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Friday, December 28, 2012

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CYPRUS

SPORT

FILM

Christofias: history will vindicate me

Title race not finished yet, says City keeper back

Cloud Atlas opens on big screens today centre

Suppliers told to ‘take it or leave it’ Last-ditch plan to save failed Orphanides supermarkets, says KEVE chief By Elias Hazou

FINALISED ‘take it or leave it’ rescue plan for Orphanides Supermarkets is to be put to suppliers sometime in the next few days, and its rejection could spell the demise of the debt-ridden company. A draft of the plan, drawn up by the company’s external auditors KPMG, was yesterday presented to the chain’s suppliers and to representatives of the Bank of Cyprus. KPMG’s sustainability report is said to envisage the continued operation of the company for one to two months, by which time it should become apparent whether an “administrative restructuring” can keep the chain aﬂoat. Under the plan, priority would be given to repaying suppliers, with the rest of the revenues going toward paying salaries, the electric bill and other essential services. It’s also understood that the current owners would be excluded from decisionmaking. During yesterday’s meeting hosted at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), affected suppliers raised a number of queries and additional proposals. KPMG said it would take

these into consideration and formulate a final plan, to be put before suppliers and to the banks sometime over the next few days. According to Panayiotis Loizides, KEVE secretary general, the finalised draft would be of the “take it or leave it kind.” If the suppliers don’t go for it, then matters would take their course, he said, alluding to a winding up of the company. “The plan is a last-ditch bid to save the company,” added Loizides. Since the announcement that the chain was going into receivership, various proposals have been put on the table to keep the company running. The future looms uncertain as the company’s two main creditors, Popular Bank and the Bank of Cyprus collectively owed at least €140 million - rejected the appointment of an administrator to oversee a restructuring. Orphanides additionally owes €85 million to suppliers and €10 million to other creditors, and posted a loss of €17.7 million for the first three quarters of the year. The company’s largest commercial creditors then proposed that a strategic investor take over and, failing that, the chain would be placed in administration.

TURN TO PAGE 5

A man yesterday installs one of the panels of new Waterford crystal on to the giant ball that annually marks the new year over Times Square in New York City. Thousands gather in the square each year for the event (EPA)

Englishman wakes up after stroke and starts to speak Welsh AN Englishman has woken up after a stroke and started speaking Welsh. Alun Morgan, 81, was evacuated to Wales during the Second World War and during his time there he never picked up the native tongue. His wife Yvonne was the only person who could understand him and had to translate for doctors. Morgan, from Bathwick, Bath, Somerset, told the Bath Chronicle: “I don’t remember anything from the time of my stroke. “But gradually I started speaking a few words in Welsh.

“This was strange because I’d not lived in Wales since I was evacuated there during the war.” Doctors have diagnosed Morgan with aphasia, a form of brain damage that causes a shift in the brain’s language centre. The most common cause of aphasia is stroke, but gunshot wounds, blows to the head, other traumatic brain injuries and brain tumours can also cause aphasia. It can also result in a disorder known as Foreign Accent Syndrome, which causes a sudden change to speech so that a na-

tive speaker talks with a foreign accent. Researchers at Oxford University have found that patients with Foreign Accent Syndrome have suffered damage to tiny areas of the brain that affect speech. The result is often a drawing out or clipping of the vowels that mimic the accent of a particular country, such as Spain or France, even if the sufferer has limited exposure to that accent. The syndrome was ﬁrst identiﬁed during the Second World War when a Norwegian woman suffered shrapnel damage to her brain and developed a strong German accent.

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Home PICTURE OF THE DAY

Weather Paralimni

Nicosia i i 18

10 1

Troodos T

1 18 18

LLarnaca

18 1

Paphos

LLimassol

TODAY: Cloudy patches with scattered showers. Temperatures will reach 18C inland and along the coasts and 10C over higher ground OUTLOOK: Instability and drizzle to persist from Saturday to Monday, with a small dip in temperatures also due YESTERDAY:

Max Temp Nicosia 19 Larnaca 20 Limassol 21 Paphos 19 Paralimni 19 Prodromos 13

Min 8 10 11 11 10 8

Humidity 53% 75% 65% 67% 76% 82%

SUNRISE: 06:54am

SUNSET: 4:42pm

Pollution Medium/Low Low/Low Medium/Low Low Low Low

Air quality in Cyprus is assessed with the aid of a network of nine advanced monitoring stations. Data is recorded hourly. Information provided by the Air Quality Section of the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI)

Worldwide Athens Budapest Bucharest Brussels Cairo Copenhagen Damascus Dublin Frankfurt Geneva Istanbul London

17 8 5 9 20 4 12 6 8 8 13 8

Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Haze Cloudy Light Rain Rainy Clear Drizzle

Madrid Manchester Moscow Oslo Paris Prague Rome Sarajevo Sofia Stockholm Tel Aviv Vienna

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Fog Local Showers Snow Clear Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Haze Light Rain Snow Cloudy Cloudy

EXCHANGE

€

1.3294

€

0.8240

For a full list of exchange rates, see page 10

CHEMISTS NICOSIA I. Kitiris, 63 Metochiou St. Tel: 22774950, 22774368 (H) N. Nouris, 33 A. B D. Akritas Ave. Tel: 22751801, 22374323 (H) M. Charalambous, 48A Armenia Ave, Acropolis. Tel: 22426655, 22492968 (H) A. Christodoulou, 73C Stadiou St, Strovolos. Tel: 22590396, 22512252 (H) Ch. Kari, 50 Andrea Avraamide, Tel: 22771999, 22351072 LIMASSOL Ari Terides, 181 Leontiou A Tel: 25340872, 25714469 (H) H. Papadopoullou, 20 Nafpliou St. Tel: 25355624, 25591887

(H) K. Skourou, 43 Panayioti Anagnostopoulou, Kato Polemidia, Tel: 25715991, 25332047 LARNACA A. Sergiou, 17 Makarios III Ave. Tel: 24623110, 24530445 (H) C. Paschali, 53 Grivas Dighenis Ave., Tel. 24662233, 24667077 PAPHOS S. Socratous, 52 Agapinoros St, Kato Paphos. Tel: 26949855, 26221966, (H) PARALIMNI Ch. X. Alapai, 8 Gr. Dighenis Ave. Tel: 23742002, 23744155 (H)

Cyprus Mail Established 1945. Number 21,415 NICOSIA 24 Vass. Voulgaroctonou, P.O. Box 21144, 1502 Nicosia Tel: 22-818585, Fax: 22-676385 email: mail@cyprus-mail.com LIMASSOL 5A Nicolaou, Pentadromos Centre, Thessaloniki St, Tel: 25-761117, Fax: 25-761141 email: cyprusmail@cytanet.com.cy LARNACA Tel: 24-652243, Fax: 24-659982 PAPHOS 62 Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, Ofﬁce 2, 8046 Paphos, Tel: 26 911383 Fax : 26 221049 email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com

This Rolex handout photo released yesterday shows supermaxi yacht Wild Oats XI on record pace during the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (AFP)

QUICK CROSSWORD 2272 Across

Down

1 Tidings (4) 8 Vanquishing (10) 9 Young salmon (4) 10 Manner of speaking (8) 12 Wicket (5) 13 Everybody (3) 16 Visual (6) 17 Off course (6) 18 Crucial (3) 21 Brief (5) 22 Breed of cattle (8) 24 Outlet (4) 25 Contemptuous (10) 26 Pip (4)

2 Springiness (10) 3 Clamber (8) 4 Short violent wind (6) 5 Aspic (5) 6 Omen (4) 7 Fever (4) 11 Kind of pear (10) 13 Ararat boat (3) 14 Non-clerical (3) 15 Old records (8) 19 Exit (6) 20 Fetter (5) 22 Assistant (4) 23 Endanger (4)

For cryptic crossword and answers to the previous quick crossword see page 18

ON THIS DAY DECEMBER 28

WHAT THE MAIL SAID

1935

25 years ago Wednesday December 28, 1987

Pravda publishes a letter by Pavel Postyshev, who revives New Year tree tradition in the Soviet Union.

The population of Cyprus rose in 1986 to 677,200 from 669,500 the previous year, recording a 1.2 per cent increase. Fertility was well above replacement levels, having only temporarily fallen below replacement during 1974-75 as a result of the Turkish invasion.

1950 The Peak District becomes the United Kingdom’s ﬁrst National Park.

1980 A shake-up of broadcasting franchises paves the way for breakfast television.

1993 British customs ofﬁcials seize £70m of Colombian cocaine thought to be linked to the Maﬁa.

2000 US retail giant Montgomery Ward announces it is going out of business after 128 years.

2007 Nepal declares a federal democratic Republic by interim parliament, abolishing the monarchy.

35 years ago Friday December 28, 1977 The House of Representatives called for the publication of the Human Rights Commission’s report on Cyprus’ recourse against Turkey for human rights violations in Cyprus. The Human Rights Commission report found Turkey guilty of serious violations of human rights in Cyprus, but the Committee of Ministers of Europe decided to shelve the report for nine months.

45 years ago Saturday December 28, 1967 Akis Petris was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment by the District Court of Nicosia after he was found guilty of defrauding the government in respect of veterinary drugs while holding the post of Director of Veterinary Services and being a member of the tender board. He was found guilty on four of nineteen charges against him and was sentenced on three of them to one year’s imprisonment for each charge.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Home CYPRUS TODAY Road tax deadline PEOPLE need to renew their vehicles’ 2013 road tax between January 7 and February 4, the road transport department has said. Vehicles need to have a valid MOT certificate before a road tax disc can be renewed. Those who do not intend to renew their driving licence are nonetheless legally required to let the road transport department know they will be withdrawing their car from circulation. Failing to renew road tax for three consecutive years turns the money owed into a civil debt, payable at court, and forces drivers to re-register. Vehicle owners can renew their road tax online at any citizen’s service centre, banks or financial institutions, at the road transport department’s office or else online at: http://rtd.mcw.gov.cy

Holiday traffic violations MORE than 2,300 people were fined over the Christmas period for a host of traffic violations including speeding and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol according to police. Checks were carried out between December 21 and December 27 nationwide. More than 400 people were fined for driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of 4,063 checks were carried out islandwide with most of the drink driving cases coming from Nicosia and Limassol. During the same period drivers were checked for seat-belts, helmets, mobile phones, speeding and other traffic offences. A total of 1,698 incidents were reported, with speeding being the most frequent offence. 659 people were written up for other traffic offences.

Russia rules out bilateral deal with Cyprus By Elias Hazou RUSSIA does not intend to grant Cyprus an interstate loan because the associated risks are too great to be assumed by any single creditor, Russia’s deputy finance minister has said. “We have no specific plans or instructions to do so,” Sergei Storchak said in a December 24 interview with news agency Bloomberg in Moscow. “It’s obvious that no single creditor can work with Cyprus alone,” he added. “Anyone who steps up on an individual basis to finance that country’s government or to help recapitalise its banks would be taking an enormous risk.” Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said his country would consider giving financial assist-

ance to Cyprus as a part of an international rescue package after the euro area takes a uniﬁed stance on aiding the island. Expanding on this, Storchak said Russia does not rule out taking part in a bailout, though not as “major creditors.” If a group of lenders were formed to help Cyprus, it would be based on Cyprus’ membership in the European Union, he said. Last year Cyprus borrowed €2.5 billion from Russia to help the government stabilise its ﬁnances; that loan matures in 2016. And earlier this year, it emerged that the administration was seeking an additional €5 billion from Russia; the lion’s share of a new loan would have gone towards propping up the banks and thus avoid resorting to the EU support mechanism. Cyprus’ two largest lenders currently need a combined €2.3 billion to recapitalise. The government’s inability to borrow from markets – given

the sovereign junk bond rating – to bolster the banks forced it to request EU assistance back in June. Cyprus may need as much as €17.5 billion, almost the size of its economy, to pay its bills and recapitalize banks, Finance Minister Vassos Shiarly has said. The island’s public debt is forecast to exceed 89 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year – not counting the banks’ capital needs. Back in May, the state pledged to underwrite Popular Bank’s attempt to raise €1.8 billion in equity, after private demand for shares in Popular’s rights issue was minimal. There is growing speculation that the country’s debt to GDP ratio – a key indicator of the health of an economy – could reach 120 per cent, the level deemed unsustainable by the International Monetary Fund.

Pimco report to be verified BoC issues profit warning as Popular details Greek cuts By Elias Hazou THE CENTRAL BANK is today expected to announce the name of the consultancy selected to verify a due diligence of Cypriot banks carried out by investment company Pimco. Pimco has already released an interim review; its full report is scheduled to be delivered by January 15, six days before the next meeting of euro-area ﬁnance ministers. The interim report was submitted to a steering committee comprising potential lenders and Cypriot authorities. In the meantime the Central Bank, a member of the steering committee, asked that a consultancy review and verify the methodology used by Pimco. Following a tender selection process, the name of the consultancy is expected to be revealed today. It’s understood the ﬁrm will deliver its verdict before January 15, the date on which Pimco is expected to disclose its full report. Central Bank sources said yesterday the consultancy has been hired to offer assistance on “highly technical data” within the Pimco report. “We wanted to double-check that the diligence is accurate… leaving no room for doubt as to the [capital] needs of the banks,” the same sources

said. This, they stressed, did not involve checking Pimco’s method of calculating banks’ non-performing loans (NPLs); that issue has long been settled. The banks’ recapitalisation needs will determine the size of bailout required by Cyprus. Meanwhile yesterday, the island’s second largest lender Popular Bank announced a voluntary exit plan for its some 3,000 employees in Greece, offering packages of up to €120,000. According to reports, those under the age of 45 will be offered four-tenths of their salary for every year of service; employees aged 45 to 55 will receive 100 per cent of their salary for each year of service; and those aged 55 and above will get 1.25 salaries for every year of service. A similar plan was made available to staff in Cyprus, with about 100 employees opting to take early retirement. Amid mounting capital losses, Popular has called an extraordinary general meeting for February 13. The group sustained losses of €1.7 billion during the ﬁrst three quarters of the year due to increased risk and goodwill write-offs. Having acquired €1.8 billion worth of shares in Popular in May, the state passed a directive aimed at downsizing the group’s operations as part of a cost-cutting drive. Under the

The revised profit results would impact the group’s capital adequacy ratio directive, the group’s payroll must be additionally reduced by at least 8 per cent within 2013. And the Bank of Cyprus (BoC) announced yesterday, that the group’s results after tax and before the impairment of Greek government bonds for the financial year ending December 31 2012 are expected to have a significant negative deviation compared

to the 2011 results. The deviation is mainly due to increased provisions for impairment of loans (due to the continuing deteriorating economic conditions and the adoption of stricter assumptions in the context of the Pimco review) as well as reduced operating income, the bank said. The revised proﬁt results would impact the group’s

capital adequacy ratio; the bank forecast that, as of December 31 2012, its Core Tier 1 capital ratio could go under 5 per cent. “On the basis of the above expectations…the bank is in contact with the relevant supervisory authorities and troika, aiming at ﬁnding the best possible solution for all parties involved,” the statement said.

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Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

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Cyprob raises its head as elections draw close AFTER MONTHS of wrangling over the economic woes of the country, the government and opposition yesterday joined forces to reject Turkish reports of a UN proposal to hold a four-party conference on the Cyprus problem. The realignment of stars was brief however as the various factions within the Cypriot political system soon turned on each other to blame their opponents for giving Turkey the chance to push for a fourparty conference through their alleged playmaker, UN special adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer. According to Turkish press reports, Turkey’s EU Minister Egemen Bagis raised the prospect of a multilateral conference attended by Greece, Turkey, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leadership after next February’s presidential elections. Bagis referred speciﬁcally to an alleged proposal by Downer to have Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu meet with Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras and the next Cypriot president with Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan. Bagis described this proposal as “incomplete”, saying the UN should take it a step further and arrange a four-party conference. Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou on Wednesday rejected the notion of holding four-party talks, accusing Turkey of attempting to deviate from the current negotiating process based on the relevant UN resolutions. Regarding a multilateral conference on the Cyprus problem, Stefanou said: “This is a procedure that we reject. It was emphatically rejected by the President of the Republic when Turkey attempted to promote a meeting between Mr (Mehmet Ali) Talat (the former leader of the Turkish Cypriot community) and the Greek Premier, following the president’s desire to meet with the Turkish leadership to explain his vision for a Cyprus solu-

tion,” the spokesman said. Stefanou also took pot shots at presidential contenders, DISY leader Nicos Anastasiades and EDEK-backed Giorgos Lillikas, accusing both of sending the wrong messages to Turkey. Anastasiades’ proposal to broaden the peace talks to include Turkey at the negotiating table was helping the latter promote its four-party conference, claimed Stefanou. Meanwhile, Lillikas’ proposal to start negotiations from scratch would lead to making void the UN resolutions on Cyprus thereby freeing Turkey to pursue its policy of upgrading the breakaway regime in the north, he added. All parties yesterday voiced their opposition to Bagis’ suggestion, including DISY which wants to see a change to the current format. DISY’s election partner DIKO went as far as to point the finger at Downer, accusing him of working behind the scenes to let Turkey off the hook. According to a source with knowledge on the negotiation process, Downer has raised the issue of getting the next Cypriot president to meet with Erdogan as well as Eroglu with Samaras, though the focus appears to be on the former as Greece is no longer considered to have a very influential role in the negotiations. He has floated a number of ideas to see how the peace talks could restart after the February elections. There is talk about finding ways to get the EU and Turkey more involved this time, though first Downer will have to find a way to overcome the obstacle placed by the Turkish Cypriots. Eroglu has set as a precondition to returning to the table the imposition of a timetable. The UN is aware that any fixed timetable could simply hand Eroglu an invitation to “wait it out” until the timeframe expires and then pursue wholeheartedly independence for the breakaway regime. Instead, Downer will have to find a way to address the issue of timeframes in a more crea-

Armed gang involved in sheep rustling GANGS of animal rustlers are targeting livestock in areas close to the UN-controlled buffer zone according to police. Most recently, livestock from the areas of Dali, Lympia, Potamia and Athienou have been stolen. “The police are looking into the case and the possibility that the gangs cross over from the north although nothing has been conﬁrmed,” police spokesman Andreas Angelides said. The most recent incident, according to police, involved ﬁve young people, between the ages of 20 and 22 who stole around 40 sheep at gunpoint in the village of Athienou at 9pm on Christmas Day. The 74-year-old owner of the sheep and his 69-year-old wife reported to police they were tied up while the robbers loaded the sheep on their truck before stealing his mobile phone, his car keys and slashing his car’s tyres. The value of the sheep is estimated to be around €4,000. Farmers from the affected areas have demanded that police take measures to protect their property. In response, the police have increased their patrols along the buffer zone. They are calling on people who see anything suspicious on their land or property to inform them but to avoid attempting to resolve the problem themselves as gangs are often armed.

Candidates row over fourparty meet as Bagis stirs it up By Stefanos Evripidou

CYPRUS TODAY

Suspected wife killer to face trial A 62-YEAR-OLD former policeman is due to stand trial for the premeditated murder of his wife, aged 56, who was found dead in the couple’s living room in early December. Larnaca district court has referred the 62-year-old to criminal court where he is due to appear on February 14, facing premeditated murder charges. On December 10, the man’s next-door neighbour in the Larnaca district called the police after the 62-year-old knocked on his door at about 10:30pm to tell him he found his wife shot dead in the living room, Larnaca police spokesman Christos Andreou told the Cyprus Mail. The 62-year-old then fainted, but later told the police that he was in the bathroom when he heard a gunshot and went in the living room to ﬁnd his wife dead on their sofa, Andreou said. The man claimed that his wife killed herself, but police investigators ruled out suicide. The court ordered that the 62-year-old be held in custody until trial starts.

ELAM to front presidential candidate Bagis: Greek Cypriots should borrow from ‘TRNC” tive manner so that Eroglu will agree to come to the table but will not be allowed to sit idly on it once he gets there. One report in Kibris Postasi suggested the UN plans to initiate cross-community meetings, followed by ﬁve-party talks, including Greece and Turkey with the UN Secretary-General present in an effort to bang out a result on all pending chapters in the talks, taking a head-on approach, as opposed to going through the talks chapter by chapter.

Meanwhile, Bagis continued his tactic of stimulating debate in yesterday’s Kibris newspaper, describing as a great embarrassment for the EU the bankruptcy of the country holding the EU presidency. He cheekily suggested Cyprus request a loan from the Turkish Cypriots “just as it gets its electricity and water when it needs it”, despite the fact that the ‘TRNC’ itself is surviving almost entirely on Turkish handouts.

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THE NATIONAL Popular Front ELAM – the extreme right wing party with links to their Greek counterparts Golden Dawn – has announced that it will vet a presidential candidate for February’s upcoming presidential elections. ELAM said yesterday at a news conference in Limassol that it was their duty as the country’s up-and-coming power to propose a candidate at a difﬁcult time for the country, state broadcaster CyBC said. The candidate is due to be presented this Sunday in Nicosia in the presence of Golden Dawn deputies from Greece, Ilias Kasidiaris and Yiannis Lagos. In the meantime, ELAM said that they will distribute food, clothes and toys “to our vulnerable compatriots” this Saturday in Limassol. ELAM – which was registered as a party last year – failed to secure a seat in parliament during elections in May 2011, though it secured 1.08 per cent of all votes or 4,350 votes, which is close to the minimum requirement of 1.8 per cent of total votes. The four newcomer parties got 2.13 per cent between them.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Home Transport ministry investigating bus personnel invoices

Suppliers told: take or leave it Company might not be saved (continued from front page) But there is broad consensus that the company may be unsalvageable, and that the banks and suppliers would recoup their debt only if the chain’s assets are sold. The chain’s real estate is said to be worth about €340 million. Another pitch would have the suppliers jointly buy out the company and use future revenues to gradually settle what they are owed. An initiative has been undertaken by the company Cypra Ltd for the creation of a new chain bearing the name “Orfanides Nea Epohi” (Orphanides New Era). In the meantime a number of

major suppliers are reportedly planning to sue the company for compensation. Others are invoking clauses in their insurance contracts relating to the company’s failure to pay them for a period more than six months. Under these contracts, merchants are bound to stop supplying goods if they have not received payment for over six months. Some 1,250 people are on Orphanides’ payroll, while 2,000 more work on the supply end. The closure of the island’s largest supermarket chain could translate into a €400 million loss for the economy, according to one estimate.

The Orphanides Express shop in Old Nicosia yesterday: doors still open but for how long

THE MINISTRY of communications and works has asked the police to carry out investigations into reports that ofﬁcials at the Nicosia Bus Company (OSEL) have been refuelling their own cars and charging the government. “The ministry will not pay money that it has been wrongly charged by the companies,” Communications Minister Efthymios Flourentzos said yesterday. The ministry asked the police to intervene after it received reports that managers and stockholders from OSEL had allegedly been refuelling their luxury cars and putting the charges on invoices that are then sent to the ministry. The ministry is obliged to reimburse the bus companies as part of the agreement in place. Investigations are at an advanced stage according to Flourentzos who denied claims by the bus company that the agreement covered the costs for some personnel. “Their personal vehicles are covered by their salaries while invoices cover fuel to company vehicles,” the minister said. “We are waiting for the results of the investigations,” he added.

Famagusta petrol stations threaten strike that could spread islandwide PETROL stations in Famagusta said they would go on strike for 48 hours on January 2, the Petrol Station Owners’ Association said yesterday. The construction of yet another new petrol station on the main Paralimni-Ayia Napa road was what prompted the strike. The association said there are too many stations, yet licences are still being issued. “In the last four years we have contacted the ministries of interior, commerce, the departments of planning and of public works, the police and others, concerning the construction of new petrol stations,” said the association. The licences are issued based on a 1971 law “which should be reviewed”, according to the association. “A year ago it was agreed that, within three months, licences for new petrol stations would not be issued,” it said.

Construction of new petrol stations requires environmental studies and safety checks. “It doesn’t mean that just because the old law says you can build a petrol station every 500 metres, you should,” he added. The Petrol Station Owners’ Association warned of an islandwide strike if, within 48 hours of the Famagusta district strike on January 2, new licences are still being issued. “All new petrol stations should be checked for violations and any petrol stations that have not yet been built, but have licences should not begin construction, given the large number of petrol stations, which is 35 per cent more than necessary,” the association said. “A petrol station is an investment of about €1.5m. Not to mention the cost for the land and the reserves.”

