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Saturday, March 16, 2013

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Burning the midnight oil Merkel stresses importance of reaching a deal on Cyprus aid

By Stefanos Evripidou

C MEP and former volunteer Doctor Eleni Theocharous

Food

New service in Nicosia will devise you an eating plan and deliver it to your door

Competition Win an overnight stay for two at the Ambelikos AgroHotel

RUCIAL TALKS between eurozone finance ministers and troika representatives on a Cyprus bailout went on late into the night in Brussels as the Cypriot government led by President Nicos Anastasiades met with Europe’s movers and shakers on the sidelines to shore up support for a deal.

The extraordinary session of the Eurogroup headed

by Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem started after 6pm Cyprus time and continued late into the night.

At the time of writing, the 17 eurozone finance ministers, joined by the IMF’s Christine Lagarde and top officials of the European Commission and European Central Bank had been at it for almost five hours, going through the troika’s latest report on Cyprus containing a range of alternative proposals to make Cyprus’ future debt sustainable.

According to Reuters, the international lenders were aiming to give Cyprus a bailout of close to €10 billion, less than the €17bn initially expected, with taxes imposed on Cypriot bank depositors likely to fill the gap.

The rescue package under discussion is likely to contain a mixture of tax increases, one-off revenue raising measures, plans for privatisations and an overhaul of the banking sector to ensure Cypriot debt is

sustainable and Nicosia can pay back what it borrows. Officials told Reuters that ministers might not reach a final decision during the Eurogroup meeting because of the complexity of the issues including the possible involvement of Russia, which has strong business ties with Cyprus.

“We’re going to take stock of the situation in Cyprus, hear from the institutions ... we will see how far we will get,” said Dijsselbloem on entering the meeting.

The Eurogroup President added: “We are not happy that Cyprus needs financial assistance. Cyprus is not happy either, but it is for the benefit of the country and the eurozone to reach an agreement. We are hoping to find a good solution.”

Earlier in the day, Anastasiades and his delegation met with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Lagarde, and other EU officials and heads of member states.

Following a 45-minute meeting with the IMF (AFP) chief, sources told the President Nicos Anastasiades with German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday state broadcaster that Lagarde appeared to stick to her guns on the issue of Cyprus’ debt sustainability. waiting list and both are making excellent On the way to the Euro- A DONATED human liver has been kept recoveries, the medical team told a news group meeting, Lagarde alive, warm and functioning outside a huconference. told reporters the problem man being on a newly-developed machine “It was astounding to see an initially cold, with Cyprus was that: “We and then successfully transplanted into grey liver flushing with colour once hooked don’t want a band aid, we patients in a medical world first. up to our machine and performing as it want something that will A British team of doctors, engineers and would within the body,” said Constantin last, that is durable and surgeons in announcing the achievement yesterday, said it could be common pracCoussios, a professor of biomedical engisustainable.” neering at Oxford University and one of the The Netherlands and tice in hospitals across the developed world machine’s co-inventors.

Finland have set IMF par- within a few years, up to doubling the “What was even more amazing was to see ticipation in a bailout as a number of livers available for transplant.

So far the procedure has been performed the same liver transplanted into a patient TURN TO PAGE 5 on two patients on Britain’s liver transplant who is now walking around.”

Device keeps liver ‘alive’ outside body in medical first

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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Home PICTURE OF THE DAY

Weather Paralimni

Nicosia 19

9 Troodos

19 19

Larnaca

19

19

Paphos

Limassol

TODAY: A mixture of sunshine, cloud and rain. Temperatures will reach 19C inland and along the coast and 9C over higher ground OUTLOOK: More rain is forecast for Sunday before clearer weather moves in on Monday YESTERDAY:

Max Temp Nicosia 27 Larnaca 25 Limassol 27 Paphos 26 Paralimni 23 Prodromos 20

-

Min 12 14 17 18 15 17

Humidity 36% 47% 43% 45% 54% 28%

SUNRISE: 05:56am

SUNSET: 5:55pm

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

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 Beirut Budapest Bucharest Brussels Cairo Copenhagen Dublin Frankfurt Geneva Istanbul London

15 33 -2 6 3 36 -2 8 0 2 16 9

Light Rain Cloudy Light Snow Cloudy Cloudy Haze Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy

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

9 6 -1 -5 5 -3 11 -3 0 -2 36 1

Cloudy Rain Light Snow Cloudy Cloudy Snow Cloudy Light Snow Light Rain Sunny Cloudy Cloudy

EXCHANGE

€

1.3083

€

0.8675

For a full list of exchange rates, see page 12

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A visitor stands next to a bee made of flowers at the flower show in Hong Kong yesterday. Organisers expect around 500,000 visitors over the annual 10-day event which started in 1968 (AFP)

QUICK CROSSWORD 2339 Across

Down

1 Exciting (4-6) 7 Odd (7) 8 Molasses (5) 10 Wood (6) 12 In instalments (6) 13 Sweetheart (5) 14 Frightful (4) 16 Chinwag (4) 17 Remove listening devices (5) 19 Drumming (6) 20 Aiding digestion (6) 23 Melt (2-3) 24 SW US state (7) 25 Meditating (10)

1 Indian prince (5) 2 Middle Eastern country (6) 3 Root plant (4) 4 Canopy (6) 5 Norfolk city (7) 6 Blocked (10) 9 Parliamentarian (10) 11 13 across (5) 12 Establish (3,2) 15 Tactile (anag.) (7) 17 Prosper (2,4) 18 Zodiacal twins (6) 21 Whip (5) 22 Soft powder (4)

For cryptic crossword and answers to the previous quick crossword see page 21

ON THIS DAY MARCH 16 1953

25 years ago, Friday March 16, 1988

Marshal Josef Tito of Yugoslavia has arrived in Britain, the first Communist head of state to visit the country.

President George Vassiliou returned last night from his official five-day visit to Athens fully satisfied with the outcome of his talks. “I can tell you that I feel proud and moved because I found that the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, the whole government, the political world of Greece, the opposition and all party leaders agree that the Cyprus problem was, is and shall remain the big national issue for Greece,” Vassiliou told the press.

1958 A platoon of American soldiers brutally kill between 200 and 500 unarmed civilians at My Lai, one of a cluster of small villages located near the northern coast of South Vietnam.

1976

Cyprus Mail Established 1945. Number 21,481 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

WHAT THE MAIL SAID

Harold Wilson, Labour leader for 13 years and Prime Minister for almost eight, announces his resignation to a shocked nation.

1978 Former Italian premier Aldo Moro is kidnapped at gunpoint in Rome by a gang believed to be from the Red Brigade.

1988 Thousands of people die in a poison gas attack in the northern Iraqi town of Halabja.

35 years ago, Saturday March 16, 1978 Lebanon and Israel made requests today for a meeting of the UN Security Council to consider the latest developments in the Middle East crisis. The requests were made as more Israeli troops pressed on with their operations in southern Lebanon.

45 years ago, Monday March 16, 1968 Turkish Cypriot leader Dr Faisel Kuchuk has said that provided there was good will and understanding and a genuine desire for an amicable agreement there was no reason why a settlement of the Cyprus problem could not be possible this year. He was replying to a question with the Greek Cypriot Sunday paper Asirmatos.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

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Home Protest to have second factory relocated RESIDENTS of Pera-Chorio Nisou yesterday protested outside one of the two chemical factories in their village, which are said to be a health hazard to locals, while about 100 police officers barricaded off the plant.

Previous protests have succeeded in having one of plants relocated within the next six months. The residents peacefully requested yesterday that the second factory also be moved.

During the protest the community leader urged the residents to “remain united until the second plant is also moved.” A cancer patient stated that within an area of about 500 meters from the plant, 37 people are suffering from the disease.

Environment Commissioner and Green Party boss Ioanna Panayiotou, and MPs Irini Charalambidou and Adamos Adamou were also present at the protests yesterday.

Panayiotou is due to meet Interior Minister Socrates Hasikos on Tuesday, to discuss the relocation of the second plant.

Cyprus may have as much as 40 tcf of natural gas

By Poly Pantelides

A protester chats with a police officer during the demonstration yesterday

(Christos Theodorides)

Consumers now more savvy

By Maria Gregoriou ALTHOUGH consumer rights in Cyprus are not fully protected in practice, some people are learning from the ongoing economic crisis and becoming more savvy.

On World Consumer Rights Day yesterday, George Varnavas, a member of EDEK, asked the new government to support the proposal for a commissioner for consumers to be appointed. During a press conference Varnavas said: “This year’s World Consumer Day is marked by the fact that the Cypriot consumer is currently living in very hard times. Unemployment and rises in petrol prices, leading to an increase in the prices of other essential products, and the reduction of purchasing power due to decreases in income, places

Economic crisis makes people think twice the Cypriot consumer in a very harsh position.”

Varnava said that for the first time since 1974, Cypriot consumers were unable to meet their basic financial obligations such as, paying their electricity and water bills.

The theme for the World Consumer Rights Day 2013 is ‘Consumer Justice Now!’ In Europe the theme was ‘Know Your Rights Now!’ But Loucas Aristodemou, Chairman of the Cyprus Consumers Union and Quality of Life association said it was time to look at more active measures rather than just the offering of information to consumers. “Many people call every day and are afraid to put their complaints

down in writing because this may go to court and cause economic and emotional discomfort. This is due to the society around us and our culture. In the end they receive no justice,” he said.

He also said the crisis had made consumers more aware of how they spend their money. “Many consumers have come to realise their rights and act differently,” he said citing as an example shopping wisely or taking the bus instead of paying for overpriced petrol.

“Shops are closing down, the market is at a standstill, consumers need to be respected now more than ever because they are the ones who spend the money,” he said. He cited a recent

complaint where a woman bought a mobile phone and took it back to the shop the next day because it was not working. “The staff member said that because she got make-up on it, it broke,” Aristodemou said. Phryne Michael, head of the Cyprus Consumers Association said consumers must continue to insist on their rights.

“They should not buy products from supermarkets, for example, that are overpriced.

Only in this way will they (businesses) understand that they are losing customers and money. Consumers should stand up for their rights by taking faulty products back,” Michael said.

She said the powers that be needed to try harder to make

consumers feel more secure in claiming their rights.

Her association runs training seminars every week in all cities, for those interested in knowing their consumer rights, she said. “Consumers can also become a member of the association and receive newsletters by email.

They can ask for advice by ringing us up or contacting us through our website however the consumer feels comfortable,” Michael added. “Consumer rights need to be protected, especially in this time of economic crisis.”

The UN General Assembly put down eight core consumer rights in 1985. These rights are right to safety, right to information, right to choice, right to representation, right to redress, right to education, right to basic needs, and rights to a clean environment.

CYPRUS may have up to 40 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves in some of its blocks within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and could start exporting 2.0 tcf of liquefied natural gas a year by 2020, the head of the Hydrocarbons State Company (KRETYK) Charles Ellinas said yesterday.

In addition to the estimated gross mean of 7 tcf of gas in Cyprus’ block 12, to be confirmed later this year by Noble Energy in a second drilling, a second prospect may hold even more, Ellinas said at the 2nd Energy Forum held yesterday in Nicosia. “All indications” point to a possibly bigger, perhaps double, reserve in five more blocks that are due to be explored early next year by ENI/KOGAS and TOTAL, Ellinas said.

In all, Cyprus may claim some 60 tcf from the estimated 122 tcf of natural gas in the Levantine basin, according to a US geological survey assessment cited by Ellinas.

Ellinas again dismissed the option of building a pipeline to Turkey as a way to export gas to Europe. He has previously said that the focus of objections to the costly liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal was that the estimated 7 tcf in block 12 was not enough to make it viable. “We wasted precious time,” he said yesterday, adding that by 2019 Cyprus may start exporting natural gas via the LNG terminal as long as the infrastructure was in place.

Commerce Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis said that with gas converted into energy and a subsea cable connecting Cyprus and Greece, the island could become an energy hub serving Europe.

KRETYK’s executive director Solon Kassinis said that Israel and Cyprus were due to finalis within three months an initial “unitisation” agreement, sharing expenses and incoming of any hydrocarbons found on their bordering EEZs.

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Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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Home DISY’s leadership spot will go to run-off next month DESPITE rumours to the contrary, there will be a runoff for the leadership of ruling DISY during the party’s electoral assembly on April 27.

The party’s deputy leader, Averof Neophytou was expected to be unchallenged for the role vacated by new President, Nicos Anastasiades, but he will face opposition for the top position from the party’s political office’s Andreas Taliadoros.

Neophytou’s position of deputy-head – should he win the leadership - will be filled by MP Lefteris Christoforou as there were no other candidates for the position.

Fourteen candidates are vying for the three positions of vice-president of the party including MPs Stella Kyriakidou, Andreas Kyprianou, Costas Constantinou and Andreas Michaelides.

“The electoral assembly will take place on April 27 and 50,000 members and supporters of the party who have been registered will have the right to vote,” DISY’s Demetris Stylianou said. “The electoral procedure will take place islandwide with ballot boxes situated all over Cyprus as well as Athens, Thessaloniki and London,” he added.

“There are moments in life when your decisions

Where will Russia fit in bailout jigsaw?

Finance minister heading off to Moscow next week

By Poly Pantelides

Averof Neophytou (left) with Lefteris Christoforou yesterday must coincide with your conscience,” Taliadoros said yesterday after his nomination. He asked for members of the party to allow him to carry out a modest campaign without

obstacles or blows below the belt. Neophytou called for inner-party democracy during the election, while stating the need for a modern DISY. Timis Efthymiou with-

(Christos Theodorides) drew his interest in challenging the party leadership explaining that he did not want to create any conflict with high-ranking members of the party like Neophytou.

Anastasiades to address Economist conference THE ECONOMIST will be holding a conference next Friday examining the ongoing battle to save the eurozone, inviting President Nicos Anastasiades as its keynote speaker.

For the fifth consecutive year, Europe is preoccupied with weak public finances, anemic growth and high unemployment rates.

The Cypriot economy is also in the midst of the economic crisis. The new gov-

ernment is negotiating with the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF the terms of a “package” bailout, raising questions as to whether Cyprus will succeed, or for that matter the eurozone?

Anastasiades will address the conference on the priorities and challenges of the new government.

The event will be held in Nicosia and is being organised in association with

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the University of Nicosia and the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, with the support of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The conference will also host top-flight speakers from Cyprus, Greece, USA, UK, Germany and Switzerland, including Europe Editor of The Economist John Peet, vice-president of the European Parliament Anni Podimata, Cypriot Finance Minister Michalis Sarris, Nobel Laureate economist Christopher Pissarides, Rector and Jean Monnet Chair Holder Michalis Attalides and Head of European G10 Foreign Exchange Strategy of Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Fmr Deputy Division

Chief of the IMF Athanasios Vamvakidis.

Key analysts from the American Enterprise Institute, the Transport Infrastructure Commission of the German State of Hessen and the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund will give their views on important aspects of the Cypriot and European economy.

Other issues on the agenda include a European Banking Union, restoration of stability and competitiveness, developments on the bailout, Cypriot deposits, privatisations, credit risk management for banking and business, and liquidity issues.

For more information on the full agenda, go to www. hazliseconomist.com.

FINANCE Minister Michalis Sarris is expected to discuss two issues with his Russian counterpart in Moscow on Wednesday; that of Russia pushing back repayment of a €2.5 billion loan, and how Russia can contribute to a Cyprus bailout, analysts said yesterday.

“What is certain is that it is completely necessary to push back payment of the Russian loan and perhaps lower the interest rate,” said economist Sofronis Clerides.

Cyprus secured the €2.5 billion loan at a 4.5 per cent interest rate in 2011 to plug its finances after becoming shut out of international markets.

The loan matures in 2016, but Cyprus hopes to extend the deadline to 2020.

Delaying repayment would alleviate concern over Cyprus’ debt sustainability, Clerides said. President Nicos Anastasiades is also due to visit Russia to meet with his counterpart in the coming weeks and while economists said yesterday it was still too soon to speculate on the upshot, they agreed that the aim was to see how Russia might participate in a bailout.

One way is to secure a Russian contribution, and another solution mentioned by officials is the possibility of Russia buying a majority stake in Popular Bank, which along with the Bank of Cyprus needs to be bailed out.

Russia also has a motive to protect its depositors who hold an estimated €25 billion in Cyprus’ banks, a third of the deposits in their entirety, Clerides said.

He added that when Iceland refused to bail out British depositors when its banks collapsed 2008, the UK was forced to bail out its depositors. “Just as Cyprus has an obligation towards its public, so does Russia towards its citizens,” Clerides said.

But he added that the Russian aspect was only one aspect of a larger jigsaw puzzle that also included what is going on in Cyprus on a domestic level with possible privatisations for example, and what is going on with the Cypriot banks’ Greek operations.

Conversations on Cyprus’ financial bailout have tended to come in tow with often knee-jerk assumptions that the sizeable Russian deposits in the country are dirty, sheltered by lax financial regulation.

Claims or data showing that Cyprus complies with international regulations have been quickly brushed aside. A case in point was a recent article in the Financial Times (FT) in which German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said: “We need to find out if the regulations just exist on paper, or are really being implemented”.

Cue a statement about Russian “investment” as the FT put it, and of “round-tripping” dodgy funds, and it is clear that Cyprus needs to do more work to convince it is not a money-laundering haven for scoundrels.

With paymaster Germany having elections later this year and German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government under fire to show it protects taxpayers, getting Russia to contribute to a bailout would be politically expedient, economist Fiona Mullen said.

“It will allow Germany to say, ‘we also got the Russians to pay some of the (money)’, so it’s politically important. So the burden is not (only) on EU taxpayers but also on Russia,” she said. Mullen added that Russia’s help was important because it could help with debt sustainability and “hopefully satisfy European taxpayers that they are not the only ones paying for a bailout”.

But in terms of what Russia’s role will be in Cyprus’ bailout, the jigsaw puzzle pieces have not yet fallen into place.

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Burning the midnight oil Anastasiades met IMF chief Christine Lagarde for 45 minutes earlier in the day (continued from front page) precondition for their approval. The IMF, along with Germany, was initially in favour of a haircut on bank deposits to improve Cyprus’ chances of paying back its debts.

In the preparatory talks ahead of the ministerial meeting, the idea of ‘bailingin’ depositors lost support because it would be legally difficult and carry the risk of weakening confidence in banks across the eurozone, officials said.

Instead, support grew for imposing taxes on those holding money in Cypriot banks. A tax on the total sum of depositors of 5 per cent, for example, or a tax of 20-30 per cent on interest generated by the deposits would not threaten financial stability, officials said.

Cyprus is also likely to raise its nominal corporate tax rate and sell off state assets.

Russia could help finance the programme by extending a €2.5 billion loan already made to Cyprus by five years to 2021 and potentially reducing the interest rate, which is now at 4.5 per cent, officials have said.

Cypriot finance minister Michalis Sarris was scheduled to visit Moscow on Monday to discuss Russia’s potential involvement in sealing a deal but reports last night said the meeting has been pushed back to Wednesday.

The Eurogroup is expected to meet again next week after Sarris’ trip to Moscow which should provide more

clarity on the shape of a rescue package and the extent of Russia’s participation.

Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, underscored the priority that was being given to solving the country’s problems at a news conference after a meeting of EU leaders.

“To leave Cyprus up to its own devices and simply see what happens would not be responsible, in my view,” Merkel said.

Germany’s finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said before yesterday’s meeting that solving Cyprus’ high public deficit and public debt, as well as the large size of its banking sector were preconditions to any bailout.

Asked about Russia’s involvement, he said the cause of the problem would not be found in Russia but in Cyprus.

Cyprus, with gross domestic product of barely 0.2 percent of the bloc’s overall output, applied for financial aid last June, but negotiations were stalled by presidential elections in February, making these the longest bailout negotiations of the five EU countries that have applied for EU help.

Without emergency lending, Cyprus will default and threaten to shatter the return of investor confidence in eurozone public finances fostered by the ECB’s promise to do whatever it takes to shore up the currency bloc.

The Economist, a respected publication in EU capitals, yesterday called on

European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn (L) and Cyprus Finance Minister Michalis Sarris Europe’s policymakers to let rescue funds flow directly into restructured Cypriot banks rather than through the state. “This would kickstart a new, safer European banking model, one which breaks the pernicious link between bust banks and bankrupt governments,” wrote The Economist, adding, “Europe’s leaders claim they want to move towards a banking union. Cyprus should be the first step.”

(Brussels reports from Reuters)

Unions gear up to oppose any selloff of semi-government bodies

By Poly Pantelides SEMI-STATE unions said yesterday they were not going to accept privatisations without a fight, announcing a series of meetings to decide future steps as a whole.

PEO’s Antonis Neophytou said that they would not allow the “selling out” of semi-governmental organisations. “All Cypriots will react and so workers are ready and have decided to respond but unions will have to coordinate and (do so) in collaboration with all unions,” Neophytou said.

He said that despite the government’s claim to the contrary, no one could be sure that jobs were safe and with “unions not given a chance to discuss this issue” they had a responsibility to put the pressure on to prevent privatisations. Starting next week, PEO will have a series of meetings to chart out future actions and “salvage what has been built on over decades in Cyprus”.

SEK’s Andreas Elia made similar statements but fell short of calling an all-out protest or work stoppages, saying those would be “extreme” measures that unions did not take lightly. Elia said that “workers (were) definitely worried” with talks of privatisation “justifiably creating insecurity”.

The Electricity Authority (EAC) said yesterday that the consumer benefited from their status as a semi-governmental organisation, with the EAC board unanimously agreeing

this week they should continue being a public benefit body. The board said it would take all necessary action to prevent the EAC’s privatisation.

The draft memorandum of understanding struck between the previous government and the troika said that if “necessary to restore debt sustainability, the Cyprus authorities will consider a privatisation programme for stateowned and semi-public companies”.

Labour minister Harris Georgiades yesterday said that as far as the draft memorandum agreement went, their hands were tied given the memorandum agreement by the previous government. But he said that President Nicos Anastasiades was trying to see how to handle “this very difficult issue”.

AKEL chief Andros Kyprianou, whose party is now in opposition after five years of government, yesterday repeated accusations that the government did a U-turn and had by now “clearly accepted privatisations” trying to appease workers and the public with “shaky arguments”.

Ruling party DISY’s Lefteris Christoforou said that Kyprianou was insulting people since “it was they who handed over” a bankrupt economy and an unsigned bailout memorandum.

“Nicos Anastasiades ‘government has been trying to salvage in 14 days what can be saved from the wreck left behind by AKEL’s populism and five years of (Demetris) Christofias’ bankrupt government,” Christoforou said.

THIS WEEK IN YOUR

SundayMail World changing Meeting Cypriot MEP and volunteer Doctor Eleni Theocharous

Meals on Wheels New service helps you lose weight by bringing meals to the door

Plastic fantastic Having succeeded in other areas, plastic makes its move into fashion

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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Cyprus first to showcase latest poker game tech Each participant will use a smartphone and cards will appear on their screens

By Bejay Browne CYPRUS will be the first country to showcase new poker technology at the forthcoming nation’s cup to be held in Paphos in April.

For the first time at a major championship, no cards or dealers will be used.

The European Nation’s Cup will be held at the Annabelle hotel in Paphos from April 12-15. Fourteen teams of six players will take part in the 2013 Nations Cup. These include the top six teams, Estonia, Lithuania, Serbia, Poland, Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina from a recent qualifying event held in Vienna. Host nation Cyprus, Spain, UK, Denmark, France, Ireland, the Netherlands and Russia will also take part.

The details of the tournament were disclosed at a press conference held at the Annabelle in Paphos by the International Federation of Poker (IFP) founder member Patrick Nally. He said that the IFP has developed the unique format of ‘match poker’ to demonstrate the level of skill involved in the game which he describes as a “mind sport”.

