Cyprus Mail newspaper

Cyprus Mail www.cyprus-mail.com

Thursday, January 3, 2013

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CYPRUS

BUSINESS

SHOWBIZ

Tensions bubble between Church and state

Bigger fight looms after US fiscal deal

Playboy’s Hefner marries runaway bride 10

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On the brink of all-out fuel strike Long queues in Famagusta area and many begin going to north

By Nathan Morely and Daphne Vrahimi

L

ONG queues formed last night at petrol stations in the south-east, as people rushed to the pumps to fill up over fears of an indefinite nationwide strike.

The strike threatens to close every filling station in Cyprus by tomorrow.

Petrol station owners in the Famagusta area, where the strike began, say they are furious over the creation of new operators in their area, claiming that the number of garages could rise from 28 to 48 and that their businesses face ruin with the increased competition.

As stations shut up in the Famagusta area, there was gridlock at many garages on the border of the Larnaca district with queues blocking roads and carriageways as news that self-service machines were also being switched-off spread.

The Petrol Station Owners’ Association said the strike had erupted over the continuing dispute over licences for new stations in what they described as an ‘oversaturated market’ in general.

They said the number of existing petrol stations is already 35 per cent more than is necessary, and are calling for a freeze on the issue of new licences.

Last night, residents in

the south-east were already feeling the effect of disruption, as queues of cars headed for filling stations at the British base in Dhekelia and nearby Ormidhia.

By 6.30pm, long queues of cars snaking up to the carriageway to the Ormidhia Petrolina garage waited in line, until the station abruptly shut down at 7.30pm and turned away customers waiting to reach the pumps.

Stations in Ayia Napa, Vrysoulles, Xylofagou, Protaras and Paralimni were fenced off earlier yesterday, with forecourts blocked by traffic cones and plastic tape.

Heidi Foss, who was in the line of cars outside the Dhekelia garage, said: “People are stressed because they are uncertain that they will be able to get to work tomorrow.”

“I have tried Ormidhia which is closed, now I’m in a queue of fifteen or so cars at EKO Dhekelia – I think people are afraid how long the strike will last, because nobody seems to know,” she added.

At Dhekelia by 8.30pm, forecourt queues spilled out on to nearby roads and a steady stream of cars headed over the buffer zone at Ayios Nikolaos into the north to fill up.

“The vast majority of travel in Cyprus takes place on the roads, you would think

TURN TO PAGE 3

This photo taken on a smartphone shows swimmers at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach standing on the edge of the water after a shark alert forced thousands back to land (AFP)

Python, breast implants and winning lottery ticket on lost property list

By Emma Hallett A PYTHON, a winning EuroMillions lottery ticket, Harry Potter’s wand, breast implants, a bucket of live crabs and a diamond-encrusted iPhone have topped a list of the most bizarre items people have left behind in UK hotel rooms.

Budget hotel chain Travelodge has named some of the items relegated to their lost and found offices across the country last year.

Topping the most unusual items was a pet python called Monty who was dis-

covered by a staff member in a room at the Bristol Severn View hotel.

While the company found several weird, wonderful and rare items mislaid, it said the 10 most popular items left behind were phone and laptop chargers, pyjamas or clothes, teddy bears, toiletry bags, books, electrical items including laptops and tablets, satnavs, mobile phones, electric toothbrushes and bags or suitcases.

The company said that during the last 12 months, more than 20,000 books were left behind in its hotel rooms – 7,000 of which were Fifty Shades Of Grey.

Shakila Ahmed, from Travelodge, said: “Each year our lost and found departments provide plenty of revelations.

“From keys to a Bugatti, Harry Potter’s original wand, a micro pig, breast implants, to a script from a wellknown British soap programme, our customers’ left-behinds demonstrate what a cross-section of people stay in our 527 hotels.”

One customer must have thought his luck had deserted him after placing his winning EuroMillions ticket under his mattress for safe keeping, but oversleeping in the morning and forgetting to pick it up.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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Home PICTURE OF THE DAY

Weather Paralimni

Nicosia 18

10 1

Troodos Troo

19 19

Larnaca

19 1

19

Paphos

Limassol

TODAY: A mixture of sunshine, cloud and rain. Temperatures will reach 18C inland, 19C along the coasts and 10C over higher ground OUTLOOK: Remaining a little unsettled YESTERDAY:

Max Temp Nicosia 16 Larnaca 17 Limassol 18 Paphos 19 Paralimni 16 Prodromos 10

-

Min 8 10 11 11 10 4

Humidity 74% 62% 85% 72% 72% 79%

SUNRISE: 06:55am

SUNSET: 4:47pm

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

Air quality in Cyprus is assessed with the aid of a network of nine advanced monitoring stations.

Data is recorded hourly.

Information provided by the Air Quality Section of the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI)

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

15 -1 3 7 20 5 14 11 5 7 10 8

Cloudy Mist Clear Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Clear Drizzle Cloudy Clear Clear Cloudy

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

10 7 0 -3 8 4 13 -1 -1 2 20 4

Cloudy Drizzle Mist Clear Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Mist Mist Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy

EXCHANGE

€

1.3338

€

0.8169

For a full list of exchange rates, see page 10

Japanese Emperor Akihito (fifth left) and his family receive New Year’s greetings from well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo yesterday (AFP)

QUICK CROSSWORD 2276 Across

Down

1 Pester (6) 4 Ten years (6) 7 Gagged (8) 8 Be furious (4) 9 London station (7,5) 13 Royal house (6) 14 Introduction (4-2) 15 Disbelieving (12) 18 Ale (4) 19 Box (8) 20 Exhausted (4,2) 21 Worshipped (6)

1 Fundamental (5) 2 River mouth (5) 3 Storyteller (9) 4 Not functioning (3) 5 Seabird (9) 6 Assimilation of food (9) 10 Tiara (9) 11 Restored confidence (9) 12 Old name for Scotland (9) 16 Nitre (anag.) (5) 17 Pierced with horns (5) 19 Hat (3)

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 D. Asprou 159B Leontiou A Tel: 25342050, 25728208 (H) G. Konstantinou 127A Melinas

Mercouri K. Polemithia Tel: 25711505, 25391475 (H) P. Vassilopoulou, 6C John Kennedy, Tel: 25585840, 25563810 LARNACA A. Demetriou, 44 Arch.

Makariou Str., Tel: 24822422, 24812188 Z. Perikleous, 24 Gr. Digheni Ave., Tel: 24624374, 24645918 PAPHOS D. Constantia, 29 E. Venizelou St. Tel: 26935133, 26653809 (H) PARALIMNI M. Klepiniotou, 16 Agiou Georgiou, Tel: 23820422, 23822330 (H)

Cyprus Mail Established 1945. Number 21,419 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

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

ON THIS DAY JANUARY 3

WHAT THE MAIL SAID

1521

34 years ago, Wednesday January 3, 1979

After publishing his Ninety-five Theses and openly defying the Catholic Church, Martin Luther is excommunicated.

Cuba will continue to stand by the side of the Cypriot people, the Cuban Ambassador in Nicosia, Dr Jose Luis Gable, said yesterday. Cuba’s stand on Cyprus has always been clear, he said. Cyprus is an island and thus a geopolitical, geographical and historical unit. To aim at dividing it is as unfeasible as to take it over completely.

1868 In an event that heralds the birth of modern Japan, patriotic samurai from Japan’s outlying domains join with anti-shogunate nobles in restoring the emperor to power after 700 years.

1924 English explorer Howard Carter finds the sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.

1961 President Eisenhower closes the American embassy in Havana and severs diplomatic relations with Cuba.

1993 Russia and the USA sign the second START arms reduction treaty in Moscow.

49 years ago, Sunday January 3, 1964 Urgent talks aimed at restoring freedom of movement and communications throughout Cyprus have been taking place for the past two days between British officials and representatives of the two Cypriot communities. The objective of the negotiations is to remove roadblocks still being manned by armed irregulars of both sides on the roads.

54 years ago, Monday January 3, 1959 The Greek Cypriot community yesterday set up a supreme Economic Council, under the aegis of the Ethnarchy, to take up serious financial matters and the question of increased taxes announced by the governor. This important action was taken at a meeting in the Ledra Palace Hotel, Nicosia at the initiative of the Cyprus Federation of Trade and Industry.

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

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Home Cyprus issues formal apology to Egyptian ambassador over airport slap incident

By Stefanos Evripidou THE GOVERNMENT was forced to eat crow yesterday over the Larnaca airport diplomatic fiasco that threatened to stain bilateral relations with Egypt over security checks on a diplomat’s boots.

Upon the instructions of President Demetris Christofias, Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou Marcoullis yesterday apologised for the incident at Larnaca airport last Saturday which saw Egyptian ambassador to Cyprus, Menha Mahrous Bakhoum, swear at and slap a police officer, claiming she was the victim of humiliating verbal and physical abuse by police duty officers.

Bakhoum was at the airport to see off her family, using her position to escort her family beyond passport control to the departure lounge.

However, when asked to undergo security checks, the Egyptian diplomat refused to take off her boots.

Finding the police’s insistence insulting, she swore at the officers on duty and slapped one female officer, resulting in her being manhandled by a group of male officers who took her to a separate room allegedly in an effort to calm tempers.

The effort failed. In the room, Bakhoum reportedly grabbed the wig of a senior officer in protest at being detained against her will.

REGRETS “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses publicly and sincerely its regrets and apologies for the treatment of the ambassador, which was not in conformity with the principle of inviolability of the person and respect of diplomatic representatives,” said Marcoullis in a written statement.

According to the statement, Christofias has already asked from the competent ministries to conclude a thorough investigation of the incident the soonest possible.

Under present EU regulations, which the Cypriot government has adopted, only a handful of officials (heads of state and government, etc) are permitted to bypass security checks at European airports.

The rest, including cabinet ministers and heads of diplomatic missions have to go through the same – often exasperating – airport checks that any travelling passenger would.

However, according to Article 29 of the 1961 Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations, diplomatic representatives

are “inviolable” and therefore not liable to any form of arrest or detention.

At the same time, Article 41 adds that diplomats who enjoy such privileges and immunities have a duty to respect the laws and regulations of the host state.

“We assure the government and the friendly people of Egypt that the Cyprus government and the people of Cyprus greatly appreciate the traditionally excellent and brotherly relations between Egypt and Cyprus and will continue to work tirelessly for the further deepening and strengthening of these relations in every field,” said Marcoullis.

Cyprus shares a common sea border with Egypt in an area thought to be rich in oil and gas.

POLICE Asked to comment yesterday, police sources told the Cyprus Mail that the matter has clearly taken a whole new dimension, impacting upon diplomatic relations between two neighbouring states.

As regards the incident itself, police maintain the duty officers did nothing wrong and were simply following correct security procedures.

“Even if they shouldn’t have asked her to take off her boots, is that anyway to react, swearing at and hitting a police officer?” said the police source.

Diplomatic sources acknowledged that refusing to undergo security checks was wrong, but that the police reaction was also wrong.

The Vienna Convention states clearly that you cannot detain or arrest a diplomatic representative, so should a diplomat appear to have committed an offence, like slapping an officer of the law or even injuring someone in a road accident, the first and only option available to the police is to get in touch with the foreign ministry, said the source.

Under no circumstances should police manhandle a diplomat and give even the semblance of their detention.

Given the delicate changes taking place in the Middle East, and Egypt’s huge importance to both the region and Cyprus’ own efforts to explore and expropriate its offshore natural resources, the government thought it wise to apologise to the new Egyptian leadership and hopefully draw a line under, and put an end to the whole affair.

It remains to be seen how Cairo will respond to both the government and its diplomatic representative in Cyprus.

There will be no self service during the strike if it goes ahead islandwide, petrol station owners warn

On the brink of an all-out petrol strike Petrol station owners say the government promised a freeze on new licences but has failed to implement one (continued from front page) the government would get a grip,” another driver told the Cyprus Mail.

Defending the strike, Stathis Spartiatis deputy head of the Petrol Station Owners’ Association said that new licences should not be issued under an outdated law, which he said did not contain enough restrictions to control the number of stations being established.

“What is problematic about the licence issuing for the construction of petrol stations is that the law on this matter is very old.

“It has been in effect since 1968,” said Spartiatis after a meeting yesterday in Choirokoitia with members to take a decision on an island wide strike as of tomorrow.

Spartiatis said that three years ago, the commerce ministry brought together all of the state services involved in the issuing of licences for new petrol stations so that new criteria and regulations could be decided on.

He said that although the association met with the various state services involved, and although there had been a deal to freeze licences until a new bill was passed into law by parliament, the freeze was never implemented.

“We have unfortunately seen a rise in the issuing of new licences recently,” he added. “There are 325 petrol stations across the nation and in 2012, ten new petrol stations were constructed, while around 1015 new licences have been issued, and 100 licences are pending evaluation.

“If these licences are reviewed based on the old law, they will be issued, thus compromising the viability of all petrol stations.” Spartiatis said.

He said the situation would end up like Greece where one third of petrol stations now lies idle.

The association has contacted all relevant state services warning them of a nationwide strike, if the licences for new petrol stations are not frozen.

“If there are no further developments in our request for freezing all licences... all petrol stations will go on a strike.” Spartiatis added.

He said petrol stations would remain open for the police, the fire services and ambulances, as they deal with security and health matters.

“There is a decrease in fuel sales by 20 per cent and we are still issuing licences for petrol stations.

This is unprecedented.”

Spartiatis said.

“We were assured that

the issue would soon be resolved but all we see are obstructions so that some of these pending licences can be issued before the new legislation is passed.” he added.

The Cyprus Green party also issued an announcement yesterday commenting on the strike and agreeing that there had been an uncontrollable mushrooming of new petrol stations over the past ten years.

The party had been active in trying to stem this growth but to no avail, it

said. The Greens partly blamed the lack of public transportation in Cyprus.

“Despite the generous €65m-80m paid by taxpaying citizens [for the creation of public transport] our public transport system is lacking, unlike other EU countries where citizens have a choice for local and intercity travel,” the Greens said.

In addition to a looming islandwide strike, petrol prices went up seven cents a litre as of Tuesday with another five cents per litre to be added in 2014.

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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Last-minute dash to register for presidential elections HUNDREDS OF Cypriots made last minute applications yesterday to become eligible to vote in next month’s presidential elections.

According to head of the Interior Ministry’s Electoral Service, Demetris Demetriou, the number of people who registered on the electoral roll in the last five days equalled the tally collected for the last three months.

The Electoral Service, District Offices, and Citizen’s Service Centres around the island closed their doors at 5pm yesterday to those eligible voters wishing to add their names to the electoral roll, both domestically and abroad, ahead

of the February 17 presidential elections.

“Unfortunately, once again, Cypriots have shown they like to do things at the last minute. Suffice to say the number of applications (to register on the electoral roll) we’ve received in the last five days are equal to those collected in the previous three months,” said Demetriou.

He estimated around 12,000 people in total will be added to the electoral roll for these elections, around 3,500 less than the number of new voters who registered in the last presidential elections in 2008.

The electoral service head also noted that over 12,000

people were expected to register an interest in voting from abroad for next month’s elections, recording greater interest than for the 2009 European Parliament elections and 2011 parliamentary elections.

The ministry official also estimated that around 12,000 over 18s who are eligible to vote did not register in time, meaning they will not be allowed to cast a vote next month.

Meanwhile, a lottery was held yesterday for the 800 unemployed graduates who will work in polling stations in the Nicosia district from the pool of nearly 1,500 who applied for the one-off job.

Tensions bubble between state and Church Archbishop and president sling the mud for New Year

By Stefanos Evripidou

Defence Minister Demetris Eliades yesterday visited army camps along the Green Line and the buffer zone to dish out presents to National Guardsmen and to cut vasilopittes for the new year (CNA)

Man found stabbed to death on pavement A 34-YEAR-OLD man was found stabbed to death on the pavement in a residential area of Polemidia in Limassol at 8.15pm on New Year’s Day, police said yesterday.

Yiannis Christodoulou aka ‘Foxy’ was found next to his car with the ignition still running when police arrived at the scene after residents called about hearing a heated argument.

According to eye-witness reports, Christodoulou from Trachoni in Limassol, was cut off in his car by two men in another vehicle. He was forced out of his car and the three began arguing, police said.

In the ensuing scuffle, the two perpetrators stabbed Christodoulou with a sharp object, believed by police to be a knife.

“The victim was stabbed five times in total, four times in the front and once in the back, with a sharp object,” state pathologist Sophoclis Sophocleous said.

“The cause of death was internal bleeding which was a result of the stabbing,” he added. After searching the victim’s car, police also found a pouch which contained 160 grammes of cannabis resin and seven small envelopes of synthetic drugs weighing 21 grammes.

“Christodoulou was arrested by police in the past for various cases of possession of drugs and burglaries,” police spokesman Andreas Angelides said.

“We are looking at all possibilities at the moment but considering Christodoulou’s past and the objects found in his car we are inclined to assume that the attack was motivated by money,” he added.

According to witness reports given to the police, the two men fled the scene in a dark coloured saloon.

“Limassol CID has interrogated a couple of suspects but nothing concrete has been uncovered yet,” Angelides concluded.

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CHURCH AND state are once again at loggerheads over who’s more pitiful, just days after the president and archbishop stood side by side at the Nicosia hospital calling for greater optimism from the people.

The latest spat began on New Year’s Day when Archbishop Chrysostomos II bemoaned the fact that no government representative showed up to the special service held at St Ioannis Church at the Archbishopric to welcome in the New Year.

Speaking to reporters after the service, Chrysostomos noted the absence of the president and his cabinet from the service with some choice words.

“Fortunately, some MPs, the army and police came, mitigating somewhat the shame of the present government. They are for pitying. I don’t want to say more. They get what they deserve,” said the spiritual leader of the Orthodox faithful in Cyprus.

Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou responded the same day highlighting that the government did not receive any invitation this year to attend the doxology conducted by the Archbishop.

“Every time the government receives an invite from the Archbishopric, the government responds positively and had no reason not to do so in this case.

“We regret though that the primate of the Church chose (Tuesday), the first day of the year, to once again attack the government,” said Stefanou, adding that Chrysostomos “unfortunately, does not miss

an opportunity to verbally abuse the government. And if a mistake was made on this matter, the archbishop is not allowed to offend the state in this way, and indeed, a secular, bicommunal state that Cyprus is”.

Not one to hold back, President Demetris Christofias yesterday waded in to the spat during an AKEL event in Nicosia to welcome in the New Year, accusing the archbishop of belonging to the group of bankers and businesspeople responsible for the current economic mess Cyprus is in.

“The Primate of the Church cannot be excluded from this group of entrepreneurs and bankers. And I say this fully conscious of what I am saying,” he said.

“This year, an invitation was not sent, like every other year when even a reminder was sent, and it seems to me, my devious mind is led to the conclusion that perhaps not sending the invitation had a purpose.

“In any case, the first day of the year after the doxology is not the time for Church primates to speak in the way that the archbishop has spoken. I am sincerely sorry for that,” added Christofias.

The president highlighted to the church leader: “We do not have a theocratic state.”

He described the primate’s penchant for public interventions on political matters as “doubly unacceptable”.

“Our differences with his Holiness are not philosophical, and I want to make that clear. I fully respect the Church and have very friendly relations with many clerics,” said Christofias, adding that their differences were “clearly political”.

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

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In ‘no mood’ to cave on semi-state sell off Christofias defiant in face of troika privatisation demand

By George Psyllides PRESIDENT Demetris Christofias said yesterday he had no intention of privatising semi-state companies as part of a bailout deal as he blamed the former Central Bank governor once more for the island’s predicament.

“We are leaving (office) with our head held high and proud for our services to the Cypriot people for the past 90 years or so and our services in the last five years,” Christofias said during a New Year event at ruling AKEL’s Nicosia district office.

The president, who will not be seeking re-election in February, blamed the banks for Cyprus’ economic woes and former CB governor Athanasios Orphanides whom he accused yet again of lax supervision.

“It was not the government’s responsibility to do that (supervise). I honestly urge the Cypriot people to realise this,” Christofias said.

Cyprus applied for financial assistance in June last year and a preliminary bailout agreement with international lenders was struck in November.

Christofias said the government negotiated hard and to a certain extent, achieved smaller cuts in social benefits.

He said 13th salaries were safeguarded as was control over hydrocarbons and “various other matters related with the state sovereignty” that he did not specify.

Christofias repeated that he did not intend to privatise semi-state organisations as part of the bailout deal.

“I hope … they do not ask us to also privatise semi-state organisations because if they do – I am making it clear – I am in no mood to proceed with such a step as president of the Republic,” he said.

