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Saturday, December 8, 2012

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Final stages of talks on power plant insurance

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‘Most people will not pay’ Finance minister rushes to allay property tax fears

By George Psyllides

F

INANCE Minister Vassos Shiarly yesterday rushed to assure homeowners and businesses that they would not feel the squeeze from the changes in immovable property tax (IPT) which are provided for in the preliminary deal with the troika, which is due to kick in next year.

The minister said some 80 per cent of private citizens will not be paying while those who would be paying a small amount would be around 17 per cent.

“So 97.5 per cent of the population will either not pay or will pay a very small amount,” he said.

The number of people who would have to pay the maximum amount was just 0.5 per cent, the minister added.

Opposition to the changes has been growing this week with landowners, property developers and hoteliers warning that the changes, which hike up the taxes currently based on 1980 values by tenfold in some instances, will

drive the economy deeper into recession.

The preliminary agreement between Cyprus and international lenders provides for updating the 1980’s property prices by applying the consumer price index (CPI) over 1980 to 2012 and amending tax rates for the value bands.

Until now, immovable property tax was calculated based on the value of the property on January 1, 1980.

Under the new regime, the taxable figure would be the result of multiplying the value of the property in 1980 by around 3.5 – the CPI, according to deputy land registry director Andreas Socratous The updated value will then be taxed by applying the new rates. The first €150,000 is tax-free.

From then on: €150,001€500,000 coefficient of 6 per thousand, €500,001€1,000,000 coefficient of 8 per thousand, €1,000,001 and above coefficient of 10 per thousand.

The tax will be levied on the total value of all the properties in a person’s name. Shiarly said TURN TO PAGE 5

A woman works in a greenhouse where Christmas Poinsettias are grown in Maresme, near Barcelona, Spain yesterday (EPA)

Cash-strapped Swaziland urged to increase taxes on witch doctors A SWAZI Member of Parliament has urged the government to hike taxes on traditional healers and soothsayers to help solve a funding crisis in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.

The mediums, known as sangomas in the landlocked southern African nation, pay an annual 10 emalangeni ($1.15) licence fee, but MP Majahodvwa Khumalo

said they had jacked up their fees fourfold in the last few years and should pay more.

“A majority of our people consult traditional healers but the money they pay to the government falls far too short of the money they make,” he said in parliament.

Swaziland’s budget deficit ballooned to 15 per cent of its

annual economic output in 2010 but the government managed to keep itself afloat by running through central bank reserves and delaying payment of wages to civil servants.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined to launch a bailout because of reluctance

by King Mswati III, who has at least a dozen wives and a per-

sonal fortune estimated at $200 million, to cut royal or military spending.

The IMF has continued to press for reductions to what is officially Africa’s most bloated bureaucracy. In an in-depth assessment of the economy published in February, it rated the scope for raising more taxes as “small”.

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

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Gold exports quadruple as people sell jewellery

Weather Paralimni

Nicosia 18

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Troodos

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Crisis forcing many to cash in as buying becomes a luxury

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Paphos

Limassol

TODAY: A mixture of sunshine and cloud, with rain possible. Temperatures will reach 18C inland, 19C along the coasts and 5C over higher ground OUTLOOK: Remaining unsettled YESTERDAY:

Max Temp Nicosia 16 Larnaca 18 Limassol 19 Paphos 18 Paralimni 17 Prodromos 7

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Min 11 13 13 14 13 6

Humidity 80% 78% 68% 84% 73% 12%

SUNRISE: 06:43am

SUNSET: 4:34pm

Pollution Low/Low Low/Low Low/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

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EXCHANGE

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For a full list of exchange rates, see page 11

CHEMISTS NICOSIA A. Hadjichristodoulou, 56D Kennedy Ave. Tel: 22496994, 22358479 (H) M. E. Koula, 53C Kallipoleos Ave. Tel: 22377056, 22813435 (H) Ch. Tsangarides, 92 A. B Makedonitissis, Strovolos Tel: 22871954, 22319608 (H) T. Malloupa, 187 Gr. Afxentiou, Ayios Dometios. Tel: 22772653, 22337172 (H) Ch.. Christodoulidis, 4 Andrea Awraamidi Tel: 22879747, 22324357 LIMASSOL G. Aggelopoulou 34A Griva Digheni Ave., Tel: 25581965, 25328511 (H)

G. M. Prodromou, 74D Misiaouli & Kavazoglou St. Tel: 25568009, 25811208 (H) O. Agathocleous 269G Agias Phylaxeos Tel: 25386221, 25730209 (H) LARNACA P. Apostolides, 20 K. Lysiotis St. Tel: 24627213, 24423271 (H) N. Aspri, Artemidos Ave. Tel: 24624928, 24622102 (H) PAPHOS D. Constantia, 29 E. Venizelou St. Tel: 26935133, 26653809 (H) PARALIMNI A. Mavroyiannou, 216 Gr. Dighenis St. Tel: 23828880, 23829202 (H)

Cyprus Mail Established 1945. Number 21,400 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

By Poly Pantelides DURING the past few years as ‘cash for gold’ dealers have mushroomed in Cyprus, gold exports have almost tripled, while jewellers struggle to sell their pieces.

“People are not buying gold jewellery because of the high price of gold. Instead they’re selling their jewellery,” said Christos Kiayias, the head of the Cyprus Assay Office which certifies both retailers and manufacturers of jewellery.

Local jewellers say that business is down. One shop – Aloupas Michalakis – on the oncevibrant Makarios Avenue in Nicosia said that though they were doing well until June or so, they were selling fewer of their original pieces now. “The crisis forces people to cash in their jewellery,” owner Phivos Aloupas said. But he added that his shop had opted not to buy jewellery to melt down.

The market for gold jewellery has shrunk tremendously over the past decade, Kiayias said referring to the number of original pieces made in Cyprus. By law, those gold pieces need to be hallmarked (unless they weigh less than a gramme) and so the Assay Office has been able to track the decline.

“The situation is bad,” he said. “In 2001, when the market was at its peak roughly 1.5 million different pieces came to us to be hallmarked.

In 2008, there were roughly 400,000 pieces and for 2012 we estimate that 270,000 pieces will be hallmarked,” Kiayias said.

According to http://goldprice.org which the Assay Office and retailers use as a reference base, the price of gold has tripled since 2008 and was

yesterday set at about €40 per gramme.

Exports of gold from Cyprus have gone up from 321,880 grammes of unwrought and semi-manufactured gold worth €7,098,254 in 2010 to over three times that amount as of August 2012 when €26,553,871 worth, or 949,701 grammes was exported, according to the statistical services.

These exports are the result of what happens to old gold jewellery that people sell for cash.

As the debt crisis reared its ugly head and the price of gold continued climbing, people in Cyprus started selling their gold jewellery with new places mushrooming all the time. One woman, 51, said she had been surprised to find out last year she could get €650 for “ten small pieces”. “I gathered all the items that were broken or didn’t mean anything to me,” she said. “It was a pleasant surprise it see it all add up.”

“There was a gap in the law and people did whatever they wanted,” Kiayias said referring to the holes in legislation that allow anyone to open a shop to buy gold.

The phenomenon has worried the authorities who fear these outlets are being used to fence stolen goods.

Which is why a new law effective as of January 1 will regulate the industry, Kiayias said.

“The important thing is that people are not taken advantage of,” he said.

Under the new law, the Assay Office will create a register for business which wants to buy gold. The registration number will have to be displayed at outlets. In addition to needing to apply for a licence within the first three months the law becomes effective, buyers will need to get identification from

As of January 1, gold buyers will have to register sellers, take photographs of the items and keep them for ten days.

Within those ten days, the police – investigating a robbery – may request to see the items and prosecute anyone who has passed those items on already. The photo archive will need to be kept for a year.

Asked how many bigger companies there were that could buy gold from other smaller retailers and export them, Kiayias said there was just a handful. There are several hundred jewellery shops, Kiayias said, although it is not clear how many ‘cash for gold’ shops there are.

State hydrocarbons company law passed THE HOUSE on Thursday night unanimously passed a bill on the establishment and control of the state hydrocarbons company KRETYK. The bill stipulates that the company’s budget must be submitted to Parliament but would s not require approval.

Under the new law, the House will however have the right to approve the criteria for the appointment of board members.

The state hydrocarbons’ company will be controlled by the Republic’s AuditorGeneral.

Commerce minister Neoclis Sylikiotis announced in October that the government had established the Cyprus Hydrocarbons Company (KRETYK) with the submission of the company’s statute to the Department of Company Registrar.

The company will, inter alia, engage in the production-sharing contract with Houston-based Noble Energy with regard to the extraction and exploitation of natural gas from Block 12 of Cyprus` Exclusive Economic Zone and engage in consultations with prospective investors concerning the construction of a terminal in Cyprus to liquefy natural gas.

The state will own the majority capital in KRETYK, which will be a private and not a public company and therefore the

House will not have to approve its budget as it would have to do in the case of semigovernment body.

Under the preliminary bailout deal with the troika, Cyprus asked to prepare and adopt legal steps enabling the establishment of a resource fund, which should receive and manage the public revenues of offshore gas exploitation.

As a first step, Cyprus should submit its draft legal framework for review by the programme partners taking into account international best practices, as well as a detailed action plan by the second quarter of 2013, the troika memorandum says.

It also said Cyprus must undertake a study on the financial aspects of the transition towards the exploitation, use and export of natural gas, as a first step in the formulation of a comprehensive development plan for the rearrangement of the Cypriot energy sector.

This plan should include a projection for the roll-out of the infrastructure, details on the financing and ownership of the related physical assets; an assessment of any major planning and financing bottlenecks and risks; an estimate of the revenue stream over time, and the establishment of appropriate govern-

ance structures. The the plan should also take account of the current uncertainty over the actual size of domestic, offshore, commercially-viable natural gas fields and possible changes in international gas prices and demand, and should be based on alternative world energy scenarios from an internationally reputed organisation.

A first outline of this development plan would also be submitted in the second quarter of 2012, according to the memo.

The troika also wants Cyprus to provide an outline of the regulatory regime (CERA) and market organisation, which would be conducive to the introduction and proper functioning of open, transparent, competitive energy markets, taking into account the size of the Cypriot economy, the integration of Cyprus’ energy system into regional markets.

The outline should include the potential to set-up wholesale markets for gas and electricity, of which the latter should be open to non-producing traders; the freedom for customers to make an effective choice of supplier; full unbundling of gas suppliers and customers, in particular electricity companies; and a single sales organisation for the off-shore gas supply

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

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Nicosia only hold-out as bus strike ends in other districts NICOSIA bus drivers will decide in a meeting this morning with union chiefs and their respective bus companies whether to accept the transport ministry’s proposals to end their six-day strike.

Limassol service will be resumed as of this morning with the drivers ending their strike after eight days, state broadcaster CyBC reported.

Drivers from the Famagusta district, who had also been striking since Monday, returned to work yesterday afternoon after accepting the deal.

Minister Efthymios Flourentzos met with the bus companies yesterday afternoon to try and put an end to the strike over nonpayment of wages. The bus companies then met union chiefs to discuss the proposals

before holding a general meeting with the bus drivers today. “The bus drivers have not given us full authorisation to agree to any deals with the bus companies or ministry so we will hold a meeting at 8am on Saturday with the drivers to decide if they will accept the new proposals,” said head of PEO SEGDAMELIN Athos Eleftheriou. “We are confident that the bus drivers will accept the

new proposals and will return to work at noon on Saturday,” he added.

Flourentzos was also confident a deal would be struck and the bus drivers would return to work today. “We have made sustained attempts to find a solution by correcting contractual mistakes, that have proved a stumbling block during our talks,” explained the minister.

Shiarly urges MPs to ‘avert catastrophe’ Shiarly asks deputies not to seek changes to bills related to bailout memorandum

By George Psyllides

AROUND 1,000 people, mainly members of trade union PEO, gathered outside the offices of the European Commission in Cyprus yesterday to protest against the potential austerity measures the government is planning. Nicosia’s Byron Avenue was closed off during the

protests as the Cypriot trade unionists were joined by members of other leftwing unions from around the world who were in Cyprus to attend the PEO conference. Protesters shouted slogans such as: ‘the crisis should be paid for by the rich’ (Christos Theodorides)

FINANCE Minister Vassos Shiarly urged lawmakers yesterday not to try to change any of the bills linked to Cyprus’ bailout, as he reiterated that very difficult times awaited the island before a final deal.

“Let us not try to make any amendments now because if we do we will miss the train,” the minister told the House Finance Committee during discussion of some 25 bills that must be approved next week. “It is not the time for corrections; it is the time to prevent the terrifying danger of catastrophe.”

The minister told MPs that Cyprus could change things during the implementation of the measures provided it substantiated its argument and any amendment was agreed with international lenders.

Committee chairman, DIKO MP Nicolas Papadopoulos made it abundantly clear that only typos or technical errors could be corrected. “It is almost impossible to make any change regarding the substance of the bills, which have already been approved by the troika,” Papadopoulos said.

“There is no time to start ne-

gotiations again if we want to meet the December 13 deadline. The government wants the bills approved by December 13, the day the Eurogroup convenes to discuss Cyprus’ bailout.

Parliament already passed three bills on Thursday providing for tax hikes and cuts to the public payroll. The three items passed by the plenum relate to tax hikes on tobacco and alcohol, an increase in VAT, salary cuts for the broader public sector.

Lawmakers are now discussing a raft of additional bills that include property tax hikes, betting tax, and private sector contributions.

Shiarly warned that nothing has finished, adding that he expected that Cyprus would face “difficult times” both during the Eurogroup and the days after that.

“The road ahead could be long but also very very difficult,” he said, referring to issues that could be raised by other eurozone states. But perhaps one of the most serious matters would be whether Cyprus’ debt would be sustainable after the bailout.

“The first real discussion concerning the debt sustainability will take place on Decem-

ber 13,” the minister said.

Shiarly said Cyprus has better chances of convincing its peers if it appears before the Eurogroup with all relevant legislation approved.

It is widely expected that the amount Cyprus needs would be around €17 billion, almost equal to the island’s GDP. That would spike the island’s debt to GDP ratio to 140 per cent. Close to €10 billion – the figure mooted by the lenders -- will be used to recapitalise banks. Six billion euros will be used to refinance maturing debt – and will not be added to the public debt – and €1.5 million to cover the public deficit. A more accurate figure regarding the banks’ needs is expected to be known today, though the final amount will be known in June, or thereabouts.Shiarly would not be drawn into speculation regarding debt sustainability.

If the figure is deemed too high to sustain, Cyprus may be forced to privatise semistate organisations like the telecommunications company CyTA. “We will wait to see the preliminary figures … and then we can comment and outline the conditions of making the debt sustainable,” the minister said.

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Gas profits should go to repay troika loan says Antoniadou

By Stefanos Evripidou INSTEAD OF leaving the management of Cyprus’ natural gas in the hands of a few, the government should commit its net profits from gas revenues to repaying the troika, said United Democrats leader and presidential candidate Praxoulla Antoniadou.

The former commerce minister argued that this would lift the massive burden placed on the public as a result of the draft memorandum agreed with the island’s international lenders.

Antoniadou pledged to renegotiate the memorandum with the troika if elected and commit net revenues from the natural gas in Block 12

of Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone to repayment of the loan, instead of keeping revenues “in the hands of a few self-appointed managers” of Cyprus’ natural wealth.

“The refusal of the government and opposition to accept supervision of the management of the billions (of euros) that will start flowing within a few years from Block 12 raises questions, especially where this refusal leads to transferring all the burden of repayment on the shoulders of the ordinary and innocent citizen,” she said.

Asked how feasible this was, Antoniadou argued that the troika was “clearly prepared” to remove some of their demands if they could secure repayment of what could potentially be a €17.5 billion loan through gas revenue from

Block 12. However, others were unwilling to do this. “First and foremost, they didn’t want to be subject to any control,” she said, referring to the present government and opposition.

“It is through our insistence that we lumped the greater part of the burden on the shoulders of the workers, the unemployed and pensioners.”

She further argued that lack of supervision in the banking system led Cyprus to where it is today: “We must avoid another sellout that will come from the lack of supervision in the natural gas sector.”

Antoniadou, who was unceremoniously removed from cabinet earlier this year, had a further bone to pick with the present government.

The former commerce minister referred to negotiations underway in March 2012 between the EAC and the European Investment Bank (EIB) for a loan.

Antoniadou had told the EAC to negotiate a one-year extension on the terms of the loan which stipulated that the EAC must start using natural gas for energy production by 2015.

Instead of doing so, the EAC circumvented the commerce minister, and on the orders of then finance minister Kikis Kazamias, signed the loan agreement including the term for utilising natural gas by 2015.

“The result was that the Republic of Cyprus committed to something it could not deliver,” she said.

‘Paying for Mari’ over and over Government in final stages of negotiations with insurers but EAC has separate claim

By Stefanos Evripidou THE GOVERNMENT is in the final stages of negotiations with the insurers of the Vassilikos power plant to wrap up an out-of-court settlement that would allow the latter to potentially recover up to €200m needed to repair the facility.

The state also faces a separate claim for compensation also of around €200m from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) to cover uninsured losses suffered as a result of the Mari naval base blast on July 11, 2011.

While the Cypriot public has become accustomed to hearing talk of public finances in the billions, the potential sum of €400m still represents a substantial drain on state coffers at a time when the government is in the process of securing an EU/IMF bailout up to €17.5 billion, almost equivalent to the country’s entire annual output.

The taxpayer is already accustomed to the notion of ‘paying for Mari’, after be-

ing asked to pay a ‘Mari surcharge’ on its already pricey electricity bills.

The plant’s insurers and reinsurers have agreed to compensate the EAC to the full insurable amount, expected to reach up to €200m. They are currently in the process of doing so incrementally, placing insurers on site to check each and every repair contract before approving repayment.

The potential of an out-ofcourt settlement appears to suit all sides as the EAC will get a fixed and final lump sum from the insurers to do what it likes with repairs, while alleviating any liquidity pressures; the insurers can finally take their staff off site and end its close monitoring of reconstruction; and both the insurers and state will avoid spending six to eight years in drawn-out, costly court proceedings.

The government is particularly keen to close a deal, knowing that any legal argument shunning responsibility for Mari has less than a leg to stand on.

The plant’s insurers and reinsurers have agreed to compensate the EAC to the full insurable amount As EAC general manager Stelios Stylianou notes, the state was responsible for the munitions and the explosion.

The European Commission holds a similar viewpoint, explaining why the EU refused to provide the country with humanitarian aid to fix the broken power plant. Further damaging the state’s defenceif it came to that - would be the fact that the state is in the process of prosecuting two former cabinet ministers over the explosion.

According to sources, the reinsurers are eager to close a deal with the state before the end of the year, offering

the government an incentive to settle out of court by seeking in compensation less than what they’ll be paying out to the EAC. They remain tight-lipped however on how much less they are seeking, with negotiations at a very sensitive stage.

It is believed the final sum sought by reinsurers is close to the final figure they’ll be paying the EAC for repair of the battered plant.

Regarding the EAC’s separate claim for uninsured losses of around €200m, almost equal to the total cost of reconstructing the island’s main power plant, Stylianou said

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the Auditor-general of the state advised the semi-state organisation to seek compensation for losses suffered.

Asked to elaborate on the uninsured losses, he gave as examples the double cost of the EAC’s insurance premium; uninsured equipment damaged in the power plant at the time of the explosion; and loss of revenue up to €60m in the nine months following the blast.

“The EAC board decided to seek compensation from the government,” said Stylianou, noting that it was “not a very easy issue seeking compensation from our owner”.

The authority has already given the government its estimate of the losses but the two sides have yet to enter into detailed analysis of the matter.

Stylianou was pragmatic about the chances of reaching agreement in the current economic crisis.

“I don’t think anyone from the government will be sitting down with us in the next few weeks discussing €200m. We will wait, and in the future, when things settle down, we will remind them of the issue.

If they refuse, we will discuss the next steps to take,” he said, not ruling out court proceedings.

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Shiarly assures on property tax Of the firms which qualify for the tax some 65 per cent would pay €850 (continued from front page) the measure was temporary, with new legislation coming into effect in 2015 that will be based on contemporary values and not those of 1980 that are used now for tax purposes.

When it comes to companies, Shiarly said, 40 per cent would be exempt while 24 per cent would pay “very small amounts.”

He said of the companies which qualify for the tax – 65 per cent – would pay €850.

Legal entities paying up to €42,000 would make up 22 per cent of those who would have to pay, he said.

The minister noted that immovable property worth €1 million by 1980s prices would now be valued at €10 million in today’s prices.

MPs yesterday expressed concerns over the potential effects of the tax on the tourism industry and construction, as well as on companies that have already sold property but the transfers are still pending.

Concerning the latter, they were told that it could be resolved by applying the current practice of the user paying the tax.

Hoteliers have warned that the new

regime would put them out of business and kill off any competitive edge Cyprus has over neighbouring countries.

The Cyprus Hotels Association and the Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises said on Thursday they were willing to pay double what they pay now but argued that the new rates effectively increased hotel taxes tenfold in some high-end hotels.

Developers also opposed the new system, arguing it would force people to sell, forcing the value of mortgaged property down and creating fresh recapitalisation needs for the banks.