“We are making history in

Cyprus through the use of technology. The smart phone and iPad are now an integral part of our lives. Many people around the world come into contact with poker through their smartphones.”

Nally said no cards would be used. Instead, each participant will have their own smartphone and their cards will appear on their screen.

“We are embracing the technology which has made poker such a global success,” he said. According to Nally, all of the teams are sent exactly the same hands. “It is a game of skill. This tournament is not just playing conventional poker with the people at your table; it’s the collective score as a team that matters and not as an individual. It’s about the total score achieved for that nation,” he said.

The IFP was established in 2009 and started off with seven founding members, of which Russia is one. Today more than 52 nations are members.

The vice president of the Cyprus Poker Association (CPA) Antonis Theophanides confirmed that everything had been cleared with the relevant Cypriot authorities.

Technical solutions for the event will be provided by

Xpress HD. Chief technical officer Maris Naglis said: “We are very proud to be involved with this event. The IFP is taking poker in a new and interesting direction and we are excited to be part of it.”

The CPA and its members have faced a number of problems with the Cyprus police.

In July last year, police raided two venues in Larnaca and Limassol and arrested 31 CPA members on various charges relating to illegal gambling.

Players insisted they were taking part in initial tryouts for the national team and that they weren’t playing for money which is illegal in Cyprus.

Theophanides said: “This is not gambling involving money; we have spoken to the ministries of finance and interior and there is no issue with this event as there is no financial incentive or reward. Also, the Attorney General has verified that there are no legal issues about this competition taking place. He has notified all of the relevant authorities to inform them of this.”

Nally said one of the reasons that the IFP was formed was to use the legal argument as to why poker was a “mind sport.”

“Our first big success was in Brazil. The Brazilian govern-

For the first time at a major championship, no cards or dealers will be used ment and the sports ministry quite quickly accepted poker as a game of sport and skill. Gradually as we move around the world more and more countries are beginning to recognise that poker has evolved and is a mind sport,” he said.

He also said that as there are no ‘buy ins’ or prize money the IFP was fast becoming accepted and recognised. “One of the reasons we’re coming

to Cyprus with the European Nation’s Cup is to advocate that poker should be allowed and to change some of the oldfashioned views that probably still exist,” he added.

According to Nally, around 800,000 million people around the world play poker, predominantly online, on a daily basis. He said that in China just one site has in excess of 35-40 million people playing ‘Texas Hold‘em every day.

Paphos mayor Savvas Vergas has thrown his support behind the upcoming tournament and said that Paphos was ‘proud and pleased to be able to host such an event.’

The top six nations to qualify at the European Nation’s Cup will win through to the Nation’s Cup in November.

If any businesses are interested in sponsorship contact Antonis Theophanides: 97672392.

Kasoulides: all sides should be involved in the peace process

By Stefanos Evripidou TURKEY AND Greece should also have a seat at the negotiating table when peace talks to solve the island’s ongoing division resume, said Foreign

Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

The new minister was quoted in yesterday’s Milliyet, a Turkish daily, saying that the method of the peace talks employed up to now had to change.

During an interview with the

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Turkish paper in Brussels, Kasoulides said the economy was clearly a priority right now but that the new government would also proceed with the issue of the Cyprus problem.

The government will send clear signals to Turkey in the coming months, he said, expressing hope that these signals would not remain unanswered.

Regarding the resumption of peace talks, Kasoulides was quoted saying that the Greek Cypriots do not have any preconditions. However, past experience shows that something has to change.

In a translated version of the article, Kasoulides said: “It is obvious that the negotiations

so far did not yield results.

Therefore, it is necessary to look at how the new negotiations process will proceed.”

He argued that the talks could be carried out on different levels, with special representatives appointed by the two communities but also by the guarantor countries Turkey and Greece.

This will not pose a problem of recognition of the breakaway regime since the Cyprus Republic will not be represented at the talks but the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, he added.

“I believe that we are hiding behind an illusion that everything depends on the two communities. But, we

all know that this is not true.

Why should we continue to behave as if everything depends on the two communities? And why not gather all the sides involved?”

Asked why he wants the guarantor countries to participate directly in the process, Kasoulides replied: “Not all. The UK has nothing to say on the issue. However, I believe that Turkey’s participation in the process will be beneficial.”

Regarding the content of the talks and the body of work prepared up to now, Kasoulides was quoted by the paper saying that he does not believe negotiations should start from scratch but that a new beginning should be made regarding the procedure and method.

Asked whether he’d like to see the EU take a direct role in the new process, the Cypriot foreign minister said the EU’s contribution could be helpful and beneficial to UN efforts but that the UN will continue to be the main player in the talks.

Milliyet questioned the minister on the ‘yes’ vote of President Nicos Anastasiades during the Annan plan referendum in 2004, asking whether his position still stands.

Kasoulides replied: “Nobody denies his position dur-

Ioannis Kasoulides ing that period. Still, neither Anastasiades, nor any other politician can ignore the people’s decision and bypass it.

But, as I have said, there is goodwill.”

He also called for an improvement in the climate between Cyprus and Turkey: “By leaving behind the known rhetoric, we should be more pragmatic and focus on the result.”

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

7

Home

Dozens await parole hearings

By Peter Stevenson POTENTIAL parole candidates, who have had to wait almost a year to have their cases heard by a parole board, will have their wait prolonged by a few more weeks, according to the ministry of justice.

The ministry is in the process of appointing a new parole board.

The previous board’s tenure expired in June 2012 but the ministry has been unable to fill the positions yet. The board is required to have an ex-judge as its chairman, with the other positions being filled by a psychiatrist or psychologist, a forensic psychologist and a social worker or criminologist.

‘Plenty’ of people interested in serving on parole board but no one has been appointed yet, justice ministry says “We are on a very good road at the moment with plenty of interested and qualified people ready to be part of the team,” an administrative official at the ministry told the Cyprus Mail. “It is important that we find the most suitable candidates for the position thereby creating an effective parole board,” she said.

The final decision on the candidates who will make up the parole board falls to the President, who will appoint a new board for the next three years. “Once a final decision has been made by the minis-

try it will only need a couple of days for the President to assign them their roles as part of the new parole board,” the official said.

The most difficult position the ministry has been tasked to fill is that of chairman of the board who must be a former judge, according to the official.

The former parole board chairman Giorgos Mettouris told the Cyprus Mail that when he left in June, there were about 50 pending applications by convicts who wanted early release. “The reason

I didn’t want to carry on is because I became tired,” said Mettouris when asked to explain why he did not continue his term. Mettouris, a 66-yearold Limassol resident, said he wanted to enjoy a “carefree life” without the worries and anxieties that come with being the chairman of the parole board.

But he said that he had suggested to the justice ministry to consider making law amendments so that they do not have to rely on former judges.

Mettouris said that few

judges retire every year, with Supreme Court judges sometimes working until the age of 68, and so it is understandable they might want to relax in retirement. “Life is short after all,” he said.

Asked whether the roughly €60 per board meeting was too low a remuneration to be enticing to judges who make more on their pension, Mettouris said that to him the fee was “neither an incentive nor a disincentive”.

“It was an honour to be asked to chair the board,” he said. The first, and so far only,

board was set up in 2010 after one lifer challenged the system at the European Court of Human Rights.

Until then, only the Attorney-general or the President of the Republic could release prisoners early.

To qualify for early release, convicts need to have completed half their sentence.

Lifers need to serve at least 12 years, and those serving successive sentences need to complete 25 years.

There are currently 48 pending cases, 15 were not examined before the dissolution of the last board in June 2012, another 15 emerged last year after June, there have been a total of 12 this year and there are currently six lifers waiting for their case to be reviewed.

Two more teens remanded for burglary spree in Larnaca area

By Peter Stevenson

Stolen jewellery, firecrackers and other items confiscated by police

LARNACA District Court remanded two youths, aged 15 and 17, for four days in relation to several cases of robber and theft and a 36-year-old man for seven days for allegedly receiving stolen goods.

“On March 13, a 15-yearold was arrested after an arrest warrant was issued, for the burglary of around €20,000 in jewellery from a house in Larnaca,” Larnaca police spokesman, Christos Andreou said.

“The 15-year-old named two accomplices, another 15-year-old and a 17-yearold, who were also arrested on Thursday,” he added.

The first 15-year-old has already been remanded by the court for six days.

Police said that initially the teen denied involvement in the crimes he was accused of but later admitted to the burglary as well as another seven burglaries.

During the latest arrests, police found a projector that was recently stolen from a primary school, a mobile phone and a laptop stolen from a house in Larnaca.

“After questioning, the two accomplices admitted

to accompanying the 15year-old on a burglary on March 8 and both handed over the amount of €700 which would appear to be commission they received for selling jewellery that was stolen from the house on March 8,” Andreou said.

He revealed that police then obtained testimony against a 36-year-old who appears to have purchased the stolen jewellery from the boys at low prices.

“A warrant was issued for his arrest and to search his house,” Andreou said.

At around 7pm on Thursday, he was located and arrested by the police.

According to Andreou it would appear the 36-yearold purchases gold and after searching his house, officers found and confiscated rings, watches, precious stones and other valuables.

The amount of €2,725 in cash was also found as well as tools used to treat gold, and a safe which the

36-year-old claims he did not possess a key to. Yesterday Andreou said police expect to open the safe soon and inspect the contents.

Police also found and confiscated 800 Turkish firecrackers, six grammes of white powder which they believe is cocaine, and four grammes of a dry herb which they believe is cannabis.

Fourteen pieces of jewellery found in the 36-yearold’s possession were claimed by the owner of the house which was burgled on March 8.

“Police arrested the first 15-year-old after forensic evidence from the scene pointed to him but they had received a tip-off that he was involved in crimes of that nature,” Andreou said.

Andreou added that police had received reports that the 36-year-old suspect was known as a fence for receiving various stolen goods.

Stolen cash found in field Arson attacks on vehicles A ROBBERY in Limassol in the early hours of yesterday ended mysteriously after the €2,700 in stolen loot was later found by police discarded in a field.

According to a police spokesman, they received a report from a 57-year-old restaurant cashier just after midnight that as she was leaving work with the day’s earnings of €2,700 when a man had approached her in her car and took the money.

According to reports, as soon as the 57-year-old sat in the driver’s seat, a masked man, wearing black clothes and a woollen hat, between 1.70m and 1.75m in height opened the door, pulled her out and threw her to the ground.

He then grabbed the purse with the earnings and a bag with leftover food from the restaurant. He made his getaway over a wall, through a field.

A 59-year-old security guard from the restaurant ran to the aid of the woman.

Police said that the purse with the earnings was found later on in a field, by members of the force.

A 48-YEAR-OLD man from Limassol had his car completely destroyed just after midnight on Thursday when it was set on fire, police said.

According to reports, the 48-year-old noticed his car was on fire at 12.30am as it was parked outside his house. The fire was eventually extinguished by members of the fire service after the car, valued at around €15,000, had been destroyed. A police spokesman said that during investigations, a 10 metre trail of flammable liquid residue was found leading to the front of the car.

Also, three cars were set on fire in a car yard belonging to a 37year-old man in Kato Polemidia in Limassol around 2am yesterday, police said. According to a police spokesman, members of the fire service arrived on the scene to extinguish the fire after it had caused around €22,000 worth of damage to three cars.

After investigating, police said they were looking at a case of arson as the cars were covered in a flammable liquid. According to reports, the car yard’s office window was the entry point for the culprits who also covered the office with flammable liquid, although they did not set fire to it.

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Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

8

Europe

Vatican denies ‘dirty war’ claims

The Italian centre-left has a majority in the lower house but without the numbers to control the Senate and form a government

Slams an ‘anti-clerical, leftwing’ bid to discredit Pope THE Vatican has lashed out at what it called a “defamatory” and “anti-clerical left-wing” campaign to discredit Pope Francis over his actions during Argentina’s 1976-1983 military junta.

It said no credible accusation had ever stuck against the new pope.

While the former Jorge Mario Bergoglio, like most other Argentines, failed to openly confront the murderous dictatorship, human rights activists differ on how much responsibility he personally deserves.

The Vatican spokesman the Rev Federico Lombardi noted yesterday that a Jesuit who was kidnapped during the dictatorship in a case that involved Bergoglio had issued a statement earlier in the day saying the two had reconciled.

Lombardi also noted that Argentine courts had never accused Bergoglio of any crime and that on the contrary, there is ample evidence of the role he played protecting people from the military as it kidnapped and killed thousands of people in a “dirty war” to eliminate leftist opponents.

He said the accusations were made long ago “by anticlerical left-wing elements to attack the church and must be decisively rejected”.

The most damning accusation against Bergoglio is that as the military junta took over in 1976, he withdrew his support for two slum priests whose activist colleagues in the liberation theology movement were disappearing. The priests were then kidnapped and tortured at the Navy Mechanics School, which the junta used as a clandestine prison.

Bergoglio said he had told

The new Pope’s actions during Argentina’s 1976-83 military junta formed the basis of the allegations the priests - Orlando Yorio and Francisco Jalics - to give up their slum work for their own safety, and they refused.

Yorio later accused Bergoglio of effectively delivering them to the death squads by declining to publicly endorse their work. Yorio is now dead.

Jalics, who had maintained silence about the events, yesterday issued a statement saying he had spoken to Bergoglio years later, that the two had celebrated Mass together and hugged “solemnly.”

“I am reconciled to the events and consider the matter to be closed,” he said.

Bergoglio in 2010 revealed his side of the story to his official biographer Sergio Rubin: that he had gone to extraordinary, behind-the-scenes lengths to save the men.

The Jesuit leader persuaded the family priest of feared dictator Jorge Videla to call in sick so that he could say Mass instead. Once inside the junta leader’s home, Bergoglio privately appealed for mercy, Rubin wrote.

ITALY’S new parliament met yesterday for the first time since last month’s inconclusive election with no sign of a deal to end the stalemate and yield a government able to address the deep problems in the eurozone’s thirdlargest economy.

The parties have so far failed to find a way out of the impasse created by the election, which left the centre-left with a majority in the lower house but without the numbers to control the Senate and form a government.

Without that, an early return to the polls is the likely alternative, bringing more uncertainty and the threat of a renewed bout of the financial market turmoil that helped topple Silvio Berlusconi’s government in 2011.

Attempts by centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani to reach an accord with Beppe Grillo’s anti-establishment 5-Star Movement have been rebuffed and Bersani has ruled out any deal with ex-premier Berlusconi, whose centre-right

bloc is the second-biggest force in parliament. “We are ready for anything,” Roberta Lombardi, the 5-Star Movement’s parliamentary leader in the lower house, told reporters when asked if she was prepared to go back to the ballot box.

The task of the 630 lower house deputies and 315 senators sitting yesterday was to elect the speakers, who hold two of the highest offices of state and play a central role in managing the parliamentary agenda.

They are elected in a complicated process involving repeated rounds of voting that will amount to the first concrete test of the parties’ ability to work together after the bitter election campaign.

The centre-left’s majority means it can control the result in the lower house, but paradoxically, appointing a speaker from the 5-Star Movement would be a stronger signal that Bersani can organise the numbers to be able to govern.

Ballet chief vows to return after acid attack THE artistic director of Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet said yesterday he was determined to return to his old life after recovering from an acid attack that badly damaged his eyes, and his German doctor said this should be possible.

A masked assailant splashed acid in the face of Sergei Filin (inset) as he returned home from the Bolshoi on January 17. Police have charged a top dancer at the world-renowned theatre, Pavel Dmitrichenko, along with two alleged accomplices.

Wearing dark glasses and a black hat and scarf, Filin appeared at a news conference with his doctor in the west German town of Aachen where he is undergoing treatment to save his eyesight.

“I have plenty of strength and I have the confidence and desire to get back what was wrongly taken from me,” said Filin.

“I will do everything, and the doctors who work with me, they will do everything possible too, so I think together we will get great results,” he said, speaking Russian.

Filin, 42, described the exercises he did with his doctor, Martin Hermel, and

said he felt a “great joy” when he was able to repeat certain movements.

“When I can see everything again, I will have no fear and I would like to work again just as I did before. Without fear, without anxiety,” he added.

Hermel said there had been some improvement in Filin’s left eye, but that the right eye would probably require further surgery and other treatment.

“Overall, we can say that we hope Mr Filin will recover sufficient vision to enable him to go back to his normal life and his professional life,” said Hermel, head doctor at Aachen University’s eye clinic.

Asked about the suspect now in custody in Moscow, Filin said: “This person certainly belongs to that small circle of people whom I had suspected.” Filin has previously said he believed he knew who was behind the attack on him.

Hungary sends tanks to reach snow-trapped drivers Spain to make taking early retirement harder HUNGARY deployed tanks to reach thousands of motorists trapped in heavy snow yesterday as a sudden cold snap and high winds struck parts of the Balkans, Slovakia and Poland, leaving at least two people dead.

Snow stranded people in cars, buses and trains through the night and conspired with strong winds to cut off dozens of towns and villages in Hungary.

“The situation is most critical on the M1 motorway (linking Budapest and Vienna) where hundreds of cars are stranded in the snow, most of them for 18-20 hours now,” said Marton Hajdu, spokesman for the National Directorate for Disaster Management.

A Reuters photographer travelling with a rescue convoy said high winds had caused

snowdrifts on the motorway up to a metre (3 feet) high.

People took to Facebook to appeal for help.

“At the Gyorszentivan exit on the motorway I have friends stranded since yesterday evening,” wrote Ibolya Csukovics. “Can anyone help? They’ve run out of food and drink.”

The government said it had sent in tanks and other military vehicles with caterpillar tracks.

The weekend’s premier league and second tier football fixtures were cancelled, with night-time temperatures expected to hit -5 to -15 degrees Celsius (23 to 5 Fahrenheit).

After a relatively mild winter for much of the region, almost 200,000 people in Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia were left shivering without electricity yesterday.

SPAIN will make it harder for people to take early retirement, in order to increase contributions to the social security system and make it more sustainable, Labour Minister Fatima Banez said at a news conference yesterday.

The new measures will save the social security system €4.5 billion a year when they have taken full effect in 2027, the minister said.

Companies will be penalised for letting go older workers, under the new measures. The government will also raise the minimum amount of contributions a worker must make in order to be eligible for early retirement.

“Today early retirement and partial retirement cost the system more than 9 billion a

year. When these measures go into effect, we will save half of that amount every year,” Banez said.

One out of two Spaniards retire before the current legal age of 65, and the current effective age of retirement is 63, Banez said.

In 2011 the then Socialist government reformed pensions to phase in a higher retirement age of 67, by 2027, and to increase the number of years of contributions required to be eligible for a state pension.

Brussels has recommended that Spain take additional measures to reinforce its social security system, such as introducing more quickly a stability factor that would be applied to make periodic adjustments for demographic factors.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

9

Britain BRITAIN TODAY MP detained following fight SHAMED politician Eric Joyce is being held by police following a latenight brawl at a bar in the House of Commons, sources said.

The independent Member of Parliament for Falkirk was arrested after the incident at the Sports and Social Club bar.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said on Thursday night: “Police were called shortly before 10.30pm this evening to reports of a disturbance at a bar within the House of Commons.

“Officers attended and a man aged in his 50s was arrested in connection with this incident.”

He remains in custody while inquiries continue, the Met said yesterday.

Duke to stand in THE Queen will be represented by her cousin the Duke of Gloucester at Pope Francis’s inaugural mass, Buckingham Palace has said.

The Queen, head of the Church of England, has never attended the event but is usually represented, although this has happened only in recent years.

In 2005 the Duke of Edinburgh represented the Queen at Pope Benedict XVI’s inaugural mass, while the Prince of Wales represented his mother at the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Suffering from symptoms of gastroenteritis, the Queen pulled out of a number of public events this week.

Pound rallies THE battered pound fought back from recent near three-year lows yesterday after Bank of England boss Sir Mervyn King said sterling had fallen far enough and assured a recovery was “in sight”.

Having slumped as low as $1.48 earlier this week, the pound rebounded on Sir Mervyn’s upbeat comments - rising more than 0.5 per cent to $1.52 and holding firm at €1.16.

High-speed rail scheme suffers High Court setback But govt. insists HS2 construction schedule unaffected THE government’s HS2 high-speed rail scheme suffered a setback when the High Court ruled that the consultation process for compensating those affected by the multibillion-pound project “was so unfair as to be unlawful”.

But the government immediately announced that “a rerun property compensation consultation will not affect the HS2 construction timetable in any way”.

The decision on compensation at London’s High Court

by Mr Justice Ouseley was a victory for the High Speed 2 Action Alliance (HS2AA), consisting of more than 70 affiliated action groups and residents’ associations.

The HS2AA case on consultation was one of five separate cases brought to block

The High Court’s decision on compensation was a victory for HS2AA action groups the controversial scheme in its current form. It was the only one to succeed.

The government greeted the overall outcome of the crucial legal battle as a victory and said: “Work on a new high-

mingham. A second phase extends the line to Leeds and Manchester to create what will become known as “the Y network”. The project is designed to cut journey times, ease overcrowding and boost

PM disagrees with Pope Muslim convert admits terror charge BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday Pope Francis had been wrong to say last year that Britain had “usurped” the Falkland Islands from Argentina, saying he respectfully disagreed with the new Pontiff.

Argentine media quoted Jorge Bergoglio saying at a mass last year to mark the 30th anniversary of the war over the islands between Britain and Argentina that the territory had been “usurped”. In 2010 he was quoted as saying it was “ours”.

When asked whether he agreed with the former archbishop of Buenos Aires on the issue, Cameron said yesterday: “I disagree with him, respectfully,” adding that residents of the South Atlantic islands had made it clear in a referendum held earlier this week that they wanted to remain under British rule.

“There was a pretty extraordinarily clear referendum in the Falkland Islands,” Cameron told a news conference in Brussels, where he was attending a European Union summit.

“That is a message to everyone in the world that the people of these islands have chosen very clearly the future they want. That choice should be respected by everyone.”

Argentina, 300 miles (500 km) to the west of the Falklands, has claimed the South Atlantic archipelago for almost 200 years and in 1982 invaded the islands only to be repelled in a 74-day war with Britain.

Diplomatic rows between London and Buenos Aires have escalated in recent months, with Britain resisting calls by Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez to renegotiate the sovereignty of the islands.

MUSLIM convert Richard Dart, from west London, has admitted terrorism charges at the Old Bailey.

Dart, Imran Mahmood and Jahangir Alom pleaded guilty to preparing for terrorism or assisting another in terrorism, between July 2010 and July last year.

Dart, 29, of Broadway, Ealing, west London, Mahmood, 21, from Dabbs Hill Lane, Northolt, west London, and Alom, 26, of Abbey Road, Stratford, east London, were arrested between July 5 and 7 last year.

The charges said they travelled to Pakistan for terror training, travelled abroad to commit acts of terrorism and provided information about travel to Pakistan, terrorism training and operational security while there.

They appeared before Mr Justice Simon by prison video-link for a plea and case management hearing. The

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speed railway from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds can continue.”

The first phase of HS2 would see a high-speed line running through Tory heartlands from London to Bir-

regional business.

The government hailed the court’s dismissal of four of the five cases against it as a “landmark victory”.

Rail Minister Simon Burns said: “This is a major landmark victory for HS2 and the future of Britain. The judge has categorically given the green light for the government to press ahead without delay in building a high-speed railway from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. “”HS2 is the most significant infrastructure investment the UK has seen in modern times and a project the country cannot afford to do without. The judgment ensures that nothing now stands in the way of taking our plans to parliament.