According to the preliminary agreement, under the title Fiscal-Structural Measures, key objectives, among other things, must be for Cyprus to “elaborate on a programme for improving the efficiency of state-owned and semi-public enterprises and initiate a privatisation programme.”

The memorandum also says that: “If necessary to restore debt sustainability, the Cyprus authorities will consider a privatisation programme for state-owned and semi-public companies.”

Debt sustainability would depend on the total amount needed to recapitalise the island’s banks.

The two biggest banks, Bank of Cyprus and Popular, were forced to seek state assistance after incurring heavy losses from a Greek debt write-down.

The two banks are also exposed to the Greek economy to the tune of around €20 billion.

Their acquisition of so much Greek debt as well as their expansion abroad is currently the object of an investigation carried out by professional services firm Alvares and Marsal.

Following a meeting with Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades, ruling AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou said the investigation was expected to be completed in February and its findings should be made public.

tion. That is expected to be known in a couple of weeks and eurozone finance ministers are scheduled to discuss Cyprus’ application on January 21.

However, it is not certain that a decision will be made.

“Of course we know the problems that may arise and we are preparing for every eventuality,” Shiarly said.

“Discussion may be postponed on January 21, it may move to 30 – 31 of the month, or it could go to February.

If for any reason there is a delay, we will deal with it.”

Sustainability of Cyprus’ debt depends on the amount the banks will need eventually – an unsustainable debt may require more austerity measures or privatising semi-state organisations.

Popular expects reduced 2012 loss POPULAR Bank expects its 2012 results to show a reduced after-tax loss compared with its record loss in 2011, it said in a stock exchange filing yesterday.

In an announcement dated December 31 but released yesterday, the nationalised bank said lower losses were anticipated from reduced impairment charges on Greek government bonds and goodwill.

It said however it would book higher provisions and anticipate lower operating income in a challenging business climate in both Greece and Cyprus, its two main markets.

Popular, Cyprus’ second-largest bank, reported a €2.5 billion net loss in 2011.

Popular was nationalised in mid-2012 after its regulatory capital took a severe hit from its heavy exposure to a writedown on its holdings of Greek sovereign debt.

The Cypriot state now owns an estimated 84 per cent of Popular. Attempts to save banks forced the government itself to seek financial aid from its EU partners and the IMF in a bailout estimated at around €17 billion.

Last week Bank of Cyprus, the island’s largest bank, warned of worse results in 2012 on tougher provisioning regulations.

Declining number of farmers THE NUMBER of livestock farmers in Paphos has rapidly declined since 2004 according to the head of the Livestock Farmers Association in Paphos Evagoras Chrysanthou.

“In 2004 they numbered at around 1,300 but today there are only 356,” he said. According to Chrysanthou, not many animals were sold by meat producers during the festive period in contrast to other years. “The occupation of livestock farming which has flourished in Cyprus has now started to decline as many people are now leaving the fields,” he added.

Chrysanthou went on to say that meat prices during the festive period were below cost-price for both butchers and consumers with the average price sold by producers dropping to between €2.60 and €2.80 per kilo. “The economic crisis has left butchers unsatisfied as they did not manage to sell the same amount as last year,” he continued.

Nearly 1,000 caught drunk driving

President says not state’s responsibility to check banks

Financing needs covered until March, finance minister says FINANCE Minister Vassos Shiarly said yesterday the state’s financing needs were covered until March pending finalisation of a bailout agreement with international lenders.

Speaking on state radio, the minister said plans have been drafted so that the new government that will take over after February’s election will have the necessary funds to cover March.

Last month, the government warned public organisations that it was just days away from defaulting in a bid to convince them to lend the state some €240 million.

Cyprus has come to a preliminary agreement with international lenders over a much-needed bailout, whose finalisation depends on the total amount needed for bank recapitalisa-

CYPRUS TODAY

Shiarly: covered until March Reports said the preliminary results of due diligence showed that banks will need €10.3 billion.

The Central Bank will challenge this estimate, with the help of a foreign consultancy firm, in a bid to revise the figure downward – closer to €9 billion or lower.

Police checked 10,859 drivers between December 10 and 31, in a nationwide campaign for driver and vehicle checks.

Among those checked, 984 were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol. Some 169 drivers in Nicosia, 150 in Limassol, 101 in Larnaca, 121 in Paphos, 27 in Famagusta and three in Morphou were reported to have been driving under the influence. Police headquarters also had 413 reports of drunk driving.

One in 11 drivers checked were found to be driving under the influence, well over the allowed limit.

Drinking and driving is one of the four main driving violations along with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and not wearing a protective helmet.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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Diabetes rate higher than EU average Over 34,000 people in Cyprus may not know they are suffering from the disease

By Poly Pantelides OVER 34,000 people in Cyprus – most over the age of 60 – may have diabetes and not know it, the international diabetes federation (IDF) has said.

A total of 83,810 people aged between 20 and 79 in Cyprus are thought to have some kind of diabetes, according to the 2012 IDF diabetes atlas.

But around one third do not become aware of it until four to seven years after the onset of the disease.

The majority of diabetics are men. The IDF estimates that there are 34,490 people aged between 60 and 79 who have undiagnosed diabetes. Anoth-

er 550 people aged between 20 and 59, are also thought to have undiagnosed diabetes, the IDF atlas says.

The IDF bases its estimations by testing a sample of people in a particular area for diabetes and identifying all cases – known and previously undiagnosed – and generalising to the whole of the population by adjusting for gender, age, region and income group.

In Cyprus, a further 6.58 per cent of the population or 54,160 are at serious risk of the more common type 2 diabetes, with their body having difficulty processing sugar in the blood that can be a precursor to diabetes. About 14,900 children in Cyprus aged up to

14 have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, usually affecting children whose body can no longer produce the insulin it needs to control the levels of glucose in their blood.

Diabetics may have no symptoms for years or else sometimes get their symptoms misdiagnosed. Undiagnosed diabetes may damage major bodily organs or else cause irreversible health problems, including kidney disease, eye disease and nerve damage caused by too high blood pressure and blood glucose.

A total of 10.18 per cent of everyone aged between 20 and 79 – a total of 83,810 – are thought to have diabetes in Cyprus, with prevalence across Europe being lower at

EU average is 6.7 per cent of the population but in Cyprus it’s over 10 per cent 6.7 per cent and lying at 8.3 per cent globally.

Some 470 people died in Cyprus from diabetes-related complications, the IDF said in its 2012 report. About 4.8 million people died across the world. Diabetes among children and adults costs the Cyprus government close to €4.0 million a year and is on the rise because of obesity, unhealthy lifestyles and lack of exercise,

the health ministry has said.

In Europe, 38 per cent, over 21 million of about 55 million diabetics may be undiagnosed.

In Africa, prevalence is low but the percentage of undiagnosed-to-known diabetes cases is estimated at 81 per cent or 12 million.

Globally the figure comes to a total of 187 million undiagnosed diabetes cases, com-

prising half of all diabetics.

The IDF diabetes atlas used updated UN population statistics for its 2012 estimates.

All figures apply to the age group of 20-79 years.

The Cyprus diabetes association, a member of IDF, provides information and assistance to diabetics in Cyprus.

For more information visit http://www.diabetes.org.cy/ or www.idf.org

London-Cypriot police officer given Queen’s Police Medal

Inspector Jack Ioannou (right) with CC Trotter being given the commendation A LONDON-Cypriot man who is a member of the British Transport Police has been honoured in the UK for a distinguished two decades in law enforcement.

According to the online magazine Police Oracle, Inspector Jack Ioannou is described as a courageous officer who topped an impressive army career with a future in law enforcement, who has been recognised with the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM).

Ioannou, 58, was described as “a great example” to his younger contemporaries as well as being a “first class leader”. During the award ceremony, Chief Constable Andy Trotter said: “I am absolutely delighted for Jack – he is a real credit to BTP and the service as a whole.

“He is everything a police officer should be – caring and courageous with unstoppable energy and drive. He serves as a great example to younger officers.”

Ioannou, who is originally from Cyprus, enlisted in the UK when he was 16. He left as a warrant officer in 1994, immediately joining the police. For the past seven years he has been Of-

ficer-in-Charge at Addiscombe Road in Croydon where he oversees response, neighbourhood policing and CID as well as providing a service to 60 railway stations and the Tramlink network. He is credited with achieving substantial reductions in notifiable crime every year for the past five years – with offending now over 30 per cent below 2007 levels.

Ioannou was also commended for his leadership following the August 2011 disorder after leading a small team who faced a group of over 100 violent youths.

“With only basic protective equipment, and faced with windows being smashed and missiles being thrown at them, the officer took command, setting up and maintaining a cordon for several hours, providing safety to rail staff and members of the public as well as minimising damage to property,” said the magazine.

Ioannou said he was overwhelmed at receiving the QPM. “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award,” he said. “It would not have been possible without the support of my colleagues and my family.”

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

7

Britain BRITAIN TODAY ‘Cuts affecting nation’s kids’ PUBLIC sector cuts and austerity measures are affecting the nation’s children and their families, a survey of teachers suggests.

It reveals three in four teachers believe cuts have had a negative impact on at least some youngsters, and raises concerns poorer children are affected the most.

The poll also reveals a “crisis of morale” amongst teachers, who feel untrusted by government and concerned at education policies.

The National Union of Teachers, which conducted the survey, warned there has been a dramatic decline in morale amongst school staff, with rising concerns about the impact of the coalition government on the education system.

The poll found more than half (53 per cent) of teachers believe public sector cuts and austerity measures have had a negative impact on some children and their families, with a further 23 per cent saying these policies had affected most youngsters.

Nearly three in four (74 per cent) said they believe children’s educational attainment is affected by the level of their family’s income.

Two men held in abuse probe TWO men have been arrested by detectives investigating the Jimmy Savile abuse scandal, one in the capital.

A 59-year-old was held in west London, and a 53-year-old in Hampshire, both on suspicion of sexual offences.

The allegations are not directly linked to Savile, the Metropolitan Police said.

Scotland Yard is leading a national investigation into allegations against disgraced television presenter Savile and a number of other high-profile figures.

They have separated the inquiry into three strands: claims against Savile, those involving Savile and others, and those involving others. The latest arrests fall under the “others” strand.

Rail passengers subjected to delays as fares increase Transport minister says fare structure ‘not ideal’

Commuters at London’s King’s Cross station yesterday

By Peter Woodman RAIL passengers endured a double whammy of inflationbusting fare rises and disrupted services yesterday.

As Transport Minister Norman Baker was describing the fare structure as “not ideal”, commuters out in the dark and cold of an early January morning faced delays and cancellations.

From yesterday, regulated fares, which include season tickets, have risen by an average of 4.2 per cent, with the average increase for all fares being 3.9 per cent.

Campaigners have pointed out it is the 10th successive above-inflation annual rise, with some fares having in-

creased by more than 50 per cent in the last 10 years.

Waiting for trains at King’s Cross station in London today, passengers expressed their anger at the rise.

Outside the station, shad-

Family devastated after New Year’s Eve shooting THE family of Stephen Ashton, who was shot dead at a New Year’s Eve party in Thailand, said yesterday that they are “completely devastated by the loss of Stephen from our lives”.

He was an innocent bystander simply enjoying New Year celebrations, they said.

Ashton, 22, from Purley, south London, was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight between rival gangs.

He is said to have been killed by a stray bullet as he danced with friends at a beach bar on the paradise island of Koh Phangan.

Police Colonel Kittakarn Kramomthong, chief of police at the island’s station, said officers had arrested a 26-year-old Thai man and confiscated a gun.

The man is expected to be charged with manslaughter, he said.

It was reported that Ashton’s family had travelled to Thailand and were on the way to Koh Phangan to identify his body formally and make arrangements for his repatriation.

British ambassador to Thailand, Mark Kent, is expected

Bystander: Stephen Ashton to visit the scene today.

Thai police said Ashton was with a group of friends and 300 other tourists celebrating the countdown to 2013 at a pub and restaurant called the Zoom Bar when he was shot by a home-made gun at Haad Rin beach shortly after 4am on Tuesday.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the family said: “As a family we are completely devastated by the loss of Stephen from our lives.

“He has been taken away from us in such cruel and tragic circumstances in which he was an innocent bystander simply enjoying New Year celebrations.”

House reveals 17th century treasures AUCTIONEERS on a routine house inspection were shocked when they discovered antique items in a married couple’s home that had them stepping back to the 17th century.

Furnishings, including four poster beds, tapestries, longcase clocks and bible boxes, had been collected by the husband and wife whose home was almost entirely filled with pieces from Shakespearean times.

The remarkable hoard of antique treasures was discovered by Charles Hanson auctioneers at the black and white tim-

bered property near Lichfield in Staffordshire.

The woman who lived in the house outlived her husband, auctioneer Hanson said, but they had spent many years acquiring their pieces together.

“They put together a collection of the finest 17th-century oak furniture and furnishings I have seen in my career to date,” he said.

“The collection felt as though one was wandering around a home in care of the National Trust or English Heritage.”

ow transport secretary Maria Eagle joined a protest against the high fares mounted by transport union TSSA. On the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Baker said

the government wanted to end above-inflation fares as soon as possible.

But Eagle said the government had “caved in” to train companies by allowing some regulated fares to rise

by more than 4.2 per cent as long as the overall 4.2 per cent average was maintained.

“People are paying more for a worse service,” said Eagle.

Some commuters appeared to agree with her.

Leeds-bound hairdresser Gavin Lambert, 45, described his service as “rarely on time and often overcrowded”, while his friend Kevin Gowland, 46, a musician, said that people were taking to the roads as the railway service was “so bad”.

The new year brought old problems during the rushhour. Greater Anglia had to cancel some services, and there was disruption to Southern and Southeastern train company services.

Buses had to replace trains for a time between Bourne End and Maidenhead in Berkshire and between Sudbury and Marks Tey in East Anglia.

Baker said 40 per cent of fares were regulated in a long-standing policy that had existed under successive governments.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

8

World

Israeli, Egyptian fence near completion

Opening salvo for Monti re-election

ISRAEL completed the main segment of a razor-wire fence along its border with Egypt yesterday, a barrier against illegal migrants and Islamist militants hiding out in the lawless Sinai region.

The five-metre high fence, bolstered by military surveillance equipment, is touted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as proof of his commitment to the Jewish state’s security as he campaigns for a national election on January 22.

Once the final 14-km (8.5mile) section is completed within three months, the fence will stretch from Israel’s Red Sea port of Eilat to the Gaza Strip on the Mediterranean.

In the desert beyond, hardline Islamist groups have expanded in a security vacuum caused by the overthrow of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and efforts to re-impose central authority have been slow.

Islamist gunmen killed at least 16 Egyptian border guards in Sinai last August and hijacked an armoured vehicle which they smashed across the frontier before they were killed by Israeli forces.

With security and illegal immigration a target of his campaign, Netanyahu travelled by military helicopter to the southern frontier for a ceremony marking the completion of the 230-km (143-mile) section of fence.

His government has accelerated its construction, deported some migrants and imposed legal penalties on Israelis who hire them without work permits.

Thirty-six migrants crossed illegally into Israel last month and were arrested, compared with 2,153 who entered a year ago, Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

“Just as we stopped completely the infiltration into Israeli cities, we will succeed in the next mission - the repatriation of tens of thousands of infiltrators already in Israel to their home countries,” it cited Netanyahu as saying at the ceremony.

More than 60,000 Africans have entered Israel on foot in recent years seeking work or refuge. They have stirred fears for public order and some have come under racially-motivated attack.

The bulk are from Sudan or Eritrea and Israel’s ability to repatriate them is limited.

ITALY’S outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti pledged to cut labour taxes to fuel growth yesterday as he shed his neutral technocrat stance and fired the opening salvo of his campaign for a second term.

The former European Commissioner was appointed in November 2011 to lead an unelected right-left government of experts to save Italy from financial crisis after Silvio Berlusconi quit.

Berlusconi’s party withdrew its support for Monti in December, and Monti resigned on December 21, about two months earlier than had been planned. On Friday Monti abandoned his mediator role to enter politics in his own right and lead a centrist alliance to fight the February 2425 parliamentary vote.

The 69-year-old’s bloc is now in a three-way race with the Democratic Party (PD) on the left and four-time prime minister Berlusconi’s People of Freedom (PDL) on the right.

Initial polls suggest Monti’s bloc could gain up to 16 per cent of the vote, depriving rivals of a clear win, but not enough to govern.

They show the PD and its coalition ally are on track to win the vote, at least in the lower house. Monti repeated yesterday that he wanted to form a broad coalition of proEurope, pro-reform parties after the election.

To Italians who have borne the brunt of austerity measures he introduced in late 2011 to save Italy from a Greek-style debt crisis, Monti promised to lower labour taxes and “redistribute” wealth from the richest to the poorest if he wins.

“We need to reduce taxes on the labour force, both on workers and companies, by cutting spending,” he said in an interview with state radio.

Monti again ridiculed Berlusconi, saying he was personally “confounded” by his “illogical” swings from praising his government to attacking it.

Berlusconi, 76, has attacked Monti, saying he took orders from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while at the same time offering him the leadership of the centre-right.

For the first time, Monti also directly attacked the centreleft, saying Pier Luigi Bersani’s PD and its SEL ally were too close to labour union positions aimed at protecting jobs and not creating new ones.

Israeli security forces talk with Jewish settlers from the Esh Kodesh settlement as they stage a sit-in in an attempt

to prevent Palestinians from working in their fields in the northern West Bank village of Jalod yesterday (AFP)

UN increases Syria death toll to 60,000

By Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Tom Miles MORE than 60,000 people have died in the Syrian uprising and civil war, the United Nations said yesterday, dramatically raising the death toll in a struggle that shows no sign of ending.

Dozens were killed in a Damascus suburb when a government air strike turned a petrol station into an inferno, incinerating drivers who had rushed there for a rare chance to fill their tanks, activists said.

“I counted at least 30 bodies.

They were either burnt or dismembered,” said Abu Saeed, an activist who arrived at the area an hour after the raid occurred at 1pm (1100 GMT) in Muleiha, a suburb on the eastern edge of the capital.

UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay said in Ge-

Air strike on petrol station kills at least 30, activists say neva that researchers crossreferencing seven sources over five months of analysis had listed 59,648 people killed in Syria between March 15, 2011 and November 30, 2012.

“The number of casualties is much higher than we expected and is truly shocking,” she said. “Given that there has been no let-up in the conflict since the end of November, we can assume that more than 60,000 people have been killed by the beginning of 2013.”

There was no breakdown by ethnicity or information about whether the dead were rebels, soldiers or civilians. There was also no estimate of an upper limit of the possible toll.

Previously, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights

monitoring group, had put the toll at around 45,000 confirmed dead, but said the real number was likely to be much higher.

Muleiha, the target of yesterday’s air strike, is a residential and industrial area in the eastern Ghouta region of Damascus that also houses a Syrian air defence base.

The activists said rockets were fired from the base at the petrol station and a nearby residential area after the air raid.

“Until the raid, Muleiha was quiet. We have been without petrol for four days and people from the town and the countryside rushed to the station when a state consignment came in,” Abu

Fouad, another activist at the scene, said by phone.

President Bashar al-Assad’s forces control the centre of the capital, while rebels and their sympathisers hold a ring of southern and eastern suburbs that are often hit by air strikes.

Video footage taken by activists showed the body of a man in a helmet still perched on a motorcycle amid flames engulfing the scene. Another man was shown carrying a dismembered body.

The video could not be verified. The government bars access to the Damascus area to most international media.

The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a separate air strike killed 12 members of a family, most of them children, in Moadamiyeh, a southwestern area near the centre of Damascus where rebels have fought for a foothold.

Egypt satirist faces probe for insulting Mursi AN Egyptian satirist who made fun of President Mohamed Mursi on television will be investigated by prosecutors following an accusation that he undermined the leader’s standing, a judicial source said yesterday.

Bassem Youssef’s case will increase worries about freedom of speech in the post-Hosni Mubarak era, especially when the country’s new constitution includes provisions criticised by rights activists for, among other things, forbidding insults.

In a separate case that fuels concern

about press freedom, one of Egypt’s leading independent newspapers said it was being investigated by the prosecutor following a complaint from the presidency, which accused it of publishing false news.

Youssef rose to fame following the uprising that swept Mubarak from power in February 2011 with a satirical online programme that was compared with Jon Stewart’s Daily Show. He has since had his own show on Egyptian television and mocked Mursi’s repeated use of the word “love” in his speeches by

starting one of his programmes with a love song, holding a red pillow with the president’s face printed on it.

The prosecutor general ordered a probe into a formal complaint against Youssef by an Islamist lawyer. The complaint accuses him of “insulting” Mursi, an Islamist backed by the Muslim Brotherhood, and “undermining his standing”.