Lakis Tofarides, the chairman of the Cyprus chapter of the International Real Estate Federation, said the government’s tax would fetch €200 million while international lenders were only asking for €69 million.

Tofarides suggested it was an attempt to plug holes elsewhere, adding that they will ask for an explanation on how the decision was made.

“We are suffering today because the 1980s prices are unreal. The proposals … based on a simple multiplication are unreal.

“They have nothing to do with reality,” he said.

Staff OF the semi-state telecoms company CyTA yesterday protested at the Nicosia main offices against a potential second loan to the government and talk of privatisation.

The CyTA board is currently considering a request by the government to provide it with a second loan to the tune of €100m-€120m to be

taken from CyTA workers’ pension fund. This is the second protest this week voicing opposition to the potential loan.

Meanwhile, staff expressed concern regarding reports that the government has come under pressure from international lenders to privatise the profitable semi-state authority

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

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Home Frederick University student app top on Google play store STUDENTS at Frederick University have created an app, which has found its way to the top of the list of the free Music & Audio applications on Google Play Store.

The ‘Cyprus Radio’ app for mobile devices has officially been on the market for several weeks ‘Cyprus Radio’ features a list of 32 Cypriot radio stations and its users can listen to their favourite station, save it, and find contact information on it. Users are able to listen to radio stations without headphones and even with a deactivated screen. ‘Cyprus Radio’ has over 3,000 downloads from Cyprus, Greece, UK, USA, Germany, Austria, Russia and other countries.

The app was created in the newly established Mobile Devices Laboratory (MDL) of the Computer Science and Engineering Department of Frederick University. The laboratory mostly comprises undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Despite its ‘newbie’ status, MDL can now include in its achievements the first position for an app made by students in the Hackathon contest for Microsoft Cyprus. MDL is also responsible for the creation of two more apps, one of which is the extended version of ‘Cyprus Radio’, ‘Cyprus-Greece Online Radio’ and includes 70 more radio stations from Athens.

Their other app includes a list of over 4,000 Greek Orthodox names and notifies the user whenever any person from their contact list has a name day and even allows messaging or calling the contact through the app.

According to a statement from Frederick, both apps are available on Microsoft’s Windows Phone Apps & Games.

CYPRUS TODAY Attempted robbery

Jason Bruce-Souster (above) wins Junior Heart and Vasia Ioannou takes the adult prize

Tireless mother and brave teen awarded Paphos Hearts of Gold given out for sixth consecutive year

By Bejay Browne THE winners of this year’s Paphos Heart of Gold Award 2012 are a dedicated female volunteer and a determined young boy with cerebral palsy.

Vasia Ioannou and Jason Bruce-Souster were chosen by a panel of judges, who said that the decision to pick just one winner in each sec-

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tion was extremely difficult.

Ioannou volunteers at the old people’s home in Chlorakas, with the PASYKAF cancer support association, the Kivotos centre for children with special needs, child welfare, and also organises collections of old toys and clothes which are distributed among various other charities in need. She also cares for her own disabled son.

Jason Bruce-Souster was this year’s winner of the junior section. Jason is 13 and has cerebral palsy. He started playing football last year and is described by his coaches as an inspiration and a truly brave boy.

The two winners were presented with a solid gold handcrafted pin, which is theirs to keep and which is created and donated every year by Aphrodite jewellers, by the patron of the award, Paphos Mayor, Savvas Ver-

gas. The presentation took place at Paphos town hall yesterday.

Vergas said: “I want to pass on my congratulations to all of you for everything that you are doing in your day to day lives here in Paphos. So many of you are undertaking volunteering and fundrising which is of such a great help to the community. And well done to all of you who are coping with difficulties in your lives with a positive attitude.”

Nominees, their families and friends, members of the judging panel, and representatives of some of the schools of Paphos were all present at the packed ceremony. Both of the winners were delighted to be chosen out of 16 adult and seven younger nominees.

The community based award is now in its sixth year and aims to recognise those who have shown tre-

mendous courage, strength and determination, worked tirelessly within the community or for charities, overcome tragedies with a smile or simply been a great help and support to neighbours and friends.

All of the nominees were presented with a certificate and a flower by Maria Zavrou, the president of the municipality social welfare committee, which also provided refreshments, and Christina Smith from the British High Commission.

The annual award is supported by the Paphos municipality social welfare committee, Aphrodite jewelers, Massiva printing, the Cyprus Mail, Paphos Post, Rock FM and Nektarios Photography.

Information and photographs of the ceremony will be available at the Paphos Heart of Gold Award Facebook page.

French football fans fined for shoplifting at Larnaca airport ELEVEN Marseille fans who came to Cyprus to watch their team play with AEL on Thursday were arrested for shop-lifting and ordered to pay €500 each by the Larnaca criminal court, police said.

The fans were accused of stealing perfumes and cigarettes valued at around €2,000 from the duty-free shop in Larnaca airport.

The fans arrived on Thursday morning on a chartered flight in order to watch the game later that evening, according to a police spokesman.

A security guard saw one of the fans stealing perfume from the duty-free shop in the arrivals section and made him pay for it before he left the shop.

The security guard noticed later, after viewing footage from the closed circuit security system that other fans had stolen perfume and cartons of cigarettes from the shop.

At around 10.30pm on Thursday, police searched all the Marseille fans and their luggage.

They arrested 11 French fans identified using photographs taken from the security system.

They all had perfume and cigarettes in their possession that they could not account for. They were then taken to holding cells before appearing in court yesterday where they were each ordered to pay €500.

A MAN, believed to be in his mid twenties attempted to rob a jewellery store, attacking the owner with a taser on Thursday afternoon in Limassol.

The would-be thief left empty-handed after the female owner started shouting for help, police said.

According to police he first purchased a gold ring for €250 and then asked to browse through more jewellery. When the owner unlocked the display, the man used the taser on her.

The owner immediately called out for help, which caused the attacker to flee, and in the process drop the taser.

Police said the suspect was of a slim build, around 1.75m tall, with short black hair. He was wearing jeans and a dark T-shirt.

Evidence from the scene was taken for examination.

Austerity in Engomi ENGOMI municipal council has decided to cut back on Christmas lighting and decorations this year due to the economic crisis.

“The message we want to send is that, while we complain about the cutbacks on municipalities’ budgets and about our dire economic problems, we should also decide where cutbacks can be made on unnecessary expenses. We are clearly sending a message of austerity.”

Engomi Mayor, Zacharias Kyriacou, has requested that the Union of Cyprus Municipalities urges all municipalities to take similar action to cut back on unnecessary expenses to save money and energy.

Free parking NICOSIA municipality is offering free parking on the weekend of December 15-16, it said yesterday.

All municipal car parks and meters in the capital will operate without charge. According to the municipality, the gesture is an attempt to boost business.

Municipal parking is available at the following spots: D’avilla Moat, Tripolis, Kostantza, Pentadaktylou, Ariadnis, Podokataro, Mykonou, Grivas Dighenis, Costis Palamas and Solonos streets, Phaneromeni underground parking, Ledra Street multi-storey parking, Ayios Antonios Market, and the Municipal Swimming Pool

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

7

Britain BRITAIN TODAY Churches to host same-sex marriage GAY marriages are to be allowed in churches and other religious buildings under Government plans to be launched by Culture Secretary Maria Miller next week, it was revealed yesterday.

Under the proposals, religious organisations which do not want to host same-sex weddings will be given an absolute guarantee they will not be forced to do so.

But Whitehall sources said the best way to make the guarantee “water-tight” is to allow religions to opt in to hosting same-sex ceremonies if they want to.

The announcement threatens to put Prime Minister David Cameron on a collision course with some of his own backbenchers, who insist that marriage should be allowed only between a man and a woman.

Churches including the Church of England and Roman Catholics voiced opposition to same-sex marriage during a consultation carried out by the Home Office over the summer.

But some religious groups, including Quakers, Unitarians and Liberal Judaism, are in favour of gay marriage and are thought likely to apply to be allowed to stage ceremonies.

Compensation reduced THE Royal Mail is planning to reduce compensation for lost or damaged letters and parcels under a series of changes proposed yesterday.

The company said it intended to cut compensation for untracked first and second-class letters and parcels from £46 to £20 but will continue to pay compensation for delayed items.

The maximum compensation for lost or damaged recorded signed-for items will increase from £46 to £50 under the proposals, due to come into effect next year. The Royal Mail is also proposing to allow heavier parcels to be posted second-class, with an added option of receiving a signature on delivery.

Flag riots mar Hillary Clinton’s Belfast return Police find viable bomb in a car overnight

By David Brunnstrom and Ian Graham U.S. SECRETARY of State Hillary Clinton yesterday condemned a wave of street violence during a trip in Northern Ireland, saying it showed the peace process she has long supported in the British province was not yet complete.

Clinton arrived in Northern Ireland, following Dublin talks on Syria with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a week that has seen three riots and the arrest of four suspected militant nationalists after the discovery of a bomb in a car.

“There can be no place in Northern Ireland for any violence, any of the remnants of the past need to be quickly, unequivocally condemned,”

Clinton told a news conference she held with pro-British First Minister Peter Robinson and his deputy, former Irish Republican Army leader Martin McGuinness.

She said violence was from “a small minority of people who try to stir up passions or emotions. It is unacceptable and must be repudiated by everyone”.

Clinton travelled to Northern Ireland several times in the mid-1990s while her husband helped broker the 1998 Good Friday peace accord, his hands-on approach widely recognised as crucial at moments when the agreement looked like crumbling.

At least 3,600 people were killed during the previous three decades as Catholic nationalists seeking union with Ireland fought British security forces and mainly Prot-

Nurse who took prank Kate call found dead A NURSE who took a prank call at the London hospital that was treating Prince William’s pregnant wife Kate for morning sickness has been found dead, the hospital said yesterday.

The death, which police said they were treating as unexplained, comes days after the King Edward VII hospital apologised after falling for the call from an Australian radio station and relaying details about Kate’s condition.

“It is with very deep sadness that we confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha,” the hospital said in a statement.

“We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital.

The hospital had been supporting her,” it said.

Police said they had been called at 9.35 a.m. (0935 GMT) about a woman found unconscious at an address near the hospital. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

The announcement on Monday that Kate was pregnant

The royal couple said they were deeply saddened with a future British king or queen sparked a media frenzy and generated worldwide interest.

William and Kate, who left the hospital on Thursday, said they were “deeply saddened” by the death.

“Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time,” a statement from William’s office said.

PR guru back at work after his arrest PR GURU Max Clifford has said he would try to continue to lead a normal life after being arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, describing the allegations as “totally untrue”.

The publicist was on Thursday questioned on suspicion of sexual offences as part of Operation Yewtree, the investigation into allegations of sex abuse surrounding Savile and others.

Speaking to reporters outside his Surrey home, Clifford said: “I’ll be working as I normally do - so trying to make things as

normal as I possibly can under the circumstances. All I can say is that they are totally without any foundation and they are totally untrue.”

Clifford said he had “nothing to hide”.

Asked about the statement he made outside Belgravia police station in central London after being released on bail at around 9.20pm on Thursday night, he said: “I’d been been there about 12 hours sitting in the cells and being asked questions for hours and hours and hours. I wasn’t exactly a bundle of joy, you know.”

estant Loyalists determined to remain part of the United Kingdom.

The 1998 peace has mostly held, although militant nationalists have stepped up attacks in recent years and community relations remain fragile with riots erupting every few months at flash points in the city.

The latest riot erupted on Thursday night when a policeman was injured after protesters hurled bricks and bottles to vent their anger against nationalist councillors who voted to remove the British flag atop Belfast City Hall after 100 years.

Smaller protests took place across the province yesterday.

Police yesterday said four men were arrested after a home-made armour-piercing rocket, of a type often used in Iraq and Afghanistan, was

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned a wave of street violence during a trip to Belfast yesterday recovered from a car in a Republican area of Londonderry overnight.

A member of the British parliament for the non-sectarian centrist Alliance party, Naomi Long, fled her house in Belfast overnight after receiving a death threat over her

party’s support of the removal of the flag from City Hall.

“Peace does need sacrifice, compromise and vigilance day after day. We have seen this week that the work is not yet complete,” said Clinton, on one of her last trips as secretary of state.

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

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World

Protesters surge around Mursi palace TENS OF thousands of Egyptian protesters surged around the presidential palace last night and the opposition rejected President Mohamed Mursi’s call for dialogue to end a crisis that has polarised the nation and sparked deadly clashes.

The Islamist leader’s deputy said he could delay a December 15 referendum on a constitution that liberals opposed, although the concession only partly meets a list of opposition demands that include scrapping a decree that expanded Mursi’s powers.

“The people want the downfall of the regime” and “Leave, leave,” crowds chanted after bursting through barbed wire barricades and climbing on tanks guarding the palace of Egypt’s first

freely elected president.

Their slogans echoed those used in a popular revolt that toppled Mursi’s predecessor Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. Vice President Mahmoud Mekky said in a statement sent to local media that the president was prepared to postpone the referendum if that could be done without legal challenge.

The dialogue meeting was expected to go ahead on Saturday in the absence of most opposition factions. “Tomorrow everything will be on the table,” a presidential source said of the talks.

The opposition has demanded that Mursi rescind a Nov. 22 decree giving himself wide powers and delay the vote set for Dec. 15 on a constitution draft-

ed by an Islamist-led assembly which they say fails to meet the aspirations of all Egyptians. The state news agency reported that the election committee had postponed the start of voting for Egyptians abroad until Wednesday, instead of Saturday as planned. It did not say whether this would affect the timing of voting in Egypt.

Ahmed Said, leader of the liberal Free Egyptians Party, told Reuters that delaying expatriate voting was made to seem like a concession but would not change the opposition’s stance. He said the core opposition demand was to freeze Mursi’s decree and “to reconsider the formation and structure of the constituent assembly”, not simply to postpone the referendum.

Egyptian soldiers stand guard opposite demonstrators near the presidential palace in Cairo yesterday (AFP)

Damascus airport a battle zone

Hamas chief Meshaal ends long exile with Gaza visit

REBELS fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad declared Damascus International Airport a battle zone yesterday, while Moscow and Washington both sounded glum about the prospects of a diplomatic push to end the conflict.

Fighting around the capital city has intensified over the past week, and Western officials have begun speaking about faster change on the ground in a 20-monthold conflict that has killed 40,000 people.

But Russia and the United States, the superpowers that have backed the opposing sides in the conflict, both played down the chance of a diplomatic breakthrough after talks aimed at resolving their differences.

“I don’t think anyone believes that there was some great breakthrough,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said of a meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi.

“No one should have any illusions about how hard this remains. But all of us, with any influence, need to be engaged with Brahimi for a concerted, sincere push.”

Lavrov said the sides had agreed to send officials to another meeting with Brahimi, but also sounded a sceptical note.

“I would not make optimistic predictions ... It remains to be seen what will come out of this,” he added, noting that Brahimi knows the chance of success is “far from 100 per cent”.

Pledges to push toward Palestinian unity

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Marwa Awad HAMAS leader Khaled Meshaal ended decades of exile yesterday with a triumphal first ever visit to the Gaza Strip that underscored the Islamist group’s growing confidence following its latest conflict with Israel.

After passing through the Egyptian border crossing, Meshaal knelt and touched the ground with his forehead, offering up a prayer of thanks.

He was then greeted in the warm December sun by dozens of Palestinian officials from an array of factions.

Thousands of supporters lined the streets, which were decked in green Hamas flags, as he drove through the coastal enclave, boisterous resistance songs blasting from loudspeakers and gun shots ringing out in welcome as his motorcade reached the city.

Meshaal was set to spend barely 48 hours in the territory and attend a mass rally today that has been billed as both a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas and a “victory” celebration following the November fighting.

Israel rejects Hamas’ as-

THIS WEEK IN YOUR

Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Meshaal (C-L) and Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Ismail Haniya (C-R) during a parade in Rafah, southern Gaza yesterday (AFP) sertion that it won the eightday conflagration, which left 170 Palestinians and six Israelis dead and was ended by an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire.

Meshaal said his arrival in Gaza was like a rebirth that followed on from his natural birth in the nearby West Bank in 1956 and a second that was his narrow escape in 1997 from an Israeli assassination squad wielding a poisoned needle.

“I pray to God that my fourth birth will come the day

we liberate Palestine,” he said, clearly moved by his reception, with uniformed police breaking ranks to try and kiss his hand. “Today is Gaza. Tomorrow will be Ramallah and after that Jerusalem then Haifa and Jaffa,” he said. Ramallah is in the West Bank, while the latter cities, which have large Arab populations, are in modernday Israel.

He later visited the home of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who was assassinated

by Israel in 2004, as well as

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that of Ahmed Al-Jaabari, the group’s military commander, who was killed in a similar air strike last month.

Hamas denied seeking Israeli guarantees that Meshaal would not be targeted in Gaza and massive security was laid on, with gun-toting, blackmasked guards from the Hamas military wing patrolling the streets in open-topped trucks and motorbikes.

Meshaal, 56, had been widely understood not to have set foot in the Palestinian ter-

ritories since he left his native West Bank with his family aged 11. However in his speech he indicated he had returned there for a visit as a teenager 37 years ago.

Hamas has ruled the tiny Gaza Strip and its 1.7 million population since 2007, when it won a brief civil war with its secular rivals Fatah, which still controls the occupied West Bank. Israel had pulled troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005.

The two main Palestinian factions have tried, often with little enthusiasm, to patch up their differences.

Meshaal vowed to push for unity which is longed for by ordinary Palestinians.

“This is a promise from the leadership of Hamas. We will press ahead with reconciliation to end rifts and to stand united against the Zionist occupation,” he said yesterday.

The Palestinian movement’s founding charter calls for the destruction of Israel but its leaders have at times indicated a willingness to negotiate a prolonged truce in return for a withdrawal to the lines established ahead of the 1967 war, when Israel seized East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.

Hamas continues to say that it will not recognise the Jewish state officially, and it is viewed as a terrorist group by Israel, the United States and most Western governments.

By contrast, Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says he wants a permanent peace deal based on 1967 lines. Abbas secured de-facto statehood recognition for the Palestinians at the UN General Assembly.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

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World

Chavez Strong quake hits off Ebullient returns home after Japan, near Fukushima treatment in Cuba Quake has preliminary magnitude of 7.3

By Antoni Slodkowski A STRONG quake centred off northeastern Japan shook buildings as far away as Tokyo yesterday and triggered a one-metre tsunami in an area devastated by last year’s Fukushima disaster, but there were no reports of deaths or serious damage.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.3, the US Geological Survey said, and thousands of coastal residents were ordered to evacuate to higher ground, but the tsunami warning was lifted two hours after the tremor struck.

The March 2011 earthquake and following tsunami killed nearly 20,000 people and trig-

Bali arrest for Italian mobster POLICE on the Indonesian resort island of Bali have arrested a convicted Italian mobster who is believed to be an up-and-coming Mafia boss near Palermo, Sicily.

Antonio Messicati Vitale was captured at his luxury villa in the Legian neighbourhood of the popular tourist area of Kuta early yesterday in a joint operation by Indonesian and Italian police.

A photograph released by Italian police in Palermo shows Vitale wearing sunglasses, swimming trunks and a watch while relaxing on a striped beach towel on a lounge chair.

Police Maj Pande Putu Sugiarta said Vitale was believed to have hidden out in the seaside resort for the past six months.

The convicted Mafia boss is believed to have escaped capture earlier this year during a police raid to crack down on his alleged Villabate crime family on the outskirts of Palermo, the Italian news agency Ansa reported from the Sicilian capital.

Indonesian police received a notice about the 40-year-old fugitive from their Italian counterparts in November.

Italian investigators were suspicious after some of his family relatives travelled to Bali, Ansa said.

Italian police officer Andrea Vitalone said in Bali that Vitale was wanted for involvement in various crimes, including murder, human trafficking and illegal arms trading. Plans are under way to take him back to Italy.

A Tokyo Station attendant (centre) explains the train service situation yesterday following the 7.3 earthquake and tsunami alert gered the world’s worst nuclear crisis in 25 years when the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant was destroyed, leaking radiation into the sea and air.

Workers at the plant were ordered to move to safety after yesterday’s quake. Tokyo

Electric Power Co, the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant, reported no irregularities at its nuclear plants.

All but two of Japan’s 50 nuclear reactors have been idled since the Fukushima disaster as the government

reviews safety.

The quake measured a “lower 5” in Miyagi prefecture on Japan’s scale of one to seven, meaning there might be some damage to roads and houses that are less quake resistant.

The scale measures the amount of shaking and in that sense gives a better idea of possible damage than the magnitude. The quake registered a 4 in Tokyo The one-metre tsunami hit at Ishinomaki, in Miyagi, at the centre of the devastation from the March 2011 disaster. All Miyagi trains halted operations and Sendai airport, which was flooded by the tsunami last year, closed its runway.

Five people in the prefecture were slightly injured.

“I was in the centre of the city the very moment the earthquake struck. I immediately jumped into the car and started running away towards the mountains. I’m still hiding inside the car,” said Ishinomaki resident Chikako Iwai.

“I have the radio on and they say the cars are still stuck in the traffic. I’m planning to stay here for the next couple of hours.”