“We will now move forward as planned with the crucial business of getting the scheme ready for construction in 2017 and delivering enormous benefits for the country.

We have listened to the judge’s comments about the property compensation consultation and, to save time and public money, we will reconsult on this aspect - but this will not delay HS2.

“We remain fully committed to fairly compensating the public who are impacted by the scheme.”

ENTER OUR COMPETITION (living page 28)

Dart (pictured), Mahmood and Alom pleaded guilty men had been due to face trial next month.

Dart, the son of teachers from Dorset, appeared in a BBC Three documentary made by his stepbrother after Dart converted to Islam.

In the film, My Brother The Islamist, Dart was said to have been turned into an extremist in months after joining the Muslims Against Crusades group.

Dart, who was said to have changed his name of Salahuddin al-Britani, had reportedly worked as a police community support officer and a BBC security guard.

The three bearded men were remanded in custody for reports before being sentenced on a date to be fixed.

The case against them was that they intended to go to Pakistan to a terrorist camp to be trained for acts of terrorism in the UK and abroad.

Mahmood, who had been to Pakistan before, was able to offer advice and assistance.

Police recovered bits of text messages about their intentions.

One referred to WB, thought to refer to Wootton Bassett through which repatriated British soldiers were driven.

Details of the allegations were not given in court yesterday and lawyers will have to discuss their basis of plea before the facts are finalised.

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

10

World

North Korea blames US for cyber attack

A North Korean student surfs the internet at a computer terminal inside a computer lab, at Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang, North Korea on January 8, 2013

NORTH Korea has blamed South Korea and the United States for cyber attacks that temporarily shut down websites at a time of heightened tensions over the North’s nuclear programme.

Experts believe it could take months to determine what happened and one analyst suggested more likely culprits: hackers in China.

Internet access in Pyongyang was intermittent on Wednesday and Thursday and Loxley Pacific Co, the broadband internet provider for North Korea, said it was investigating an online attack that took down Pyongyang servers. A spokesman for the Bangkok-based company said yesterday it was not clear where the attack originated.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency blamed the shutdown on the US and South Korea, accusing the allies of expanding an aggressive stance against Pyongyang into cyberspace with “intensive and persistent virus attacks”.

South Korea denied the allegation and the US military declined to comment.

Loxley Pacific, which has provided broadband internet service in North Korea through a joint venture with the government since 2010, said the internet was back to normal yesterday. Journalists in Pyongyang also were able to access the internet again after two days of disruptions. Most North Koreans do not have access to the internet, which remains restricted to a select group.

The cyber attack accusation comes amid a torrent of North Korean criticism against the US and South Korea for holding routine joint military drills that Pyongyang considers preparations for an invasion.

North Korea is also incensed by United Nations sanctions punishing Pyongyang for testing a nuclear device that it claims to need as a defence against US aggression.

“The US thinks that only it can have

nuclear weapons. But we have nuclear weapons for justice, and for the sovereignty of our country,” Lt Ri Yong Kwon of the North’s Korean People’s Army said yesterday at the heavily militarised border dividing the Korean Peninsula.

Increasingly, many nations see cyberspace as a new front for warfare. China and the US have accused one another of state-backed cyber spying.

South Korean security experts questioned North Korea’s quick blame of Washington and Seoul because it can take months to trace the source of a cyber attack and hackers can easily disguise their locations.

Individual hackers in China, where information about North Korea’s cyberspace and computer software is more widely available than in the US and South Korea, are more likely to blame in this case, said Lim Jong-in, dean of Korea University’s Graduate School of Information Security in Seoul.

UN targets drought to avert food crises

Li Keqiang assumes role as new premier of China

U.N. agencies want to strengthen national drought policies after warnings that climate change would increase their frequency and severity.

Droughts cause more deaths and displacement than floods or earthquakes, making them the world’s most destructive natural hazard, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, one of the groups taking part.

“We must boost national capacity to cope before droughts occur,” Ann Tutwiler, FAO deputy director-general told the five-day talks on drought in Geneva attended by scientists, politicians and development agencies.

“Unless we shift towards such policies, we face the prospect of repeated humanitarian catastrophes and the repeated threat of drought to global food security.”

In 2012, the United States experienced the worst drought since the 1930s “dustbowl”, pushing grain prices to record highs. In the past years, droughts have also affected the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region as well as China, Russia and southeast Europe.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in December extreme weather was the “new normal”, adding that drought had decimated essential crops from the United States to India, from Ukraine to Brazil.

“No one is immune to climate change - rich or poor. It is an existential challenge for the whole human race - our way of life, our plans for the future,” he said at the time.

However, governments have often been slow to act on drought as, unlike other natural disasters, they tend to develop more gradually and often do not generate an instant media buzz.

“As opposed to other natural disasters it’s a slow creeping phenomenon,” said Mannava Sivakumar a director for the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) climate prediction and adaptation division who assisted with the talks.

Faces one of the world’s widest richpoor divides

By Sui-Lee Wee CHINA’S legislature formally chose Li Keqiang as premier yesterday, installing an English-speaking bureaucrat as the man in charge of the economy, the world’s secondlargest, and its aim of reviving growth through consumer-led expansion.

The largely rubber-stamp National People’s Congress, as expected, chose Li, 57, to replace Wen Jiabao.

Nearly 3,000 delegates gathered in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People to vote on Li’s appointment, putting the final stamp of approval on a generational transition of power.

Li drew only three no votes and six abstentions from the carefully selected parliament.

While President Xi Jinping is the country’s top leader, Li heads China’s State Council, or cabinet, and is charged with executing government policy and overseeing the economy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel became the first foreign leader to call Li to offer

Transition of power: newly-elected Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left) shakes hands with former Premier Wen Jiabao in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday (AFP) congratulations, state media said. They also discussed the European debt crisis, state radio reported, without providing details.

As premier, Li is faced with one of the world’s widest gaps between rich and poor, an economy over-reliant on investment spending and a

persistently frothy housing market that has stoked resentment among the middle class.

“I believe that in this class (of new leaders), his intent to reform is quite strong,” said Chen Ziming, an independent political commentator in Beijing. “He has a close rela-

tionship with reform-minded economists. We’ve seen from his speeches after the 18th party congress that the gap between them and him isn’t far.”

More than any other Chinese party leader until now, Li was immersed in the intellectual and political fer-

ment of the decade of reform under Deng Xiaoping, which ended in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests that were crushed by troops.

As a student at Peking University, Li befriended ardent pro-democracy advocates, some of whom later became outright challengers to party control. His friends included activists who went into exile after the June 1989 crackdown.

“He has a better understanding of how Westerners think,” a source familiar with China’s foreign policy told Reuters.

Li, who has a degree in law and a doctorate in economics, will take the reins of an economy whose growth slowed in 2012 to a 13-year low, albeit at a 7.8 per cent rate that is the envy of other major economies.

Analysts have described the Wen years as a lost decade during which economic reforms slowed and statebacked industries tightened their grip on the economy.

Both Xi and Li will need to deliver a blueprint to stabilise the real estate market.

They need to do this quickly to calm a market in which real estate prices have soared 10-fold in major cities during the last decade.

Despite his leanings toward reform, Li has been criticised by activists for helping to cover up the extent of an HIV/ AIDS crisis in central Henan province while he was posted there from 1998 to 2004, and presiding over a crackdown.

Republican US Senator Portman says he now backs gay marriage OHIO Republican US Senator Rob Portman, who was on the short list last year to be the party’s vice presidential candidate, said he reversed his opposition to same-sex marriage after learning in 2011 that his son is gay.

Portman announced he now supports gay marriage in an opinion piece yesterday in an Ohio newspaper.

“I have come to believe that if two people are prepared to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for each other in good times and in

bad, the government shouldn’t deny them the opportunity to get married,” Portman wrote in an op-ed piece in the Columbus Dispatch, titled “The Freedom to Marry”.

“That isn’t how I’ve always felt. As a Congressman, and more recently as a Senator, I opposed marriage for same-sex couples. Then something happened that led me to think through my position in a much deeper way.”

Portman said his 21-year-old son, Will, told the senator and his wife

that he was gay in February 2011.

Portman’s announcement comes about a week before the US Supreme Court is to hear oral arguments in two cases related to gay marriage.

One challenges the 1996 federal Defence of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

In a related case, the court will also hear arguments that question a California law, known as Proposition 8, banning gay marriage. The cases will be argued on March 26 and March 27.

Change of heart: Ohio Republican Rob Portman

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

11

World

EU rejects push to supply Syria rebels with arms France, UK efforts to lift arms embargo fail

By Peter Griffiths and Justyna Pawlak

France’s Hollande said he had received guarantees from the Syrian opposition that any arms delivered to them would end up in the right hands

EUROPEAN Union governments yesterday rejected Franco-British efforts to lift an EU arms embargo to allow weapons supplies to Syrian rebels, saying this could spark an arms race and worsen regional instability.

France and Britain found little support for their proposal at an EU summit in Brussels, diplomats said, but EU foreign ministers will consider the issue again next week.

French President Francois Hollande, backed by British Prime Minister David Cameron, pressed for the embargo to be lifted, saying Europe could not allow the Syrian people to be massacred.

Western nations have mostly stood on the sidelines as 70,000 Syrians have been killed, according to a UN estimate, during a two-year-old revolt against Syrian President Bashar alAssad.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a leading opponent of lifting the arms embargo, said there was a danger that Assad’s allies Russia and

Iran could step up arms supplies to his government if the 27-nation EU lifted its restrictions.

Just because Britain and France now wanted to drop the ban, that didn’t mean 25 other states must follow suit, she told a news conference in Brussels. “That will not be the case.”

ARMS RACE ‘SIGNAL’ “Others have, with, in my view, very good reasons ... pointed to the fact that Iran and also Russia are only waiting for a signal to export arms (and) that one must also be aware of the fragile situation in Lebanon and what that means for the arming of Hezbollah,” she said.

German officials cite what happened in North Africa where guns smuggled out of Libya helped arm Islamists in Mali.

European Council President Herman van Rompuy said leaders had asked their foreign ministers to look at the arms embargo “as a matter of priority” at a March 22-23 meeting in Dublin.

Hollande said he had received guarantees from the Syrian opposition that any arms delivered to them

would end up in the right hands.

“I will do everything so that at the end of May at the very latest ... a common solution is adopted by the Union,” he said.

Syrian insurgents are a disparate array of mostly locally organised units, only some of which are loyal to the Free Syrian Army, which is loosely linked to the internationally recognised political opposition, the Cairo-based Syrian National Coalition.

Others are hardline Sunni Islamist factions, such as the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front, which Washington calls a terrorist group, but which has won prestige for its battlefield exploits.

French officials say that, at least for now, Paris is keener to use the scrapping of the embargo as a bargaining chip to put political pressure on Assad than to actually supply arms. Britain too has not said it would arm the rebels.

France and Britain reopened the Syrian issue only days after EU states had hammered out a hardfought compromise to relax the embargo to allow nonlethal aid to the opposition such as armoured vehicles and technical assistance.

Damascus in anniversary clampdown SYRIAN authorities have beefed up security measures in Damascus as rebels fighting to topple President Bashar Assad urged supporters to mark the second anniversary of the country’s uprising by stepping up attacks against the regime.

The revolt against Assad’s authoritarian rule began in March 2011 with protests in the southern city of Daraa, after troops arrested teenagers who scrawled anti-regime graffiti on a wall. It has since morphed into a civil war with an estimated 70,000 people killed, according to the UN. Yesterday, some rebels called for stepped-up attacks to mark the anniversary. The banned Islamist Muslim Brotherhood group urged supporters for a “week of action” on the occasion but didn’t specify what it would do.

A Damascus-based activist who identified himself as Abu Qais said troops increased patrols and security searches in the country’s capital.

In neighbouring Lebanon, gunmen set fire to three fuel tankers with Syrian licence plates

to prevent them from crossing into Syria, the state-run National News Agency said.

The Lebanese agency said the incident occurred in the northern city of Tripoli, and that the tankers were carrying fuel when they were stopped by the protesters and later set on fire. No casualties were reported.

Protesters have in the past closed roads to keep tankers from crossing into Syria, where there are severe petrol and diesel shortages.

They claim diesel exported to Syria is being used by regime tanks.

Many among Lebanon’s Sunni Muslims have backed Syria’s mainly Sunni rebel forces, in which radical Islamists have become increasingly active. Lebanese Shiite Muslims, including the militant Hezbollah group, have leaned toward Assad, whose tiny Alawite sect is an offshoot of Shiite Islam.

Separately, the Syrian Foreign Ministry complained in a letter sent to the Lebanese government that armed groups have tried to infiltrate Syria from Lebanon repeatedly in the past 36 hours, triggering clashes with border guards.

Women light candles ahead of a candlelit vigil in central London on Thursday as part of global action on the second anniversary of the start of the Syria conflict (AFP)

Ex-TV anchor Yair Lapid named Israeli finance minister A FORMER TV anchor whose upstart political party was the biggest surprise in Israel’s January election was named finance minister yesterday as a coalition deal was signed, his spokesman said.

Yair Lapid’s centrist Yesh Atid party, which champions bread-and-butter issues of the Israeli middle-class, won 19 of parliament’s 120 seats, second after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud-Beiteinu alliance’s 31 seats.

After nearly six weeks of negotiations,

Yesh Atid agreed on Thursday to join a Netanyahu-led government. The deal, and a separate coalition pact with the far-right Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) party, were signed yesterday.

Lapid, who will replace Yuval Steinitz once a new government is sworn in, ran largely on a platform of easing financial pressures on the middle class through the need to share the burden - a rejection of privileges for ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The new minister faces a major fiscal challenge in trying to reduce a budg-

et deficit that reached 4.2 per cent of gross domestic product in 2012, double an initial target of 2 per cent.

To meet a deficit target of 3 per cent of GDP in 2013, the government will need to cut 14 billion shekels ($3.8 billion) in state spending and raise taxes by about 6 billion shekels, the central bank has said.

Zach Herzog, head of international sales at brokerage Psagot Securities, said Lapid will have to prove to markets that he can manage fiscal policy.

“From what little can be gleaned

about his economic views he will be fairly in line with centrist-right economic policy,” Herzog said. “He will make cuts in social services, child benefits.”

Despite a minimal knowledge of economics, Lapid will get the benefit of the doubt from investors.

“According to his agenda, he is on track to satisfy the markets,” said Eyal Klein, chief strategist at the IBI Investment House and former manager of external debt at the Finance Ministry.

WORLD TODAY PKK supports Ocalan talks KURDISH rebel fighters plan to back jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan’s peace efforts with the Turkish state and have written to him of their misgivings, a top commander said yesterday.

Rebel commander Murat Karayilan sought to play down the effects of a transcript leaked to the media last month in which Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) chief Ocalan suggested PKK military commanders were less than enthusiastic about his peace talks with Turkish officials.

“In all the meetings we have convened, we decided very clearly that the strategic perspective put forward by our leader is correct and that we will adhere to this,” Karayilan said in a statement published on Firat news agency, which has PKK ties.

“However, there are several concerns and problems that need to be overcome,” he said, without elaborating.

Ocalan is expected to call a ceasefire in time for the Kurdish new year on March 21 from his imprisonment on an island near Istanbul, where he is having talks to end a conflict in which more than 40,000 people have been killed.

Drones records suit revived IN a rebuke of US government secrecy, a federal appeals court ruled yesterday that the CIA must give a fuller response to a lawsuit seeking the spy agency’s records on drone attacks.

The CIA’s claim that it could neither confirm nor deny whether it has any drone records was inadequate because the government, including President Barack Obama himself, has clearly acknowledged a drone programme, the court said.

The ruling was unanimous from a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

However, the American Civil Liberties Union is likely a long way from getting access to CIA records.

Its lawsuit now heads back to a trial court, where the CIA could invoke other defenses against the records request.

The civil liberties group brought its suit under the 1966 Freedom of Information Act. Obama and his senior advisers call the aerial drone programme essential to US attacks on al Qaeda militants and affiliates in countries such as Yemen. The strikes have at times ignited local anger and frayed diplomatic relations.

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

12

Business Boeing sees 787s airborne ‘in weeks’

Ex-JPMorgan exec denies blame for ‘Whale’ losses

BOEING Co said its 787 Dreamliner jets could be airborne within weeks with a fortified power pack that would eliminate the risk of fire, confident the US aviation authority would approve the redesigned battery soon.

Regulators grounded all 50 of the carbon-composite Dreamliners in use by airlines worldwide in January after a battery caught fire on a Japan Airlines Co Ltd 787 jet at Boston’s Logan airport and a battery melted on an All Nippon Airways Co Ltd flight in Japan.

Boeing, which has Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to test its new battery for certification, said yesterday it will encase the redesigned power pack in a steel box, pack it with added insulation, heat-resistant material and spacers, drill drain holes to remove moisture, and vent any gases from overheating directly to the atmosphere outside the aircraft.

“If we look at the normal process and the way in which we work with the FAA, and we look at the testing that’s ahead of us, it is reasonable to expect we could be back up and going in weeks, not months,” the 787’s chief engineer, Mike Sinnett, said at a briefing in Tokyo.

But the Civil Aviation Bureau (CAB), FAA’s counterpart in Japan, dismissed Sinnett’s prediction, saying it was still too early to say when 787 operations could resume.

Investigations by Japanese and US transport regulators are still ongoing.

The investigators may never uncover the root cause of those failures, Sinnett said.

“Because we did not find the single root cause, we looked at everything that could impact a battery and set a broad set of solutions,” Sinnett said.

Former exec Drew points to her direct reports

By Emily Flitter and Aruna Viswanatha INA Drew, the former JPMorgan Chase & Co executive in charge of the unit that made the disastrous “London Whale” trades that became public last year, told lawmakers yesterday that she does not bear personal responsibility for the $6 billion in losses.

Instead, she blamed others for deceiving her, including her direct reports - Achilles Macris, who supervised the trading book at issue, and Javier Martin-Artajo, who managed it on a day-to-day basis.

Those employees did not appear at the hearing before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and did not participate in the panel’s probe. They are based in London and are not subject to the US Senate’s subpoena power.

“Some members of the London team failed to value positions properly and in good faith, minimised reported and projected losses and hid from me important information regarding the true risks of the book,” said Drew, the bank’s former chief investment officer, in her first public comments on the matter.

She defended her oversight as “reasonable and diligent” and said she believed she didn’t hold personal responsibility for the losses. “Clearly mistakes were made,” she

Ina Drew, (second left), former Chief Investment Officer of JP Morgan Chase Bank, confers with an aide before testifying before the US Senate Homeland Security Investigations Subcommittee in Washington yesterday said.

The comments from Drew, who spoke softly but firmly about her role in the debacle, came early in yesterday’s hearing into the losing derivatives bets that came to be known as the “London Whale” trades.

The Senate panel released on Thursday a report that alleged the bank ignored risks, misled investors, fought with regulators and tried to work around rules as it dealt with mushrooming losses in that portfolio.

The report blamed Drew and other senior managers for doing little to rein in the

Rates

Buying Selling Pound St

0.8675 0.8589

US Dollar

1.3083 1.2953

Australian $

1.2708 1.2394

Canadian Dol.

1.3477 1.3145

Swiss Fr

1.2405 1.2257

Denmark Kr

7.5509 7.3645 125.9110 124.4090

Norwegian Kr

7.6251 7.4369

Polish Zloty

4.2105

4.1065

Romanian Leu 4.4829 4.3071 Russian Ruble 40.4494 39.4506 Swedish Kr

lems with the trading strategy, and later said it lost $6.2 billion from the trades.

Dimon, who has testified publicly twice before about the Whale trades, was not invited to appear yesterday.

Instead, the panel pressed Drew and other former managers.

Senator Carl Levin, the Democrat from Michigan who heads the subcommittee, asked Peter Weiland, the former head of market risk in Drew’s office, about why he dismissed a key risk measure that warned of potentially blooming losses in the synthetic credit portfolio.

The metric predicted that the portfolio could produce a yearly loss of $6.3 billion, which Weiland rejected as “garbage” in February 2012.

He said yesterday that, in hindsight, the measure did not appear so far off.

“The whale trades demonstrate how credit derivatives, when purchased in massive quantities with complex components, can become a runaway train barreling through every risk limit,” Levin said.

Other JPMorgan executives described the losses as a terrible mistake, and said the bank had largely fixed the problems that led to them.

Japan seeks to join trade talks

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.

Japan Yen

risky trading as danger signs emerged in early 2012.

On Friday, Senator John McCain from Arizona, the top Republican on the panel, questioned why Drew and others were transferring blame. “It seemed that the traders seemed to have more responsibility and authority than the higher-up executives,” McCain said.

JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon initially dismissed rumours of a troubled trading position as a “tempest in a teapot” during an April 2012 conference call.

Less than a month later, the bank disclosed serious prob-

8.4661 8.2571

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks during a news conference at his official residence in Tokyo yesterday

PRIME Minister Shinzo Abe announced yesterday Tokyo will seek to join talks on a USled Pacific free trade pact which proponents say will help tap vibrant regional growth, open Japan to tougher competition and create momentum for reforms needed to revive the long-stagnant economy.

The decision to join talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) launches the “third arrow” in Abe’s policy triad following the fiscal pump priming and hyper-easy monetary measures he has pushed since returning to office in December after his Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) big election win.

“Emerging countries in Asia are shifting to an open economy one after another. If Japan alone remains an inward-looking economy, there would be no chance for growth,” Abe told a news conference.

“This is our last chance. If we miss this opportunity, Japan will be left behind.”

The government estimates that joining the TPP will boost Japan’s gross domestic product by 3.2 trillion yen ($33.3 billion), or 0.66 percentage points, offsetting the negative impact on agriculture by boosting exports in other sectors and domestic private consumption.

“Abenomics” has been playing to rave reviews in the Tokyo stock market and with voters, around 70 per cent of whom support the prime minister.

Business executives and economists say the

real test, though, will be whether Abe buckles down to more controversial reforms such as deregulation, which can hurt vested interests.

“TPP could be a trigger for Japan to implement deregulation in various sectors by using external pressure,” said Hideo Kumamo, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

“It is being seen as a way to stimulate the economy by making the nation more competitive.”

The United States and 10 other countries are pushing for a deal by the end of the year and possibly as soon as an Asia-Pacific leaders summit in Bali in October.

Much of the attention has focused on political hot-button issues such as scrapping tariffs on farm products and textiles.

But negotiators are also grappling with thorny matters such as rules on disputes between companies and governments, state-owned enterprises, copyright protection, access to financial and other service sectors, cross-border transfer of electronic data and protection for workers from trade-related fallout.

Hurdles remain to Japan’s entry to the talks.

Tokyo must first hold bilateral meetings with existing members and be supported by a consensus to “keep up the good momentum” as the countries prepare for the next talks in Peru, said Singapore negotiator Ng Bee Kim after the 16th round of the three-year-old talks ended on Wednesday.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

13

Opinion

LETTERS to the Editor Why should the licensed porters be rewarded for driving business away from ports?

REPORTS that shipping agents have offered to take over the operation of the Limassol port from the Licensed Porters Association would be a positive development, if they did not have to pay such an extortionate price.

The agents have apparently offered the Association €32 million for the monopoly it has enjoyed for years, with the state’s complicity and at the expense of the economy.

But anything would be an improvement on the current regime which has been abusing its monopolistic power for decades, imposing absurdly high charges for the services it was providing – unloading cargo from ships, transporting it to warehouses and delivering it to consignees – and driving away business.

