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Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 00-01-04Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>CONTENTS
TUESDAY 4 JANUARY 2000 [01] HEADLINESThe row over leaks to the media has taken centre stage in today's National Council meeting,DISY President Nicos Anastasiades called President Kliridis displeasure over the leaks justified, Rauf Denktash has said results at the proximity talks were achieved thanks to him, While President Clinton called the proximity talks a positive step towards a just and lasting Cyprus solution, The Cyprus stock exchange saw a two percent drop i the Index today, but no Y2K-related problems have been reported. The transition into the new year went smoothly for Cyprus banks also, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright continues to shuttle between Israeli and Syrian leaders, a new Treasurer has been appointed, AND construction of a new hospital in Paralimni begins in two months. [02] NATIONAL COUNCILToday's National Council meeting, the second in a week, is still ongoing, as party leaders are expected to present their views on issues outlined by President Kliridis at the previous meeting.The president of the Republic had briefed the party leaders on the results of the first round of proximity talks in New York, while the foreign minister briefed them on the Helsinki European Union Summit. Today's meeting is being held under a loud of discontent expressed by President Kliridis over leaks to the media on issues already discussed by the body. Contrary to party leaders' statements yesterday, the issue on whether the Republic will change from a Presidential to a Presidential Parliamantary one, will not be discussed. It has surfaced that this is one of the issues that President Kliridis complained was leaked to the media. [03] ANASTASIADES LEAKDemocratic Rally party President Nikos Anastasiadis called President Kliridis' displeasure over leaks on what's being discussed at National Council meetings, completely justified.Mr. Anastasiadis said that unfortunately, there have been leaks to the media, despite President Kliridis' plea made at the last meeting to honour the UN Secretary General's request for a moratorium on statements. Speaking to CyBC this morning, Mr. Anastasiadis also referred to reports on planned restorations to the Apostle Andrew monastery in the Karpass and to the Hala Sultan Mosque in Larnaca. He said a briefing was held on this initative, which has been assumed by the United States through the UN. [04] DIKO LEAKMeanwhile, Democratic Party Acting president Nicos Cleanthous said the issue over National Council leaks must be dealt with on a long term basis.This, because politicians, including the President of the Republic have at times revealed what had been discussed at meetings in public speeches or statements to the media. Speaking to CyBC this morning, Mr. Cleanthous said the one thing that bothered and provoked party leaders was the tone and manner in which the rebuke was made. [05] DENKTASH INTERVIEWTurkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has claimed that what he called the just results from the New York proximity talks were achieved thanks to his insistence and Turkish support for his positions.In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Jumhuriyet, Mr. Denktash said that he's working for peace and a resolution to the Cyprus problem. He added that a mandatory precondition for Turkish Cypriot security concerns as part the European Union is Turkey's accession to the body. He further called on the EU to negotiate directly with Turkish Cypriots, adding that the Cyprus economy will only meet EU criteria, after both sides on the island reach economic parity. [06] CLINTON CYPRUSUS President Bill Clinton called the proximity talks on the Cyprus problem, a positive step towards a just and lasting solution for all Cypriots, as well as a step in the right direction for Greek-Turkish relations.The American president also says the aim of the talks is to prepare the ground for substantive talks leading to an overall Cyprus solution. US president's views are contained in his bi-monthly report to Congress on the Cyprus problem, covering the period between October first and November thirtieth. [07] EXCHANGE 2000The Cyprus Stock exchange saw a two percent drop in the General Price Index today, its first day of operations in the new year.The Index closed at six hundred and ninety nine points, almost fourteen points lower then the last session on December thirtieth. Volume also experienced a large drop, closing at 20 million pounds, 10 million lower than the last session. Brokers' President Christodoulos Ellinas attributed the fall on the fact that the exchange was a little numb todayl He also noted that similar drops occured at stock exchanges around the world. Logicom shares, trading at the exchange for the first time today, closed at six pounds, sixty cents, while one brokerage firm was left off the floor. [08] GLOBAL MARKETSStock Markets in both London and Frankfurt opened with a noticable drop in their first session of the new year.No Y2K-related computer problems have been reported so far. The Athens stock market also posted a drop today, while the Tokyo exchange experienced the biggest increase in the last two years. [09] Y2K EXCHANGEAnd at the Cyprus Stock exchange, CSE director Nondas Metaxas said no problems appeared in today's session and that everything flowed smoothly.Mr. Metaxas told CyBC this morning that checks make on CSE systems to counter any Y2K problems were scientifically based. He also said that a mock session was run yesterday without any problems appearing. [10] BANKS Y2KThe transition into the year 2000 was smooth for all Cyprus banks, including the Central Bank.This from Central Bank official Christakis Fanopoulos, who told CyBC that the necessary pre-emptive tests were conducted well in advance of year's end. He added that special working groups are on alert at each bank to counter any problems that may possibly crop up. As far as Cooperatives are concerned, Mr. Fanopoulos said the Central Bank is not in contact with them, but that it is in touch with a special team from the Central Cooperative Bank. [11] ISRAEL SYRIAU.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will shuttle between Israeli and Syrian leaders again after President Bill Clinton failed to bring the old foes together for three-way peace talks.Senior sources in the Israeli delegation said yesterday's hitch was over which issues negotiators would tackle first. Israel insisted on talking about security and normalisation, while Syria wanted to discuss an Israeli pullout from the Golan Heights. [12] CHECHEN FIGHTERSChechen rebel fighters are struggling tooth and nail to maintain control over Grozny, despite daily, heavy attacks by Russian forces beseiging the Chechen capital.There's been a reduction in Russian shelling in the last hours, but Russian forces continue to move in on the city, where 40 thousand civilians still remain trapped. [13] JAPAN AMBASSADORJapan which takes over the presidency of the G-8 this year, is ready to extend all necessary support for a Cyprus solution, in conjuction with other G-8 member countries.This, from the outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Cyprus, Kazuo Matsumoto, whom President Clerides bade farewell in a meeting this morning. The Japanese ambassador also said that his country backs United Nations efforts to reach an overall Cyprus solution and that it welcomes the start of proximity talks. [14] LAZAROU TREASURERLazaros Lazarou was appointed the Republic's new Treasurer today.The appointment was made official before President Kliridis this morning. Mr. Lazarou said that he will carry out his duties in a responsible manner, serving always the public interest. On his part, President Kliridis said the new Treasurer will peform his duties without fear or favouritism. Mr. Lazarou has enjoyed a long career in public service. The 42-year-old Liopetri native, holds economics degrees from universities in Britain and the United States. [15] HOSPITAL PLANSHealth Minister Frixos Savvidis said the foundation stone for a new hospital in Paralimni will be laid in the next couple of months.In statements to CyBC, Mr. Savvidis denied outside interests delayed construction of the hospital. He said the delay was caused by red tape. Commenting on the lack of a gynecology ward in the hospital, Mr. Savvidis said the decision was made after several studies were conducted which he will look over personally. [16] WEATHERThe weather will continue to be unsettled this afternoon, with showers and local thundershowers.Winds will be southwesterly moderate to strong, 5 to 6 beaufort, on moderate to rough seas. Tonight will be party cloudy with some shower activity. Winds will continue southwesterly moderate, 4 to 5 beaufort on moderate to rough seas. The temperature will drop to four degrees inalnd, 7 degrees along the coasts and two degrees below zero over the highest mountains. Police also warn drivers to take extra care in the Troodos mountains, as light show and frost have covered the range's highest parts. Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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