The British High Commission Nicosia is seeking to recruit a

Pensions Scheme Administrator Job Description This is a part-time position that requires a self-starter with good numeracy, computer, communication and organisational skills, who can deliver time sensitive results on a monthly basis and is able to work initially up to five days a month. Duties include: x Calculating and paying pensions on a monthly basis. x Corresponding with relevant Local Authorities. x Providing support to Pensioners covered by the scheme. x Administer a dedicated IT system (training given) and pension records. Key Competencies required. Delivering results Problem solving Managing Self, Others and Resources Communicating

New public service hours as of next week CIVIL servants will have their working hours extended from January 1 under the bailout terms, but will no longer have to work Wednesday afternoons. Working hours will be, Monday to Friday, from between 7.30am and 8.30am until 3pm or 4pm in the afternoon, depending on what time they come in. “The new working hours will apply until August 31,” senior administrative ofﬁcer for the Public Service Commission, Argyroulla Pelengari told the Mail. “It is a transitional period for those civil servants who have children in kindergartens and schools who have already made arrangements for this school year,” Pelengari explained. From September 1, next

JOB VACANCY

Qualifications, Qualities and skills x x x x x x

Excellent inter-personal and office organisational skills. Able to work with a diverse range of cultures and people of differing views and opinions. Ability to work under pressure, unsupervised and as part of a team. Capacity to deal patiently and effectively in a wide range of situations, including dealing with the public. Fluent Greek and English (written and spoken) and good telephone manner. Proficient and accurate typing. Numerate and proficient in IT including: Microsoft Word (essential) and Excel (essential).

Applications in writing with details of: past experience, qualifications and CV should be sent by email to the following address: jobapplicationsnicosia@fco.gov.uk by Friday 25 January 2013. The Grade for the Pensions Scheme Administrator is Locally Employed Grade III. Salary will be on a per diem basis negotiable.

A transitional period coming for civil servants year employees will be expected to be at work between 8am and 9am until 3.30pm or 4.30pm on ﬂexitime. “Although the timetable has a one hour window for employees’ arrival and departure, the head of each department can decide to bring in half the department

within the ﬁrst half hour window and the other half in the second window to make sure there is always someone available to help the public,” Pelengari said. Civil servants already working in shifts will not be affected by the new timetable changes.

A shortlist of applicants will be invited for interview by 1st February 2013 with interviews being conducted the following week. The successful candidate will have a six month probational period. The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employer with family friendly policies. We welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age. All applications are treated on merit. Applications are encouraged both from those who may be looking for long term employment and from those who may be seeking employment for a fixed period of time. The successful candidate will need to undergo a security clearance process.

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Home Generous EAC retirement deal superseded by bailout terms THE FINANCE ministry has informed the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) that it will not give the go-ahead to plans to streamline the company as agreed between the authority and the energy regulator last year, the EAC has said. The plans were agreed last year, before Cyprus requested a bailout from its European partners. Since then, a series of cost-saving measures have been passed in parliament that impact the broader civil sector including the EAC, affecting

the calculation of pension beneﬁts and the one-off retirement bonus, among others, making the previous deal much more attractive. In 2011, the EAC agreed with the energy regulator, CERA, that it would start cutting staff numbers by 2.0 per cent in 2013, with a 2.0 per cent cut applicable each year from 2013 until 2017 (a ﬁve year period). The EAC employs around 2,500 people and would start making about 50 people

redundant each year eventually ending up with 250 fewer staff by 2017. The plan was to encourage people to retire voluntarily by offering a compensation package to anyone between the ages of 50 and 61 years who had already served 25 years with the authority. But the ﬁnance ministry had recently informed the EAC in writing “that it does not wish to push forward the rationalisation plan,” EAC spokesman Costas Gavrielides said.

Lawmakers this month passed a muchstricter series of changes to pension and retirement bonuses in the broader civil sector, as part of a cost-saving push agreed between Cyprus and its international lenders, who are due to bail the island out. The changes incorporate taxation, and reduced pensions as compared to the generous retirement package that would have fallen under the old EAC deal. The ﬁnance ministry did not respond to a request to comment yesterday.

Christofias says history will vindicate him

Suspect in Christmas shootout with cops dies from his bullet wound

‘I’m leaving with bitterness because I was subject to harsh and unfair attacks’ By Stefanos Evripidou WHEN PRESIDENT Demetris Christofias leaves office next February, he will do so confident that history will vindicate his decisions, despite feeling bitterness for the “harsh and unfair” criticism levelled against him in the last five years, he told Haravghi newspaper in a two-part interview. The first part was published on Christmas Day, where Christofias bemoaned the “harsh and unfair attacks” he had to endure during his tenure. “The class, ideological, factional and social hatred of the president was so great that it reached the point where some were calling the president a murderer,” Christofias told Haravghi. Asked how he feels about handing over the reins of state next March, the president said he had “mixed feelings”. “On the one hand I’m leaving with bitterness because I was subject to harsh and unfair attacks, that no other president had to endure. Some may think that with these harsh attacks they were undermining and humiliating the president. What they succeeded in doing was to undermine and humiliate the institution of the president’s office. There is nothing worse in a democracy than undermining the institutions. Unfortunately this happened

continuously,” he said. Despite facing a barrage of criticism for his handling of the economy, Christofias maintained that the government did a good job under extreme conditions. “We were unlucky because during our presidency we had to deal with capitalism’s worst crisis. I am confident though that history will vindicate us, because we have done a lot of work and innovatively in various sectors. For this work, I am satisfied,” he said. Asked to comment on criticism that Cyprus requested support from the European Stability Mechanism because the government failed to take adequate measures, he replied that Cyprus was forced to apply for a bailout only because of the banks’ exposure to the Greek economy. “The whole of Europe acknowledges this, the Greek prime minister boldly said it, and yet the opposition in Cyprus insists on blaming the government for everything”. He argued that when Cyprus was shut out of the international markets in April 2011, public debt was at 60.8 per cent and the public deficit at 5.3 per cent while the corresponding average for the Eurozone was 85.1 per cent and 6.0 per cent respectively. When Cyprus requested a bailout, the public debt reached 74 per cent and public deficit 5.8 per cent, figures that were still favourable when compared to Europe, he said.

Christofias argued that any objective person could see that Cyprus did not request a bailout because of the country’s fiscal situation. “If that was the reason then the markets would have closed for the majority of member states in the Eurozone long before they did for Cyprus and many countries would seek recourse to the (European stability) mechanism,” he said. In the second part of the interview published yesterday, Christofias highlighted the “glaring contradictions” in the positions of two presidential candidates, Nicos Anastasiades and Giorgos Lillikas, on the Cyprus problem. The outgoing president questioned how DIKO could collaborate with DISY when the latter’s candidate, Anastasiades, insists on including Turkey directly in the peace negotiations in an effort to achieve a loose, decentralised federation. He also questioned how Anastasiades can claim to want to withdraw all proposals submitted by Christofias in the peace talks when they constitute improvements on provisions that the DISY leader had previously accepted. In a broadside at Lillikas’ proposal to start peace negotiations from scratch, Christofias questioned how anyone could believe that the deadlock could be broken by essentially going after a unitary state solution when the

SAVVAS Xenophontos, the Greek-Cypriot man who was involved in a car chase and shootout with the police on Christmas Eve, was killed by a bullet from a ﬁrearm according to state pathologist Eleni Antoniou. Xenophontos was in a car with two Greek Pontians that had failed to stop at the police’s insistence in the early hours of December 24. The culprits sped away and were followed by police patrols and motorcycles that were later joined by members of the antiriot squad and crime prevention unit.

CHASED

Christofias: economic crisis was just bad luck opposing side refuses to accept the current model of a bicommunal, bizonal federation. “The fatal result would be to lose our support base and lead to a final partition,” he said. Christofias voiced his support to AKEL-backed

candidate Stavros Malas, noting that he was the only candidate appealing to the Turkish Cypriots, thereby showing an understanding of how important they were to reaching a fair and functional solution.

Drunk driver to be charged on three counts in Filipino death THE 26-year-old drunk driver who hit and killed a domestic worker while she was sweeping the pavement outside her workplace last Saturday will be charged on three counts, said police yesterday. The 28-year-old Filipino domestic worker was killed at around 6.40am on December 22 in Limassol when she was sweeping the pavement in between two parked cars after a drunk driver hit one of the cars, throwing her onto the other vehicle. The driver, a 26-year-old Cypriot man, was three times over the alcohol consumption limit, with a ﬁnal breathalyser test showing 72 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres, although the legal limit is 22 microgrammes, police said.

The domestic worker was taken by ambulance to Limassol hospital, where the doctor on duty announced her dead on arrival. The 26-year-old was remanded in custody for two days after which he was released pending charges that will be ﬁled in court. According to police sources, the driver was remanded in custody for two days because that was all the time needed by police to complete their investigations. They are now in the process of preparing a charge sheet which will include the following three charges: causing death by negligence; driving under the inﬂuence impeding his ability to drive safely and driving over the legal limit. The maximum jail sentence for the following charges is four years in jail, said the police source.

They were chased across Tseri Avenue into the village of Marki where police managed to cut them off. A gun battle between the police and the three perpetrators ensued, culminating in Xenophontos injury. Despite being rushed to hospital and being operated on, he did not survive. State pathologist Eleni Antoniou in the presence of state-pathologist Nicholas Charalambous and private pathologist Marios Matsakis, on behalf of the family, carried out a postmortem on Wednesday morning. According to Antoniou, the victim was shot in the back from a distance and the bullet passed through his body. “Nicholas Charalambous and I will be taking a closer look at the victim’s clothes, the car the three men were driving and the police vehicles involved in the chase to determine exactly what happened,” Matsakis told the Cyprus Mail. “All of the evidence will be gathered by police and handed over to the Attorney-general, Petros Clerides as soon as possible,” police spokesman Andreas Angelides said. Two ofﬁcers sustained light arm injuries during the Christmas Eve incident.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Britain Clegg warns Tories over EU stance

Boxing Day sales spark frenzy of shopping Online purchases set a new record for buying BOXING Day set a new British record for online shopping, ﬁgures showed today as crowds descended on high streets once again for another day of frenzied sales. While thousands of shoppers queued outside stores up and down the country to get ahead of the game, millions more made the most of tumbling prices from the comfort of their own homes. Britons spent 14 million hours trawling websites on Wednesday, paying around 113 million visits to online retailers on what became the UK’s biggest day for internet shopping, analysts said. Web sales were up by 17% on Boxing Day last year, according to market data ﬁrm Experian. Figures were slightly lower than the 126 million online visits predicted for Boxing Day, something experts attributed to a “sales creep” which saw retailers begin to slash prices before Christmas. James Murray, digital insight manager at Experian, said: “Boxing Day set a new British record for online shopping with 113 million visits going to retail websites in a single day. “However, with a number of the major retailers bring-

ing their sales forward to Christmas Eve, the impact of that was that Boxing Day was slightly muted and not as prolific as we forecast.” Figures show that Christmas Eve was 86% bigger than last year as a shopping day, and Christmas Day was 71% bigger. While Boxing Day fell short of expectations, online shopping is still set to be up on last year by about 30%. The figures emerged as stores threw open their doors yesterday morning, offering further discounts and sparking scenes of mayhem on shop floors. It was another busy day in London’s bustling West End where footfall hit record levels - up 31.3% on Boxing Day last year. Similar scenes played out across the rest of the country as retailers offered hefty discounts in a bid to lure shoppers and compete with online rivals. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said the dash for discounts was boosted by consumers who were feeling the pinch. BRC spokesman Richard Dodd said: “Customers are under lots of financial pressure and are really keen on seeking out value and taking advantage of bargains. “Today (yesterday) will be

Shoppers reach out for discounted perfumes at Selfridges in central London another big day when some retailers will launch their sales and that will help to continue the momentum.” Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre, which welcomed 130,000 visitors on Wednesday- some of whom queued from 1am - said it was expecting an even busier few days as of yesterday. The mall, which predicts some 900,000 people will surge through its doors during the next six days, is open until 10pm. Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s general manager, said: “Boxing Day’s momentum has continued into Thursday, with the opening of the John Lewis clearance sale being a major draw.” Customers at Brent Cross shopping centre, in north London, queued outside the John Lewis and Fenwick stores which also started their sales. Among the most popular

items being snapped were designer handbags, TVs, fragrances, laptops and bed linen, a spokesman said. Brent Cross centre manager Tom Nathan said: “While we had some pre-Christmas

sales and promotions here before the big day, it seems to have had no impact whatsoever on some serious purchasing in the more traditional sales period which started on Boxing Day.”

DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg has issued a warning to the Tories to concentrate on fighting the “firestorm” in the eurozone rather than trying to re-negotiate Britain’s membership of the European Union. As David Cameron prepares to deliver a keynote speech in the new year setting out his vision of Britain’s future in the EU, the Liberal Democrat leader said the UK should have the confidence to take the lead in Europe. The Prime Minister is widely expected to demand a repatriation of powers from Brussels as the price of agreeing financial reform of the eurozone, with the promise of a referendum of the 2015 general election. But in an interview with The Guardian, Clegg insisted that talk of a referendum was premature and amounted to no more than “political shadow boxing”. “What we really should be doing is just focusing on the kind of economic firestorm at hand, working cooperatively to help them to put out the fire in the eurozone and to come out of this phase of economic emergency,” he said.

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

World WORLD TODAY Bush Senior in intensive care FORMER President George H.W. Bush, who led a coalition that ejected Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1991, is in intensive care at a Houston hospital in “guarded condition,” family spokesman Jim McGrath said Wednesday. The 88-year-old was admitted to hospital November 23 for bronchitis. “The president is alert and conversing with medical staff, and is surrounded by family,” McGrath said in a statement. “Following a series of setbacks including a persistent fever, President Bush was admitted to the intensive care unit at Methodist Hospital on Sunday where he remains in guarded condition,” McGrath said. “Doctors at Methodist continue to be cautiously optimistic about the current course of treatment.”

Mubarak moved EGYPT’S public prosecutor has ordered that ousted President Hosni Mubarak be moved to an army hospital from his prison clinic on recommendations from a medical report, security sources said yesterday. It was not yet clear when Mubarak would be moved and what those recommendations were, security sources told Reuters. “Mubarak will head to Maadi military hospital,” an army source told Reuters. Maadi is a suburb of Cairo.

Son of assassinated Bhutto launches political career Bhutto’s son makes his first major address THE only son of assassinated former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto told hundreds of thousands of supporters yesterday, the fifth anniversary of his mother’s death, that he would carry forward her legacy, an appearance designed to anoint him as a political heir. “I am the heir to the martyr,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, 24, told the crowd in the southern province of Sindh, referring to his mother and to his grandfather, the founder of the current ruling party who was hanged by a former military ruler. “If you kill one Bhutto, there will be a Bhutto in every house.” Bhutto was joined by hundreds of high-ranking officials, including the current president, his father Asif Zardari, to commemorate his mother’s killing in a gun and suicide attack during a 2007 political campaign rally. Making his first address to a mass rally televised live, he said: “Bhutto is not a name, it is an obsession, a passion, a love. You can chain our feet to the ground but we will still keep moving.” Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf told followers waving

Above: Pakistani policemen monitor yesterday the site where former premier Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in Rawalpindi in 2007. Below: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the Pakistan People’s Party’s green, black and red ﬂag that the Oxford-educated Bhutto “will prove to be an important turning point for democracy and politics”. Bhutto was named party chairman after his mother’s death, but his father was named co-chair due to his youth. He is still not old enough to contest the elections scheduled for spring - the minimum age is 25. Bhutto, who has his mother’s good looks, will only

US snow storm batters Northeast

Tea boss killed HUNDREDS of Indian tea estate workers surrounded a plantation owner’s home and set it on ﬁre, killing him and his wife, police say. Ofﬁcers recovered the charred bodies of the couple from the burned remains of their house in remote Tinsukhia district, in India’s north-eastern state of Assam. The plantation had been rocked by labour trouble over the past few months and some workers had been suspended a few weeks ago.

Minister sacked IRANIAN President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday dismissed his only female cabinet minister, Health Minister Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi, after she criticised her colleagues for failing to provide funds to import vital medicines. Appointed in 2009, Dastjerdi was the ﬁrst woman government minister since the Islamic Republic was established in 1979. While seen as politically conservative, the gynaecologist has advocated a greater role for women in society.

turn 25 in September. Zardari, locking arms with his son and waving to the crowd, said: “Bilawal has completed his studies, but the time has now come to complete his political training, to stay in Pakistan among its people and learn from them.” Benazir Bhutto’s killer has never been caught and a UN inquiry found that Pakistani authorities had failed to protect her or properly investigate her death. The UN also said that high-ranking Pa-

kistani officials had tried to block its investigation. In a 30-minute address delivered alongside his mother’s onion-domed tomb, Bhutto denounced the courts for what he said was the slow pace of the trial of her alleged killers. He also touched on women’s rights, insurgent violence and the economy. Benazir Bhutto has become a powerful symbol for the ruling party, which often refers to her as a martyr. The capital’s airport and a scheme to give cash to poor families have been named after her. Officials hang her portraits on walls. The Bhuttos championed the rights of the poor in a country where feudal landlords owned vast tracts of land and agricultural workers often live in deep poverty. Many rally participants waved portraits of Benazir Bhutto wearing her trademark white headscarf. Her husband, elected following her death, is less popular. Zardari was jailed on corruption charges from 1996 to 2004 that he says were politically motivated. The president is locked in a power struggle with the Supreme Court, which has been battling to reopen corruption cases against him. Zardari’s aides say he has immunity. Many Pakistanis are angry that Zardari’s government has failed to tackle pervasive corruption or end the daily power cuts that have brought its industrial sector to its knees. The elections should mark the first time in Pakistan’s history that one elected civilian government hands power to another.

A cyclist pushes his bike through a winter snowstorm in New York City on Wednesday (AFP)

A POWERFUL winter storm responsible for wind, snow, tornadoes and a flurry of traffic accidents battered the US Northeast yesterday, cancelling hundreds of airline flights but also reviving what had been a snowless ski season. The storm dumped a foot (30 cm) of snow on parts of the United States with the heaviest snow falling across northern New York and into New England, the National Weather Service reported. “It feels lovely to have wonderful snow for the kids to play in, and I think it’s the kind of snow that’s good for making forts and snowmen,” said Katryna Nields, a musician in Conway, Massachusetts, who was outside her home shovelling snow. “It’s just the kind of snow you want for between Christ-

mas and New Year’s,” she added. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New England and coastal flood advisories from New York’s Long Island to southern Maine. Airlines cancelled nearly 700 flights yesterday after 1,500 US flights were cancelled on Wednesday, according to FlightAware.com, a website that tracks flights. Some flights into and out of the three major New York City area airports - Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia - were delayed due to the weather, the Federal Aviation Administration reported. The weather service fore-

cast 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm) of snow for northern New England, accompanied by freezing rain and sleet, creating hazards on the highways and at airports. The snow also brought renewed hope for winter recreation across upstate and western New York. About 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) of snow fell on Buffalo overnight. Light snow and freezing drizzle persisted throughout the morning hours, with as much as another inch or two possible in some areas. Before Wednesday evening’s snow, Buffalo was 23 inches (58 cm) below average for this time of year, the weather service said. “It’s just a reminder, winter is here,” said Tom Paone of the National Weather Service in Buffalo.

Taliban seize at least 22 men from regional paramilitary force THE Pakistani Taliban have seized at least 22 men from a regional paramilitary force in attacks on three checkpoints in northern Pakistan, a regional ofﬁcial said yesterday. Taliban and other Pakistani sources put the number higher.

The raids close to the provincial capital of Peshawar follows two high-proﬁle attacks in the city this month, underlining the Taliban’s willingness to take on the Pakistani state amid speculation of divisions among senior Talibani leadership.

At least 22 men were missing, two had been killed and one was injured after militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades and riﬂes launched the overnight attacks, said Naveed Akbar, a regional ofﬁcial whose remit covers the Levies, or tribal force, units.

Other Pakistani ofﬁcials said at least 30 men had been taken, a ﬁgure echoed by Taliban spokesmen. Eight of the paramilitary soldiers have been killed, Taliban spokesman Mohammed Afridi said in Khyber agency, or region. He said the group

had captured 30 soldiers. Another spokesman, Ihsanullah Ihsan, said 33 were taken. Military sources said no soldiers or police were missing. The Levies is a force raised from the tribes and supported by the Pakistani government.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

World The Shura Council - Egypt’s upper house of parliament is seen meeting in Cairo on Wednesday

Resignations a setback for Mursi Islamist minister and Christian MP resign By Tamim Elyan and Shaimaa Fayed AN Islamist minister quit Egypt’s government yesterday, the second cabinet resignation this week as President Mohamed Mursi tries to shore up his authority and gather support for unpopular austerity measures. An economic crisis and a battle over a new constitution have underlined bitter divisions between Mursi and his opponents and delayed a return to stability almost two years since a popular uprising. Rivals accuse Mursi, who won Egypt’s ﬁrst freely contested leadership election in June, of polarising society by foisting a divisive, Islamistleaning constitution on the country and using the autocratic ways of his deposed predecessor Hosni Mubarak. Deadly violence preceded a referendum on the basic law, dealing a blow to a struggling economy. Mursi’s political rivals refused to accept the result - the text won about 64 per cent in the vote - and they reject his call for national unity talks. In a move that may preempt

a planned reshufﬂe by Mursi, parliamentary affairs minister Mohamed Mahsoub announced he was quitting because he disagreed with the slow pace of reform. “I have reached a clear conclusion that a lot of the policies and efforts contradict with my personal beliefs and I don’t see them as representative of our people’s aspirations,” he said in his resignation letter. Communications Minister Hany Mahmoud quit earlier this week, citing his inability to adapt to the government’s “working culture”. Earlier yesterday, a Christian member of Egypt’s upper house of parliament, Nadia Henry, quit a day after the Islamist-dominated chamber took over legislative authority under the new constitution.

MINORITIES The constitution crafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly is meant to be the cornerstone of a democratic and economically stable Egypt after decades of authoritarian rule. The opposition says it does nothing to protect minorities.

Mursi says the constitution and an upcoming vote to re-elect the lower house of parliament will help end squabbling among feuding politicians. He and his Muslim Brotherhood allies say ordinary people are fed up with street protests that often turn violent and want the government to focus on urgent bread-andbutter issues. The strife has cast doubt on the government’s ability to push through the spending cuts and tax hikes needed to secure a vital $4.8-billion International Monetary Fund loan. The Egyptian pound tumbled to its weakest in almost eight years against the dollar this week as people rushed to withdraw savings from banks. The resignations this week come ahead of a promised cabinet reshufﬂe. Cabinet sources have told Reuters as many as eight cabinet members from second-tier ministries might go next week. Mursi is also promising incentives aimed at making Egypt - once a darling of emerging market investors - an attractive place to do business again.

Russia’s Putin signals that he will sign US adoption ban PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin signalled yesterday he would sign a bill barring Americans from adopting Russian children into law and sought to forestall criticism of the move by promising measures to better care for his country’s orphans. In televised comments, Putin tried to appeal to people’s patriotism by suggesting that strong and responsible countries should take care of their own and lent his support to a bill that has further strained US-Russia relations. “There are probably many places in the world where living standards are higher than ours. So what, are we going to send all

our children there? Maybe we should move there ourselves?” he said, with sarcasm. Parliament gave its ﬁnal approval on Wednesday to the bill, which would also introduce other measures in retaliation for new US legislation which is designed to punish Russians accused of human rights violations. For it to become law Putin needs to sign it. “I intend to sign not only the law ... but also a presidential decree that will modify the support mechanisms for orphaned children ... especially those who are in a difﬁcult situation, by that I mean in poor health,” Putin said.

Syria envoy Brahimi calls for political change to end conflict THE international envoy seeking a solution to Syria’s 21-month-old conﬂict said yesterday political change was needed to end the violence which has killed 44,000 people, and called for a transitional government to rule until elections. Speaking in Damascus at the end of a ﬁve-day trip during which he met President Bashar al-Assad, Lakhdar Brahimi did not offer details, but said only substantial change would meet the demands of ordinary Syrians. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added to the envoy’s call for a peaceful solution, when he told a senior Syrian diplomat that only a “broad inter-Syria dialogue and political process” could end the crisis. Brahimi’s push for a transitional government suggested he was trying to build on an international agreement in Geneva six months ago which said a provisional body - which might include members of Assad’s government as well as the opposition - should lead the country into new polls. But the mainly Sunni Muslim Syrian rebels have seized the military initiative since the Geneva meeting in June and the political opposition has ruled out any transitional government in which Assad,

International peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi from Syria’s Alawite minority, plays a role. Rebel ﬁghters resumed attacks yesterday against the military base of Wadi Deif, next to Syria’s main northsouth highway linking Aleppo with Damascus. Around the capital, Assad’s forces have tried for weeks to dislodge rebels from suburbs ringing the east and south of the city. “Certainly it was clear in Geneva, and it’s even clearer now that the change which is needed is not cosmetic or superﬁcial,” Brahimi told a news conference in Damascus before leaving Syria. “I believe the Syrian people need, want and aspire to genuine change

and everyone knows what this means,” he said. “A government must be created ... with all the powers of the state,” Brahimi added. He said it should hold power for a transitional period until elections - either for a new president or a new parliament - are held. “This transitional process must not lead to the ... collapse of state institutions. All Syrians, and those who support them, must cooperate to preserve those institutions and strengthen them.” Radwan Ziadeh of the opposition Syrian National Council dismissed Brahimi’s proposal as “unrealistic and fanciful” and said a transitional government could not be built on the same “security and intelligence structure as the existing regime”. Russia’s Lavrov met Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Makdad in Moscow yesterday and underscored “the lack of an alternative to a peaceful resolution of (Syria’s) internal conﬂict through a broad inter-Syria dialogue and political process”, a Russian Foreign Ministry statement said. But it made no mention of ways to achieve those goals. Syrian and Lebanese sources said Makdad had been sent to Moscow to discuss details of a peace plan proposed by Brahimi.