As regards imports, the charges were passed on to Cyprus’ consumers in the form of higher prices. The licensed porters enjoyed a closed shop which they exploited to the full for their gain and at the expense of the economy, but nobody dared take them on. Their charges and restrictive practices were the main reason Larnaca port was closed down, the shipping companies that were using it as a transit cargo centre moving all their business to a much more competitively priced port with more flexible working hours, in Egypt, in the early nineties.

But instead of seeing this as a warning and dismantling the closed shop, the authorities allowed it to carry on operating at Limassol port as a business entity. It was a monopoly that imposed high prices and its only concern was that port workers enjoyed maximum pay for minimum effort. As industry sources told this paper, the port workers had no interest in increasing volume of traffic, because if it dropped they simply increased loading/unloading fees in order to maintain revenue.

This is exactly what the Licensed Porters Association did in the last few years as Limassol port cargo traffic dropped because of the global crisis. It upped loading/unloading fees, a move that maintained revenue but drove away a number of shipping lines and increased prices of imported goods. This scandalous practice combined with porters refusal to work extended shifts was never questioned by the Ports Authority, another so-called profitable semi-governmental monopoly.

But the biggest scandal of all will be that the Porters Association will receive a pay-off of €32 million to give up its monopoly, a fantastic reward for an association that caused only harm to the economy, driving away businesses and contributing to price inflation. It has been said that the shipping agents would make a better job of running Limassol port as they have a direct interest in increasing traffic volume, the implication being they would charge lower fees in order to attract new business.

But it is unlikely they would be able to lower fees enough to make Limassol port competitive again, given that they would start their operation €32 million in the red.

Want to send a letter?

Send letters to the Cyprus Mail by email, fax or post.

They should include a full postal address (email address is not sufficient), daytime phone number and reference to any relevant article. Names and addresses may be withheld from publication if circumstances warrant. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Correspondence will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Greek flags, Church, periods, hooligans and ‘colonisation’ Confusing title? Yes, I bet it is. That’s how I felt growing up in Cyprus. Whenever I had questions about life, the war or the law in Cyprus I got contradictory answers from my family, friends and acquaintances, leading to more questions and more confusion.

I grew up in the 1980s when the war was still very raw and very much in people’s minds, so growing up I never really knew the history behind it as anything from the 1960s to 1974 was skipped in history at school – I just knew that that period was called ‘the troubles’ and not much else. Any questions or discussion around it gave rise to arguments between my family as they never agreed on anything to do with that time (half supporting the far left (communist) party and half supporting the far right). Still the media, the schools, the government, the Church were very much centred around Hellenism and we celebrated national days, learnt a lot of Greek history and went to church.

Then I came to the UK to study when I was 18 in the 1990s…

Where are you from? People said.

‘Cyprus’ I said. Which part? Well, that was confusing, but I would say I was Greek Cypriot and that clarified things a bit. But nine times out of ten the answer ‘Cyprus’ was followed by that question ‘Which part’? It started bothering me so I started looking into the history of Cyprus – the internet made things easier - going back to the 1950s I discovered a lot of history that I knew nothing about.

I questioned my parents again and they started talking a bit more about it. EOKA - not all of them heroes as such - the killings of the Turkish Cypriots, the mistakes of the Archbishop, the refusal of Greece to take Cyprus on-board and offer Enosis to the Cypriots, things I never knew or learnt about.

Meeting Turkish Cypriots in London also gave me a whole new perspective as to how they grew up, their ties with Turkey -

What’s with all the Greek flags? the exact same thing as our ties with Greece - their history of embargoes. I became friends with them and realised that I actually had more things in common with them than my friends from Greece. After all, we grew up in the same country. They shared my feelings too.

I then started questioning my identity. I’m Cypriot, yet people in the UK both Brits and tourists needed more clarification and still do. Who can blame them? They turn their TV on and see Cypriots waving Greek flags everywhere - especially after the recent elections. They see Greek flags on churches and memorials. What do we as Cypriots want? Do we want to be Greek? Why? Greece is in a bad state.

I know Cypriots fought for union with Greece in the 1950s and it pains me to say this as my dad was part of that fight, but I’m so glad it didn’t happen. What kind of state would Cyprus be in now if we were part of Greece?

Greek Cypriots would never even dream of the quality of life they have now, so why do we insist on being on Greece’s side, helping them and by doing so making us bankrupt.

CyBC’s front internet page

during the football tournament last year (the Euros) stated daily ‘We will be on Greece’s side during the entire football tournament’. ‘English football hooligans’ is part of the latest ‘euro’ song written by Cypriots, moaning to Brussels about the EU colonising Cyprus. I’ve been going to football matches in England - attended around 30 football grounds in the country - for the last 15 years, with no trouble whatsoever. You can get thrown out of football games for swearing, throwing a tissue, and smoking.

In contrast, a few days ago and in true football hooliganism style APOEL fans smashed up a part of Larnaca for about half an hour before police arrived. They call themselves ‘Ultras’, a term used to describe a big portion of Lazio fans who make monkey noises during football games aimed at black players - including their own - and beat up fans from England due to their link with Jews (Tottenham) without provocation. Who’s the football hooligan here?

As for the Church, I think enough has been said by other Cyprus Mail commentators, about the Church’s views on gay people, black people and men-

struation. I won’t even go there as I have gay and black friends and I’m a woman! And also, as far as the latter is concerned, I am not allowed to visit the whole of the inside of any Orthodox church as women are not allowed to step anywhere inside the ‘Holy room’ (Iero); logical answers are welcome as to why that is.

‘Colonisation’… well, that has always been part of Cyprus’ history as unfortunately our geographic location makes us very desirable. It has also however, always been used as an excuse when something goes wrong in Cyprus as it’s always someone else’s fault. I don’t know what the Cypriots were expecting from joining the EU. But somehow now, they feel that the EU has let them down and even tried to ‘colonise’ them? Why would the EU rush to help Cyprus when the Cypriot banks made huge mistakes in buying Greek bonds and the civil sector was growing unnecessarily and receiving millions in benefits, salary and pensions; the third highest salaries in the EU. Cyprus is in need of money right now and if there was any other way other than the bailout, I’m certain someone, somewhere would have come across it.

Growing up I always thought, as many Cypriots do, that the world knew about Cyprus and its problem; having lived abroad however, and travelled in Europe, America and Asia I realised this couldn’t be further from the truth. If we as Cypriots want the world to support and recognise us we have to decide as one country and one nation what we want to be whether it is Greek, Cypriot or Greek Cypriot, under one flag and one national anthem that binds everyone on the island. If not, then let’s split up and go our separate ways and stop this confusion. It’s about time we decided, or someone else will make that decision for us and it will be too late.

Pavlina Kyprianou, Herts, UK

The sun does not rise and set independently either I never saw Clive Turner’s letter as it appeared (Sunday Mail 17 February.), as I was in Virginia to attend a meeting of the Professional Division of The Monroe Institute, famous for the Out-of-Body experience.

The Professional Division largely consists of people with advanced degrees.

Our 60-odd attendees from 9 countries included 11 Ph.Ds (many in Physics), 7 MDs and numerous MAs and MScs. These are serious researchers, not gullible fools.

With respect, I suggest that while Clive’s proclamation that “There is but one life and we should make the most of it” reflects strongly his personal prejudice, it completely fails to address the issues raised in my letter headed “Conventional scientists never stop to ask themselves what they really know” (Cyprus Mail 9 February).

For one, he far too easily dismisses OBEs and NDEs as due to “rogue electrical manifestations in the brain”, an opinion no longer as widely held by neuroscientists as it once was.

Clive asserts that “countless millions” share his belief. Aside from the fact that

numbers are irrelevant (millions once believed the earth to be flat, and even today billions naively assume that the sun independently rises and sets every day), he fails to note that other “countless millions” do accept reincarnation.

He ignores the work of Dr. Ian Stevenson, whose 2600 cases fully-documented in accord with the strictest scientific protocols and very convincing Reincarnation and Biology medical monograph, as well as Jenny Cockell’s remarkable story. I can only say to Clive what I said to Dr. Dickenson: read the literature!

As for Clive’s airy condemnation of ExtraSensory Perception, I suggest that he read “Mind Trek”, or other books by my very close friend, former US Army Chief Warrant Officer Joseph McMoneagle. Joe was Remote Viewer 001 in the US Army’s Stargate Programme, based at Fort Meade, Maryland. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for his “remote viewing” ability to “see” events and gain information from far away in space (and time!). Although the 20-year, $20 million Stargate Programme ended in 1995, following the end of the Cold

War, most of Joe’s “psychic spy” work is still classified.

Since his retirement from active service he has established a successful business as a consultant for large corporations that willingly pay for his ESP services. He is also wellknown to TV viewers in Japan for his “remoteviewing” location of missing persons.

As for Clive’s comments on magic, no one questions that suitably-equipped magicians can simulate many if not most ESP phenomena, but that proves nothing. The fact that people can now fly in airplanes does not mean that there is no such thing as a bird! Moreover, serious ESP researchers ignore those phony “prize” offers by deniers.

On investigation, these always prove to be so hedged about with craftily contrived conditions as to make it virtually impossible ever to win them. The deniers then proudly announce that “the prize has yet to be claimed”!

Metaphysically speaking, Clive’s statement that “There is but one life” is absolutely true - but not quite in the sense in which he means it.

John Knowles, Peyia

14

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Showbiz

‘Psy Style’ as Gangnam rapper readies new song

Bieber lashes out at media’s ‘countless lies’ about him

Eagerly anticipated new song released next month

By Jill Serjeant

By Narae Kim AS South Korean rapper Psy readies what he hopes will be his next hit song, aiming for a repeat of the viral Gangnam Style, retailers are keeping a close eye on what he wears, hoping another blockbuster will send sales surging.

From the tortoiseshell sunglasses to the two-toned Oxfords the chubby singer sported for his YouTube megahit, a wide range of brands - and Seoul’s Gangnam district itself - have reaped rich rewards from the Psy effect.

Psy’s stylist will say only that the 35-year-old will once more be clad in a suit for the new song, whose title also remains a secret. It will be released at an April 13 concert.

“The basic concept for his upcoming song is again a formal suit but with a humourous twist. I plan to add an unexpected twist of fun,” Hong Hye-won told Reuters in an interview.

“I made a point with a bow tie back in the Gangnam look. There is something like that for the new song.”

Psy’s slicked hair and tuxedo jacket, in a broad range of electric colours, paired with a pleated white dress shirt and

Psy performs during the inauguration of South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye at the parliament in Seoul last month a black bow tie, run counter to the carefully manicured and primped young women and men typical of the K-Pop industry.

Much of what Psy wears is from his personal closet, since it is hard for him to find a suit that fits, Hong was quoted in a local newspaper as saying last year.

Both the Vivienne Westwood white shirt and the Thierry Lasry sunglasses he sports in the video, which made You Tube history by being the first to gain more than 1 billion views, are items he bought for himself some

time ago, she was quoted as saying.

Gabor, a German-based shoe maker, has benefitted.

Psy’s footwear was actually Christian Louboutin, but similar enough to one of Gabor’s styles to send Korean sales shooting up 100 per cent in September 2012 from a year before.

“Before Psy, Oxfords were not exactly popular,” said Lee Hyung-joo, Gabor marketing manager. “But now everyone, man or woman, old or young, fashionable or not, wants to try the Oxfords Psy wears.”

Psy’s broad appeal appears

to be the key. The YouTube video has now been viewed more than 1.4 billion times.

Gangnam, the upmarket Seoul suburb that has become a byword for affluence and consumption if not always good taste, has also seen a spillover effect that has kept its streets crowded - and the cash tills of its highend stores ringing.

Tourist numbers have shot up 50 per cent to 320,000 in January this year, according to government data. Chinese tourists stand out although locals also spend more time in the area, especially Garosil-

gil, the trendiest part.

“We think that Psy has brought Gangnam closer to ordinary people, who were often uncomfortable with its luxurious, well-to-do image,” said Jeong You-sook, an official at the Tourism Promotion Division of the Gangnam District office.

Choo agreed that Psy’s appeal was infectious.

“Everyone, including myself, wants to try not just his dance moves but his fashion and his hairdo. Just like everyone was going as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson in their heydays,” he said.

Depeche Mode never Beckham children love sushi imagined longevity DEPECHE Mode have come a long way since their 1980s debut as part of Britain’s New Wave scene, and as they prepare to tour behind their 13th album, no one appears more surprised at the group’s longevity than the band members themselves.

The British synthpop pioneers - singer Dave Gahan, guitaristkeyboardist Martin Gore and keyboardist Andy Fletcher - are marking their fourth decade in the music industry with the release of Delta Machine on March 26.

“We’ve always been pessimists at heart, so we never think further ahead than whatever’s coming next,” Gore, 51, told Reuters at the South by Southwest Music Conference this week.

The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide since its 1981 debut album Speak & Spell, thanks to hits along the way like 1984’s People are People and 1989’s Personal Jesus.

Depeche Mode’s textured sound and moody lyrics made it one of the biggest bands to emerge from the British New Wave in the early 1980s, alongside groups such as The Boomtown Rats.

The title Delta Machine reflects the musicians’ contradictory sounds - they’re influenced by the Delta blues, but they also use technology like computers and synthesizers.

“We feel like our music is a blend of organic and inorganic,” Gore said.

The band’s appearance at the SXSW conference is unusual, as was its performance on The Late Show with David Letterman this week. Depeche Mode has typically gone straight from rehearsal to tour without leaving time to properly promote a new album, Gore said.

David and Victoria Beckham with three of their four kids

VICTORIA Beckham’s children are hooked on expensive sushi.

The fashion designer - who has four children, Brooklyn, 14, Romeo, 10, Cruz, eight, and 19-month-old Harper with her football star husband David - has revealed her family like tucking into raw seafood from upmarket London eatery Nobu.

The former Spice Girls star opened up about her strict diet and told Harper’s BAZAAR magazine that she eats fruit for breakfast with peppermint tea and a double espresso, and enjoys “something quite healthy” like sushi and green juice for lunch with peppermint tea and sparkling water.

She said: “David and I like to go out for dinner, either just the two of us or with the kids.

We’ll go anywhere--Italian, French; the kids love sushi as well. That’s their favourite food. Nobu’s really great.”

The 38-year-old star also shared details of her daily routine.

POP star Justin Bieber struck back at his critics yesterday, denouncing the “countless lies” written about him after a week in which he cancelled a concert, collapsed on stage and had a run-in with paparazzi.

In a lengthy posting on his Instagram profile, the 19-year-old singer said he was not going into rehab, contrary to some media speculation, and felt he had done nothing to deserve the negative press surrounding his European tour.

“Everyone in my team has been telling me, ‘keep the press happy’ but I’m tired of all the countless lies in the press right now. Saying I’m going to rehab and how my family is disappointed in me,” Bieber wrote.

Saying he wanted to let his fans know directly how he felt, Bieber added: “I’m a good person with a big heart. And don’t think I deserve all this negative press I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am and my hard work doesn’t stop here ... All this isn’t easy. I get angry sometimes. I’m human. I’m gonna make mistakes. I’m gonna grow and get better from them.”

CLEAN-CUT The clean-cut Canadian teenager has had a meteoric career since being discovered on YouTube in 2008.

But he hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons last week when he turned up two hours late for a London concert, collapsed on stage in London with shortness of breath on another night, and was caught on camera cursing at a pushy photographer.

He was spotted wearing a bizarre gas mask on a night out in London, and one British tabloid labelled him ‘Pop brat Justin.’

On Monday, he cancelled one of two planned concerts in Portugal this week.

A statement cited “unforeseen circumstances,” but local media in Portugal reported that ticket sales for the gigs had been slow.

Bieber, who has more than 35 million Twitter followers, suggested yesterday that envy of his success might lie at the root of the jibes from the news media.

“I’m 19 with 5 number one albums, 19 and I’ve seen the whole world, 19 and I’ve accomplished more than I could’ve ever dreamed of.

I’m 19 and it must be scary to some people to think that this is just the beginning,” he wrote.

Bieber played a concert, apparently without incident, in Madrid on Thursday before moving on to Barcelona and other European cities later this month.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

15

Tech

Google to end its Reader web feed application Declining usage the reason for decision

By Sayantani Ghosh

Japan’s high-tech maker Hitachi unveils the new mobility robot “Ropits” (Robot for Personal Intelligent Transport System) in Tsukuba in Ibaraki prefecture on Tuesday.

The one-man mobility robot can pick-up and drop off a passenger autonomously, while the vehicle can be controlled by a joystick controller in the cockpit.

(AFP)

GOOGLE Inc said it will shut Google Reader on July 1, citing declining usage for the application that compiles content served by web feeds, as it forges ahead with its strategy to focus on fewer products that have more impact.

Google Reader aggregates feeds in RSS (rich site summary) - a format for creating streams from changing web content - and makes it easy for people to discover websites of interest and keep tabs on them. But the service has become less compelling in recent years with the growing popularity of Twitter.

Google said there were “two simple reasons” for closing the service, which was launched in 2005. “Usage of Google Reader has declined, and as a company we are pouring all of our energy into fewer products,” the company said on its official blog on Wednesday.

Google declined to comment beyond the blog post.

“These moves support our general thesis that management is disciplined in its capital allocation efforts,” Morningstar analyst Rick Summer said, adding that none of these closures will affect his forecast or fair value estimate

Google’s decision to shut down the app was met with widespread anger by users on Google’s stock.

Google has not disclosed the number of Google Reader users, but irate users of the doomed app took to Twitter on Thursday to vent about the closing of the service, making “Google Reader” one of the top trending topics on the microblogging site.

“Shutdown of Google Reader because of a ‘lack of consumer appeal?’ No way. The simple reason: RSS can’t be controlled and monetised easily,” one Twitter user wrote.

“The killing Of Google Reader highlights the risk of relying on a single provider,” another Tweet said.

Dan Lewis, a New York lawyer, started a campaign on petition website Change.org to save Google Reader that garnered about 54,000 supporters in about 16 hours.

Change.org, a for-profit platform funded through nonprofit advertising, is paid by human and animal rights organisations such as Amnesty International and the Humane Society to host their petitions.

It has 20 million users.

Demonstrating the site’s effectiveness, PepsiCo Inc recently removed a controversial chemical from its Gatorade drinks following concerns from consumers and an online petition on Change.org started by a Mississippi teenager.

Some Google Reader users pointed out alternative readers such as Feedly, RSSowl and NewsBlur, and Feedly was quick to capitalise on Google’s announcement by offering tips to Reader users for moving their data to its website.

Google said those interested in alternatives to Reader could export their data, including subscriptions, via the Google Takeout service over the next four months. Google Takeout allows users to take their data out of Google products and collate it in portable and open formats, making it easy to export to other services.

iPad to lose tablet supremacy ‘Twitter-type hashtags for Facebook’ SHIPMENTS of tablets running Google Inc’s Android will overtake the iPad this year for the first time, research house IDC predicted on Tuesday, as Apple Inc cedes more mobile market share to hard-charging rivals around the globe.

A growing variety of smaller and cheaper Android tablets from Google to Amazon. com Inc will catch on this year with more consumers and chip away at Apple’s dominance since the first iPad launched in 2010, International Data Corp said. iPad and iPhone shipments are expected to keep growing at enviable rates, but arch-rival Samsung Electronics and others have hurt Apple with a combination of savvy marketing, greater variety and rapid technology adoption.

A growing perception that the company cofounded by Steve Jobs may be losing its competitive edge has weighed on its shares, which have lost more than a third of their value since hitting a high in September.

In the latest criticism from Wall Street, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek on Tuesday compared Apple to Blackberry saying the iPhone is now on the defensive against Samsung’s devices.

“Historically when handset makers fall out of favour (eg, the Razr, Blackberry, HTC) they fall faster/further than expected,” Misek said.

Now, IDC says Apple may begin losing some its lead in tablets as well, though it remains the top seller among manufacturers. iPad shipments are expected to account for 46 per cent of the tablet market in 2013, down from 51 per cent last year, IDC said. Devices running Android are expected to grow their market share to 49 per cent this year from 42 per cent last year.

Google’s Nexus 7 tablet and Amazon.com Inc’s Kindle, which uses its own customisation of Android, made major inroads with consumers last year. In November, Apple launched its own foray into smaller-sized tablets with the iPad mini.

FACEBOOK Inc is looking to improve its search and indexing capabilities by adding the hashtag symbol, one of the most recognisable features of its social networking rival Twitter, according to media reports.

The hashtag, which appears as the # symbol, makes it easier for users to follow specific topics of conversation within the ever-changing stream of comments posted on Twitter.

Users type the hashtag alongside a keyword - such as #election - at the end of a Tweet, making it easy to group comments on the same topic.

Facebook could similarly organise the conversations that take place on its more than one billon member social network by incorporating hashtags, said The Wall Street Journal which first reported the news on Thursday citing anonymous sources, thought it noted that the feature wasn’t being introduced imminently.

Facebook declined to comment.

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 emerges to do battle on Apple’s home turf SAMSUNG Electronics Co premiered its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, which sports a bigger display and unconventional features such as gesture controls, as the South Korean titan challenges Apple Inc on its home turf.

The phone, the first in the highly successful Galaxy S-series to make its global debut on US soil, was unwrapped at Manhattan’s iconic Radio City Music Hall on Thursday evening.

Some industry watchers were clearly dazzled by its features, setting a high bar for Apple to surpass.

The S4 can stop and start videos depending on whether someone is looking at the screen, flip between songs and photos at the wave of a hand, and record sound to run alongside snapped still pictures. But other industry watchers said the phone would not upturn an industry that lives and dies by innovation.

The plethora of new features “are good steps in this direction, but they can be seen as gimmicks rather than game changers. At this point, Samsung appears to be trying to kill the competition with sheer volume

of new features,” said Jan Dawson, chief telecom analyst at IT research outfit Ovum.

“For now, Samsung can likely rely on its vastly superior marketing budget and the relatively weak efforts of its competitors in software to keep it ahead.”

The success or failure of Samsung’s latest flagship phone - the fourth in a brand launched in 2010 - will be pivotal in the world’s biggest smartphone maker’s battle against Apple and smaller rivals, and key to that struggle will be phone differentiation.

Facebook introduced a revamped social search feature, dubbed Graph Search, in January. The search tool allows users to trawl their network of friends, as well as info shared publicly by other Facebook users, to find photos, interests and places, such as restaurants that are “liked” by people on Facebook.

The search tool does not currently allow users to search the contents of the actual conversations that are posted on Facebook.

Hashtags could help Facebook make such searches possible, according to the technology blog TechCrunch, which also cited anonymous sources as saying such a feature was in the works.

It’s not clear that searching the stream of Facebook comments would yield the breadth of results found on Twitter however. Unlike tweets, which are public and viewable to all users, most of the comments posted on Facebook are only viewable to a user’s circle of friends.

The Galaxy S4 sports a bigger display and unconventional features

CYPRUS MAIL Satu

16

Lifestyle My rocket’s bigger Allen’s Stratolaunch carrier plane Roc

For the world’s multibillionaires there is only one way left to show the others who’s boss - and that is to win the new race into space, says Nick Curtis

S

UPERCARS? Pah. Yachts? Not. Art collections, football clubs and million-dollar properties? Mere bagatelles, dear fellow. Today, the only way to show off the fact that you are truly a member of the international super-rich, the tiny club of ultra-high net worth individuals, is to have your own rocket.

Sorry Bill, sorry Warren.

Your earthbound charitable foundations are all very well, but today a rich man’s vision, as well as his bank balance, has to stretch to infinity and beyond. Indeed, for the rest of this article you can take it as read that most of the names mentioned have a silent “billionaire” in front of them.

So, (billionaire) Dennis Tito, who became the first space tourist on board the Russian Soyuz TM-32 mission in 2001, has advertised for a middleaged married couple to undergo a round trip to Mars.

