Cyprus News Agency: News in English (PM), 99-03-08

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[02] Armenian FM - Nareg elementary school

[03] Christofias - Health situation

[04] Clerides - Commonwealth

[05] Miller - Cyprus visit

[06] Kyprianou - Mediterranean Parliamentary Speakers

[07] Loizidou - Woman of the Year award

[08] Rantzau - Vassiliou

[09] Cyprus - Armenia - Foreign Ministers

1450:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         118.91 ( 0.68)

      Traded Value            CYP 4,623,761

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP 2,250,619     146.87 ( 0.90)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   170,848      74.36 ( 1.07)
      Insurance Companies     CYP    83,237      78.26 ( 0.29)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   379,845     105.48 (-0.49)
      Tourism Companies       CYP   221,756      82.09 ( 1.03)
      Trading Companies       CYP   127,559      51.50 ( 0.33)
      Other Companies         CYP   150,038      90.28 ( 0.50)

CNA MCH/1998

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1630:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Armenian FM - Nareg elementary school

On his arrival at the Nareg school entrance the 120 pupils sang the national anthems of the two countries and later held a programme of songs and dance in honour of the high-ranking official who was also briefed on the school's history.

Around 2500 people of Armenian origin live in Cyprus. They opted to be part of the Greek Cypriot community when the island gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

The Armenians as well as the Latin and Maronite religious groups, who also chose to be part of the Greek Cypriot community, are represented in the House of Representatives.

Speaking to the pupils, Oskanian said he was proud and moved to visit the school, pointing out it does not only aim at their education but also contributes to strengthening ties between Cyprus and Armenia.

He also thanked the Cyprus government for the help it offers Armenians living here.

The other two Armenian elementary schools operate in the coastal towns of Limassol and Larnaca.

Welcoming the Minister, Nareg headmaster Vartan Tashdjian expressed satisfaction with his visit both to the school and the island itself. He also said they do all they can so that the children maintain their national identity.

Pupils at Nareg, which is in the same premises as the Armenian Prelature, are taught in Armenian, Greek and English and as they told CNA they learn much about Armenia, its history and culture.

"I love Cyprus but I also love Armenia, they are both very beautiful," ten-year-old Carolina, who has visited Armenia once, told CNA.

Eleven-year-old Corina has never visited Armenia but badly wants to go because "we've read books and seen pictures and it's very beautiful it has many ancient sites and other places to see."

Sonia, 10, was born in Armenia and came to Cyprus when she was four. She said she can remember her village and even though she likes it here she wants to return.

Hovic, 11, hasn't been to Armenia but is anxious to visit the country. "This poem", he told CNA, "is about Armenia and says that wherever I go I will not forget Armenia, my country."

CNA MA/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1640:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Christofias - Health situation

Speaking on his arrival from London yesterday, Christofias said he will return to London in approximately three weeks for the by-pass operation, while he will undergo kidney transplant surgery in two or three months.

CNA RM/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1720:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Clerides - Commonwealth

In a message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth, President Clerides stressed that a Cyprus settlement should be based on UN resolutions, the two relevant high level agreements and international law principles.

Reaffirming the dedication of the Cyprus government and people to the ideals, principles and aims of the Commonwealth Clerides said:

"We would like to express our gratitude for the support which the Commonwealth has offered us in our efforts for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem."

Commenting on the special theme of the Commonwealth for 1999, which is music, President Clerides, described it as very good choice.

"Just as music brings peoples together irrespective of language, race and national boundaries, so does the Commonwealth with its ideals, principles and common aims bring together the different peoples which compose it."

During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Edinburgh last year, the 54 leaders reaffirmed their support to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.

They also called for the implementation of UN resolutions on Cyprus, the island's demilitarisation and condemned Turkish threats to partially annex the occupied areas.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island's territory.

CNA EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1735:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Miller - Cyprus visit

A statement by the US Embassy in Cyprus said today that Miller will visit Cyprus on March 11-12 as "part of a general trip to the region, during which he will also consult with Turkish and Greek government officials in Ankara and Athens."

While in Cyprus, the US diplomat will consult with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash.

He will also meet the UN Secretary General Resident Representative, Dame Ann Hercus.

"Ambassador Miller's consultations are part of the US government's on- going efforts, in close cooperation with the UN, to reduce tensions on Cyprus and build a basis toward a lasting settlement", the statement concluded.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island's territory.

CNA EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1755:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Kyprianou - Mediterranean Parliamentary Speakers

Addressing the Conference of Mediterranean Parliamentary Speakers in Majorca (Spain), Kyprianou noted that "despite the fact that the Turkish invasion has been condemned, Turkish troops remain on the island and the UN decisions are not implemented at a time when everyone talks about a new world order".