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VENEZUELA’S President Hugo Chavez made a theatrical return home yesterday after medical treatment in Cuba, walking and joking in a first public appearance for three weeks that quashed rumours he may have been at death’s door.

“So, where’s the party?” an ebullient and robustlooking Chavez said after flying in before dawn to the surprise and delight of supporters.

“I’m happy and enthused to be back again,” he told beaming ministers after walking unaided down the steps from his plane at the international airport outside Caracas.

The 58-year-old socialist leader has had three cancer operations in Cuba since mid-2011 and returned to Havana 10 days ago to receive “hyperbaric oxygenation” - a treatment normally used to alleviate bone decay from radiation therapy.

Speculation had been rife he may have suffered a re-

A file photo of Chavez from October 2012 (AFP) currence of the disease, and one local journalist had said he was confined to a wheelchair.

Earlier this year, Chavez declared himself “completely cured” and went on to win re-election comfortably in October.

Amid a barrage of rumours fed by the opposition, officials had maintained that his latest visit to Cuba was just a scheduled follow-up to the radiation therapy he underwent in the first half of 2012.

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

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World

Berlusconi party says that it will not rush Italy into chaos SILVIO Berlusconi’s centreright People of Freedom party pledged yesterday not to trigger a disorderly crisis that could alarm financial markets as Italy began to look forward to an election in the first few months of next year.

People of Freedom (PDL) secretary Angelino Alfano told parliament that the party’s withdrawal of support from Prime Minister Mario Monti in two confidence votes on Thursday had shown its disapproval without bringing down the government.

“Yesterday we did not give a vote of no confidence because we consider the experience of the Monti government has come to an end but we don’t want to send the institutions and the country into chaos,” Alfano said.

Pier Luigi Bersani, head of the centre-left Democratic Party, which is leading in opinion polls, said his party would continue to support Monti.

Following several weeks of relative calm, which saw market confidence improve and Rome’s borrowing costs come down steadily, investors have once again been ruffled by Italy’s political troubles, although reaction has not been extreme.

The spread or difference

Berlusconi is expected to lead the PDL party in next year’s election campaign between yields on Italian 10year bonds and German counterparts that are considered less risky widened to 326 basis points yesterday although it is still well off a peak of 553 points at the height of the crisis last year.

“At this stage, early elections would make almost no difference for financial markets,” Barclays Capital analysts wrote, adding that the emergence of a stable government after the election was likely to be key to reas-

suring investors.

After changing his mind repeatedly in recent weeks, Berlusconi indicated on Wednesday he was likely to seek a fifth term as prime minister and lead his divided party in the election now expected to be held by early March.

The PDL is expected to allow budget measures in the so-called Stability Law to pass when it comes before parliament for final approval some time before Christmas, ensuring that deficit reduction goals are maintained and the budget is approved.

Former PDL minister Altero Matteoli said party officials were now talking about a possible election date on March 10 but there was no official confirmation.

Alfano met President Giorgio Napolitano yesterday to discuss the crisis but he made no comment on the substance of the talks.

The decision to break with Monti’s technocrat government, which the PDL has backed in parliament since it was appointed last year, was widely interpreted as an attempt by Berlusconi to hold the party together in the face of falling approval ratings.

It also effectively ends hopes of a change to the current much-criticised electoral law.

Jonas Kaufmann performs during a rehearsal of Lohengrin by Richard Wagner in this handout picture released on Thursday by Milan’s La Scala theatre (AFP)

La Scala opening night cast change 11th-hour replacement for flu-ridden star

By Silvia Aloisi OPERA house La Scala was forced to change its cast for Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin hours before the opening gala yesterday after German soprano Anja Harteros and her understudy both fell ill with flu.

The theatre said Annette Dasch will sing the lead female role of Elsa after arriving in Milan overnight, rescuing the biggest night of the year in the world of opera. Dasch has performed the role at the Bayreuth opera festival.

The Milanese theatre has come under fire for choosing Wagner over local hero Giuseppe Verdi to open its season. With opera lovers around the globe preparing to celebrate the 200th birthday of both composers, born a few months apart in 1813, La Scala has been accused of being unpatriotic at a time when Italy battles a recession some blame on austerity policies driven by Germany.

“La Scala puts Verdi in a corner, preferring the German,” wrote il Giornale newspaper owned by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s family and known for its vitriolic attacks on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Corriere della Sera said there was unease in the orchestra pit over the choice of Wagner in Verdi’s musical home and talked of “a blow to national pride in a moment of crisis.”

La Scala general manager Stephane Lissner, a Frenchman, has dismissed the controversy as ridiculous.

“There are more serious problems than this WagnerVerdi derby,” he told reporters this week, pointing out that the theatre will stage six works by Wagner against eight

by Verdi in the 2012/13 season.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano was careful to clarify that he could not attend the gala opening because of pressing state business in Rome rather than deliver a deliberate snub. In a

letter to the theatre, he called the row over Wagner “futile” and “pathetic”.

Prime Minister Mario Monti, who replaced Berlusconi just over a year ago as Italy flirted with a Greek-style debt crisis, will be in attendance at one of the global social calendar’s most glittering events along with five of his ministers.

For some, the debate reflects the storied rivalry between the two great composers and their supporters. When Verdi attended the Italian premiere of Lohengrin in 1871, he scribbled on a copy of the score: “Mediocre impression”.

The romantic opera in three acts, generally considered one of Wagner’s most accessible, centres on the doomed love between Lohengrin, a noble knight who cannot reveal his identity, and the daughter of the late ruler in the land of Brabant, Elsa.

Wagner specialist Daniel Barenboim conducts the opening night, with German tenor Jonas Kaufmann as Lohengrin.

German billionaire, joint heir to Aldi, dies aged 58 GERMAN billionaire Berthold Albrecht, who became one of Europe’s richest men after he and his brother Theo Jr inherited the Aldi discount supermarket chain, has died aged 58, his family announced yesterday.

The brothers’ fortune, held by a family foundation, was estimated at $17.8 billion

by Forbes, placing them 32nd in its list of billionaires.

Their wealth came courtesy of their father, Aldi co-founder Theo Albrecht, who died aged 88 in July 2010.

After the Second World War, Theo and his

brother Karl turned the small grocery store their mother operated in Essen into one of the nation’s largest food retail chains with their focus on a limited selection of bargain goods in sparse stores.

“Berthold was a fighter, and full of hope to the end,” his wife, Babette, wrote in a full-page notice published in several German newspapers, indicating he had been ill for some time.

The family has taken a back seat from dayto-day operations at Aldi since 1993, when Theo Snr appointed managers from outside the family.

Illness had led Serbian NATO ambassador to suicide SERBIA’S ambassador to NATO who killed himself earlier this week had recently been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, a government official said yesterday.

Branislav Milinkovic, 52, jumped to his death from a multi-storey car park at Brussels airport on Tuesday evening. Belgian authorities said they would not investigate the incident as all

findings indicated a suicide.

Yesterday, a Serbian government official who asked not to be named told Reuters that Milinkovic “was apparently distressed by bad news about his health”.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

11

Business

US employment ducks Superstorm Sandy punch

British factory output fall in October

Payrolls rise by 146,000 in November, Sandy not a factor

BRITISH industrial production unexpectedly fell in October after factory output posted its biggest drop since June, reinforcing fears that the economy will shrink again at the end of this year.

It combined with weak trade data earlier in the week to cast doubt on lingering government hopes of an export-led recovery.

Britain has suffered two recessions in the past four years, the last one ending barely three months ago, at least partly thanks to a boost from the Olympics.

Chancellor George Osborne warned on Wednesday of far slower economic growth ahead than previously thought, and official forecasts signalled another contraction in the final quarter of this year.

In yesterday’s figures, manufacturing output dropped 1.3 per cent in October after stagnating in September and was 2.1 per cent lower than a year earlier, the Office for National Statistics said.

The broader measure of industrial output, which accounts for over 15 per cent of Britain’s gross domestic product, also fell both on the month and the year in October, after oil and gas extraction posted the sharpest yearly fall since records began in 1998.

“Very disappointing, triple dip here we come,” said Alan Clarke, economist at Scotiabank. “Manufacturing was diabolical. Sadly, I think there is not a lot to suggest that it is temporary. Survey data has been fairly downbeat.”

Industrial output, which includes energy production and mining as well as manufacturing, fell 0.8 per cent on the month, confounding forecasts for a rise, after a 2.1 per cent decline in September.

By Lucia Mutikani U.S. companies kept up their steady but slow hiring pace in November, defying predictions that superstorm Sandy would deal a big blow to the labour market.

While the unemployment rate fell to a near four-year low of 7.7 per cent, that was only because many Americans gave up the hunt for work, tempering the signal from the stronger-than-expected payrolls growth.

A big drop in consumer confidence in December also offered a cautionary note on the economy’s health.

Nonfarm employment expanded by 146,000 jobs last month after gaining 138,000 in October, the Labour Department said. The increase was well above the 93,000 expected on Wall Street.

“We really need to see payroll numbers break above 200,000 for a while to think we have a more sustained recovery under way,” said Michael Hanson, a senior economist at Bank of Bank of America Merrill Lynch in New York.

The government said Sandy, which slammed the densely populated East Coast in late October, did not have a substantive impact on the data.

Economists had thought it would, with some predicting it would cut up to 75,000 jobs off payrolls growth.

Job seekers stand in line to meet with prospective employers at a career fair in New York City Nevertheless, the storm did hit the economy hard.

Sandy knocked retail sales and industrial output in October and led to a big spike in claims for jobless benefits, one of the reasons economists expected job growth to slow.

A Labour Department survey of households found 369,000 workers were unable to make it to work in the aftermath of the storm and a further 1.1 million ended up working only part time. However, the department still considered them employed.

US stocks were little changed at mid-day, with the downbeat reading on consumer confidence largely offsetting

the stronger-than-expected payrolls data. Prices for US government debt fell, while the dollar edged up against a basket of currencies.

November’s job gains left them just below the monthly average of 151,000 that has prevailed since January.

Economists consider that pace just enough to push the jobless rate lower over time.

But they say roughly 200,000 to 250,000 jobs per month would be needed to make noticeable headway in absorbing the 22.7 million Americans who are either jobless or underemployed.

The 0.2 percentage point drop in the unemployment

rate, which took it to its lowest level since December 2008, was due to a decrease in the size of the labour force, a suggestion frustrated Americans were giving up the hunt for work.

The labour force participation rate, or the proportion of working-age Americans who have a job or are looking for one, fell back to near a 31year low.

Heidi Shierholz, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, said it could take more than 10 years for the unemployment rate to drop back to its pre-recession level around 5 per cent at the current pace

of job growth.

Last month, the retail sector accounted for more than a third of jobs gains, which economists tied to a brisk start to the holiday shopping season. Still, private hiring slowed to 147,000 from 189,000 in October, pulled down by a sharp decline in construction employment and weak manufacturing payrolls.

Employment continues to be held back by fears the government may fail to prevent the $600 billion in automatic tax hikes and government spending cuts set to take hold at the start of next year.

The debt crisis in Europe has also weighed.

Greek banks say they will take part in bond buyback Rates GREECE’S five biggest banks said they would take part in the country’s debt buyback which expires yesterday, putting Athens on track to meet targets set by international lenders.

The buyback scheme is central to efforts

by Greece’s eurozone and International Monetary Fund lenders to cut its debt to manageable levels and unlock aid for the debt-stricken country.

Athens has pressured its banks, which hold an estimated €17 billion ($22 billion) out of the 63 billion in eligible bonds, to sell and they had been expected to do so since they depend on bailout funds that a successful buyback would unlock.

The country’s biggest lenders - National Bank, Alpha, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank and Hellenic Postbank - each said they had approval to participate, but did not specify how much of their sovereign debt holding they would tender.

Smaller Attica Bank also said it would take part. Investors had to declare their interest by 1700 GMT yesterday. A Greek official said Athens would not make any announcement until Monday on the interest it had received.

Under the scheme, Athens aims to spend €10 billion of borrowed money to buy back bonds far below their nominal value, in a bid to cut debt by a net €20 billion.

Banking sources earlier said the banks had

asked their boards to approve selling back as much as their entire holdings.

“The proposals by banks to their boards were positive on the buyback offer, asking for approval to participate by up to 100 per cent,” said one banker, who declined to be named.

The buyback is the latest in three years of eurozone efforts to resolve Greece’s problems. The economy has shrunk by 20 per cent in the last five years and unemployment has hit a record 26.2 per cent, pushing public anger to new highs.

Athens’ hopes of drawing enough foreign investors to the scheme grew after it announced better-than-expected terms this week, with price ranges at a premium over last week’s prices.

The price range set for the buyback by Athens varied from a minimum of 30.2 to 38.1 per cent and a maximum of 32.2 to 40.1 per cent of the principal amount, depending on the maturities of the 20 series of outstanding bonds.

“Athens put forth a reasonable if not generous offer for hedge funds to participate,” said Sassan Ghahramani, CEO at New Yorkbased Macro Advisers, a hedge fund consultancy.

“I expect there will be strong participation from hedge funds, tendering a substantial portion of their Greek bond holdings,” he said.

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

0.8117 0.8037

US Dollar

1.3033 1.2903

Australian $

1.2530 1.2220

Canadian Dol.

1.3018 1.2696

Swiss Fr

1.2161 1.2015

Denmark Kr

7.5529 7.3665

Japan Yen

107.5716 106.2884

Norwegian Kr

7.4244 7.2410

Polish Zloty

4.1842

4.0808

Romanian Leu 4.6260 4.4446 Russian Ruble 40.6549 39.6511

People carry out transactions at the ATMs of an Alpha bank branch in Athens yesterday

Swedish Kr

8.7121 8.4969

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

12

Opinion

EAC unions will go to any lengths the privileges of their members ONE PROVISION of the bailout agreement we should all have welcomed was for the opening up of the energy market which would signal the end of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus’ (EAC) monopoly. This is the monopoly which ensures Cypriot households and businesses pay the highest electricity rates in the EU, but the government and the politicians promote as a prime example of “profitmaking semi-governmental organisations” that must not be privatised.

The agreement stated that the authorities will “provide an outline of the regulatory regime (CERA) and market organisation, which would be conducive to the introduction and proper functioning of open, transparent, competitive energy markets...” There are also EU guidelines on open energy markets for which we have applied for derogations with the sole purpose of protecting the EAC monopoly, which benefits its employees at the expense of everyone else in Cyprus.

A new power production company will try to break this costly monopoly. It applied to CERA (Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority) last week for construction and operation licences for a 58.6 MW power plant in the Vassilikos area. Its output would be close to 10 per cent of the EAC production, outside the summer peak period, while the unit cost would be, according to reports, less than half the EAC’s. It will be very interesting to see how long it will take for the applications to be processed and whether pressure will be put on CERA to avoid making a decision.

The EAC’s unions, which will see a private power plant as a threat, have a lot of influence over the political parties and could stall the process. A demonstration of their power was given five years ago, when these unions forced the parties to pass a law granting a gas monopoly to EAC. Last Saturday, EAC’s biggest union, Epopai, placed an advert in the papers attacking the bailout, demanding the IMF was excluded from the troika and calling for the holding of a national referendum.

This is an example of the lengths EAC’s unions are prepared to go to protect the privileges of their members which are paid for by the rest of us. Apart from big wages, retirement bonuses and pensions they enjoy a range of benefits including generous expense allowances, subsidised holidays and university scholarships for their children. On top of these scandalous costs, the EAC monopoly is allowed by the regulator to add a surplus, which is why it is always profitable.

And we are supposed to be proud of this “profit-making state organisation” that is more ruthless in its pricing policy than any private firm.

We are proud that we have to pay the highest electricity rates in the EU – three times higher than many other countries. These are rates that are completely out of step with average wages and are constantly eroding the competitiveness of businesses. All society is suffering for the sake of EAC’s overpaid and inefficient workers.

The energy market cannot be opened up soon enough.

Dead, dead ‘peace process’ I

T’S AS if the world’s leaders were earnestly warning us that global warming will cause the extinction of the dinosaurs. They’ve actually been dead for a long time already. So has the Middle East “peace process”.

As soon as Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will build 3,000 homes on “East One” (E-1), the last piece of land connecting East Jerusalem with the West Bank that is not already covered with Jewish settlements, the ritual condemnations started to flow.

Even US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that “these activities set back the cause of a negotiated peace,” and others went a lot further.

The British minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, warned that “the settlements plan...has the potential to alter the situation on the ground on a scale that threatens the viability of a two-state solution.” France called the Israeli ambassador and told him that “settlements are illegal under international law...and constitute an obstacle to a fair peace based on a two-state solution.”

Even the Australian government summoned the Israeli ambassador and told him that Israeli plans to build on the land in question “threaten the viability of a two-state solution.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said that the plan would be “an almost fatal blow” to the two-state solution, as if it were still alive. And Netan-

Comment Gwynne Dyer

yahu, secure in the knowledge that they wouldn’t actually do anything, just stone-walled and smiled.

In almost all the media coverage, the Israeli announcement is explained as an angry response to the United Nations General Assembly’s vote last month to grant the Palestinian Authority permanent observer status at the UN, which is tantamount to recognising Palestine as an independent state.

As if Netanyahu were an impulsive man who had just lost his temper, not a wily strategist who thinks long-term.

Building in the E-1 area, which covers most of the space between the Jewish settlements that ring East Jerusalem and the huge Jewish settlement of Maale Adumim in the Palestinian West Bank, is definitely a game-changer.

It effectively separates the West Bank from East Jerusalem, the city that the Palestinians see as the capital of their future state. It also almost cuts the West Bank in two. But it’s not a new idea.

The Israeli government declared its intention to build on this land fourteen years ago, when Netanyahu was prime minister for the first time. The plan was frozen in response to outraged protests from practi-

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Accords. Meanwhile, he supported a vastly expanded programme of Jewish settlement in the West Bank, although it was obvious that this would ultimately make a Palestinian state impossible.

After a two-year interval when the Labour Party under Ehud Barak formed a government and seriously pursued a final peace settlement with the Palestinians, the Israeli right recovered power in 2001 and has relentlessly pursued project of settling Jews on Palestinian territory ever since.

The number of Jews living in the West Bank has doubled in the past twelve years, and they now account for one-fifth of the population there. Jewish settlements, roads reserved for Jewish settlers, and Israeli military bases and reservations now cover 40 per cent of the West Bank’s territory. But to retain US support, Netanyahu still has to pretend that he is really interested in a two-state solution.

That’s why he had to wait for the right excuse before building on E-1 and sealing East Jerusalem off from the West Bank. But he always intended to kill off the peace process, and in practice he succeeded long ago.

Why do his Western allies in the United States and elsewhere put up with this fraud?

Because they cannot think of anything else to do.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries

How you can be Lord of your Manor, King of your Castle SURELY there is no less memorable name than John Smith, yet it was Sir John Smith who founded the remarkable Landmark Trust in 1965 to save historic buildings from decay: giving us all the opportunity to live in our very own castles, if only for the weekend.

We have wanted to stay in one of these historic renovations for a long time, but it was only a few weeks ago we finally found ourselves at the East Banqueting House, in the middle of a field, outside the quintessentially Cotswold village of Chipping Camden. It was simply magical.

From Keats house in Rome to Rosslyn Castle in Scotland, famed for its connection to the chapel mentioned in the Da Vinci Code, from a lighthouse on Lundy to a Martello tower in Aldeburgh, each place to

IDLE IDL LE CCHATTER HATT Lauren O’Hara beeplauren@yahoo.ie

stay has a unique tale to tell. So what was it like? We arrived as the sun was setting and found ourselves with wheelbarrows to push our luggage across the field.

The banqueting houses built in 1613 are all that remain of a Royalist manor house, where in the seventeenth century Sir Baptist Hicks would have taken his after dinner guests to eat desserts of crystallised fruits and sweet-

ON THIS DAY DECEMBER 8

meats, arrange assignations and have secret conversations away from prying ears. Now we sat around the heavy oak table, drinking our wine and lamb from Waitrose for with no Wi-Fi and no TV in any of the buildings, there is no choice but to fuel the stove with logs and slow down to a pace of life that makes one appreciate the 360-degree views from the large arched windows and the chiming of the church bell across the field.

It made me wish that Patrick Leigh Fermor’s house in the Mani had been left to Landmark, so that ordinary people could enjoy that main room Betjeman described as ‘a book in itself’.

It made me hope that more of those buildings slowly decaying around the Mediterranean, from old Ottoman palaces in Nicosia to crumbling knights’ templar castles in Rhodes could be given

new life for ordinary people on limited budgets to stay in them.

Our weekend, in our small piece of heritage cost around €100 per person, so different to a hotel for it felt like home, and as we surveyed the lands beneath the terrace with our morning tea we could for a fleeting moment become part of its past.

So for Christmas I have asked for the Landmark Handbook. I am tempted by a water tower for two, Fort Clonque cut off by tides or Robert and Elizabeth Browning’s home in Florence but, perhaps, I’ll settle for the tiny granite cottage on Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek, a place for those who ‘worship the woods and the water’. Hidden deep in woods it could just be the only sound, is the creak of a wooden ship mooring and the footfall of a pirate.