They won’t actually land on the planet, just circle it. They have to be middle-aged so as ussed about not to be too fussed the possibility of becoming h prolonged infertile through diation. And exposure to radiation. they have to be married so as not to kill each other y trip in a during a 500-day ce shared 14ft by 12ft space with a whole lott of dried aper. food and toilet paper.

Tito hopes to fund the illion cost $1 billion to $2 billion on rights through television (think of it as a very, very, sion of Big pared-down version Brother) and by selling data to Nasa. Launch is scheduled for January 2018..

By then, of course, the ce may be reaches of space uttered positively cluttered aires’ with squillionaires’ ere spacecraft.

Here w we profile a few n of the rich men whose rocketships are already, concep-

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s Space Vehicle

ShipOne to build SpaceShipTwo, while the rocket to be carried by Roc will be supplied by Paypal and Tesla Motors’ co-founder Elon Musk’s SpaceX (see below).

Stratolaunch’s motto is “Any orbit, any time”.

Jeff Bezos

tually speaking at least, on the launchpad.

Paul Allen “When I was growing up, America’s space programme was the symbol of aspiration,” says the Microsoft cofounder. “For me, the fascination with space

Flight of imagination: Paul Allen

never ended. I never stopped dreaming what might be possible.” In 2004 he teamed up with aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan to send the world’s first private, manned craft, SpaceShipOne, into space.

Last year, Allen and Rutan teamed up to form Stratolaunch Systems, which has announced anno plans for Roc, a si ix-engine, twinsix-engine, fuselage carrier plane with the e widest wingspan eve er. ever.

Roc is s designed to take off from the Mojave Des sert and “drop”” Desert a manne ed rocket high in n manned the atm mosphere, where e atmosphere, it can b blast into space.

Tests are e planned for 2015, with com mmercial flights in commercial 2020. Th he fraternity of bilThe lionaire space pioneers is a collegi iate one. Richard collegiate Branson n’s Virgin GalacBranson’s tic lease ed the techleased nology behind Space-

The Amazon founder is known to be building rockets at a 165,000-acre plot he bought in 2004 in West Texas, through his Blue Origin company, and in 2011 said his aim was to enable “anybody to go into space”. This was a rare breach by Bezos of his silence on the subject; Elon Musk thinks Bezos assumes customers will blame delays in their book orders or glitches with their Kindles on the space programme if he constantly yaps about it.

Bezos did, however, divulge some information to Larry D Simpson, the editor of the local newspaper, the Van Horn Advocate. Blue Ori-

Into orbit: Jeff Bezos

craft the Space gin’s orbital craft, design Vehicle, is designed to carry seven passenger passengers, or a mixture of cargo and crew, to the Sp International Space Station, reducing costs by developing st a reusable first stage booster. int service beIt is due to go into 2 tween 2016 and 2018. ha also testBlue Origin has flown another craft, the Goddard, and is developing shi the New a sub-orbital ship, Shepard (named after the first American astronaut), which will carry three passengers to the edge of space. You can see se videos of its te test flights at blue blueorigin.com, com complete with a message fr from Bezos: ““Enjoy!”

Larry Page, age, Sergey Brin, Eric ric Schmidt, James Cameron etc The founders ders (Page, Brin) man (Schmidt) of and chairman med up with Google teamed or Camfilm director eron and former Microsoft brainarles box Charles Simonyi, allpace round space eter nerd Peter Diamandis and hers sundry others anto found Planurcetary Resourcear. es last year. any This company aims to mine precious minerals from assing teroids using pacerobotic spacegh its craft, though

rday, March 16, 2013

17

The first space pace merican tourist: American onaire multimillionaire o Dennis Tito

Television

20

Crossword

21

Sport

28-32

than yours urs

One of Musk’s SpaceX launch vehicles

Virgin Galactic’s WhiteKnightTwo

first aim is to launch a telescope into space to loc locate the asteroids.

The sta mission statement on Res Planetary Resources’ homepages includes include the p ph rase: “We are viphrase: sionaries, pi pioneers, rocket sc scientists and in industry leaders with proven track Rocket man: Elon Musk record records on and o off - this plane planet.”

Sceptics have pointed o out that the cost of shipping minerals ba back to ear earth may negate an any profits to be mad made from

their extraction, and that mining rights to asteroids are unclear under the terms of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, to which the US is a signatory.

Elon Musk The tycoon famous for creating Paypal and the Tesla electric sports car, and for marrying St Trinian’s actress Talulah Riley (they bonded over physics, apparently), has dreamed of space flight since he was a boy in South Africa. Like Dennis Tito, he has his heart set on Mars, though he is currently building the first private-sector rockets to deliver cargo to the International Space Station for Nasa.

At his SpaceX base by Los Angeles airport, 2,000 engineers are modifying 180ft

Falcon 9 rockets to carry partially reusable cargo capsules and to fit them out for up to seven passengers. Three of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 test flights failed, and the first capsule that was successfully sent up carried only a 50lb wheel of American cheese. Musk potentially sees his and humanity’s future on the Red Planet.

Richard Branson Britain’s favourite rite ssbeardie businessuld man, or so he would have us believe, has decided to use the Virgin brand for ism his space tourism d in company, based New Mexico, even nvitthough it risks invitokes ing the same jokes ng all about “not going rain comthe way” as his train alactic’s pany. Virgin Galactic’s sub-orbital Spaceld six ShipTwo will hold d is passengers and h alcarried to launch titude of nine miles age by the twin fuselage

turbojet WhiteKnightTwo. A rocket engine then kicks the ship to 110km.

Passengers will spend four minutes in zero gravity before returning. Tickets cost £130,000 or, factoring in the one-hour ascent and 15pp minute descent,, approximately £1,604 a minute.

But you will get a lot of nice photos. Test flights are scheduled for later this year, with commercial operations potentially commencing within 12 months.

Beam me up: Richard Branson

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

18

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

What’s on

films

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

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

Telephone no: K-Cineplex: 7777-8383

NICOSIA The Last Stand (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 5.40, 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) at 5.40, 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.20pm and 3.30pm Identity Thief (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 5.40, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1) at 5.40, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11am, 1.10pm and 3.25pm Oz the Great and Powerful (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 5.30 and 8pm, weekends also at 3pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) at 5.30 and 8pm, weekends also at 11am and 3pm Mama (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.10pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.10pm Warm Bodies (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30 and 7.50pm, weekends also at 3.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) at 10.05pm

Lincoln (12) Rio Limassol: 25-871410 K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 7.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Rio Paphos: 26-207000 Cyprus (Screen 5) at 7.15pm

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 10.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) at 10.30pm Barbie in the Pink Shoes (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 11.30am, 1.20pm and 3.30pm Gangster Squad (18) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 10.15pm Love in the End (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in Greek) at 10.05pm Sammy’s Great Escape (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) (in Greek) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 3.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 11.20am, 1.15pm and 3.20pm La vie d’une autre (in French, with Greek subtitles) Cine Studio, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9pm, presented by the Friends of the Cinema Society. Tel: 96-420491, www. ofk.org.cy

LIMASSOL The Last Stand (15) Rio 2, weekdays at 7.45pm,

weekends and Green Monday at 8pm; Rio 4 at 10pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 5.40, 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 3.30pm Identity Thief (12) Rio 3 at 7.45 and 10pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 3.30 and 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 5.40, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm Oz the Great and Powerful (12) Rio 2, weekdays at 5.20pm, weekends and Green Monday at 3 and 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 5.30 and 8pm, weekends also at 3pm

weekends at 10.10pm; KCineplex (Screen 2) at 10.30pm Barbie in the Pink Shoes (K) Rio 1 (in Greek), weekends and Green Monday only at 3, 4.30 and 6pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 3.30pm A Good Day to Die Hard (15) Rio 6 at 10.10pm Love in the End (K) Rio 4 (in Greek) at 7.45pm, weekends also at 3.30pm Sammy’s Great Escape (K) Rio 5 (in Greek), weekends only at 3.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 3.20pm

Warm Bodies (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 5.30 and 7.50pm, weekends also at 3.20pm Lincoln (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 7.15pm Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 10.30pm Barbie in the Pink Shoes (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 3.30pm Gangster Squad (18) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 10.15pm

LARNACA

Love in the End (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in Greek) at 10.05pm

The Last Stand (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 5.40, 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 3.30pm

Sammy’s Great Escape (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) (in Greek) at 5.25pm, weekends also at 3.20pm

Lincoln (12) Rio 6 at 7.30pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 4.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 7.15pm

Identity Thief (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 5.40, 7.55 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 3.25pm Oz the Great and Powerful (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 5.30 and 8pm, weekends also at 3pm

To Tama (in Greek) Thursday at 8.30pm, presented by the Larnaca Cinema Society.

Tel: 99-658831, 99-462903. www.lfcinema.org

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (15) Rio 2, weekdays at 10pm,

Mama (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.10pm

Mama (15) Rio 1 at 7.45 and 10pm; KCineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50 and 10.10pm Warm Bodies (12) Rio 5 at 7.45 and 10pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 5.30pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 10.05pm

PAPHOS The Last Stand (15) Rio 7, weekdays at 5.30, 7.30 and 9.45pm, weekends and

Green Monday at 6, 8 and 10pm Identity Thief (12) Rio 1 at 5.30, 7.30 and 9.45pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 3.30pm Oz the Great and Powerful (12) Rio 6 at 5.15, 7.30 and 9.45pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 3pm Mama (15) Rio 5 at 5.30, 7.30 and 9.45pm Warm Bodies (12) Rio 3 at 6, 8 and 10pm, weekends and Green Monday also at 4pm Lincoln (12) Rio 2 at 5, 7.30 and 10pm Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (15) Rio 4 at 7.30pm Barbie in the Pink Shoes (K) Rio 7 (in Greek), weekends and Green Monday only at 3 and 4.30pm A Good Day to Die Hard (15) Rio 4 at 9.45pm Love in the End (K) Rio 4 (in Greek) at 5.45pm Sammy’s Great Escape (K) Rio 4 (in Greek), weekends and Green Monday only at 3.30pm

listings Today

2012-2013. March 16. Larnaca Municipal Theatre. 8.30pm. €20. Tel: 24-665795

Music

Other Events

Chamber Music Concert with Clarinet Quintet A very special programme by a Clarinet Quintet from members of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. March 16. Pallas Theatre, Paphos Gate, Nicosia. 5pm. free. Tel: 22-463144

St Patrick’s Night Celebration Top class entertainment and good Irish food. March 16. Phoenix Club, Paphos.7.30pm. €12/13. Space limited. Tel: 26-272524/99-908241

Francesca da Rimini - The Met: Live in HD Live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera of New York in high-definition.

March 16. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 6pm. €20/15. With Greek and English Subtitles Tel: 77-777745 Tat-tnabar Concert with popular ethnic group, alongside Extreme Voices and a group of students from Phaneromeni High School. March 16. Youth Foundation, 37 Pandoras Street, (behind the new hospital) Larnaca. 6pm. €5/2. All proceeds will go towards the programme Music for Children and Young People. Tel: 24-664622 The You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Tour The classic songs of Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand with Ross Neil, Tina Chester & Andrew Oliver. March 16. Yialos Restaurant, Pissouri. 7pm - Showtime 8.30pm. €20 inc. mini meze. Tel: 99-473141/99-832538

Dance Lamentu Performance presented by X-it Dancetheatre within the framework of the European Cultural Winter in Larnaca

Brickyard Celebrations Live English rock band and St. Patricks’ celebration free Irish stew and Guinness promotion. March 17. Brickyard, 25 Evripidou Street, Engomi, Nicosia. 7-9pm. Tel: 22593030 International Rugby Watch the Cyprus international rugby team play Bulgaria. March 16. Pafiakos Stadium, Paphos. 2pm. €5 children under 12 free. Tel: 22- 449 522 Nicosia Carnival Street Parade A musical ride through the streets of Nicosia, with some of the most well known Cypriot underground / alternative DJs, playing funk, soul, reggae and much more. March 16. Starting point Eleftheria Square ends at Phaneromeni Square. 4pm. Free. Families welcome. http://www.facebook.com/ events/496651863716072/ ACT Auditions Auditions for ACT’s summer production - the stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. March 16. St Paul’s Church Hall, Byron Avenue, Nicosia. 2pm. Tel: 99457882/99-609543 St Paul’s Cathedral - Car Boot Sale Sell your unwanted items here in aid of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

Funds. March 16. Cathedral Car Park, St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Byron Avenue, Nicosia. 2pm-5.30pm. Car Spaces €13. Individual tables on request (€3 per table). Tel: 22466753/99-836405 Remembering History – a Case Study from Germany Public open seminar about coming to terms with a difficult past, accompanied by an art exhibition by Cypriot artists called The Colour of Truth from both communities about the Missing Persons issue. March 16. The Home for Cooperation (Nicosia buffer zone opposite Ledra Palace hotel). 10am1.30pm. in English. Exhibition opens March 15, 6.30pm until March 22.

Goethe-Institut’s Gallery. Mondays to Fridays: 11am-7 pm. Tel: 22-674607 Karneval with P.Toile Berlin-based DJ and producer behind the decks. March 16. Klubd, 36 Ammochostou Street, old Nicosia.

11.30pm. €15 including a drink. Tel: 22-104841

Tomorrow Music The Firebirds America’s 1950s greatest hits played live. March 17. King Solomon Tavern, Coral Bay, Paphos. 1pm Showtime 3pm. €20 inc. lunch. Tel: 99-577247/ 99-826919/99-832538 Cirque Du Soir – Carnival Edition Club night delivering a stunning mix of fire eaters, aerial, burlesque and circus acts, with guest DJ Phivos Constantinides. March 17. Occhio Lounge, 23 Alkeou Street, Engomi, Nicosia. €15/20. Tel: 99-310031

Vegas Carnival Party Popular Greek hip-hop/pop band perform live. March 17. Lush Beach Bar, Makenzy, Larnaca. 10.30pm. €30/40. Tel: 70-008089

Theatre An Evening with Jean Cocteau Five one-act plays based on Jean Cocteau’s work. March 17 & 24. Polihoros Estia, 7 Olympias, Street, Lykavitos, Nicosia. In Greek. €8. Tel: 99-588330

Other Events Brickyard Celebrations Carnival party and St. Patricks’ celebration with DJ. March 17. Brickyard, 25 Evripidou Street, Engomi, Nicosia.

Lunchtime – 2am. Tel: 22-593030

Monday Exhibition Constantinos Partsilis Solo painting exhibition. Opens March 18, 7.30pm until March 30. Opus 39 Gallery, 21 Kimonos Street, Nicosia. Monday: 5pm-8pm.

Tuesday-Friday: 10.30am-12.30pm and 5pm-8pm. Tel: 22-424983

Other Events Aphrodite Hills Green Monday Full entertainments programme & children’s corner and children’s themed activities (kite flying). March 18. Aphrodite Hills, Village Square, shop courtyards, restaurant seating area, Paphos. 11am-4pm. Tel: 26828000/26-829000

Green Monday at the Peace Park Green Monday traditional celebration.

March 18. Carob Tree Peace Park in Kontea. 12 noon to 3pm. buses will be available from Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. http://www.konteaheritage.com 15th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival Live streaming of documentary screenings shown at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival. March 1822. Tassos Papadopoulos Entrance University of Nicosia. 8.30pm. Tel: 22-431355 ext:124

Ongoing Other Events Limassol Carnival Open-air parties, children’s parades and serenaders’ evenings culminating with the Grand Parade. March 7-17. Multiple locations in Limassol. http://www.cyprusevents.net/events/ limassol-carnival-2013/

Theatre Kali-Kantzar & Co A pocket musical directed by Lea Maleni with music by Dimitris Zavros. March 13-16. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. 8.30pm. In Greek. Tel: 22-864300 Nursing Home the Cherubim Theatre Anemona celebrates its tenth anniversary with comedy by Nearchos Ioannou. Until March 17.

Anemona Theater, 7 Archagelou Street, Latsia, Nicosia. Every Friday

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

and Saturday at 8.30pm and Sunday at 8pm. In Greek. Tel: 22-573031 Shear Madness Popular Cypriot actor and director Loris Loizides returns with an adaptation of one of the longest-running non-musical plays in the world. Until March 17. Pantheon Art Cinema, 29 Diagorou Street, Nicosia. Every Saturday and Sunday at 8.30pm. €20.

In Greek. Tel: 70-001910/22-675787 God of Carnage Dionysos Theater presents multiaward winning comedy by Yasmina Reza directed by George Mouaimis.

Until March 17. Dionysos Theatre, 29 Diagorou Street, Nicosia. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8.30pm and Sunday 6.30pm. In Greek. €20/15. Tel: 99-621845

Exhibition U and I Exhibition of artwork in oil, acrylic, print and glass paint by Irene Ioannou and Ulla Nicolaou. Until March 16. Peri Texnis, 92 Kalogera Street, Larnaca. Tel: 99-725590 Birute Kriukelyte-Kazlauskiene Solo painting exhibition. Until March 17. Dinos Art Café, 62-66 Irinis Street, Limassol. Monday-Saturday: 10.30am to midnight and Sunday: 4pm to midnight. Tel: 25-762030 Storybox Solo art exhibition by Antonis Tziarrides. Until March 19. Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, 45 Stadiou Street, Larnaca. Monday-Saturday: 10am1pm & 4.30pm-8pm. Sunday:11am2pm & 4pm-7pm. Tel: 24-621109

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

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

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

AHDR gets busy in spring Looking Ahead Music Spanish champion He’s a star in his native Spain and the talented pianist Javier Perianes returns to Cyprus next week for a recital at the Shoe Factory in old Nicosia.

Born in Nerva in 1978, Perianes is a familiar and sought-after participant at many renowned festivals within Spain, including those of Santander, Granada, Canarias Perelada and San Sebastián. Hailed as a “poet of the piano” by Switzerland’s Neue Luzerner Zeitung, this accomplished musician has already had the honour of playing before King Juan Carlos of Spain as well as in concert in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Berlin’s Konzerthaus and Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Conservatory along with premiere performing arts venues in Barcelona and Madrid. Furthermore, he has several major musical prizes to his credit to go with the popular and critical acclaim he has received in his homeland and increasingly abroad.

In 2012 he received the National Music Award awarded by the Ministry of Culture of Spain, for his commitment to the dissemination of Spanish music, his international presence in major festivals and concert halls in the world with orchestras and renowned directors, and his human values. Perianes likes to champion neglected Spanish composers and his most recent CD, of sonatas by Manuel Blasco de Nebra, has been a minor revelation.

On Thursday, local classical music enthusiasts will find out for themselves what the hype is about when Perianes takes to the stage to present a programme of Beethoven’s Sonata No.12 op. 26 in A-flat Major and Schumann’s Kinderszenen. The latter half of the programme gives Perianes a chance to get closer to his Spanish roots, particularly devoted to the music of his compatriot Manuel de Falla, having spent many months earlier this year working on a recording of de Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Josep Pons.

Falla was one of the most distinguished Spanish composers of the early 20th century. In his music he achieved a fusion of poetry, asceticism, and passion that represents the spirit of Spain. With lyrical pieces such as Falla’s Nocturne, the line-up is tailor-made to Perianes’ elegant, sensitive touch. Next week he will be performing three of his most famous works – Nocturne, Four Spanish Pieces and Fantasia Baetica. Hurry up and get your tickets while they’re still available.

Javier Perianes Pharos Arts Foundation presents a concert by acclaimed Spanish pianist. March 21. The Shoe Factory, 304 Ermou Street, old Nicosia. €20 /15.

Tel: 22-663871/70-009304. info@pharosartsfoundation.org. www.pharosartsfoundation.org

Left: winner of the DigiMe Active Ageing Photo and Film Competition 2012 “Ageless Joy”

by Salih Bahçeci. Right: winner of the DigiMe Climate Change and Energy Photo and Film Competition 2011 “Blue Desert” by Stephanos Africanos.

Exhibitions, lectures, film screenings and a storytelling club are just some of the inspiring events, organised by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) this month, while the inauguration of The Meeting Point, an initiative of the Representation of the European Commission in Cyprus, will open new ways of communication with the European Union.

All events will take place at the Home for Cooperation, located in the UN Buffer Zone, opposite Ledra Palace Hotel, in Nicosia starting off with the launch of The Meeting Point on Tuesday. The project aims to provide grassroots services tailored to local needs, which enables citizens in Cyprus to obtain free of charge information, advice, assistance and answers to questions about the Union’s priorities, legislation, policies and programmes. The Meeting Point is a one-year project being administered by the AHDR. During the inauguration, participants will have the opportunity to listen to keynote speakers.

As part of the launch event the Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC) will be exhibiting photos from the last two DigiMe competitions of 2012 and 2011. The DigiMe Photo and Film competition is organised annually by CCMC and the NGO Support Centre with support from the Representation of the European Commission. A cocktail reception will follow the opening and the exhibition will remain open until March 26.

The EU designated 2012 as the Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. The idea was to raise awareness of the contribution that older people make in society. Through film and photography entrants where asked to creatively express the theme of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations in Cyprus, while 2011’s photos and shorts were related to or about Climate Change or Energy issues in Cyprus.

On Thursday you can attend a public screening of the awarded documentary film The Other Town. Following the screening, the audience will have the opportunity to pose questions to the film’s producers Hercules Millas and Nefin Dinc. The film follows the natives of a Greek and Turkish town where bitter sentiments and prejudices are

widespread in both societies.

It explores how widespread beliefs and government policies can foster prejudices that perpetuate conflict between nations.

The filmmakers saw how history is taught in schools, how the other country is depicted in national celebrations and learned what dignitaries say about past conflicts. Among other honours, the film won the Audience Award at its world premiere at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival in Greece.

The following day, a public lecture on how to transform the images of the ‘other’ in education will be held and delivered by the filmmakers. While visiting the two towns and talking with their inhabitants during the span of a year, the documentary makers come to understand that bad relations between the two nations exist not so much due to their turbulent past, but due to contemporary nationalistic mentalities and education. Both events are an invaluable experience for educators in Cyprus and everyone interested in multi-perspective education.

The Home for Cooperation is starting a Storytelling Club next Saturday. Learning to read creates such an exciting challenge to young people as they begin to understand the written word and begin to imagine and become a part of the story. This is unfortunately lacking in today’s one-dimensional visual offerings of television and computer games. Reading enhances a love and respect for books and these Storytelling Club sessions at the Home for Cooperation will not only bring young ones closer to the culture of reading, but attempt to encourage interaction between children across the divide in Cyprus.

Fairytales will be read in three languages Greek, Turkish and English and all children are invited to join, ages two to seven. Children’s activities will follow story time, please note that all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Launch of The Meeting Point The Meeting Point will provide grassroots services tailored to local needs, which enables citizens in Cyprus to obtain free of charge information, advice, assistance and answers to questions about the Union’s priorities, legislation, policies and programmes. During the inauguration participants will

Tale of two cities: Award-winning screening of documentary The Other Town

have the opportunity to listen to keynote speakers and visit the DigiMe photography exhibition. The exhibition will remain open until March 26. March 19. 6pm. A cocktail reception will follow The Other Town Screening A public screening of the awarded documentary film followed by a public discussion with the film’s producers. March 21. 7pm The Other Town Lecture A public lecture on how to transform the images of the ‘other’ in education. March 22. 5pm Storytelling Club Club aiming to bring young ones closer through the culture of reading and encouraging interaction between children across the divide in Cyprus.

Fairytales will be read in three languages - Greek, Turkish and English, with children’s activities to follow. March 23. 11.30am-1.30pm. Suitable for ages 2-7 years. Tel: 22-445740 or +90-5488345740.

