Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 97-01-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia proposes urgent meeting for Cyprus

[02] Deputy House President to visit South Africa

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

1320:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Russia proposes urgent meeting for Cyprus

Russia, in a bid to contribute towards a settlement in Cyprus, has also suggested to set up a special contact group on Cyprus, drawn from the UN Council, to assist the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission for Cyprus.

Russia's new ambassador in Nicosia, Georgi Muratov outlined these proposals to President Glafcos Clerides at today's ceremony of presenting his credentials.

''We propose that the big five and an EU representative meet as soon as possible for a detailed discussion of the Cyprus problem and the preparation of a joint plan of action for a Cyprus solution,'' he said.

Russia, he continued, would also like to see a ''special contact group'' for Cyprus to be set up to facilitate the task of the UN Secretary- General.

Muratov backed President Clerides' proposal for the demilitarisation of Cyprus, which he described as ''an important step towards a speedy and peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem, the consolidation of peace and security in the Eastern Mediterranean.''

Replying to press questions after the ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Muratov indicated that Russia does not object to a proposed sale of surface-to-air missiles S300 to Cyprus because these are of a ''purely defensive nature.''

He said all the talk around a proposed sale of surface-to-air missiles S300 by Cyprus is unwarranted because this type of weaponry is ''of a purely defensive nature.''

Muratov said he had no information at present about any contract or agreement on the proposed purchase and refrained from further comment on the matter.

He also said he would work towards a visit to Cyprus by Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov in the first half of the year.

Accepting the credentials, President Clerides welcomed ''any initiative'' on Cyprus and reaffirmed his ''intention and readiness to cooperate for a just, viable and workable solution which would safeguard human rights of all citizens of the island and consolidate peace and security in Cyprus.''

''We accept the view for collective and concerted initiatives which could open up the road for a solution,'' he added.

He pointed out that the success of any initiative on Cyprus necessitates a change of Turkey's intransigent position on the Cyprus problem.

The Cypriot President expressed ''deep appreciation for the firm support'' Russia displays to Cyprus' struggle for justice.

Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal. CNA MM/GP/1997

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1415:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Deputy House President to visit South Africa

Anastasiades, departs for Cape Town this evening to take part at a meeting of the standing committee of Commonwealth Parliamentary Speakers, to be held between January 3-8, 1997.

A House press release said Anastasiades will convey to South African President Nelson Mandela, a personal message from Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

CNA MCH/GP/1996

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1720:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    82.46 (+0.26)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  91.86 (+0.15)
Approved Investment Companies          74.27 (-0.74)
Insurance Companies                    59.45 (+1.96)
Industrial Companies                   82.89 (+0.64)
Tourist Industries                     70.92 (-2.27)
Commercial Companies                   61.92 (-0.02)
Other Companies                        67.57 (+1.87)

Trading Volume                         CYP 273117.060

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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