Human rights activists say it is the latest in a series of criminal defamation cases that bode ill for free speech as Egypt reshapes its institutions after Mubarak was toppled.

Youssef’s case will increase fears over freedom of speech

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

9

World

warlord Indian MPs facing ban Afghan brands Prince in wake of bus rape Harry as ‘jackal’ Six gang-rape suspects to be formally charged today INDIAN politicians facing sexual assault charges may be suspended from office in the wake of the New Dehli bus rape scandal.

The country’s highest court is to rule on an application to ban regional and national MPs on sex charges.

Meanwhile thousands of women gathered at the memorial to independence leader Mohandas Gandhi to demand stronger protection for their safety.

The march came as police prepared to formally charge six suspects in the gang-rape and killing of the student in the capital two weeks ago.

The attack triggered outrage and demands for stronger laws, tougher police action against those accused of sexual assault and a sustained campaign to change society’s views on women.

As part of that campaign, Chief Justice Altamas Kabir agreed to hear a petition this week from retired government administrator Promilla Shanker, asking the Supreme Court to suspend all politicians who are currently facing prosecution for crimes against women.

She also asked the court to force the national government to fast-track thousands of rape cases that have languished in India’s notoriously sluggish court system for years.

Six state MPs are facing rape prosecutions and two national ones are facing charges of crimes against women that fall short of rape.

Thousands have protested the rape of the 23-year-old university student on a bus, which has brought unprecedented attention to Indian women’s daily suffering In the past five years, political parties across India nominated 260 candidates awaiting trial on charges of crimes against women.

Parties ran six candidates for the national parliamentary elections facing such charges.

“We need to decriminalise

politics and surely a serious effort has to be made to stop people who have serious charges of sexual assault against them from contesting elections,” said Zoya Hasan, a political analyst.

Several thousand women joined a silent march to

Gandhi’s memorial in the capital in memory of the victim, holding placards demanding “Respect” and “Justice.” Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit joined the women for a prayer session for the victim.

The government has set up a task force to monitor women’s safety in New Delhi and to review whether police were properly protecting women. It had set up two earlier bodies to look into the handling of the rape case and to suggest changes in the nation’s rape laws.

The rape of the 23-yearold university student on a bus has horrified many in the country and brought unprecedented attention to the daily suffering of women, who face everything from catcalls and groping to rapes.

Six men arrested in the case will be formally charged today with kidnapping, rape and murder.

Police are to push for the death penalty in the case.

The family of the victim who passed away last Saturday at a hospital in Singapore - is struggling hard to come to grips with the tragedy.

“She was a very, very, very cheerful little girl and she was peace loving and she was never embroiled in any controversies like this. I don’t know why this happened to her,” her uncle, Suresh Singh, said.

The family called for stronger rape laws to prevent such attacks from happening again and demanded swift - and harsh - justice for woman’s assailants.

AN Afghan insurgent warlord branded Britain’s Prince Harry yesterday as a shameless, drunken “jackal” out to kill innocent Afghans while on duty as an attack helicopter pilot for NATO forces in the country.

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a former Afghan prime minister who leads one of Afghanistan’s main militant factions, told the Daily Telegraph in an interview that Queen Elizabeth’s 28-yearold grandson was a relic of the colonial past.

“It seems that some British authorities still dream about the times of the 18th and 19th century and they want their ambassador to be treated like a viceroy and their prince to go out in uniform to hunt for human beings and play the Satanic role that they used to play in the past,” Hekmatyar said in translated comments.

He said Britain had gained nothing by entering an “unjustified, useless but cruel conflict” to please its ally, the United States, speaking in a recorded video response to questions put by the paper.

“The British prince comes to Afghanistan to kill innocent Afghans while he is drunk. He wants to hunt

down Mujahideen with his helicopter rockets without any shame.

“But he does not understand this simple fact that the hunting of Afghan lions and eagles is not that easy. jackals cannot hunt lions,” Hekmatyar added.

Britain’s Ministry of Defence dismissed his remarks. “It is nonsense to suggest that any British pilot would be drunk in charge of their aircraft,” a ministry spokesman said.

Hekmatyar made the recording in an undisclosed location, the Daily Telegraph said. He left Afghanistan in the mid-1990s and his whereabouts have been unclear since then.

The US State Department lists Hekmatyar as a “terrorist” for supporting attacks by Islamist Taliban and al Qaeda insurgents, althought he became a hero to many Afghans while leading mujahideen fighters against the Soviet occupation of the Central Asian country in the 1980s.

His Hizb-i-Islami group, which means Islamic Party, shares some of the Afghan Taliban’s anti-foreigner, antigovernment aims, and seeks to oust international coalition forces.

Prince Harry is serving as a NATO attack helicopter pilot

Venezuela leader knows Mandela’s recovery ‘is on his case ‘is complicated’ track’, says government VENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez is aware his condition is complicated following a fourth cancer operation in Cuba, Vice President Nicolas Maduro said yesterday, as the OPEC nation watches for clues to the socialist leader’s health.

Maduro said he was returning to Venezuela after spending several days alongside Chavez and members of the president’s family. That may help squelch rumours his visit was a sign that the former soldier was near death.

“During these days I was able to see him twice and speak with him,” Maduro said during an interview from Havana with regional television network Telesur.

“He is completely conscious of the complexity of his post-operative state and he expressly asked us keep the people informed.”

Maduro, who Chavez last month designated as his successor, said the president had grasped his hand “with immense strength” as they

Chavez is undergoing cancer treatment in Cuba spoke, and asked him about the state of the economy and the swearing-in of newly-elected governors.

The president suffered unexpected bleeding as result of the complex, six-hour operation on his pelvic region December 11, and later had to fight off a respiratory infection.

On Sunday, Maduro had said the 58-year-old Chavez was suffering a third set of complications as a result of the respiratory problem.

FORMER South African President Nelson Mandela’s recovery is ‘on track’ at his home in Johannesburg, the government said yesterday in its first statement since the anti-apartheid hero was released from hospital a week ago.

Mandela, 94, who has been in frail health for several years, spent nearly three weeks in a Pretoria hospital in December for treatment of a lung infection and surgery to remove gallstones, his longest stay for medical care since his release from prison in 1990.

“Madiba’s recovery continues on track,” presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said referring to Mandela by his clan name.

“We are now in the phase where if we do not hear from his doctors, we assume he is all right,” he said, without giving details on Mandela’s condition.

Mandela has been receiving what the government calls “home-based high care” at his residence in an upscale Johannesburg neighbourhood.

Mandela became South Africa’s first black president after the first all-race elections in 1994, serving a five-year term.

He has been mostly absent from the political scene for the past several years due to poor health, while questions have been raised as to whether his ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost the moral compass he left behind.

Under such leaders as Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo, the ANC gained a stellar global reputation. Once the yoke of apartheid was thrown off, it began ruling South Africa in a blaze of goodwill from world leaders who viewed it as a beacon for a troubled continent and world.

Close to two decades later, this image has dimmed as critics inside and outside the country, and in the movement itself, accuse ANC leaders of indulging in the spoils of office, squandering mineral resources and engaging in power struggles.

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

10

Business FTSE100 surpasses 6,000 barrier BRITAIN’S top share index smashed through the 6,000 barrier yesterday as investors celebrated a U.S. budget deal averting tax hikes and spending cuts that risked pushing the world’s largest economy into recession.

By 1143 GMT London’s blue chip index rose 127.32 points, or 2.1 per cent to 6,025.13, breaking above the 6,000 level for the first time since July 2011, driven by big gains in miners and banks.

The gains echoed the New Year’s Eve rally on Wall St, which was the biggest finalday gain in the S&P 500 since 1974.

The catalyst for yesterday’s rise was the approval by the US House of Representatives of a bill raising taxes on top US earners, fulfilling President Barack Obama’s re-election promise and avoiding, at least in the short-term, the $600 billion “fiscal cliff”.

“It is good to start the new year off with a bang but there is still a lot of stuff to digest ...

It will be interesting to see if these gains can be sustained,” Gerry Celaya, chief strategist at Red Tower Research, said.

Miners were the main outperformers yesterday. The sector was a major laggard in 2012, ending the year flat compared with a 5.8 per cent rise for the wider FTSE 100.

Mining stocks were helped by positive PMI data out of China, the world’s largest consumer of raw materials, which allayed fears of a slowdown in demand, while the UK manufacturing PMI also showed an unexpected rebound in factory activity.

Anglo American, which lost more than 20 per cent in 2012, was one of the top early gainers, up 5 per cent as some analysts tipped the firm for a turnaround in fortunes this year.

Yesterday’s rally meant the FTSE 100 is up nearly 15 per cent since June 2012 lows.

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

0.8169 0.8087

US Dollar

1.3338 1.3206

Australian $

1.2817 1.2501

Canadian Dol.

1.3270 1.2942

Swiss Fr

1.2157 1.2011

Denmark Kr

7.5537 7.3671 116.5200 115.1301

Norwegian Kr

7.4282 7.2448

Polish Zloty

4.1246

4.0228

Romanian Leu 4.5342 4.3564 Russian Ruble 41.0822 40.0678 Swedish Kr

Debt ceiling, spending cuts to spark more fights

By Thomas Ferraro and John Whitesides PRESIDENT Barack Obama and congressional Republicans looked ahead yesterday toward the next round of even bigger budget fights after reaching a hard-fought “fiscal cliff” deal that narrowly averted potentially devastating tax hikes and spending cuts.

The agreement, approved late on Tuesday by the Republican-led House of Representatives after a bitter political struggle, was a victory for Obama, who had won re-election on a promise to address budget woes in part by raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

But it set up political showdowns over the next two months on spending cuts and on raising the nation’s limit on borrowing. Republicans, angry the deal did little to curb the federal deficit, promised to use the debt ceiling debate to win deep spending cuts next time.

“Our opportunity here is on the debt ceiling,” Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said on MSNBC, adding Republicans would have the political leverage against Obama in that debate. “We Republicans need to be willing to tolerate a temporary, partial government shutdown, which is what that could mean.”

Republicans, who acknowledged they had lost the fiscal cliff fight by agreeing to raise taxes on the wealthy with-

Members of the United States House of Representatives leave after voting for legislation to avoid the ‘fiscal cliff’ during a rare New Year’s Day session in Washington, DC (AFP) out gaining much in return, vowed the next deal would have to include significant cuts in government benefit programmes like Medicare and Medicaid health care for retirees and the poor that were the biggest drivers of federal debt.

“This is going to be much uglier to me than the tax issue ... this is going to be about entitlement reform,” Republican Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee said on CNBC. “This is the debate that’s going to be far more serious.

Hopefully, now that we have this other piece behind us hopefully - we’ll deal in a real

way with the kinds of things our nation needs to face,” he said.

Obama urged “a little less drama” when the Congress and White House next address thorny fiscal issues like the government’s rapidly mounting $16-trillion debt load.

The fiscal cliff showdown had worried businesses and financial markets, and US stocks soared at the opening after lawmakers agreed to the deal.

The Dow Jones industrial average surged 262.45 points, or 2.00 per cent, at 13,366.59.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 29.79 points, or

2.09 per cent, at 1,455.98. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 77.45 points, or 2.57 per cent, at 3,096.97.

The crisis ended when dozens of Republicans in the House of Representatives buckled and backed a bill passed by the Democraticcontrolled Senate that hiked taxes on households earning more than $450,000 annually.

Spending cuts of $109 billion in military and domestic programs were delayed only for two months.

Economists had warned the fiscal cliff of across-the-board tax hikes and spending cuts would have punched a $600-

billion hole in the economy this year and threatened to send the country back into recession.

House Republicans had mounted a late effort to add hundreds of billions of dollars in spending cuts to the package and spark a confrontation with the Senate, but it failed.

In the end, they reluctantly approved the Senate bill by a bipartisan vote of 257 to 167 and sent it on to Obama to sign into law. “We are ensuring that taxes aren’t increased on 99 per cent of our fellow Americans,” said Republican Representative David Dreier of California.

State-owned Rosneft leads Russia oil output to new high

Rates

Japan Yen

Bigger fight looms after US ‘fiscal cliff’ showdown

8.6782 8.4640

MORE crude from state-owned top producer Rosneft kept Russian oil output the highest in the world last year, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Energy Ministry data showed yesterday.

Crude output edged up almost 1 per cent to a new post-Soviet high of 10.37 million barrels per day (bpd), but the increase could halt this year due to depleted oil fields in West Siberia.

Russia, whose proceeds from oil gas constitute around half of budget revenues, aims to keep its crude production at no less than 10 million bpd until 2020.

The Kremlin has increased its share

in the oil industry to over 50 per cent after top oil producer Rosneft clinched an agreement to acquire Anglo-Russian TNK-BP for around $55 billion in a cash-and-stock deal.

After the acquisition, expected to be completed in the first half of this year, Rosneft will become the world’s largest listed oil producer with hydrocarbon output of some 4.6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

In tonnes, Russia’s crude production was 518.018 million last year, the ministry said, up from 511.432 million tonnes in 2011, which was one day

shorter than 2012.

In December, Russia’s oil production edged down to 10.48 million bpd from 10.50 million in November, a postSoviet high.

Rosneft reported one of the largest rises in crude output among the Russian oil majors last year, with an increase of 2.3 per cent to 117.473 million tonnes (2.4 million bpd) on a daily basis, thanks to increased production at its East Siberia’s Vankor field to 367,000 bpd.

LUKOIL, Russia’s second-largest oil producer, saw a 1 per cent decline in domestic output, to 84.620 million tonnes.

Rosneft clinched a deal to acquire TNK-BP for $55b

ArcelorMittal to sell a $1.1billion stake in Canadian unit OFFSHORE C O M PA N I E S

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ARCELORMITTAL, the world’s biggest steelmaker, will sell a 15 per cent stake in one of its Canadian iron ore operations, raising $1.1 billion to help pay off debt at a time of sluggish demand.

The group, which makes about 6 to 7 per cent of the world’s steel, will sell the stake in ArcelorMittal Mines Canada to a consortium including South Korean

steelmaker POSCO and Taiwan-listed China Steel, it said yesterday.

It is the latest in a series of steps to raise funds as slow global economic growth and spending cuts in Europe dampen demand for steel used in the car and construction industry.

“It’s one of the more readily disposable parts of the business, and given they need

to reduce debt I don’t think it’s a massive surprise they are selling it,” said Nomura analyst Neil Sampat.

ArcelorMittal wrote down the value of its European business by $4.3 billion last month and has had its credit rating cut to non-investment grade by all credit rating agencies.

Its net debt rose by $1.2 billion during Q3 to $23.2 billion at the end of September.

The World Steel Association in October forecast steel demand would rise 2.1 per cent in 2012, down from 6.2 per cent in 2011.

ArcelorMittal Mines Canada operates two large openpit mines in the province of Quebec, where it also owns the Port-Cartier industrial complex that includes a pellet plant, storage areas and port facilities for shipping.

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

11

Opinion

CB governor would do well to steer clear of the politics THE GOVERNOR of the Central Bank Panicos Demetriades will make a statement this morning about the banking sector in 2013. It will be very interesting to hear what he will have to say given his past habit of repeating the government’s message about the banks and the bad bankers that caused all the problems faced by the economy today.

Although the governor reportedly played a big part in persuading the president to agree to the memorandum, when the banking sector was shaking in November, he continues to offer his public support to the government’s anti-bank message. Nothing illustrated this better than the statement, issued by the Central Bank last Friday, which attacked “the small group of people that was trying to misinform the public, posing as defenders of the bankers of the past.”

This group “presented a misleading and unrealistic picture, claiming the banking system of Cyprus, until the end of April 2012, had no problem, and suddenly from May 2012 a conspiratorial plot was put in place to destroy the good name of the banks through the artificial bloating of the non-performing loans of the banking sector.” The statement which underlined the need to “clean up, restructure and re-capitalise the banking sector”, said that the Central Bank would focus on issues of “corporate governance, transparency and interventionist supervision.”

It also cited the two investigations currently being conducted – one about the re-capitalisation needs and one to establish the causes of the banking crisis – to underline its commitment to the cleanup. It concluded that “some, who are affected, have already started worrying about the findings of the two investigations and this was the reason they were desperately politicising everything.” It is a bit rich for the Central Bank, which politicised the banking crisis, because this suited the government’s communications strategy, to complain about “politicising everything.”

Friday’s statement, attributing motives and fears to critics of the Central Bank’s handling of the crisis – a perfectly legitimate activity – was conclusively political.

So much so, it could have been written by a political party. The language of the statement was political – it even resorted to sarcasm – and not what we would expect from the technocrats of an independent state institution, suggesting that the leadership of the Central Bank continues to have close links with the government and AKEL. The responsibility for this rests squarely with Demetriades who seems unable to accept that the Central Bank governor is an independent state official, that has an obligation to steer clear of politics at all times.

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Boko Haram and the corrupt Nigerian state Comment Gwynne Dyer

I

T IS not known if the word “dysfunctional” was invented specifically to describe the Nigerian state – several other candidates also come to mind – but the word certainly fills the bill. The political institutions of Africa’s biggest country are incapable of dealing with even the smallest challenge. Indeed, they often make matters worse.

Consider, for example, the way that the Nigerian government has dealt with the Islamist terrorists of Boko Haram.

Or rather, how it has failed to deal with them. Boko Haram (the phrase means ‘Western education is sinful’) began as a loony but not very dangerous group in the northern state of Bornu who rejected everything that they perceived as “Western” science. In a BBC interview in 2009 its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, claimed that the concept of a spherical Earth is against Islamic teaching.

He also denied that rain came from water evaporated by the sun.

Bornu is a very poor state, however, and his preaching gave him enough of a following among the poor and ignorant to make him a political threat to the established order. So hundreds of his followers were killed in a massive military and police attack on the movement in 2009, and Mohammed Yusuf himself was murdered while in police custody. That was what triggered Boko Haram’s terrorist campaign.

Its attacks grew rapidly: by early 2012 Boko Haram had killed 700 people in dozens of attacks against military, police, government and media organisations and against the Christian minorities living in northern Nigeria. So last March Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, promised that the security forces would end the insurgency by June. But the death toll just kept climbing.

In September, a senior official told The Guardian newspaper that “There is no sense that the government has a real grip. The situation is not remotely under control.” Last week alone saw six people dead in an attack on a church on Christmas Day, seven killed in Maiduguri, the capital of Bornu state, on 27 December, and the abduction and murder of fifteen Christians, mostly by slitting their throats, in a town near Maiduguri on the 28th.

President Jonathan’s response was to visit a Christian church on Sunday and congratulate the security forces on preventing many

Add a ruthless Islamist terrorist group such as Boko Haram to the mix, and stir more attacks during Christmas week: “Although we still recorded some incidents, the extent of attacks which (Boko Haram) planned was not allowed to be executed.”

If this is what success looks like, Nigeria is in very deep trouble. Part of the reason is the “security forces”, which are corrupt, incompetent, and brutal. In the murder-

‘Even in a continent where many countries have problems with the professionalism of the army and police, Nigeria’s are in a class by themselves’

ous rampages that are their common response to Boko Haram’s attacks, they have probably killed more innocent people than the terrorists themselves, and have certainly stolen more property. Right across the country’s mainly Muslim north, they are Boko Haram’s best recruiting sergeants.

But it is the government that raises, trains and pays these security forces, and even in a continent where many countries have problems with the professionalism of the army and police, Nigeria’s are in a class by themselves.

That is ultimately because its politicians are also in a class by themselves. There are some honest and serious men and women among them, but as a group they are spectacularly cynical and self-serving.

One reason is Nigeria’s oil: 100 million Nigerians, twothirds of the population, live on less than a dollar a day, but there is a lot of oil money around to steal, and politics is the best way to steal it. Another is the country’s tribal, regional and religious divisions, which are extreme even by African standards.

In the mainly Muslim north, 70 percent of the population lives below the poverty line; in the mostly Christian south, only half do.

Now add a ruthless Islamist terrorist group to the mix, and stir. Boko Haram’s support does not just come from a tiny minority of religious fanatics and from grieving and angry people turned against the government by the bru-

tality of the security forces. It also comes from a huge pool of unemployed and demoralised young men who have no hope of ever doing anything meaningful with their lives.

Democracy has not transformed politics dramatically for the better anywhere in Nigeria, but the deficit is worst in the north, where the traditional rulers protected their power by making alliances with politicians who appealed to the population’s Islamic sentiments.

That’s why all the northern states introduced sharia law around the turn of the century: to stave off popular demands for more far-reaching reforms.

But that solution is now failing, for the cynical politicians who became Islamist merely for tactical reasons are being outflanked by genuine fanatics who reject not only science and religious freedom but democracy itself.