Please note that all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult (max. of 2 adults per child) All events held at Home for Cooperation, 28 Marcou Dracou Street, UN Buffer Zone, Nicosia. For additional information about the event, please visit www. ahdr.info or call 22-445740/+ 90-5488345740

By Ledha Socratous

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

20

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

CYBC 1 08.00

Moiraia Fengaria (rpt) Local drama series.

10.30

Paizoume Kypriaka

CYBC 2 07.00 08.00 11.50

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

13.00 14.00 14.30

Edoxe Ti Vouli Kai To Dimo News Me Kali Parea Vivian Kanari hosts new show featuring a mix of news, information and live music.

16.30

18.00 18.15

News Patates Antinahtes (rpt)

12.15

12.35 17.00

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

23.30 23.45 00.45 02.30 04.30

News Tete-A-Tete (rpt) Savvato Ki Apovrado (rpt) Me Kali Parea (rpt) More Repeats

07.00

Hannah Montana (rpt)

More Kid’s TV The Emperor’s New Clothes Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s fable of two scoundrels who capitalise on an emperor’s vanity. From the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.

Dubbed in Greek.

Ego Ki Esi Local comedy series.

19.30 20.00 21.30

06.00 06.30

Adventures of a teenage pop star who keeps her identity secret from even her closest friends by using a disguise on stage.

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

18.45

NRG Zone Kids’ TV The Wizards Of Waverly Place (rpt) Teen comedy about Alex Russo, an apparently typical New York girl who shares a secret with her two brothers - they are from a family of wizards.

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

ANTENNA

18.30

Candid Camera Unsuspecting people react to bizarre events.

18.50 19.00 19.10 20.20

00.00 00.15

News In English New In Turkish NRG Zone Weekend 2013 World Figure Skating Championships (R)

07.30 08.00 08.50 09.40 10.30 11.20 12.10 13.50 15.10 16.45

Proini Enimerosi Dada Yia Oles Tis Douleies (rpt) Cheek To Cheek (rpt) Men Kai Den (rpt) San To Skilo Me Ti Gata (rpt) Steps (rpt) Super Babas (rpt) O Tzitzigas Kai O Mermigas (rpt) Tihi Vouno (rpt) Laikes Paraskeves (rpt) Yia Tin Agapi Sou (rpt) Niose Me (rpt) Ekeino To Kalokairi (rpt) With News at 18.00.

18.30 20.20 21.20 23.00 00.05 00.20 01.00

Vals Me 12 Theous News Exairetika Afieromeno Sold Out News Sports News Vradi Me Ton Petro Kotsopoulo Late night talk-show.

01.40

Blackout Greek game show in which places contestants in complete darkness to compete in challenges.

Coverage from Canada of freestyle men’s programme.

02.40

News In English And Turkish (rpt) Euronews

03.50 04.40

Mavros Okeanos (rpt) News Eftyhismenes Meres (rpt)

MEGA 07.40 09.40 10.20 11.00 12.10 13.00

Proino Mou (rpt) Kid’s TV Mia Stigmi Dio Zoes Klemmena Oneira (rpt) Proino Mou (rpt) Chuck A computer geek finds himself in charge of the government’s most sensitive data.

14.00 14.40 16.40 18.00 18.30 20.15 21.20 23.10

Master Chef Mousiko Kouti Live (rpt) Oi Vasiliades (rpt) News Epta Thanasimes Petheres (rpt) News Mousiko Kouti Live FILM: Suspect A public defender represents a deafmute Vietnam veteran accused of murder, and uncovers corruption in high places.

Courtroom drama, starring Cher, Dennis Quaid and Liam Neeson. 1987.

00.00 00.50 01.40 02.30 03.20 04.00 04.30 05.00 05.40

News Kleise Ta Matia (rpt) Mila Mou Vromika (rpt) Big Bang (rpt) Mia Stigmi Dio Zoes (rpt) Patir, Yios Kai Pnevma (rpt) Oi Afthairetoi (rpt) Palirroia (rpt) Ta Epta Kaka Tis Moiras Mou (rpt)

SIGMA 05.40 06.20 07.20 08.50 10.00

Oi Adiafthoroi (rpt) Oi Takkoi (rpt) Zoi Podilato (rpt) Barberbieni Mes Stin Kala Hara Weekend variety show, informative and entertaining. Hosted by Natalia Germanou.

14.00 15.40

Aspra Balonia (rpt) The Cooking Factory Greek cookery show.

17.00

Annita SoS With News at 18.00.

19.00

06.50 07.50 11.35 12.05 13.00 13.40 14.20 15.40 16.30

Pame Paketo (rpt) Popular 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.

20.15 21.20

PLUS TV

22.00

News Las Vegas (rpt)

Istories Tou Astinomou Beka (rpt) Greek crime drama series.

02.20 04.00

Mes Stin Kali Hara (rpt) Magazino (rpt)

Fotis - Maria Live Mila (rpt) Exelixeis Sti Showbiz FILM: Boss Of Bosses The story of the rise and fall of the powerful New York City organsized crime boss, Paul Castellano, who rose rapidly through the ranks of organised crime, only to be assassinated by a rival. By-the-numbers biopic, starring Chazz Palminteri. 2001.

News Stin Igeia Mas

Drama series focusing on a security team at a large casino.

01.30

07.00 12.00 13.10 15.30 15.45 16.15 16.20

21.00 23.30

O Arhipsevtros Vathi Kokkino Greek drama series.

00.10 01.05 01.40

Kids’ TV Telemarketing Greek FILM: O Agnostos Ekeinis Tis Nihtas Mila Mou Prasina Kouzina Me Apopsi News FILM: Big Fat Liar A boy’s school essay finds its way into the hands of a Hollywood producer who turns it into a hit film, prompting the boy travel to LA to claim his credit.

Teen comedy, starring Frankie Muniz. 2002.

With News at 17.30.

Comedy.

18.00 19.30 21.15

Variety show.

00.20 00.25

Star News (rpt) Kids’ TV Exelixeis Sti Showbiz LTV Sports News (rpt) Star News Ta Kopelia (rpt) Mesimeriani Meleti Best Of Stin Kouzina Me Tin Dina (rpt) Greek FILM: I Goissa

CAPITAL

18.00 18.55 19.05 19.55 20.05 21.00

Remington Steele News Acapulco HEAT News O Anthropos Tis Thalassas FILM: Volcano An emergency expert and a scientist try to save the residents of Los Angeles when a volcano erupts in the middle of the city.

Disaster thriller, with Tommy Lee Jones.

1997.

22.55

FILM: 11:59 A jaded yet driven news photojournalist wakes up in the middle of nowhere and tries to piece together the events of the last 24 hours. Sci-fi thriller, starring Raymond Andrew Bailey. 2005.

LTV Sports News Star News Repeats

00.50

FILM: Demontown 3 No details supplied.

Fast Five (Novacinema2, 19.45)

01:15 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 01:45 Live At The Apollo 02:30 EastEnders 03:00 Doctors 03:30 The Invisible Leopard 04:25 Robin Hood 05:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 06:15 The Weakest Link 07:00 3rd & Bird 07:10 Me Too! 07:30 Jackanory Junior 07:45 The Large Family 07:55 Balamory 08:15 Me Too! 08:30 Jackanory Junior 08:50 The Large Family 09:00 Balamory 09:20 The Weakest Link 10:05 Doctor Who 10:50 Doctor Who Confidential 11:05 Drop Zone 11:55 Full Circle With Michael Palin 12:45 dinnerladies 13:15 The Green Green Grass 13:45 Fawlty Towers 14:20 As Time Goes By 14:50 Casualty 15:40 EastEnders 18:05 ‘Allo ‘Allo!

18:35 The Weakest Link 19:20 Doctor Who 20:10 Drop Zone 21:00 Live At The Apollo 21:45 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 22:50 Luther 23:45 Ideal 00:15 The Impressions Show With Culshaw &... 00:45 Drop Zone

07:00 How It’s Made 07:25 Twist The Throttle 08:15 Fifth Gear 09:10 Mega Builders 10:05 Mighty Ships 10:55 Gold Div-

ers 14:30 Extreme Engineering 15:25 You Have Been Warned 16:20 James May’s Man Lab 17:15 Fast N’ Loud 18:10 Texas Car Wars 19:05 Mythbusters 20:00 How It’s Made 21:00 Auction Hunters 22:00 Baggage Battles 23:00 I Am Bruce Lee 01:00 Chris Ryan’s Elite Police 01:55 Auction Hunters 02:50 Baggage Battles 03:50 I Am Bruce Lee 05:40 Texas Car Wars 06:35 How It’s Made

09:30 Fitness: The Box 09:45 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Switzerland 12:00 Nordic Combined Skiing: World Cup Norway 12:30 Biathlon: World Cup Russia 13:00 Alpine Skiing: World Cup Switzerland 14:15 Nordic Combined Skiing: World Cup Norway 14:30 Biathlon: World Cup Russia 15:15 Cross-Country Skiing: World Cup Norway 17:15 Snooker: Players Tour Championship Finals Ireland 19:00 Ski Jumping: World Cup Norway 20:00 Biathlon: World Cup Russia 21:00 Snooker: Players Tour Championship Finals Ireland 01:00 Figure Skating: World Championship 02:00 Ski Jumping: World Cup Norway

05:40 The Gates 06:30 Desperate Housewives 10:20 Raising Hope 11:10 Scrubs 12:00 Happy Endings 12:25 Don’t Trust The B...In Apartment 12:50 Masterchef 14:30 Grey’s Anatomy 18:30 Tough Love: Miami 21:00 Once Upon A Time 21:50 Revenge 22:40 Modern Family 23:05 New Girl 23:30 Glee 00:20 Bones 04:25 Raising Hope

League 2012-13 01:00 Liga Bbva 2012-13 03:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13

12 Men’s & Women’s Swim & Dive Championships

07:15 Gossip Girl 08:00 Friends 08:30 Big Bang Theory The 09:00 According To Jim 10:00 Privileged 10:45 Borgias The 11:45 Mentalist The 12:30 Hawaii Five 13:15 Closer, The 14:15 Fringe 15:00 2 Broke Girls 20:00 C.S.I. Miami 00:30 What Women Want 02:45 Closer, The 03:30 Harry’s Law

06:00 Only Hits 11:00 Pure Local 12:00 MTV World Stage 13:00 McCafé Music Project 13:30 MTV VHI Pop up Video 14:00 MTV Daria 14:30 MTV Daria 15:00 MTV Crash Canyon 15:30 MTV Crash Canyon 16:00 MTV Mission Lydia 16:30 MTV Everyday Girls 17:00 MTV Movies & Stars 18:00 MTV Megadrive 18:30 MTV Slips 19:00 Only Hits 20:00 Pure Local 22:00 Only Hits00:00 S7S Lockdown Top10 0:30 MTV Party Zone 4:00 Only Hits

07:30 Ye Olde Times 09:30 Free Willy 11:30 Nowhere Boy 13:15 Summer Of ‘42 15:00 Just Go With It 17:00 Pre-Game 18:00 A’ Division Cyprus Soccer Championship 2012-13 20:00 LTV Sports News 21:00 Dreamcatcher 23:30 Buried 01:10 Hustler TV 03:00 Bound By Honor 06:30 LTV Sports News

07:20 Sparkle 09:10 Miss Congeniality 11:00 Invisible Sign, An 12:45 Tourist, The 14:30 Safe Passage 16:15 Lost & Found 18:00 80 Minutes 19:40 Eat Pray Love 22:00 Green Hornet, The 00:05 Daring! TV 04:05 Heartbreaker 06:00 Distinguished Gentleman, The

07:00 Legion Of Super Heroes I 13:15 Legion Of Super Heroes 13:40 Max Adventures 14:05 Barclays Premier League Preview 14:45 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 19:00 Liga Bbva 2012-13 23:00 Barclays Premier

05:25 Polisse 07:10 The Sitter 08:35 Think Like A Man 10:40 Cine News 11:30 War Of The Buttons 13:25 Chicken With Plums 15:00 Ncis 16:40 Cine News 17:25 Like Crazy 19:00 Five Minarets In New York 22:00

Brake 02:00 The Following 02:50 Shame 04:35 Drive

06:00 Cine News 06:35 Cheri 08:10 Emma 10:15 The Help 12:45 Cine News 15:20 Man Of The House 17:00 Mad On Novacinema 17:40 The Bourne Identity 19:45 Fast Five 22:00 Friends With Benefits 23:55 Management 01:30 Seeking Justice 03:20 We Need To Talk About Kevin

05:05 The Vanishing 06:55 Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes 08:40 Breaking Wind 10:05 Inspector Gadget 11:30 Starsky & Hutch 13:15 Tt3d: Closer To The Edge 15:05 Real Steel 17:15 Old School 21:00 The Ghost And The Darkness 23:00 Stolen Lives

00:40 Cine News 01:30 Hosed All Sex All Anal 03:15 Essential Killing 04:40 The Big Bang

06:15 The Edge Of Love 08:10 The Portrait Of A Lady 10:35 Bloodworth 13:50 Treasure Buddies 15:25 A Far Off Place 17:20 Something Borrowed 19:15 Mean Girls 2 21:00 Glee: The 3d Concert Movie 00:20 Dirty Girl 01:55 Take Me Home Tonight 03:35 Cine News 04:10 Our Day Will Come

15:00 European Tour Avantha Masters Rd. 3 18:00 Pre Game 18:45 Championship 201213:Apollon Vs Olympiacos 20:45 Post Game 22:00 European Tour Avantha Masters Rd. 3 01:30 Big

07:00 From The Earth To The Moon 08:40 The Toast Of New Orleans 10:15 Stars In My Crown 11:45 Seven Brides For Seven Brothers 13:25 Summer Holiday 15:00 Clash By Night 16:45 Dark Victory 18:30 Across The Pacific 20:05 A Patch Of Blue 22:00 Shaft 23:45 Seven Brides For Seven Brothers 01:30 From The Earth To The Moon 03:10 High Sierra 04:50 Clash By Night

By Preston Wilder

Dreamcatcher (LTV, 21.00) Omigod, they’re showing Dreamcatcher! Here, just to give you an idea, is an excerpt of the plot from Wikipedia: “A large worm tries to escape from the bathroom after being excreted into the toilet by Rick before he died. Beaver attempts to trap the creature under the toilet lid, but the lamprey-like worm, with multiple rows of razor-sharp teeth, kills him. Jonesy escapes from the cabin but runs into a large alien called Mr. Grey, who possesses Jonesy’s body.” This is not some disreputable B-movie - it’s big-budget Hollywood sci-fi, based on a book by Stephen King, and it’s not trying to shock; it’s just utterly insane. Jonesy (Damian Lewis) and Beaver (Jason Lee) are two child-

hood friends (others are played by Thomas Jane and Timothy Olyphant) who go on a camping trip, only to find that a nearby town is being plagued by alien parasites. There’s a gun that turns into a phone (!), an evil force manifesting itself via monster farts (!!), a fat man who eats himself to death (!!!), a long alien ‘worm’ up a man’s backside (!!!!) and a wealth of other bizarre detail. Forget it, Jake, it’s Dreamcatcher. Made in 2003.

Brake (Novacinema1, 22.00) “When he woke up, he was in total darkness!” intones Mr. Trailer Man portentously. ‘He’ is Stephen Dorff, a special agent for the US Secret Service who finds himself locked in the boot of a car by ruthless terror-

Brake

ists with only his mobile phone for company. Didn’t they do this already, with Ryan Reynolds in Buried?

Maybe, but the lure of a single actor in a single small space is always going to be tempting when you don’t have much of a budget - and besides this amiable Bmovie isn’t as rigorous as Buried, offering glimpses of the outside world as well as action-movie thrills (the terrorists go after Stephen’s family) and a surprise ending which I won’t spoil (and actually couldn’t, not having seen the film). “Regardless of whether you second-guess the climax or not, it’ll thoroughly piss you off,” warns Michael Atkinson in the Village Voice, making me wonder what it is. Maybe he gets out of the car only to find himself in a smaller car. Made in 2012.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 2339 1

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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.

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HARD

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1 Managed to be hooded? (5) 2 Are bothered by the harvester (6) 3 Sent round for some mesh (4) 4 Drop it badly when lethargic (6) 5 Bound to be grateful (7) 6 Angry scrap from an ill-natured person (10) 9 Imaginary home? (5,5) 11 Smart fit out in New York (5) 12 Sidney had less than one port (5) 15 Self-sacrifice (7) 17 One getting room first in Greek 25 across (6) 18 Delicate fancy bustle (6) 21 Case that expands naturally? (5) 22 Tempt one going in to bat (4)

Rating EASY

1 Crowning ceremony in the street? (10) 7 Put into another bed perhaps (7) 8 Irritated one left in the red (5) 10 Unexpected prompt (6) 12 Record run (6) 13 Stiff dress I’d put on (5) 14 This might be given to the salesman lacking it (4) 16 The damsel hid the cheese (4) 17 Musketeer’s mount (5) 19 Try and hit another number (6) 20 Sister, one in company of papal messenger (6) 23 A hit I could have had in the W Indies (5) 24 Woman of parts (7) 25 French division in store (10)

Rating HARD

Down

Rating HARD

Across

Rating MEDIUM

25

Answers to crossword 2338

HOROSCOPE

CRYPTIC: Across – 1 Mobster; 7 Outcry; 8 Laggard; 10 Meaty; 11 Nineteen; 13 Orc; 14 Poop; 15 Moor; 16 Rue; 18 Pathetic; 20 Nigel; 22 Swahili; 23 Flinch; 24 Yule-log. Down – 1 Malingering; 2 Begin; 3 Traction; 4 Rodney; 5 Atom; 6 Creator; 9 Eye-catching; 12 Mothball; 14 Pergola; 17 Marshy; 19 Twill; 21 Lint.

QUICK: Across – 1 Vivaldi; 7 Sexton; 8 Natural; 10 Layer; 11 Uprising; 13 Own; 14 Four; 15 Fawn; 16 Sir; 18 Cockatoo; 20 Mogul; 22 Circlet; 23 Stance; 24 Relaxed. Down – 1 Venturesome; 2 Voter; 3 Larkspur; 4 Island; 5 Axil; 6 Polygon; 9 Transported; 12 Mackerel; 14 Frigate; 17 Soccer; 19 Telex; 21 Land.

ARIES March 21 - April 20

LEO July 23 - August 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

Lucky Jupiter continues to bring gains when you take the plunge and promote yourself, sell goods and services or connect with like-minded folk. Make phone calls and be creative today. Saturn’s recent retrograde may highlight a very close relationship. A sensitive approach may work wonders if someone has barriers up or appears unapproachable.

Even though you might be enticed to part with some money today, it may be best to wait, especially if you’re looking at any big ticket items. Save your shopping spree for another time. However, the current focus suggests it may be a day to make a new start and to explore fresh options.

Conversations may be inspiring and enlightening.

Communications could go astray, so make sure your words convey your real meaning, especially when it comes to resolving an ongoing issue on the home front.

You might also find that family secrets which have been hidden away come out into the open, perhaps in a disruptive way. However, if it all becomes too much, you may head out to enjoy yourself.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

VIRGO August 23 - September 23

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

Some people may not be in the best of moods - perhaps their job is too much or they have other heavy burdens.

Patience is something you usually have in spades, and today you may need it. Thankfully, the Moon gives you an energy boost, and time spent with your sweetheart or friends in a social setting means the day may be saved in the end.

It may be an idea to give in to the whims of a partner, as doing so may take your attention off other pressing matters. An interesting idea may be suggested which could make tonight a lot of fun. In terms of joint financial affairs, you’re all for taking a risk that may or may not be good for you. If it involves a loan, think very carefully.

Give others who you are connected with plenty of wiggle room Capricorn, as they may be feeling a bit sensitive right now. Despite trying to be as tactful as possible, you may get an adverse reaction to a seemingly innocent remark.

You may also have to choose between spending time with your family at home and your purely personal interests.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

LIBRA September 24 - October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

Despite possible delays and some pressure, work matters and your efforts mean you could make good progress.

However, if your interests take you in too many directions you may lose your focus. If you want to do really well, concentrate and stay on track for a pat on the back. Socially, you may be on fire with excitement and anticipation.

Take care of any health concerns that might pop up. You might be keen to try alternative therapies or even spiritual healing if nothing else has seemed to work. If your job involves creativity, you’ll be in your element, otherwise you may find it hard to focus on details. Your partner may insist that you follow their lead. Their outlook may be a touch insensitive.

It may be an idea to watch your independent streak.

Though you may feel you’ve got all the answers, you might gain by listening to someone who could offer you a reality check. Mars in Aries suggests you could make an impulsive move that could set you back. Or conversely, you could come up with a quite brilliant scheme, if not today, before the month is out.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22

PISCES February 20 - March 20

A touch of creative inspiration or a madcap idea replaces early morning boredom with a sense of excitement. With a friend’s helpful suggestion, you may feel fabulously upbeat about the day ahead and the fun you can have. Career wise, you’re in the mood to blast through obstacles and take positive, powerful and targeted action to move forwards.

If warm and loving relationships didn’t figure in yesterday’s equation, you may find today a pleasantly different matter. Feelings may take over despite your tendency to try and hold back from showing how vulnerable you can be at times. The accent is on enjoying yourself, but in this current compassionate climate you might set out to help someone feel good too.

You may get a flash of sudden inspiration which could leave you wondering why on earth you didn’t think about this before. Though this idea may seem amazing, it might be an idea to think it through before you take action - or better still ask a friend. Finances may be changeable as money may come in and whoosh, soon pours out again.

22

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser

ADVERTISER helps you find what you’re looking for

Only

€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 make a difference. Please bring your donation to our clinic’s or charity shop in Limassol. Telephone 26946461 (Paphos), 97894005 (Polis), 25543304 (Limassol)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES EXPERIENCED PADI INSTRUCTORS WANTED for a 5* IDC in Limassol. MUST be fluent in BOTH Russian and English, with at least 5 Instructor Specialties. Please do not apply if you are not able to teach in both Russian and English. E-mail: Jonathan@primehouse.com

***************************** WANTED: Experienced Dog Groomer - Full/Part time hours For wellestablished business in Limassol. For more info please contact: 96578094

LESSONS PRIVATE TUITION experienced, UKqualified teacher offers full-time or part-time private home tuition in Maths, English, the Sciences, I.C.T., Geography, History, Business Studies and Economics, from KS3 to iGCSE, AS and A2 levels.

9 years experience in Cyprus; references available. Telephone 99318796 – Paphos ART AFTERNOONS Drawing Thursdays Painting Fridays Sketching Saturdays 14.30 – 17.30 IDC at Art Studio 55, Heroes Square, Limassol. Tel 99 409 829 info@idclimassol.org ART ARCHITECTURE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION

MISCELLANEOUS WANTED OF: COUPLES OF EU CITIZENS LIVING IN CYPRUS We are currently conducting research as regards European families living in Cyprus. If both you and your spouse come from the same or a different country of the EU (except Cyprus and Greece, e.g. both from Germany, or Germany and France), if you have children over 6, and if you are interested in taking part in some research financed by the University of Cyprus please contact us 96530033. Participants will complete a questionnaire and participate in a face-to-face interview.

They will also receive a symbolic amount of money.

NOTICE is hereby given that.SERGY LYSOV of KOILANEMOY STREET 4 BLOCK D ART 303 LIMASSOL , CYPRUS, has applied to the minister of the Interior for naturalisation and any person who knows any reason why naturalisation should not be granted is hereby invited to send a written and signed statement of the facts to the Minister of Interior, Nicosia PAPHIAKOS CHARITY SHOP (Limassol) open 7 days a week 9.00-13.00. Donations required of bric a brac, clothes, electrical goods, household goods, soft furnishings etc. Telephone Jackie 25543304 PASTA APPEAL. We need your help!