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Business Prosecutors in Greece comb through Swiss accounts list GREEK prosecutors are checking a list of possible tax cheats, court sources said yesterday, in a case that has highlighted Athens’s failure to crack down on tax evasion, one of the factors behind the country’s financial crisis. Given to Greece for a second time by French authorities on December 21, the list contains hundreds of names of Greek account holders at global bank HSBC (HSBA.L) in Switzerland, which authorities want to investigate over suspected tax evasion. The affair has enraged the public and opposition parties already furious over the failure of consecutive governments to crack down on the rich and powerful, while years of recession have wiped out a fifth of economic output and hammered middle-class living standards. France originally handed over the list to Athens in 2010. But former Greek government officials did not act on it, fuelling public anger and prompting suspicion that some names were erased before it was handed over to parliament earlier this year. To put an end to the confusion, Greek prosecutors travelled to Paris last week to re-obtain the original list. They are now cross-checking the two documents to find out if any names were removed. “There might be a preliminary finding by Monday on whether the list was tampered with,” a court official told Reuters. The list originates from wide-ranging data stolen by a former HSBC employee, which Paris obtained. Greeks have dubbed it the “Lagarde List” after Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund who was French finance minister when the list was originally handed over. Greece has so far failed to convict any big names of tax evasion, fuelling popular disenchantment with a political class.

Rates These Bank of Cyprus rates for telegraphic transfer transactions (spot deals) apply to yesterday, but provide a good guide to today’s value against the euro. Buying Selling Pound St

0.8240 0.8158

US Dollar

1.3294 1.3162

Australian $

1.2933 1.2613

Canadian Dol.

1.3301 1.2973

Swiss Fr

1.2157 1.2011

Denmark Kr

7.5511 7.3647

Japan Yen

114.1961 112.8339

Norwegian Kr

7.4794 7.2948

Polish Zloty

4.1604

Russian Ruble 40.9399 39.9291 8.7173 8.5021

bled – super fast rail network. The opening of the new line means passengers will be whisked from the capital to the southern commercial hub in just eight hours, compared with the 22 hours previously required (AFP)

Obama heads back to DC as ‘cliff’ deadline nears By Fred Barbash PRESIDENT Barack Obama was flying back to Washington yesterday, and the top Republican in Congress planned to speak with House of Representative slawmakers as the clock ticked toward a year-end deadline for action to avert the looming “fiscal cliff ” tax hikes and spending cuts. Markets around the world awaited action in Washington to prevent tax hikes on nearly all Americans and the deep automatic government spending cuts due to kick in at the beginning of next month that could push the U.S. economy back into recession. Such action, however, remained far from certain, with Republicans and Democrats each insisting the other side move first amid continuing partisan gridlock. Air Force One carrying Obama from Hawaii took off early for a journey that can take nearly half a day. The US Senate was scheduled to meet later last night but on matters unrelated to the “fiscal cliff.” The Demo-

US President cuts short Christmas break in Hawaii as all eyes turn to fiscal cliff crats control the Senate and the Republicans control the House. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Wednesday said through a spokesman that the Senatewas ready to consider any bills coming from the House but would take no action on its own. Speaker John Boehner and other House Republican leaders, who said on Wednesday they were willing to take up a “ﬁscal cliff” measure only after the Senate acts on one, planned a conference call with Republican House members yesterday.

THREE DAYS The expectation for the call was that lawmakers would be told to get back to Washington within 48 hours to consider anything the Senate might pass. Weather permitting, that would bring them to Washington with perhaps three days left before the deadline for action. Storms affecting the

Midwest, the South and the Northeast played havoc with airline schedules. “This isn’t a one party or one house problem. This is (that) leaders in both parties in all branches of the government are not willing to make the deal that they know they have to make. Everybody wants their stuff but doesn’t want to give up what they don’t want to give up,” Republican US Representative Steven LaTourette told CNN yesterday. The House and Senate passed bills months ago reﬂecting their own sharply divergent positions on the expiring low tax rates, which went into effect during the administration of Republican former President George W. Bush. Democrats want to allow the tax cuts to expire on the wealthiest Americans. Republicans want to extend the tax cuts for everyone. “We’re in an economy now that is fragile - still recovering, all too slowly. These tax

cuts must be extended for the middle class. We need to protect the middle class from that huge tax increase,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told CNN. While Obama and congressional leaders have said that they are willing to negotiate, no substantive discussions are known to have taken place over the holidays and the gap between them appears to remain. A senior Obama administration ofﬁcial told reporters travelling with Obama that Republican leaders in Congress should step up to head off the looming tax and spending hit. Congress has proven that it can act swiftly once an agreement is reached. Hope persisted that Republicans and Democrats might come up with a resolution before New Year’s Day that might at least postpone the impact of the tax hikes and spending cuts while further discussions take place. On that basis, world shares and

the euro edged higher yesterday. “There is still hope for a last-minute deal, otherwise we’re in for a correction in January. People have already priced in an agreement. Without it, the market can’t stay at these levels,” a Paris-based trader said.

BATTLE Another battle is just over the horizon in late January or early February over raising the debt ceiling, which puts a limit on the amount of money the U.S. government can borrow to pay its debts and can be raised only with the approval of Congress. Republican leaders have said they will insist on more budget cuts as a condition of raising the ceiling. Without any action, the U.S. Treasury said on Wednesday the government is set to reach its $16.4 trillion debt ceiling on December 31. The Treasury Department said in a statement it would begin “extraordinary measures” to buy time. Many analysts believe the government can stave the default date off into late February.

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The high speed train of the new 2,298-kilometre (1,425-mile) line between Beijing and Guangzhou waits to start its inaugural journey in Beijing yesterday, the world’s longest high-speed rail route. The link is the latest milestone in the country’s rapid and – sometimes trou-

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JAPANESE retail investors poured about $2.3 billion in a mutual fund that mainly invests in US, Mexican and Canadian shares, the biggest subscription since October 2006, a distributor of the fund, SMBC Nikko Securities, said yesterday. The country’s third-largest money manager, Nikko Asset Management, launched the Japan domiciled fund, called Nikko Gravity Americas Fund, which attracted 200.1 billion yen ($2.3 billion) at the launch - the third biggest subscription ever. Its subscription ceiling is set at 300 billion yen. Cash-rich Japanese investors heavily bought the Nikko Gravity fund on expectation of strong potential US. economic growth with the recent rise in the dollar against the yen encouraging their interest, an ofﬁcial at SMBC Nikko said. The fund makes

allocations in line with its model portfolio, which gives a 64 per cent weighting in US shares, 14 per cent in Mexican shares, 10 per cent in Canadian shares and the rest split in Latin American countries including Columbia and Brazil, Nikko Asset’s document on its website showed. The fund’s allocations in sectors include 20 per cent in energy followed by 15 per cent each in ﬁnancial and information technology. Japan’s $720 billion mutual fund market is the secondlargest in the Asia-Paciﬁc region after Australia and the eighthlargest in the world. Japanese individuals hold a massive 1,500 trillion yen in personal assets of which 57 per cent is held in lowyielding bank and postal savings, while less than 4 per cent is invested in mutual funds, Bank of Japan data shows.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Opinion

And this man is Turkey’s minister for Europe? IF THERE’S one thing Turkish politicians are not short of, it’s chutzpah. Ankara’s minister for Europe, Egeman Bagis, sparked off an internal row on the Greek Cypriot side yesterday by raising the issue of a four-party conference on the Cyprus issue but that in itself – and the parties’ reactions - are nothing new. They need something else to focus on as election fever heats up. But it was Bagis’ comments on Cyprus’ ﬁnancial crisis that provided a bit of light relief. Turkish press quoted him as saying that the economic situation in Cyprus did not make Turkey happy and that to ‘hit a country when it was down’ has no place in Turkish culture. Then he went ahead and did just that. ‘It is really thought-provoking that a country that possesses the bloc’s rotating presidency is in a position to declare its bankruptcy in terms of the European Union’s founding philosophy,’ said Bagis. It got even better when he said that the ‘improving’ state of northern Cyprus was ready to ‘help the south’. ‘The Greek Cypriot administration could get a loan from the north just like they receive electricity and water when they need it,’ he said. He added that if President Demetris Christoﬁas was anxious over the economic crisis and wanted to apply to ‘Turkish Cyprus, we are ready to lend a hand to Greek Cypriots as their neighbour’. The economic crisis was a result of ‘non-logical obstinacy of Greek Cypriots’ he said. To outsiders, Bagis’ offer might sound generous, apart from the blatant untruths he came out with. Firstly, Greek Cypriots do not receive electricity and water from the north. Where electricity is concerned, it’s been quite the reverse for decades. Electricity was temporarily bought from the north during the Mari crisis, for an amount running into the millions. But Bagis’ biggest porky was suggesting the ‘TRNC’ could loan money to the Cyprus government when the regime in the north is totally reliant on handouts from Turkey, and almost as broke in relative terms as we are. Only yesterday, binmen in the north were out protesting because they have not been paid for three months, and they’re just one sector of the north’s economy facing austerity imposed by Ankara. Bagis’ version of ‘lending a hand’ to Greek Cypriots would also come with the strings of recognition for the ‘TRNC’. Of course he knew such an offer could not and would not ever be accepted, yet he didn’t want to ‘hit a country when it was down’ although that’s exactly what he did. The Turkish side is always clamouring for a share in the island’s oil and gas wealth yet their generous offer, a la Bagis, unsurprisingly doesn’t stretch as far as sharing our debt. And this man is Turkey’s minister for Europe? God help everyone.

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The selective memory of Turkey’s Erdogan I

N THE past couple of months Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan appears to be increasingly worried, and he is not the only leader feeling so, about the bloodshed in Syria. Rightly so. He sharply criticised the UN Security Council for failing to take action in order to stop Syria’s internecine war. He exclaimed: ‘How sad [it] is that the United Nations is as helpless today as it was 20 years ago when it watched the massacre of hundreds of thousands of people in the Balkans, Bosnia and Srebrenica’ adding that Syria would go down in history as a UN failure much like in Bosnia in the 1990s. “The world body of superpowers is repeating mistakes that led to massacres in Bosnia in the 1990s”. How ridiculous it is for Mr Erdogan to seek to offend our intelligence in such a gross way. The list of instances of selective memory inconsistencies and double standards is endless. But let us examine here his claim that the UN Security Council is ineffectual. Is it the Security Council’s fault that calls for ceasefire are not heeded and agreed ceasefires are not observed in armed conflicts or acts of aggression? Erdogan’s selective memory comes into play with a single purpose in his mind: to whitewash his country’s criminal record towards its neighbours. In 1964 Turkey napalmed Cyprus burning alive non-combatant Greek Cypriot population. The UN Security Council sent to the island a peace-keeping force, so-called bi-communal talks for political transition

Comment Dr Yiorghos Leventis were initiated whereas Ankara received a stern warning to respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus not only by the UN SC but importantly also from the US President Lyndon Johnson. How did Ankara pursue the UN bodies resolutions and admonitions? Already a year later the UN SG Special Representative Galo Plaza produced a report, the upshot of which was that Ankara through its proxy, the Turkish Cypriot leadership was bent on pursuing sectarianism, geographical segregation and ultimately partition. With the supply of arms ﬂowing from the Turkish mainland to the island incessantly, helping to consolidate rebel Turkish Cypriot breakaway armed enclaves, in the same way that the Syrian rebels are lavishly trained and supplied arms today, ten years later Ankara invades the island. On the very day of the invasion, July 20, 1974, the Security Council, which Mr Erdogan today is very keen to brand as ineffectual, convenes and issues a resolution containing an agreed ceaseﬁre for of July 22 (SC Res. 353). What ensued is well known for those of us who delve deeply into the study of Turkish policy and tactics whereas for those who consciously or subconsciously chose to employ a selective type of memory, the historic facts of Turkish aggression through the

Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan bullying and invading the neighbours, committing atrocities go unrecorded. For the record: not only Ankara showed gross disrespect to the SC agreed ceaseﬁre but it launched a second offensive on August 14, 1974 in which the Turkish invading forces engaged in a rampage of looting, pillage, rape and ultimately expulsion of one third of the island’s Greek Orthodox population from their 30-centuries-old ancestral homes. To this day, Mr Erdogan’s government not only refuses to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, worse, it grossly de-

nies its existence - even though the RoC was at the helm of the EU, the very European club that Ankara seeks to join. Ask any Turkish ofﬁcial, he would invariably say: such a country (Cyprus) does not exist. Turkish ‘observance of international law’ repeats itself between1960-74. In preparation for a meticulously planned invasion Ankara clandestinely ships arms and ammunitions and Turkish Army ofﬁcers to train the Turkish Cypriot rebels. The invasion is self-conveniently and hypocritically dubbed by the Turkish Chiefs of Staff as ‘Cyprus peace operation’. Decades later in 2012, Ankara is orchestrating the insurgency in neighbouring Syria by feeding arms and training Sunni rebels. Last May, Michael Weiss, London’s Daily Telegraph correspondent embedded himself with Syrian rebels in Southern Turkey. He sent the following report that speaks for itself: “Rebel sources in Hatay told me last night that not only is Turkey supplying light arms to select battalion commanders, it is also training Syrians in Istanbul. Men from the unit I was embedded with were vetted and called up by Turkish intelligence in the last few days and large consignments of AK-47s are being delivered by the Turkish military to the Syrian-Turkish border. No one knows where the guns came from originally, but no one much cares.” Dr Yiorghos Leventis is Director of the Nicosia-based International Security Forum think tank www.inter-security-forum.org.

Egypt and the not so bad new constitution EGYPTIAN politics over the past nine months has not been an edifying sight, but the new constitution does not spell the end of democracy in Egypt. It scares the 36 per cent of Egyptian voters who rejected it, but their fears are probably misplaced. The revolution was made in the big cities, mostly by people who were secular in outlook. However, most Egyptian voters live in rural areas that are devout and deeply conservative, so three-quarters of the votes in the ﬁrst free election went to Islamic parties. The Freedom and Justice Party, the political vehicle of the Muslim Brotherhood, got almost half the votes but it did not really get a mandate to impose strict Islamic law on Egypt. Some of its votes came from people who wanted that, but some came from people who value the Brotherhood’s charitable work, or were just grateful for its role as the only real resistance during the decades of dictatorship. The Brotherhood’s last political platform in 2007 called for a board of Muslim clerics to supervise the government. It also insisted that only Muslim men could become president. “The state which we seek can never be presided over by a non-Muslim,” said Mohammed Mursi, who drafted that platform and

Comment Gwynne Dyer is now president of Egypt. Maybe Mursi still privately thinks that, or maybe he has realised that these rules are unacceptable in a democracy where all citizens are equal. It doesn’t matter. The new constitution does not contain any such provisions, and the main reason is obviously the Brotherhood’s tacit bargain with the armed forces. The deal, which guarantees the military’s privileges, was necessary to persuade the staunchly secular armed forces to accept an Islamic party in government, but it had a price: the new government could not be TOO Islamic. This posed a problem for Mursi, because Muslim Brotherhood activists wanted to use their political power to entrench “Islamic” rules in the new constitution. So Mursi had to walk a ﬁne line. He had to put enough Islamic language into the constitution to mollify his own supporters, but not so much that the military would break their alliance with him. He didn’t walk that line very well. The whole constitutional process

was a poisonous battle even before Mursi became president last June. In April the Supreme Judicial Council, whose members had all been appointed by the Mubarak dictatorship, dissolved the newly elected House of Representatives on a ﬂimsy pretext, and also dismissed the constitution-writing assembly that it had chosen. But the upper house of parliament is also dominated by Islamist parties, and it simply appointed another constituent assembly with the same makeup. After that it was open war. By October most of the non-Islamists in the second constituent assembly had walked out, and the Supreme Judicial Council was about to dismiss that body too. Mursi’s clumsy response was to grant himself unlimited powers and forbid the judiciary to dismiss the assembly. There was an outcry by the opposition, a fractious coalition of leftists, liberals and Christians, and the protestors were instantly back on the streets. But the constituent assembly promptly rendered the whole crisis unnecessary by passing the new draft constitution in a 29-hour marathon sitting, so Mursi cancelled his special powers – and on 22 December, Egyptians ratiﬁed the new constitution by a 63.8 per cent majority.

Small crisis, not many hurt. The army got what it wanted: henceforward, the minister of defence must be a serving ofﬁcer, and the military will effectively control its own budget. The parliament cannot even debate it. The Brotherhood got less of what it wanted, but there are bits of Islamic language in the constitution to keep the activists happy. For example, Article 2 of the old constitution (1971) says: “The principles of Sharia are the main source of legislation.” The new one still says that, but Article 219 adds: “The principles of Sharia include general evidence and foundations, rules and jurisprudence as well as sources accepted by doctrines of Sunni Islam and the majority of Muslim scholars.” And what practical difference does that make? As for the frantic haste with which the constitution was passed – after two years of revolutionary upheaval, the Egyptian economy desperately needs the political stability that a new constitution and fresh elections (due in February) will provide. It’s not a plot. It’s just the politics of necessity. Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Showbiz

Gerry Anderson, Thunderbirds creator, dies TRIBUTES have poured in for TV producer Gerry Anderson, of Henley-on-Thames, who created 1960s children’s puppet classics Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons. He was 83 when he died on Wednesday and had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease since early 2010. His condition had deteriorated in the past six months and he died peacefully in his sleep, Jamie Anderson said. Anderson wrote on his website:

“He died peacefully in his sleep, having suffered with mixed dementia for the past few years.” Anderson, who also created the hit puppet TV show Stingray, is survived by his wife and four children. Having been diagnosed with mixed dementia at the age of 81, he and his son Jamie became active supporters of Alzheimer’s Society, recently taking part in the Society’s ﬂagship fundraiser Memory Walk. Jeremy Hughes, chief executive

at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Gerry Anderson has been an outstanding supporter of Alzheimer’s Society and campaigner on behalf of people with dementia.” Anderson began his television career in the 1950s and established himself as one of Britain’s leading creative brains over a career spanning nearly six decades, masterminding the live-action science ﬁction shows UFO and Space: 1999, as well as the thriller series The Protectors.

aged 83

Nick Williams, chairman of Fanderson, the Gerry Anderson appreciation society, paid tribute to him, saying: “Gerry’s legacy is that he inspired so many people and continues to bring so much joy to so many millions of people around the world.”

Kate Winslet ties the knot for a third time

Portman & Stewart are most bankable

J-Lo’s extortion lawsuit against driver dismissed

Parents were not even aware of the nuptials

THE 43-year-old singerand-actress had filed a $20 million case against former chauffeur Hakob Manoukian in response to his own lawsuit against her - in which he claimed he was forced to resign from his job - but Los Angeles Superior Court Justice Joseph Kalin granted a motion from the driver’s attorney to strike the star’s cross-complaint at a hearing on December 21. In her countersuit, Jennifer alleged Hakob became obsessed with power and wanted to control her entire security team and get more money for doing it. When he was turned down, the ‘On the Floor’ hitmaker claimed he retaliated by threatening to spill confidential information that would be highly embarrassing. Jennifer says the driver threatened that if he wasn’t paid $2.8 million he would take his information to authorities and have her criminally prosecuted. However, the ex-employee had claimed Jennifer was trying to punish him for filing a legitimate employment lawsuit against her. Hakob had claimed he was forced to resign after being publicly berated by the former American Idol judge’s manager Benny Medina. His case is scheduled to go to trial in May 2013.

THE Revolutionary Road actress has tied the knot with her third husband in a private ceremony in New York. The Oscar-winning actress was reportedly given away by her Titanic co-star Leonardo DiCaprio when she wed Ned RocknRoll in front of her two children and a small number of friends. Their marriage plans had been kept a closely guarded secret following their engagement in the summer. Kate, 37, separated from her second husband, American Beauty and Skyfall director Sam Mendes, with whom she has a son, Joe, in 2010 after nearly seven years of marriage. This followed the split from her ﬁrst husband, assistant director Jim Threapleton, in December 2001.The couple, who have one daughter, Mia, had only been wed three years when they divorced. RocknRoll, 34, who changed his name from Abel Smith, is the nephew of Sir Richard Branson. Their wedding took place in a converted barn and was attended by just six friends from each side, The Sun reported. Kate’s spokesman said: “I can conﬁrm that Kate Winslet married Ned RocknRoll in New York earlier this month in a private ceremony attended by her two children and a few friends and family. “The couple had been engaged since the summer.”

ACTRESSES Natalie Portman and Kristin Stewart are Hollywood’s most bankable stars and provide studios with the highest average returns for their films, according to Forbes. com. Academy award winner Portman topped the list of best actors for the buck, providing about $42.70 (26.49 pounds) for every dollar she earns. Black Swan, for which she won her best actress Oscar, was produced for an estimated $13 million and earned $329 million in global box office sales. “We estimate that for every dollar Portman is paid by the studios, she returns $42.70. Compare that to Eddie Murphy, our most overpaid star, who returns $2.30 for every dollar he gets paid,” Forbes.com said. Twilight star Stewart was not far behind, bringing in $40.60. She also topped the Forbes list of highestearning actresses with an estimated $34.5 million in salary in 2012. “Stewart was able to earn a ton over the last three years and offer a healthy return thanks to Twilight,” according to Forbes.com. “Even though she was paid $25 million to star in the last two films, she was clearly worth the money.” Forbes.com analysed salaries, estimated box office grosses from the actor’s last three films over the previous three years to calculate the studio’s return on investment. The most bankable stars tended to be featured in the most profitable films. Stewart may have had a bad year due to her affair scandal with director Rupert Sanders but that did not hurt her financial viability. She was second on the list with Twilight franchise and Snow White and the Huntsman. The young star returned an average of USD 40.60 for every dollar she earned. She is followed by Shia LaBeouf (USD 35.80). Stewart’s two co-stars in the Twilight films were also good investments for the studio. Robert Pattinson came in fourth with a return of $31.70 and Taylor Lautner was No. 6, making $29.50 for the studio for every dollar he was paid.

The best man: Leonardo DiCaprio gave Kate away in the private ceremony attended by a few friends and the actress’ children But when her father Robert was asked about the wedding, he said: “What are you going on about?” Ned’s family were equally shocked, with his father Robert saying: “It’s not something I know of — but nothing would surprise me with those two.” The actress achieved worldwide fame for her role in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, starring opposite DiCaprio. Kate accepted a CBE earlier this year for services to drama. At the time, she spoke of her love of acting but said being a mother was the “best job”.

Third time lucky: Kate Winslet marries Ned RocknRoll in secret ceremony in New York

Rihanna and Chris Brown are back together - again

Chris Brown (L) and Rihanna laugh together while sitting courtside at the NBA game between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day

THE ‘Diamonds’ singer - who reconciled with the ‘Turn Up The Music’ hitmaker earlier this year before announcing their split this month - looked smitten with Chris as they spent Christmas Day together watching the LA Lakers basketball team. The two could be seen cheering and sipping drinks, with Rihanna occasionally whispering in Chris’ ear and cuddling him. She was also wearing a gold collar necklace believed to be a gift from Chris, who is still on probation for beating her in 2009. According to gossip web-

site TMZ, the two singers had arrived in the same car but entered Staples Center separately, before meeting up inside. However, it seems Rihanna still faces competition from Chris’ ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran to fully win his heart and the pair seem to be going to great lengths to outdo each other on social networking sites. A source told The Sun newspaper: “Rihanna and Karrueche are really ﬁghting over Chris and have been sending each other coded messages online for weeks. “They hate each other but

Chris seems content to carry on with them at the same time. They were competing over Christmas to send Chris the most loved-up messages possible. “Rihanna may have got Chris on Christmas Day but he sees no reason not to see Karrueche too.” Earlier this month, Rihanna, was left reeling when he was pictured enjoying a meal with Karrueche in Dubai, and she wrote on her Instagram: “Being single sucks. The only thing I get to do anymore is whatever I want to do (sic).”