WHAT THE MAIL SAID

1941

25 years ago Thursday, December 8, 1987

Britain, Australia and the United States of America declare war on Japan following the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, the day before.

President Ronald Reagan and Kremlin leader Mikhail Gorbachev discussed yesterday a timetable for a Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, taking up problems that might test the camaraderie of the Ron and Mikhail summit. The pair turned to sticky regional issues on day two of their three-day White House meetings after members of Congress told Gorbachev that assurances on Afghanistan would help speed Senate approval of the new US-Soviet arms treaty.

1949 In the wake of the success of Mao Zedong’s communist forces, Chinese Nationalist leaders depart for the island of Taiwan, where they establish their new capital in Taipei.

1980

Want to send a letter?

cally all of Israel’s allies, who had invested a great deal of political capital in the two-state solution. But it was never abandoned.

Successive US Presidents were assured by various Israeli governments that construction would not proceed there, but most of those governments went on preparing for the day when a pretext to break the freeze would present itself. The land is still deserted today, but there are street lights, electric cables and water mains.

Now a pretext has arisen, even if the UN General Assembly’s recognition of a Palestinian state makes little practical difference. Netanyahu has seized the opportunity, as he undoubtedly always planned to. And you can’t kill the “twostate solution”? To Netanyahu’s considerable satisfaction, it is already dead.

Creating two independent states, Israeli and Palestinian, separated by the “green line” that was Israel’s border until it conquered the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 war, was the goal of the 1993 Oslo Accords. That’s what the “peace process” was all about, but it was really doomed when Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister who signed the Oslo deal, was assassinated by a rightwing Jewish fanatic in 1995.

Netanyahu was elected prime minister after Rabin’s death, and spent the next three years stalling on the transfers of land and political authority to the Palestinian Authority that were required under the Oslo

John Lennon, a former member of the Beatles, the rock group that transformed popular music in the 1960s, is shot and killed by an obsessed fan in New York City.

1983 In Britain, the House of Lords votes to allow television cameras into the chamber to broadcast live sessions from the house.

1987 Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev sign historic agreement to reduce the size of their nuclear arsenals.

35 years ago Saturday, December 8, 1977 Housing projects for Greek Cypriot refugees have so far cost over £50 million, but with the completion of works in hand and those planned for the coming year accommodation will still only have been provided for 100,000, barely half the number of refugees.

45 years ago Tuesday, December 8, 1967 A Greek ship bringing the first Greek troops back from Cyprus will dock at a top secret military base, and even the arrival time will be withheld, reliable sources said in Athens today. The ship left Famagusta yesterday with some 400 Greek soldiers, the first to depart under last week’s Greco-Turkish agreement to remove all illegal forces from the island and help take the heat out of the island’s communal crisis.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

13

Tech

Bend it like Samsung: the new Galaxy could have flexi screen

Old Street roundabout is due for a £50m makeover

UK PM unveils Tech City reboot DAVID Cameron and Boris Johnson have unveiled plans to transform Tech City in east London.

The Old Street roundabout is to be given a £50-million makeover to become a centre for technology start-ups and entrepreneurs.

It will become Europe’s largest civic indoor space, hosting classrooms and workshops equipped with the latest 3D printing technology.

Several large international firms have also announced new investments in the area, including Microsoft, IBM and KPMG. Cameron hailed the success of the capital’s technology industry at the Urban Age Electric City Conference in Shoreditch.

The Prime Minister said: “Two years ago I set out my commitment to help Tech City become one of the world’s great technology centres.

“Today we are seeing it continue to grow and go from strength to strength - and that is down to the talented, creative entrepreneurs who have set up there.

“The UK is in a global race and I am determined that we, as a government, continue doing everything we can to equip the UK to compete and thrive in that race.”

Software giant Microsoft revealed it is to establish a technology development centre in the heart of Tech City to provide expertise and guidance for people with new and innovative ideas.

KPMG, the professional services company, is to open an office in Shoreditch with a dedicated team to support early stage technology companies, and technology firm IBM is to bring its global entrepreneur programme to the area.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “The time is right to lay solid foundations in Tech City for London’s digital revolution, and this list of major new firms committing to the area is a testament to the confidence leading tech entrepreneurs have in the capital.”

New Galaxy S IV could be released as early as April of 2013

By Miyoung Kim SAMSUNG Electronics, the world’s leading technology company by revenue, is likely accelerating the launch of its next-generation flagship Galaxy smartphone - which may come with a breakthrough unbreakable screen.

Codenamed “Project J” after mobile division chief JK Shin, development of the new Galaxy S IV could be aimed for release by as early as April, according to analysts and tech blogs.

And, as smartphones increasingly look alike - the converging form factor - an unbreakable screen could be a big selling point for the Galaxy, which is battling Apple Inc’s iPhone to lead the $200-billion-plus smartphone market.

The Galaxy S IV is also expected to have bigger and better display, powerful quad-core processing power and a 13-megapixel camera, with picture density improving to 441 pixels per inch (ppi), a big improvement from the Galaxy S III’s 306 ppi and better than the iPhone 5’s 326 ppi.

“Looking to the first half of 2013, we see evidence of Samsung likely accelerat-

As smartphones increasingly look alike, an unbreakable screen could be a big selling point for the new Galaxy S IV, which is battling Apple’s iPhone (below right) to lead the $200-billion-plus market ing the release of the Galaxy S IV - compared with May (this year) for the Galaxy S III,” said UBS analyst Nicolas Gaudois. “We believe preparations for volume manufacturing of unbreakable plastic substrate displays continue. All in all, we could see a strong products push in the high-end in the first half, followed by other releases.”

Samsung declined to comment.

Samsung, a major backer of

organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, is a frontrunner in developing unbreakable screens, as OLED panels can replace glass substrate with plastic material.

Down the road, mobile gadgets could be flexible as well as unbreakable.

“Eventually, they’ll have unbreakable and flexible displays.

“Either the Galaxy S IV or S V will have unbreakable and even possibly flexible and foldable displays by

An app to anchor New Year goals PEOPLE starting to make New Year’s resolutions can turn to an app that aims to help them achieve their goals.

Lift, a free iPhone app, is designed so users can track their progress, whether it is losing weight, improving relationships or doing better at work, by breaking the goal into manageable parts, or habits.

“We have always been really interested in how people become good at something, and how good people become really great,” said Tony Stubblebine, the co-founder and chief exeuctive of Lift. “What makes great musicians, athletes or entrepreneurs become great?

And can it be trained?”

When users maintain their habits they can mark their progress on the platform.

Progress can be tracked over time, providing insight into which habits are having the most influence towards their long-term goals.

Rather than focusing on tracking calories burned or consumed, if someone is trying to lose weight, the focus is

Lift marks a goal’s progress on creating and tracking daily habits, such as a no sweets or low-carb lunch.

“That’s the fundamental feedback loop in Lift -- being honest with yourself about how much progress you’re making. Did you really avoid sweets this month or did you only do it two or three times?” said Stubblebine.

“It’s much more maintainable,” he added. “Can you im-

agine looking up every meal you ever eat for the rest of your life in a food database?

It’s unbelievably hard.”

Stubblebine said the company drew inspiration from David Allen’s book Getting Things Done, which popularised the concept of taking the next step towards achieving a desired outcome.

Allen and motivational speakers and authors Tony Robbins and Tim Ferris are investors in the app, which became available in August.

The app also helps to connect people with similar goals and looking to build the same habits and support each other to stay on track. The company said it will be release an update at the end of the month to improve its community features. It also plans to integrate weight tracking so users can correlate habits to weight.

Among the top goals for people using the app are improving exercise, eating and sleeping habits, followed by accomplishments and relationships.

2014. That’s going to be a game-changer,” said Mark Newman, an analyst at Stanford Bernstein in Hong Kong.

Both Newman and Gaudois are ranked as 5-star analysts, the top ranking, by Thomson Reuters StarMine for their recommendations on Samsung.

It would also be a gamechanger for Samsung, which has built its reputation as a ‘fast follower’ of others’ technologies and designs.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

GPS is widely in use today, especially by drivers

GPS civil use permitted In 1993, the US Secretary of Defence declared the Global Positioning System, accurate within 100m and which had 24 GPS satellites operating in their assigned orbits, available for navigation use at Standard Positioning Service (SPS) levels for civil users. This worldwide, satellite-based radio-navigation system, used as the Department of Defence’s primary radio-navigation system, thus provided authorised users with encrypted Precise Positioning Service accurate to at least 22m.

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

14

What’s on

films

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

Times are subject to change, so check first with cinemas before you head out

NICOSIA Shadow Dancer (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 10.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 10.15pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Hotel Transylvania (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek, in 3D) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) (in Greek, in 3D) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Lawless (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 5.35, 7.50 and 10.20pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) at 5.35, 7.50 and 10.20pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.15pm and 3.25pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Frankenweenie (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1), weekends only at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1), weekends only at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Tel: 7777-8383 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 5.35, 7.45 and 10.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1) at 5.35, 7.45 and 10.15pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Taken 2 (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 8pm.

Tel: 7777-8383 Skyfall (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 7.40 and 10.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) at 7.40 and 10.20pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Rise of the Guardians (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek, in 3D) 5.30pm, weekends also 3.25pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in English, in 2D) 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) (in Greek, in 3D) 5.30pm, weekends also at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) (in English, in 2D) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.25pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) (in English, in 2D) at 5.30pm, weekends also at 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Killing Them Softly (18) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 7.50pm.

Tel: 7777-8383

How to Start a Revolution Cine Studio, Monday at 9pm, presented by Doc Nights and the Friends of the Cinema Society.

Tel: 96-420491, www.ofk.org.cy

Today Exhibition Dialogues Group exhibition by the academic staff and associates of Aigaia School of Art and Design. Opens December 8, 8pm until December 22. Aigaia School of Art and Design, 81 Agion Omologiton Avenue, Nicosia. Monday-Friday: 9am-1pm & 4pm-8pm.

Saturday: 4pm-8pm. Tel: 22-445757

Music Chamber Music Concert Concert with musicians of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. December 8. Pallas Theatre, old Nicosia.

5pm. Free. Tel: 22-463144 Gangnam Night Dance to the rhythm of Gangnam Style with the Dance Style Crew. DJ Peter on the decks with the biggest hits. December 8. Club Nuovo, 11 Stasinou Street, Engomi, Nicosia.

11.30pm. €20 Open Bar. Tel: 96336649 Silver Bells Limassol Theatre Arts School (LTAS) Christmas concert. December 8 and 9. Limassol Theatre Arts School 13 Panathineon Street, Limassol. 3pm and 6.30pm. Tel: 99-784927/99324123. limassol.arts@gmail.com, admin@limassolarts.com www.limassolarts.com

Un Cuento Chino (in Spanish, with Greek subtitles) Cine Studio, Sunday at 8pm, Tuesday and Thursday at 9pm, presented by the Friends of the Cinema Society. Tel: 96-420491, www.ofk.org.cy

Theatre All I Want For Christmas.....

A play staged by Antidote Theatre, written and performed by Catherine Beger. December 8. The Spirit of Christmas Fair, Body & Soul Place (Off Dekhelia Rd, near Jumbo). 4pm.

In English. €7 /5. Tel: 96-216435 A play about... Trash The theatre group Point To, in collaboration with Scarabeo Lounge Bar, presents the comedy directed by Evagelia Onoufriou. December 8. Scarabeo Bar, 4 Nikokreontos Street, Nicosia. 9.30pm. €10. In Greek. Tel: 99-935777

Other Events Engage on the Move A ceremony organised to announce the opening of the restored courtyard area. The event will include live music, a short film projection, traditional dances, authentic Cypriot foods and refreshments as well as various activities for the children.

December 8. Kontea Village. 1pm-4pm. Nicosia: 10am from Apostolos Varnavas Church, Athalassa Ave – Tel: 99-654027. Limassol: 09:45am from E&S Supermarket Parking space – Tel: 99-469975. Larnaca: 11am from Central Fire Station – Tel: 99-607303 SZRA Christmas Craft Fayre Hand-made art and crafts including Christmas decorations, jewellery, cards and much more. December 8.

Lenia’s Tavern & Pub, Souni, Limassol. 3pm- 5pm. Entrance is free

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

The Seduction of Mimi (in Italian, call for details of subtitles) Eirini Hall (Peace Room), Monday at 7.30pm. Tel: 99-434923 Professor Hannibal (in Hungarian, call for details of subtitles) Eirini Hall (Peace Room), Monday at 9pm. Tel: 99-434923

LIMASSOL Shadow Dancer (12) Rio 6 at 5.30pm (weekends only) and 7.45pm. Rio 5, weekdays at 10pm, weekends at 10.10pm. Tel: 25-871410; KCineplex (Screen 3) at 10.15pm.

Tel: 7777-8383 Hotel Transylvania (K) Rio 2 (in Greek, in 3D), weekdays at 6 and 7.45pm, weekends at 3, 4.45, 6.30 and 8.15pm. Tel: 25-871410; KCineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek, in 3D) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Lawless (15) Rio 6, weekdays at 10pm, weekends at 10.10pm. Tel: 25-871410; K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 5.35, 7.50 and 10.20pm, weekends also at 3.25pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Rise of the Guardians (K) Rio 4 (in English, in 2D), weekdays at 7.45 and 10pm, weekends at 3, 4.50, 6.35, 8.20 and 10.10pm; Rio 1 (in English, in 2D), weekdays only at 6pm; Rio 3 (in Greek, in

Winter Flea Market Local, natural, organic and homemade products, workshop for Christmas creations, kids’ corner, food, drinks and music. December 8. Utopia Collectiva, Areos Street, old Nicosia (beneath the OXI parking space). 12pm- 9pm. Tel: 99-583947.www.facebook.com/ UtopiaCollectiva Julia Astreou-Christoforou’s Weaving Workshop Celebration of new creations, special Christmas presents, music from Constantinople and more. December 8-9. 1 St. Barbara’s Street, (besides St Barbara’s Church) Kaimakli, Nicosia. 11am-12 midday. Tel: 99475219/22-466373 All About Arts & Crafts Exhibition Different artists showing their work through their own perspective and their own material in a Christmas atmosphere. Opens December 8, 4pm until December 9. Youth Foundation, 81-83 St. Lazarous St., Larnaca. Saturday: 3pm-9pm and Sunday: 10am9pm. Free entrance. Raffle on Sunday night. Tel: 24-664622/99-461812 Christmas Spirit at Lollipop Arts & Crafts Unique handmade creations and special offers for various christening and wedding events. December 8. Lollipop Arts & Crafts, 15 Ammochostou Street, (next to Debenhams Apollon) Limassol. 5pm-9pm. Tel: 25-331862

3D), weekdays at 6pm, weekends at 2.50, 4.40 and 6.25pm. Tel: 25871410; K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek, in 3D) at 5.30pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in English, in 2D) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Killing Them Softly (18) Rio 3 at 10.35pm. Tel: 25871410; K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Frankenweenie (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1), weekends only at 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) Rio 1, weekdays at 7.55 and 10.10pm, weekends at 3, 5.15, 7.45 and 10pm. Tel: 25871410; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 5.35, 7.45 and 10.15pm. Tel: 7777-8383

LARNACA Shadow Dancer (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 10.15pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Hotel Transylvania (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek, in 3D) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Lawless (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 5.35, 7.50 and 10.20pm, weekends also at 3.25pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Rise of the Guardians (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek, in 3D) at 5.30pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in English, in 2D) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm. Tel: 7777-8383 Killing Them Softly (18) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.15pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Taken 2 (12) Rio 5 at 5.30pm (weekends only) and 7.45pm. Tel: 25-871410

Frankenweenie (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1), weekends only at 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Skyfall (12) Rio 3, weekdays at 7.50pm, weekends at 8.10pm; Rio 2 at 10pm. Tel: 25-871410; KCineplex (Screen 2) at 7.40 and 10.20pm. Tel: 7777-8383

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 5.35, 7.45 and 10.15pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Un Cuento Chino (in Spanish, with Greek subtitles) Rio 5, Monday at 8.30pm, presented by the Limassol Cine Club. www.cinelesxi.org

Tomorrow Other Events Aphrodite Hills Christmas Market Christmas celebrations in style with stalls offering a variety of goodies, from stocking-fillers to that something extra special. December 9.

Aphrodite Hills, 1 Aphrodite Avenue, Paphos. 11am-6pm Grand Menorah Lighting & Concert Official lighting ceremony, with special Klezmer performance by the renowned clarinettist Chilik Frank and traditional Latkes & doughnuts.

December 9. Larnaca Municipal Theatre. 7pm. €18. Tel: 24-828770 Email: office@jewishcyprus.com S|L|AVE by Eleni Theodoridou & Music performance by Julien Cox Two performances within the framework of the Fourth X-Dream Festival.

December 9. ARTos Cultural and Research Foundation, 64, Ay. Omoloyites Avenue, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €5. Tel: 22-445455. info@artosfoundation. org. www.artosfoundation.org Third Quantum Nicosia Marathon Five events: a marathon, a half marathon, a 10km run, a 5km run and a 1km UNICEF run. December 9. Famagusta Gate, Athina Avenue, Nicosia. 8am. visit the website www.nicosiamarathon.com, Facebook or contact Sophia Petrou on 22-792200

Monday

Taken 2 (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 8pm.

Tel: 7777-8383 Skyfall (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 7.40 and 10.20pm. Tel: 7777-8383

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) (in English, in 2D) at 5.30pm, weekends also at 3.30pm. Tel: 7777-8383 A Serious Man Larnaca Municipal Theatre, Thursday at 8.30pm. Tel: 99658831, www.lfcinema.org

PAPHOS Hotel Transylvania (K) Rio 1 (in Greek, in 3D), weekdays at 6, 7.45 and 9.30pm, weekends at 3, 4.45, 6.30, 8.15 and 10pm; Rio 3 (in Greek, in 2D), weekends only at 4 and 5.45pm. Tel: 26-207000 Lawless (15) Rio 2 at 5pm (weekends only) and 7.30pm. Tel: 26-207000 Rise of the Guardians (K) Rio 4 (in English, in 2D) at 4pm (weekends only), 6, 8 and 10pm; Rio 7 (in Greek, in 3D), weekdays at 6, 7.50 and 9.40pm, weekends at 3, 4.50, 6.35, 8.20 and 10.05pm. Tel: 26-207000 Frankenweenie (12) Rio 6, weekdays at 6pm, weekends at 4 and 5.45pm. Tel: 26-207000 Killing Them Softly (18) Rio 2 at 9.45pm. Tel: 26-207000 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) Rio 5 at 5.30, 7.45 and 10pm.

Tel: 26-207000

listings Other Events Exhibition Tilemahos Kyriazatis Solo painting exhibition by Greek artist. Opens December 10, 8pm until December 18. Technis Dromena Gallery, 53 Arch Kyprianou, Strovolos, Nicosia.

Monday-Friday: 10am-1pm and 5pm-8pm. Saturday: 5pm-8pm. Tel: 22496398. www.technidromena.com

Music Christmas Elegy Classical music concert with the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra.

The programme includes works by Puccini, Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Delibes. December 10.

Pallas Theatre, old Nicosia. 8.30pm.

Free. Tel: 22-463144/22-410181

Dance From Classroom to Stage Annual climax of the Dancecyprus Junior Company’s education programme, with dancers aged from 12 to 17, demonstrating how they make the transition from dance training to stage performance. December 10.

Theatre Skala, Larnaca. 7pm. Tel: 24-652800/99-920264

Ongoing

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

Small Volunteers Campaign collection of new Christmas gifts for needy families. Until December 16. Nicosia Presse Café Cross Ledra and St. Anthony, as well as in stores Costas Theodorou and Original Marines (102 Pericles Street, Strovolos, 28th Oct Street, 12 Makedonitissa), Limassol (Zavos Shopping Center, 25 Street Kolonaki, 25 Street), Larnaca (80 Zenon Kitios) and Paphos (92 Makarios Avenue).

Tel: 22-818884

Theatre The Sound of Music Med High presents annual performance of a popular musical.

December 6-8. Med High Theatre, 10 Kilkis Street, Larnaca. 7pm. €5.

Tel: 70-001220 Oscar The New Stage of THOC presents the play based on the work by French-Belgian dramatist Eric Emmanuel Schmitt. Until December 8.

THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Every two weeks Wednesday through Saturday.

8.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 22-492900

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

15 To have your event included for FREE in our listings, send details to: Arts Editor, Cyprus Mail, PO Box 21144, Nicosia. Fax: 22-676385.

Email: whatson@cyprus-mail.com Please send your information as early as possible. Include full details, a contact number and good quality photos

Coming Up

Enter the dragon

An evening of Commandaria IT’S EASY to be flooded with information about places to dine, but hard to know which places to choose, one place that stands out is the Archontiko Papadopoulou.

Just a 15 minute drive from Nicosia sits a three-storey time capsule. The Archontiko, dating back to 1897, is home to architectural details that simply rarely exist in this day and age. In fact, its neoclassical character, with its ornate deep carvings on the stone columns, mudstone walls, courtyard, and other fine designs make the property one of unrivaled quality for any era.

The renovation and refurbishment of the Archontiko into a cultural centre took place from 2009 to 2011. Every possible effort was made to preserve and restore the integrity of the building. The philosophy of Archontiko is to promote, display and make known the art of Cypriot wine and gastronomy as well as that of the local pottery of Kornos which has been greatly developed in the area since antiquity.