Every day we feed our cats and dogs with a hearty meal of pasta.

Please donate a bag of pasta to

Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385 CONDITION AT REDUCED PRICES. PLEASE CALL : 99622678

SERVICES

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT at Alfie T’s, 29 Tomb of the Kings Road, Paphos 7pm, 23rd March €25 per person includes 3 course meal telephone 99099254.

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

Ayia Napa Monday 97798043

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

ALCOHOLICS CYPRUS

ANONYMOUS

-

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

Larnaca Tuesday (Polish spk) 96616589 Thursday 24645523 / 99259264 Limassol Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday 25368265 / 99559322

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH PAINTER AND DECORATOR City and Guilds Advanced 46 years experience of interior and external finishes. Quality work, reliable, estimates and advice freely given. Tala based Phone Terry 96407703

Details of meetings are available on www.aa-europe.net

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.kdfl yscreens.com

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

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

Nicosia 99013596

Wednesday/Sunday

Paphos Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday 99916331 / 99399240

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS

SALE IN KATO PAFOS 96sq.m The shop is within the ‘’Limnaria Complex’’ and faces the main road Melina Mercouri Avenue It’s in good condition with suspended ceiling, recessed lighting, VRV AC, fitted carpet, motorised shutters, CCTV and more. Tel: 96885030 owner

***************************** PROFESSIONAL UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, also carpets, rugs and mattresses. Special offers now available. FREE STAIN GUARD FOR LIMITED TIME For a quote call Rickys Cleaning Services on 99131044 (all areas) info@rcs-cyprus.net / www.rcscyprus.net

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

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

SWIFT SERVICE AND REPAIRS air-cons, commercial and domestic fridges and freezers, ice machines, cool rooms, supply and fi t air-cons VRV S. Call Nik on 99579602 Limassol

LAND FOR SALE MITSERO. 7 skalas. 10% build. South facing, unobstructed views. Access road, water, electricity. Fenced compound with 48sq.meter timber framed 2 bedroom unit, septic tank, grey water system, storage, workshop. €135,000 mobile 99594205 pumpitch@hotmail.com PLOT FOR SALE IN KATO PLATRES in a pine tree area. It comes with title deeds, 1095 square feet.

Tel. 99881051.

DOG GROOMING BUSINESS FOR SALE Do you like animals? If you do you would love doing this. Well established client base for 7 years.

Willing to train if needs require.

Open to offers for a quick sale this includes training, equipment and transport. For more information please call: 96301768

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

PETS

************************** ***************************** FOR SALE: SUZUKI VITARA Saloon 1.6 benzini, dark green from 2002, mileage: 135.500 km. MOT till 2015. Road Tax paid all 2013. €2.200 Electric Cooker, Bosch 4 ceramic hotplates and oven, used 1 1/2 year, €350 Washing Machine LG 7 kg, silent, used 1 1/2 year €200 Big Electric heater, Matestar, used 8-10 times €25 For further information contact phone 9918 2310

DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full repair & restoration of chipped, scratched, dull and stained, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone & Ceramic tiled fl oors and surfaces. Professional cleaning, repair & sealing of internal/external ceramic tiles & grout lines.

For a free professional consultation & demonstration contact Mark at Premier on 70006766 All areas

HONEY is a 3 month old pincher/ terrier mix. She is very small sized and very sweet and playful. Honey is looking for a loving family to be hers forever! She will remain small sized so she is ideal for a family with an apartment! For adoptions call 99 520 511 Monday-Friday between hours 10-2 or email ndsadoptions@gmail.com

1. ECO Desk 160x80x71 – 8 units/ €96.

2. Extention 120x60x71 – 6 units/ €76.

3. Small under-desk Cabinet with 3 pullout drawers – 7 units/ €99.

4. ECO Low cabinet with 2 low doors - 8 units /€107.

Tel: 25 200 600, 99 316 582

***************************** FOR SALE – PAPHOS CATERING EQUIPMENT 1. Industrial freezer – CORECO Height 200cm, width 68cm, depth 58cm 2.

Electrolux Freezer, model EUC3109X, width-595mm, height1800mm, depth- 623mm, freezing capacity-24kg/24hours, energy class A

3. CONVOTHERM OVEN modelOBG 6.10Combi Oven-Steamer with Gas Steam Generator Extra: Stand with stainless steel shelving, extractor fan, water supply system and gas installation connections, PLUS CHAFING TRAYS & THERMO BOXES, ALL IN EXCELLENT

people. He is looking for a forever home. For adoptions call 99 520 511 Monday-Friday between hours 10-2 or email ndsadoptions@gmail. com. Visit by appointments only AGAPI is now in a foster home! She is very sweet and playful! Agapi is looking for a permanent home! For adoptions call 99 520 511 MondayFriday or email ndsadoptions@ gmail.com

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES HONDA 400 TWIN, blue, 1984 in very good condition, chrome exhausts, only 38.000 kms, road tax up to date, €900 o.n.o, please call : 99266282 - Paphos area.

***************************** TOYOTA IQ 2009. Automatic 1ltre.

White pearl, 33.000km. Medium tinted windows, Zenon lights. Perfect condition only €8500.00. Call 99511737

***************************** FOR SALE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER/PRADO white 1998, exceptional condition inside and out.

Many extras. Any inspection welcome. €7950 ono. Tel: 99680747

***************************** BLACK HONDA CBR1100XX SUPERBLACKBIRD registered new in June 2011 as new condition with 12000 km. Any inspection welcome. €6950. Call Philip 99680747

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

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA

***************************** FOR RENT One bedroom apartment in Lycavitos area near Hilton Hotel – Covered parking – Air-conditioning – Electrical appliances – Under floor heating – Parquet floor – Blinds. Call: 99673008

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND

***************************** OFFICE FURNITURE FOR SALE with 50% discount, price per unit:

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049

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

HOUSES/FLATS

LIMASSOL

Mak/ssa lux., pool, 4 bedr., attic, offi ce, maid’s room, modern style, c/h a/c €2000

1) GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY PLOT OF LAND FOR SALE 1,789 sq.m, IN THE AREA OF AGIA ZONI BUILDING FACTOR 140% WITH TITLE DEED. The land is located at a central point in the city, very close to various amenities and has excellent accessibility. Tel: 96885030 owner 2) RESIDENTIAL LAND FOR SALE GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY The plot of land is located in the area of Foinikaria Total area 5,686 with a 20% Building Factor Tel: 96885030 owner

***************************** PAFOS 1) PLOTS OF LAND FOR SALE ANAVARGOS AREA GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY The plots can be sold as a single unit or individually. From 626 sq.m up to 776 sq.m with building factor 60% and title deeds. Mountain and sea view with nice villas developing around the area. Tel: 96885030 owner 2) COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR

LOST HUSKY – PAPHOS Answers to the name of Chico went missing on Monday the 4th of February around the International School area chipped Paphiakos Animal Welfare have advised that many large dogs have been taken from the Mesogi/ Anarvagos/Ttremithousa areas.

Please call 99622678 if you have seen him

***************************** ENGLISH COCKER puppies for sale ( black girl and black and tan boy).

Will be available for sale at the begining of April, with an excellent pedigree,vaccinated, microchipped, free from eye cataract, kidney failure and hips dysplasia.Living with a family with kids,other dogs and a cat( 450 euros). Also an adult black and tan female, fully vaccinated is given for free to the right home. For photos look at www.costopa.net or call 99884578 Anna ( Nicosia) or e mail to costopa@gmail.com DILAN is a male dog approximately 2 years old. He is nice with kids and

Engomi 4 bedr., house ff €1200 without €1000 Acropolis 4 bedr.,house, c/h a/c only €850 Whole fl oor apart., Agios Andreas, Acropolis, Engomi from €1000 Photos www.markidesestates. com Markides 22- 378898 / 99464764 Reg.No. 487 E 16

***************************** 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. Tel: 99622370.

TO LET 1 bedroom upper floor house, large veranda near restaurant Periyiali in Acropolis 5 Aeantos Street €370 call 99680208

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg 22 Employment Miscellaneous 22 Pets 22 Lessons 22 Health & Fitness -Personal -Services 22 For Sale Miscellaneous 22 For Sale Land/ Property Business 22 For Sale Motor vehicles 22 Properties Wanted -To Let Nicosia 22 To Let Limassol 24 To Let Larnaca 25 To Let Paphos 25 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -For Sale Nicosia 27 For Sale Limassol 27 For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 27 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras 27 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

23

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA NEW LUXURIOUS spacious (130m²), 2 bedrs flat, 2 balconies, 2 WC, indep. CH, solar system, A/C, granite floors, shutters, Italian kitchen and appliances, storeroom, covered parking in small quiet building (4 flats) in Ay. Dhometios 1.5km form Alfa-Mega Engomi. €590 p.m.

Same building very large ONE bedr flat (75m²) with similar amenities €480 p.m. TEL:99 544141

***************************** FLATS/HOUSES FOR RENT Ag. Andreas studio €290, Kennedy €300, 1bdrm Str/los €400, Makarios av. €500, 2 bdrm European University furnished top floor €600 Ag. Dometios ground floor + garden €450, Lycavitos furnished €530, Ag. Paylos rear house newly built €450, 3bdrm M/ssa ground floor €700, Archangelos detached with pool €1,200, 4bdrm Kosta Theodorou new house €1,100, Ag. Andreas g/f €900, Ag. Omologites colonial traditional house pool €2,500. 21 property Finder Ltd. 99474839, 99646822, A.M.627 A.A.108/E

***************************** LUXURY HOUSES: 1. 4 bedr luxury detached house built in 3/4 of a plot, office space, central heating, full a/c, big sitting and dining area, separate big kitchen with family room and all

FOR RENT 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Larnaca near new hospital. €400 per month including service charge and refuse collection Call 99358916

TO LET NICOSIA the electrical appliances, blinds and curtains on all windows, aluminium shutters, big garden with grass, 3 wc, covered parking, in a quiet area – Strovolos €1000 (H4ST10051-R), (photos in the website) 2. 3 bedr luxury terraced house, 210sq.m,central heating, full a/c, marble floor in the sitting areas and solid parquet floor on stairs and bedrooms,4 wc,3 bathrooms, 2 en suite, big verandas, electrical appliances in the kitchen, 3 covered parking spaces, roof garden access, in a quiet neighbourhood on Mon Parnas hill – Engomi €800 (photos in the website).

3. 3 bedr detached house with extra room for office, 250sq.m, central heating independent, 4 a/c, big renovated kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting and dining room with parquet floor and fireplace, 1 bathroom, 2 shower, 3 wc, 2 covered parking, double glazed windows and shutters in bedrooms, big verandas surrounded by trees and bushes off 28th October street IN the central part of Makedonitissa – €1100 (H3MAK0004-R) (photos on the website) 4. 3 bedr luxury semi-detached house with character, 200sq.m, central heating, full ac, sitting

English-Painter & Decorator Fully Qualified 30 years’ Experience SUMMER OFFER 30% OFF ALL AREAS • External & Internal painting • Damp Damage Repairs • Spritez Repairs • Free Estimates + very clean work • All areas. All types of woodwork stained and preserved • All work guaranteed

Tel. Tony on 99176557

TO LET NICOSIA and dining room with fireplace, big kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher and refrigerator, nice mature garden with flowers, trees and small garden with grass, covered parking, 3wc, 2 bathrooms in a quiet neighbourhood. Available middle of January. Agios Andreas - €1200 - H3AAD0001-R (photos on website).

5. 3 bedr luxury house, office space, attic room, with central heating, full a/c, separate kitchen, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, 2 verandas, in a quiet area – Lakatamia €680 (H4LAK009-R), (photos in the website).

6. 3 bedr + attic room with shower and wc luxury detached house with central heating, a/c, fireplace, modern kitchen open plan with expensive electrical appliances, blinds, garden with grass, over flow swimming pool, covered parking in a quiet area. – Makedonitissa €1600 (H4MAK0023-R), (photos on the website).

7. 4 bedr luxury detached house with big sitting and dining room with parquet floor, separate big kitchen with family room and all the electrical appliances, small garden with grass and bbq area,3wc, central heating, full a/c, covered parking, in a very quiet neighborhood –

TO LET NICOSIA Archangelos €1200 (H4AR0017-R), (photos in the website).

8. 3 bedr +office space partially renovated detached ground floor house, 280sq.m, central heating with oil, full a/c, 3wc, separate tv room, big sitting and dining area, big verandas around the house, bbq area, covered parking, private yard near the parking.– Strovolos €1200 (H4ST10048-R), (photos in the website).

9. New modern luxury very good quality finished semi detached house built in 3 levels. Upstairs 1st level 3 bedrs all en suite+ laundry room, 2nd level big attic room which can be used for office space or bedroom. Ground floor with 2 sitting areas ,dining area and breakfast area, kitchen with all the electrical appliances, central heating, full a/c units. Basement with kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher, microwave and 2 refrigerators, sitting room with fireplace, and 2 bedrooms with one bathroom. Outside private fenced garden with artifi cial grass, bbq area and covered veranda. The house has blinds and shutters on all windows, false ceiling with spot lights throughout house, pressure system, covered parking, satellite dish, central music and network system, storage

SELECT Fencing & Decking Specialist For all your Garden and Security Fencing ♦ Quality approved workmanship ♦ 15 years experience + guaranteed work ♦ English workers ♦ also garden gates ♦ sheds ♦ chain link fencing ♦ free estimates ♦ all types of fencing & decking

Roofing flat & tired roofing repairs and construction Tel. SELECT fencing 99176557

TO LET NICOSIA room, very good double glazed windows. Behind General flooring in the centre of Makedonitissa - €2000 (H4MAK0001-R), (photos on the website).

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

11. 4 bedr new luxury finished detached house with central heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, big kitchen with cooker oven, dishwasher and big family room, aluminium shutters in all the house, separate big sitting and dining room with parquet floor, 2 covered parking, alarm system, big covered patio, SWIMMING POOL, in a newly built area near Falcon school – Strovolos €2000 (photos in the website).

TO LET NICOSIA 12. 3 bedrs luxury 2 storey, FULLY RENOVATED LISTED HOUSE with high ceilings in the centre of Nicosia, 260sq.m, 2 small attic rooms, big sitting room upstairs, big sitting room and dining area downstairs, wooden floor, kitchen with all the electrical appliances, 2 bathrooms(one en suite),3wc,CH independent, A/C, big garden – Nicosia Centre €1400 (H4NIC0002-R), (photos in the website).

13. 3 bedr upstairs and 2 separate bedrooms in the basement luxury detached house (all the bedrooms with en suite bathrooms/shower), also separate kitchen and sitting room in the basement which also has separate entrance from the house, central heating, full a/c, solid parquet floor throughout house, big sitting and dining room with fireplace, big fully equipped kitchen with breakfast area and family room, big over flow, swimming pool with covered

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24

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA 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).

14. 4 bedr very big luxury semi detached house 350sq.m, with big separate basement 80sq.m with 2 rooms, sitting room, kitchen and bathroom. Consists of big sitting and dining areas upstairs, big kitchen with big family room and breakfast area, big bedrooms, 3 showers, 1 bathroom, central heating, full a/c, black out blinds on all windows, cooker and oven in the kitchen, covered parking and patio with bbq in a very quiet neighbourhood close to Makarios football stadium.CAN BE RENTED FURNISHED, PARTIALLY FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED - Makedonitissa €1500(H4MAK0032-R), (photos in the website) 15. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, all the bedrooms very big and all with big bathroom/shower, sitting room upstairs, attic room with shower and wc, office space/ maid’s room with shower and wc, central heating, full AC,450sq.m, big sitting and dining areas, big kitchen with sitting area and fitted

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

cooker and oven, 6wc, 2 covered parking, yard with tiles and SWIMMING POOL, bbq area in a very quiet neighbourhood near CYBC ( RIK) station and near a neighbourhood park – Platy Aglantzias €2500 (H4AGZ0005-R), (photos in the website)

big sitting and dining room, big bedroom, fully newly modern furnished with LCD TV 32’, covered veranda, covered parking, storage heaters, full a/c, near Cyta, Laiki and Hellenic Bank headquarters – Dasoupolis €550 (photos in the website).

For many more properties with photos visit our website at w w w.landtouristest ates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225/96 - 422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates.com

3. 2 bedr penthouse apartment, 100sq.m + 80sq.m veranda with flowers and bbq, big sitting and dining room with big 60” TV, storage heaters, full a/v, 2 wc, en suite bathroom/jacuzzi, roman blinds, cooker, oven, microwave, washing machine and refrigerator in the kitchen, covered parking, near Metro supermarket – Aglantzia €600 (photos in the website).

***************************** 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 through, 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 neighbourhood – Agios Andreas- €1300 – A3AAD0005-R (photos on website).

2. 1 bedr spacious fully luxury renovated apartment,60sq.m,

4. 2 bedr luxury ground floor apartment with central heating-independent, full a/c, structure cabling internet and satellite network, FULLY MODERN EXPENSIVE FURNISHED, with 46”LCD TV, covered parking, double glazed windows, aluminium shutters, on Pericleous street near Klimataria traffic lights – Strovolos €650 (A2ST10054-R) (photos in the website) 5. 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, fireplace, covered parking and big over floor 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 €1500 (A4ENG0003-R) (photos in the website) 6. 1 bedr new luxury apartment in a modern building(TSENTAS),with central heating ind, 2 a/c, cooker and oven, refrigerator and washing machine in the kitchen, parquet floor, NICELY FURNISHED big covered veranda, big sitting room off Kyriakou Matsi street, 1 km from the

TO LET NICOSIA centre €460 (A1AOM0002-R), (photos in the website).

7.

1 bedr cozy luxury apartment,60sq.m,parquet floor, nicely furnished ,all fitted electrical appliances (cooker, oven, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge), roman blinds, provisions for home cinema, big covered verandah, storage heaters, 2 a/c ,covered parking in Dasoupolis near Alpha Mega supermarket and Areteion hospital.

– Dasoupoli €470 (A1DAS0009-R) (photos in the website)

8. 2 bedr spacious renovated apartment 100sq.m with separate big kitchen, air condition for hot and cold in all the rooms, covered veranda, nicely newly fully furnished , off Kyriakou Matsi street very close to the centre on foot– Agioi Omologites €500 (A2AOM0003-R) (photos in the website) 9. New top quality 2 bedr apartment, 93sq.m+20sq.m veranda, on a small modern building with 6 flats only. Central heating independent, full a/c, 2 bathrooms, 2wc, fully fitted kitchen with all the electrical appliances, water pressure system roller blinds and shutters on windows, big sitting and dining room, big bedrooms, covered parking and storage room, in a quiet neighbourhood near Akropolis park. AVAILABLE end of March – Acropolis €800 A2ACS0002-R (photos in the website) .

10. New luxury finished 1 bedr penthouse apartment with big verandah with nice view, in a small modern building,55sq.m,storage heaters,2 a/c, blinds on the windows, expensive electrical appliances(cooker, oven, extractor, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer),covered parking and storage room, off Kalippoleos street opposite Dessange Day Spa near the University – Lykavitos €420 (A1LYK0002-R), (photos in the website).

TO LET NICOSIA 11. 3 bedrs luxury penthouse one floor apartment in a small building with 3 apartments,250sq.m plus big covered verandas, fire place, solid parquet floor,2 bathrooms,3 wc, cooker, oven, fridge, washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen, CH independent, full a/c, big reception areas opening to the verandas, pressure system and 2 Pcovered with remote control entrance, walking distance to the centre very close to Debenhams €1300 (A3NIC0028-R), (photos in the website) 12. 2 bedr new modern luxury finished apartment with parquet floor, central heating independent, 2 a/c, modern kitchen with all fitted expensive electrical appliances, blinds on the windows, big covered veranda, FULLY NICELY FURNISHED, covered parking in a quiet neighbourhood off Kallipoleos Street - Lykavitos €700 (A2LYK0024-R) (photos on the website) 13. 3 bedr luxury penthouse apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, big sitting and dining room with fireplace, separate kitchen, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, big covered and uncovered veranda, covered parking, in Strovolos near the Municipal building - €650 (A3ST10014-R) (photos on the website) 14. 3 bedr spacious luxury finished apartment 150sq.m+30sq.m covered veranda, central heating independent with petrol, full wall a/c units, solid parquet floor, expensive electrical appliances in the kitchen, 3wc, curtains and blinds on windows, 3 COVERED PARKING, storage room, near Pizza Hut in Strovolos €1100 (photos in the website).

15. 3 bedrs luxury penthouse,165sq. m+80sq.m verandah with bbq, central heating ind, full AC, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, solid parquet floor all the flat, big kitchen with dining

TO LET NICOSIA area, fully MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking off Athalassa Avenue near Stephanis Electrinics and English school – Strovolos €800 (A3ST10013-R) (photos in the website) 16. New luxury finished 4 bed PENTHOUSE apartment in a small modern building, 186sq. m+90sq.m big veranda with nice view, separate floor heating, fully air conditioned, 4wc, 2 en suite bedrooms with shower,1 bathroom, solid parquet floor all through, big sitting and dining areas with electric modern shutters opening to the veranda, fully equipped kitchen with expensive electrical appliances, 2 parking places (1 covered), in a very quiet neighbourhood ,near the Russian Embassy. AVAILABLE END OF MARCH –Engomi €1900 (A4ENG0005-R) (photos in the website) For many more properties with photos visit our website at w w w.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates.com

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

LIMASSOL FOR RENT office of around 85m2, with partitions, kitchenette and parking in a peaceful, green yet central area at Helladion House(off.

302; 3rd floor), 5 Andrea Kalvou Str. For viewing, please call Ms. Jenny on 25-340987(3rd flloor of building; office hours). For further details, please call 25-521873 after 8:00pm.

25

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

Advertiser TO LET LIMASSOL

TO LET LIMASSOL

FOR RENT IN IPSONAS near highway, first floor house, 3 bedrooms, C/H, A/C, fitted kitchen with all electrical appliances, and TV room.

Roof garden with extra kitchen, BBQ, pergola. Rent €600pm. Tel 99672925

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

UN-DETACHED HOUSE for rent in Apshiou village, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, sitting room, bathroom with solar water heater. A/C, satellite, 15mins to roundabout. €350.

Tel 25369219, work 10.30-17.30 25542968 home 99773151 TO LET Large 4 bedroom unfurnished house in the village of Asomatos nr Akrotiri Limassol. Fully A/C & Heating (storage heaters). 5 wc’s, large kitchen/diner, lounge and sitting room. Large loft with own shower/ wc (suitable for office/playroom/ gym). Carport - prominent position in cul-de-sac - lots of parking. €850 pcm (negotiable). Available from April 2013. Tel. 99831431 FOR RENT 1,2,3,4,5 bedroom houses, flats and villas furnished or unfurnished and in some cases with swimming pool in all areas of Limassol town, Erimi, Episkopi, Kolossi, Ypsonas, Souni, Kivides, Agios Tihonas, Pyrkos, Pareklisia, Trahoni, Zakaki and Yermasoyia Tel: 99675752

FOR RENT 4 bedroom detached house situated in a quiet area of Erimi, with spacious, living area, kitchen, guest WC downstairs, and four bedrooms upstairs with en-suite master bedroom, and bathroom. It has central heating, and air-condition. beautiful garden and parking. €800. 99675752 FOR RENT 4 bedroom detached house in Episkopi, on top of a hill with panoramic views of Curium Beach and garden all around (very private). It has a spacious living area, separate kitchen, utility room, guest WC downstairs and four bedrooms with bathroom upstairs.