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Health

bites

Idaho, California best for men AMERICAN men looking for the best place to find happiness, health and a good quality of life might consider heading to Boise, Idaho, or San Jose and San Francisco in northern California. The three western US cities top the list of the 100 best towns for men in a new ranking compiled by Men’s Health magazine, while Charleston, West Virginia, Philadelphia and Birmingham, Alabama are considered the worst. Boise, which jumped from fifth place last year, scored high marks for the physical and mental health of its residents, its low crime rate and short commuting times - an average of just 18 minutes. San Francisco, which consistently ranks high, impressed with its small percentage of obese people, low number of smokers and highly educated and fit population. San Jose had very low death rates from cancer and heart disease, the

lowest percentage of smokers in any of the 100 cities in the ranking, and not much crime. At the opposite end of the list, high cancer rates, violent crime and poor ﬁtness levels assured Birmingham last place. In addition to Philadelphia and Charleston, West Virginia, the bottom ﬁve included Toledo, Ohio and St. Louis, Missouri. New York ranked 33rd.

ed to look at how urologists, in particular, were reviewed. Urologists specialize in disorders of the urinary tract in men and women.

Online urologist ratings positive

KIDS given a combination of cheese and vegetables will eat only about a quarter as many calories as those given potato chips, according to a new study. “Like it or not, children like foods that are energy-dense and not those that are nutrient-rich. That is because children are still growing. That is basic physiology,” said Adam Drewnowski, director of the Nutritional Sciences Programme at the University of Washington, who was not part of the study. The ﬁndings suggest that swapping out potato chips for cheese or vegetables might help reduce the amount of calories kids eat at snack time, said Adam Brumberg, one of the authors of the study and the deputy director of the Food and Brand Laboratory at Cornell University. The study, which was funded in part by the cheese maker Bel Brands USA, involved 183 kids. Each was put in a room to watch TV and eat a snack - 45 were given potato chips, 36 cheese, 59 raw vegetables and 43 cheese and vegetables. After 45 minutes the researchers measured how much food the children had eaten. They found that kids in the chip group ate by far the most calories - 620 on average.

RATINGS for urologists on doctor review websites were typically positive in a new analysis, but on average each doctor had only two or three patient scores. That suggests that although a little poking around online may be useful for people wondering about a new doctor, users should be cautious about how much to read into such limited information, researchers said. “The biggest stumbling block at present for these sites to really be useful for patients is just the very limited number of reviews that exist,” said Dr. Peter Lindenauer of Baystate Medical Center in Springﬁeld,Massachusetts, What’s more, he said. “You need to be aware that these websites are not regulated - there’s no veriﬁcation that the patients were actually patients.” Nor are they a “random sample” that represents everyone who sees a given doctor, he added. Previous studies have analyzed these rating sites across the board, but for the new report, researchers from Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois want-

Extra weight and allergies tied to school bullying Studies suggest between one in ten and one in three of all kids and teens are bullied, according to studies KIDS who have food allergies or are overweight may be especially likely to get bullied by their peers, two new studies suggest. Not surprisingly, researchers also found targets of bullying were more distressed and anxious and had a worse quality of life, in general, than those who weren’t picked on. Bullying has become a concern among parents, doctors and school administrators since research and news stories emerged linking bullying - including online “cyberbullying” - with depression and even suicide. “There has been a shift and people are more and more recognising that bullying has real consequences, it’s not just something to be making jokes about,” said Dr Mark Schuster, chief of general pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and a professor at Harvard Medical School, who wrote a commentary published with the new research. Studies suggest between one in ten and one in three of all kids and teens are bullied but those ﬁgures may vary by location and demographics, researchers noted. The new ﬁndings come from two studies published in the Journal of Pediatrics. In one, Dr Eyal Shemesh from the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and his colleagues surveyed 251 kids who were seen at an allergy clinic and their parents. The children were all between age eight and 17 with a diagnosed food allergy. Just over 45 per cent of them said they’d been bullied or

Kids in the study were mostly white and well-off harassed for any reason, and 32 per cent reported being bullied because of their allergy in particular. “Our ﬁnding is entirely consistent with what you ﬁnd with children with a disability,” Shemesh told Reuters Health. A food allergy, he said, “is a vulnerability that can be very easily exploited, so of course it will be exploited.” The kids in the study were mostly white and well-off, the researcher said - a group that you’d expect would be targeted less often. So bullying may be more common in poorer and minority children who also have food allergies. But allergies aren’t the only cause of teasing and harassment by peers. In another

study, researchers from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, found that almost two-thirds of 361 teens enrolled in weight-loss camps had been bullied due to their size. That likelihood increased with weight, so that the heaviest kids had almost a 100 per cent chance of being bullied, Rebecca Puhl and her colleagues found. Verbal teasing was the most common form of bullying, but more than half of bullied kids reported getting taunted online or through texts and emails as well. Shemesh’s team found only about half of parents knew when their food-allergic child was being bullied, and kids tended to be better off when

their families were aware of the problem. He said parents should feel comfortable asking kids if they’re being bothered at school or elsewhere - and that even if it only happens once, bullying shouldn’t be ignored. “We want parents to know,” he said. “Start the conversation.” “Parents whose kids have a food allergy should really be aware that their kids have the kind of characteristic that often leads to being bullied,” Schuster told Reuters Health. “They should be working with the school to handle the food allergy in a way that isn’t going to make it more likely that their kids will be bullied - and they need to be attuned to their kids.”

Healthier snacks, fewer calories

What’s in a name? Losing Asperger’s label not such a big change STRUGGLING TO describe her son, Suzanne Kolen of Long Island, New York, uses a friend’s recent description: He’s the 13-year-old boy bouncing down the road in the rain looking very much like Winnie the Pooh’s friend, Tigger. “He’s a genuinely happy kid,” Kolen says of her son, a bright boy who loves nature and paleontology and has never been defined by his diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism marked by social awkwardness and narrow interests that make personal relationships challenging. Matthew’s diagnosis will soon be dropped in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5, the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic reference book, to be subsumed into the broader category of autism spectrum disorder. Although autism can range from highly functioning individuals like Matthew to those with severe speech and intellectual disabilities, in general individuals struggle with difficulties in communication, behaviour and social interaction. Dropping the Asperger’s diagnosis in the new DSM, due out this spring, has caused consternation for some families. “One of the biggest concerns is that some who are higher functioning will no longer meet the more stringent criteria and will therefore have difficulty getting services,” says Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, an autism researcher at the University of California Los Angeles. An analysis by Dr. Fred Volkmar of the Yale School of Medicine released earlier this year suggested as many as 45 per cent of those currently diagnosed with autism or a related disorder would no longer qualify under the new definition. Laugeson said Volkmar’s analysis was based on a review of older medical records that might not have captured all of the symptoms that would qualify a person for an au-

tism diagnosis under the new standard. The jury is still out in terms of how the change will play out in routine practice, she said: “We really need to see it in action.” To ease fears that some individuals will no longer be eligible for services and insurance coverage, the APA task force recommends that people already diagnosed with an autism-related disorder, such as Asperger’s, would be grandfathered in. Kolen, who has never been caught up in labels, says she is not concerned about the change. Although Matthew was officially diagnosed with Asperger’s in second grade, his preschool teachers were the first to point out his differences. By age 4, he began applied behaviour analysis or ABA therapy, a specialized type of therapy used to treat autism. “That really put us on a good path,” Kolen says, adding that at that age, “no one was willing to put a label on him, but they would treat what they saw.” In addition to Asperger’s, Matthew is now being treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and has recently developed some issues with anxiety - conditions that commonly accompany autism spectrum disorders. Like many on the autism spectrum, Matthew finds it difficult to make eye contact. “I can’t stare into someone’s eyes,” he says. “It just hurts.” On Wednesdays, Matthew attends a social group with other young people on the autism spectrum, where they work on improving their social skills. While they all have the same or similar difficulties, they can recognize social awkwardness in others. Kolen says her son still struggles with the give and take of conversation. “It’s very difficult for him to allow the other person to speak. He’s still tends to dominate.” But Matthew is bright, and she believes with enough practice, he will learn how to respond appropriately to social cues, even if he’s “a little rough around the edges.”

CYPRUS MAIL Friday

Film

Cloud Atlas

ES SUMMARIES Cloud Atlas (See page opposite) Our rating: N/A

An… [What If…] (See page opposite) Our rating: N/A

Wreck-It Ralph Wreck-It Ralph is a videogame villain who longs to be as beloved as his game’s perfect hero, Fix-It Felix. Problem is, nobody loves a villain. Ralph somehow needs to transform himself into a hero – so he sneaks into a first-personshooter war game, planning to win a medal, but soon wrecks everything, accidentally unleashing a deadly enemy that threatens every game in the arcade. Ralph’s only hope? Vanellope von Schweetz, a young troublemaking “glitch” from a saccharine cart-racing game who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a Good Guy. Directed by Rich Moore. DUBBED INTO GREEK. In 3D. (Kids’ cartoon, 101 mins.) Our rating:

Life of Pi Growing up in Pondicherry, India during the 1970s, Piscine, known to all as Pi (played as a teenager by Suraj Sharma, as an adult by Irrfan Khan), has a rich life. His father owns a zoo, and Pi spends his days among tigers, zebras, hippos, and other creatures. But after Pi attempts to befriend a Bengal tiger, named Richard Parker, the young boy learns a harsh lesson from his father about the relationship between human and beast. As circumstances worsen for them, the family decides to move to Canada, hitching a ride on a Japanese cargo ship – but Pi soon finds himself in the company of a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and Richard Parker after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Directed by Ang Lee. In 3D. (Drama, 127 mins.) Our rating:

Arbitrage On his 60th birthday, New York hedge-fund magnate Robert Miller (Richard Gere) is the very picture of a successful businessman. Behind the façade of success and wealth, however, Miller is desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the enormity of his fraud is exposed. Struggling to conceal his duplicity from loyal wife Ellen (Susan Sarandon) and brilliant daughter and heir-apparent Brooke (Brit Marling), Miller is also hiding an affair with French art-dealer Julie (Laetitia Casta). Just as he’s about to unload his troubled empire, an unexpected bloody error forces him to juggle family, business and crime – but a cop (Tim Roth) is on his case. Directed by Nicholas Jarecki. (Dramatic thriller, 107 mins.) Our rating:

Zarafa A grandfather tells his grandchildren the story of Maki, a young boy who escapes from slave traders, befriends a giraffe (the title

character), crosses the desert, meets a pirate, and a few other things on a trip that takes him from Africa to Paris. Directed by Remi Bezancon and Jean-Christophe Lie. DUBBED INTO GREEK. (Kids’ cartoon, 78 mins.) Our rating: N/A

Lawless

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey A hobbit named Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild, through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum. Also starring Richard Armitage and Andy Serkis. Directed by Peter Jackson. In English, with occasional dialogue in made-up languages with Greek subtitles. In 3D. (Adventure fantasy, 169 mins.) Our rating:

Seven Psychopaths Irish screenwriter Marty Faranan (Colin Farrell) has come down with a bad case of writer’s block. He has the title for his next script, ‘Seven Psychopaths’, but is struggling to write it. Billy (Sam Rockwell) is Marty’s best friend, an unemployed actor and part-time dog-napper, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary. Hans (Christopher Walken) is Billy’s partner in crime; they snatch dogs, then return them and claim the reward – but they get in trouble when they dog-nap Bonny the shih tzu, whose owner Charlie (Woody Harrelson) is a psychopathic gangster. Now Marty’s going to get all the inspiration he needs for his subject matter – as long as he lives to tell the tale. Also starring Abbie Cornish and Tom Waits. Directed by Martin McDonagh. (Dark comedy, 110 mins.) Our rating:

Shadow Dancer Single mother Collette McVeigh (Andrea Riseborough) is a Republican living in 1993 Belfast with her mother and hardliner IRA brothers. When she’s arrested for her part in an aborted IRA bomb plot in London, an M15 officer called Mac (Clive Owen) offers her a choice: lose everything and go to prison for 25 years, or return to Belfast to spy on her own family. With her son’s life in her hands, Collette chooses to place her trust in Mac and return home. But when her brothers’ secret operation is ambushed, suspicions of an informant are raised and Collette finds herself and her family in

grave danger. Also starring Gillian Anderson. Directed by James Marsh. (Drama, 101 mins.) Our rating:

Hotel Transylvania Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. It’s a special weekend and Dracula has invited some of his best friends – Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family and many more – to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’ 118th birthday. For good old Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem; but everything could change for the over-protective dad when one ordinary human guy stumbles on the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis. Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. In 3D. DUBBED INTO GREEK. (Cartoon comedy, 91 mins.) Our rating:

of superheroes – the so-called ‘Guardians’, namely Santa Claus (voice of Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (voice of Hugh Jackman), the Tooth Fairy (voice of Isla Fisher) and the Sandman, whose job is to protect children everywhere. Jack is an unwilling hero; he’d prefer to roam the world on his own, freezing ponds and causing snow days – but the world’s children are threatened by Pitch (voice of Jude Law), a.k.a. The Boogie Man, who wants to turn dreams into nightmares and banish belief in Santa, Bunny, and Tooth. Jack reluctantly agrees to help and, in the process, discovers the true hero within. Directed by Peter Ramsey. In 3D. (Cartoon adventure, 97 mins.) Our rating:

their family bliss is threatened again, by a new menace. The vampire Irina (Maggie Grace) believes a child like Renesmee could challenge the power and existence of the Volturi. As Irina rallies the Volturi to destroy this potential threat, Bella and the Cullens – together with any allies they can assemble – prepare for a crucial battle to protect their family. Also starring Taylor Lautner and Billy Burke. Directed by Bill Condon. (Fantasy drama, 115 mins.) Our rating:

organisations is stolen, and used to make M (Judi Dench), the head of British Intelligence, look bad. Though not in peak condition after a near-death experience, secret agent James Bond (Daniel Craig) sets out to recover the drive, which leads him to mystery man Silva (Javier Bardem) – a psycho who’s nursing a grudge, and has a revenge scheme in mind. Also starring Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney. Directed by Sam Mendes. (Action-drama, 143 mins.) Our rating:

Skyfall A hard-drive listing all NATO operatives undercover in terrorist

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 Bella (Kristen Stewart) is enjoying her new life and new powers after the birth of Renesmee, her daughter with vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Soon, however,

Lawless It’s 1930, and America is in the grip of Prohibition. The Bondurant brothers, timid Jack (Shia LaBeouf), tough-as-nails Forrest (Tom Hardy), and psychotic Howard (Jason Clarke), are bootleggers, making ‘moonshine’ whisky which they sell to friends and neighbours – including the local sheriff – in Franklin County, Virginia. Their livelihood is threatened by the arrival of Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce), a ‘special deputy’ from Chicago who has come to Virginia to stop those who violate the law of the land. What that means is that those who pay a fee are allowed to continue bootlegging while those who don’t are shut down, often by force. The Bondurants refuse to give in to Rakes, and their stubbornness instigates a war. Also starring Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman and Mia Wasikowska. Directed by John Hillcoat. (Crime drama, 116 mins.) Our rating:

Rise of the Guardians Jack Frost (voice of Chris Pine) is chosen to join an elite group

Wreck-It Ralph Wr W rec eckeck k-It It R a lp alph al ph h

Seven S Se eve ven Psychopaths Ps P sy yc cho hop pa atth hs

y, December 28, 2012

15 For full cinema listings see page 16

Television

Crossword

18 25-28

Sport

NEW FILMS Cloud Atlas Directed by: Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski & Lana Wachowski Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Ben Whishaw US/Germany 2012, 172 mins. Showing from today at the K-Cineplex and K-Cineplex (Mall of Cyprus) in Nicosia, the Rio and K-Cineplex in Limassol, the K-Cineplex in Larnaca and the Orasis in Paphos.

THE PLOT Six separate stories that take place across a 500-year slice of time beginning in the mid-19th century and ending in a distant post-apocalyptic future, with themes recurring in different ways from one story to another. Everything is connected: an 1849 diary of an ocean voyage across the Paciﬁc; letters from a composer to his friend; a thriller about a murder at a nuclear power plant; a farce about a publisher in a nursing home; a sci-ﬁ tale of a rebellious clone in futuristic Korea; and the tale of a tribe living in postapocalyptic Hawaii, far in the future.

be the major question going on (even for those who’ve read Mitchell’s audacious, bestselling novel). The answer, in brief, is ‘the interconnected nature of life’… “Every action or inaction incites a kind of butterfly effect that ripples through human history long after any one character has passed from this mortal coil. Really, this is the single most narratively ambitious film I’ve seen in years. Even more amazing is that Tykwer (Run Lola Run) and the Wachowskis (The Matrix trilogy) pull it off with equal measures of compassion for the human spirit, cliff-hanging storytelling that sucks you in and keeps you rapt for nearly three hours, and a deeply empathetic moral centre. “Evil is all over the place in Cloud Atlas – in the futuristic megalopolis of Neo Seoul it seems to have the ultimate upper hand – but the film ends on a thrilling, majestic note of hope. More than one audience member I saw the film with left the theatre stunned, or wiping tears from their eyes, or both. Cloud Atlas is that powerful.” Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle (US)

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID Pro: “This remarkable adaptation of the supposedly ‘unfilmable’ novel by David Mitchell achieves near-perfection on virtually all levels. It’s likely to divide mainstream audiences, but what at first seems to be an ultra-convoluted series of interconnected story lines – six of them, with each major actor playing multiple roles over multiple centuries – quickly transforms into a film of astonishing depth and insight. ‘What’s it about?’ is going to

Cloud Atlas

Pro/Mixed: “An artichoke that fires lasers; montages that span the ages; Jim Broadbent saying ‘ruddy’; women on conveyor belts in the nuddy; evil oil partisans; bed-hopping artisans; parasitic brain worms; Halle Berry with a perm; sex, death, love, space; cannibals, parables, war, race. “Tom Tykwer and Andy and Lana Wachowski are banking on there being something in that lot that catches your eye. The co-directors of this adaptation of David Mitchell’s Booker prize short-listed novel, who reportedly coaxed $100m out of independent financiers to convert the book to the screen, have taken a big risk with this roaming behemoth of a movie. “They tackle the complexity of the novel by introducing two innovations – one surprisingly deft and one absolutely daft … The three directors have carefully re-arranged the chronology, splicing between the stories based on theme. It’s a daring shuffle, but it works. By zipping back and forth across the timeline they’re emphasising Mitchell’s original message – that the human experience is essentially universal across the ages. “Tykwer and the Wachowskis’ other twist on this karmic hokum – to cast each of their actors in multiple roles across the stories, regardless of age or race – is less successful … There isn’t a make-up artist in the world who can make the

An (What If)

Step Up 4

switch from Tom Hanks as a boozy 21st-century Irish author to Tom Hanks as a wirewhiskered 19th-century ship’s doctor look like anything other than Tom Hanks trying on a new nose… “Cloud Atlas carries all the marks of a giant folly, and those unfamiliar with the book will be baffled. Yet it’s hard to wholly condemn the directors’ ambition – this is fast-paced and cleverly assembled, with the best of the performances shining through the prosthetics (Hugh Grant makes great play of the clutch of villains he’s dealt). The Tykwer/Wachowski collective offer everything here. Chances are there’s something in the hodgepodge for you.” Henry Barnes, The Guardian (UK) Anti: “I haven’t read Mitchell’s book, but in many ways the film adaptation would seem to reflect the point of view of co-director Lana Wachowski – who was born Larry and has transitioned from male to female since the release of the last Wachowski film, Speed Racer. Formally, [the film is] an experiment in the self-designed mutability of the body (up to and including male actors playing women and at least one star apparently cast as a character of a different race); thematically, it builds to a series of variations on the idea that we’re all the same on the inside … and should all be entitled to the freedom to look and behave in the manner most true to our inner selves. “This altruistic message is great in theory, but it’s confused by the film’s abysmally inconsistent, tone-deaf execution, and contradicted by its videogame casualness when it comes to violence. A manifesto in the form of an enormously budgeted quasi-sci-fi

Cloud Atlas

epic, Cloud Atlas is evidently personal, deﬁantly sincere, totally lacking in self-awareness, and borderline offensive in its gleeful endorsement of revenge violence against anyone who gets in the way of a good person’s self-actualization. The rest of the time, it’s just insipid, TV-esque in its limited visual imagination, and dramatically incoherent.” Karina Longworth, LA Weekly (US)

An… [What If…] Directed by: Christoforos Papakaliatis Starring: Christoforos Papakaliatis, Marina Kalogerou, Giorgos Constantinou Greece 2012, 111 mins. In Greek. Showing from today at the K-Cineplex and K-Cineplex (Mall of Cyprus) in Nicosia, the Rio and K-Cineplex in Limassol, the K-Cineplex in Larnaca and the Orasis in Paphos.

THE PLOT On a night in 2009, in the Plaka neighbourhood of Athens, Demetris (Christoforos

Papakaliatis) has a choice. He can either take his dog for a walk – in which case he’ll meet Christina (Marina Kalogerou) – or stay home, in which case he’ll fall victim to a robbery. In the ﬁrst scenario he’ll get a chance to alleviate his loneliness, experience a powerful love affair, fatherhood, but also unemployment and inﬁdelity. In the second he’ll keep living alone, facing the consequences of the Greek recession. A simple ‘what if’ will decide his destiny and happiness.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID Pro/Mixed: “Even if you didn’t know it going in, it’s obvious from the ﬁrst moment: aestheticised faces, wild romanticism, idyllic cinematography, stylized sex, tear-drenched scenes in hospitals, violent outbursts and separations, honeyed nostalgia, a light dusting of philosophy to a non-stop music soundtrack … yes indeed, it’s Papakaliatis. In this case, in an extended TV episode with a slightly higher budget, he elects to play in Greek a story that’s already played in many

other languages again and again in a plethora of versions – the story of the hypothetical aspect of our lives. That’s why there’s such a strong sense of déjà vu in this collection of stolen goods from Kieslowski, Sliding Doors, One Day, the list is a long one. “Behind its dramatic tricks, however, the exaggerations that prompt you to nudge the person sitting next to you in shared mockery, and the poetic sensibility (it tries to pack a lot into an already overloaded suitcase, going from human relationships to the Greek recession and all the way to existential yearning), it nonetheless has that youthful zest that can still carry you away. It works hard – its technique, especially the transitions between the two parallel stories, can only be described as impeccable – and creates a sugary reality amid love, passion, sweet melancholy and dreaminess. Oh well, a little arrested adolescence doesn’t hurt once in a while.” Alexandra Vetta, myﬁlm.gr (Greece) (translated from the Greek)

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

What’s on

films

(K) All Audiences (12/15/18) No admittance to Under-12s/ 15s/ 18s (N/A) Not Available

TELEPHONE NUMBERS: K-CINEPLEX: 77778383 RIO LIMASSOL: 25871410 RIO PAPHOS: 26207000

NICOSIA Cloud Atlas (N/A) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm. An… (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.10pm and 3.25pm. Wreck-It Ralph (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.10pm and 3.25pm. Life of Pi (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.05pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11.30am and 3.05pm. Arbitrage (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7 and 10.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1) at 7 and 10.15pm. Hotel Transylvania (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek), weekends only at 3.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1) (in Greek, in 3D), weekends only at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.15pm. Rise of the Guardians (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek) at 5.05pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in English) at 5.05pm, weekends also at 3.10pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1) (in Greek) at 5.05pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) (in English) at 5.05pm, weekends also at 11.15am, 1.15pm and 3.10pm. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 7.50 and 10.15pm.

LIMASSOL Cloud Atlas (N/A) Rio 1 at 4.30, 7.35 and 10.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm. An… (12) Rio 2 (in Greek), weekdays at 8 and 10pm, weekends at

CINEMA WEBSITES: K-Cineplex: http://kcineplex.com, Friends of the Cinema Society: http://www.ofk.org.cy

8.10 and 10.10pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm.

(in Greek), weekends at 3.15pm.

Wreck-It Ralph (K) Rio 2 (in Greek) at 6pm, weekends at 4.30 and 6.20pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.25pm.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) Rio 5 at 7.45pm.

Life of Pi (K) Rio 4 at 5.30, 8 and 10.15pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.05pm. Arbitrage (12) Rio 3 at 10.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm. Zarafa (K) Rio 2 (in Greek) at 4.30pm, weekends at 3pm. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) Rio 3 at 4.30 and 7.35pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7 and 10.15pm. Seven Psychopaths (18) Rio 5 at 10.05pm.

Lawless (15) Rio 6 at 10.05pm.

Rise of the Guardians (K) Rio 5 (in English) at 3.30pm (weekends only) and 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek) at 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 4) (in English) at 5.05pm, weekends also at 3.10pm.