Today it consists of a high-level Cypriot cuisine a la-carte restaurant, a coffee shop, a wine cellar specialising in Cypriot wines, a Commandaria bar, a shop selling traditional pots, a library and a pottery workshop open to all visitors.

At the Archontiko award-winning chef Savvas Savva (International Gold Junior Chef of the Year,, 2010) is cookin cooking up a storm wi with his modern ttakes on c ancient classics made fro from local produce and regularly hosts a series o of Cypriot ga wine gastronoeve my events. t Given that the Archon Archontiko alread boasts ready a Comm mandaria bar and the oldest Commandaria found on the island, it was only a matter of time b before

Review Theatre Stage One Theatre Group production of Calendar Girls by Tim Firth, Wednesday December 5, at Emba Theatre THERE are many tragic and heartbreaking stories in this world when cancer hits family and friends. Many are not heard but occasionally, when the situations occur within families of actively outgoing people the stories are noticed and good results may come out of the sad situation. So it was when Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi collaborated and wrote

Archontiko Papadopoulou focus on producing traditional Cypriot cuisine and offers themed nights a Commandaria themed night came around. Next week for one night only, the Archontiko culinary team is hosting an authentic and original Cypriot menu that has been created especially to accompany the unique vintage of Commandaria. The Commandaria that will be served are: Anesperi, Kyperounda Winery 2004, SODAP Saint Barnabas 2002 and ETKO Centurion 1991.

George Kasianos, sommelier and wine author will introduce us to the world of Commandaria.

Together with the winery representatives, he will present historical facts about this exceptional treasure and take you back in time to the secrets of the island’s most ancient and famous wine. He will also give you some tips on wine and food matching.

As for the menu, it consists of a starter of trout parfait with finely sliced hiromeri, followed by baked figs with haloumi, walnuts, rocket and fig marmalade. For main try the pork fillets stuffed with prunes served with bourgouri and commandaria - ‘tremithia’ sauce – and for dessert the chocolate carob soufflé with traditional orange spoon sweet – a very rich, yet delicious finale.

Commandaria Night An authentic and unique Cypriot menu that has been created especially to accompany Commandaria, along with an introduction about the drink by George Kasianos, sommelier and wine author. December 12. Archontiko Papadopoulou, 67 Makariou III Avenue at Kornos.

8pm. €32 per person (includes the dinner, commandaria and all taxes). Tel: 22-531000

CHLOI Melidou’s choreographic work for Omada Pente now bears a signature look and thematic ideology that is clearly recognisable. As one of the founding members of the group, Melidou certainly found her niche in choreographic exploration which is concerned with Cypriot mythology, fairy tales and traditional music and dance as seen and interpreted through a contemporary sensibility and choreographic handling.

Her latest Thirty Eight Thousand Dragons, which will premiere on Wednesday at Technohoro Theatre in Limassol, is another work belonging to the same narrative and choreographic aesthetic. Additional performances will take place in Limassol on Friday and Saturday and on December 16 and 17 at the Artos Foundation in Nicosia.

The work is set on five women – two actors and three dancers – who tell five different stories yet their overlapping structures allow the choreographer to create a new story drawing on stories given to each performer. I recently spoke to the choreographer who explained traditional music in combina-

the script for the film of Calendar Girls, creating star vehicles for Helen Mirren and Julie Walters as Chris Harper and Annie Clarke.

The concept that so much good could come from a sad circumstance was again demonstrated.

Firth has adapted the film script into a stage play that has been given a short period licence for amateur productions.

Stage One Theatre Group’s interpretation, under the direction of Peter Sandwith on Wednesday evening, while a very different vehicle from the film’s broad canvas, was successful on several counts.

It was played by a team of accomplished actors backed by a lighting team and ultra-efficient crew plus a basic setting designed by Cathy Asater that served all its needs when utilising the technique of audience and auditorium involvement.

The play’s background is the W.I.

(Women’s Institute) that has been a backbone of British institutions since 1915 with their passion for cakes and jam making, knitting and needlework and other such social devices that both enlightened and bored their members. Superimpose this with the personal tragedy of Annie’s loss and Chris’ search for fame and satisfaction and you have a piece of theatre that carries its audience on an emotional journey.

Penelope Cook (Chris) and Carol Harvey (Annie) played their roller coasters with skill, tenderness and conviction. Geoff Greavey as John, Annie’s husband, drew the first tears from his theatrical death and last from his returning solace.

The W.I. members including Dawn Charman, the outspoken Cora, Judith Fox, the brash Celia, Louise Vreony beautifully sympathetic as Ruth who, in this play, has to convey the breakup of her marriage

tion with contemporary dance is a constant source of inspiration. Melidou explained that the sound of traditional music provides an interesting soundscape for her choreographic exploration.

The complex rhythms and meters of traditional music provide a challenge and variety for movement. The choreographer feels that contemporary dance allows her to shift in space and change the spatial orientation of traditional dance (usually, a circle or line in Greek and Cypriot dance) and transfer the complexities of rhythms on to single moving bodies.

The piece is structured around five monologues from different stories, which are from various stages in history. Melidou concentrates on the patterns of traditional fairy tales, myths and histories so that mixing stories provides an overlapping puzzle that provides a new story. The choreographer creates dance theatre in its literal sense with a combination of movement and text. She feels that spoken word guides the viewers through the narrative while the dance serves to strengthen the emotional landscape. Through these without the appearance of her husband, and the splendid return to the boards of Carole Manuel as Jessie the terse ex-schoolmistress, were all excellent.

They were more than supported

by Linda Woods’ Leader of the Knapeley Branch, Marie, Maureen Moeton (Brenda Hulse) and Caroline Harman-Smith as the snobbish Lady Cravenshire. The performance by Alan Devereux as the photographer Lawrence added comedy to the calendar preparation scene, and Andy Fox as Chris’ husband Rod and Heather Dackombe (Elaine) plus Nigel Payne’s Liam completed the well-schooled cast.

Director Sandwith can look with satisfaction at the staging and accept the audience’s full appreciation for a job well done. If I have one ‘nit-picking’ criticism it would be for some clumsy handling of the light screens and cover sheets

elements Melidou seeks to find a common axis which connects the stories and women’s experiences.

Melidou’s work is deeply rooted in Cypriot traditions and mythologies which allows viewers a familiar glimpse into their personal background.

She combines this at times skillfully with her Western training and experience as a dancer and choreographer creating a distinct place for herself in the Cypriot contemporary dance scene. Her challenge is to find ways to reinvent new ways to handle such powerful and striking traditional material.

Thirty Eight Thousand Dragons Chorotheatro Omada Pente presents its 23rd production, a co-production with the Theatre Development Company of Limassol (ETHAL), choreographed by Chloe Melidou. 8.30pm. €8/5. Tel: 99-349265 December 12 & 14-15: Technohoros ETHAL, 76 Franklin, Roosevelt Avenue, Limassol December 16 & 17: ARTos Cultural and Research Foundation, 64 Ayion Omoloyiton Avenue, Nicosia. Tel: 22-445455

By Dara Milovanovic during the photography scene which made the scene appear like flash interludes of ‘Jane’ (of the Daily Mirror) which, while drawing applause, could have been bolder.

The final scene with the sunflowers drew many tears that lead to a standing ovation from some overwhelmed audience members.

With part of the proceeds from the royalties and all profits from Stage One’s great calendar for 2013, going to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research it made a worthy evening’s entertainment.

Calendar Girls Play by Tim Firth presented by Stage One Theatre Group. December 3-8. Emba Theatre, Paphos. €12/6 for children. Telephone Box Office Open: Monday-Friday: 10am & 1pm, Tel: 99-967737. Theatre Box Office Open: Monday & Friday only, from 10am-12.00 Midday, or email: boxoffice@stageonetheatre.com

By Chris Ekin-Wood

For a full listing of the day’s events, see facing page

CYPRUS MAIL Saturd

16

Reportage

New US commander face winding ng down do Afghanist Shipping out: Marine Corps General John Allen

M

ARINE Corps General Joseph Dunford, who takes over as head of international forces in Afghanistan next year, faces the challenge of winding down a war in a country where he has little experience using a strategy he did not devise.

Dunford, whose nomination was confirmed by the Senate on Monday night, will be the fifth commander of the International Security Assistance Force since President Barack Obama took office, a leadership churn that worries Afghan war analysts.

Friends and colleagues describe Dunford, the Marine Corps assistant commandant, as a calm and thoughtful leader who earned the nickname Fighting Joe on the battlefields of Iraq by creating conditions for success with careful planning and harmonious execution.

But analysts expressed mixed views on his selection to replace Marine Corps General John Allen.

US soldiers in Afghanistan

Some worry about the No. 2 Marine’s lack of experience in Afghanistan and his vocal support for President Barack Obama’s plan to withdraw most US forces by the end of 2014. That could make him reluctant to ask for more time and troops if conditions on the ground are not right for a stable transition, they say.

But others contend that after a dozen years of war, Dunford’s job is to execute the strategy he has been given, not reinvent it. And while he may be able to suggest some adjustments to the plan, he has very little room for manoeuvre as members of the 46-nation coalition edge toward departure.

“The problem is at this point nobody is going to fight it. It’s the strategy. It’s not his choice,” said Anthony Cordesman, a defence analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. “For good or evil, the question is: How does he manage the shift towards an

Operation Iraqi Freedom

‘He earned the Fighting Joe title by his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, when he led the initial attack into Iraq (crossing the berm on the accelerated timeline) and leading all the way to Baghdad’ exit.”

Dunford, a Boston native, is a 35-year veteran of the Marines. He was commissioned as an officer in 1977 and he served as a platoon and company commander for several years before moving to administrative roles. He holds two master’s degrees and is a graduate of the elite Army

Ranger School.

As the United States moved toward war with Iraq in 2003, Dunford - then a colonel found himself in the First Marine Expeditionary Force serving as commander of Regimental Combat Team 5, the unit that would lead the US invasion, seize the Rumaila oil fields and then head toward Baghdad.

When officials advanced the timing of the invasion by a day, Dunford had his forces ready to move in three hours.

He kicked off the assault with a nighttime crossing of the 10-foot berm and antitank ditch separating Iraq and Kuwait, moving in darkness rather than at dawn as initially planned.

“He earned the Fighting Joe title by his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, when he led the initial attack into Iraq (crossing the berm on the accelerated timeline) and leading all the way to Baghdad,” said General James Mattis, the head of US Central Command, who was Dunford’s commander in Iraq.

“He’s not flashy, but he’s the fighter - one I could always count on when the going got difficult,” Mattis said.

Dunford won ‘Fighting Joe’ nic but has limited Afghan experie “He is tactically cunning and does a superb job at setting his subordinate commanders up for success by orchestrating complex battle plans into harmonious actions.”

Congressman Duncan Hunter, who served in the Marines in Iraq and occasionally had a chance to interact with Dunford, said the commander was seen as “a decisive leader who was well-

respected by subordinates and peers throughout the chain of command.

“In a stressful, combat environment he proved himself to be an accomplished and energetic warrior,” Hunter said.

Since the war Dunford has moved rapidly up the chain of command. He became a brigadier general in 2004, was selected to become a major

day, December 8, 2012

17 Television

26-27 28

Crossword Sport

es challenge nge of tan war

ckname on battlefields of Iraq ence reports David Alexander general in December 2007 and then promoted to lieutenant general two months later, before Congress had acted to confirm his second star.

“That in itself will give you an idea of how he was seen in the Marine Corps,” said Marine Colonel David Lapan, a spokesman for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has worked for Dunford

and been his neighbour.

He has a “great reputation as a combat commander, as an operational commander, very even-keeled, measured, analytical,” Lapan said. While his combat experience is not in Afghanistan, the differences are not that great and he can bring a fresh perspective to the situation, Lapan said.

But some Afghan war analysts are concerned about

Dunford’s appointment, saying his support for Obama’s withdrawal strategy will make it difficult for him to adjust the drawdown based on conditions on the ground.

“He was in a very small minority among senior military officers in articulating that President Obama’s Afghanistan strategy and the notion of firm deadlines could work,” said Michael Rubin, a defence analyst at the American Enterprise Institute.

“He has never explained... how or why he thinks it could work.”

Dunford will have to guide international forces through a series of critical milestones over the coming two years, starting with Afghan forces taking over the lead role for the country’s security next summer.

The presidential election in the spring of 2014 is viewed as essential to ensuring Afghan support for the government once international forces withdraw. And Dunford also must manage the drawdown of US and international forces and the transition to full Afghan control by the end of 2014.

“All too often when officials talk about the transition, they just talk in terms of numbers and the actual Afghans doing security and fighting,” Rubin said. “But to really have transition and independence, you need a lot in the background.”

Afghan National Security Forces still lack important specialty skills, from intelligence, logistics and communications to maintenance, engineering and accounting, he said. Medical support is a “huge example.”

“When we’re fighting with the Afghans and the Afghans get wounded, we triage them, evacuate them, that sort of thing. They have no capability of that on their own. We haven’t focused on it in transition,” Rubin said.

Ultimately the issue is whether withdrawal from Afghanistan will take place as Afghan security forces acquire the skills they need to defend the country, or whether it will move ahead according to a political timeline, he said.

“Most generals are looking

at the capabilities,” Rubin said. “Dunford is the exception. He appears to be looking at the politics.”

But Cordesman said Dunford’s job in Afghanistan is to execute the policy approved by the White House, the Pentagon and NATO and he has little flexibility in the matter.

“The purpose of a com-

229-32

Afghan National Security Forces still lack important specialty skills

mander is not to tell the president what to do,” he said. “The purpose of a commander is to do the task he’s assigned as well as he possibly can.”

He said he believed Dunford would be able to “tell the president bad news or make recommendations that indicated we had to change

the way in which we exit... or the timing.”

“This is certainly not somebody who would simply accept or follow orders regardless of conditions,” he said.

“But it is obvious that no commander at this point is going to come in... charged with reexamining and reinventing the strategy.”

The Arab Spring: The Egyptian Experience Evolution of a Revolution

7/12/2012 18:00 8/12/2012 18:00 Δημόσια συζήτηση, έκθεση, παρουσιάσεις, προβολή Public debate, exhibition, presentations, screening Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες / For more information: 22 445 455 www.artosfoundation.org

ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΜΟΥ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΤΙΚΕΣ ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΕΣ

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18

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enced, UK-qualified teacher offers full/part-time private home tuition in Maths, English, the Sciences, Geography, History, Business Studies and Economics, from KS3 to iGCSE, AS and A2 levels. 9 years experience in Cyprus; references available. Telephone 99318796 *****************************

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Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

TAG 175, a female dog around 1.5 years old. She is very lovable and she will definitely be your best friend. At the Nicosia Dog

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CHIMNEY SWEEP, when did you last have your chimney swept or log burner cleaned? 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 *****************************

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PRIVATE TUITION Experi-

DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049 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 *****************************

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS *****************************

WIND TURBINE 600W1000W with professional grid tie inverter with builtin brake. Will also throw in cable to wire it all up. Only used for four months selling due to upgrade €425 phone 99983543 *****************************

IPHONE 3GS white 16gb.

Brand new, only been turned on to make sure it is ok. €210-00 phone 99983543 *****************************

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

PRIME LAND IS AVAILABLE FOR LONG LEASE IN

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg -Employment Miscellaneous 18 Pets 18 Lessons 18 Health & Fitness 18 Personal 18 Services 18 For Sale Miscellaneous 18 For Sale Land/ Property Business 19 For Sale Motor vehicles 19 Wanted 19 To Let Nicosia 19 To Let Limassol 22 To Let Larnaca 22 To Let Paphos 22 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -For Sale Nicosia 23 For Sale Limassol -For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 24 For Sale Ayia Napa 24 For Sale Famagusta Protaras -For Sale Athens -Property& Home Services display ads 25

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

19

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

Advertiser FOR SALE B.P./LAND 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. *****************************

WANTED TO RENT

FOR SALE MOTOR VECHICLES

TO LET NICOSIA

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES

PROPERTY TO LET

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

TOYOTA COROLLA 2003, VVT-1 1.6 automatic 4 door sedan, colour silver, very good condition, many extras. Private sale. Price €4,750. Contact John on 97750490 (Limassol) *****************************

MERCEDES BENZ, Model 2003 C180, Compressor Manual (5+1), White colour, Electric window, A/C, good condition, 5300€ Contact No: 97888026 *****************************

MINI COOPER (2005) 1600cc, 52.000 miles, British racing green/Blk roof, full mini spec., bluetooth, fitted, MOT 15/07/14, €5.995 ono. Contact 99531267 Pyla. *****************************

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

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

NICOSIA *****************************

NEW LUXURY residence for rent, located in a prestigious area in Strovolos. It offers spacious living rooms, 3 bedrooms en-suite, 2 kitchens, maid’s room and large garden. Call 99883521 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 *****************************

FOR RENT OR SELL: 2 bedroom flat in Nikis Ave in Nicosia, 80 m. Completely renovated, with electric supplies. Excellent for office or flat. 3 bed-room flat and some furnitures in Nicosia near Central Bank, 140 m.

Completely renovated like new. Mob : 99 460 860 *****************************

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

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

FLATS / HOUSES FOR RENT: studio Aglantzia €350, 1bdrm Ag. Andreas furnished €425, Hilton €400, Strovolos €350, Acropolis €380, Kennedy furnished €400, 2bdrm Ag. Dometios €400, Lykavitos €550, Kennedy €400, Acropolis rear house €300, 3bdrm m/ ssa with garden €500, Str/ los €400, Acropolis €550, 4 bdrm new house Dasoupolis €1,200, Acropolis g/f €800. 21 PROPERTY FINDER A.M. 627 A.A.108 / E 99474839, 99646822

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

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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.

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, recently painted.

Rent €650pm. (furnished if required). Tel: 97773358.

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2

ROOMS €125 each, near McDonald’s Engomi only Philippine girls. Call 99663927.

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FOR RENT 3 B/R apartment fully furnished close to Central Bank. 3 W.C., fully air-conditioned extra storeroom, owned covered parking. Excellent condition. Information: Tel. 99621554

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LUXURY HOUSES: 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

English-Painter & Decorator

SELEC Fencing & Decking Specialist

Fully Qualified 30 years’ Experience

For all your Garden and Security Fencing

ALL AREAS • External & Internal painting • Damp Damage Repairs • Spritze Repairs • Free Estimates + very clean work • All areas. All types of woodwork stained and preserved • All work guaranteed

Tel. Tony on 99176557

♦ Quality approved workmanship ♦ 15 years experience + guaranteed work ♦ English workers ♦ also garden gates ♦ sheds ♦ chain link fencing ♦ free estimates ♦ all types of fencing & decking

Tel. SELEC fencing 99176557

20

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

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 €650 (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 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 new luxury detached house, separate maid’s room, central heating, full Ac, 260sq.m, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, blinds on all the windows, 4wc, 2 showers, 1 bathroom, 2 covered parking, big garden with grass in a quiet neighbourhood in a dead end near French Ambassador house - Strovolos €1400 (H4ST10045-R), (photos in the 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 €1200 (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 neighbor-

hood opposite Acropolis park - Acropolis - €1200 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 CentrePLATY 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. H4AGZ0010-R, 3 bedr RENOVATED GROUND FLOOR HOUSE with big separate 1 bedroom flat with multi room, big sitting and dining room , separate tv room, big kitchen with family room and fitted cooker and oven, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, very big 5 X 6

bedrooms with solid parquet floor, central heating with petrol independent, a/c units, double glazed windows with shutters, big verandas around the house, in a very quiet neighbourhood 200metres from FRENCH school and near Athalassas park - Aglantzia - €1300 (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 + 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 - €1200 – H4ST10007-R (photos in website).

15. 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 - Makedonitissa - €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 *****************************

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

21

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO NICOSIA

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 in a quiet neighborhood off Prodromou close Ministry od Defence – Engomi- € 700 – 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. A2AOM0009-R 2 bedr luxury finished apartment in a small building with 4 flats only, central heating with petrol independent, full a/c, 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathroom/shower, separate guest wc, NICE MODERN EXPENSIVE

FURNITURE, big covered veranda, covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighbourhood very close to Junior school and the park - Agioi Omologites - € 800 (photos in website).

11. 3 bedr luxury spacious ground floor apartment with separate entrance, big verandas and garden, big sitting and din-

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA ing room, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, very big master bedroom, electrical appliances in the kitchen, aluminum shutters 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 €700 (A3ST10030-R), (photos in

the website).

12. A2LYK0006-R, 2 bedr penthouse apartment with big veranda 60sq.m, storage heaters, full a/c, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), big sitting room, big separate kitchen with cooker and oven, blinds, covered parking near Agios Antonios market CLOSE TO THE UNIVERSITY. Lykavitos €510 (photos in website).

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22

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET LARNACA

TO LET PAPHOS

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 storey 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 €550 (A2DAS0006-R), (photos in the 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

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FULLY FURNISHED one bedroom flat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370.

