Cyprus News Agency: News in English (AM), 99-07-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou - Tsohatzopoulos - Turkey

[02] Kasoulides - Papandreou - Kranidiotis - Talks

[03] Cyprus Airways - Profits

[04] Cyprus Stock Exchange

[05] Britain - Cyprus problem

[06] Cyprus - Balkan Conference

0900:CYPPRESS:01

[01] Papandreou - Tsohatzopoulos - Turkey

However, Greek officials said this incident will not affect the improvement of relations between the two countries, both NATO members but at odds over Cyprus, which has been divided since the Turkish invasion in 1974.

Greek officials said two Turkish F-16 fighter jets buzzed yesterday the plane carrying Transport Minister, Tassos Mandelis, as it was flying to the southeast of the Greek island of Rhodes on its way to Athens from Larnaca, Cyprus.

Mandelis was in Cyprus representing the Greek government at events to condemn the 25th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island's northern third.

In a written statement, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou condemned the Turkish provocation, stressing that it does not help reduce tension between the two countries.

Greece and Turkey are expected to start talks on July 26 on a series of relatively non-controversial issues to establish better ties between them.

Papandreou said the incident would not stop talks between the two countries from taking place but that elements in Turkey were evidently opposed to them.

"Some figures in Turkey want this procedure to be stopped", the minister added.

Greek Defence Minister, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, criticised Turkey, saying that with its actions, it has turned into an "international bully."

He warned Turkey that it is slipping into dangerous situations and no one will win anything using such tactics.

CNA EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

0940:CYPPRESS:02

[02] Kasoulides - Papandreou - Kranidiotis - Talks

In statements, Greek Foreign Minister, George Papandreou, stressed his country and Cyprus are harmoniously cooperating and are vigilantly waiting for the invitation of the UN Secretary-General for both sides on the island to attend peace talks in autumn 1999.

His Cypriot counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulides, pledged the Greek Cypriot side's readiness, stressing that it has the political will to negotiate, constructively, with the Turkish Cypriots, based on the decisions of the Security Council for a mutually acceptable settlement.

"What we are not prepared to do or accept", Kasoulides said, is to accept any efforts which are outside the UN framework or conditions which Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will impose for recognition of his illegal regime in the occupied areas.

Papandreou described recent statements made by Turkish Premier, Bulent Ecevit, that the Cyprus problem was solved with the 1974 Turkish invasion as "unpleasant", reminding however that the Turkish side makes relevant statements every year on the occasion of the anniversary of its illegal invasion.

Earlier, Kasoulides discussed with Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, focusing on Cyprus' relations with the European Union.

"Greece and Cyprus... will struggle united to overturn the faits accomplis of the invasion and occupation of the island," Kranidiotis said.

Kasoulides visited Athens after attending in Brussels the European Conference. He returned to Cyprus last night.

Last month the G8 urged the UN Secretary-General to invite the two sides in Cyprus for unconditional talks, with all issues on the table and in full consideration of relevant UN resolutions and treaties.

The Turkish side claims it will not attend the talks unless the illegal regime in the occupied areas is recognised and a confederal solution is promoted, contrary to UN resolutions calling for a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus.

CNA EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1330:CYPPRESS:03

[03] Cyprus Airways - Profits

Chairman Takis Kyriakides told shareholders Wednesday during the national carrier's annual general meeting in Nicosia that the group's pre- tax profits reached 10 million Cyprus pounds, compared to losses of 3,2 million in 1997. (One Cyprus Pound equals to 1.8 US Dollars)

He said Cyprus Airways recorded pre-tax profits of 5.3 million in 1998, its subsidiary chartered airline Eurocypria made 2.2 million while the Duty Free Shops marked a profit of 2.5 million and tour operator Cyprair Tours 70,000 pounds.

Kyriakides said the profits were mainly due to the various measures provided by the group's strategic plan called "Take-off 2000".

The routes to Athens, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Moscow contributed to the increase in profits, said Kyriakides, adding that the number of passengers using the national carrier rose by 4.6 per cent.

Referring to prospects, Kyriakides said "we expect the profitable course of 1998 to continue in 1999... if there will not be any unforeseen negative developments."

Kyriakides said the airline's biggest concern are its running costs which marked a 2.6 million pound increase in 1998, reaching 135.5 million, industrial disputes and government calls for early liberalisation.

He acknowledged that full liberalisation is unavoidable and is something which Cyprus Airways welcomes, but noted that "it must not happen immediately.'

Kyriakides said Cyprus Airways should be given time until the year 2002 for liberalisation to take place to enable the company become more competitive.

Communications and Works Minister, Leontios Ierodiakonou, said the government will start talks with Greek officials to liberalise flights to and from Greece.

CNA RM/EC/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1340:CYPPRESS:04

[04] Cyprus Stock Exchange

      CSE General Index                         223.79 ( 5.76)

      Traded Value            CYP 33,378,928

      Sectural Indices

      Banks                   CYP15,445,764     293.43 ( 7.13)
      Approved Investment
      Companies               CYP   811,991     109.92 ( 8.60)
      Insurance Companies     CYP 1,232,022      98.82 ( 4.63)
      Manufacturing Companies CYP   754,264     103.90 ( 1.45)
      Tourism Companies       CYP 3,103,628     193.02 ( 0.11)
      Trading Companies       CYP 2,272,071     114.75 ( 4.39)
      Other Companies         CYP 1,770,236     192.22 ( 2.02)

CNA MCH/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1450:CYPPRESS:05

[05] Britain - Cyprus problem

Replying to questions by MP Robin Corbett in the House of Commons, the British official said her country should redouble its efforts to make progress, something she pointed out forcibly to Turkey recently.

She said her country and its European Union partners "are in regular contact about Cyprus and continue to give our strong support to the UN Secretary-General's efforts towards a settlement."

Quin agreed with Corbett's urge, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus' territory marked on July 20, that Britain should renew its efforts.

"We should renew and redouble our efforts to make progress towards resolving the Cyprus issue and I made that point forcibly during my visit to Turkey last week," she said.

The Turkish side has been refusing to participate in peace negotiations unless they aim at the establishment of a confederation of two states in Cyprus, contrary to UN resolutions and agreements reached between the two communities stipulating for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

CNA MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

1505:CYPPRESS:06

[06] Cyprus - Balkan Conference

Government Spokesman Costas Serezis said "it is of great importance that Cyprus has been invited to participate in this conference for the region."

He said that if President Clerides is to participate he will return the same day otherwise Cyprus will be represented by its Foreign Minister.

Around 24 European countries plus the US, Russia, Canada and Japan will take part in the conference.

CNA EC/MA/GP/1999

ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

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