LARNACA Cloud Atlas (N/A) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.30pm. An… (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm. Wreck-It Ralph (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.25pm.

Shadow Dancer (12) Rio 6 at 5.30 and 7.45pm.

Life of Pi (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.05pm.

Hotel Transylvania (K) Rio 3 (in Greek), weekends at 2.50pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1)

Arbitrage (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7 and 10.15pm. Hotel Transylvania (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek), weekends only at 3.15pm. Rise of the Guardians (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek) at 5.05pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in English) at 5.05pm, weekends also at 3.10pm. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 7.50 and 10.15pm.

PAPHOS Cloud Atlas (N/A) Rio 5 at 7 and 10pm. An… (12) Rio 6 (in Greek), weekdays at 8.30 and 10.30pm, weekends at 5.30, 7.30 and 9.30pm. Wreck-It Ralph (K) Rio 7 (in Greek) at 5.30pm, weekends at 11am, 3.30pm and 5.20pm. Life of Pi (K) Rio 3 at 3pm (weekends only) and 5.30pm; Rio 7 at 7.30pm; Rio 1 at 10.30pm.

Arbitrage (12) Rio 4 at 7.30 and 9.45pm. Zarafa (K) Rio 5 (in Greek) at 5pm, weekends at 11am, 3.30pm and 5.30pm. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) Rio 6, weekdays only at 5.30pm; Rio 1 at 7.30pm; Rio 7 at 9.45pm. Seven Psychopaths (18) Rio 3 at 10pm. Hotel Transylvania (K) Rio 1 (in Greek), weekdays only at 5.30pm; Rio 6 (in Greek), weekends only at 11am and 3.30pm. Shadow Dancer Rio 2 at 5pm (weekends only) and 7.30pm. Rise of the Guardians (K) Rio 4 (in English) at 5.30pm, weekends also at 11am and 3.30pm; Rio 1 (in Greek), weekends only at 11am, 3.30 and 5.30pm. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) Rio 3 at 7.45pm. Skyfall (12) Rio 2 at 9.30pm.

listings Today

Tomorrow

Music

Exhibition

Thanos Mikroutsikos – Rita Antonopoulou Famous Greek composer Thanos Mikroutsikos meets Rita Antonopoulou and present a piano-voice programme with surprises. December 28. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 8.30pm. €18/12. Tel: 77-777745

Women Solo sculpture exhibition by Dinos Michaelides. Opens December 29, 7.30pm until January 15. Gallery Gloria, 3 Zinonos Sozou Street, Nicosia. Monday-Friday: 10.30pm-12.45pm and 5pm-8pm. Saturday: 10.30pm12.45pm. Tel: 22-760286

Vasilis Papakonstantinou Famous Greek rock singer performs live. December 28. Aloft Music Bar, 6 Makariou III Avenue, Ayia Napa. 11pm. €30. Tel: 99-637831

Music

Theatre Gourouniasmata Silver Spotlight presents the new musical for children by Katerina Christofidou and Aigli Spyridaki. December 28. Melina Merkouri Hall, Famagusta Gate, old Nicosia. 4pm. €10. In Greek. Tel: 97-876760

Other Events Sonic Arts 6.0 Cyprus A celebration of the launch of the Sonic Arts 6.0 Cyprus’ album featuring compositions by Cypriot sonic artists. December 28. Pantheon Cultural Association – Tritos, 40 Evagorou, Nicosia. 9pm. Free. info@pantheonculture.org

Thanos Mikroutsikos – Rita Antonopoulou Famous Greek composer Thanos Mikroutsikos meets Rita Antonopoulou and present a piano-voice programme with surprises. December 29. ShowRoom Café, 21 Makariou Avenue, Larnaca. 10pm. €20. Tel: 24-102762

Theatre All I Want For Christmas..... A play staged by Antidote Theatre, written and performed by Catherine Beger. December 29. Larnaca Youth Foundation, near Ayios Lazaros Church. 5pm. In English. €7/5. Tel: 96-216435 Gourouniasmata Silver Spotlight presents the new musical for children by Katerina

Christofidou and Aigli Spyridaki. December 29-30. Melina Merkouri Hall, Famagusta Gate, old Nicosia. 11am and 4pm. €10. In Greek. Tel: 97-876760 A Play about... Trash The theatre group Point To, in collaboration with Scarabeo Lounge Bar, presents the comedy directed by Evagelia Onoufriou. December 29 and 5, 12, 19, 26 January 2013. Scarabeo Bar, 4 Nikokreontos Street, Nicosia. 9.30pm. €10. In Greek. Tel: 99-935777/99-740773

Ongoing Other Events First International Christmas Fair Includes a wide range of events and concerts for families and children. December 14-Janaury 1. Christmas Fair, Sea Road, Between McDonalds and Pascucci Café, Yermasoyia. All day event. Tel: 97-745594 7 films: Harun Farocki A selection of screenings by legendary German filmmaker, critic and teacher followed by discussion and talk with the artist. Within the framework of the opening ceremony of a new contemporary art centre. Until February 15. Point Centre for Contemporary Art Megaron Hadjisavva, 2 Evagorou Street, Nicosia. Every Wednesday through Sunday from

11am-5pm. Tel: 22-662053. info@ pointcentreforcontemporaryart.com Bidoun Library A mobile library consisting of books, magazines and other printed matter about the Middle East. Within the framework of the opening ceremony of a new contemporary art centre. Until February 15. Point Centre for Contemporary Art Megaron Hadjisavva, 2 Evagorou Street, Nicosia. Tel: 22-662053. info@ pointcentreforcontemporaryart.com

Theatre Misery Stephen King’s psychological thriller staged by Satiriko Theatre. Every Friday and Saturday. Until December 29. Vladimiros Kafkarides Cultural Centre, 11-15 Vladimiros Kafkarides Street, Aglantzia. Every Friday at 8.30pm and Saturday at 11pm. In Greek. Tel: 22312940/22-421609. email: satiriko@ cytanet.com.cy. www.satiriko.com 65 Minutes A performance by the Theatro Dentro within the framework of the 4th XDream Festival. Until December 30 and January 3-5. 9pm. (Additional performance on January 5 at 10.30pm). ARTos Cultural and Research Foundation, 64 Ayion Omoloyiton Avenue, Nicosia. In Greek. Tel: 99-384606 Just Broken Up Act Theatre presents play by Vassilis Myrianthopoulos & Vangelis Hatzinikolaou. Cyprus Dialect Adaptation

by Christiana Artemiou. Until January 6. Latsia Municipal Theatre, 57 Yiannos Kranidiotis Avenue, Nicosia. On specific days at 8.30pm and 6pm on Sundays. €20. Tel: 77-777181

Venezuela’s Dancing Devils Photographic exhibition. Until December 28. Cultural Centre ‘The Mills’, Kaimakli, Nicosia. RSVP tel: 22-445 332. E-mail: embaven_chipre@hotmail.com

Spring Awakening THOC presents work by Frank Wedekind, directed by Dimitris Lignadis. Until January 26. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Every Wednesday through Sunday at 8.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 77-772717/22-864300

The Art of Xmas Fair Fun and amazing art at very attractive prices. Until December 29. Thiseas Art Gallery, 9 Thiseos Street, Limassol. Tel: 99-674243

The Elephant Man Theatro Ena presents a play by Bernard Pomerance, translated and directed by Andreas Christodoulides. Until January 27. Theatro Ena, 4 Athinas Avenue, Nicosia. Every Friday through Sunday at 8.30pm. In Greek. €15/12. Tel: 22-348203 Social Security THOC presents a play by Andrew Bergman. Until January 27. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Friday through Sunday. Friday & Sunday at 8.30pm, Saturday at 6pm and 8.30pm. Tel: 77-772717/22-864300

Exhibition Exhibition of paintings and other works of Art Group exhibition. Until December 28. Diachroniki Gallery Ledras, 84 Arsinoes Street, Nicosia. Open daily: 10am-7pm except Sundays. Tel: 22-680145

For a full guide to the week’s events and regular meetings, make sure you get a copy of the Sunday Mail

Terra Mediterranea – In Crisis Group contemporary art exhibition curated by Yiannis Toumazis scrutinising the current turbulence experienced globally, from both a political and a poetic stance. Until December 30. Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre 19, Palaias Ilektrikis, Nicosia. Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-3pm and 5pm-11pm. Sunday: 10am-4pm. Tel: 22-797400. info@ nimac.org.cy. www.nimac.org.cy The project includes a second contemporary art exhibition curated by Re Aphrodite team. Until December 30. Ethological Museum – The House of Hagjigeorgakis Kornesios, 20, Patriarxou Grigoriou, Nicosia. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8.30am-3.30pm. Wednesday: 8.30am-5pm. Saturday: 9.30am-3.30pm. Tel: 22-305316 Beyond Dress Code An extensive and comprehensive documentation of traditional Greek dress. Until December 31. Marfin Laiki Bank Cultural Centre, Byron Avenue Museum, 32 Byron Avenue, Nicosia. Monday-Friday: 10am-1pm & 4pm-8pm. Saturday: 10am-2pm. Tel: 22-718605

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Television CYBC 1 06.45 08.15 11.00 11.30

Proti Enimerosi Kali Sas Mera Kaftes Piperies (rpt) Istories Tou Horkou (rpt)

CYBC 2 07.00 08.00 16.30 17.00

Local comedy series, which happens to be the longest-running show on TV.

12.00

Apo Mera Se Mera Current affairs programme.

15.30 16.00 18.00 18.15

Entehnos Mazi Sto CyBC News Kaftes Piperies

18.00 18.50 19.00 19.10

Paizoume Kypriaka Local game show, asking questions having to do with Cypriot dialect.

19.20

Moiraia Fengaria Local drama series inspired by Maro Kranidioti’s book ‘Otan i Moira Apofasizei’.

20.00 21.15

20.10 21.00

News Tete A Tete

Local Sketch (rpt) Christmas Songs New Kaftes Piperies (rpt) Patates Antinahtes (rpt)

22.30

More Repeats

Jamie Oliver shares his secrets for achieving a stress-free family Christmas.

07.50 08.40

Biz/Emeis News In English News In Turkish UEFA Euro 50 Classic Matches (rpt)

10.20 11.15 12.10 13.00 13.20 14.00

23.20

14.50 15.45 17.40

NRG Zone FILM: Gracie!

Top Gear Middle East Special Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May follow the path of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East, driving open-top sports cars through southern Turkey, Iraq and Syria.

Local satirical show, using comedy sketches and embarrassing TV clips to skewer local politicians.

01.30

05.30 06.20 06.50 07.00

Story of singer and comedienne from Rochdale, Gracie Fields and her relationship with Italian-born Hollywood director Monty Banks and its staggering repercussions. Biopic, starring Jane Horrocks and Tom Hollander. 2009.

Tasos Tryfonos interviews Greek celebrities from the world of showbiz.

22.45 23.00 23.30 23.45 00.45

NRG Zone Kids’ TV FIFA World Cup 2014 Magazine Jamie’s Family Christmas

Two episodes. A chance to relive some of the greatest moments the tournament has produced in it’s 50 years.

Live cookery show.

19.00

ANTENNA Erotas (rpt) Proini Enimerosi Me Agapi Deliyianneio Parthenagogeio (rpt) Englimata (rpt) Lyke, Lyke Eisai Edo (rpt) Panselinos (rpt) Galileo (rpt) Niose Me (rpt) News Mera Mesimeri Konstantinou Kai Elenis (rpt) To Kafe Tis Haras (rpt) Oneiropagida (rpt) Aiyia Fuxia (rpt) Local smash-hit comedy series, with village setting. Interrupted by News at 18.00.

19.30 20.15 21.30

Niose Me News Dancing With The Stars

MEGA 06.15

15.00 16.00

Emeis Ki Emeis (rpt) Koinonia Ora Mega Nea Mera Proino Mou Enimerosi Tora Kelmmena Oneira (rpt) Eheis Meson Yia Sena

18.00 18.10

News Master Chef

07.00 08.00 10.00 12.45 14.00

Local talk-show.

Greek reality competition show where amatuer chefs compete against each other in weekly challenges.

19.20

Greek comedy series.

20.20 21.15 22.10 23.10

03.20 04.40

News Sports News Ola Bahalo Fetos Synora Agapis (rpt) I Agapi Irthe Apo Makria (rpt) News Deal (rpt)

News Klemmena Oneira Porta Kleidomeni FILM: Radio A high-school football coach takes a learning-disabled man under his wing - but the teacher’s kind actions cause outrage in the community. Drama, with Cuba Gooding Jr and Ed Harris. 2003.

Celebrities and pro dancers train and compete in a ballroom dancing competition.

00.10 00.15 00.30 01.40 02.30

Eftyhismenoi Mazi (rpt)

00.00 00.50 01.30 03.30 04.20

News I Apli Methodos Ton Trion (rpt) Yia Sena (rpt) Enimerosi Tora (rpt) Proino Mou (rpt)

SIGMA 06.10 07.00 08.20 10.20 11.10 12.00 14.20 15.20 18.00 18.05 18.30 19.30 20.20 21.20 22.20

The Del Monte Heirs (rpt) Protoselido Eleni Vasiliki (rpt) 7 Ouranoi kai Synnefa Alites (rpt) Mesimeri Kai Kati Aspra Balonia (rpt) Magazino News Ti Tha Fame Simera Mama The Del Monte Heirs 7 Ouranoi kai Synnefa Alites News Oikogeniakes Istories FILM: Miracle In Manhattan The kindly Mrs Merkle helps a departmentstore manager save the business and ﬁnd love. Sequel to family drama Mrs Miracle, with Doris Roberts, Eric Johnson and Jewel Staite. 2010.

00.00 00.05

06.45 07.20 07.50 09.00 09.30 10.55 11.50 12.30 13.00 15.30 17.15 17.50 19.40

Dekati Entoli (rpt) Alithinoi Erotes (rpt) Mila Mou (rpt) Otan Megaloso (rpt) Eleni (rpt)

Repeats

Star News Fotis - Maria Live Best Of Mesimeriani Meleti Best Of Exelixeis Sti Showbiz Mila Best Of Nistikoi Praktores (rpt) Kids’ TV Star News Mesimeriani Meleti Kids’ TV Exelixeis Stin Showbiz Fotis Maria Live Mila Discussions about various issues based on woman’s life.

21.15 22.00

23.40

06.40 08.35 09.25 10.00 11.00 11.30 12.30 13.25 15.00 15.50 16.40 17.30 18.15

LTV Sports News Star News Repeats

Kids’ TV S’Agapo (rpt) Akti Oneiron Ston Asterismos Tis Imeras Kouzina Me Apopsi Remington Steele Milagros Kids’ TV Top Models S’Agapo Sabrina, To Koritsi Tis Agapis Akti Oneiron Paciﬁc Blue With News at 18.30.

19.15 19.50 20.05 21.00

News Sports Time Rubi FILM: View From The Top A small-town girl dreams of a high-ﬂying career with a airline, but her plans get in the way of true love. Romantic comedy, starring Gwyneth Paltrow. 2003.

22.45

FILM: Control A sociopath on death row is given a chance to live if he agrees to take part in a chemical behavioural modiﬁcation programme. Thriller, starring Ray Liotta. 2004.

FILM: Fists Of Fury A kung-fu ﬁghter avenges his relatives, slain by their gangster boss. Martial arts ﬁlm, starring Bruce Lee. 1971.

00.30 01.30 02.00

CAPITAL

Exelixeis Stin Showbiz FILM: The Dukes Of Hazzard Cousins Bo and Luke Duke, with a little help from their cousin Daisy and Uncle Jesse, egg on the authorities of Hazzard County, Boss Hogg and Sheriff Coltrane. Comedy, starring Seann William Scott. 2005.

News CSI: Crime Scene Investigation An elite team of police forensic evidence investigation experts work their cases in Las Vegas.

01.00 01.40 02.30 03.00 03.30

PLUS TV

00.40

FILM: By The Sword A former fencing champion starts working as a caretaker at an academy and must face up to his past mistakes. Drama, with F Murray Abraham. 1991.

The Help (Novacinema2, 11.20)

01:20 Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps 01:50 Tribal Wives 02:45 The Weakest Link 03:30 EastEnders 04:00 Doctors 04:30 Money 05:20 Tribal Wives 06:15 The Weakest Link 07:00 Teletubbies 07:25 Balamory 07:45 Forget Me Not Farm 08:00 Show Me Show Me 08:25 Tikkabilla 08:55 Teletubbies 09:20 Tweenies 09:40 Comedy Countdown - 10 10:10 Comedy Countdown - 9 10:40 The Weakest Link: Touch of Class 11:30 EastEnders 12:00 Doctors 12:30 Jam And Jerusalem: Xmas 2007 13:10 Tribal Wives 14:00 Mastermind 14:30 Keeping Up Appearances 15:00 The Weakest Link 15:45 EastEnders 16:15 Doctors 16:45 Jam And Jerusalem: Xmas 2007 17:25 Tribal Wives 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 Big Cat Diary 19:30 Doctors 20:00 Doctor Who: The Next Doctor 21:00 Comedy Countdown - 8 21:30 Comedy Countdown - 7 22:00 BBC Proms 2010: Last Night Of The Proms 23:25 Sport Relief 2012 - Sport Relief Spoofs 23:55 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:40 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow

07:00 How It’s Made ; 07:25 Wheeler Dealers 08:15 American Chopper 09:10 Dirty Jobs 10:05 Deadliest Catch 10:55 Superhu-

man Showdown 11:50 How We Invented The World 15:25 Overhaulin’ 16:20 Mythbusters 17:15 Dirty Jobs 18:10 Deadliest Catch 19:05 Ultimate Survival 20:00 How It’s Made ; 21:00 Bear’s Mission Everest 22:00 Curiosity 00:00 True Csi - True Csi 02:50 Curiosity 04:50 Bear’s Mission Everest 05:45 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Overhaulin’

09:30 Motorsports: Gta Road To Dubai 09:45 Ski Jumping: World Cup Russia 11:15 Winter Sports: Ski Pass 11:30 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Austria 12:30 All Sports: Watts 13:30 All Sports: Eurosport Top 10 14:00 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Austria 15:30 Ski Jumping: World Cup Russia 16:00 Ski Jumping: World Cup Switzerland 18:00 All Sports: Watts 19:00 Football: Euro Legends 21:00 All Sports: Watts 22:00 Strongest Man: Champions League Martinique 23:00 Tractor Pulling: European Championship Denmark 00:00 Equestrian: Horse Racing Time 00:15 Motorsports: Gta Road To Dubai 00:30 Tennis: Mats Point 01:00 Tennis: Us Open New York

05:40 Desperate Housewives 06:25 Castle 07:10 Modern Family 07:35

New Girl 08:00 Body Of Proof 08:50 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 09:40 Desperate Housewives 10:25 Castle 11:10 Modern Family 11:35 New Girl 12:00 Happy Endings 12:25 Don’t Trust The B...In Apartment 12:50 Glee 13:40 Body Of Proof 14:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 15:20 Desperate Housewives 16:05 Castle 16:50 Modern Family 17:15 New Girl 17:40 Body Of Proof 18:30 Jamie’s Best Ever Christmas 19:20 Desperate Housewives 20:10 Castle 21:00 Happy Endings 21:25 Don’t Trust The B...In Apartment 21:50 Glee 22:40 Modern Family 23:05 New Girl 23:30 Happy Endings 23:55 Don’t Trust The B...In Apartment 00:20 Glee 01:10 Castle 02:00 Desperate Housewives 02:45 Modern Family 03:10 New Girl 03:35 Rita Rocks 04:00 Body Of Proof 04:50 Jamie’s Best Ever Christmas

07:00 Pawn Stars 07:30 Storage Wars 08:00 American Pickers 09:00 American Restoration 09:30 Storage Wars 10:00 Pawn Stars 10:30 Storage Wars 11:00 Ancient Aliens 12:00 Lancaster At War 13:00 Ax Men 14:00 American Pickers 15:00 American Restoration 15:30 Storage Wars 16:00 Lancaster At War 17:00 Ax Men 18:00 American Pickers 19:00 American Restoration 19:30 Storage Wars 20:00 Pawn

Stars 20:30 Storage Wars 21:00 Ancient Aliens 22:00 High Hitler 23:00 Mankind: The Story Of All Of Us 01:00 Ancient Aliens 02:00 Mankind: The Story Of All Of Us 04:00 American Pickers 05:00 American Restoration 05:30 Storage Wars 06:00 Ancient Aliens

07:30 Reservation Road 09:30 Neverending Story Ii: The Next Chapter 11:15 School For Scoundrels 13:15 Election 15:00 Videofashion 15:40 Einstein And Eddington 17:15 Philadelphia 19:30 Hollywood Buzz 20:00 LTV Sports News 21:00 Akeelah And The Bee 23:00 Life As We Know It 01:00 Hustler TV 02:30 Somewhere 04:15 White Countess 06:30 LTV Sports News

07:00 Chowder 07:25 The Marvel-

ous Misadventures Of Flapjack 07:50 The Tom & Jerry Show 08:15 Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get A Clue! 08:40 Loonatics Unleashed 09:05 Superman: The Animated Series 09:30 The Looney Tunes Show 10:00 Tak & The Power Of Juju 10:30 Fanboy & Chum Chum 11:00 The X’s 11:30 Ni Hao, Kai-Lan 12:00 Dora The Explorer 12:30 Spongebob Squarepants 13:30 The Mighty B! 14:00 Hey Arnold! 14:30 Icarly 15:30 Justice League Unlimited 16:00 Legion Of Super Heroes 16:30 Young Justice 17:00 2011 World’s Strongest Man 17:30 Planet Speed 18:00 Barclays Premier League World 18:30 NBA Action 19:00 La Liga World 19:30 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 21:30 A’ Division Cyprus Soccer Championship 2012-13 23:30 Barclays Premier League Preview 00:30 ATP World Tour Uncovered 01:00 Barclays Premier League Review 02:00 La Liga Review 2012-13 03:00 Makeover: Hunt Dog Edition 03:30 NBA 2012-13 06:00 Winter X-Games 13

07:15 Two And A Half Men 08:00 Eastbound & Down 08:35 The Closer 09:20 Harry’s Law 10:05 Chuck 10:50 2 Broke Girls 11:15 Bones 12:45 Underbelly 13:35 Two And A Half Men 14:25 The Closer 15:15 Harry’s Law 16:05

The Big Bang Theory 16:30 According To Jim 17:15 The Mentalist 18:00 C.S.I. New York 18:55 Underbelly 19:45 Gossip Girl 20:30 Entourage 21:00 Ncis: Los Angeles 22:30 Southland 23:20 Shameless 00:15 The Fifth Patient 01:45 Nine 03:45 The Big Bang Theory 04:10 According To Jim 04:55 The Mentalist 05:40 C.S.I. New York 06:25 Underbelly

07:30 Action Zone (E) 08:00 Ladyhawke 10:15 Adventures In Babysitting 12:00 Secret Garden, The 14:00 Lethal Weapon 4 16:15 Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 18:00 Skellig 20:00 Distinguished Gentleman, The 22:00 Everybody Wants To Be Italian 00:05 Daring! Tv 03:15 Crackie 04:45 Social Network, The 06:45 Without A Paddle: Nature’s Calling

05:10 The Siege 07:05 Tt3d: Closer To The Edge 08:50 Salvation Boulevard 10:30 Cine News 11:10 Prom 12:55 Bright Star 15:00 «Love Stories» Monte Carlo 16:55 Larissa Empisteftiko 18:35 Mad On Novacinema 19:15 Chalet Girl 21:00 Ncis X 22:00 Desperately Seeking Santa 23:35 R.T.T. 01:10 Cine News 01:40 Seeking Justice 03:25 Sanctum

05:25 Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost 07:00 Scusa Ma Ti Chiamo Amore 08:50 Cine News 09:40 Mr. Popper’s Penguins 11:20 The Help 13:50 The Back-Up Plan 15:40 The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn 17:40 Spotlight On 18:15 Twins 20:05 Shanghai 22:00 Largo Winch 2: The Burma Conspiracy 00:05 Wings Of The Dove 01:50 Battle: Los Angeles 03:45 Cine News 04:40 Casino Jack

21:00 S.W.A.T. 01:10 Cine News 01:30 Adult Zone 03:20 Reindeer Games

18:50 Emma 21:00 Good Will Hunting 23:10 Never Been Kissed 01:00 The Hours 03:00 The Beaver

07:00 Somebody Up There Likes Me 08:50 White Heat 10:40 Logan’s Run 12:35 Never So Few 14:35 Tom Thumb 16:05 Home From The Hill 18:30 American in Paris, An 20:20 Blackboard Jungle 22:00 Skyjacked 23:40 Cannery Row 01:40 Coma 03:35 Meet Me In St: Louis 05:25 Fury

By Preston Wilder young children, but still a welcome change from the usual slick cartoons and smart-aleck tweens. “At my school there were two camps, the [Harry Potter and the] Chamber of Secrets camp and the Skellig camp,” recalls a British fan at the Internet Movie Database; “I was in the latter”. I don’t know, flying on a broomstick seems so much more sensible. Made in 2009.