Tel: 99202543

detached villa, secluded position, large private pool, a/c, and parking. Unfurnished. Very nice well worth seeing. €800 pcm reduced 4. Peyia Unfurnished 2 bed 2 bathroom house, a/c, ceiling fans, fly screens, storage, satellite TV, private parking, swimming pool, From €350 pcm REDUCED THIS IS JUST A SMALL SELCTION OF PROPERTIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND MANY MORE PLEASE CALL EITHER 96 545 174 OR E-MAIL ON info@ unique-consultancy.eu LANDLORDS; WE NEED YOUR PROPERTIES NOW. PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT.

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

LARNACA

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LIMASSOL ****************************

4

BEDROOM HOUSE IN EPISKOPI Split level 4-year- old house detached with central heating, a/c all over the house, lounge dinning room, separate kitchen, utility room, en-suite master bedroom, parking, three wcs. Price 800 euros (negotiable) 25337400

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3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN YPSONAS 3-year-old two storey detached house situated in a private area of Ypsonas with separate kitchen, lounge dinning room,garden, parking ensuite master bedroom a/c all over house. 25 337400 Price 700 euros

FOR RENT spacious 3 bedroom apartment with balcony situated in centre of town, semi furnished.

Please call 99311152 ****************************

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

PAPHOS

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2

BEDROOM COTTAGE FOR RENT IN LANIA VILLAGE in a quiet and peaceful area, fully furnished, storage heaters, a/c, rent €300 per month. Minimum contract 1 year. Info mob 99548855

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FOR RENT new ground floor terrace studios for rent in Kouka village (20 minutes from Limassol) in a quiet and peaceful area fully furnished €180 per month minimum contract 1 year.

For info mob 99548855 *****************************

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

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TO LET 3 bdrm detached villa & pool. Fully furnished.

2 bdrms en suite, garage with r/m control, garden, lovely view. Near Tsada Golf Course. Price €750 per month. Tel. 99603330. *****************************

Long Term Rentals 1. Chlorakas 1 bed ground floor furnished apartment with central heating, communal pool and parking, sky TV. €335 pcm including all bills 2. Tala 2 bed quality furnished apartment. Stunning sea views, large balcony, well kept gardens, communal pool, quiet area. €375 pcm 3. Chlorakas Large 4 bed

1. UNIVERSAL – superb 2 bed furnished apartment for rent. Lovely quiet complex with pool, private parking, entry phone system & storage room. €350 per month.

2. UNIVERSAL – one bed furnished apartment on 2nd floor, small quiet well maintained complex with sea views. €300 per month.

3. UNIVERSAL – 2 two bed, 2 bath apartments on superb quiet complex, with 3 pools, gym, sauna, jaccuzi & bowling green. 1 apt furnished, 1 unfurnished from €400 per month.

4. TALA – 2 two bed, 2 bath villa style apts on stunning quiet complex with 4 pools, with off road and underground parking. 1 apt furnished 1 U/F from €360 per month.

TO LET PAPHOS PLEASE CALL 96203009 *****************************

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

1. MANDRIA, 2 bedroom apartment, fully furnished with modern furniture, separate kitchen, communal swimming pool, air conditioning throught, 2 balconies euro 375 p/m o.N.O 2. SEA CAVES, 3 bedroom bungalow, specially fitted for people with disabilities , stunning sea views, free wi-fi, fully furnished with modern furniture, swimming pool, all bedrooms with en-sute, utility room, air conditioning throughout, shutters, very green and secluded area euro 1100 p/m o.N.O 3. EMBA, 2 bedroom apartment, 2 bathroom, modern furnished, air conditioned throughout, communal swimming pool, covered parking, close to all amenities, euro 330 p/m 4. CHLORAKA, 3 bedroom furnished villa with pool, amazing views, master ensuite, in cul-de-sac, fully airconditioned with fireplace, euro 700 p/m PLEASE CALL : 99 387842 *****************************

CHLORAKAS, 2 bedroom apartment, fully furnished, large veranda, very quiet location, communal pool, Euro 280 – o.n.o Please call: 99699019 /26910140 *****************************

A DELIGHTFUL AND SPACIOUS 1 bedroom apartment, 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

TO LET PAPHOS *****************************

PAPHOS RENTALS SECTION TREMITHOUSA Very sought after location, Modern 2 Bedroom, F/F, Town House, Lovely Communal Pool, Sea views, Early viewing highly recommended, 400 Euros PAPHOS - Very large 3 Bedroom Apt , Fully Furnished to a very high standard ,Would suit 3 Professionals sharing, Within close proximity to Hospital and Court, Central Heating, 2 Bathrooms, Laundry, 350 Euros.

TALA - Luxurious 4 Bedroom, F/F to a very high standard, 2 bathrooms, 2 en-suite, Swimming Pool, Landscaped Garden and Spectacular Views, 700 Euros.

EMPA - Immaculate, Spacious 2 Bedroom, U/F, House, Large kitchen, Patio, Quiet location, Must be seen, 300 Euros WANTED - 2 bedroom furnished properties MORE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 99862922 *****************************

FLOWRON PROPERTY RENTALS, YOUR NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES. LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, CALL THE EXPERTS TODAY!!

TIMI 3 bed modern villa with wood burner, Ac, offered fully furnished. Spacious living areas with 2 sitting areas, big kitchen,3 upstairs bedrooms, master on suite shower, family bathroom, Small private pool, off street parking.

Quite location not far from the village amenities. Paphos Town. Ref: 722 price €600 KISSONERGRA A bed luxury villa on its own private grounds, with fantastic views of the sea, private pool, Modem Furnishings, quality appliances, downstairs bedroom, large kitchen, upstairs bedroom with en suite, family bathroom.

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• OPEN FOR CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH & NEW YEAR’S EVE CALL PETER NOW FOR ANY ENQUIRIES: 96870774 – PAPHOS

23

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

Ref 0000 Price €950 ANARITA A 3 bed villa offered furnished , with private pool, in nice quiet cul-de-sac, off street parking, AC. quality kitchen, 3 bedrooms upstairs. Ref 855 price €600 PEGEIA A superb character 4 bedroom villa, with beams, fire place, central heating. Italian kitchen, sitting and dining areas, 3 good size bedroom, with downstairs bedroom with en suite. Outside mature gardens, private pool, fantastic views, peaceful location. Ref: 765 Price €900 Mandria A modern unfurnished 4 bed Villa with private pool. Downstairs bedroom with shower, sitting room with log burner, 3 bedrooms upstairs, master bed with en suite shower room. Property has private fence and pets are welcome. Ref 1174 price €700 YEROSKIPOU 2 bed furnished apartment with communal pool, gym, under cover parking on modern new complex Apartment is furnished, with bathroom, modern kitchen and blinds + AC Ref: 1164 price €350

ARMOU A 3 bedroom fully furnished bungalow with private pool. Nice clean modern property with log burner, 3 good size bedrooms, master en suite, large family bathroom, garage, fantastic views of the sea. Ref 854 Price €750 MANDRIA Modern 2 bedroom apartment, offered furnished. Property is modern and has a large outside veranda, great views, large communal pool. Not far from all local amenities. Ref: 882 Price €400 Please call for a free viewing on Office 26600450 Mobile: 97614070 many more properties on our website at www.flowron. com - www.paphospropertycyprus.com LANDLORDS IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT, PLEASE CALL US!!!!!!

Your Vision is our Mission

BRAND NEW APT, opposite Poseidonio Gym, near Carrefour, F/F, a/c, great quality, 1 bdrm, from €340p.m.Tel 99403261

furnished 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 double 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 APARTMENTS/TOWNHOUSES 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

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

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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

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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. ****************************

24

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser FOR SALE NICOSIA

FOR SALE NICOSIA

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

NICOSIA

FOR SALE PENTHOUSE between Armenias Str and Hilton Hotel. 3 bedroom, main bedroom with shower, c/h, fireplace,

FOR SALE NICOSIA large verandas. For more information please call: 99467596. ******************************

PAPHOS *****************************

FOR SALE PAPHOS

FOR SALE PAPHOS

FOR SALE PAPHOS

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. Commu-

nal pool. A/C, quality fixtures. Fully furnished. Security barrier. FULL TITLE DEEDS Now €92,000 Call 99716390.

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 Forest Fires ..................... 1407

Narcotics Helpline ......... 1410 (Outside hours.............. 22-304160) 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) Airports Larnaca ..........................77778833 Paphos ...........................77778833

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UNIVERSAL AREA, 3 bedroom detached villa, covered area 122 sqm, master bedroom en-suite, air conditioned throughout, all white goods, solar panels, garden irrigation, plot size 273 sqm, communal pool, euro 165.000 o.v.n.o.

– title deeds available Call : 99682644- no agents 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. ******************************

FOR SALE Well-kept detached bungalow on the edge of Pano Kivides. Quiet location with open view. Kitchen/diner 5.55m x 3.75 Separate lounge of similar size. Two bedrooms, with A/C, fitted wardrobes.

Good size bathroom. Mains drainage. Entrance hall, used as an office. Gas CH. All new double glazed windows. Conservatory 7.26m x 2.46m. Outside, plot in excess of 700 sq. m.. Large covered area including brick built workshop 5.3m x 4.8m . Hot tub. Car port, TITLE DEEDS. Euros 198000. Private sale. No agents. No VAT. Why pay for a building site with no services when you could move into a comfortable home, with no hassle, but lots of potential, for less?

Tel. 99995906 or 99995992.

25

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

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.

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

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

26

Television CYBC 1 07.15

Oikogeneia Solomou (rpt) Local series with events unfolding in a Cypriot village before and after the Turkish invasion of 1974.

08.00

Moiraia Fengaria (rpt) Local drama series inspired by Maro Kranidioti’s book.

10.30

Paizoume Kypriaka New season of local game show, asking questions having to do with Cypriot dialect.

13.00 14.00 14.30

Edoxe Ti Vouli Kai To Dimo News Me Kali Parea

CYBC 2 07.00 08.00

16.35 16.45 17.40 18.10 19.10 19.20 19.30 21.00

18.00 18.15

News Tete A Tete

21.45

Local Sketch News Savvato Ki Apovrado Variety show, with wellknown guests pretending to have a good time for the benefit of You At Home.

23.30 23.45

News Repeats

FILM: Falling In Love Two married people meet by chance while Christmas shopping, and months later encounter each other again when they catch the same train. As time goes by, their friendship turns into romance - but both remain aware that they cannot risk breaking up their marriages.

Romantic drama, with Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep. 1984.

Tasos Tryfonos interviews Greek celebrities from the world of showbiz.

19.30 20.00 21.30

Candid Camera ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Candid Camera ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating News In English New In Turkish NRG Zone Weekend Lost Sixth and final season.

‘The Last Recruit’.

Alliances are made and broken as the Locke and Jack camps merge. Drama following the survivors of a plane crash who are left stranded on a remote island.

Vimmata Stin Ammo (rpt) Two episodes of local period drama, based on true events.

NRG Zone Kids’ TV Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Pippi Longstocking, etc.

Shown till 12.30, then repeated till midafternoon.

Vivian Kanari hosts new show featuring a mix of news, information and live music.

16.30

ANTENNA

23.30 00.00

News In English & News In Turkish Repeats

06.20 06.40 07.10 07.40 08.10 09.00 10.20 11.10 12.00 12.50 13.40 14.20 16.00

Proini Enimerosi Tango Yia Treis (rpt) Cheek To Cheek (rpt) Oi Men kai Oi Den (rpt) Vodka Portokali (rpt) Deixe Mou To Filo Sou (rpt) 40 Kymata (rpt) Ta Koritsia Tou Bamba (rpt) Oikonomahies (rpt) President Elections (rpt) Galileo (rpt) Ekeino To Kalokairi (rpt) Niose Me (rpt)

MEGA 06.00 07.00 09.40 10.30 11.20 12.10 13.10 14.00 15.00 18.00 18.20 20.20 21.20 23.10

With News at 18.00.

18.30 20.20 21.30

A woman kills a burglar breaking into her home in self defence, only for his vengeful girlfriend to plot to destroy her life. Thriller, with Haylie Duff. 2011. With News at 23.10.

Vals Me 12 Theous (rpt) News Me To Dexi (rpt) Greek make-over show.

22.20

FILM: Rush Hour An overly zealous Hong Kong detective investigating a kidnapping in Los Angeles is teamed with a loudmouthed local cop.

Comedy adventure, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.

1998.

00.15 00.20 00.30 01.40 02.40 04.40

News Sports News Vradi Me Ton Petro Kostopoulo Blackout Doureios Ippos Real Housewives Of Athens (rpt)

I Dipsa (rpt) Yia Sena (rpt) Kids’ TV Mia Stigmi Dio Zoes Boukia Kai Syhorio (rpt) Klemmena Oneira (rpt) Chuck Mousiko Kouti (rpt) Dansing For You (rpt) News Epta Thanasimes Petheres (rpt) News Anonymous FILM: Home Invasion

01.00

FILM: Starship Troopers 3 An officer leads a band of soldiers to rescue a politician stranded on a planet infested with giant insects. Sci-fi sequel, with Casper Van Dien. 2008.

02.20 03.20 04.00 04.30 05.00 05.40

Eheis Meson (rpt) Mia Stigmi Dio Zoes (rpt) Patir, Yios Kai Pnevma (rpt) Richter Music (rpt) O Ios Tou Patera (rpt) I Dipsa (rpt)

SIGMA 06.30 07.30 08.30 10.00 14.00 14.50 16.40

Oi Takkoi (rpt) Zoi Podilato (rpt) Kids’ TV Mes Stin Kala Hara Oikogeneiakes Istories (rpt) Aspra Balonia (rpt) 7 Ouranoi kai Synnefa Alites (rpt)

PLUS TV 06.45 07.50 12.05 13.00 13.40

Second season. ‘The Grandfather’. Blair goes off the rails, giving Serena and Chuck cause for concern, while Vanessa tries to persuade Nate to forgive his mother’s family for their treatment of him.

With News at 18.00.

18.05 19.00

The Cooking Factory Pame Paketo (rpt) Popular talk-show that deals with human interest stories.

20.15 21.20

News FILM: A Christmas Romance Romance blossoms between a single mother and a selfish banker who intends to repossess her house.

Family drama, starring Olivia Newton-John and Gregory Harrison.

1994.

23.10 23.50 23.55

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (rpt) News The 4400 (rpt)

14.25

15.15 16.30 17.30 18.50

04.00

Mes Stin Kali Hara (rpt) Magazino (rpt)

Fotis - Maria Live Best Of Mesimeriani Meleti Best Of Mila (rpt) FILM: Treasure Island A boy discovers a treasure map and joins an expedition in search of the buried loot, only for pirates to take over the ship. Adventure, starring Charlton Heston. 1990.

21.00 22.30 23.15 23.45 00.40

07.00 10.50 11.20 13.35 15.25 15.40 16.10 16.15

O Petheropliktos Exelixeis Stin Showbiz Kostakis Ki Yioi LTV Sports News Repeats

Kids’ TV Kouzina Me Apopsi (rpt) Telemarketing FILM: Dokimasia Mila Mou Prasina Kouzina Me Apopsi News FILM: Running Wild An Army officer travels to Zimbabwe to join locals in their struggle to thwart elephant poachers. Adventure, starring Gregory Harrison. 1998. With News at 17.30.

One Tree Hill (rpt) Second season.

‘Lifetime Piling Up’.

Nathan lies in a hospital bed, dreaming of what might have happened if Dan hadn’t married Deb, but stayed with Karen and Lucas instead.

FBI agents are assigned to investigate the sudden reappearance of 4,400 people who vanished 50 years ago.

00.40

Star News (rpt) Kids’ TV LTV Sports News (rpt) Star News Gossip Girl (rpt)

CAPITAL

18.00 18.55 19.05 19.55 19.15 20.05 21.00

Remington Steele News Acapulco HEAT News News Rubi FILM: Shall we Dance?

A lawyer signs up for dancing classes, but has to keep the new hobby a secret from his suspicious wife.

Romantic comedy, with Richard Gere. 2004.

23.05

FILM: Year Of The Dragon A highly decorated New York cop sets out to rid corrupt Chinatown of its deeprooted drug cartels.

Crime thriller, starring Mickey Rourke. 1985.

01.10

FILM: Imagining Argentina Offbeat thriller, with Emma Thompson.

2003.

Fair Game (LTV3, 22.00)

01:20 The Weakest Link 02:05 Lead Balloon 02:35 Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps 03:05 Doctors 03:35 Tribal Wives 04:30 Sport Relief 2012 - Little Britain’s Big Swim 05:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 06:15 The Weakest Link 07:00 Tellytales 07:10 Nina and the Neurons 07:25 Teletubbies 07:50 Balamory 08:10 Tellytales 08:20 Nina and the Neurons 08:35 Teletubbies 09:00 Balamory 09:20 Buzz & Tell 09:25 Robin Hood 10:10 Strictly Come Dancing 11:25 Last Of The Summer Wine 11:55 New Tricks 12:45 Around The World In 20 Years 13:40 As Time Goes By 14:10 Big Top 14:35 2 Point 4 Children 15:05 Casualty 15:55 EastEnders 17:55 New Tricks 18:45 The Weakest Link 19:30 Robin Hood 20:15 Doctor Who 21:00 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow 21:45 Live At The Apollo 22:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:15 The Impressions Show With Culshaw & Stephenson 23:45 Little Britain 24:15 Tribal Wives

07:00 How It’s Made ; 07:25 Rides 08:15 Fifth Gear 09:10 Mega Builders 10:05 Mighty Ships 10:55 Hillbilly Handfishin’ 14:30 Extreme Engineering 15:25 Man Made Marvels Asia 16:20 Mega Builders 17:15 How It’s Made ; 18:10 James May’s

Man Lab 19:05 Mythbusters 20:00 How It’s Made ; 21:00 Auction Hunters 22:00 Auction Kings 23:00 Dealers 00:00 Dynamo: Magician Impossible 01:00 Fine Dining With Bear Grylls 01:55 Auction Kings 02:50 Dealers 03:50 Dynamo: Magician Impossible 04:50 How It’s Made ; 05:15 Auction Hunters 06:05 Mega Builders 09:30 Biathlon: World Cup Austria 10:30 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Switzerland 11:00 Alpine Skiing: World Cup France 11:30 Nordic Combined Skiing: World Cup Turkey 12:15 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Switzerland 13:45 Biathlon: World Cup Austria 14:30 Alpine Skiing: World Cup France 15:00 Nordic Combined Skiing: World Cup Turkey 15:45 Biathlon: World Cup Austria 16:45 Ski Jumping: World Cup Russia 18:45 Snooker: Uk Championship Canada 20:15 Cross Country Skiing: World Cup 21:45 Snooker: Uk Championship Canada 00:00 Ski Jumping: World Cup Russia 01:00 Figure Skating: Isu Grand Prix Final Russia 02:15 Biathlon: World Cup Austria

09:30 Biathlon: World Cup Austria 10:30 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Switzerland 11:00 Alpine Skiing: World Cup France 11:30 Nordic Combined Skiing: World Cup Tur-

key 12:15 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Switzerland 13:45 Biathlon: World Cup Austria 14:30 Alpine Skiing: World Cup France 15:00 Nordic Combined Skiing: World Cup Turkey 15:45 Biathlon: World Cup Austria 16:45 Ski Jumping: World Cup Russia 18:45 Snooker: Uk Championship Canada 20:15 Cross Country Skiing: World Cup 21:45 Snooker: Uk Championship Canada 00:00 Ski Jumping: World Cup Russia 01:00 Figure Skating: Isu Grand Prix Final Russia 02:15 Biathlon: World Cup Austria

05:40 Work Of Art: The Next Great Artist 06:30 Private Practice 07:15 Off The Map 10:20 Modern Family 11:10 Happy Endings 12:25 Don’t Trust The B...In Apartment 12:50 Masterchef 14:30 Once Upon A Time 15:20 The Gates 18:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 20:10 Jamie’s Fish Supper 21:00 Jane By Design 21:50 Desperate Housewives 22:40 Raising Hope 23:05 Melissa & Joey 23:30 Glee 00:20 Castle 04:25 Happy Endings

07:00 Ancient Aliens 10:00 UFO Hunters 12:00 Ancient Aliens 15:00

UFO Hunters 17:00 Ancient Aliens 19:00 Storage Wars 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 21:00 American Pickers 22:00 Storage Wars 23:00 Pawn Stars 23:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 00:00 American Pickers 01:00 Storage Wars 01:30 Storage Wars 02:00 Pawn Stars 02:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 03:00 American Pickers 04:00 Ancient Aliens 05:00 UFO Hunters

07:30 Hollywood Buzz 08:00 Wallis & Edward 09:45 Ant Bully 11:30 Private Benjamin 13:30 Grace Is Gone 15:00 Other Guys 17:00 Pre-Game 18:00 A’ Division Cyprus Soccer Championship 2012-13 20:00 LTV Sports News 21:00 Wild Things 23:00 Small Town Saturday Night 00:40 Hustler TV 02:45 Cruising 04:30 Operation: Daybreak 06:30 LTV Sports News

07:00 The Looney Tunes Show 07:25 Loonatics Unleashed 07:50 Wonder Pets 08:20 Dora The Explorer 08:50 Ni Hao, Kai-Lan 09:20 Spongebob Squarepants 09:45 Tak & The Power Of Juju 10:10 Fanboy & Chum Chum 10:35 The X’s 11:00 The Mighty B! 11:30 My Life As A Teenage Robot 12:00 Hey Arnold! 12:30 Icarly 13:30 Max Adventures