"Some powers remain indifferent to the international resolutions or try to give their own interpretations," Kyprianou added.

He stressed that while everyone talks about human rights, "they shut their eyes before the ethnic cleansing" in Cyprus, and are sensitive to problems such as Kosovo and the Yugoslav crisis.

Referring to Cyprus' efforts to join the European Union (EU), Kyprianou said the government faces Turkey's opposition.

He said Cyprus hopes that its application will act as a catalyst towards a settlement of the protracted Turkish occupation and division since 1974.

Cyprus began substantive accession talks with the EU last year.

CNA EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1900:CYPPRESS:07

[07] Loizidou - Woman of the Year award

Titina Loizidou will be given the "Woman of the Year" award, on the occasion of International Woman's Day, for winning a case against Turkey in the European Court of Human Rights.

Loizidou was vindicated by the European Court of Human Rights, when the Court ordered Turkey to pay her about 640.000 dollars for the loss of her property in the Turkish-occupied town of Kerynia in the northern part of Cyprus.

Despite the Court's ruling, Turkey has not yet paid up the compensation to Loizidou.

CNA RM/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1940:CYPPRESS:08

[08] Rantzau - Vassiliou

Speaking after a meeting with Chief Negotiator in the EU -Cyprus accession talks, George Vassiliou, Rantzau noted he sees no problems in the current accession course although he did not rule out problems in the future.

"We both agree that we can at the moment see no problems, which does not mean that they will be no problems between here and the end of negotiations but things now are running smoothly," Rantzau added.

Invited to comment on the political aspect of the talks, Rantzau said although he does "not see a relation between the two processes" a political solution to the Cyprus problem "will greatly enhance and facilitate the negotiations and the accession of Cyprus to the EU".

Rantzau also said he will meet Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash. During the European Conference meeting in London in March 1998, President Glafcos Clerides presented an invitation to the Turkish Cypriots to appoint representatives as full members of the team negotiating the accession of Cyprus to the EU. However the invitation was rejected by the T/C leadership.

On his part, Vassiliou said the two held an important exchange of views regarding the island's accession course.

Vassiliou said Rantzau did not see any problems or obstacles in the accession course.

The Cypriot official said Rantzau assured him that both he and his country "support and promote Cyprus' accession course".

Vassiliou also said the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the negotiation process remains open.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island's territory.

The government of Cyprus submitted its application for membership to the European Community in July 1990.

The accession process for Cyprus was launched in Brussels on March 30, 1998, as envisaged by the European Council meeting in Luxembourg of December 1997.

CNA FZ/EC/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1955:CYPPRESS:09

[09] Cyprus - Armenia - Foreign Ministers

The two countries are preparing an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and another one in the field of health.

Speaking today at a joint press conference after their talks, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and his Armenian counterpart Vartan Oskanian stressed their countries' "very close relations" and "common interests".

Describing the talks as "productive", Kasoulides said they discussed bilateral relations, political and economic issues, the Cyprus question and the issue of Nagorny - Karambakh.

"We have taken a number of decisions as to how our two countries can cooperate closely in the international arena, but also in the economic and cultural fields", Kasoulides noted.

On his part, Oskanian stressed the "common interests" the two countries have in the region and in the world, and described the Armenian community of the island as "a bridge for very strong and healthy relations" between the two countries.

Stressing the volatility of the region of Caucasus and the Middle East, Oskanian said "it becomes more and more important that we consult with each other and plan things together and assist each other in our common goals".

Expressing his satisfaction for the meeting, he said "we truly see prospects for better relations between Armenia and Cyprus".

Asked about the decisions which have been taken, Kasoulides said "we have agreed as to how we will cooperate in certain international fora on issues of common interest".

The two Foreign Ministers explained that their countries consented to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Conference being held in Constantinople (Istanbul) as they were left the only two countries objecting to that decision.

Kasoulides said the two countries' decision to lift their objections "must be appreciated by the members of the OSCE", adding that "this is an example we expect to be reciprocated by Turkey".

On his part, Oskanian expressed the hope that "we will see some change of attitude of the Turkish government with regard to its neighbours, so that all of us together will be able to contribute to the peace and stability" in the region.

He also expressed the hope that the OSCE Conference in Constantinople will make Turkey's bad human rights' record "come to surface", which "will put additional pressure on Turkey".

Armenia's Foreign Minister pointed out his country will raise the issue of Turkey's human rights record during the Conference, expressing confidence that the other European countries will do so.

Oskanian said the two countries are working on an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation and another one in the field of health.

Responding to a question on cultural exchanges, he said a "Cyprus Week" will be organised in his country, while Armenian groups are planning to participate in festivals in Cyprus.

Around 2.500 people of Armenian origin live in Cyprus. They opted to be part of the Greek Cypriot community when the island gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.

CNA GG/MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article