Skellig: The Owl Man (LTV3, 18.00) How do you feel about flying? It’s supposed to be everyone’s big dream - soaring through the air, free as a bird, blah blah blah - but it looks a bit risky to me; a person could break a leg or something. Our juvenile hero gets to fly in this British kids’ movie, based on a prize-winning book, but only after he meets Skellig (Tim Roth), a weird and cantankerous “owl man” who lives in the garage of his new house. “Who are you?” asks the wonder-struck kid. “Something like a bird,” replies Skellig. “Something like an angel?” asks Kid - and Skellig nods, later showing angel-like skills in curing Kid’s sister who was born with a heart condition. Made for TV, and a wee bit distressing for very

Good Will Hunting (Novacinema4, 21.00)

Skellig: The Owl Man

Best put-down ever comes from a friend whose parents watched this Oscar-winning drama some years ago: “I don’t know why they call it Good Will Hunting,” mused his dad after it was over, “it’s not that good”.

My friend’s dad was right - but there’s no point telling that to the Academy, not when they found a film which combined (a) a story about disability, (b) a story about psychotherapy, (c) a chance for Robin Williams to do his patented loveable-maverick schtick (he won an Oscar) and (d) the emergence of a hot young team in Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They wrote the script and Damon also plays Will Hunting, a troubled, autistic maths genius who works as a lowly janitor at MIT rather than use his exceptional gifts; can ‘unconventional’ shrink Williams manage to connect with this mixed-up young man, helping him find closure and a happy ending? Two Oscars and a box-office gross of over $100 million says ‘You bet!’. Made in 1997.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 2272 1

PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTIONS

8 9 10

12 13 16

HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. With the ‘X’ sudoku, the shaded X must also contain the numbers 1-9.

17 18 19 20

EASY

HARD

MEDIUM

HARD

24 25

2 Writer not coming up to the city (10) 3 Elect about 100, almost 100 choosing the best out of everything (8) 4 Man organising events (6) 5 Brought the present (5) 6 Mount in Corfu Jill found! (4) 7 Sandy needed some small amount of force (4) 11 Messy place to eat? (6-4) 13 A member’s current unit (3) 14 Thirsty being teetotal (3) 15 Geraint’s becoming most cross (8) 19 Price of freedom (6) 20 Acute pain (5) 22 French cleric be supporting Jack (4) 23 Expression of impatience about ﬁne cluster (4)

Rating EASY

1 Teenage trouble spots? (4) 8 & 9 Flower in a cathedral tower? (10,4) 10 Still time at the end of the day (8) 12 A lot of money perhaps going up the chimney (5) 13 Also Dan performing (3) 16 Obvious statement about rust I’m removing (6) 17 Rotten card in exchange (6) 18 Lively but not starting to be inquisitive (3) 21 Grounds for instance included by doctors (5) 22 Annoy Tim moving a silvery-white element (8) 24 Met once going round the college (4) 25 & 26 With pioneering ideas beating the clock? (6,4,4)

Rating HARD

Down

Rating EASY

Across

Rating MEDIUM

Answers to crossword 2271

HOROSCOPE

CRYPTIC: Across – 1 Scintillate; 9 Moist; 10 Megaton; 11 Offbeat; 13 There; 14 Try; 15 Gable; 16 Cue; 17 Rebel; 19 Redwood; 21 Descent; 23 Ripon; 24 Playing-card. Down – 2 Chieﬂy; 3 Nitre; 4 Ism; 5 Legatee; 6 Tithe; 7 Import trade; 8 Independent; 12 Tiber; 15 Gallery; 16 Chopper; 18 Basil; 20 Doric; 22 Ten.

QUICK: Across – 1 Implication; 9 Egypt; 10 Meissen; 11 Isotope; 13 Dated; 14 Lie; 15 Hedge; 16 Pie; 17 Tamar; 19 Wash-out; 21 Napping; 23 Adorn; 24 Merrymaking. Down – 2 Maypole; 3 Lotto; 4 Cam; 5 Twiddle; 6 Onset; 7 Legislating; 8 Inadvertent; 12 Endow; 15 Harrier; 16 Pronoun; 18 Maple; 20 Slack; 22 Gym.

ARIES March 21 - April 20

LEO July 23 - August 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

Between now and the end of the year, the Sun and Pluto are side by side. This can give you tremendous food for thought when it comes to your role in life. If you feel unrecognised, or frustrated due to unemployment, your frustrations can mount. However, your ruler Mars and Uranus are asking you to think of innovation, and fresh approaches.

You can sometimes resist what you see as roles at work that you perceive as being below your dignity. Yet much is changing within you now Leo, not least you are appreciating more and more the virtues of basic security. So, if employment is on your mind, why not consider a wider range of possibilities. One could turn out to be the perfect ﬁt.

Your attitude to money comes under astral scrutiny now. If you are someone with an intrinsic dislike of the materialistic side of this time of year, you may delight in avoiding the sales, and scorn those who love them. On the other hand, you may want to go for it. If the latter tends to sweep you along, be sure of your motives before bending the plastic.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

VIRGO August 23 - September 23

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

Your antenna for the truth, or at least what you believe is the truth and to be valid and authentic, is set to be turned to max. This can be inspiring at one level, because this will give you a wonderful ability to cut through what you see as anyone’s bluff, and get to what’s real. The downside is that you can be so evangelical that it gets people’s backs up.

Earlier this month you had a strong desire to do something more creative, to cut loose and show there is much more to you than just a dedicated provider of a reliable service, or a solid employee. If you feel really strongly about this, now it can become something of a burning need to express yourself, but this can also provide great motivation.

As you look back over 2012 what do you see? Are you pleased with your progress, after all, you can be very goal orientated. Or do you feel things have stalled? If it’s the latter, it may be because actually what you want is changing too. So, as you begin to think of what you want from next year, it would be of little surprise if some kind of transformation shapes up.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

LIBRA September 24 - October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

If you are desperate to improve your lot ﬁnancially, there may be a temptation towards forcing issues, or anything to do with property, in a way which is unethical, or at least underhand. Yet if you feel a powerful corporation has exploited people, you may feel you are within your rights to push the boundaries of what is legal. Proceed with caution, if so.

If you have got time on your hands, you might ﬁnd yourself delving into the family’s background. Some new snippets of information shared over Christmas may have intrigued you, and now you can want to delve that much deeper. If you love handicrafts, this can be a ﬁne time to refurbish or renovate an old piece of furniture or artefact.

With Mars in your sign forging an enabling angle to your co-ruler Uranus, that side of you which revels in being a rebel, can come to the fore. This may see you in the mood to shock someone, or shake up your own life if it seems a bit tame. Equally, this is a time when you can get closer to your deepest needs and psyche and suss out what you really need.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22

PISCES February 20 - March 20

You may ﬁnd yourself drawn magnetically to someone today. In fact, this can be so through to the end of the year. It may be hard to pin point why, but something about them can seem irresistible. Perhaps they are enticing from an attraction view point. Conversely, and ironically, if you are in an unsatisfactory tie, all its downsides can seem more to the fore.

Your zodiac sign has what is known as a ﬁxed quality. This means once you form an opinion or judgement, you don’t usually give up on it that easily. Some of the things you hold dear, may have been learned long ago, but are they still relevant in the here and now? This would be an excellent time to scratch beneath the surface of your own beliefs and prejudices.

Even if you have been happily at the core of a circle of people, Christmas may have shown up some of the politics in this group, in a less than glowing light. Perhaps you are feeling pushed out in some way. Or maybe you have become bored with the same old, same old. This can be a time when such bonds can strengthen, but weaker ones can break down.

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

ADVERTISER

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helps you find what you’re looking for

€14 (plus VAT)

a week for classifieds (up to 40 words)

Send your classified by fax or email and pay by credit card, cheque or cash. It couldn’t be simpler! Nicosia - email: classified@cyprus-mail.com Limassol - email: limassol@cyprus-mail.com Paphos - email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com

MISCELLANEOUS ***************************** ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CYPRUS

Is drink costing you more than just money? AA could be the answer. Meeting at the following locations/days. Call to speak to an AA member. Ayia Napa Monday 97798043 Larnaca Tuesday (Polish spk) 96616589 Thursday 24645523 / 99259264 Limassol Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday 25368265 / 99559322 Nicosia Wednesday/Sunday 99013596 Paphos Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday 99916331 / 99399240 Details of meetings are available on www.aa-europe. net *****************************

HEALTH & FITNESS ACUPUNCTURE, cupping, skin honing, massage. For the alleviation of aches, pains, stress and rehabilitation from illness or injury. Qualiﬁed Chinese practitioner. Pafos [Konia] 9922 1851.CLINICAL PILATES. Personalised Clinical Pilates by Physiotherapists in Nicosia. Individual assessment and supervision of exercises. “Clinical pilates” is a modiﬁed form of therapeutic exercise used by physiotherapists to assist in the rehabilitation and prevention of musculoskeletal injury especially lower back pain, sacro-iliac pain and neck pain. More info on 22446988.

Training College is offering TEFL Certiﬁcate courses in Cyprus. For more information call now on 99839307. *****************************

PETS *****************************

TAG 87, a very handsome young male wirehaired pointer cross around 1,5 years old. Friendly, attentive and athletic. At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes ! To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact on 99520511 monfrid 10-2pm.

PERSONAL

LESSONS ***************************** TIME FOR A CAREER CHANGE? Learn how to teach English! The London Teacher

OZZY is an adorable male which came into the shelter almost a year ago! The person who found him wanted to help increase his re-homing chances so he sponsored his neutering...! But Ozzy has since been sitting in the shelter wishing for a new family... !But he has a great character and is only around 2 years old! At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes ! To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact on 99520511 mon-frid 10-2pm. *****************************

LOUISE, she is around 1 year old Segugio Italiano cross and she is not suitable for hunting.She will make a perfect pet as she loves cuddles , hugs and kisses. Very playful gentle girl ,friendly with other dogs and loves kids! At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes ! To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact on 99520511 mon-frid 10-2pm. *****************************

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

***************************** BDL SHIPPING Worldwide animal transportation, Home removals including small loads Vehicle import & export, General collection and delivery (including IKEA), Rubbish removal plus general transportation & shipment. Competitive rates. Phone: 99239311 Web: www.bdlcyprus.com ***************************** PROFESSIONAL UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, also carpets, rugs and mattresses. Special offers now available. For a quote call Rickys Cleaning Services on 99131044 (all areas) rickyscleaningservices@gmail.com ***************************** DO YOU NEED A WEB-SITE BUT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Web design & hosting at exceptionally low prices, experienced designer & programmer , your dream web-site is only a phone call away. Don’t delay!!! Call Andros for a free quote or consultation on 99335078, info@akalou.com, - islandwide ***************************** CHIMNEY SWEEP, when did you last have your chimney swept or log burner cleaned?

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049

Build-up of soot can cause respiratory problems and fires. All areas, call Dave, a professional sweep, now on 99819137. Also available for weddings. www.paphosluckychimneysweep.com ***************************** DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full repair & restoration of chipped, scratched, dull and stained, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone & Ceramic tiled floors and surfaces. Professional cleaning, repair & sealing of internal/external ceramic tiles & grout lines. For a free professional consultation & demonstration contact Mark at Premier on 70006766 or 96333961 All areas K.D.FLYSCREENS LTD We manufacture top quality sliding screens, opening doors and roller systems. We also do repairs. For a FREE QUOTE please contact Phone: 99119582 Website: www.kdflyscreens.com WE UNDERTAKE REFURBISHING of houses or holiday homes, construction of pergolas, undertaking of plumbing, house painting, garden work. For information call JIMMYS: 96587137, MELIS: 96547879

LARNACA, Alethriko, plots for sale, 525 sqm, 90% building factor, near highway Limassol-Larnaca, 5 min from airport, quiet residential area, eu 109,000. Half registration fees till the 31.12.12. Tel. 99 621914 ***************************** PRIME LAND IS AVAILABLE FOR LONG LEASE IN LIMASSOL. 40, 000 sq.m., zoning Ka7 (80% -45% - 3 stories). Regular amphitheatrical shape overlooking Ladies Mile. Close to New Limassol Hospital with direct access to Limassol – Paphos Highway. Water supply, electricity and telephones are readily available. Suitable for immediate development. Ideal for various health facilities and resorts, holiday centres, commercial and shopping centres, entertainment enterprises etc. Information: Tel. 22 674338, 99621554 FOR SALE LAND in Anthoupoli (half plot) 288 sq.metres. for information 99621554.

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS

FLAT OR HOUSE TO RENT, 2-3 bedrooms, veranda/terrace or garden, prefer furnished, SW of Nicosia (in approx area Lakatamia to Kapedes and Kalo Chorio) alan.tye@birdlifecyprus.org.cy, 22455072, 99089083.

SERVICES

*****************************

***************************** GERMAN BUSINESS MAN 50 years, searching for a nice women. Mobile: 00491736590562 *****************************

Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385

FAR INFRARED SAUNAROOM I sell my Sauna room for €1200. Imported new but not used. Costed €1800. Call 99 643397 ***************************** CLOTHES STOCKS AND SHOP FITTINGS FOR SALE. Excellent women’s brands for sale including Italian, Spanish and French clothes and shoes. Also women’s dummies and modern wall ﬁttings (clothes rails.) Selling at very low prices for clearance. Tel: 99-168943 *****************************

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND FOR SALE 721SQ.M. PLOT AT A PRIVILEGED LOCATION IN STROVOLOS AREA. THE PLOT IS ON A PARALLEL OF IOSIF HADJIOSIF AVE. & LAODIKIAS, BETWEEN THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS OF K. THEODOROU AND STAVROU AVE. AND IS CLOSE TO A BUS STOP. TEL: 99321785, 22421785 TIMI, PLOTS, a few selected available, seaview, near the 2 golf courses, Venus rock and airport. 60% Building factor, eu 99,000. Half registration fees till the 31.12.12. Tel. 99 621914 *****************************

WANTED TO RENT

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES ***************************** FORD FOCUS GHIA (2006) diesel, 1600cc, 98000km, blue, automatic - tiptronic. dual zone climate control, power steering, electric windows, 6 airbags, central locking, cruise control, computer board, alloy wheels, and many extras. €7500 ono. Contact: 99022779 - Nicosia *****************************

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA ***************************** HOUSE FOR RENT, at Deftera, 12 minutes from Nicosia, 6 years-old, excellent condition, 3 bdrm, 3 w/c, fully a/c, kitchen with electrical appliances, store-room, satellite disk, 80sq.mtr garden with lawn. Please call 99573688. ***************************** FLATS TO LET - Nicosia: A

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg -Employment Miscellaneous 19 Pets 19 Lessons 19 Health & Fitness 19 Personal 19 Services 19 For Sale Miscellaneous 19 For Sale Land/ Property Business 19 For Sale Motor vehicles 19 Wanted -To Let Nicosia 19 To Let Limassol 21 To Let Larnaca 21 To Let Paphos 21 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -For Sale Nicosia 23 For Sale Limassol -For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 23 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras 23 For Sale Athens -Property& Home Services display ads --

abbreviations bdrm c/h a/c s/pool f/f apt pm pw sw nw st rd p/s c/l swb r/cass e/w

bedroom central heating air conditioning swimming pool fully furnished apartment per month per week south west north west street road power steering central locking short wheel base radio cassette electric windows

Please note tel nos. that begin with: 22 = Nicosia 23 = Paralimni/Protaras 24 = Larnaca 25 = Limassol 26 = Paphos

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA wide selection of furnished & unfurnished in all areas of Nicosia. NIKARIA ESTATE LTD Theo Loizides 22761616 / 99660050 nikaria@cablenet. com.cy

TO LET NICOSIA to let. It has been recently renovated and consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, big dining and sitting rooms, kitchen and a huge veranda. Approximate covered area 250 sqm. Monthly rent €1400.00 o.n.o. Tel: 99622370. www.parcon.com. cy

TO LET NICOSIA cently painted. Rent €650pm. (furnished if required). Tel: 97773358. ***************************** LUXURY HOUSES:

For more information please call 99986921

1. 5 bedrs detached house, 550sq.m, built in 2 big plots of land, big garden with grass, big swimming pool with extra fence for children and big covered patio with bbq area, big reception areas with marble floor, fire place and bar, big kitchen with all electrical appliances and sitting room with fire place, maid’s room, floor heating, full a/c, blinds on the windows, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and shower, big bathroom for the other 3 bedrooms and extra shower in the 5th bedroom - Strovolos €2500 (H5ST10001-R), (photos in the website). 2. H3AR0004-R, 3 bedr luxury detached house with central heating, full a/c, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, parquet floor throughout the house, big sitting and dining area, big kitchen with family room opening onto the swimming pool which has big covered area with wooden deck, bbq area, covered parking, in a very quiet area behind Apoel football training ground - Archagelos - €1700 (photos in website). 3. 2 bedr fully renovated semi detached house 120 sq. m, a/c for hot and cold, small yard, FULLY FURNSIHED or not, double glazed windows with aluminum shutters, in a quiet area off Nikis behind Burger King - ACROPOLIS €600 (H2ACS0001-R), (photos in the website). 4. 3 bedr luxury semi-detached house with character, 200sq.m, central heating, full ac, sitting and dining room with fire place, big kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher and refrigerator, nice mature garden with flowers, trees and small garden with

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***************************** 2 BDRM flat (almost new, 4 years old) at Lycavitos with good area near University of Cyprus with fully equipment kitchen, a/c in all rooms. For info call 96530532. ***************************** FOR RENT spacious modern 5 Bedr house, next to Metro Supermarket, Strovolos, Nicosia. Furnished, 3 Restrooms, air-conditioning throughout, central heating, extra office room, amble storage spaces, covered garage, verandas with pergola, garden, barbecue area, quiet street in a qul de sac. Call 99606856. ***************************** TO LET 3 bedroom house situated on a dead end street next to a small quiet park near Falcon School. Has an En-suite master room, large study room, central heating, a/c and fire place in the living room. For enquiries tel 99660758 ***************************** LUXURIOUS APARTMENT FOR RENT A luxurious one floor apartment situated in central Nicosia in an area of exceptional Beauty at 3 Museum Street, is available

***************************** MODERN 2 BDRM, first floor flat in attractive building in Anthoupolis, very quiet area between the Grammar School and the European University, also very convenient for Pascal and Highgate Schools and the University of Nicosia. Large front veranda, all appliances, modern fittings, light and bright. Furnished or unfurnished €550p.m. Call 99900177. ***************************** 2 ROOMS €125 each, near McDonald’s Engomi only Philippine girls. Call 99663927. ***************************** FOR RENT 3 B/R apartment fully furnished close to Central Bank. 3 W.C., fully airconditioned extra storeroom, owned covered parking. Excellent condition. Information: Tel. 99621554 ***************************** 3 BEDROOMS flat on second floor in a block of six flats, in a nice position at Strovolos area, fully a/c, c/h, covered parking place for one car, re-

HORSES FOR FREE Thoroughbred horses for riding not older than 10 years old in excellent physical condition will give for free in good hands.

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TO LET NICOSIA

grass, covered parking, 3wc, 2 bathrooms in a quiet neighborhood. Available middle of January. Agios Andreas €1200 - H3AAD0001-R (photos in website). 5. 4 BEDR spacious luxury detached house with central heating, full a/c, 3wc, big sitting and dining area, big separate kitchen with electrical appliances and family room, big bedrooms, blinds, bbq area, garden, 2 parking(one covered), in a very quiet area near Apoel training field – ARCHANGELOS - €1200 – H4AR0016-R (photos in website). 6. 3 bedr+big attic room with shower and wc luxury new house, 210sq.m, central heating, full a/c, 4wc, blinds on all windows, cooker and oven in the kitchen, small garden, covered parking near Alpha Mega supermarket - STROVOLOS €1100 (H4ST10007-R), (photos in the website). 7. 3 bedr detached ground floor house with separate maid’s room, with very big garden with grass(200sq.m) and covered patio with bbq and bar, central heating, full a/c, 180sq.m, FULLY FURNISHED or NOT, 2 covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighborhood opposite Acropolis park - Acropolis - €1000 - H3ACS0004-R (photos in website). 8. H4LAK0002-R, 3 bedr + office space luxury detached house, built on a big plot, 350sq. m, big swimming pool

with cover, garden with grass, big sitting and dining room, separate family room, central heating, a/c, curtains on all the windows, cooker, dishwasher and dryer, parquet floor throughout the house,3wc, 2 bathrooms, 2 covered parking in a quiet area on the borders of Strovolos with Lakatamia Lakatamia- €1600 (photos in website). 9. 3 bedr upstairs and 2 separate bedroom in the basement luxury detached house(all the bedrooms with en suite bathrooms/shower), also separate kitchen and sitting room in the basement which has also separate entrance from the house, central heating, full a/c, solid parquet floor all the house, big sitting and dining room with fire place, big fully equipped kitchen with breakfast area and family room, big overfloor, swimming pool with covered patio area with fully equipped bar(bbq, fridge, freezer, cooker), mature garden around the house, 2 parking places, alarm system near the Cyprus Conference Centre- PLATY AGLANTZIAS €3500 (H5PAG0002-R), (photos in the website). 10. 4 bedr semi detached house with central heating, 4 a/c, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, 180sq.m, electrical appliances, small yard, bbq area, off Kostantinoupoleos street near French ambassador residence.- STROVOLOS €700 (H4ST10043-R), (photos in the website). 11. 4 bedr luxury semi detached house with good size garden

with grass, big covered patio with bbq area, central heating, a/c units, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, 2 covered parking, FULLY FURNISHED AND EQUIPPED, in a quiet area in a dead end close to all amenities and schools. - ANTHOUPOLIS €1300 (H4ANT0002-R), (photos in the website). 12. 4 bedr luxury detached house, 350sq.m,central heating, full ac, big garden with fruit trees, grass and swimming pool 6 X 12,2 covered parking, electrical appliances in the kitchen, 4 years old in a very quiet area 25 min from the centre – DEYTERA €2000 – H4DEF0001-R (photos in website). 13. 3 bedr ground floor house with big separate 80sq,m room with shower and wc for multi use, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, 2 shower,1 bathroom, fully furnished, small garden, bbq area, parking, on a small building in a very quiet area near Agios Vasilios church. Strovolos - €900 - H4ST10028-R (photos in website). 14. 3 bedr detached house with extra room for office, 250sq.m, central heating independent, 4a/c, big renovated kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting and dining room with parquet floor and fire place, 1bathroom, 2 shower, 3wc, 2 covered parking, double glazed windows and shutters in bedrooms, big verandas surrounded by trees and bushes off 28th October street in the central part of Makedonitissa - Makedoni-

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CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

tissa - €1100 – H3MAK0004-R (photos in website). For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22-422225/96422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates. com

in a quiet neighborhood off Prodromou close Ministry od Defence – Engomi- €600 – A3ENG0026-R (photos in website). 4. A1DAS0010-R, 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with big sitting and dining room, big bathroom, big bedroom with shutters, covered veranda, storage heaters, 2a/c, cooker and oven in the kitchen, covered parking in a quiet area in a small modern building near Acropolis Park. Dasoupolis €400 (photos in website). 5. 2 bedr new luxury modern furnished apartment , central heating ind, 2 a/c, big covered veranda and covered parking in a quiet area behind the Municipal building – Agios Dometios - € 660 - A2ADO0004-R (photos in website). 6. 2 bedr luxury spacious apartment on a small modern building with central heating independent(with petrol), full a/c, solid parquet floor, big bedrooms, big sitting room with open plan kitchen, big covered veranda, FULLY MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking off Makarios avenue in a quiet area near the centre – Nicosia Centre- € 800 – A2NIC0030-R (photos in website). 7. 4 bedr luxury floor apartment,250sq.m, office, maid’s room, central heating ind, full hidden wall unit a/c,2 showers, 1 bathroom, 3wc, parquet floor, big kitchen with cooker and oven, bbq on the veranda in the kitchen, big sitting area, roller blinds on all the windows, alarm system, big veranda on a small building off Athalasas avenue near