Jack 23:55 Restoration 01:55 Drive 03:35 Cine News 04:25 The Boxer 07:45 Miracle 10:15 Hereafter 12:30 Skin Game 14:15 Trucker 16:00 All The King’s Men 18:15 I Love You, Man 20:05 It Runs In The Family 22:00 Fair Game 00:05 Daring! Tv 03:00 Assassination Games 04:45 Guitar, The 06:20 His Way

14:05 Barclays Premier League Preview 14:45 Best Classic Premier League Games 17:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 19:00 NBA 2012-13 21:00 Liga Bbva 2012-13 23:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 01:00 Liga Bbva 2012-13 03:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13

07:15 Gossip Girl 08:00 Entourage 08:35 The Big Bang Theory 09:00 According To Jim 09:55 Aliens N America 10:20 Two And A Half Men X 10:45 Supernatural 11:30 The Mentalist 12:30 Pan Am 13:15 The Closer 14:15 Ncis: Los Angeles 15:00 Curb Your Enthusiasm 20:40 Boardwalk Empire 00:30 Babel 03:00 Hawaii Five- 04:30 Strike Back

05:10 Breaking Wind 06:35 The Two Jakes 08:50 The Last Flight 10:25 Cine News 11:20 Certain Prey 12:55 The Conspirator 15:00 Ncis 15:50 The Newsroom The Greater Fool 16:50 Cine News 17:20 Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story 19:00 The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader 22:10 Seeking Justice 00:00 John Carter 02:10 Machine Gun Preacher 04:20 Tt3d: Closer To The Edge

06:05 La Verite 08:10 Cine News 09:10 Wings Of The Dove 10:55 My Father The Hero 12:30 Cine News 13:30 Extraordinary Measures 15:20 The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn 17:10 Mad On Novacinema 17:50 There’s Something About Mary 19:55 Jane Eyre 22:00 Casino

05:05 Super 06:40 Cat Ballou 08:20 Paul 10:10 Gulliver’s Travels 13:40 Thor 15:40 The Resident 17:15 S.W.A.T. 19:15 Page Eight 21:00 Below The Beltway 22:40 Cine News 23:00 Time To Kill 01:30 Adult Zone 03:30 Let Me In

06:35 The Grace Card 08:20 The Dilemma 10:15 Cine News 10:30 The 25th European Film Awards 12:10 8 Mile 14:05 Winnie The Pooh 15:15 9 To 5 17:10 Love And Other Impossible Pursuits 19:00 The Hours 21:00 X-Men: First Class 23:20 First Daughter 01:10 Miral 03:05 Winter’s Bone 04:45 Emma

07:00 Wife vs: Secretary 08:25 Journey, The 10:30 Spinout 12:00 Bachelor In Paradise 13:45 The Harvey Girls 15:25 Home From The Hill 17:50 All This, and Heaven Too 20:05 Clash Of The Titans 22:00 Sweet Bird Of Youth 23:55 The Haunting 01:45 Somebody Up There Likes Me 03:35 Silk Stockings 05:30 Rio Rita

By Preston Wilder

Wild Things (LTV, 21.00) Matt Dillon is ‘Educator of the Year’ at an affluent South Florida high school. The kids love him, and he loves the kids - but not in that way. Or does he?

Everyone is shocked when rich girl Denise Richards (years before being memorably called a “jobless pig” by ex-husband Charlie Sheen) accuses Matt of having raped her, and Denise’s white-trash classmate Neve Campbell adds her own shocking claims; local cop Kevin Bacon is on the case - but in fact the film ends up a million plot-twists away from that rather familiar scenario, with things turning out to be Not What They Seem. Along the way we have a cat-fight, a three-way sex scene, girl-on-girl smooching, frontal

Wild Things

male nudity, nubile young things in wet T-shirts - but nothing too X-rated, just simulated raunchiness in a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously (which is just as well, since the entire second half makes no sense at all in narrative-logic terms). Also with Bill Murray as a shady lawyer, at one point consoling an incarcerated client with a cheerfully bland “You know, this is really a good news / bad news situation”. Made in 1998.

Seeking Justice (Novacinema1, 22.10) “We’re just a few citizens seeking justice,” purrs Guy Pearce creepily - and you have to wonder when he became such a great villain (see also Lawless), but Ni-

colas Cage has no time to wonder because his life is going down the drain. It all starts when his wife (January Jones) is attacked on the street one night - and Nic is visiting her in hospital, looking devastated, when smoothie Pearce turns up and says he represents an “organisation” who’d be happy to kill the scumbag responsible: “This wouldn’t cost you anything financially, but we may ask a favour of you at some point in the future”. Don’t do it, Nic! Don’t give in to Pearce’s silky blandishments! You can guess what happens and in fact there are no surprises, except perhaps the fact that Cage is so subdued by his standards; even the equally crappy Trespass had that bit where he yelled “Your filthy lust invited them in!”. Made in 2011.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

27

Showbiz Dark New Whitney Houston book Zero Thirty wins recalls singer’s musical magic best film

award a second time

Tells the story of pop diva’s rise to stardom

By Christine Kearney

By Sue Zeidler A new book on Whitney Houston by her early producer seeks to tell the story of the rise to stardom of the pop diva who died nine months ago.

Emmy and Grammywinning producer Narada Michael Walden, who produced many of Houston’s early hits, like How Will I Know and I Wanna Dance With Somebody, appeared at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles this week to discuss the book and perform some of the songs he collaborated on.

“Her death was so shocking and sudden that I wanted to create something to keep alive the beautiful aspects of her life. The media was lashing out on the addiction and ignoring her musical genius,” Walden told Reuters.

Since she drowned in a bathtub on February 11 after taking cocaine, Houston’s music and life have generated a TV tribute with Jennifer Hudson, Usher and others, a greatest hits CD, a coffee table book of photos and a TV reality show starring family members.

Walden’s book Whitney Houston: The Voice, the Mu-

Since she drowned in a bathtub on February 11 after taking cocaine, Houston’s music and life have generated a TV tribute, a greatest hits CD, a coffee table book of photos and a TV reality show starring family members sic, the Inspiration, co-written with Richard Buskin, describes how Walden first met the singer when she was 13 and accompanied her mother to the studio.

Walden was working on a record with her mom, soul and gospel singer Cissy Houston.

Walden said he all but forgot the young pretty girl until he got a call from Arista records in 1984, while working on an Aretha Franklin record, and was told to “make the time” to work on Houston’s debut album.

Walden said Janet Jackson’s management turned down the chance to record How Will I Know and that he rewrote it to make it catchier for Houston, who with her five-octave vocal range, recorded the 1985 No.1 song in only one take.

“The first take was the keeper. Instead of labouring on it for the better part of a day or even longer, we were done in a matter of minutes,” he said, noting Houston always worked fast.

Walden, who also produced for Ray Charles, Stevie Won-

der and Barbra Streisand, collaborated with Houston on So Emotional, One Moment in Time and I’m Every Woman from the film, The Bodyguard.

Walden and Houston went in different directions by the late 1990s, but he would see her at the annual pre-Grammy party hosted by her long-time mentor, record industry mogul Clive Davis.

At the 2011 Davis party, Houston sat with her daughter, Bobbi Kristina - then 17 - who exclaimed she wanted

to sing and work with Walden. “But Whitney gave me a look that said ‘Slow down.

I’ve been down that road.... and I’m not sure I want to curse her with that’,” he said.

Walden said he would now welcome the opportunity to work with Houston’s daughter, who has become a fixture of gossip blogs and tabloids.

“If she wants to, I’d love to produce her and keep alive the professional image of her mother and focus on the positive,” he said.

Breaking Bad dominates Lohan selling designer clothes Writers TV nominations Dark drug drama Breaking Bad dominated television nominations for the annual Writers Guild Awards on Thursday, with Modern Family leading the way in the comedy category.

A trio of HBO newcomers - Lena Dunham’s Girls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom, and political satire Veep - will compete in the new series category, along with network comedy The Mindy Project and country music drama Nashville, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced.

Girls, the story of three 20-somethings navigating life and love in New York City, also won a nomination in the best comedy series slot, along with established shows 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Louie and Emmy darling Modern Family.

The Writers Guild recognises achievements in the writing of US television, radio, news and animation, rather than actors or directors. The Guild will announce its nominations in the movie field in January.

Breaking Bad, starring Bryan Cranston as a teacher turned drug kingpin and now in its fifth and final season, picked up five nods, including best drama series and four for individual episodes.

The show is likely to face stiff competition from psychological thriller Homeland, which won the WGA’s award for best new drama last year and has since bagged an Emmy and Golden Globe.

Mad Men, lavish Prohibition-era show Boardwalk Empire, and fantasy series Game of Thrones, round out the competition for best drama series.

The WGA will hand out its awards in all categories on February 17.

The actress has had her bank accounts seized by the IRS

LINDSAY Lohan is reportedly selling her designer clothes.

The troubled 26-year-old actress has enlisted the help of her younger sister Ali to make some quick cash after her bank accounts were recently seized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), sending her 18-year-old sibling off to high end vintage clothing store Wasteland to flog some of her most valuable clothes, shoes and accessories.

The Liz & Dick star owed $233,904 in unpaid federal taxes in 2010 and despite being given $100,000 by her good friend Charlie Sheen, she still fell dramatically short of what she owed for 2011 and has now resorted to selling her personal effects to make up the sum.

Ali was seen arriving at the Los Angeles shop with several bags bursting with designer wares, but was shocked when the manager offered her a great deal less than she was expecting.

A source told Radar Online that Ali was moaning: “Thirty dollars for these? They cost $700! This is ridiculous!”

Zero Dark Thirty, filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow’s action thriller about the hunt for Osama bin Laden, was named best film of 2012 this week by the National Board of Review - the second accolade for the movie in one week.

Bigelow was named best director and Jessica Chastain, who plays the starring role of a young CIA officer pursuing bin Laden, was named best actress by the NBR. Bradley Cooper took home best actor honours for his portrayal of a bipolar, former teacher in the film Silver Linings Playbook.

“Zero Dark Thirty is a masterful film,” NBR President Annie Schulhof said in a statement. “Kathryn Bigelow takes the viewer inside a definitive moment of our time in a visceral and unique way. It is exciting, provocative and deeply emotional.”

The awards for the Hollywood treatment of the decade-long operation to hunt and kill bin Laden, based on first hand accounts, boosts the prospects for the movie to win an Oscar in February. The film, not yet publicly released, also took the top award from the New York Film Critics Circle on Monday.

TARANTINO Leonardo DiCaprio won best supporting actor from the NBR for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s new slavery era drama, Django Unchained, while Ann Dowd took the best supporting actress honours for her role in Compliance, as a fast-food restaurant manager duped by a prank caller scam.

The NBR, a 100 year-old US-based group of movie industry watchers and film professionals, gave its original screenplay award to Rian Johnson for Looper, and adapted screenplay to David O. Russell for Silver linings Playbook.

Les Miserables, the first big movie adaptation of the popular stage musical featuring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway was named best ensemble, and the group gave its best animated feature prize to Wreck-It-Ralph.

Each year the board also issues a list of top 10 movies, which this year besides Bigelow’s film included Ben Affleck’s Iran hostage thriller Argo, Django Unchained, Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook, and Looper.

Lincoln, Steven Spielberg’s biopic of President Abraham Lincoln, the mystical indie film Beasts of the Southern Wild, Gus van Sant’s fracking drama Promised Land, and coming of age film The Perks of Being A Wallflower, rounded out the list.

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

28

CRYPTIC 2257

1

2

3

4

5

6 PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTIONS

7

Across

8

3 Hands instrument to cheat (4-5) 7 Cross-country runner (5) 8 Rabbit right be found inside, alongside hotels in an Austrian city (9) 9 Pairs wandering round the city (5) 10 Bird moves out of danger (6) 13 Old Italian centaurs were transported (8) 15 Rush with large number said to come from the park (8) 17 Supplied a team who were unrefined, say (6) 20 Large cask is found on the N African coast (5) 21 Beginning to appear in nice tip, strangely enough! (9) 22 Wise bondsman (5) 23 Be with the group then run to surround fortified area (9)

9 10 13

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.

16

19 20

21 22 23 12 Cool drink of course? (9) 14 Giving an all-round demonstration of affection? (8) 16 Ragged piece for one making lace (6)

Down

EASY

HARD

MEDIUM

HARD

18 Get up about noon and wash (5) 19 Plaintive cry coming from hothead in port perhaps!

(5)

Answers to crossword 2256

Rating EASY Rating HARD

QUICK: Across – 1 Cavalryman; 8 Vet; 9 Amazement; 10 Spinet; 11 Guest; 13 Parish; 15 Arabic; 17 Cotta; 18 Remark; 21 Favouring; 22 Tax; 23 Tarmacadam. Down – 1 Cave; 2 Vituperative; 3 Learn; 4 Yeasty; 5 Avenger; 6 Reverberated; 7 Statice; 12 Specify; 14 Scapula; 16 Truism; 19 Magic; 20 Exam.

Rating EASY

CRYPTIC: Across – 1 Ramshackle; 8 Cur; 9 Bandaging; 10 Litter; 11 Avail; 13 Charge; 15 Deduct; 17 Nasal; 18 Tremor; 21 Small-arms; 22 Sky; 23 Polo player. Down – 1 Ruck; 2 Marginal seat; 3 Habit; 4 Centre; 5 Leakage; 6 Miraculously; 7 Agility; 12 Iciness; 14 Galileo; 16 Stereo; 19 Easel; 20 Dyer.

Rating MEDIUM

1 Oracular support the other 99 have (9) 2 Spend too long in the same field? (9) 3 Credit is doubled for a difficult situation (6) 4 One planning to be a draughtsman (8) 5 Mother once hid a bird (5) 6 From Peru, cheap pleated frilling (5) 11 Refusing to acknowledge what Pluto is admitting (9)

12

14

15 17 18

11

QUICK Down

3 Many-sided (9) 7 Soup (5) 8 Increase (9) 9 Large guest house (5) 10 Land surface (6) 13 Thumping (8) 15 Sample (8) 17 First-born (6) 20 Atoll (anag.) (5) 21 Obviously (9) 22 Proprietor (5) 23 Learning (9)

1 In a predicament (2,3,4) 2 Jutted out (9) 3 Obscured (6) 4 Stretch sprawlingly (8) 5 Time (music) (5) 6 Lenin (anag.) (5) 11 Solemn (9) 12 Notability (9) 14 Intuition (8) 16 Wax pencil (6) 18 Romeo (5) 19 Finished (5)

HOROSCOPE

Across

ARIES March 21 - April 20

LEO July 23 - August 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

Early on, there could be some emotional hiccups, but a grounded focus may turn your attention to more practical matters. Though you may try to approach things harmoniously, beware of others who could be controlling and may not have your best interests at heart. Try calm negotiation.

Yet despite this, something new can attract you.

Good news makes the future look bright and your attitude optimistic. There is also potential for harmony in close ties, especially with siblings - which is another bonus. Although a fair-minded approach can resolve problems, you may be tired of tact and decide to express yourself more directly, even if some impulse control could be helpful.

Long-standing financial matters may be resolved. Even if you have to dig deeper into resources, you’re also managing to come up with ideas to increase your income.

You want freedom to enjoy exciting pleasures in love and friendship, especially if someone you meet on the social scene encourages a romantic attraction. A pleasure seeking vibe may be hard to resist.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

VIRGO August 23 - September 23

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

You may be able to charm your way into someone’s good books. Be careful later though, as your bright and breezy mood may mean you accidentally step on someone’s toes.

If you are part of a team you can go far, but make sure that it’s not you doing most of the work. Be clear about what you expect. Give yourself a little treat if necessary.

Be patient with affairs of the heart early on. Though certain upsets may seem unavoidable, there is more chance for tolerance later. Keep your wits about you as you could be overlooking a vital piece of information. Though you may not want to admit something to yourself, you may have to.

In fact, today it helps to avoid wishful thinking.

The Moon in your career zone, suggests you can safely resume your climb to the summit. You’re in the driver’s seat, and this is a splendid opportunity to steer things in the right direction. A positive yet practical outlook produces results. Personal as well as professional relationships benefit from the willingness to commit. Will you make that decision?

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

LIBRA September 24 - October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

The desire for fun and pleasure as a distraction from too much work may overtake you early on. Thoughts of romance may linger in your mind, encouraging you to make that phone call, or perhaps arrange a date. Though busy and perhaps under pressure, your confidence and sunny personality seem capable of overcoming any obstacle.

Coffee with a friend puts you on track for fun and creates a relaxed mood, especially if you have big plans to talk about or share the same dreams. The Moon in your sign, encourages you to eliminate old, unhealthy habits and self-doubts, and to birth a new inner confidence. If you’re taking care of your own needs, then others may be drawn to you.

Career issues may be more complicated than you thought.

Although things may seem fairly straightforward on the surface, behind-the-scenes there may be all kinds of hidden agendas and ego driven desires affecting your journey to success. While you can’t do anything about this, you can keep your mind on the goal and ignore such distractions.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22

PISCES February 20 - March 20

Love and romance are intriguing - sometimes excessive, passionate and definitely not boring. A focus on your home zone, suggests entertaining back at your place could allow a liaison to take shape. Be sure it’s good for you. Make your excuses if something doesn’t seem right. A recent dream may be informing you of something important.

Being forthright and direct may seem like the way to go, but be prepared for defensive reactions if your words aren’t tempered with some sensitivity and compassion.

If a relationship gets complicated, it may not be such a bad thing. You enjoy a good mystery, and this may help keep things interesting. It may help to be proactive in a love tie.

Be prepared to see dealings with others in a new light, though that may require you to rid yourself of treasured illusions. Even though giving in to the suggestions of headstrong friends may feel good, a decision could be followed by a change of heart. There are other forms of fun and excitement that you may want to indulge in Pisces.

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CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

Sport Pacquiao, Marquez both aim for vindication TONIGHT’S non-title welterweight bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez has all the makings of a classic as the two fighters prepare to meet for a fourth and, almost certainly, final time in the ring.

Their previous three encounters were gripping, all-action affairs between Filipino Pacquiao, probably the greatest offensive fighter of his generation, and Mexican Marquez, one of the best counter-punchers in recent memory.

Adding further spice to the mix is the fact that both men have a lot to prove when they square up at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for their heavily anticipated showdown.

While the 33-year-old Pacquiao is eager to show his powers have not diminished with age after a below-par performance and a stunning upset in his last two

bouts, Marquez is determined to set the record straight against the Filipino southpaw.

Marquez has yet to beat Pacquiao, having lost twice and drawn once, but the 39-year-old Mexican firmly believes he was “robbed” of three wins simply because of the judges’ verdict.

“Everybody knows what happened in the last three fights,” Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs) told reporters while preparing for the bout. “A lot of people feel I beat him.

“But I want to have my hand raised (in triumph). I want the judges to really look at what they’re doing and get it right this time.”

When they last met, in November 2011, Pacquiao narrowly retained his WBO welterweight title with a controversial majority decision that was greeted by loud booing from disgruntled Marquez

fans.

Shortly after the Mexican had lifted his arms in apparent triumph, the Filipino earned the verdict from two of the three judges while the third ruled that the bout had ended level at 114-114.

However Pacquiao is just as eager to win on Saturday, if only to vindicate his record against Marquez, a three-division world champion.

“He always claims he won the fights,” said Pacquiao, who has a career record of 54-4-2 with 38 knockouts. “So he needs to prove something.

“I am giving him a chance to prove he can win the fight because he thought he has won all three and he keeps talking about it.

“So it is very important to me, to win this fight, especially since Marquez really wanted this fight,” said the Filipino.

Let’s get ready to rumble! the pair have met three times before - with Pacquiao (left) winning two and a draw in the other

Bryant youngest to 30,000 points LA Lakers superstar joins elite NBA club

By Nick Mulvenney

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

IN BRIEF

LOS Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant become the youngest player to score 30,000 NBA career points during his team’s 103-87 road win against the New Orleans Hornets this week.

Needing 13 more points to hit that mark before the start of the game, Bryant scored his 13th and 14th points on a short floating jumper with just over a minute remaining before half-time.

At the age of 34, the 14-time All-Star became only the fifth player to reach the milestone, emulating Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Michael Jordan (32,292) and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419).

“It’s a huge honour, to say the least,” five-time NBA champion Bryant told reporters earlier in the week about the prospect of breaking the 30,000-point barrier.

“Whenever you hear those kinds of names, you think about the amount of players

Fraser rides ace momentum

Kobe Bryant is only the fifth player to reach the milestone, emulating Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain that have played this game, and then to be in that kind of company, it’s always extremely, extremely special.”

Asked if he had ever imagined reaching that lofty points total as a young player, Bryant replied: “When I was a kid, the only thing I looked at was the ring count because

that was the thing that was most important.

“I knew how many Magic (Johnson) had, I knew how many Larry (Bird) had, I knew how many Doc (Julius Erving) had. Those are the things I looked at the most teams that won, teams that were successful.

“I never really knew this person had this many thousand points, this person had this many thousand points.”