Nigeria only has an Islamist terrorist problem at the moment, mostly centred in the north and with sporadic attacks in the Christian-majority parts of the country. But it may be heading down the road recently taken by Mali, in which Islamist extremists actually seize control of the north of the country and divide it in two.

And frankly, lots of people in the south wouldn’t mind a bit: just seal the new border, and forget about the north.

Gwynne Dyer is a Londonbased independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

12

Showbiz

Playboy’s Hugh Hefner marries his runaway bride Couple tie the knot after their planned 2011 wedding was scuttled

By Eric Kelsey and Barbara Goldberg OCTOGENARIAN Playboy founder Hugh Hefner briefly swapped his iconic silk pajamas for a tuxedo to marry Crystal Harris, the one-time ‘runaway bride’ who followed through this time at a New Year’s Eve wedding.

“Happy New Year from Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hefner!” the Playboy magazine publisher tweeted afterwards.

The message accompanied a photograph of Hefner, 86, wearing what appeared to be purple silk pajamas under a black bathrobe and snuggling his bride, 26, still wearing her pale pink wedding dress. He also wore his trademark captain’s hat.

An hour earlier, Hefner posted a picture of himself in a tuxedo with his bride under an arch of pink and white flowers at the wedding ceremony in the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, California.

“Crystal & I married on New Year’s Eve in the Mansion with Keith as my Best Man. Love that girl!” Hefner wrote on Twitter with the picture, referring to his brother Keith Hefner, a songwriter.

The couple tied the knot more than a year after their planned 2011 wedding was scuttled when Harris got cold feet.

The blonde Playboy Playmate of the Month for December 2009 jettisoned the adult entertainment mogul in what was called a “change of heart” five days before a lavish June 2011 wedding

Hugh Hefner, 86, briefly swapped his iconic silk pajamas for a tuxedo to marry 26-year-old Crystal Harris, the onetime ‘runaway bride’ who followed through this time at the New Year’s Eve wedding before 300 guests.

Harris, who appeared on the July 2011 cover of the adult magazine with a ‘runaway bride’ sticker covering her bottom half, tweeted on Monday that she was ready to commit and changed her name to “Crystal Hefner”

on the micro-blogging site.

“Today is the day I become Mrs. Hugh Hefner,” Harris, who has a psychology degree, wrote on Twitter after writing “Feeling very happy, lucky, and blessed.”

The San Diego native, whose parents are British,

said she asked for Christmas ornaments rather than lingerie at her pre-Christmas bridal shower to help decorate Hefner’s famed mansion.

Hefner, founder of the Playboy adult entertainment empire, has been mar-

ried twice before. He and his second wife Kimberley Conrad, also a former Playmate, divorced in 2010 after a lengthy separation. His first marriage to Mildred Williams ended in divorce in 1959. He has two children from each marriage.

Kim Kardashian pregnant Sofia Vergara in nightclub row with Kanye West’s baby RAPPER Kanye West and reality TV star Kim Kardashian are expecting a child, Kardashian said this week shortly after West announced the pregnancy to fans at a concert.

“It’s true!! Kanye and I are expecting a baby,” Kardashian, 32, wrote on her personal blog.

“Looking forward to great new beginnings in 2013 and to starting a family,” she added.

Kardashian began dating West in April, some six months after filing for divorce from basketball player Kris Humphries.

The two were married for 72 days following a lavish, made-forTV wedding. Their divorce has yet to be finalised.

Kardashian is about 12 weeks pregnant, according to US media reports.

Fans and family took to Twitter to congratulate the celebrity power couple, and to speculate whether the new baby’s name would begin with a K, in line with Kardashian family tradition.

“Been wanting to shout from the rooftops with joy and now I can!” wrote Kardashian’s sister Kourtney. “Another angel to welcome to our family. Overwhelmed with excitement!”

Kardashian’s brother-in-law, basketball player Lamar Odom, who has been open about struggling to have a baby with wife and The X Factor host Khloe Kardashian also tweeted his congratulations.

“I’m excited for Kanye and my sister!” said Odom. “There’s nothing like bringing life into this world! Let’s keep God’s blessings coming!”

West, 35, was first to announce the news from the stage at a concert in Atlantic City on Sunday, singing, “God brought us a whole new plan, baby. ‘Cause now you’re having my baby.”

The Modern Family actress’ breasts were exposed in the fracas at a Miami club on New Year’s Eve

SOFIA Vergara was caught up in a New Year’s Eve nightclub row which resulted in her fiancé being thrown out.

The Modern Family actress’ businessman lover Nick Loeb was kicked out of exclusive Miami hotspot Story after a heated argument broke out in the VIP area when Sofia posed for a photograph with a fan.

Nick got into a row with a nearby table and after a scuffle broke out security guards grabbed him and threw him out of the back door of the club with Sofia following him out.

In the fracas, the 40-year-old Columbian actress’ breasts were exposed leaving her embarrassed in front of other revellers and her 20-year-old son who was also present.

An eyewitness told the New York Post newspaper: “In the early hours, Nick got into a dispute with somebody at a neighbouring table. Some pushing and shoving started.

“Sofia stepped in to try to calm the situation, but somehow she ended up getting pushed and shoved also.”

Oscar nomination voting extended

By Jill Serjeant VOTING for Oscar nominations was extended this week after some people reported problems with a new online voting system, organisers of the movie industry’s coveted awards said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said the deadline for its 6,000 members to vote on nominations for the year’s best films, performances, directors, screenplay and other achievements would be extended to Friday, January 4 - 24 hours after the original January 3 deadline.

“By extending the voting deadline we are providing every opportunity available to make the transition to online balloting as smooth as possible,” Ric Robertson, chief operating officer of the academy, said in a statement.

“We’re grateful to our global membership for joining us in this process,” Robertson added.

Nominations for the 2013 Oscars will be announced on January 10, setting off weeks of speculation and campaigning by movie studios and industry pundits before the winners are announced in Hollywood on February 24.

The academy is using electronic balloting this year for the first time in its 85-year history but has also said any member can submit a paper ballot if preferred.

The announcement follows reports of frustration on the part of some members in logging into the new online system, as well as some slowness in ballots being returned by both the new or old method.

A source close to the Academy acknowledged that some members had experienced problems with forgotten passwords or user names and that the extended deadline would help in resolving those issues in this first year.

The deadline to return nominating ballots was pushed forward by about two weeks this year, leaving the actors, directors, producers and other academy members less time to view the many movies opening in December that are vying for Oscar nominations.

Trade website The Hollywood Reporter, which spoke to at least 10 members of the academy last week, reported that some had been locked out of the website over password issues, others found the website confusing, and some were concerned about the website being hacked and results being leaked.

The academy in December sent all its paid-up members paper ballots in a precautionary move prompted by what entertainment website TheWrap.com said was concern about the number of people who, at that time, had not chosen whether to vote online or on paper.

13

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

Noticeboard OEB's online business portal live

Peace of mind with Handy’s Azor GSM Cyta and CYMEPA offer green workshop CYTA, in cooperation with the Cyprus Association for the Protection of the Marine Environment (CYMEPA), and with the support of the Ministry of Education and Culture recently organised a workshop dedicated to the environment.

The event was part of the annual student competition "Young Reporters for the Environment", which Cyta supported for the 11th year running. The competition is open to secondary school pupils in Cyprus and showcases the best student articles, photos and short films on the topic of the environment.

A total of 100 schools from all over the island took part, with their students researching topics using all available media, and exchanging information with counterparts from other European countries via the internet.

Keynote speaker at the workshop was Greek MEP Nikos Chrysogelos, who spoke on "The Role of NonGovernmental Environmental Organisations in the New European Reality".

Thomas Kazakos

Cyprus shipping promoted in US THE Cyprus Shipping Chamber, represented by its Director General, Mr Thomas Kazakos, recently participated in a number of meetings organised jointly with the US-based Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA).

A series of private gatherings were held with a number of senior officials of cruise companies located in Miami, Florida, representing 70 per cent of the world cruise industry.

Here the main advantages of the Cyprus shipping taxation system were showcased - with special reference made to cruise/ passenger ships - as well as presentations given on the wider advantages of investment on the island.

HANDY’S Security Systems, a leader in innovative security solutions throughout Cyprus, has released the Jablotron Azor GSM wireless mini alarm system, the first alarm system for the island that is exceptionally uncomplicated, with features that include ‘stress-free’ control and easy installation.

Ideal for smaller family residences, apartments, garages, offices, boats and small shops, the Azor GSM mini alarm consists of a set of wirelessly communicating devices that are configured for immediate use, and is now available for only €550, together with a five-year guarantee.

For larger residential homes or office spaces, the Azor GSM wireless mini alarm plus kit is now available for only €640, and also comes with a five-year guarantee.

Handy’s Security System’s CEO, Andy Sofroniou, pointed out: “The popularity of DIY Security Systems is growing and we have seen an increased interest in DIY home security in particular.

"The Azor GSM mini alarm is very easy and straightforward to install and will improve your home or business value and security without paying the price for expensive and complex solutions.”

Handy’s Security Systems offer on the new Azor GSM mini alarm is open to all customers and includes VAT as well as technical support on installation if required.

For further information on Handy’s Security Systems products and services, call 77 77 87 87 or visit www. handysecurity.com

Handy's Azor GSM wireless mini alarm system is easy to install and comes with a five-year guarantee

THE Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB) launched its new portal www.epihirimatiki. com, seeking to meet the ever-growing demand for faster and more direct business information.

This is a handy and functional portal that aspires to become an indispensable tool for employers and entrepreneurs operating all over Cyprus. It boasts rich business content in real time, financial/business specials, interviews with public figures and business people, corporate news and court decisions concerning employer-employee relations, and an archive of previous issues of the journal Business.

Visitors to the site will also be able to register for the weekly newsletter.

Toyota GT86 laps up the praise from TopGear mag Magazine thumbs up proof of vehicle's charisma WHEN Toyota designed the GT86, the guiding principle was to make it a car dedicated to pure driving passion. This was the belief by which the sports coupe won praise worldwide, and its recent reward was to be named Car of the Year 2012 by the magazine TopGear.

The GT86 was also the personal Car of the Year for Jeremy Clarkson and the Coupe of the Year for TopGear.

Landing these honours, the GT86 confirmed its status as one of the most exciting models of 2012.

TopGear editor Charlie Turner, pointed out that this was "a fantastic achievement", since a TopGear honour was acknowledgemnt of "a truly charismatic vehicle.

Only exceptional cars make the cut for a TopGear award and (in 2012) the GT86 has proven itself a feat of engi-

TopGear magazine has named Toyota's GT86 sports coupe Car of the Year 2012 neering".

The magazine honour comes after the GT86 held off competition from rivals like the McLaren MP4-12C, Porsche 911 Carrera S and Lotus Exige S. TopGear's Oliver Marriage

added that, while less fast than some of its rivals, the GT86 was ultimately more enjoyable to drive, given that "you have more time to enjoy (the experience) and feel like you're part of the process".

In the same report, TopGear's senior editor Sam Philip added that, for a driving enthusiast, the GT86 was the vehicle of choice, boasting "good steering, direct gear changes (and a) multiturn motor".

The GT86 is now the second offering by Toyota to have won this significant TopGear magazine honour, after Toyota's Aygo city car shared the title Car of the Year 2005 with the Bugatti Veyron.

Gan’s All-in-One offer saves consumers €2,000 GAN Direct Insurance yet again leads the way in Cyprus, by launching their new All-in One offer whereby families can save €2,000 by switching their Motor, Property and Health Insurance to Gan Direct.

A useful example to consider is that of the average family, which owns two cars, is bringing up two children, living in a four-bedroom home, with family Health Cover based on the most popular plan in Cyprus.

And because service and customer care is

paramount for the company, with Gan’s Easy Switch Service, Gan takes care of all the paperwork for the client and takes the hassle out of switching.

This new offer is part of Gan Direct’s belief in total service quality, and in making people’s lives simpler, easier and more affordable - as highlighted by the launch of Gan’s PriceGuarantee earlier this year.

To find out more, simply call Gan Direct’s freephone number: 80051015

CYPRUS MAIL Thurs

14

Reportage The fracking cultur

Pro and a trade bar

Yoko Ono speaks during an event organised by Artists Against Fracking

Matt Damon stars in the new film about fracking called Promised Land

By Joshua Schneyer and Edward McAllister

N

OT SO long ago, fracking was a technical term little known beyond the energy industry. Now it’s coming to Hollywood, as the fierce battle between environmentalists and oil firms is played out in several forthcoming films.

Hydraulic fracturing, the controversial drilling technique also known as fracking, has lifted U.S. energy output dramatically, despite warnings from critics who fear it pollutes water deep underground.

Any shift in public opinion could impact policy - and huge sums in energy spending - since drilling regulations are under review by the Obama administration and local officials around the country. The high stakes involve a range

of issues from U.S. energy independence, to protection of drinking water.

Both sides are using movies to try to win the debate, though actor Matt Damon says viewers should not assume the movie he stars in, Promised Land, is “a rabid anti-fracking polemic.”

In the film, Damon plays a gas company landman - an agent who buys or leases land - intent on drilling beneath a town where some residents are concerned about the perils of fracking. As the landman gets to know the townspeople, he suffers a crisis of conscience.

In an interview in Los Angeles, Damon said he worries that viewers will wrongly assume the film is one-sided and not see it. He declined to offer his personal view on fracking.

“That’s not the point. The point is that (the film) should start a conversation.”

The Northern Irish director Phelim McAleer’s documentary, FrackNation, is an unabashedly pro-drilling mantra set to air next month on AXS TV, the cable network controlled by Dallas Mavericks owner and media mogul

On the other side of the argument, HBO, the cable pay channel, could air a sequel to Gasland, a scathing 2010 documentary from director Josh Fox, as early as next year.

The original film featured scenes of tap water erupt-

Amid the showdown, both industry and anti-fracking camps have mounted major campaigns to sway hearts and minds Mark Cuban.

McAleer views fracking as “the best thing ever,” a potential savior for the U.S. economy, unless the forces he likes to call “Big Enviro” succeed in derailing it.

How fracking works underground

ing into flames and mobilised environmental groups against fracking, drawing full-throated rebuttals from an oil industry that says the process has never caused water problems.

Fox declined comment for this article.

Amid the showdown, both industry and anti-fracking camps have mounted major campaigns to sway hearts and minds.

“It could become the biggest environmental debate of our time,” said Robert McNally, an energy policy expert and former White House adviser under George W. Bush.

“Hollywood is taking notice, and the industry will have its work cut out for it to defend fracking.”

Nearly four out of ten Americans surveyed by the Pew Research Centre early this year said they knew nothing about fracking. Other polls show most Americans familiar with the practice believe fracking offers economic benefits but requires tougher regulation.

This year, for the first time, U.S. online searches for the

term “fracking” became more popular than “climate change,” Google data showed. Fracking has doubled on Google’s popularity index since last year, and while “global warming” still draws more hits, the gap is narrowing.

Drinking water contamination is the leading environmental concern among Americans, according to Gallup polling data. A Bloomberg National Poll this month showed that 66 per cent of Americans want more fracking regulation, up from 56 per cent in September.

Whether Promised Land will shift public opinion is uncertain. But films with environmental themes often can, according to Joseph Cappella, a professor of communications at the University of Pennsylvania.

Past examples include Al Gore’s An Inconvenient

Left: Workers inspect a fracking site in Pennsylvania Right: Anti-fracking activists say the gas removal poisons land and water

sday, January 3, 2013

15 Television

17

Crossword

18

Sport

25-28

Anti-fracking demo in New York

re war

anti-drilling camps rbs for the cameras

Gasland’s Josh Fox on his banjo

Truth on climate change, and Erin Brockovich, a dramatisation of real events in which actress Julia Roberts played a legal clerk who uncovers water contamination by a California power company.

Ahead of the release of Promised Land, some within the oil industry are already reading the film’s script online.

“Look, I don’t want to whistle past the graveyard. This film is going to be a challenge, and we’ll just have to see how it does on opening weekend,” said Chris Tucker of pro-drilling group Energy In Depth (EID), which is funded by industry. “In terms of popularisation of the issue, it will have an effect.”

The oil industry wants to avoid another blow like the one it took from Fox’s 2010 Gasland film. Google search data shows online interest in fracking surged immediately

afterwards.

For three years, Tucker has been working with other communications experts, “pounding the zone with facts” to counter what he calls false claims in Gasland and to promote drilling.

Films like Promised Land will get people curious and send them searching online, said Tucker, where he worries the term ‘fracking’ gets a bad rap. “People will go home and Google it, and the other side does really well on Google,” he said.

EID released its own prodrilling film, Truthland, this year, dubbing it “the factual alternative to Gasland.”

In some ways, the film blitz may be behind the times.

Fracking has already come to dominate U.S. drilling over the last half-decade: Onshore rigs doing so-called unconventional drilling account for nearly two-thirds

of the total.

Tucker and industry officials are regulars at conferences, in newspaper op-ed articles, and on TV to defend drilling.

On the environmentalist side, Fox travels widely to lead anti-fracking rallies, sometimes rousing crowds by playing a banjo, which is also featured in the Gasland soundtrack. He has enlisted help from artists including Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon.

“The lesson of Gasland is that public perception is a very big part of the equation,” said Jonathan Wood, a political risk analyst at London-based Control Risks, whose clients include oil companies.

In a report this month, Wood wrote that the industry has “largely failed to appreciate social and political risks, and has repeatedly been caught off guard by the sophistication, speed and influence of anti-fracking activists.”

Hydraulic fracturing entails pumping water laced with chemicals and sand at high pressure into shale rock formations to break

them up and unleash hydrocarbons.

The minerals are trapped thousands of feet below water tables, but critics worry that fracking fluids or hydrocarbons can still leak into water tables from wells, or above ground. Among their other concerns: fracking-

barrels a day.

So far, the Obama administration has cautiously endorsed the new drilling, but the U.S. Department of Interior is working on new fracking rules on public lands starting next year.

Some drillers have faced fracking-related fines for

Fracking has already come to dominate U.S. drilling over the last half-decade: Onshore rigs doing socalled unconventional drilling account for nearly two-thirds of the total related earthquakes, and growing dependence on fossil fuels.

The United States now rivals Russia as the world’s top gas producer, in large part due to fracking, and has stemmed a long decline in oil output, which stands at an 18-year high near 7 million

water contamination due to spilled fracking fluid. Last year, after sampling water in rural Pavillion, Wyoming, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the first-ever U.S. government finding of a potential link between fracking and water contamination.

More broadly, however, the EPA condones fracking on safety grounds. But unlike the growing consensus among climate scientists linking global warming and industrial activity, there is no consensus that fracking poses a danger. Unconventional drilling has surged only over the last half decade.

The EPA will release an indepth study on fracking’s potential impacts on water supplies in 2014.

Tough economic times can widen support for drilling. A national Gallup poll this year showed that more Americans favoured prioritising economic growth over the protection of the environment (49 per cent versus 41 per cent).

That’s a reversal from 2007, when 55 per cent favoured environmental protection.

Cuban is betting the hot potato issue will draw viewers to FrackNation on his cable channel.