Alpha Mega supermarket and Areteion hospital – Dasoupolis - € 1100 - A4DAS0002-R (photos in website). 8. A1ACS0007- R, 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with 2 a/c for hot and cold, electrical appliances in the kitchen, big bedroom, covered veranda, blinds, covered parking, in a quiet area near Acropolis park. NICELY FURNISHED. Acropolis €450 (photos in website). 9. 3 bedr new luxury finished PENTHOUSE apartment 150sq.m internal areas+120sq. verandas, solid parquet floor all the flat, big bedrooms, big sitting and dining room, big semi separate kitchen with electrical appliances, home cine ma with big screen, LCD tv, covered parking in a quiet neighborhood near CYTA, Laiki + Hellenic bank headquarters and French school. CAN BE RENTED ALSO expensive MODERN furnished – Dasoupolis - € 1200 - A3DAS0019-R (photos in website). 10. 2 bedr luxury apartment with 3 a/c for hot and cold, big covered veranda, covered parking and storage room, NICELY FURNISHED, near Acropoli park behind Tseriotis showroom – ACROPOLIS €450 – A2ACS0033-R (photos in website). 11. 3 bedr luxury spacious ground floor apartment with separate entrance, big verandas and garden, big sitting and dining room, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, very big master bedroom, electrical appliances in the kitchen, aluminum shut-

ters on windows, parquet laminate ﬂoor all the ﬂat, covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighbourhood in a dead end street, off Athalasas Avenue behind Stephanis near English School €650 (A3ST10030-R), (photos in the website). 12. 2 bedr luxury apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds, big covered veranda, in a small 2 storey building in a quiet area behind Tymvos – MAKEDONITISSA - € 500 – A2MAK0008-R (photos in website). 13. 3 bedr luxury apartment with central heating independent,

full a/c, 2 bathrooms, parquet floor, big sitting and dining area, big covered veranda, covered parking, storage room, blinds, shutters in the bedrooms, big kitchen with all expensive electrical appliances, off Makarios avenue near the centre – Nicosia Centre- € 800 – A3NIC0025-R (photos in website). 14. 4 bedr new spacious luxury finished floor apartment with floor heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds on all windows, very big 50sq.m covered veranda, fire place, covered parking and big overfloor heated covered swimming pool on the ground floor, on a small 3 sto-

rey building in a quiet neighborhood near a playground and near Ippokration private hospital Engomi - €2000 A4ENG0003-R (photos in website). 15. 2 bedrs new luxury apartment, sitting room open plan with kitchen which includes cooker, oven, refrigerator and washing machine, 2 wc, central heating, full AC, blinds on the windows, very big covered verandas, covered parking and storage room in a dead end off Athalassas avenue near Laiki popular bank and Hellenic bank headquarters. - DASOUPOLI €500 (A2DAS0006-R), (photos in the website). 16. 2 bedr luxury apartment with a/c for hot and cold, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking, off Stavrou Avenue behind Coffee Beanery. PRICE INCLUDES COMMON EXPENSES – STROVOLOS € 550 – A2ST10051-R (photos in website). For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates. com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22-422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates. com

***************************** LUXURY FLATS:

1. 3 bedr luxury finished spacious floor apartment with very big sitting and dining areas with family room with fire place, solid parquet floor all throught, central heating independent, full a/c, all the bedrooms with en suite shower/bathroom, 4wc, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, blinds on all windows, big covered veranda, covered parking, big storage room, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighborhood – Agios Andreas- € 1300 – A3AAD0005-R (photos in website). 2. AINIC0006- R, 1 bedr., fully furnished and equipped apartment, 50sq.m, 2AC for hot and cold, covered verandah, covered parking, nice view, off Makarios avenue between Hilton and DEBENHAMS shop. Nicosia centre, € 450 (photos in website). 3. 3 bedr new luxury big apartment 150sq.m+big 25sq.m veranda with very nice view, big sitting and dining areas, big separate kitchen with all the electrical appliances, big bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, storage heaters, full a/c, shutters and blinds on the windows, covered parking

Card designed by Martin Sebok, Year 3 (Age 7)

***************************** 2 BDRM ﬂat in the centre of Nicosia. Rent €450. For information call 99453663, 99663927. *****************************

THE MANAGEMENT, STAFF & PUPILS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PAPHOS

LIMASSOL

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Let us welcome the New Year with health, hope & love. This year, instead of sending Christmas cards, the school has made a donation of 950 to the children’s ward of the General Hospital.

***************************** GROUND FLOOR HOUSE, furnished renovated this year. Laminated parke ﬂoor, and big wardrobes in the 3 bedrooms. Rent €590.00 Tel 99497576 99886775 *****************************

LARNACA ***************************** 2 BEDROOM NICOLADES SEA VIEW CITY BLOCK, a/c’s in all rooms, private parking, sea view, walking distance to everything, can be used for ofﬁce or residential. €750, minimum 12 months contract. 99320077 Larnaca ***************************** FOR RENT 2 bed, 2 bath, new built apartment, in a quiet scenic location In Alethriko, Larnaca 5 min. to Larnaka, 5 min. to the beach Fully furnished, A/C, communal pool, under covered parking, Long term rent, €350.00 per month For more info pls call 99639378 ***************************** FULLY FURNISHED one bedroom ﬂat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel: 99202543 *****************************

PAPHOS PAPHOS / PEYIA VILLA, villa for rent in Peyia, 4 bedroom, 4 bathrooms, large sitting-dining area, fully airconditioned and heated, unfurnished, panoramic views, large parking, low rent contact: 99490953, 26815534 ***************************** 3 BDRM VILLA with pool for

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS rent furnished or unfurnished, garden, garage (covered) near Tsada golf course, Tel: 99603330. *****************************

APHRODITE HILLS - Villa share at this amazing resort? Now available for discerning people, luxury double rooms, each with own en suite and heating unit and plus of large lounge/dining/ kitchen area, external patios, gardens and swimming pool. Fully furnished and equipped €800pm plus share of running expenses, min period 6 months or yearly contract renewal. To enquire (or view from January 2013) ring 99178141. A chance not to be missed! ***************************** MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PAPHOS OFFICE: 26271858 (00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT OFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE 1. UNIVERSAL AREA €450 spacious 3 bedroom ﬁrst ﬂoor apartment, master with ensuite. Situated on small complex with no pool. Fully fur-

TO LET PAPHOS

nished with modern furniture, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher. Balcony leads to a large private roof terrace with shaded barbeque area offering views of the sea, storage & sunbathing deck. 2. SEA CAVES €500 we are delighted to offer this detached 2 bedroom villa situated on a corner plot in a quiet residential area offering sea views. Gated drive for off street parking. Fully enclosed good sized low maintenance garden with private pool offering privacy and shaded areas. Available unfurnished or part furnished. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website reference number: RTL_482 3. KISSONERGA €550 modern detached 3 bedroom villa situated in a quiet residential area. Master bedroom with ensuite, separate kitchen, downstairs guest wc. Enclosed garden offering private pool & off street parking. Available unfurnished though can include kitchen appliances. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website reference number: RTL_501 4. PEYIA €700 price includes pool cleaning. If you are looking for a villa with breathtaking views & privacy than this property is for you. This modern detached 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa is furnished with modern furniture, including satellite TV. One bedroom & bathroom on ground ﬂoor. A spacious enclosed garden with private pool offering stunning views. Off street parking. Website reference number:

RTL_401 5. CHLORAKA €750 modern detached 4 bedroom 3 bathroom villa with ground floor bedroom & bathroom. Beautifully furnished with good quality modern furniture includes sky satellite, fly screens & feature fireplace with modern gas fire. Private pool offering views of the sea. Off street parking. Situated within walking distance of bus routes & shops. Website reference number: RTL_611 6. KATO PAPHOS €800 large 4 bedroom detached villa situated in the sought after residential area of Limnaria. Walking distance to the beach and the many amenities of Kato Paphos. Spacious living accommodation offering an enclosed garden with c/pool. Fully furnished with modern furniture & solar panels. Website reference number: RTL_442 7. ANAVARGOS €895 we are delighted to offer this unique 5 bedroom 3 bathroom rustic country home offering spacious living accommodation with large gardens, private pool & stone built bbq & entertainment area. Fully furnished with log burner for those winter months. A real character home worth viewing. Pets allowed. Website reference number: RTL_635 offers considered. 8. TALA €900 a charming detached 4 bedroom villa with character, situated on a corner plot in a quiet residential area with breathtaking sea views. Spacious living rooms

with central heating & real ﬁreplace. Separate kitchen & dining room. Good sized garden offering private pool and stone built barbeque area. Undercover parking. Available fully furnished. Website reference number: RTL_638 TEL: 97790883 OFFICE: 26271858 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MANY MORE PROPERTIES www.mrrentpaphos.net Email: info@ mrrent-paphos.net

***************************** FOR RENT A selection of 1 to 5 bedroom houses & apartments F/F & U/F Universal, Peyia, Tomb of the Kings, Tsada, Timi, Chlorakas & Kato Paphos Landlord & Owners please call 99329357 Or please view at are website www.cyprussands.com Fully Registered Company in Cyprus

ment, F/F, top ﬂoor, new, located at a peaceful location just 500 from St. George hotel in Chloraka. A+ quality apt. Within walking distance to amenities, part of a beautiful building with swimming pool, list and other amenities. Only €250p/m Other apts also available near Carrefour in the Centre of Paphos. Call 99403261, 26934650

***************************** A DELIGHTFUL AND SPACIOUS 1 bedroom apart-

***************************** FLOWRON PROPERTY SERVICES LTD: PROVID-

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

ING AN EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS: PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR RENT LONG TERM RENTAL, PROPERTIES WANTED: FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WITH KEY HOLDING AND RENT COLLECTIONS OFFERED ANAVARGOS: 1 to 3 Bedroom apartments available near to the general hospital, furnished or unfurnished. All properties, have white goods and are modern. The building has a lift and off street parking. Prices from 300-400 Euros per month. Ref 7777 Price 300-400 ANARITA: 3 bed nicely furnished villa in the centre of Anarita village with private pool, off street parking. Property has a modern kitchen with granite work tops, sitting and dining area, guest wc. Upstairs 3 bedrooms Master with en suite shower, separate family bathroom. Outside shaded pergolas. Ref 855 Price 600 SECRET VALLEY: 3 bed villa fully furnished 3 bedroom villa with private pool. Nice furniture, master bedroom with on suite shower, family bathroom, 2 bedrooms with twin beds. Dining area, kitchen, guest WC, off street parking, private pool. Modern Villa. Ref: 1035 Price 700 SERCRET VALLEY: 4 bed

beautiful furnished bungalow to the highest of standards, with large bedrooms - en suites, Modern large kitchen fully equipped, sitting and dining area with fire place. Outside heated pool, off street parking, landscaped gardens and great views. Ref: 1151 Price 1800 TIMI: 3 bed nicely furnished villa with large sitting and dining areas, fire place, full AC. Upstairs large family bathroom, 3 bedrooms, master bedroom having en suite shower and walk in wardrobes. Off street parking, private pool Ref: 722 Price: 600 PEGEIA: 4 bed villa with stunning situated in a lovely quiet location in Pegeia offered unfurnished. The property has 2 down stairs bedrooms, a large sitting room with fire place, central heating, kitchen with Stylish design, dining area. Upstairs 2 bedrooms, large outside veranda. Outside stunning views Private pool. Ref: 765 Price: 900 MESGOI: large unfurnished villa situated in a residential area. Property is very modern with fire place, downstairs bedroom with en suite, kitchen and separate utility room, 3 additional bedroom upstairs with master en suite, family bathroom. Outside private pool, fully fenced and private, nice views, pets welcome, suit family with children going

to local international school. Ref: 783 Price: 750 TALA: A family home offered part furnished in a quiet residential area, property has off street parking, private pool, central heating and AC, modern kitchen, sitting/dining area, guest wc, upstairs 3 bedrooms with master en suite, family bathroom, sea views. Ref: 988 Price: 750 OFFICE: 120 MAKARIOS AVENUE, PAPHOS. OFFICE: 26600450 MOBILE: 97614070 many properties available on WEB: www. ﬂowron.com Email info@ ﬂowron.com

nished apartment in handy location close to the shopping areas. Large open plan living area and dining area.. Fully fitted dining/kitchen with appliances . Guest WC. Utilty room. 3 double bedrooms one with en-suite. Family bathroom. Balcony & and parking. €500.00 a month. Suit non-drivers! 3. TOMB OF THE KINGS – 3 bed fully furnished apartment in established block. Own entrance via stairway. Open plan living area. Dining kitchen. 3 bedrooms and family bathroom. A/C, sat TV. Internet available. Large balcony area. Parking. €350.00 per month 4. TALA - 3 bed 3 bath quality furnished villa. Set in enclosed gardens the villa consists of open plan living area with dining space. Fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, door to rear garden. Storage room. Ground floor bedroom with adjacent shower. Stairs to two double bedrooms both en-suite, one with Jacuzzi tub. Small seating area with adjacent balcony. Pool and off street parking. Landscaped gardens €750.00 per month or close offers only 5. SEA CAVES – 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished large townhouse set in quiet location. Open plan living area. Fully fitted kitchen. 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. Garden area and parking. Realistically priced. Suit retired people or those wanting a quiet area. €400.00 per month 6. UNIVERSAL AREA. 2 bed fully furnished apartment. Living area, fitted kitchen. 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. A/C, Enclosed garden area. Comm pool and parking. Euros 375.00 a month or offers. 1 & 2 bed apartments available on Universal starting at €250 per month. 7. LOWER PEYIA - 3 bed, 2.5 bath part furnished villa situated in quiet cul du sac. Open plan living and dining area with doors out to pool and garden. Very large breakfast fitted kitchen. Doors out to garden and pool. Separate guest WC. Stairs to 3 dou-

ble bedrooms. Master bedroom very large with en-suite shower. Family bathroom. Private pool, gardens, shutters. €550.00 per month or close offers only. 8. STROUMBI– 3 bed 2.5 bath large unfurnished villa in quiet village area. Spacious open plan living area with feature ﬁreplace and dining space Good sized ﬁtted kitchen and breakfast area. Guest WC with storage area.3 double bedrooms. Master with en-suite bathroom. Family bathroom. Enclosed gardens, pool and off street parking. Realistically priced €550.00 per month. OVNO FOR FULL LISTINGS OF A PA R T M E N T S / T O W N HOUSES AND VILLA PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL LANDLORDS/ OWNERS PLEASE CALL. PLEASE CALL 97648440 or email:inforentals@aol. com

FOR SALE Semi-detached house in Archangelos area split level on a hill, no houses in front, 3 big bedrooms, 2 big bathrooms and TV room big lounge & dining area, fireplace, fitted kitchen, 40 sq.m. store room, C/H, A/C, solar. For information call: 99496541

***************************** PEYIA – 3 bedroom villa with modern quality furniture and ﬁnishes. Central heating, sky, alarm, inﬁnity pool and stunnning sea and mountain views €700 per month, call: 99389426 ***************************** BRAND NEW APT, opposite Poseidonio Gym, near Carrefour, F/F, a/c, great quality, 1 bdrm, from €340p.m.Tel 99403261 ***************************** RENTAL POINT - PAPHOS PROPERTIES AVAILABLE TO RENT IN THE PAPHOS DISTRICT. JUST A SMALL SAMPLE OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL. CALL 97648440 FOR MORE INFORMATION. LANDLORDS CALL IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT.!!!

1. MESA CHORIO – 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished ground ﬂoor apartment set on an elevated position in this prestigious development. Open plan living area. Good sized kitchen. 2 double, bedrooms, master with en-suite shower room. Family bathroom. Large patio areas with enclosed gardens and lovely sea views. Covered parking and security gates.. Comm swimming pool and landscaped gardens. €425.00 a month. 2 bed apartment same complex €400.00 a month. 2 MESOGI 3 bed 3 bath fur-

***************************** REFURBISHED stone-built village house located in Kili Paphos. Consists of 3 large rooms 1 small. Traditional wood burnt ﬁreplace, fully tiled secluded yard and garage. Tel: 99210610. *****************************

PROPERTY FOR SALE NICOSIA ***************************** NICOSIA, FLAT FOR SALE: 2 bedroom ﬂat with title deeds, 110 sqm, fully renovated, best central area, 800m from the european university,excellent view, eu 99,000. Tel 99 621914

FOR SALE PAPHOS OR RENT: kissonerga, 3 bedroom flat with title deeds, in a block of 4 flats only, fully renovated, 2 baths, 146 sqm closed area, ch, ac, covered parking, excellent view of sea and mountains, half registration fees till 31.12.12.Reduced to eu 135,000,or rent eu 450 pm. Tel 99 621914 ***************************** KATO PAPHOS UNIVERSAL, large 2 bedroom apartment, ground floor, 1 bathroom, kitchen, large veranda, private parking, A/C, satellite TV. Near bus route, shops, banks, quiet apartment. Full furniture. Communal pool. 92 sq.m covered area. Full TITLE DEEDS. REDUCED €92,000 ***************************** PAPHOS 1 bedroom apartment, fantastic central location, lounge/kitchen, bathroom, veranda, covered parking, communal pool, Furnished. Near all amenities. TITLE DEEDS NOW REDUCED €45,000. ***************************** 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT, TOMBS OF KINGS AREA, close to the sea, large private roof terrace with electric and water, covered parking, veranda, furnished, swimming pool. Full TITLE DEEDS, was €95,000 reduced to €65,000. ***************************** Chlorakas, 2 bedroom townhouse. Exceptional sea views. New kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. Private parking, On mains sewage system. Communal pool. A/C, quality fixtures. Fully furnished. Security barrier. FULL TITLE DEEDS Now €92,000 Call 99716390. ***************************** FOR SALE special offer, €79, 000 first floor apartment in Protaras, fully furnished with 2 bedrooms and a swimming pool. Walking distance to the beach of Ayia Triada and all amenities. Tel: 97 608941. *****************************

*****************************

FAMAGUSTA

PAPHOS

***************************** AYIA NAPA, studio for sale, 38 sqm, furnished and fully renovated, with title deed, in licensed complex, 500m from nissi beach, eu 49,000, tel. 99

***************************** PAPHOS, FLATS FOR SALE

U SEFUL PHONE NUMBERS POLICE DIVISION HQ

HOSPITALS ........ 1400

Nicosia ........................22 802 020 Limassol ......................25 805 050 Larnaca .......................24 804 040 Paphos ........................26 806 060 Famagusta ..................23 803 030

Nicosia General .............22-801400 Nicosia Makarios ...........22-405000 Limassol Old ................25-305333 Limassol New ................25-801100 Larnaca Old...................24-630312 Larnaca New .................24-630300 Paphos ..........................26-821800 Famagusta ....................23-821211

Drug Law Enforcement Unit ......................................... 1498 (Confidential Information) Rescue Co-ordination Centre ............................. 1441 (Immediate Response Service for Aeronautical or Maritime Accident & Incidents) Game Fund Service: (Wildlife and hunting) Central offices (Nicosia): 22867786, 22-867897 Nicosia: 22-664606, 99-445697 Limassol: 25-343800, 99-445728, Larnaca/Famagusta: 24-805128, 99-634325 Paphos: 26-306211, 99-445679

Narcotics Helpline ......... 1410 (Outside hours.............. 22304160) AIDS Advisory Bureau ................................ 22-302826 Domestic Violence Centre .......................................... 1440 (Emergency Centre for Victims) Drug Info & Poison Control ............... 1401 Cyprus Samaritans ... 77777267 Police Duty Officer ......... 1499 (Confidential Information)

Forest Fires ..................... 1407 Airports Larnaca ..........................77778833 Paphos ...........................77778833

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser FOR PAPHIAKOS ANIMAL WELFARE SOS HELPLINE, 24 HOUR MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE - CALL 99655581 CONTACT DETAILS FOR PAPHIAKOS. Paphiakos & C.C.P. Animal Welfare Education/Information Centre, No. 12 Dedalos Building, 8049 Kato Paphos PO Box 61272 8132 Kato Paphos Web. www.cyprusanimalwelfare.com www.facebook/paphiakos Email info@cyprusanimalwelfare.com Larnaca Emergency Service - The contact point for animal emergencies in Larnaca is Maria at the Paphiakos Animal Welfare Charity Shop, telephone 24623494 or 99325897 STOP, SHOP AND GIVE TO THE ANIMALS! ALL DONATIONS ARE WELCOME AT OUR CHARITY SHOPS! PAPHIAKOS & C.C.P. ANIMAL WELFARE Registered Charity No 1529 Contact our shops and we can take your clutter The Charity Shops are located at: Shop No.1 Agapinoros Street, Kato Paphos Tel 26910325 Shop No.2 Ap Pavlou Avenue, Kato Paphos Tel 26942894 Shop No.3 Gr. Afxentiou Avensia Court 3 Larnaca 24623494 Shop No.4 9 Ayiou Ioanni Street 3061 Limassol 25561695 Peyia Information Centre & Shop & T Rooms 26622828 Polis Information Centre & Shop & T Rooms 99223572 Book Exchange Shop Trimithousa 99771763 Our shops are always happy to receive your unwanted goods! NOW YOU CAN HELP BY COLLECTING YOUR ALUMINIUM CANS AND HANDING THEM IN AT ANY PAPHIAKOS CHARITY SHOP OR THE CLINIC. SAVE AN ANIMAL AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT!! PAPHIAKOS CAR BOOT SALE EVERY SATURDAY at the Ambassador Restaurant and outside in the grounds at Paphiakos. Free parking. Sellers from 7am, buyers from 8am. For information & bookings please call MIKE on 96702600. FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR PAPHIAKOS CHARITY NO. 1529 WORLD ANIMAL DAY. On Thursday October 4th Paphiakos will be micro chipping pets for only €20 including all the paperwork. For further information telephone 26953496. To celebrate World Animal Day on Thursday October 4th Paphiakos will be offering free spaying/neutering for all feral and unwanted animals as they do throughout the year. Contact 26953496 for further details. PAPHIAKOS SHELTER OPEN DAY The Open Day will be held on Sunday October 7th between 10am and 3pm. It will be a Family Fun Day out with a lot of different activities. There is car parking, toilets and refreshments on site so enjoy and join in the celebration of animals and what they bring to our lives. Entrance is €2 CHARITY HAIR CUT. On Thursday 4th October 09.30-17.30 without an appointment Andri at Atlantic Bay Hotel (2nd Floor) will be charging €5 for a haircut with all proceeds going to Paphiakos. Telephone Suzanne on 99151996 or Andri on 99604783. PAPHIAKOS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR. Saturday November 24th 9am – 3pm at the Crazy Spoon Restaurant. For further details contact 99151996. Stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Donkey Rides, Pirate Pat and many more.

SATURDAY SERVICES NICOSIA St Paul’s Church Hall, Byron Ave LIMASSOL ‘Meeting Point’, 193A Christodoulou H’pavlou, opp Molos Park on beach rd BIBLE STUDY FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN 10.00 am Nicosia • 10.30 am Limassol FAMILY WORSHIP SERVICE 11.30 am Nicosia • 11.45 am Limassol Pastor: Branislav Mirilov 96702349 Info: Nsia 96207014 • Lsol 99322614 www.adventist.org | www.hopetv.org

AYIA NAPA and DHERYNIA (Anglican Church in S.E Cyprus) Sunday Worship 9.30am Morning Prayer every Sunday morning at St Constantinos & Eleni Chapel, Dherynia (near Hospital in Dherynia) 11am at Scandinavian Church, off Nissi Avenue (opp Tassia Maris Hotel), Ayia Napa nd 6pm at St Constantinos & Eleni (2 week) Chaplain : Revd Simon Holloway M.A. Tel: 97 839349 www.angsecyp.org Visitors especially welcome

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Sport Australia’s Clarke caps a banner year in style

Murray makes early exit in Abu Dhabi event

THE San Antonio Spurs took advantage of Toronto’s injury woes to snap the Raptors’ five-game winning streak with a 100-80 home victory on Wednesday. San Antonio used a balanced attack, with all 12 of their players registering points, to systematically break down the visiting Raptors and ended Toronto’s longest winning run of the season. Tim Duncan led the way with 15 points, Manu Ginobili added 14 off the bench and the Spurs (22-8) stretched their Southwest Division lead to two games over Memphis. None of Toronto’s (9-20) five starters reached double-figures, although reserves Amir Johnson and Alan Anderson each finished with 12 points to pace the Raptors. DeMar DeRozan had enjoyed strong performances against San Antonio in the past but only managed eight points in the latest encounter. “Maybe he just had one of those nights where he wasn’t feeling it, but it’s better than the 25 he usually scores on us,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. The Raptors had managed to string together a succession of victories prior to Wednesday’s game despite missing center Jonas Valanciunas, guard Kyle Lowry and forward Andrea Bargnani through injury. Toronto managed to stay pretty close to the Spurs until the latter stages of the third quarter, where San Antonio broke free with a 13-2 run that put them 70-55 ahead. “We just came out more aggressive (in the second half) and realised we didn’t play well in the first half,” Ginobili said. The victory was the second straight blowout for the Spurs, who routed Dallas 129-91 on Sunday. This time, San Antonio barely had to exert themselves as they utilised the complete roster, and while Tony Parker registered 13 points and seven assists, it was the 45 points from the bench that made the difference.

