Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 10-07-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] CYPRUS POLICE - USA - SPY CASE

[02] BRITAIN - TURKEY - EU

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - CYPRUS TALKS

[01] CYPRUS POLICE - USA - SPY CASE

The US request to have access to documents or other items, the property of a suspect wanted in the US on spying charges, has been communicated to the Cyprus Police Chief who is in consultation with the Attorney General on the matter, Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos has said.

He said the Law Office of the Republic of Cyprus will decide on the US request on the basis of the provisions of the extradition agreement of fugitives fleeing justice and the handling of evidence relating to the case.

Speaking to the press in Limassol, Katsounotos said that according to available information so far, it is still not clear whether 54-year-old Canadian national Robert Christopher Metsos, accused of espionage in connection with an alleged Russian spy network operating in the United States, has actually left Cyprus.

The lapse of time from the minute his traces have vanished shows that he has probably abandoned the country but it is not clear how or where this has occurred, he added.

The Police Spokesman assured that the Cypriot Authorities are doing all they can to locate the fugitive and to establish the circumstances of his escape. Metsos has gone missing after being released on bail.

Asked why the police had not put Metsos under surveillance after he was released by the Court on bail, Katsounotos said discreet surveillance could have been effective but also pointed out that nobody can violate the privacy of an individual to ensure that he or she does not jump bail.

Cypriot Police received on June, 26, an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol at the request of the US Authorities, asking for the extradition of Metsos to the US so he can face charges of espionage for Russia and money laundering, before the South New York Court.

[02] BRITAIN - TURKEY - EU

In a speech outlining the government`s vision for UK foreign policy, Hague said Turkey is Europes biggest emerging economy and a good example of a country developing a new role and new links for itself, partly on top of and partly outside of existing structures and alliances and is highly active in the western Balkans, the wider Middle East and central Asia. Britain, he said, will make a particular diplomatic effort to work with Turkey, starting with a major visit by the Turkish Foreign Minister to Britain next week following an invitation from the Foreign Office.

Since we are the strongest advocates of Turkeys membership of the EU, we are in a good position within the Union to forge close links with Turkey, he said.

[03] HOUSE PRESIDENT - CYPRUS TALKS

Garoyian was speaking during a meeting he had with Greek Minister for the Interior, Decentralization and Electronic Governance Giannis Ragousis, who is currently visiting Cyprus.

An official press release issued here said that Garoyian also briefed Ragousis about the functions of the House and its competencies.

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