“Op-Ed-umentaries like this are supposed to make people think about the topic, which is always a good thing,” he said.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

16

What’s on

films

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

NICOSIA Cloud Atlas (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm An… (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; KCineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.10pm and 3.25pm Wreck-It Ralph (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.10pm and 3.25pm

Life of Pi (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends Times are subject to also at 3.05pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) at 5.30, change, so check first with cinemas before you 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11.30am and 3.05pm head out

Telephone no: K-Cineplex: 7777-8383

Arbitrage (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm

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

LIMASSOL Cloud Atlas (15) Rio 1 at 4.30, 7.35 and 10.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm An… (12) Rio 2 (in Greek), weekdays at 8 and 10pm, weekends at

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

8.10 and 10.10pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm Wreck-It Ralph (K) Rio 2 (in Greek) at 6pm, weekends at 4.30 and 6.20pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.25pm Life of Pi (K) Rio 4 at 5.30, 8 and 10.15pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.05pm Arbitrage (12) Rio 3 at 10.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.20pm Zarafa (K) Rio 2 (in Greek) at 4.30pm, weekends at 3pm The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) Rio 3 at 4.30 and 7.35pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7 and 10.15pm Hotel Transylvania (K) Rio 3 (in Greek), weekends at 2.50pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek), weekends at 3.15pm

Life of Pi

Rio Limassol: 25-871410 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) Rio Paphos: 26-207000 K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7 and

Seven Psychopaths (18) Rio 5 at 10.05pm

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

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

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7 and 10.15pm

Lawless (15) Rio 6 at 10.05pm The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) Rio 5 at 7.45pm Rise of the Guardians (K) Rio 5 (in English) at 3.30pm (weekends only) and 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) (in Greek) at 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 4) (in English) at 5.05pm, weekends also at 3.10pm

LARNACA Cloud Atlas (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.30pm An… (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) (in Greek) at 5.35, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm Wreck-It Ralph (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 3.25pm Life of Pi (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30, 7.50 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.05pm

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

PAPHOS Cloud Atlas (15) Rio 5 at 7 and 10pm An… (12) Rio 6 (in Greek), weekdays at 8.30 and 10.30pm, weekends at 5.30, 7.30 and 9.30pm Wreck-It Ralph (K) Rio 7 (in Greek) at 5.30pm, weekends at 11am, 3.30pm and 5.20pm Life of Pi (K) Rio 3 at 3pm (weekends only) and 5.30pm; Rio 7 at 7.30pm;

Rio 1 at 10.30pm Arbitrage (12) Rio 4 at 7.30 and 9.45pm Zarafa (K) Rio 5 (in Greek) at 5pm, weekends at 11am, 3.30pm and 5.30pm The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12) Rio 6, weekdays only at 5.30pm; Rio 1 at 7.30pm; Rio 7 at 9.45pm Seven Psychopaths (18) Rio 3 at 10pm Hotel Transylvania (K) Rio 1 (in Greek), weekdays only at 5.30pm; Rio 6 (in Greek), weekends only at 11am and 3.30pm Shadow Dancer Rio 2 at 5pm (weekends only) and 7.30pm Rise of the Guardians (K) Rio 4 (in English) at 5.30pm, weekends also at 11am and 3.30pm; Rio 1 (in Greek), weekends only at 11am, 3.30 and 5.30pm.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2 (12) Rio 3 at 7.45pm Skyfall (12) Rio 2 at 9.30pm

listings Today Exhibition Da Vinci Machines – An exhibition of Genius Exhibition displaying more than 60 interactive machines from Da Vinci original drawings, 15 high quality reproduction artworks, giant art panels and rare copies of Leonardo codices.

Opens January 3, until February 28.

Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Vasilissis Street (Medieval Castle Area), Limassol. Tel: 25-342123. www.davincimachinescyprus.com

Music Nightstalker Legendary Greek, heavy rockers perform live. January 3. Savino Live, 1 Watkins Street, Larnaca. 8.30pm. €10 presale €13 at the door. Tel: 24-620861

Theatre Mazi Elia Ioannidou and Stavros Poyiatzis present a humorous musical about a fashion house. January 3-5. Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €15. The net proceeds will be donated

to the Cyprus Anticancer Association.

Tel: 97-895259. www.soldout-tickets. com.cy

Ongoing

Tomorrow

Other Events

Music Fusion Music Pop meets opera meets show-tunes with Tina Chester: Soprano and Andrew Oliver: Piano. January 4.

Vouni Takis Family Tavern, Limassol.

Concert 7pm, dinner 9pm. €20 inc. dinner. Reservations - Tel: 25943631 Christos Thiveos Greek singer presents an evening of experimental music. January 4.

Promitheas, Mouttalos, Paphos.

9.30pm. €20. Tel: 99419849

Theatre Soul and Mouth A hilarious comedy that satirises the contemporary social, political and economic realities of our country.

January 4. Larnaca Municipla Theatre.

8.30pm. In Greek. €15/10. Tel: 77777040/ 24-665795

7 films: Harun Farocki A selection of screenings by legendary German filmmaker, critic and teacher followed by discussion and talk with the artist. Within the framework of the opening ceremony of a new contemporary art centre. Until February 15. Point Centre for Contemporary Art Megaron Hadjisavva, 2 Evagorou Street, Nicosia. Every Wednesday through Sunday from 11am-5pm. Tel: 22-662053. Email: info@pointcentreforcontemporaryart.com Bidoun Library A mobile library consisting of books, magazines and other printed matter about the Middle East. Within the framework of the opening ceremony of a new contemporary art centre. Until February 15. Point Centre for Contemporary Art Megaron Hadjisavva, 2 Evagorou Street, Nicosia. Tel: 22-662053. Email: info@ pointcentreforcontemporaryart.com

Theatre 65 Minutes A performance by the Theatro Dentro within the framework of the 4th XDream Festival. January 3-5. ARTos

Cultural and Research Foundation, 64 Ayion Omoloyiton Avenue, Nicosia. 9pm, January 5 at 10.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 99-384606 Death and the Maiden Satiriko Theatro presents play by Chilean playwright Ariel Dorfman. Until January 25. Vladimiros Kafkarides Cultural Centre, 11-15 Vladimiros, Kafkarides Street, Aglantzia, Nicosia. Every Wednesday and Friday at 8.30pm. €15/10. In Greek. Tel: 22-312940/22-421609 Spring Awakening THOC presents work by Frank Wedekind, directed by Dimitris Lignadis. Until January 26. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Every Wednesday through Sunday at 8.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 77-772717/22-864300 The Elephant Man Theatro Ena presents a play by Bernard Pomerance, translated and directed by Andreas Christodoulides.

Until January 27. Theatro Ena, 4 Athinas Avenue, Nicosia. Every Friday through Sunday at 8.30pm. In Greek. €15/12. Tel: 22-348203 Social Security THOC presents a play by Andrew Bergman. Until January 27. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Friday through

Sunday. Friday & Sunday at 8.30pm, Saturday at 6pm and 8.30pm. Tel: 77-772717/22-864300 The Magic Flute The Children’s Stage of Satiriko Theatre presents play adapted and directed by Thanasis Theologis. Until January 27. Vladimiros Kafkarides Cultural Centre, 11-15 Vladimiros Kafkarides Street, Aglantzia, Nicosia.

Every Sunday at 10.30am. €10. In Greek. Tel: 22-312940/22-421609 Shakespeare in an Hour Pirasmos Productions presents a theatrical comedy directed by popular Cypriot actor and director Loris Loizides. Until January 27. Pantheon Art Cinema, 29 Diagorou Street, Nicosia. Thursday through Sunday at 8.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 70-001910 Noah’s Family A theatrical play for children written

by Xenia Kalogeropoulou and Thomas Moschopoulos. Until February 3.

THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Every Sunday at 10.30am. In Greek. Tel: 22-864300 Misery Stephen King’s psychological thriller staged by Satiriko Theatre. Every Friday and Saturday. Until February 13. Vladimiros Kafkarides Cultural Centre, 11-15 Vladimiros Kafkarides Street, Aglantzia, Nicosia. Every

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

Wednesday and Friday at 8.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 22-312940/22-421609

Exhibition Constantinos Stefanou Solo painting exhibition. Until January 5. Morfi Gallery, 84 Agkyras St, Limassol. Monday-Saturday: 10am1pm. Tuesday-Friday: 5pm-8pm.Tel: 25-378733. www.morfi.org Do You Have New Plans?

Group mixed-media art exhibition.

Until January 7. Is Not Gallery, 11 Odysseus, Chrysaliniotissa, Nicosia.

Monday-Saturday: 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Tel: 22-343670 Ceramic Art Exhibition More than 60 works by Cypriot and Maltese ceramists., Until January 10. Larnaca Municipal Gallery. Monday-Friday: 9am-1pm & 3pm-6pm 12-12-12 Group art exhibition. Until January 12. Elefsis, 7 Aischylou Street, Laiki Yitonia, Old Nicosia. Opening hours: 10am-2am. Tel: 99-51679/99-870869 Unity – Unity Solo painting exhibition by Pavlos Samios. Until January 12. Apocalypse Gallery, 30 Chytron Street, Nicosia. Monday- Friday: 10.30am1pm and 5pm-8pm. Saturday: 10.30am-1pm. Tel: 22-766655

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

17

Television CYBC 1 06.45 08.15

Proti Enimerosi Kali Sas Mera Local variety show, with entertainment options and segments on cooking, health, fashion, lifestyle issues and more.

11.00 11.30

Apo Mera Se Mera Current affairs show.

15.30

Entehnos Local cultural show.

16.00

07.00 08.00

16.30

Kaftes Piperies (rpt) Istories Tou Horkou (rpt) Local comedy series, which happens to be the longest-running show on TV.

12.00

CYBC 2

17.00 18.00 18.50 19.00 19.10

Mazi Sto CyBC News Kaftes Piperies Paizoume Kypriaka Local game show, asking questions having to do with Cypriot dialect.

19.20

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

20.00 21.15

News Patates 8 (rpt)

20.10 21.00

Proektaseis Local topical show.

23.00 23.30 00.45

Fireman Sam, Pippi Longstocking, etc.

Shown till 12.30, then repeated till midafternoon.

07.50 08.40

Euromaxx

Album Show Biz/Emeis News In English News In Turkish Upstairs Downstairs (rpt)

23.45

10.20 11.15 12.10 13.00 13.20 14.00 14.50 15.45 16.40 17.30

Repeats

Me Agapi Deliyianneio Parthenagogeio (rpt) Englimata (rpt) Lyke, Lyke Eisai Edo (rpt) Panselinos (rpt) Galileo (rpt) Niose Me (rpt) News Mera Mesimeri Konstantinou Kai Elenis (rpt) To Kafe Tis Haras (rpt) Oneiropagida (rpt) Vals Me 12 Theous (rpt) Ekeino To Kalokairi (rpt)

MEGA 06.00 06.15 07.00 08.00 10.00 12.45 14.00 15.00

Aiyia Fuxia (rpt) Niose Me News Vals Me 12 Theous Ekeino To Kalokairi FILM: Shark Attack Celebrating students head for the sunny climes of Florida to enjoy a well-earned break - little expecting to fall foul of killer sharks. Thriller, starring Kathy Baker. 2005.

With News at 00.00.

01.00 02.30

Ola Bahalo Fetos Repeats

Local Sketch TBA (rpt) News More repeats

I Dipsa (rpt) Emeis Ki Emeis (rpt) Koinonia Ora Mega Nea Mera Proino Mou Enimerosi Tora Klemmena Oneira (rpt) Eheis Meson Local investigative show.

16.00

Yia Sena Local talk-show.

18.00 18.20

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

With News at 18.00.

18.30 19.30 20.15 21.15 22.15 23.15

NRG Zone FILM: Ghost Romantic fantasy, starring Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze and an Oscar-winning Whoopi Goldberg. 1990. See Pick Of The Day.

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

22.00

06.50 07.00

First season of period drama remake. ‘The Ladybird’. Sir Hallam finds his diplomatic skills put to the test at home as well as at work. The servants are intrigued by a mysterious new addition to the household, while a restless Lady Persie embarks on a dangerous flirtation, and is drawn to the thrill of fascist politics.

Live cookery show.

18.45

NRG Zone Kids’ TV

DW-TV’s magazine show bringing you the latest on lifestyle and entertainment in Europe.

Local talk-show.

18.00 18.15

ANTENNA

19.20 20.20 21.15

SIGMA 06.10 07.00 08.20 10.00 11.10 12.00 14.20 15.20 18.00 18.05 18.30 19.30 20.20 21.15

23.20

A computer expert has all details of her identity erased and is framed for stealing from the Russian Mafia. Thriller sequel, starring Nikki Deloach and Demet Akbag.

2006.

00.00 00.50 01.30 03.30 04.40

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

Efta Ouranoi kai Synnefa Alites News Pame Paketo

Las Vegas First season. ‘The Count of Montecito’.

Danny and Sam try to figure out the tactics of a ring of card counters; Fred Puterbaugh professes his love for Nessa, much to her dismay; while Ed and Danny deal with an archaeologist’s find near the hotel pool.

00.00 00.05 01.20 02.10

06.45 07.20 07.50 09.00 09.30 10.55

Classic Cartoons Fotis - Maria Live Best Of Mesimeriani Meleti Best Of Exelixeis Sti Showbiz Mila (rpt) Nistikoi Praktores (rpt) Cookery show, with helpful tips on eating well and nutrition.

11.50 12.30 13.00 15.30 17.00

Kids’ TV Star News Mesimeriani Meleti Kids’ TV To Kleidi Local comedy series.

Talk-show that deals with human interest stories such as reuniting people, fulfilling dreams and connecting individuals who want to correct past mistakes in their lives.

Eftyhismenoi Mazi (rpt) News Klemmena Oneira Porta Kleidomeni FILM: Net 2.0

The Del Monte Heirs (rpt) Protoselido Eleni Vasiliki (rpt) Efta Ouranoi kai Synnefa Alites (rpt) Mesimeri Kai Kati Aspra Balonia (rpt) Magazino News Ti Tha Fame Simera Mama The Del Monte Heirs Latin American telenovela.

Greek drama series.

22.10 23.10

PLUS TV

News Dekati Entoli (rpt) Alithinoi Erotes (rpt) More Repeats

17.50 19.40

Fotis Maria Live Mila Discussions about various issues based on woman’s life (men, relationships, sex, kids etc.) with showbiz guests.

21.15 22.00

Exelixeis Stin Showbiz FILM: The Salton Sea Following his wife’s brutal murder, a bereaved husband finds himself drawn into a shady world of thugs, drug addicts and undercover cops.

Crime thriller, starring Val Kilmer. 2002.

23.40 00.30 01.20 02.20

LTV Sports News Kostakis Ki Yioi Star News Repeats

CAPITAL 08.30 09.25 10.00

17.40 18.15

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

19.15 19.50 20.05 21.00

News Sports Time Rubi FILM: See Jane Date

11.00 11.30 12.30 13.20 15.00 15.55 16.50

With News at 18.30.

A publishing assistant endures a series of romantic misadventures to find the perfect date to escort her to a family wedding. Comedy, with Charisma Carpenter. 2003.

22.45

FILM: Dark Water Swarming sharks cause problems when they show unusually aggressive behaviour, prompting the authorities to turn to an expert for help. Horror, starring Lorenzo Lamas.

2003.

00.30

FILM: Frailty A treasury agent sets out to track down an investigator’s killer, but finds the culprit more formidable than expected. Action thriller, starring Wesley Snipes. 1993.

Agora (LTV3, 19.45)

06:15 The Weakest Link 07:00 3rd & Bird 07:10 Boogie Beebies 07:25 Teletubbies 07:50 Balamory 08:10 Buzz & Tell 08:15 3rd & Bird 08:25 Boogie Beebies 08:40 Teletubbies 09:05 Balamory 09:25 Buzz & Tell 09:30 My Family 10:00 One Foot In The Grave 10:30 The Weakest Link 11:15 EastEnders 11:45 Doctors 12:15 Casualty 13:05 BBC Proms 2010: Rodgers & Hammerstein 14:55 The Weakest Link 15:40 EastEnders 16:05 Doctors 16:35 Casualty 17:25 Bleak House 18:25 The Weakest Link 19:10 EastEnders 19:40 Doctors 20:10 The Iceberg That Sank The Titanic 21:00 The Royle Family 21:30 Gavin & Stacey 22:00 Waking The Dead 22:50 Taking the Flak 23:50 Sport Relief 2012 - Sport Relief Does The Apprentice 01:20 Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps 01:50 The Weakest Link 02:35 EastEnders 03:05 Doctors 03:35 My Family 04:05 The Impressions Show With Culshaw & Stephenson 04:35 Doctor Who Confidential 04:55 Sport Relief 2012 - Sport Relief Does The Apprentice

07:00 How It’s Made 07:25 Wheeler Dealers 08:15 American Chopper

23:30 Scandal 00:20 Castle 02:00 Desperate Housewives 02:45 Modern Family 03:10 New Girl 03:35 Rita Rocks 04:00 Body Of Proof 04:50 Tabatha’s Salon Takeover

09:10 Dirty Jobs 10:05 Deadliest Catch 10:55 Ultimate Survival 11:50 Man, Woman, Wild 15:25 American Chopper 16:20 Mythbusters 17:15 Dirty Jobs 18:10 Deadliest Catch 19:05 Ultimate Survival 20:00 How It’s Made 21:00 Extreme Fishing 22:00 River Monsters 23:00 Hillbilly Handfishin 00:00 Trouble In Paradise 01:00 Surviving The Cut 01:55 Extreme Fishing 02:50 River Monsters 03:50 Hillbilly Handfishin 04:50 Trouble In Paradise 05:45 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Over-

haulin’

09:30 Ski Jumping: World Cup-

Four Hills Tournament Germany 10:30 Tennis: Atp Tournament Doha 11:30 Cross-Country Skiing: World Cup-Tour De Ski Switzerland 12:15

Ski Jumping: World Cup-Four Hills Tournament Germany 13:00 CrossCountry Skiing: World Cup-Tour De Ski Italy 14:45 Ski Jumping: World Cup-Four Hills Tournament Austria

16:15 Cross-Country Skiing: World Cup-Tour De Ski Italy 18:15 Biathlon: World Cup Germany 20:00

Tennis: Atp Tournament Doha 22:30 Fight Sport: Fight Club 00:00 Poker: European Poker Tour 01:00 Ski Jumping: World Cup-Four Hills Tournament Austria 01:30 Biathlon: World Cup Germany

05:40 Desperate Housewives 06:25 Castle 07:10 Modern Family 07:35 New Girl 08:00 Body Of Proof 08:50 Masterchef 09:40 Desperate Housewives 10:25 Castle 11:10 Modern Family 11:35 New Girl 12:00 Scandal 12:50 Castle 13:40 Body Of Proof 14:30 Tabatha’s Salon Takeover 15:20 Desperate Housewives 16:05 Castle 16:50 Modern Family 17:15 New Girl 17:40 Body Of Proof 18:30 Tabatha’s Salon Takeover 19:20 Desperate Housewives 20:10 Castle 21:00 Scandal 21:50 Castle 22:40 Modern Family 23:05 New Girl

07:00 Pawn Stars 07:30 Storage Wars 08:00 UFO Files 09:00 Pawn Stars 09:30 American Restoration 10:00 Pawn Stars 10:30 Storage Wars 11:00 Ancient Aliens 12:00 Swamp People 13:00 Storage Wars 14:00 Pawn Stars 14:30 American Restoration 15:00 UFO Files 16:00 Swamp People 17:00 Storage Wars 18:00 Pawn Stars 18:30 American Restoration 19:00 UFO Files 20:00 Pawn Stars 20:30 Storage Wars 21:00 Ancient Aliens 22:00 American Restoration 23:00 Ax Men 00:00 Pawn Stars 00:30 Storage Wars 01:00 Ancient Aliens 02:00 American Restoration 03:00 Ax Men 04:00 UFO Files 05:00 Pawn Stars 05:30 American Restoration 06:00 Ancient Aliens

07:30 Flipped 09:00 Action Zone 09:30 Fred Claus 11:30 Eat Pray Love 14:00 Everybody’s Fine 16:00 Jack Frost 18:00 Life As We Know It 20:00 Ltv Sports News 21:00 Any Given Sunday 23:45 Untraceable 01:30 Hustler Tv 03:45 Avatar 06:30 Ltv Sports News

Transporter 04:05 The Woman Who Dreamed Of A Man 07:00 Chowder I 07:25 Marvelous

Misadventures Of Flapjack, The 07:50 Tom & Jerry Show, The 08:15 Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get A Clue! I 08:40 Loonatics Unleashed Ii 09:05 Superman: The Animated Series Ii 09:30 Superman: The Animated Series Ii 09:55 Looney Tunes Show, The 10:20 Tak & The Power Of Juju 10:45 Fanboy & Chum Chum 11:10 X’s, The 11:35 Ni Hao, Kai-Lan 12:00 Dora The Explorer 12:25 Spongebob Squarepants 12:50 Spongebob Squarepants 13:15 Mighty B!, The 13:40 My Life As A Teenage Robot 14:05 Hey Arnold! 14:30 Icarly 14:55 Icarly 15:20 Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get A Clue! I 15:45 Justice League Unlimited I 16:10 Legion Of Super Heroes Ii 16:35 Young Justice 17:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 18:45 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 20:30 La Liga World 21:00 Barclays Premier League World 21:30 La Liga Show 2012-13 22:00 Barclays Premier League Review 23:00 Volvo Ocean Race 00:00 Planet Speed 00:30 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 02:30 Atp World Tour Uncovered 03:00 Barclays Premier League Review 04:00 Rugby World Cup Winners 05:00 2012 Pga Tour Highlights 06:00 Toyota Australian Football International 2012

07:15 According To Jim 08:00 2 Broke Girls 08:30 Necessary Roughness 10:00 Entourage 10:35 Gossip Girl 11:20 Ncis: Los Angeles 12:50 Pan Am 13:40 According To Jim 14:30 Necessary Roughness 16:05 2 Broke Girls 16:30 Chuck 17:15 Bones 19:00 Pan Am 19:45 Two And A Half Men 20:30 Eastbound & Down 21:00 Closer, The 22:00 Harry’s Law 22:45 Southland 23:30 Shameless 00:30 Assassination Games 02:15 Insignificant Harvey, An 03:50 2 Broke Girls 04:15 Chuck 05:00 Bones 06:30 Pan Am

06:40 Margin Call 08:30 The Emperor’s Club 10:20 12 Dates Of Christmas 11:50 Cine News 12:15 Jane Eyre 14:20 Management 16:00 Rango 17:50 Hollywood 1 On 1 18:25 Ghost Rider 20:20 The Beaver 22:00 Payback 23:50 It’s Kind Of A Funny Story 01:35 Born On The Fourth Of July 04:00 Cine News 04:50 Starsky & Hutch

19:20 The New Protocol 21:00 Route Irish 23:00 Magic City 00:00 C.S.I. 01:00 Adult Zone 08:00 She 09:45 Nine 12:00 Arthur 3: The War Of The Two Worlds 14:00 Tourist 16:00 Lethal Weapon 2 18:00 Cinderella Story 19:45 Agora 22:00 12 Men Of Christmas 23:30 Action Zone 00:05 Daring! TV 03:35 Action Zone 04:05 Swing Kids 06:00 Spiral Staircase

05:30 Gone Baby Gone 07:25 Never Been Kissed 09:15 Blue Crush 2 11:10 John Carter 13:25 Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked 15:00 Just Married 16:40 Cine News 17:20 The Debt 19:20 Mad On Novacinema 20:00 The Three Musketeers 22:00 Coriolanus 00:10 Trust 02:00 Cine News 02:30 The

19:10 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son 21:00 Shall We Dance? 22:55 Sundays At Tiffany’s 00:30 The Tempest

07:00 3 Godfathers 08:45 Singin’ In The Rain 10:30 Philadelphia Story 12:20 Glass Bottom Boat 14:10 Honeymoon Machine 15:35 Kelly’s Heroes 17:55 Never So Few 19:55 Unsinkable Molly Brown 22:00 Ben-Hur 01:25 Welcome To Hard Times 03:05 2001: A Space Odyssey 05:20 Blackboard Jungle

By Preston Wilder

Ghost (CyBC2, 21.00) It was bad enough having Love survive from beyond the grave, and the ghost looking out for his beloved, and the Righteous Brothers crooning ‘Unchained Melody’ on the soundtrack; this was a three-hanky weepie even before Patrick Swayze passed away - but his death makes it almost unbearably sad. (I actually saw it at the cinema 20 years ago with a girl who cried all the way through, though it might’ve been because she was with me.) Patrick and Demi Moore are in love, and he cradles her from behind while she kneads the clay on her pottery wheel - but then he dies, suddenly and senselessly in an apparently random mugging, and she’s bereft. Enter Whoopi Goldberg as a fake

medium who discovers - much to her surprise - that she really is psychic when Patrick uses her to pass on messages to Demi from the hereafter (actually limbo, or wherever ghosts hang out before they pass ‘into the light’) and the result is one of the biggest films of the early 90s, a mega-hit that also won Oscars and remains unusually sharp and well-plotted. Do stock up on the Kleenex first, though. Made in 1990.

