus problem before the island's full accession to the EU.

[05] CYPRUS SALONICA

According to the Athens news Agency, Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iacovou held a number of meetings with his European counterparts in Luxembourg on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council.

The aim was to make sure the reference to Cyprus which is included in the Greek Presidency, to remain in the Summit's conclusions.

Mr. Iacovou said he was satisfied over the results of his meetings in Luxembourg.

PAPANDREOU EURONEWS

Greece's Foreign Minister, George Papandreou said the European Union will act as a catalyst to solve the Cyprus problem.

In an interview with Euronews television, Mr. Papandreou said that no one underestimates the power of Europe because it has managed to break down the green line and bring closer Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

He also said that the contacts between civilians will continue.

[06] RUSSIA STROVILIA

A Russian Foreign Ministry statement issued on the occasion of the renewal of the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus, called on the Turkish forces in Cyprus to lift all restrictions against UNFICYP and return the area to the status quo which existed until 30 June 2000.

The statement assured that the Russian governmentwill continue efforts for a speedy solution of the Cyprus problem, by helping at the same time the Secretary-General's mission of good offices.

Referring to UNFICYP's role, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the peacekeeping force in Cyprus will continue its serious and stabilizing role.

[07] MIDEAST

Mr. Wolf arrived under heavy guard at Mr. Abbas's compound in Gaza City, where he was also expected to hold talks with Palestinian security chief Mohammed Dahlan.

The road map envisages a Palestinian state founded in the West Bank and Gaza Strip by 2005, alongside a secure Israel. Wolf was to have overseen steps to implement the plan but has been thrust into an initial troubleshooting role after Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed killed more than 50 last week.

Egyptian mediators failed to persuade Palestinian militants led by Islamic group Hamas to suspend their attacks.

[08] IRAQ

A U.S. military spokesman said the soldier was killed last night while on patrol. U.S. forces have been plagued by ambushes in Baghdad and the restive regions nearby. At least 41 soldiers have been killed by hostile action since May 1.

In a separate incident on Monday, a car exploded in western Baghdad, and residents said a woman and young girl had been killed. They said the blast happened at an intersection where U.S. troops were manning a checkpoint earlier in the day.

There was no explanation for what caused the blast but one U.S. officer said it was a suspected car bomb and that two soldiers had been hurt. A military spokesman said the reports were being checked but could not yet be confirmed.

[09] IRAN DEMO

Hundreds of cars once more formed thick traffic jams around Tehran University, the focus of the unrest, with drivers blaring their horns to show support for the students, but their numbers were fewer than before and there was less tension in the air.

Iran blames the United States for stirring up the unrest and on Monday said it had sent an official protest to Washington for what it called blatant interference in its internal affairs.

U.S. officials have applauded the protests as a fight for freedom by the Iranian people.

[10] TAIWAN SARS

An announcement from the United Nations agency said the measure was being lifted because the situation on the island "has now improved significantly".

The action leaves only the Chinese capital Beijing as subject to a WHO advisory against travel because of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which has killed some 800 people, mainly in China but also as far away as Toronto, Canada.

Taiwan, which has the world's third-highest number of SARS infections, reported no new cases on Tuesday for the second-straight day. The Department of Health said Taiwan's total probable cases of SARS stood at 697 on Tuesday and the death toll was unchanged at 83.

[11] STORES CLOSED

The law however does not force shop owners to impose the siesta.

[12] WEATHER

Winds will turn to moderate sea breezes, four beaufort, and locally strong on the south coast, five beaufort. The sea will be slight to moderate in windward coastal areas.

Temperatures will reach 35 C inland, 30 C on the south and east coast, 28 C on the west and north and 26 over the mountains.

Tonight, the weather will remain clear. Thin mist and low cloud will form locally. Winds will be westerly to northwesterly light, two beaufort and the sea slight.

Temperatures will fall to 18 C inland and on the west coast, 20 C on the south and 17 over the mountains.

The fire hazard remains very high in all forest areas.

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