Form a strong reply to those criticising his selection

ANDY Murray was yesterday defeated in straight sets by Janko Tipsarevic in this week’s exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. Murray, the world number three, fell to a 6-3 6-4 loss against Tipsarevic on the opening day of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. The Serbian progressed to the semi-finals with the victory, where he will face Spain’s world number 11 Nicolas Almagro, who came in as a late replacement following the withdrawal of Rafael Nadal due to a stomach virus. The match started off evenly and continued on serve until Murray was broken in the fourth game by Tipsarevic, who took the first set. Murray opened the second with an ace, but Tipsarevic, ranked ninth in the current ATP standings, hit back, claiming a break of serve. The set progressed with the reigning US Open champion trailing the 28-year-old at 5-3 after some loose play. Serving to stay in the match, the Scot handed the advantage to his opponent with a double-fault, before a crosscourt winner and shot down the line helped him on the way to making it 5-4 in the second set. Tipsarevic was therefore given the chance to serve for victory and earned himself two match points as Murray was unable to clear a smash to the baseline. The Serbian duly served out the game and booked his place in the semifinals and a match against Almagro.

IN BRIEF

Spurs show injury-hit Raptors no mercy

By Ian Ransom MICHAEL Clarke’s inspired century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday ticked off another milestone for Australia’s highflying captain, but was also a stunning riposte to critics who had suggested he should never have been selected. Having sustained a hamstring injury in the first test in Hobart, Clarke was given until the last minute to prove his fitness and only announced himself ready to take on Sri Lanka on the morning of the second test. Meanwhile, young seamer Mitchell Starc, 100 per cent fit and champing at the bit, was rested despite a fivewicket haul that helped drive the hosts to victory in Hobart. Pundits and former players cried double-standards. Clarke, a selector himself, simply put his head down to score 106 and surpass Ricky Ponting as his country’s most prolific test runscorer in a calendar year. The four-hour innings of 14 boundaries, while not without chances, broke the hearts of Sri Lanka and helped drive Australia to a mammoth first innings lead of 284. “In regards to beating Ricky, in my eyes he was certainly the greatest batsman I was lucky enough to play with so to beat any record that Ricky holds is very special that’s for sure,” the 31-year-old Clarke told reporters after notching his fifth ton for the year. “Numbers have never really bothered me too much.

Smashing form: Michael Clarke (above) has surpassed Ricky Ponting as Australia’s most proliﬁc test run scorer in a calendar year It’s nice to be making runs and leading by example as one of the leaders in the team and the captain of the team, I think it’s really important that the captain is doing that.” Clarke’s 22nd test century made him fourth on the alltime list with 1,595 runs for the year but he is unlikely to get another chance to reel in Mohammad Yousuf (1,788), Viv Richards (1,710) or Graeme Smith (1,656) this year. Australia may not need a second innings to wrap up the test and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the threematch series, so Clarke was disappointed not to have made more runs after being

dismissed slashing an edge to the slips. That also broke his perfect record in 2012 of going on to make double-tons after passing 100. “I thought it was a poor shot, especially at that time, we’d just seen off the second new ball so it was probably the best time to bat and again it shows for the next couple of guys that we lost three wickets quite quickly together,” added Clarke, who became the ﬁrst man to hit four doublecenturies in a calendar year in 2012. “I guess with regards to my form it’s about - enjoy this time and make the most of it because there’ll

come a time where you nick the ﬁrst few and get a couple of ducks.” Clarke, backed up admirably by the evergreen Mike Hussey in recent tests, brought Shane Watson into his orbit on day two, with the bulky all-rounder composing 83 in a welcome return to form. The pair put on a record fourth-wicket partnership of 194 against their opponents at the MCG but Watson was left to rue another missed opportunity to post a century. Watson has only converted two of his 19 half-centuries into tons, his last a 126 against India in Mohali more than two years ago.

Murray was defeated in straight sets by Tipsarevic

Wild Oats on track for Plushenko makes successful Drogba to lead seasoned record Sydney-Hobart win comeback in Sochi champs Ivory Coast at Nations Cup Race favourite Wild Oats XI was on track to smash their own record for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race as they crossed the treacherous Bass Strait yesterday. The Mark Richards-skippered super-maxi was being pushed along by strong northerly winds and reaching speeds of 24 knots at 0400 GMT (1500 AET) with about 240 nautical miles to reach the ﬁnish line in Tasmania. They were about 33 nautical miles ahead of last year’s winner Ragamufﬁn Loyal. Wild Oats set the record of one day, 18 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds in 2005, when they not only took line honours but also won the overall handicap title as well.

Yevgeny Plushenko made a triumphant comeback at the Russian figure skating championships in Sochi on Wednesday, when he eased to his 10th national men’s title in his first competition in nearly a year. The 30-year-old, widely regarded as the most gifted skater of his generation, said he was looking forward to returning to Sochi in February 2014 when the Black Sea resort will host the Winter Olympics. “This is my first competition in a long time so I’m quite happy with my performance here,” Plushenko, who won both the short programme on Tuesday and Wednesday’s free skate, told reporters at the Iceberg Olympic arena.

DIDIER Drogba will lead a vastly experienced Ivory Coast squad in the African Nations Cup finals starting next month which includes a recall for Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone. Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue, Didier Zokora, Boubacar Barry, Arthur Boka, Siaka Tiene and the Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya, head to a fifth successive tournament. The widely travelled Kone, who competed at the Nations Cup finals in 2006 and 2008, is back along with Spanish-based midfielder Romaric, who has also missed out in recent years.

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport

Osman: we’ll provide a challenge for Chelsea MIDFIELDER Leon Osman is optimistic Everton can follow up their battling win over Wigan with a more stylish one against Chelsea this weekend. The Merseysiders had to grind out victory against a well-drilled but luckless Wigan side in heavy rain at Goodison Park on Boxing Day. A deﬂected strike from Osman and a Phil Jagielka header gave the Toffees what proved a decisive lead, but they needed to hang on for a 2-1 win after Arouna Kone poked in a scrappy late reply. The win over the struggling Latics kept David Moyes’ men joint fourth in the Barclays Premier League and in good heart for the different challenge presented by third-placed Chelsea this weekend. Osman said: “It is always a little more difﬁcult at Christmas time with people’s moods and the way the weather

was, so it was a terrific three points to dig it out against a good Wigan side. “Chelsea are coming here on Sunday full of form now but we are confident and hopefully we will make a good game of it. We are certainly a developing team and have developed a lot over the last year or so. “We are playing some good football and we tend to show that more when we play against the teams at the top end of the table.” Victor Anichebe blazed a good chance wide for Everton after just 13 seconds but Wigan went on to control large spells of the first half with little reward. Everton upped the tempo after the break and hit the bar through Thomas Hitzlsperger before Osman broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a shot which went in off Gary Caldwell’s arm. Osman, 31, said: “The rules say that when you hit a shot and it’s on target

it’s your goal. “Obviously it did take a deﬂection and the keeper may well have saved it without the deﬂection but it’s gone in and I’m happy we opened the scoring.” Osman was then involved in a controversial incident as Shaun Maloney went down under his challenge in the area, but referee Lee Mason gave no penalty much to the visitors’ anger. “It is ultimately what the ref sees and the ref decided not to give it,” said Osman, when asked about that incident. Everton doubled their lead when Jagielka crashed in a header off the bar from a cross by Phil Neville, who was playing his 500th Premier League game. Despite that second blow, Wigan made life uncomfortable for the hosts after Kone pounced on defensive uncertainty eight minutes from time, but Everton held on to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.

The Merseysiders had to grind out victory against a welldrilled but luckless Wigan side at Goodison Park

Clarke backs under fire Fortune

UEFA to appeal sanctions over Serbia v England U-21 clash

STEVE Clarke defended Marc-Antoine Fortune after QPR manager Harry Redknapp accused the West Brom striker of deliberately fouling Robert Green in the run up to the Baggies’ winning goal at Loftus Road on Wednesday. QPR boss Redknapp angrily hit out at Fortune and referee Chris Hoy Wednesday night for failing to see what he thought was a blatant foul on his goalkeeper in the 2-1 defeat at Loftus Road. Fortune backed in to Green as he came to collect a ball that had looped up off Armand Traore and the R’s stopper duly dropped the ball in to his own net. Redknapp branded Foy’s handling of the situation as “awful”, but Clarke thinks the referee was right to let the goal stand. “I didn’t think it was a foul,” Clarke said. “I was confused. I just saw the ball go up and then in the net. I’ve seen it on the video and I don’t think he has done a lot wrong. I didn’t think it was much of a foul to be honest. “That’s why he’s there and that’s we pay him all that money.” Djibril Cisse scored 22 minutes from time, but Rangers could not ﬁnd a second to equalise Green’s own goal and West Brom’s opener, which came courtesy of a 30yard drive from Chris Brunt. Given that the result leaves QPR six points adrift of safety having played one more game than 17th place Southampton, Redknapp was furious at seeing a potentially vital point slip through his ﬁngers. “It was a blatant foul,” he said. “I hate hearing managers moan about decisions and getting robbed. I don’t do that or slag referees off or moan about decisions. “Once a year I might, I might have the hump with a referee, I never knock on their door but that today was poor, two vital decisions that would be so important to us went against us.”

Platini could push for heftier Serbia sanctions UEFA is set to appeal against all the sanctions imposed in relation to the controversial Serbia v England Under-21 play-off in October, including the punishments imposed for racist abuse by Serbian supporters. Serbia’s Under-21 side were ordered to play one match behind closed doors and the national federation were ﬁned £65,000 in relation to the racist behaviour of their supporters during the match at the Mladost Stadium in Krusevac on October 16. The punishment, imposed by UEFA’s independent control and disciplinary panel on December 13, was widely criticised for being too lenient. “UEFA, via the UEFA disciplinary inspector appointed to the case, has decided to appeal all the sanctions,” read a statement on UEFA’s ofﬁcial website. The 2013 European Under-21 Championship play-

Controversial clash: the 2013 European Under-21 Championship play-off second leg was marred by racist chanting and scenes of violence off second leg was marred by racist chanting and scenes of violence. England were also censured, with Steven Caulker and Tom Ince receiving

two and one-match bans respectively for their involvement in the brawl sparked by racist abuse directed at Danny Rose. UEFA president Michel

Platini was understood to be considering an appeal to increase the severity of the sanctions against the Serbian team given the nature of the incidents.

Wednesday’s statement continued: “As per the UEFA disciplinary regulations, the UEFA disciplinary inspector has the right to open disciplinary investigations and to lodge appeals against decisions taken by the control and disciplinary body. “Having reviewed the motivated decisions for the sanctions imposed in this specific case, which have also been provided to all parties, the UEFA disciplinary inspector felt it necessary to immediately confirm his intention to appeal on UEFA’s behalf,” it said. The UEFA disciplinary inspector has until January 8 to lodge the appeal, the same deadline to which the Serbian and English Football Associations must adhere to if they also wish to appeal against the sanctions. UEFA additionally banned Serbian coaches Andreja Milunovic and Predrag Katic from all football-related activities for two years, with the final six months of that suspended for a probationary period. Serbia’s Goran Causic was suspended for four matches, while Ognjen Mudrinski and Filip Malbasic were given threegame bans. Nikola Ninkovic was suspended for two fixtures.

Reds manager Rodgers bemoans soft goals conceded to Stoke

Unhappy: Rodgers

LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers was unhappy with the soft goals his side conceded in the 3-1 defeat to Stoke. Despite taking the lead through a Steven Gerrard penalty awarded after just 32 seconds two Jon Walters goals, either side of a Kenwyne Jones header, extended Liverpool’s winless streak at the Britannia Stadium to ﬁve matches. Rodgers felt his side needed more resilience to combat Stoke’s physical pressure. “We conceded soft goals after a great start,” he said. “A bit of magic by

Luis (Suarez) got our first penalty of the season, Steven sticks it away perfectly and we are 1-0 up at a difficult place to score goals.” He added: “We wanted to gain the initiative from that but the nature of the goals we conceded was very soft and if you do that it is always going to be uphill in terms of getting a result. “The first one is unfortunate as Martin Skrtel slips and Walters finished well, but the other two goals we have to be better than that. It was too soft: a corner that sneaks in at the near post and

then from a throw-in. “It is not all about football. You have to earn the right to play, particularly coming here. I have no doubt about the characters we have but tonight it was too easy.” Stoke boss Tony Pulis was pleased with the way his side fought back after conceding the early goal, saying: “It was a great result and performance. “I thought the response after going a goal behind after just 30 seconds was absolutely fantastic and epitomises what the group are about at the moment.”

CYPRUS MAIL Friday, December 28, 2012

Sport Blackburn sack Berg after 57 days in charge

Mata hungry for more after landmark game Carrow Road clash sees Spain forward’s 13th goal in all competitions this term By Ben Rumsby and Mark Bryans JUAN Mata celebrated a landmark game and goal in his Chelsea career before declaring he was hungry for even more. Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Norwich was Spain forward Mata’s 50th appearance in the Barclays Premier League and came less than a season and a half after he joined the Blues. Carrow Road also witnessed his 13th goal in all competitions this term, already bettering his tally from the whole of the last campaign. Rarely has a foreign player made such a seamless adjustment to English football as former Valencia star Mata, who has enjoyed the unwavering conﬁdence of all three Chelsea managers he has played under. Last season, he featured in 34 of Chelsea’s 38 league games, while this term he has played a part in 16 of 18. But despite his 50 matches being the most of any outﬁeld player at the club

over the same period, Mata had no intention of allowing his team-mates to catch him up. “I want to play more, I want to keep playing, keep training, keep enjoying this club and this Premier League,” he told Chelsea TV. Modestly describing his goals tally as “not bad”, he added: “I’m very happy with how it’s going - the season for me and for the team and I just have to keep working.”

CLUB REVIVAL When Mata works, almost invariably so do Chelsea. His six goals in eight games have co-incided with the club’s revival under interim boss Rafael Benitez. Mata’s dip in form before that also tallied with the Chelsea slump that saw Roberto Di Matteo sacked. Indeed, the club were becoming too reliant on Mata’s goals and assists under Di Matteo and it is crucial they do not fall into the same trap again. Benitez appears to recognise the need to spread the

load around the team, his decision to move David Luiz from defence into midfield once again proving inspired on Wednesday. Mata said of the Brazilian’s transformation: “I’m not surprised. “I know that he’s a very, very good player, top player. “He’s able to play in different positions, at centreback, in midfield. He’s a complete football player.” Mata stressed the importance of Chelsea keeping a clean sheet yesterday in what was only their second 1-0 win of the season. “Our four defenders were really good,” he said. “All the team played like a compact team, like Rafa wanted.” He added of his goal: “The most important thing is that it was the winning goal.” That winner saw Chelsea close to within four points of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand, while remaining 11 behind runaway leaders Manchester United. Mata said: “These three points gave to us a lot of confidence to be closer to

Catch me if you can: Mata made his 50th Premier League appearance with Wednesday’s 1-0 win at Norwich the Manchester clubs.” Norwich boss Chris Hughton was also upbeat after his side reached the halfway point of the season comfortably in midtable, 10 points clear of danger. Two straight defeats have done little damage following a 10-game unbeaten run that left the Canaries

on 25 points. Hughton said: “If you had offered that to me at the start of the season then certainly I would have taken it. “You only have to look at this Barclays Premier League week in, week out and see some of the results and I think that emphasises the good run we went on.”

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists his side will be fine despite Spurs rout

Gareth Bale (centre) was the undoubted star of the show as Spurs ran Villa ragged on Wednesday

ASTON Villa boss Paul Lambert insists his young team will be fine as they try to move on and find a positive response after suffering two successive hammerings over the festive period. Lambert’s side went into their Boxing Day home clash with Tottenham looking to bounce back from their demoralising 8-0 defeat at Chelsea three days earlier, only for Jermain Defoe’s 14th club goal of the season and Gareth Bale’s first Barclays Premier League hat-trick to see Spurs run out comfortable 4-0 winners. Things are looking worrying for Villa, who lie 16th in the table - three points above the relegation zone. Their manager is adamant the mood in the camp will not be an issue, though, ahead of Saturday’s crunch encounter with 18th-placed Wigan at Villa Park. “They will be fine,” Lambert said. “Whether we win, lose or draw, we always try to treat them the same way and try to keep their spirits the same. “One thing in football is that you can’t dwell on it and you have to bounce back there is no other way.” Bale was the undoubted star of the show as Tottenham ran Villa ragged, the winger twice going close to netting in a goalless first half before following up Defoe’s 57thminute opener by converting in the 61st, 73rd and 84th minutes to give the scoreline an appearance that more accurately reflected the visitors’ dominance through-

out the contest. It took the 23-year-old Wales international - scorer of a famous Champions League treble against Inter Milan in 2010/11 - to 10 club goals for the current campaign, and Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas afterwards hailed Bale as one of the world’s best players. The Portuguese said: “He is up there with the best. “He is showing tremendous skills and talent. I think he is improving every day - he is such a young player - and he is helping the team. He is one of our major assets. “His personality is wonderful. He is going through an excellent moment of his professional and personal life, and we are benefiting from that.” Asked if he thought Bale could get even better, Villas-Boas - who has stressed his confidence the player will not leave Tottenham in the January transfer window said: “I think so. You always expect that the team can make an individual even better. “The team changes so much from one year to another, and as he keeps learning, he will feel even better and probably his performances will improve.” The result ensured Tottenham kept up their push for Champions League football, moving them up to fourth - level on points with fifth-placed Everton and sixth-spotted West Brom, who both also won on Wednesday.

BLACKBURN Rovers sacked Henning Berg yesterday after only 57 days and 10 games in charge, becoming the second manager to depart a foreignowned English Championship (second division) club in the space of a few hours. The Norwegian was axed by Blackburn’s Indian owners after a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough on Wednesday, their fifth loss in six games which left the club languishing in 17th place. Under Berg, Blackburn won just once. Berg’s dismissal follows hot on the heels of Sean O’Driscoll’s departure from Nottingham Forest with the Kuwaiti-owned former European champions sacking the Irishman late on Wednesday, hours after they had beaten Leeds United 4-2 at home. Berg, who won the Premier League as a Blackburn player in 1995, was appointed on Oct. 31 after the resignation of predecessor Steve Kean at the end of September following relegation from the top flight and months of angry protests from fans. Supporters have long been venting their frustration at owners Venky’s although the team topped the second tier before Kean’s exit. Blackburn said on their website (www.rovers. co.uk) that 43-year-old Berg, assistant Eric Black, first-team coach Iain Brunskill and goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms had all been fired. “This decision has been taken following a very disappointing sequence of results,” the statement read. Venky’s director Balaji Rao told the Times of India newspaper: “We have not been doing well and dropping points and losing matches quite often. I want to go up.” O’Driscoll was sacked by Nottingham Forest despite the club sitting in eighth place, one point away from the top six. “We are looking to bring in an ambitious manager with Premier League experience,” said chairman Fawaz al-Hasawi, adding that Forest’s lack of consistency under O’Driscoll was a major factor in the decision.

Under Berg (above) Blackburn won only once

Friday, December 28, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport

Australia’s Clarke caps banner year in style 25

Blackburn sack Berg after 57 days in charge 27

‘Title race is not over yet’ Hart says Man City’s fortunes will change again By Damian Spellman,

The Scot was furious after referee Dean overruled his assistant and awarded Newcastle’s second goal in the Red Devils’ 4-3 win at Old Trafford on Boxing Day

No FA action to be taken following Fergie ref row MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not face punishment for confronting referee Mike Dean at Old Trafford on Wednesday, the Football Association has confirmed. The Scot was furious after Dean overruled assistant Jake Collin and awarded Newcastle’s second goal in the Red Devils’ 4-3 win. The FA yesterday confirmed no action would be taken against the Red Devils boss as Dean made no reference to Ferguson confronting him in his report. Ferguson approached Dean as he made his way out for the second half, before rounding on the fourth official Neil Swarbrick and Collin. Dean did not send Ferguson off during the match, which ended with United going seven points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to their win and Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Ferguson was furious that Dean allowed a Jonny Evans own goal to stand after Collin had flagged for offside against Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse. Ferguson said: “The referee changed the linesman’s mind. “He said it was an own goal. But if you see it again, and the referee can’t, the guy is in an offside position, then he pulls Evans’ arm. “If that is not interfering, what is? I think it was a bad decision.” The Premier League issued a clarification, backing Dean’s decision, confirming that “as Cisse did not play the ball, then he was not interfering with play”. The league also stated that: “It is also the case that Cisse didn’t interfere with the opponent”. Javier Hernandez’s 90th-minute winner gave United the spoils as they fought back

three times from a goal down to edge out Newcastle in an enthralling encounter. Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has demanded United sort their defensive problems out before they start to eat away at their season. Incredibly, the Red Devils have now conceded 28 goals this season, only five fewer than QPR who are presently languishing at the foot of the table. To put that into context, at the half way point of the campaign, they have now exceeded the number of goals they conceded in three of their most recent titlewinning seasons - 2007, 2008 and 2009. In all competitions, that figure now stands at 40, during which time they have kept just four clean sheets. In addition, they have now gone behind 16 times, 11 of which have ended in victories. They are quite shuddering statistics. And everyone in the United camp admits they must be corrected. “We are concerned,” said Ferdinand. “When you are conceding goals at any level you want to put it to a stop. “This season we have let in far too many goals and we need to change that. “We need to make a big effort now to push on. “We are in a good position but if we are to maintain where we are, we need to sort ourselves out.” Ferdinand’s words were echoed by central defensive colleague Evans, who feels it is only a matter of time before United finally resolve their defensive issues. “We know what is going on,” he said. “Defending is a mindset. You have to be mentally prepared to defend and want to defend.”

anchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned arch-rivals Manchester United that the title race is far from over despite their seven-point lead. The 25-year-old England international was a disappointed man after former clubmate Adam Johnson sneaked a long-range shot past him at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday to condemn City to a third successive 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Sunderland. The defeat saw the champions slip further off the pace as they attempted to reel in United, who had to come from behind three times before eventually beating the Black Cats’ north-east neighbours Newcastle 4-3 at Old Trafford in stoppage time. Blues boss Roberto Mancini was quick to point out that the season was only at the halfway stage as he assessed the implications of an unexpected defeat, and having seen his side chase down United at the back end of the last campaign to snatch the title in a dramatic ﬁnale, Hart remained equally bullish. He told the club’s ofﬁcial website, www.mcfc.co.uk: “We have had leads, United have had the lead - it’s to-ing and fro-ing at the moment. “We are a team of winners. It’s hard and it hurts, but we have got to move on. It is hard to lead and it is hard to chase too. “We have clawed points back before, we proved it at the end of last year. We have just got to believe.” Sunderland’s record against City is remarkable - they were the only side to leave the Etihad Stadium last season with a point - and Mancini joked afterwards that they would not travel to Wearside during the 2013-14 campaign. In the short term, the Italian’s focus will be on Saturday’s trip to Norwich, where his side won 6-1 in April and where a repeat of that result, if not the scoreline, would be hugely welcome. Hart said: “The only way we can change it is by winning here next year - but for now,

The 1-0 defeat at Sunderland on Wednesday saw champions City slip further off the pace we only have Norwich on our minds.” City had their chances at the Stadium of Light, but were denied by a combination of the woodwork and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The Belgium international made three outstanding saves, from Yaya Toure and David Silva before the break and Sergio Aguero after it, and his efforts did not go unnoticed by the man at the opposite end of the pitch. Hart said: “Simon Mignolet has had a magniﬁcent game. He’s a brilliant goalkeeper, I have watched him closely in other games. “Sunderland defended for their lives and it just wouldn’t go in for us.” Hart himself had to get down superbly to turn away Steven Fletcher’s 25thminute strike as Sunderland, having weathered an early storm, started to make an impact.

Still bullish: Joe Hart

But when the game’s decisive moment arrived, he was unable to prevent Johnson, who left City in the summer having found himself surplus to requirements, from stealing the headlines. City were furious not to be awarded a free-kick for Craig Gardner’s challenge on Pablo Zabaleta immediately before Carlos Cuellar slipped the ball to the winger, and he cut inside and drilled a speculative effort towards the near post. Mancini later absolved Hart of blame, although admitted he might have been anticipating a cross rather than a shot, but he could not get across his goal in time to prevent the ball from ending up in the bottom corner. Hart said: “First and foremost, someone stamped on Zaba - it was a blatantly obvious foul - but what can you do? “I was in my position for the shot, and that’s where you will see me again on Saturday. “But he struck it well with just enough wobble to beat me.”