Coriolanus (Novacinema1, 22.00) “If she says your behaviour is heinous / Kick her right in the Cori-o-lanus!” I know that isn’t Shakespeare, it’s not even close - though it’s actually Cole Porter, from the wonderful ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ number

Coriolanus

in Kiss Me Kate - but it’s all I’ve got, since I haven’t yet managed to watch this acclaimed modern-dress version of the Bard’s potent tragedy. Ralph Fiennes (who also directed) is our hero, a great Roman general with a fierce patrician snobbery when it comes to ‘the people’; his political opponents use his non-democratic views to undermine him - and he’s exiled from Rome, but plans revenge on the city that betrayed him. The film “leaves an acrid, unfinished taste,” wrote Ty Burr in the Boston Globe, meaning it as a compliment, adding that Fiennes “takes advantage of the bluntness of the text; even Shakespeare newcomers will be able to follow along”. The Bard would approve, if he were still alive. So would Cole Porter, probably. Made in 2011.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

18

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 2276 1

2

3

4

7

6

8

10

11

12

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.

14

15

16

17

EASY

HARD

MEDIUM

HARD

19

Across

Down

1 Support, then show resentment (4,2) 4 Fish I found in a particular spot (6) 7 Touched in a dishonest way (8) 8 Policeman puts nothing in the cage (4) 9 Business figures that state what happens when the slump is over (5,7) 13 Did without the fancy drapes (6) 14 Female servant had just over half a skirt, very very little by end of day (6) 15 Behaviour across the board? (5,7) 18 Some drab backing for Swedish singers (4) 19 Shipwrecked actors abroad (8) 20 Mowed a ploughed field (6) 21 Some scavengers retaliate (6)

1 Suit, about a month with it (5) 2 Is able to go over North American or Scottish island (5) 3 Bird with an incomplete crest (9) 4 Its contents are very much alike (3) 5 Harmony of one on a musical instrument (9) 6 Change one’s bank perhaps (5,4) 10 Pure chaos on flat surface that’s respectable! (9) 11 Local target? (9) 12 It is mainly to the east of Australia (6,3) 16 Man in bed wincing (5) 17 Some tasty leather fashion (5) 19 Cor, sounds like the sound of a crow! (3)

Rating EASY

21

Rating HARD

20

Rating EASY

18

5

Rating MEDIUM

9

PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTIONS

Answers to crossword 2275

HOROSCOPE

CRYPTIC: Across – 3 Shortfall; 7 Cut-up; 8 Itemising; 9 Lager; 10 Addled; 13 Yearling; 15 Sidmouth; 17 Gadget; 20 Servo; 21 Incarnate; 22 Racer; 23 Existence. Down – 1 Scallywag; 2 Stagnated; 3 Spiral; 4 Rampaged; 5 Fused; 6 Lance; 11 Liquorice; 12 Dashboard; 14 Instance; 16 Misère; 18 Annex; 19 Glass.

QUICK: Across – 3 Discharge; 7 Louse; 8 Flagstone; 9 Curve; 10 Thrash; 13 Manitoba; 15 Freckles; 17 Larvae; 20 Nicer; 21 Stolidity; 22 Odeon; 23 Criterion. Down – 1 Blackmail; 2 Surrender; 3 Defect; 4 Cogitate; 5 Alter; 6 Genus; 11 Afflicted; 12 Hamstring; 14 Offender; 16 Canyon; 18 Aster; 19 Valet.

ARIES March 21 - April 20

LEO July 23 - August 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

Power comes through your words today, so be sure to know what to say in advance - put it out there and then see where this leads. Some unusual opportunities may come up when you least expect them to. Don’t turn something down because it appears boring, as there may be a hidden side to this which could prove to be perfect for you.

It may be the perfect day to find just the right gift for your sweetheart. With the sales now in full swing, something may grab your attention - so take the chance while you can. There may be positive financial news just ahead too.

The Virgo Moon encourages you to create a financial strategy which could help make your money work harder for you.

Your impulsiveness could empower you to do or say something that lands you in hot water. It helps to think before you speak today and to take things slowly. However, a surprising solution could be just a phone call away, so it may certainly help to reach out to others. An invitation to travel could also be part of today’s planetary offerings.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

VIRGO August 23 - September 23

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

There may be some frustrating duties that you need to attend to, but you could get a golden star for your hard work. Lovely planetary influences are operating, making this a great day for career and finances, although you might expect some disruption from a co-worker or colleague who is usually very co-operative. If so, don’t take it too personally.

You may have a lot to say, but today it might help to keep your private thoughts to yourself. With a challenging aspect between Mercury and Uranus, it can be all too easy to rock the boat. Besides which, someone may be feeling very sensitive. However, a little elbow grease may get you back on track work or career wise. Do be persistent.

You may be keen to set a plan in motion, but could encounter resistance from family members. Trying to reach a compromise could also turn out to be difficult. However, if you broach the subject in a few days time you may find everyone more agreeable. If you’re bored with routine, give yourself permission to cut loose and do your own thing.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

LIBRA September 24 - October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

The Moon in your home zone suggests this may be a good day to check out property prices. You never know what you might find if you’re looking for a bargain or valuing your own abode. You may also be keen to discover the hidden meaning to a puzzle or mystery, and you’ll probe deeply for answers. The answer may surprise and intrigue you.

Focus on the love that is deeper in your heart, rather than any disagreements which may be ongoing. You seem to be the ambassador of peace today and can find the right solution to any problem. However, you may need to compromise on one issue. It’s a good time to strengthen social ties, entertain or throw a lively dinner party for friends.

A lot of your success may be down to attitude. By keeping cheerful, resolutely upbeat and optimistic you can attract good things and people. Whether buying or selling, you may benefit from spells of good luck today. A powerful focus suggests that the past may have a strong pull on you.

If so, it may be time to forgive and let go - if you can.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22

PISCES February 20 - March 20

It may feel like change is in the air - positive change which you would welcome. If you’re ready to move forward with your plans, the cosmos is encouraging you to take that first bold step. Be practical and methodical and create a strategy, and you could do very well. You also have an opportunity to do something special for a loved one.

It may be inevitable that you encounter restrictions, yet many of these may be within your own psyche. A lot of what you see as outer difficulties may actually be caused by inflexible thought patterns operating within. The more adaptable you can be, the easier it will be to keep your options open. Review long-range plans for possible defects.

Your prestige and standing could be heightened through support of a cause or matter of principle. Heed hunches, dreams and insights relating to your career or direction in life. Your intuition may be guiding you to be in the right place at the right time. It also helps to give full rein to your imagination - but you must take action to benefit.

19

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

ADVERTISER

Advertiser Only

helps you find what you’re looking for

€14 (plus VAT)

a week for classifieds (up to 40 words)

Send your classified by fax or email and pay by credit card, cheque or cash. It couldn’t be simpler!

Nicosia - email: classified@cyprus-mail.com Limassol - email: limassol@cyprus-mail.com Paphos - email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES EXPERIENCED GARDENER WANTED 1 day per week for Aphrodite Hills villa. Must be knowledgeable and have own equipment to deal with grass cutting, bush and tree pruning, leaf and trimmings blowing and taking away cuttings etc. References essential 99279205

exercise used by physiotherapists to assist in the rehabilitation and prevention of musculoskeletal injury especially lower back pain, sacro-iliac pain and neck pain. More info on 22446988.

Ayia Napa Monday 97798043 Larnaca Tuesday (Polish spk) 96616589 Thursday 24645523 / 99259264

TAG 87, a very handsome young male wirehaired pointer cross around 1,5 years old.

Friendly, attentive and athletic. At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes! To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact on 99520511 mon-frid 10-2pm.

TIMI, PLOTS, a few selected available, seaview, near the 2 golf courses, Venus rock and airport. 60% Building factor, eu 99,000. Half registration fees till the 31.12.12. Tel. 99 621914

OZZY is an adorable male which came into the shelter almost a year ago! The person who found him wanted to help increase his re-homing chances so he sponsored his neutering...! But Ozzy has since been sitting in the shelter wishing for a new family...!

But he has a great character and is only around 2 years old! At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes! To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact on 99520511 mon-frid 10-2pm. *****************************

SERVICES

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

LARNACA, Alethriko, plots for sale, 525 sqm, 90% building factor, near highway Limassol-Larnaca, 5 min from airport, quiet residential area, eu 109,000. Half registration fees till the 31.12.12. Tel. 99 621914 *****************************

PRIME LAND IS AVAILABLE FOR LONG LEASE IN LIMASSOL. 40, 000 sq.m., zoning Ka7 (80% -45% - 3 stories). Regular amphitheatrical shape overlooking Ladies Mile. Close to New Limassol Hospital with direct access to Limassol – Paphos Highway. Water supply, electricity and telephones are readily available. Suitable for immediate development. Ideal for various health facilities and resorts, holiday centres, commercial and shopping centres, entertainment enterprises etc. Information: Tel. 22 674338, 99621554 *****************************

FOR SALE LAND in Anthoupoli (half plot) 288 sq.metres. for information 99621554. *****************************

Limassol Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday 25368265 / 99559322

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

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

Nicosia Wednesday/Sunday 99013596 Paphos Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday 99916331 / 99399240 Details of meetings are available on www.aa-europe.net

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

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

HEALTH & FITNESS ACUPUNCTURE, cupping, skin honing, massage. For the alleviation of aches, pains, stress and rehabilitation from illness or injury. Qualified Chinese practitioner. Pafos [Konia] 9922 1851.CLINICAL PILATES. Personalised Clinical Pilates by Physiotherapists in Nicosia. Individual assessment and supervision of exercises. “Clinical pilates” is a modified form of therapeutic

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND *****************************

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

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

Meeting at the following locations/days. Call to speak to an AA member.

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

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

MISCELLANEOUS

Is drink costing you more than just money? AA could be the answer.

mon-frid 10-2pm. *****************************

PETS

JOB OPPORTUNITY: My Property Cyprus requires a business development manager that speaks Chinese and English fluently to contact real estate agents and immigration consultants in China.

Send e-mail to: trisokkas@ mypropertycyprus.com or call 96659500

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - CYPRUS

Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385

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

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 MOTOR VEHICLES *****************************

FORD FOCUS GHIA (2006) diesel, 1600cc, 98000km, blue, automatic - tiptronic. dual zone climate control, power steering, electric windows, 6 airbags, central locking, cruise control, computer board, alloy wheels, and many extras. €6900 ono.

Contact: 99022779 - Nicosia *****************************

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

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA

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

FAR INFRARED SAUNAROOM I sell my Sauna room for €1200. Imported new but not used. Costed €1800. Call 99 643397

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

BEAUTIFUL listed house for rent in the village of Agrokipia, 2 bedroom, large living room with fireplace, large

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049 garden. Rent €550 per month negotiable. For info please call 99358863, 97643896.

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

FLATS TO LET - Nicosia: A wide selection of furnished & unfurnished in all areas of Nicosia. NIKARIA ESTATE LTD Theo Loizides 22761616 / 99660050 nikaria@cablenet. com.cy *****************************

2 BDRM flat (almost new, 4 years old) at Lycavitos with good area near University of Cyprus with fully equipment kitchen, a/c in all rooms. For info call 96530532. *****************************

FOR RENT spacious modern 5 Bedr house, next to Metro Supermarket, Strovolos, Nicosia. Furnished, 3 Restrooms, air-conditioning throughout, central heating, extra office room, amble storage spaces, covered garage, verandas with pergola, garden, barbecue area, quiet street in a qul de sac. Call 99606856. *****************************

TO LET 3 bedroom house situated on a dead end street next to a small quiet park near Falcon School. Has an En-suite master room, large study room, central heating, a/c and fire place in the living room. For enquiries tel 99660758 *****************************

LUXURIOUS APARTMENT FOR RENT A luxurious one floor apartment situated in central Nicosia in an area of exceptional Beauty at 3 Museum Street, is available 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 *****************************

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

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

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

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

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

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

20

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA 99900177. *****************************

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

FOR RENT 3 B/R apartment fully furnished close to Central Bank. 3 W.C., fully airconditioned extra storeroom, owned covered parking.

Excellent condition. Information: Tel. 99621554 *****************************

3 BEDROOMS flat on second floor in a block of six flats, in a nice position at Strovolos area, fully a/c, c/h, covered parking place for one car, recently painted. Rent €650pm. (furnished if required). Tel: 97773358. *****************************

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

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

for the other 3 bedrooms and extra shower in the 5th bedroom - Strovolos €2500 (H5ST10001-R), (photos in the website).

2 bathrooms in a quiet neighborhood. Available middle of January. Agios Andreas €1200 - H3AAD0001-R (photos in website).

rooms, 2 covered parking in a quiet area on the borders of Strovolos with Lakatamia Lakatamia- €1600 (photos in 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).

5. 4 BEDR spacious luxury detached house with central heating, full a/c, 3wc, big sitting and dining area, big separate kitchen with electrical appliances and family room, big bedrooms, blinds, bbq area, garden, 2 parking(one covered), in a very quiet area near Apoel training field – ARCHANGELOS - €1200 – H4AR0016-R (photos in website).

9. 3 bedr upstairs and 2 separate bedroom in the basement luxury detached house(all the bedrooms with en suite bathrooms/shower), also separate kitchen and sitting room in the basement which has also separate entrance from the house, central heating, full a/c, solid parquet floor all the house, big sitting and dining room with fire place, big fully equipped kitchen with breakfast area and family room, big overfloor, swimming pool with covered patio area with fully equipped bar(bbq, fridge, freezer, cooker), mature garden around the house, 2 parking places, alarm system near the Cyprus Conference Centre- PLATY AGLANTZIAS €3500 (H5PAG0002-R), (photos in the website).

3. 2 bedr fully renovated semi detached house 120 sq. m, a/c for hot and cold, small yard, FULLY FURNSIHED or not, double glazed windows with aluminum shutters, in a quiet area off Nikis behind Burger King - ACROPOLIS €600 (H2ACS0001-R), (photos in the website).

4. 3 bedr luxury semi-detached house with character, 200sq.m, central heating, full ac, sitting and dining room with fire place, big kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher and refrigerator, nice mature garden with flowers, trees and small garden with grass, covered parking, 3wc,

HORSES FOR FREE

6. 3 bedr+big attic room with shower and wc luxury new house, 210sq.m, central heating, full a/c, 4wc, blinds on all windows, cooker and oven in the kitchen, small garden, covered parking near Alpha Mega supermarket - STROVOLOS €1100 (H4ST10007-R), (photos in the website).

7. 3 bedr detached ground floor house with separate maid’s room, with very big garden with grass(200sq.m) and covered patio with bbq and bar, central heating, full a/c, 180sq.m, FULLY FURNISHED or NOT, 2 covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighborhood opposite Acropolis park - Acropolis - €1000 - H3ACS0004-R (photos in website).

For more information please call 99986921

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 bath-

SELEC Fencing & Decking Specialist

English-Painter & Decorator

For all your Garden and Security Fencing

Fully Qualified 30 years’ Experience

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

♦ 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

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

10. 4 bedr semi detached house with central heating, 4 a/c, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, 180sq.m, electrical appliances, small yard, bbq area, off Kostantinoupoleos street near French ambassador residence.- STROVOLOS €700 (H4ST10043-R), (photos in the website).

11. 4 bedr luxury semi detached house with good size garden with grass, big covered patio with bbq area, central heating, a/c units, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, 2

covered parking, FULLY FURNISHED AND EQUIPPED, in a quiet area in a dead end close to all amenities and schools. - ANTHOUPOLIS €1300 (H4ANT0002-R), (photos in the website).

12. 4 bedr luxury detached house, 350sq.m,central heating, full ac, big garden with fruit trees, grass and swimming pool 6 X 12,2 covered parking, electrical appliances in the kitchen, 4 years old in a very quiet area 25 min from the centre – DEYTERA €2000 – H4DEF0001-R (photos in website).

13. 3 bedr ground floor house with big separate 80sq,m room with shower and wc for multi use, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, 2 shower,1 bathroom, fully furnished, small garden, bbq area, parking, on a small building in a very quiet area near Agios Vasilios church. Strovolos - €900 - H4ST10028-R (photos in website).

14. 3 bedr detached house with extra room for office, 250sq.m, central heating independent, 4a/c, big renovated kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting and dining room with parquet floor and fire place, 1bathroom, 2 shower, 3wc, 2 covered parking, double glazed windows and shutters in bedrooms, big verandas surrounded by trees and bushes off 28th Oc-

TO LET NICOSIA tober 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 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

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21

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA 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- €600 – A3ENG0026-R (photos in website).

4. A1DAS0010-R, 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with big sitting and dining room, big bathroom, big bedroom with shutters, covered veranda, storage heaters, 2a/c, cooker and oven in the kitchen, covered parking in a quiet area in a small modern building near Acropolis Park. Dasoupolis €400 (photos in website).

5. 2 bedr new luxury modern furnished apartment , central heating ind, 2 a/c, big covered veranda and covered parking in a quiet area behind the Municipal building – Agios Dometios - € 660 - A2ADO0004-R (photos in website).

6. 2 bedr luxury spacious apartment on a small modern building with central heating independent(with petrol), full a/c, solid parquet floor, big bedrooms, big sitting room with open plan kitchen, big covered veranda, FULLY MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking off Makarios avenue in a quiet area near the centre – Nicosia Centre- € 800 – A2NIC0030-R (photos in website).

7. 4 bedr luxury floor apartment,250sq.m, office, maid’s room, central heating ind, full hidden wall unit a/c,2 showers, 1 bathroom, 3wc, parquet floor, big kitchen with cooker and oven, bbq on the veranda in the kitchen, big sitting area, roller blinds on all the windows, alarm system, big veranda on a small building off Athalasas avenue near Alpha Mega supermarket and Areteion hospital – Dasoupolis - € 1100 - A4DAS0002-R (photos in website).

