Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 98-02-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Vassiliou to head delegation to EU, pending election result

[02] New President to be named by midnight

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

1515:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Vassiliou to head delegation to EU, pending election result

The announcement was made here today by Clerides himself after he met Vassiliou, who formally informed him of his party's decision to back Clerides' bid for re-election in Sunday's presidential elections.

Speaking after the meeting, Clerides said "I will assign to Vassiliou the role of the head of the negotiations with the European Union," due to start at the end of March.

Asked if he has also asked Vassiliou to put forward suggestions for the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the accession talks, the President replied "we have not discussed this issue, it will be put to the National Council and we shall also hear the views of the Greek government on this."

Clerides said Vassiliou's experience from a successful five-year presidential term would be a plus because he can count on his expertise in the political and economic arena as well as his knowledge in European matters and good governance in general.

"Our cooperation is based on honest foundations and the interest of Cyprus should be placed above any party considerations as we shall all be called to deal with the difficult times ahead," the President said.

Clerides said he decided to propose to the main opposition AKEL party to participate in an all-party government, if he retains the presidency.

Vassiliou said he is ready to cooperate with Clerides and offer him every assistance he wishes.

"I look forward to a full, sincere and effective cooperation for the benefit of Cyprus," Vassiliou told reporters after the hour-long meeting.

Vassiliou's party, the United Democrats, decided last night in a secret ballot by 111 votes in favour of Clerides' candidacy, 74 for the other presidential hopeful George Iacovou and 25 opted for a vote at will.

Sunday's presidential runoff appears to be too close to call as the two main rivals have a difference of only half a percentage unit. Iacovou polled 40.61 per cent of the vote and Clerides 40.06 per cent.

Vassiliou was elected President of Cyprus in February 1988 with AKEL's backing. He failed to be re-elected in February 1993. Clerides won the presidency with 50.2 per cent of the vote.

Vassiliou filed Cyprus' application to become a full member of the European Union in July 1990.

CNA MM/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1520:CYPPRESS:02

[02] New President to be named by midnight

He told a press conference that the election runoff will commence at 7.00 local time (5.00 GMT) and end at 5.00, with 60-minute break at midday.

Pointing out that the first round of elections (last Sunday) ran smoothly, Michael expressed the hope there would be no problems in the second round either.

He noted, however, that certain minor problems, pointed out by representatives of the two front-runners have been looked into and action has been taken to put things right.

Michael said posters informing voters of the correct way to vote will be put up at the polling stations to keep the number of invalid votes to the minimum.

He said the final results are expected around 23.00 local time and that the new President will be proclaimed at the indoor stadium "Eleftheria" (Freedom), in Nicosia, around midnight.

Meanwhile, Chief of Police, Panikos Hadjiloizou announced today that 3.380 members of the police force will be on duty on Sunday, throughout the free areas of the Republic.

Hadjiloizou presided over a meeting of police chiefs to coordinate action during the election day.

CNA MCH/GP/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1540:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Stock Exchange

CSE All Share Index                    81.67 (+0.83)

Highest: 82.46 (2/1/97)
Lowest : 73.90 (30/1/97)

Sectural Indices

Banks                                  95.17 (+0.93)
Approved Investment Companies          63.79 (+0.85)
Insurance Companies                    58.32 (+0.17)
Industrial Companies                   75.75 (+0.68)
Tourist Industries                     68.50 (+0.88)
Commercial Companies                   39.94 (+2.38)
Other Companies                        67.32 (-0.16)

Trading Volume                         CYP 976230.981

CNA MA/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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