Lakers forward Pau Gasol, who has been sidelined because of tendinitis in both knees, tweeted: “Congratulations to the best scorer in the planet, mate and friend,

Broncos surge goes on as Australia drop troubled Manning reaches milestone Tomic from Davis Cup team THE surging Denver Broncos pounded the Oakland Raiders 26-13, stretching their winning streak to eight games as Peyton Manning reached another career passing milestone.

Having already clinched the AFC West crown, the Broncos arrived in Oakland with their sights set on securing a first round playoff bye.

Manning was ruthlessly effective at the controls of the Denver offence, completing 26 of 36 passes.

Among Manning’s completions was a second quarter pass to Jacob Tamme which allowed him to reach another milestone in his Hall of Fame career, joining Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks to complete 5,000 passes.

AUSTRALIA will not consider Bernard Tomic for their Davis Cup tie against Taiwan in February because of doubts about his commitment, Tennis Australia said.

Tomic, 20, was dubbed ‘Tomic the Tank Engine’ this season after appearing to give up towards the end of a string of matches as he tumbled from a career-high world number 27 to his current ranking of 52.

Tomic’s late season slump lost him the title of Australian number one with Marinko Matosevic taking over as the country’s top ranked player.

Australia lost a World Group playoff to Germany in September to extend their stay outside the Davis Cup elite.

Kobe! for joining the 30.000 points club!! Huge accomplishment! #Kobe30K” Bryant ended up with 29 points on 10-17 shooting while six-time All-Star Dwight Howard weighed in with 18 as the Lakers snapped a twogame skid to improve their record to 9-10 this season.

LOCAL hopeful Marcus Fraser rode the momentum from a first round hole-inone to claim a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the $1.25 million Australian Open yesterday.

The 34-year-old thought he might be making an early exit when he was three-over after 10 holes of the tournament but four straight birdies followed by the ace on Thursday transformed his prospects.

Five more birdies mixed with a couple of bogeys gave him a second-round three-under-par 69, which was enough to keep him a shot in front of compatriot Brendan Jones (71) and overnight leader John Senden (73) on six-under par for the tournament.

“To have one go in like that turned the tournament right around,” Fraser said of the ace at the par three 15th.

“Hopefully we can keep that momentum going over the weekend. I will feel some nerves tomorrow teeing it up but hopefully I’ll get stuck into it on the weekend.”

South Australian Nick Cullen was alone in fourth after carding a 70 on a day of high scoring at The Lakes Golf Club.

Wiggins wins British sports journalists award BRADLEY Wiggins, winner of the Tour de France and the London Olympic time-trial champion, was named the Sports Journalists Association of Britain’s sportsman of the year on Thursday.

Wiggins, the first Briton to triumph in cycling’s most famous tour, topped the poll of journalists ahead of double Olympic middle-distance gold medal winner Mo Farah and U.S. Open tennis champion Andy Murray.

London Games heptathlon winner Jessica Ennis captured the sportswoman award for the third time in four years, having polled two-thirds of the votes cast.

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Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport Lyon look to win local bragging rights

By André Assier

A relieved man: Lionel Messi escaped with only bruising to his left knee after he was stretchered off in agony against Benfica on Wednesday

Messi scare shows his key role World Player of the Year is vital to Barcelona’s chances of silverware

By Iain Rogers WHEN Lionel Messi was taken off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious knee injury on Wednesday it was a jolting reminder, if one were needed, of just how crucial the Argentine forward is to Barcelona’s fortunes.

Thankfully for fans of the La Liga club and those who enjoy watching the Argentine World Player of the Year weave his magic, tests quickly ruled out anything worse than bruising, sustained in a collision with Benfica goalkeeper Artur near the end of the Champions League Group G game.

The prolific 25-year-old may be available for undefeated Barca’s match at Real Betis on Sunday night and if he plays he will have a chance to add to the 21 goals he has scored in 14 La Liga matches this season.

That represents almost half the club’s total of 48 and has helped them win all but one of their matches and put them six clear of Atletico Madrid on 40 points at the top of the table.

He netted 50 of Barca’s 114 La Liga goals last term and 31 of 95 during the 2010-11 campaign and he has been top scorer in the Champions League the past four seasons, when Barca twice won

the title.

It is hard to imagine them without Messi, who last missed a game through injury in September 2010 after a crunching tackle from Atletico defender Tomas Ujfalusi damaged an ankle.

EVERY ATTACK Favourite to secure a fourth consecutive World Player award when the winner is announced next month, he is involved in virtually every attack and typically the only thing on the minds of his team mates when they are going forward is to try to get the ball to him.

Barca were already through

to the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition as group winners and coach Tito Vilanova was asked after the Benfica game why he had brought Messi off the bench for the final half an hour instead of resting him.

Vilanova said it had nothing to do with Gerd Mueller’s 40year-old record of 85 goals for a calendar year, which Messi is one short of on 84.

His two goals against Athletic Bilbao last weekend also made him Barca’s joint top scorer in La Liga, level with Cesar Rodriguez on 190.

“If it happened again I would take the same decision as he could injure him-

self in training or at any time,” Vilanova told a news conference.

“He is a player who likes playing and not because of the (Mueller) record that everyone is talking about ... it also serves as physical training,” he added.

Barca travel to Seville to take on Betis with the Andalusian club still on a high after beating champions Real Madrid 1-0 at their Benito Villamarin stadium last month.

They won 3-2 at Deportivo La Coruna last weekend and are fourth on 25 points, four behind Real, who play at seventh-placed Real Valladolid tonight.

Coach Conte’s return set to rejuvenate Juventus

By Matt Barker

Antonio Conte will be back in the managerial dugout for the Italian champions after serving a fourth-month ban

ANTONIO Conte has, in the words of Juventus goalkeeper and club captain Gianluigi Buffon, been like a “caged lion” while serving his touchline and changing room ban over the past four months.

The Juve coach was barred from the Bianconeri bench after being found guilty of failing to report attempts to fix matches during the 2010-11 season while in charge at Siena, then a Serie B club.

Initially handed a 10month ban, which would have seen him sidelined for the entire season, his punishment was reduced on appeal to four months and, tomorrow, Conte returns to his normal matchday duties as Juventus take on Palermo in Sicily.

It has been a frustrating time for the coach, who has had to watch his charges from high up in the stands, often clutching a vial of holy water and occasionally kicking out at surround-

ing seats, but the club have continued to impress both domestically and, crucially for their future plans, in Europe.

Progression to the knockout stage of the Champions League has been a huge boost for the Italian champions, who remain top of Serie A, two points ahead of a lively Napoli and with a chasing pack including Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio.

The Turin club’s ability to score goals from all around the team and, in particular, the midfield, has been a plus point, but recent blips, notably two defeats against both Milan clubs in November, have highlighted Juve’s pressing need to sign a target man.

Both Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco have been busy doing their bit, but neither could be said to provide a physical presence and both tend to prefer a second striker-type role.

Re-establishing themselves at Europe’s top ta-

ble provides Juventus with a stronger hand in the January transfer window, with Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente still the first choice, even if the Spaniard now looks set to stay at the San Mames Stadium until the end of the season.

Equally, Wednesday’s 1-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine has lifted confidence, with Conte’s reappearance on the touchlines providing further motivation in the runup to the winter break.

However, getting a result in Palermo, despite the Sicilians hovering fourth from bottom just above the drop zone, won’t be easy.

“We will win, 2-1,” Palermo club captain and striker Fabrizio Miccoli confidently told reporters this week.

While Juve will be looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the table, Napoli travel to third-placed Inter, with the San Siro outfit in stuttering form, set against the backdrop of the ongoing Wesley Sneijder contract saga.

LYON’S decision to put their faith in youth has paid dividends as they sit top of Ligue 1 heading into their regional derby against archrivals St Etienne tomorrow.

The seven-time French champions, who had to part ways with several experienced players in the offseason to curb a rampant deficit, have successfully brought through a string of academy graduates.

Five players have made their league debuts in recent weeks, including 18-year-old striker Yassine Benzia, who scored his first goal to earn Lyon a 1-1 draw at Prague in the Europa League last month.

The home-grown players, including 20-year-old forward Rachid Ghezzal, 23-year-old holding midfielder Maxime Gonalons and 21-year-old playmaker Clement Grenier, have been key in Lyon’s strong start to the season.

Grenier has done better in ten games this season than he did in the whole of the last campaign with one goal and three assists.

“I am not surprised that they have all succeeded. I have watched them grow, from the academy to the reserve squad and now they play games that matter,” goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre, who joined Lyon in 2002, told Reuters.

“They all play for France’s youth teams. So you can regard them as examples.

And it is not luck that they play here, because luck is not enough to get you a contract at Lyon.”

The young players are eager to prove their worth against their local rivals.

“When you come from the academy, you want to show that you know how to play and how to win these kind of derbies,” centre back Samuel Umtiti told reporters.

There is more than an old rivalry and regional bragging rights at stake. Leaders Lyon have 31 points from 15 games while St Etienne, who have not beaten Lyon on their home pitch since 1994, are third, five points behind.

Marseille, second on 29 points, could go top if they defeat mid-table Lorient at home earlier on Sunday.

Marseille will be without midfielder Benoit Cheyrou, who has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a thigh problem, but will hope Joey Barton can repeat his match-winning form of last weekend.

Fourth-placed Paris St Germain, who finished top of their Champions League group after beating Porto 2-1 on Tuesday, host Evian Thonon Gaillard on Saturday. PSG have lost three of their last five league games and are five points behind Lyon.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, December 8, 2012

31

Sport

Liverpool lead final five into the Europa League last 32

AEL focus on domestic matters after Marseille joy

By Nemanja Bjedov

Spurs and Newcastle also qualify

By Tom Pilcher FIVE-TIME European champions Liverpool survived a late scare to move into the last 32 of the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Italian side Udinese on Thursday night.

The Premier League club were joined by compatriots Tottenham Hotspur, Steaua Bucharest, VfB Stuttgart and Basel as the last five clubs through to the knockout stages.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson’s first strike of the season after 23 minutes helped Liverpool leapfrog Group A leaders Anzhi Makhachkala, though Antonio Di Natale blazed a good chance over the bar with the last kick of the game.

Udinese played the last 11 minutes with ten men after Giovanni Pasquale’s dismissal and Di Natale could have eliminated Liverpool altogether when he wasted a great late chance as Anzhi lost 3-1 at Young Boys in Berne.

All three sides were left on ten points but the Russians’ better record over the Swiss club in a three-way headto-head took them into the knockout stages.

“We were in a difficult group with good teams,” said Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers. “But the mentality of the team was very strong and our desire

Jordan Henderson (second left) scored his first goal of the season for five-time European champs Liverpool at Udinese and belief was very strong.

We won and that is good for our future.”

Former European champions Steaua’s ten men held Copenhagen 1-1 to progress as Group E winners on 11 points with Stuttgart in second on eight and level with the Danes but the Germans progressed owing to a better head-to-head record.

Steaua were reduced to ten men in the 49th minute when Cristian Tanase was sent off but took the lead through Raul Rusescu after

72 minutes, Copenhagen only capitalising on their advantage late on but it was to no avail.

Tottenham beat Panathinaikos 3-1 to take the final Group J slot behind winners Lazio who breezed to a 4-1 win at Maribor. Emmanuel Adebayor put Spurs ahead and Clint Dempsey and Jermain Defoe grabbed late goals to seal a convincing victory.

Basel’s 0-0 draw at Group G’s top club Racing Genk ensured Hungary’s Fehervar, whose match at

Sporting was postponed to yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch, went out.

Holders Atletico Madrid, already assured of last-32 action, lost 1-0 to Viktoria Plzen to finish second by a point in Group B behind the Czechs.

Bordeaux won the battle for top spot over Newcastle United in Group D, the French club running out 2-0 victors to reach 13 points with the Premier League side on nine.

In Group C, Fenerbahce had already assured top

place ahead of Borussia Moenchengladbach while in Group F Ukraine’s Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, 4-0 winners over AIK Solna, had secured first place ahead of Napoli who lost 3-1 at home to PSV Eindhoven but still advanced.

European champions Chelsea, knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday, head the eight teams who failed to qualify from Europe’s top-tier competition this week to make up the 32 in the draw on Thursday.

QPR must fight for their right to party, says boss Redknapp

By Tom Pilcher

Queens Park Rangers are the only club in England’s top four divisions without a win this season

QUEENS Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has applauded his players' decision to cancel their Christmas party with the London side bottom of the Premier League.

"I'm not a fan of Christmas parties and we've got nothing to celebrate," Redknapp told a news conference ahead of this afternoon’s clash away to Wigan Athletic.

"We need to focus on our football now - it's the busiest time of the year. If we get out of this situation we can have a great big party at the end of the season."

QPR, who sacked Mark Hughes last month and appointed former Tottenham

manager Redknapp, are the only team in England’s top four divisions without a win this season.

They have six points from 15 games and are already seven points adrift of Sunderland, who sit just above the drop zone.

BANNED PLAYERS During his Spurs tenure Redknapp banned his players from holding a Christmas party after finding out that striker Robbie Keane had organised a secret trip to Dublin in 2009.

Redknapp, without any injury concerns other than goalkeeper Julio Cesar who is likely to miss the Wigan match with Rob Green set to continue, said he feels positive about the mam-

moth task ahead for the west London strugglers.

"The players have been very good in training.

There's been a strong intensity about the sessions.

That's what we need to get out of this."

Redknapp said he had to yet to meet QPR chairman Tony Fernandes and was looking forward to discussing potential transfer activity in January.

"I am going to meet this week with the owners and have a good chat. Hopefully in January we will still be in a position to strengthen the team and carry on giving it a go.

"If we are in there then we might do something but we might not spend money. We might look at what is out there in the loan market."

CYPRUS champions AEL thrashed French giants Marseille 3-0 in the last match of their Europa League campaign on Thursday night at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia – the biggest win by a Cypriot side in the group stage of a UEFA competition.

Although the final score had no impact on the Group C standings as both sides had no chance of qualifying for the knockout stage, AEL coach Jorge Costa felt his team did well on the night: “It was a very good match. We had the chance to do something positive for us and Cypriot football in general and this is exactly what we did,” he said.

“What I want us to do now is to build on this great result.”

AEL finished with one win, one draw and four defeats from their six group matches on four points, nine behind group winners Fenerbahce. Borussia Monchengladbach qualified in second place on 11 points, with Marseille third on five points.

“My players were not used to playing two games per week and this was difficult for us to deal with. Some of them did not even have any European experience ahead of this campaign,” added Costa whose side will now focus solely on domestic competitions starting with Monday evening’s visit of Enosis Neon Paralimni.

League leaders Anorthosis open Round 13 against second-placed APOEL at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia this afternoon at 2.30pm.

Dan Alexa and Valentinos Sielis are suspended for the visitors, while Christos Mastrou is expected to take Mathieu Valverde’s spot between the posts for Ronny Levy’s team.

APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic cannot count on Esteban Solari, Mario Budimir, Helder Sousa and Christos Karipidis, while he will give a late fitness test to Aldo Adorno.

“The two teams know each other very well and I do not think that the current points difference will have any effect on their approach to this match.

As always the details will decide the winner,” said Jovanovic. “The quality of Anorthosis’ players and the way they play at the moment is something we need to focus on, but we believe in ourselves and our goal is to win the match,” the Serb added.

Elsewhere, this afternoon at 5pm, Ayia Napa host Limassol outfit Apollon, while an hour later Omonia take on Nea Salamina in Larnaca.

Tomorrow afternoon at 5pm Ethnikos Achnas face Alki, while AEK host Doxa Katokopia and Olympiakos meet AEP at 6pm.

Saturday, December 8, 2012 CYPRUS MAIL

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Messi scare shows his key role 30

City seek to punish United’s frailties in derby showdown Title race between Manchester duo, says Ferguson

By Mark Pangallo

A

N early end to their European commitments means Manchester City can give their undivided attention to reining in Premier League leaders Manchester United by making the most of their neighbours’ shaky defence in tomorrow’s mouth-watering derby (3.30pm).

Already looking like a potential title-decider, the meeting at the Etihad Stadium comes in a week when Premier League champions City finished bottom of their Champions League group and missed out on even second-tier Europa League football.

“Clearly this European exit can help us win the Premier League because we don’t play in the Europa League but we tried to play in it and that was our tactic,” City boss Roberto Mancini said after Tuesday’s loss at Borussia Dortmund.

Without European distractions, Mancini’s squad, who remain the league’s only unbeaten side, can focus on what most City fans believe is more important than continental glory - defeating United and beating them to the title once more.

Despite having lost three games, United hold a threepoint lead over City with 36

Head to head: United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be out for revenge against Roberto Mancini’s men, who beat the Red Devils twice last season on their way to clinching the title on goal difference over their city rivals points from 15 matches and the Manchester duo have been so dominant that they have pulled clear of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion (all on 26).

United manager Alex Ferguson’s main concern ahead of this season’s first meeting with his cross-town rivals is his side’s recent habit of producing comical and sloppy defending.

The Red Devils have conceded 32 goals in all competitions, making it their worst record at this stage of the year in more than a decade and also of particular concern having lost the title last year on goal difference.

Having leaked goals against City at Old Trafford last

term in a 6-1 defeat and having also lost 1-0 at the Etihad to tilt the title race in their neighbours’ favour, United are very aware how important it is to tighten things up for this fixture.

LIVID Ferguson was livid following last weekend’s trip to Reading and likened his side’s defensive performance in the 4-3 win to popular Scottish TV children’s programme Cartoon Cavalcade.

“We’re getting punished for every ball that goes in the box at the moment but, saying that, we should still be

defending far better,” Ferguson told reporters.

“It is a worry. If we perform like that on Sunday, God knows what is going to happen to us.” ay Ferguson yesterday isaid he believes the title will be won by eitherr his team or City. s “I think the two sides have that gap overr d Chelsea, Arsenal and e Tottenham. It will be he difficult to think the two of us will collapse.. I n think it will be between the two of us,” Fergu-son told reporters.

Threat: champs City will need to keep the Premier League’s joint top scorer Robin van Persie quiet

Even if United end unb City’s unbeaten start seas to the season, Ferguson s said a sixpoint advantage at this stage of the s season would not be that sigcan nificant. wo “It won’t mean a de great deal because su there’s such a long g until the way to go end of the season,” he said. “You can never be yo can lose to sure and you Tha anyone. That’s the kind we of league we’re in. It’s a tough league.”

City’s creative spark David Silva was not included for Ger the trip to Germany, where t Dortmund, City lost 1-0 to

and could miss Sunday’s game as he struggles with a hamstring injury, while Yaya Toure was serving a European suspension.

A midweek call-up saw centre back Joleon Lescott join City’s three-man defence alongside Vincent Kompany and Mancini will be hoping their partnership can quell the threat of the league’s joint top scorer Robin van Persie, who has ten goals.

Elsewhere, Swansea City striker Miguel Michu, another of the top scorers, can continue his sparkling run of form when Michael Laudrup’s side welcome Norwich City to the Liberty Stadium today (5pm).

Harry Redknapp’s relegation scrap at the helm of Queens Park Rangers continues when the Premier League’s bottom side travel to Wigan Athletic (5pm), who are eight points clear of Rangers in 16th.

Southampton, in 18th, host 19th-placed Reading (5pm), with the Saints knowing a victory could move them out of the relegation zone should Sunderland draw or lose against Chelsea (5pm).

Rafael Benitez at least secured his first win as interim Chelsea manager against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League as the holders exited the competition, while a defeat for Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill would pile further pressure on him.

Aston Villa welcome Stoke City today (5pm), while a well-rested Arsenal have the chance to close the gap on high-flying West Bromwich Albion, who are five points clear of the Gunners ahead of their trip to the Emirates (5pm).

Sunday’s other matches feature Everton hosting Tottenham (5pm) and West Ham United welcoming Liverpool (6pm). Fulham take on Newcastle United on Monday (10pm).

England tighten grip after dominating India

By David Clough

Cook acknowledges the crowd after his bizarre run out

ALASTAIR Cook’s latest tour-de-force innings has put England in charge against India - but his team-mates still knew it was a good idea to steer clear after he was out for 190 yesterday.

The England captain was within two more boundaries of his third Test double-century when he was run out in bizarre circumstances.

He had already done much to set his team on their

way to a stumps total of 509 for six, and a lead of 193, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata where they can therefore hope to push for victory over the final two days of the third Test.

But such is Cook’s insatiable quest for runs, in the team cause as well as his own, that those in the dressing room left him some distance after he made his way off.

Jonathan Trott (87), who shared a stand of 173 with his captain, made it clear the equable Cook is hardly one for histrionics.

It is not his style to turn the air blue with self-reproach or frustration. Yet even so - after the opener had somehow chosen not to ground his bat as a fierce direct-hit throw came in from midwicket and was therefore run out, backing up - Trott and others left the captain to his own devices for a while.

“He didn’t really say anything. We just let him stew,” said Cook’s secondwicket partner.

“He was obviously deeply upset, and realised what

an opportunity he had out there to still be batting.

“That’s the way he is. He’ll be very disappointed.”

England’s prospects of bowling India out to go 2-1 up with one to play are enhanced by signs that a good pitch is beginning to deteriorate.