8. A1ACS0007- R, 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with 2 a/c for hot and cold, electrical appliances in the kitchen, big bedroom, covered veranda, blinds, covered parking, in a quiet area near Acropolis park. NICELY FURNISHED. Acropolis €450 (photos in website).

9. 3 bedr new luxury finished PENTHOUSE apartment 150sq.m internal areas+120sq. verandas, solid parquet floor all the flat, big bedrooms, big sitting and dining room, big semi separate kitchen with electrical appliances, home cine ma with big screen, LCD tv, covered parking in a quiet neighborhood near CYTA, Laiki + Hellenic bank headquarters and French school. CAN BE RENTED ALSO expensive MODERN furnished – Dasoupolis - € 1200 - A3DAS0019-R (photos in website).

10. 2 bedr luxury apartment with 3 a/c for hot and cold, big covered veranda, covered parking and storage room, NICELY FURNISHED, near Acropoli park behind Tseri-

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA otis showroom – ACROPOLIS - €450 – A2ACS0033-R (photos in website).

11. 3 bedr luxury spacious ground floor apartment with separate entrance, big verandas and garden, big sitting and dining room, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, very big master bedroom, electrical appliances in the kitchen, aluminum 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 €650 (A3ST10030-R), (photos in the website).

12. 2 bedr luxury apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds, big covered veranda, in a small 2 storey building in a quiet area behind Tymvos – MAKEDONITISSA - € 500 – A2MAK0008-R (photos in website).

13. 3 bedr luxury apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, 2 bathrooms, parquet floor, big sitting and dining area, big covered veranda, covered parking, storage room, blinds, shutters in the bedrooms, big kitchen with all expensive electrical appliances, off Makarios avenue near the centre – Nicosia Centre- € 800 – A3NIC0025-R (photos in website).

14. 4 bedr new spacious luxury finished floor apartment with floor heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds on all windows, very big 50sq.m covered veranda, fire place, covered parking and big overfloor heated covered swimming pool on the ground floor, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighbourhood near a playground and near Ippokration private hospital Engomi - €2000 A4ENG0003-R (photos in

website).

15. 2 bedrs new luxury apartment, sitting room open plan with kitchen which includes cooker, oven, refrigerator and washing machine, 2 wc, central heating, full AC, blinds on the windows, very big covered verandas, covered parking and storage room in a dead end off Athalassas avenue near Laiki popular bank and Hellenic bank headquarters. - DASOUPOLI €500 (A2DAS0006-R), (photos in the website).

16. 2 bedr luxury apartment with a/c for hot and cold, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking, off Stavrou Avenue behind Coffee Beanery.

PRICE INCLUDES COMMON EXPENSES – STROVOLOS € 550 – A2ST10051-R (photos in website).

For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates. com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22-422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates. com *****************************

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

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

LARNACA *****************************

2

BEDROOM NICOLADES SEA VIEW CITY BLOCK, a/c’s in all rooms, private parking,

TO LET LARNACA sea view, walking distance to everything, can be used for office or residential. €750, minimum 12 months contract.

99320077 Larnaca *****************************

FOR RENT 2 bed, 2 bath, new built apartment, in a quiet scenic location In Alethriko, Larnaca 5 min. to Larnaka, 5 min. to the beach Fully furnished, A/C, communal pool, under covered parking, Long term rent, €350.00 per month For more info pls call 99639378

TO LET PAPHOS 215/month inc. communal charges. Phone 99-310481.

PAPHOS / PEYIA VILLA, villa for rent in Peyia, 4 bedroom, 4 bathrooms, large sittingdining area, fully airconditioned and heated, unfurnished, panoramic views, large parking, low rent contact: 99490953, 26815534 *****************************

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

FULLY FURNISHED one bedroom flat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel: 99202543 *****************************

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

GREAT VALUE STUDIO FLAT FOR RENT - Large modern studio flat in small residential block, in central Paphos, 5 minutes from town centre, 2 minutes from motorway, and 10 minutes from Kato Paphos. Separate living area/ kitchen, bedroom and shower room. Fully furnished (washing machine etc.) , and air conditioned. Covered veranda, and undercovered designated parking. Only Euro

APHRODITE HILLS - Villa share at this amazing resort?

Now available for discerning people, luxury double rooms, each with own en suite and heating unit and plus of large lounge/dining/ kitchen area, external patios, gardens and swimming pool.

Fully furnished and equipped €800pm plus share of running expenses, min period 6 months or yearly contract renewal. To enquire (or view from January 2013) ring 99178141. A chance not to be missed! *****************************

MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PA-

TO LET PAPHOS PHOS OFFICE: 26271858 (00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT OFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE 1. UNIVERSAL AREA €450 spacious 3 bedroom first floor apartment, master with ensuite. Situated on small complex with no pool. Fully furnished with modern furniture, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher. Balcony leads to a large private roof terrace with shaded barbeque area offering views of the sea, storage & sunbathing deck.

2. SEA CAVES €500 we are delighted to offer this detached 2 bedroom villa situated on a corner plot in a quiet residential area offering sea views. Gated drive for off street parking. Fully enclosed good sized low maintenance garden with private pool offering privacy and shaded areas. Available unfurnished or part furnished. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website reference number: RTL_482 3. KISSONERGA €550 modern detached 3 bedroom villa situated in a quiet residential area. Master bedroom with ensuite, separate kitchen, downstairs guest wc. Enclosed garden offering private pool & off street parking.

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS Available unfurnished though can include kitchen appliances. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website reference number: RTL_501 4. PEYIA €700 price includes pool cleaning. If you are looking for a villa with breathtaking views & privacy than this property is for you. This modern detached 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa is furnished

TO LET PAPHOS with modern furniture, including satellite TV. One bedroom & bathroom on ground floor.

A spacious enclosed garden with private pool offering stunning views. Off street parking. Website reference number: RTL_401 5. CHLORAKA €750 modern detached 4 bedroom 3 bathroom villa with ground floor bedroom & bathroom.

TO LET PAPHOS Beautifully furnished with good quality modern furniture includes sky satellite, fly screens & feature fireplace with modern gas fire. Private pool offering views of the sea.

Off street parking. Situated within walking distance of bus routes & shops. Website reference number: RTL_611 6. KATO PAPHOS €800 large 4 bedroom detached villa

TO LET PAPHOS situated in the sought after residential area of Limnaria. Walking distance to the beach and the many amenities of Kato Paphos. Spacious living accommodation offering an enclosed garden with c/pool. Fully furnished with modern furniture & solar panels. Website reference number: RTL_442 7. ANAVARGOS €895 we are delighted to offer this unique 5 bedroom 3 bathroom rustic country home offering spacious living accommodation with large gardens, private pool & stone built bbq & entertainment area. Fully furnished with log burner for those winter months. A real character home worth viewing. Pets allowed. Website reference number: RTL_635 offers considered.

8. TALA €900 a charming detached 4 bedroom villa with character, situated on a corner plot in a quiet residential area with breathtaking sea views. Spacious living rooms with central heating & real fireplace. Separate kitchen & dining room. Good sized garden offering private pool and stone built barbeque area.

Undercover parking. Available fully furnished. Website reference number: RTL_638 TEL: 97790883 OFFICE: 26271858 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MANY MORE

TO LET PAPHOS PROPERTIES www.mrrentpaphos.net Email: info@ mrrent-paphos.net *****************************

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

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

FLOWRON PROPERTY SERVICES LTD: PROVIDING AN EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS: PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR RENT LONG TERM RENTAL, PROPERTIES WANTED: FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WITH KEY HOLDING AND RENT COLLECTIONS

TO LET PAPHOS OFFERED ANAVARGOS: 1 to 3 Bedroom apartments available near to the general hospital, furnished or unfurnished. All properties, have white goods and are modern. The building has a lift and off street parking. Prices from 300-400 Euros per month. Ref 7777 Price 300-400 ANARITA: 3 bed nicely furnished villa in the centre of Anarita village with private pool, off street parking. Property has a modern kitchen with granite work tops, sitting and dining area, guest wc.

Upstairs 3 bedrooms Master with en suite shower, separate family bathroom. Outside shaded pergolas. Ref 855 Price 600 SECRET VALLEY: 3 bed villa fully furnished 3 bedroom villa with private pool. Nice furniture, master bedroom with on suite shower, family bathroom, 2 bedrooms with twin beds. Dining area, kitchen, guest WC, off street parking, private pool. Modern Villa.

Ref: 1035 Price 700 SERCRET VALLEY: 4 bed beautiful furnished bungalow to the highest of standards, with large bedrooms - en suites, Modern large kitchen fully equipped, sitting and dining area with fire place.

Outside heated pool, off street parking, landscaped

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CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

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

Ref: 783 Price: 750 TALA: A family home offered part furnished in a quiet residential area, property has off street parking, private pool, central heating and AC, modern kitchen, sitting/din-

TO LET PAPHOS

ing area, guest wc, upstairs 3 bedrooms with master en suite, family bathroom, sea views. Ref: 988 Price: 750

tigious 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.

OFFICE: 120 MAKARIOS AVENUE, PAPHOS. OFFICE: 26600450 MOBILE: 97614070 many properties available on WEB: www. flowron.com Email info@ flowron.com *****************************

PEYIA – 3 bedroom villa with modern quality furniture and finishes. Central heating, sky, alarm, infinity pool and stunnning sea and mountain views €700 per month, call: 99389426 *****************************

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

RENTAL POINT - PAPHOS PROPERTIES AVAILABLE TO RENT IN THE PAPHOS DISTRICT. JUST A SMALL SAMPLE OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL. CALL 97648440 FOR MORE INFORMATION. LANDLORDS CALL IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT.!!!

1. MESA CHORIO – 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished ground floor apartment set on an elevated position in this pres-

2 MESOGI 3 bed 3 bath 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

TO LET PAPHOS 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.

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

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 ensuite bathroom. Family bathroom. Enclosed gardens, pool and off street parking.

Realistically priced €550.00 per month. OVNO

For information call: 99496541

FOR FULL LISTINGS OF A PA R T M E N T S / T O W N -

FOR SALE

TO LET PAPHOS HOUSES AND VILLA PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL LANDLORDS/ OWNERS PLEASE CALL. PLEASE CALL 97648440 or email:inforentals@aol. com *****************************

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE NICOSIA *****************************

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

PAPHOS

FOR SALE PAPHOS eu 450 pm. Tel 99 621914 *****************************

KATO PAPHOS UNIVERSAL, large 2 bedroom apartment, ground floor, 1 bathroom, kitchen, large veranda, private parking, A/C, satellite TV. Near bus route, shops, banks, quiet apartment. Full furniture. Communal pool. 92 sq.m covered area. Full TITLE DEEDS. REDUCED €92,000 *****************************

PAPHOS 1 bedroom apartment, fantastic central location, lounge/kitchen, bathroom, veranda, covered parking, communal pool, Furnished. Near all amenities. TITLE DEEDS NOW REDUCED €45,000. *****************************

1 BEDROOM APARTMENT, TOMBS OF KINGS AREA, close to the sea, large private roof terrace with electric and water, covered parking, veranda, furnished, swimming pool. Full TITLE DEEDS, was €95,000 reduced to €65,000. *****************************

Chlorakas, 2 bedroom townhouse.

Exceptional sea views. New kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom. Private parking, On mains sewage system. Communal pool.

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

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

3 BEDROOM APARTMENT. Large living room and separate kitchen. Excellent views to the sea and the harbour.

Double glazing and fly screens throughout. Off peak electric heating. Window shutters to all main rooms and an intruder alarm fitted. Lift and car park. Euro 120.000 ono, Call: 26 947315

FOR SALE special offer, €79, 000 first floor apartment in Protaras, fully furnished with 2 bedrooms and a swimming pool. Walking distance to the beach of Ayia Triada and all amenities. Tel: 97 608941. *****************************

FAMAGUSTA

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

PAPHOS, FLATS FOR SALE OR RENT: kissonerga, 3 bedroom flat with title deeds, in a block of 4 flats only, fully renovated, 2 baths, 146 sqm closed area, ch, ac, covered parking, excellent view of sea and mountains, half registration fees till 31.12.12.Reduced to eu 135,000,or rent

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

AYIA NAPA, studio for sale, 38 sqm, furnished and fully renovated, with title deed, in licensed complex, 500m from nissi beach, eu 49,000, tel. 99 621914 *****************************

U SEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Proudly Presents

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)

Tickets Adults €10 Under 16s €5 Under 10 Free TICKETS BY RESERVATION ONLY CONTACT 99934668 OR EMAIL abfchairman@gmail.com

Book early to make sure you get a seat!

(Limited number available at the Box Office on the night)

Bar opens at 6pm – Enjoy your BYO picnic outside

Game Fund Service: (Wildlife and hunting) Central offices (Nicosia): 22867786, 22-867897 Nicosia: 22-664606, 99-445697 Limassol: 25-343800, 99-445728, Larnaca/Famagusta: 24-805128, 99-634325 Paphos: 26-306211, 99-445679

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

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

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Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser FOR PAPHIAKOS ANIMAL WELFARE SOS HELPLINE, 24 HOUR MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE - CALL 99655581 CONTACT DETAILS FOR PAPHIAKOS. Paphiakos & C.C.P. Animal Welfare Education/Information Centre, No. 12 Dedalos Building, 8049 Kato Paphos PO Box 61272 8132 Kato Paphos Web. www.cyprusanimalwelfare.com www.facebook/paphiakos Email info@cyprusanimalwelfare.com Larnaca Emergency Service - The contact point for animal emergencies in Larnaca is Maria at the Paphiakos Animal Welfare Charity Shop, telephone 24623494 or 99325897 STOP, SHOP AND GIVE TO THE ANIMALS! ALL DONATIONS ARE WELCOME AT OUR CHARITY SHOPS! PAPHIAKOS & C.C.P. ANIMAL WELFARE Registered Charity No 1529 Contact our shops and we can take your clutter The Charity Shops are located at: Shop No.1 Agapinoros Street, Kato Paphos Tel 26910325 Shop No.2 Ap Pavlou Avenue, Kato Paphos Tel 26942894 Shop No.3 Gr. Afxentiou Avensia Court 3 Larnaca 24623494 Shop No.4 9 Ayiou Ioanni Street 3061 Limassol 25561695 Peyia Information Centre & Shop & T Rooms 26622828 Polis Information Centre & Shop & T Rooms 99223572 Book Exchange Shop Trimithousa 99771763 Our shops are always happy to receive your unwanted goods!

NOW YOU CAN HELP BY COLLECTING YOUR ALUMINIUM CANS AND HANDING THEM IN AT ANY PAPHIAKOS CHARITY SHOP OR THE CLINIC. SAVE AN ANIMAL AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT!!

PAPHIAKOS CAR BOOT SALE EVERY SATURDAY at the Ambassador Restaurant and outside in the grounds at Paphiakos. Free parking. Sellers from 7am, buyers from 8am. For information & bookings please call MIKE on 96702600.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR PAPHIAKOS CHARITY NO. 1529 WORLD ANIMAL DAY. On Thursday October 4th Paphiakos will be micro chipping pets for only €20 including all the paperwork. For further information telephone 26953496.

To celebrate World Animal Day on Thursday October 4th Paphiakos will be offering free spaying/neutering for all feral and unwanted animals as they do throughout the year. Contact 26953496 for further details.

PAPHIAKOS SHELTER OPEN DAY The Open Day will be held on Sunday October 7th between 10am and 3pm. It will be a Family Fun Day out with a lot of different activities. There is car parking, toilets and refreshments on site so enjoy and join in the celebration of animals and what they bring to our lives. Entrance is €2 CHARITY HAIR CUT. On Thursday 4th October 09.30-17.30 without an appointment Andri at Atlantic Bay Hotel (2nd Floor) will be charging €5 for a haircut with all proceeds going to Paphiakos. Telephone Suzanne on 99151996 or Andri on 99604783.

PAPHIAKOS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR. Saturday November 24th 9am – 3pm at the Crazy Spoon Restaurant. For further details contact 99151996. Stalls, Santa’s Grotto, Donkey Rides, Pirate Pat and many more.

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

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

25

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

Sport IN BRIEF NZ suffer at hands of S. Africa Nuggets

Philander burst dismisses Kiwis for 45

end Clippers win streak

By Michael Todt AN undefeated century from Alviro Petersen helped South Africa reach 252 for three after skittling New Zealand for 45 on a dramatic opening day of the first Test yesterday.

New Zealand, dogged by the controversy surrounding the sacking of former captain Ross Taylor, capitulated to the South African pace attack, their innings lasting just 19.2 overs as fast bowler Vernon Philander completed figures of five for seven.

Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn cleaned up the tail, the latter picking up his 300th Test scalp and South Africa’s perfect day was complete when all-rounder Jacques Kallis passed the milestone of 13,000 Test runs shortly after tea.

New Zealand’s total was the eighth-lowest in Test history and the lowest Test score since 1974 - only Kane Williamson reaching doublefigures with a score of 13.

South Africa had two overs to face before the lunch break and captain Graeme Smith became the 11th victim of the morning when Doug Bracewell trapped him lbw for one.

South Africa’s Vernon Philander (second left) tormented New Zealand with figures of five for seven But Petersen and Hashim Amla consolidated in the second session and a century-stand put the hosts in control of the game.

Amla fell for 66 shortly before tea but Petersen reached his fifty off Bracewell in the first over after the interval.

Kallis brought the crowd to their feet when he blazed a boundary through backward point to become only the fourth player and first South African to score 13,000 Test runs.

Kallis cruised to his 57th

half-century but the second century partnership of the innings ended when Trent Boult had the all-rounder caught behind for 60 with the total on 212 for three.

The stylish Petersen has been criticised for failing to convert starts into big scores, but he silenced the doubters when he brought up his fifth Test century in the penultimate over with a guided shot behind point for two.

Petersen will resume on day two on 103 with his part-

ner AB de Villiers on 19.

Philander claimed five early wickets as South Africa made New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum pay for choosing to bat first.

Philander struck in the second over when he had Martin Guptill caught behind for one.

That triggered an ignominious procession for the New Zealanders with Philander removing McCullum, Dean Brownlie and Williamson in his next three overs as the visitors lost their top order

for 27 runs inside 10 overs.

Morkel (three for 14) soon got into the act, removing James Franklin caught at first slip for one.

Steyn reached the 300 mark when he returned after a barren first spell to remove Bracewell’s off-stump with a fine out-swinger.

Morkel claimed the wickets of Jeetan Patel and Boult before Steyn picked up the final wicket when Daniel Flynn, who survived 28 deliveries, skied a catch back to the fast bowler.

THE Nuggets brought the Los Angeles Clippers’ franchise record 17-game winning streak to a halt with a 92-78 victory in Denver.

The Clippers (25-7), who went 16-0 in December to join the 1995-96 San Antonio Spurs and 197172 Los Angeles Lakers as the only teams to go a calendar month undefeated, stumbled into the new year absorbing their most lopsided loss of the season.

It was the Clippers’ first defeat since November 26.

The winning run was the longest in the NBA since 2009 when the Boston Celtics strung together 19.

“What we did accomplish is cool but they didn’t care about that tonight,” Clippers guard Chris Paul told reporters. “We’re just upset about the loss, we didn’t care about the streak.”

Danilo Gallinari led Denver with 17 points while Kenneth Faried contributed 14 and 11 rebounds.

Andre Miller chipped in with 12 points and 12 assists as the Nuggets improved their home record to 10-1.

LA’s Blake Griffin scored 12 points and pulled in nine rebounds but Paul (10) and DeAndre Jordan (11) were the only other Los Angeles starters to score in double figures.

Champion Taylor pays tribute to Waddell after 16th title

O’Connell out of Six Nations

PHIL Taylor felt legendary commentator Sid Waddell was looking out for him as he beat Michael van Gerwen in a high-quality Ladbroke World Darts Championship final to clinch his 16th world title.

‘The Power’ battled back from 2-0 and 4-2 down to prevail 7-4 against the hugely talented 23-year-old, who had triumphed in their two previous meetings but came unstuck on Sunday night as his inexperience in world finals told.

The crowd chanted Waddell’s name during the final and afterwards Taylor was presented with the new trophy, which has been named after the popular commentator who died from cancer last summer.

“I’m the proudest man in the world at the moment,” said Taylor, who received a winner’s cheque for £200,000.

“There was a 180 when the crowd were singing Sid Waddell’s name and I looked up and thought he’d put that in for me.

“I’m world champion again and I’m so happy.”

IRELAND lock Paul O’Connell will miss the Six Nations championship after a back operation this week but hopes to return in early April in time for the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia starting in June.

O’Connell who captained the Lions during their last tour in South Africa four years ago, has played only two games for his provincial side Munster this season and last started for Ireland during last year’s Six Nations.

The 33-year-old lock, who has been dogged by injury in recent years, underwent surgery on his back for the second time and said the operation had gone well.

Tommy Bowe has also been ruled out of the Six Nations, which Ireland begin in Wales on February 2, because of a knee injury. However the Ulster wing should also return in April in time for possible inclusion in Lions’ coach Warren Gatland’s squad for Australia.

Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor is the greatest darts player of all time

He added: “Sid was like a father figure to me - he was my biggest fan, Sid was. I loved him to bits. I am absolutely over the moon. I can’t explain how I feel. It’s the biggest night of my life.”

Dutchman van Gerwen threw a nine-dart finish on the way to beating James Wade 6-4 in his semi-final and time and again showed his class in a contest he entered as favourite for victory.

But the 52-year-old Taylor, who secured his passage to the final with a victory over Raymond van Barneveld, showed his class on the big points and won four of six sets that went to a deciding fifth leg, including two in a row to turn a 4-3 deficit into a 5-4 lead.

Taylor used all his experience to make his move at the crucial moment at 2-2 in the ninth, a 132 teeing up a double-top finish for a break, which he duly completed after van Gerwen had choked on a 107 checkout chance.

Van Gerwen looked shaky in the next set as Taylor raced to a 2-0 lead, the English-

man eventually prevailing 3-1 to take a 6-4 lead and move to within one set of his 16th world title.

The nerves of both men told at 1-1 in the next set as they took turns to spurn easy checkouts with three darts, but when Taylor landed a double nine to move into a 2-1 lead the writing was on the wall for van Gerwen, and Taylor duly wrapped things up on a double 16 to clinch his first title since 2010, much to the delight of the raucous London crowd.

Taylor hinted ahead of the match that he was toying with the idea of retirement, but indicated that he is ready to continue and bid for a 17th title next year.

He told Sky Sports 1: “I’m 53 next year and I’m coming back to defend a world title.

It’s ridiculous really.”

Van Gerwen paid tribute to the new 16-time world champion, saying: “Phil played great. It was a tough game for me. Phil was awesome.

“I want to say thanks to the crowd and everyone who helped me along.”

26

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport

Recovering Vilanova visits squad for the first time since operation Barcelona coach attends training

By Carl Markham

By Iain Rogers BARCELONA coach Tito Vilanova has visited the first-team squad at training for the first time since his throat operation last month.

“Vilanova, who is recuperating from the operation he underwent on December 20, came to the training ground and greeted the players who were working out there this morning,” La Liga leaders Barca told their website (www.fcbarcelona.es) yesterday.

The 44-year-old needed a second round of surgery following an operation to remove a tumour from his saliva glands in November 2011. Assistant coach Jordi Roura has stepped in until he is well enough to return to work.

Some of the Barca players played for Catalonia in a friendly against Nigeria last night and the club said goalkeeper Victor Valdes had pulled out of the match because of a foot problem.

Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Martin Montoya, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Cristian Tello, Marc Bartra and Sergi Roberto all joined up with the Catalonia squad.

Vilanova meanwhile was well enough to see out 2012 with a game of padel with his son Adria on Monday.

Adria, who is 15 and plays for Barca’s youth team, posted a photo of himself and his father standing on a court on his Twitter feed.

Sturridge quits the Blues for ‘humongous’ Liverpool

Tito Vilanova’s son Adria posted a photo of himself and his father (left) standing on a court after a game of Padel between the pair on New Year’s Eve on his Twitter feed Padel is a racket sport similar to tennis played in Spain and Latin America.

“This afternoon I said farewell to the year playing a game of padel with a special person,” Adria wrote. “Happy New Year to everyone!”

Vilanova was released from hospital on December 22 and began a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Club president Sandro Rosell said on Friday he should be back midway through January and would alternate work with his treatment.

Vilanova was sidelined for around three weeks in 2011 before returning to his job as assistant to Pep Guardiola and then taking over from his close friend at the end of last season.

Under his stewardship Barca have made a record-

breaking unbeaten start to the league campaign and have a nine-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Their opening match of 2013 is at home to city rivals Espanyol on Sunday.

In other news meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas says he is fighting to prove to coach Jose Mourinho that he deserves his place back in the side after the Portuguese controversially dropped him for last month’s La Liga match at Malaga.

Mourinho’s surprise decision to pick inexperienced reserve keeper Antonio Adan ahead of Casillas prompted speculation about possible rifts in the Real dressing room and they lost the match 3-2 to all but end their chances of defending

their title.

With just under half the season played and ahead of their game at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday, Real are seven points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid and 16 adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona.

“I have to battle, fight and try to get my place back,” Casillas told a news conference as the Real players met up for their first training session of 2013.

“That’s the goal I have and I am hopeful the coach will choose me in the starting lineup on Sunday,” added the Spain international.

“What is really important is that the 11 players the coach picks do their best.

The institution and the club come before Casillas.”

Mourinho’s side have already dropped more points

this season than during the whole of their successful 2011-12 campaign, losing four games and drawing three, while Barca have yet to lose in 17 matches.

Casillas acknowledged that Real’s erratic form meant other teams in La Liga did not see them as such a daunting opponent this term and it was up to the players to win back that respect.

He denied there was any “tension” among the players and coaching staff.

“We can’t throw in the towel. We have to keep going, run more, train more and hope the results come on the pitch,” he said.

“Now, in 2013, we have to try to close the gap in the league while keeping in mind that the situation is difficult but not impossible.”

Ambitious Lucas is aiming to become world’s best with PSG

By Gregory Blachier

Moneybags PSG splashed out 45 million euros for the exciting 20-year-old Brazilian prospect

LUCAS wants one day to be regarded as the best player in the world, the young Brazil midfielder said after linking up with his Paris St Germain team mates for the first time this week.

According to media reports Qatari-backed PSG paid a fee of 45 million euros for the exciting prospect in August, with an agreement that he would arrive in January.

The five-year deal was completed this week after Lucas, who helped his former club Sao Paulo to clinch the Copa Sudamericana last month,

joined the Ligue 1 leaders at their training camp in Qatar.

“I will fight to fulfil this goal to become number one. It’s the dream of all the Brazilian players so it’s mine too,” the 20-year-old told a news conference in Doha.

“I know Brazilian players have made history at this club and I hope I will do the same,” added Lucas who has won 22 caps for his country and has likened his style to that of World Player of the Year Lionel Messi of Argentina.

PSG have a tradition of signing top-quality Brazilians, especially in the 1990s when playmaker Rai and

centre back Ricardo helped them clinch their last French title in 1994.

“I have talked to Rai who told me to focus on my game and learn French quickly,” said Lucas.

PSG sports director Leonardo also spent a year as a player at the club before moving to AC Milan in 1997.

While Lucas is poised to be a regular starter, fellow Brazilian Nene is at odds with coach Carlo Ancelotti and is likely to leave the club.

“I am not going to stay at PSG. I have spoken to Leonardo - it’s over for me,” Nene told the daily newspaper L’Equipe.

LIVERPOOL have completed their first signing of the January transfer window by securing Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge on a long-term deal.

The Reds have been pursuing the 23-year-old for some time, having first expressed their interest in him back in August, and are believed to have paid in the region of £12 million.

“I am humbled and happy to be here,” Sturridge told liverpoolfc.com.

“Brendan Rodgers said he sees me here for a long time - and I also see myself here for a long time.

I’ve not signed here to play for a couple of years and then move on.

“I’ve signed to be here for as long as possible. It’s a humongous club - for me, one of the biggest in the world - and to have the fans and world-class players we have here is amazing.”

Sturridge began his career at Manchester City where, having been top scorer in the 2008 FA Youth Cup triumph, he scored six goals in 32 appearances although the majority of those were as substitute.

He moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2009 where his record improved to 24 goals in 96 games, although he made only 31 Premier League starts in three and a half years.

During that time he also had a five-month spell at Bolton, scoring eight goals in 12 matches.

At the start of this season he expressed his desire to leave, especially as he has ambitions to improve his chances in the England squad having made his full international debut in November 2011 and represented Great Britain at the Olympics.

Rodgers initially tried to bring Sturridge to Anfield on loan in August but the player wanted a permanent move.

In the intervening period Rodgers has been left low on options in attack, with Andy Carroll’s loan to West Ham and Fabio Borini’s broken foot leaving Luis Suarez as his only fit striker.

“I’m hugely excited. I just can’t wait for the games to start rolling on,” added Sturridge.

“I’ve not played for a while - I’ve had a couple of injuries over the last few months - but I’m just happy now to join such a great club, to be part of a revolution and to be part of something new and something special.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to bring a bit of success for the fans.”

CYPRUS MAIL Thursday, January 3, 2013

27

Sport Arsenal frustrate fans and Wenger

By Mark Meadows

The Argentina striker was forced off moments after scoring Man City’s third goal at the Etihad from the penalty spot against Stoke

City face wait over Aguero injury

By Andy Hampson SERGIO Aguero could miss Manchester City’s next few games after suffering a hamstring injury in the champions’ 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Stoke.

The Argentina striker was forced off moments after scoring the third goal at the Etihad Stadium from the penalty spot in the 74th minute on Tuesday.

City do not expect to know the extent of the injury until at least today but first-team coach David Platt has already ruled out the possibility of Aguero facing Watford in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Last season’s top scorer could also be doubtful for the January 13 trip to Arsenal.

Platt said: “It is difficult to assess an injury like that,

Champions keep up pursuit of leaders United how long it is going to be.

“He’ll certainly be out Saturday and in my experience he’d be doubtful for Arsenal.

“But there are different degrees of hamstring injuries that’s why we need 48 hours.

“It is not just, ‘It’s a hamstring and this is how long it will be’ - we have just got to wait.

“There will be a lot of swelling and a bit of bleeding in there. We don’t know how it is going to settle down.

“It’s a blow but unfortunately, when you have got so many games in a short space of time, you are running the risk with everybody.”

On a more positive note, fellow forward Mario Balotelli appears to be recovering

after a virus.

The Italian has missed the last four games with the condition but is now back in training.

Platt said: “The problem was he was ill, came back and trained and had a relapse with the illness so went back down again.

“It looks as though he has got past that now. He has had two or three days’ training and will have another few days before the game at the weekend.

“There is every chance he will be available for selection.”

Platt hailed a job well done against Stoke.

“We’re happy with the result and performance,” he

said.

“I think the goal just before half-time was more than deserved.

“But it doesn’t make the second half any easier you’ve still got to go out and play, but it just settles you down a bit without the clock running against you.

“They have shown all season it is hard to score goals against them.”

With leaders Manchester United winning at Wigan, City remain seven points behind their rivals at the top of the table.

Platt said: “We have just got to continue to win football matches.

“We have been producing chances in games over the

last month to six weeks.

“We lamented a little bit at Sunderland the chances we produced without scoring enough goals. Fortunately we are getting our ratios up.”

The match was City’s last with Yaya Toure before their midfield talisman links up with Ivory Coast for the African Nations Cup along with brother Kolo and striker Abdul Razak.

Yaya Toure’s absence was keenly felt during last season’s tournament but Platt says the team must cope.

He said: “It is irrelevant whether Yaya disappears or not. The challenge is to keep winning football matches.

“We have a squad of players that we will have to choose 11 from.

“Whichever 11 we put on the park we would expect to go and take the points.”

Villas-Boas unsure of Adebayor’s African Cup plans

By Mark Bryans

Emmanuel Adebayor, who was back on the scoresheet for Spurs, is undecided over playing for Togo later this month

TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas was pleased to see Emmanuel Adebayor get his name on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win over Reading on Tuesday, but refused to rule out the possibility of losing the striker to the African Nations Cup. Adebayor scored Spurs’ second goal as they recovered from an early Pavel Pogrebnyak header to secure victory.

Tottenham skipper Michael Dawson levelled for the hosts with Clint Dempsey’s deflected effort sealing the points late on, but it was Adebayor’s goal after 51 minutes that stood out for Villas-Boas.

“It was important for him to score,” he said. “He had a couple of situations recently against Sunderland and Villa, it was important for him to get back into the goals.

“Strikers live off goals, it was important for him to score. You see him trying like Jermain Defoe, Clint, and how decisive he is also.

“They want to get in the box, they breathe off scoring goals and it will give him a boost for sure.”

It was widely believed that Adebayor would stay at White Hart Lane as opposed

to linking up with Togo ahead of the forthcoming African Nations Cup. But Villas-Boas said he was still unsure over whether he would lose the former Manchester City striker in a fortnight’s time and that the decision lies squarely with the player.

“It’s a vulnerable situation, anything can happen,” he said. “I’ve told you the player can still go, I understand it is still a possibility.

“It was always his choice, I’m not going to put pressure on him. We’ve left it to player to decide. If player wants to go, we respect the African Nations Cup.” Reading boss Brian McDermott saw his side put in a valiant effort against an inform Spurs side and reckons Villas-Boas is building a good squad at White Hart Lane.

“I couldn’t fault our players,” he said. “The discipline of the team, you have to come here with a certain way of playing and I thought we were going to get something.

“You’d take a goal any time, it was a great free-kick and Pavel scored on rebound.

“They had plenty of possession, Andre has put a good side together, it has been building for a while, they have a really good chance - they’re going to finish very, very high in this league.”

A NEW year is born but Arsenal still frustrate their fans after summing up the season by beating Europa League combatants Newcastle United 7-3 at the weekend and then needing an own goal to draw 1-1 at lowly Southampton on Tuesday night.

Saturday’s English Premier League classic featured a hat-trick from Theo Walcott and prompted comparisons with Arsenal great Thierry Henry but his return to former club Southampton three days later was far less spectacular and proved he is still a work in progress up front.

Walcott’s cross was deflected in by Guilherme do Prado but the England winger also had a goal rightly ruled out for offside and showed a renewed tendency to shoot too early when there was precious little space.

Many of his team mates had a worse game with the defence and especially full back Bacary Sagna all at sea for Gaston Ramirez’s opener.

Southampton’s record signing almost grabbed a winner when the Uruguayan’s strike was chalked off for a minor push as the 17th-placed hosts went for broke and Arsenal struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances.

LACKED DESIRE “We were not very good offensively, we didn’t create enough. We lacked sharpness and desire to get into the box,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports before being asked why they had been so lacklustre.

“I don’t know. Did we underestimate Southampton? I hope not. The chances we created were not enough.”

The draw, against a team they beat 6-1 at home in September, snapped fifth-placed Arsenal’s four-game league winning streak.

The good run had looked to have banished Arsenal’s memories of a painful early December when they lost 2-0 at home to Swansea City and were knocked out of the Capital One (League) Cup on penalties by fourth tier Bradford City.

Southampton’s third straight draw edged the promoted side out of the relegation zone.

“We gave ourselves an opportunity to get the three points. It just shows how far we have come,” boss Nigel Adkins said.

“All round we had some really good performances yet again, they’re a really good bunch of lads.”

Thursday, January 3, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

28 New Zealand suffer at hands of S. Africa 25

Sport Van Persie in ‘team of champions’ at Manchester United ROBIN van Persie feels he is “surrounded by champions” at Manchester United as he revealed his confidence of winning the Premier League title.

The 29-year-old striker scored two as United hammered Wigan 4-0 at the DW Stadium on Tuesday.

It was van Persie’s 19th goal since joining from Arsenal in the summer.

“We have to look at it game by game but everybody wants to be champions. I feel that I’m surrounded by champions,” he told MUTV following the Wigan victory.

The three points ensured Sir Alex Ferguson’s side maintained their sevenpoint advantage over rivals and defending Premier League champions Manchester City.

Van Persie, who joined United in a £24m deal in August, revealed the hunger within the side to regain the title they lost on goal difference to City.

“This is a special team,” he told MUTV. “Everybody wants to help each other.

Everybody’s keen for everyone to score. Defenders are working their socks off for the midfielders, the midfielders are working for the strikers... everybody wants to run and everybody has one target in their mind.

“They know how to win and that makes it really easy for me.”

United manager Ferguson said he knew van Persie would make a big impact this season.

On Friday, City manager Roberto Mancini admitted his concern that failing to bring van Persie to Etihad Stadium could cost them back-to-back titles.

Van Persie’s first goal against Wigan was particularly eye-catching as the Dutchman beat defender Ivan Ramis before finding the corner with his weaker right foot.

“We knew we were getting a top player who would make a difference to the team,” said Ferguson. “That is why we went for him.

“Robin is a completely rounded footballer. He has great international experience, he’s played for Arsenal for seven years and he came to us at the very peak of his career.

“His ability to make and take goals is fantastic. His play for his first goal was absolutely magnificent, his turn, his balance, no drawback, just side footed it in.

It was a really good goal.”

While van Persie is United’s leading scorer, he also insisted he would not have had such a prolific start to his time at Old Trafford without his team-mates.

“Everybody’s helping each other and everybody wants to share the goals,” van Persie added.

“Look at the last goal against Wigan - Danny wanted to give the ball to me so I could score. Everybody’s like that.

“I’m like that, Chicha (Javier Hernandez) is like that... everybody wants to share the goals and that, in my opinion, is the way to score heaps of goals.”

‘This is a special team.

They know how to win and that makes it really easy for me’

Impressive: the Dutch superstar has scored 19 goals since joining from Arsenal for £24 million in the summer

Recovering Vilanova visits Barca squad 26

CYPRIOT THROUGH TO THE QUARTER-FINALS AFTER BEATING MAYER

Marcos Baghdatis looks to be in good form as he continues his build-up to this month’s Australian Open in Melbourne

Baghdatis cruises through in Brisbane

By Nemanja Bjedov

M

ARCOS Baghdatis dispatched sixthseeded German Florian Mayer 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the Brisbane International to reach the quarter-finals of the event for the third consecutive year yesterday.

The 27-year-old Cypriot fired 15 aces past Mayer and broke his serve twice in each set to advance after an hour and 11 minutes of playing time.

Baghdatis broke Mayer’s serve for the first time in the third game to take a 2-1 lead and then both players held their serve until the eighth game when the German broke back to level the scores at 4-4.

However, Baghdatis responded immediately by breaking Mayer’s serve again and then calmly served the first set out.

In the second set, Mayer struggled with his first serve which allowed the Limassol native to break his opponent twice more and eventually seal the victory.

Baghdatis will now take on third seed Gilles Simon in the last eight. The Frenchman beat Colombian Alejandro Falla 7-6, 7-6 in his second round encounter.

Simon and Baghdatis are tied at 2-2 in their overall head-to-head series, but the Frenchman leads 2-1 in all hard court meetings.

Last year Simon beat Baghdatis in the opening round of the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, while the 36th ranked Cypriot celebrated in the first round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in 2010. The first match between the two was in the final of the Open 13 in Marseille in 2007 which Simon won in straight sets to capture his second career title.

In the first round of the doubles competition meanwhile, Baghdatis and Jarkko Nieminen upset third seeded Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 6-3, 6-3 in 58 minutes and they will now face the second Colombian pair at the event in Alejandro Falla and Santiago Giraldo in the quarterfinals.

In the women’s draw, ever

dissatisfied world No.1 Victoria Azarenka began her build-up to the Australian Open with an imposing 6-3 6-3 victory over big-serving Sabine Lisicki in the second round yesterday.

The defending Australian Open champion made light work of the German to set up a quarter-final clash against qualifier Ksenia Pervak.

“I’m such a picky person that I probably never will be satisfied,” Azarenka told reporters.

“That’s a good thing because I have a lot more matches to play and I can always improve. But it was pretty good. I felt like the things that I’ve been working on are there. I’m getting into the competitive groove and I’m happy where I’m at right now.”

Azarenka faces a challenge to her top ranking from world No.2 Maria Sharapova and No.3 Serena Williams when the Australian Open begins at Melbourne Park on January 14.

Elsewhere yesterday, men’s world No.1 Novak Djokovic suffered a shock loss to Australian Bernard Tomic at the

Hopman Cup team event, two weeks before the defence of his Australian Open title.

Two days after Djokovic sustained a minor injury when a crowd barricade fell into his shin while he was signing autographs, Djokovic was defeated 6-4 6-4.

Tomic had a poor 2012 in which he fell to outside the top 50 in the world rankings but the 20-year-old has vowed to return to the top 10 this year.

He has recorded back-toback victories at the Hopman Cup against Germany’s Tommy Haas and Djokovic.

“I’m thankful to get the opportunity to play against Novak,” Tomic said. “I was very nervous before the match.

I’ve worked hard on my serve and technique in the off-season and I think that’s why I won. And I’ve been working on my head a lot, trying to not get distracted.”