Central heating, air-conditioning, parking. €750. (negotiable) Tel: 99 675752 FOR RENT five bedroom villa for rent in Agios Sylas (7 minutes from town of Limassol) detached with beautiful panoramic mountain and sea views. It has large sitting dining area, separate kitchen, utility room, office, laundry shoot, four w/c, en-suite master bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe. Small kitchen area upstairs between bedrooms, large bedroom balconies. Central heating, air-conditioning, barbaque area. Also has a separate apartment below the house with

STUDIOS FOR RENT

TO LET LARNACA

TO LET LIMASSOL small kitchen and shower with WC. A nice large gargen and covered parking. €1300. 99675752

FOR RENT fully furnished 1 bedroom flat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel 99202543

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE STONE HOUSE IN APESHIA. Very quiet village, 20mins from Limassol.

Road to heritage school/Troodos.

2 bedrooms, office available top floor with veranda great view of mountains. Small courtyard with trees. Electric solar water. A/Ctoilet in main bedroom. Semi/ full furnished. Fitted kitchen with electrical appliances, fireplace.

Toilet/shower. €550pm negotiable. Tel 96891800.

1 BEDROOM flat in Ermou Square area Larnaca - 2 bedroom flat in Phaneromenis area Larnaca.

Call 96693375

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

LARNACA HOUSE FOR RENT 3 Bedrooms, 3 WC, A/C, C/H, white goods, VERGINA Larnaca. €570 per month Tel. 99 478749

***************************** 1. Superior Real Estate Larnaca.

3 bedroom detached unfurnished property set on a fantastic development in the village of Tersefanou. Available for immediate occupation. Ref. TLL973. Tel 24815926 2. Superior Real Estate Larnaca.

2 bedroom fully furnished apartment, nr the Metro/American Academy Larnaca. Ref. TLL1654 Please call to arrange a viewing Tel. 24815926 3.

www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com – LARGE RANGE OF RENTAL PROPERTIES. From studio apartments to 5 bedroom villa’s for rent, all properties have detailed descriptions, professional photographs. Interactive Virtual/Video Tours. Please visit

Are you looking to meet an Attractive, Beautiful, Gorgeous, Successful lady who has a lot to offer, love, beauty and personality.

Very energetic, sweet, pretty and stylish lady. She is divorced 42. Scientist self employed, well-off financially. She prefers to spend her free time playing tennis, swimming and exploring nature. ID-ALAN

Tel: 25-324800 (office hours)

If interested please call 99 314108, 70005150, Email: singles@kronos2.net

EMBA

Fully furnished renovated studios for rent at Dassoudi beach Limassol. They have air-condition, balcony and private parking area.

INDOOR MARKET & CAR BOOT SALE FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY 8:00AM – 2:00PM ALL YEAR ROUND VISIT US NOW FOR:

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FRESH VILLAGE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES WATCH REPAIRS & JEWELLERY POTTED FLOWERS NEW & USED HANDBAGS & CLOTHES SECOND HAND BOOKS COMPUTERS & TELEPHONE ACCESSORIES SECOND HAND FURNITURE & ANTIQUES INDIAN TAKE AWAY HOME MADE FRESH CAKES & PIES FROZEN FISH CHILDREN’S TOY’S AND MUCH MORE ….

GREAT PRICES FOR ALL !!!

STALLHOLDERS & CAR-BOOTERS WELCOME COFFEE SHOP ALL ENQUIRIES CALL: 96533839/99771532

TO LET LARNACA our website. www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com 4.

www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com - License No. 419.

LANDLORDS AVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY WITH US FOR FREE. Tel. 24815926 Email. info@superiorrealestatelarnaca.com

PAPHOS FOR RENT KATO PAPHOS spacious 2 bed F/F garden apartment. Enclosed garden with 2 covered patios next to green area, cul-de-sac setting. AC, SAT TV, comm. pool.

Superb location with private covered parking and entrance. Quiet yet close to all amenities. €400 p/m.

Contact 26 911540 or 99955302.

TO LET PAPHOS ***************************** TOK’s – 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Immaculate, very high spec top floor apartment, Luxury furnished with Flatscreen TV’s in living room and bedrooms, lift, pool, beautiful development, fantastic location €425 pm Lower Peyia – 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom Modern Unfurnished Villa with beautiful sea views. Spacious villa with wood burner, utility room, white goods, storage area, alarm system, low maintenance manicured garden & private pool €1100 pm Lower Peyia – Good size detached 3 bedroom Villa in lovely residential no through road, separate kitchen, well maintained, large balcony, private pool and garden with sea views €750 pm Universal - 2 bedroom fully furnished

26

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS ground oor apartment, a/c, large bedrooms, communal pool, o/s parking ₏350 Please contact us whatever your rental requirements as we have many other properties available. LANDLORDS/OWNERS – We always require more properties to list for waiting clients. Please call NOW: 96241965

***************************** PEYIA, luxury villa, 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully or part furnished, private pool, quiet location, paved garden area, sea and mountain views. Sky satellite, euro 650 ono, please call: 99771532 – no agents KILI – PAPHOS, 3 bedroom villa, with swimming pool and garden, unfurnished, gas central heating, large verandas, lovely mountain views, very quiet and tranquil area, ₏475 per month o.n.o. Call : 99479006

***************************** LOW COST, long term 3 bedroom bungalow, Polis area, Gialia village, on 3 acres of property, large variety of fruit trees, extremely private with panoramic mountain and sea views, unfurnished, swimming pool, a/c and ďŹ replace, fence around the property â‚Ź550 per month ono – available from

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

1st of April For more info call: 99 442485

***************************** KISSONERGA - Beautiful Detached U/F 3 Bedroomed Villa, Large Pool, 2 Bedrooms Upstairs Master En-suite, Family Bathroom, modern Fitted Kitchen, Downstairs Bedroom with En-suite Shower room, Low maintenance Garden, Large Terraces and Separate Storage Room â‚Ź600.

TALA - Modern 2 and 3 bedroom apartments U/F, P/F and F/F, some with communal pool, A/C, Separate Storage and own Parking â‚Ź325.

TREMITHOUSA - Traditional Spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, and Large Mature enclosed Garden, Open Fireplace, Beautiful Fitted Kitchen, A/C, Wonderful Family Home â‚Ź400.

EMBA - Spacious 2 Bedroom Corner house ,U/F, Separate Downstairs Cloakroom, Balcony, no garden â‚Ź300.

URGENTLY WANTED – 2/3 Bedroom F/F Properties MORE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 99862922

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

MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PAPHOS OFFICE: 26271858 (00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT OFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE 1. UNIVERSAL AREA ₏370 spacious 2 bedroom ground oor apartment in the sought after complex Paradise Gardens, offering luxurious communal pool & gardens.

Fully furnished with good furniture, fully equipped modern kitchen with American fridge freezer. Solar panels for free hot water. Fully enclosed patio garden. Covered parking. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website reference number: RTL_305 2. ANARITA â‚Ź375 beautifully furnished modern 2 bedroom townhouse situated in a quiet complex with air conditioned spacious gym also communal pools & well tended gardens. Townhouse offers modern quality furniture & ďŹ ttings. Guest wc and small patio garden. Viewings highly recommended. Website reference number: RTL_667 3. PEYIA â‚Ź550 modern detached 2 bedroom villa situated on private road. Available unfurnished

TO LET PAPHOS though includes central heating throughout, pressurised water & security alarm system. Modern ďŹ tted kitchen & bathrooms. Roof terrace with sea views & private pool.

Website reference number: rtl_447.

Also available modern detached 3 bedroom villa on this private road. Website reference number: RTL_572 4. MESOGI â‚Ź700 spacious 4 bedroom villa plus playroom or ofďŹ ce including gas central heating. One bedroom & bathroom on ground oor. Available unfurnished. Enclosed low maintenance garden with private pool offering privacy & views over countryside. Situated in a quiet residential area. Website reference number: rtl_618 5. LOWER CHLORAKA â‚Ź750 spacious detached 3 bedroom villa offering stunning views of the sea.

Situated in a quiet residential street opposite orange groves. Gated entrance enclosed good sized low maintenance mature garden with fruit trees & private pool. Spacious living area with real ďŹ replace.

Downstairs guest wc.

Master bedroom with ensuite. Available fully furnished. Website reference number: RTL_550

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS 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. PEYIA â‚Ź950 we are delighted to offer this ultra modern 4 bedroom villa with luxury furnishings & ďŹ ttings. Offering spacious accommodation with breathtaking sea views. Finished to a very high quality. Spacious living area with modern ďŹ tted kitchen & utility area.

One bedroom on ground oor with ensuite & kitchenette. Guest wc.

Private inďŹ nity pool & enclosed low maintenance garden. A must to see! Website reference number: RTL_670 8. CHLORAKA â‚Ź2,200 substantial luxury 4 bedroom villa, spacious (350 sq meters), beautifully designed with unique detail. Conservatory with views of landscaped gardens.

Large modern ďŹ tted kitchen, living room with working ďŹ replace. Circular dining room with vaulted dome

ceiling. Stunning private pool area.

Available unfurnished. Website reference number: RTL_579 Tel: 97790883 Tel: 99133422 ofďŹ ce: 26271858 visit our website for many more properties www. mrrent-paphos.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

***************************** FLOWRON PROPERTY RENTALS: Offering a full range of property services, the company you can TRUST. ARMOU 2 bed Townhouse on a small complex of Townhouses in a lovely quiet and peaceful location, with small back garden, great views, communal pool, 2 bedrooms with en suites + guest WC. Pets welcome. Offered unfur-

6. KATO PAPHOS â‚Ź800 large 4 bedroom detached villa situated in

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27

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS nished Ref: 1204 €370 AYIA MARINOUDA a 3 bedroom villa with an additional loft room conversion with en suite. Property has a downstairs bedroom, sitting/dining area, separate utility area with granite work tops, 2 bedrooms on the top level master en suite. Central heating, AC, fly screens, private pool, enclosed and fenced garden. Ref: 1199 €900 MESOGI 4 bedroom villa with private pool, nice quality fi xtures, granite work tops, separate utility room, downstairs bedroom with en suite, fireplace, ac, 3 upstairs bedroom master en suite, separate bath, nice views, pets welcome, offered unfurnished Ref 783 €700 CHLORAKA 4 bedroom large villa with quality fittings , furnished to a very high standard, downstairs bedroom, 3 upstairs, en suites, bathroom, private pool, decking, fantastic sea views, near Tombs of the Kings Ref: 806 €850 SECRET VALLEY 2 bed villas furnished or unfurnished with private pool, downstairs bedroom, kitchen , sitting/dining area, guest wc, upstairs large master bedroom with en suite bath, large veranda.

Nice location with sea views and

Cello & piano duet

TO LET PAPHOS off street parking: Ref: 1198 €450 PEGEIA 4 bed villa unfurnished, 2 downstairs bedrooms, large sitting/dining area, Italian kitchen with white goods, 2 bedrooms upstairs with outside large veranda. Property is of a high standard with central heating, full AC, off street parking, private pool, stunning views, quiet location. Ref: 765 €900 MESOGI Large 3 bedroom apartment with full AC, bathroom, kitchen, separate utility room, clean and tidy building with without communal area, walking distance to all local amenities. Offered unfurnished Ref: 818 €400 SEA CAVES 2 bedroom town house, furnished with central heating, fire place, nice sea views, walking distance to Paphos the sea Ref 819 €300 Please call for a free viewing on Office 26600450 Mobile: 97614070 many more properties on our website at www. flowron.com - Your Vision is our Mission LANDLORDS IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT, PLEASE CALL US!!!!!!

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

wide repertoire

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

available for

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

bars, cafes, hotels,

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

receptions etc.

99947442 or 99418282

RENTAL POINT - PAPHOS *****

TO LET PAPHOS 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 on this prestigious development. Open plan living area.

Good sized kitchen. 2 double , bedrooms, master with en-suite shower room. Family bathroom.

Large patio areas with enclosed gardens and lovely sea views.

Covered parking and security gates.. Comm swimming pool.

Euros 400.00 per month 2 FYTI 3 bed, 3 bath furnished villa in a very quiet location. The property offers stylish accommodation and has many luxury features. Open plan living area with feature fireplace. Dining area.

Large fully fitted L shaped kitchen with appliances and breakfast bar Doors out to rear garden and pool. Guest WC. Stairs up to 3 very spacious bedrooms. Master with ensuite. Family bathroom and storage cupboard. Stairs up to roof garden with panoramic views. Outside there is a feature pergola, swimming pool and landscaped gardens. Euros 700.00 a month.

3. OLYMPUS ESTATE, NR TSADA – 3 bed, 2.5 bath furnished bungalow set on this prestigious estate. The house has central heating, A/C, fireplace, shutters & flyscreens. Spacious open plan living area with dining space.

Large “L” shaped kitchen. 3 double bedrooms all leading to pool and gardens. Master with en-suite. Covered patio with sea and rural views, swimming pool and garden areas. Feature outside dining area. Breakfast area to the side of the property. Easy care gardens. Pool with Roman steps. Parking for 3 cars. Bargain price!!! Euros 800.00 per month furnished, unfurnished by arrangement at lower cost.

TO LET PAPHOS 4. TALA - 3 bed 3 bath quality furnished villa. Set in enclosed gardens the villa consists of open plan living area with dining space.

Fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, door to rear garden. Storage room. Ground floor bedroom with adjacent shower. Stairs to two double bedrooms both ensuite, one with Jacuzzi tub. Small seating area with adjacent balcony. Pool and off street parking. Landscaped gardens Euros 650.00 per month 5. AYIOS DEMITRIANOS (POLEMI) – 3 bed, 2 bath furnished villa (bungalow style) set in a private and quiet location. Open plan living area with fireplace. Fully fitted kitchen with quality appliances.

Utility room and storage. Master bedroom with adjacent shower.

Two more double bedrooms with family bathroom with Jacuzzi bath. Garden areas, large terraces with outstanding views. Private pool 10x5, Covered parking. Euros 700.00 per month furnished, 650 unfurnished.

6. UNIVERSAL AREA. 2 bed, 2 bath fully furnished penthouse apartment. Living area with dining space. Doors out to massive balcony area overlooking the pool and gardens. Fitted kitchen.

2 double bedrooms, master bedroom has ensuite shower. Family bathroom. A/C, Comm pool and parking. Euros 450.00 a month or offers.

large furnished apartment in quiet area. Spacious open plan living area with doors out to balcony.

Good sized modern fitted kitchen and breakfast area. Small balcony off the kitchen. Two double bedrooms. Family bathroom. Off-street parking, comm pool. Euros 380.00 per month.

FOR FULL LISTINGS OF APARTMENTS/TOWNHOUSES AND VILLAS, PLEASE SEE www. rentalpointpaphos.com ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL LANDLORDS/OWNERS PLEASE CALL WITH DETAILS PLEASE CALL 97648440 or email:- inforentals@aol.com

Tel: 99753334

GALOW. Pano Kivides. 110 sq.m.

2 beds. Gas CH. Double glazing.

Mains drainage. Plot 730 sq.m. Fruit trees flower beds. Large workshop.

Jacuzzi. Car port. Open view. Easy drive to Limassol. TITLE DEEDS 187500 Tel 99995906.

**************************** EXECUTIVE PENTHOUSE for sale in central Limassol (Glastonas Street area). Five minute walk to the beach. 4/5 bedrooms. Private rooftop walk-in swimming pool with large terraces and conservatory. Total area: 800m2 (300m2 covered) €825,000 negotiable Tel: 99169485 Photos & more info: http://penthouse-forsalecyprus. blogspot.com/

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

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE NICOSIA STROVOLOS, Symi street, Tseriou new one bedroom apartment, 55 sqm, large sunny balcony, airconditioned, private parking, lift, title deeds, reduced price €95.000 (including VAT) (no offers) tel: 99266282 (no agents)

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

7. LOWER PEYIA - 3 bed, 2.5 bath unfurnished villa situated in quiet cul du sac. Open plan living and dining area with doors out the 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. Euros 550.00 per month or close offers only.

FOR SALE upper floor house 210 sq.m built on 301 sq. m land, Lapatsa area, Pereous 1a. 4 bedrooms with attic room (not finished), c/h ,4 a/c, aluminium doors& window, covered parking and storage room.

Price €310.000 pm call 22431095 99330632.

8. CHLORAKAS – 2 bed 1 bath

SMART EASILY MAINTAINED BUN-

LIMASSOL

ARIS EMPIRE BINGO Address: Paphos street 207, next to Carrefour Kato Polemidia, Limassol Email: arisempire@yahoo.com

FOR SALE LIMASSOL

TO LET PAPHOS

PAPHOS ***************************** 2 BEDROOM top floor apartment built in 2006, 75 sqm, large sunny balcony with sea views, 2 bathrooms (en-suite), communal pool, air conditioning. Small block of 9 apartments, located behind darmart store, near the debenhams roundabout, underground private parking, storage room and lift, reduced price: €98.000 (including VAT) with title deeds (no agents) please call: 99266282

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

PROTARAS ***************************** 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.

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

A new and very different place has opened its doors today to the bingo world, inviting people to come and try their luck. Aris Empire Bingo is impressively and luxuriously decorated and can host up to 1000 people providing all the comforts for a night of fun or relaxation.

Visitors can have fun, playing bingo, trying to win one of the big money prizes that are handed out each time. People can also choose from the large choice of food on the menu, which is reasonably priced. The meticulous work done by the owner is apparent at every corner, even in the kitchen which is HACCP certified, with everything designed by the CTO. Bingo has now taken-on a different character of being more enjoyable and of more quality for all those who love the game but have kept their distance as they could not find a place that expressed them. The spacious hall has good ventilation and Aris Empire Bingo has a large parking, making it easier for any visitors.

Opening hours is from 8pm till 2am Restaurant hours from 8pm Bingo starts at 9pm

28

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport Champ Vettel dominates day one of new Formula 1 season Red Bull put rivals in their place in Melbourne

By Nick Mulvenney WORLD champion Sebastian Vettel put his rivals firmly in their place by dominating both practice sessions on the opening day of the Formula One season at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday.

The German, embarking on his quest for a fourth successive world title, steered the car he has nicknamed ‘Hungry Heidi’ around the Melbourne street circuit in one minute 25.908 seconds half an hour before the end of the second session.

That lap topped the time sheets for the day, edging his Australian team mate Mark Webber (1.26.172) into second place as the Red Bull team scattered a few seeds of doubt over the consensus that the gap to the rest of the grid was narrowing.

“Overall it was a good day for us, it was pretty seamless and there was no trouble with the car,” the 25-yearold Vettel told reporters.

“After all the mileage of testing, it was fun to be out there - this circuit doesn’t get easier, it’s a good challenge.”

Nico Rosberg (1.26.322) was the best of the rest on

Sebastian Vettel embarked on his quest for a fourth successive world title yesterday during practice for Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix what would have been an encouraging day for Mercedes had he not later ground to a halt with a gearbox problem moments after team mate Lewis Hamilton had driven over the gravel and into a wall.

Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen, third in the championship last year, and Romain Grosjean grabbed the fourth and fifth best times to confirm some impressive showings for Lotus in pre-season testing.

Twice world champion

Fernando Alonso and his team mate Felipe Massa had more competitive first than second sessions for Ferrari, finishing sixth and eighth fastest overall to sandwich the unfortunate Hamilton.

“We already knew we were not the quickest and that was confirmed today,” said Spaniard Alonso, runnerup in the championship last year.

Hamilton had started brightly on a warm and sunny day at Albert Park and finished fourth quickest in

his first practice session for Mercedes after his switch from McLaren.

The 2008 world champion faced the lonely walk back to the paddock seven minutes from the end of the second session, however, after a crash the team said had been caused by a bodywork problem which caused him to understeer.

Jenson Button, who has won three of the last four Australian Grands Prix, managed only the 11th fastest time - 2.386 seconds

off the pace - with his new McLaren team-mate, Mexican Sergio Perez, lapping 13th quickest.

“It was one of the most difficult days I can remember,” said team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

“We’ve made a lot of changes to the car for this season and we don’t fully understand how to get the best out of it yet.”

A third practice session took place in the early hours of the morning before qualifying for tomorrow’s race.

‘Queen Yuna’ not perfect but good enough at worlds

By Steve Keating

Olympic champion Kim Yuna is making a comeback after nearly two years on the sidelines

KIM Yuna felt her short programme at the world figure skating championships deserved a perfect score and while the judges did not agree they still gave the Olympic champion top marks.

Making a comeback after nearly two years on the sidelines, the South Korean’s short skate to the dark and brooding music from The Kiss of the Vampire was spellbinding but her score was far from the perfection the 22-year-old – known as ‘Queen Yuna’ by her legions of fans - felt it deserved.

In fact, judges did not even view her effort as good as the performance she gave in her return to competition at the NRW Trophy in Germany last December.

Taking part in just her third competition since a 20-month sabbatical, Kim displayed no signs of nerves or rust during a clean and graceful programme. She landed all her jumps, including a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination to kickoff a routine that earned her a mark of 69.97.

The only potential flaw Kim thought judges might have caught was a wobble on her opening spin but otherwise she could find no fault

with her effort.

“I tried my best and would give myself the full 100 per cent,” Kim told reporters with the help of an interpreter. “The score, I was a little bit surprised. Perhaps my first spin was not good enough. Maybe I got downgraded for that.

“In the end I was little surprised but I know that I gave it my best so I have no regrets.”

Kim’s run of having medaled in every competition she has entered seems sure to continue in London.

She will go into today’s free skate with a comfortable lead over reigning world champion Carolina Kostner of Italy, who is in second place with a mark of 66.86 despite crashing to the ice on her opening combination. Japan’s Kanako Murakami was third on 66.64.

Kim’s rivalry with Mao Asada was expected to provide one of the great highlights of these championship but the showdown lost much of its pizzazz when the Japanese double world champion could finish no better than sixth.

“I wasn’t as nervous as I imagined,” said Kim, world champion in 2009. “It has been a long time since I competed in such a big venue with a lot of people filling the venue but in the end because I focused on my practices I knew that I was doing well in the practices so I felt good.”

IN BRIEF Jockey in coma after horror fall AMATEUR jockey JT McNamara was airlifted to hospital in an induced coma after suffering serious injuries in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

“I’ve been told JT is in an induced coma,” his uncle, trainer Andrew McNamara, told the British Horse Racing Authority’s website (www.britishhorseracing.com).

The 37-year-old Irish rider was treated by paramedics after his mount Galaxy Rock fell at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup. Racing was delayed for 30 minutes before the jockey was flown to a Bristol hospital.

McNamara was conscious after the fall but had difficulty breathing, Irish Turf Club chief medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said.

“It’s a dangerous sport and it’s a sight you see that unfortunately crops up,” 17-time champion jockey AP McCoy told the BBC. “We’re very lucky we have excellent medical care. We just hope he’s going to be OK.” Matuhi also sustained a serious spinal injury and was put down after the horse fell at the last fence in the Byrne Group Plate.

Spurs beat Mavericks TIM Duncan had 28 points and 19 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 92-91 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Duncan was 12 of 20 from the field in recording his 13th double-double of the season.

The Spurs (50-16) have won 50 games in 14 consecutive seasons, an NBA record.

The Spurs got their first season sweep of the Mavericks in 15 years.

They have defeated the Mavs by a margin of 23 points in the three games, but this one was much closer.

They had a 13-point second half lead cut to one when Dirk Nowitzki hit a bucket with 28 seconds left to make it 92-91.

A Ginobili jumper bounced off the rim and gave the Mavericks the ball with eight seconds and one last opportunity to for a victory, but a Vince Carter 3-point attempt with a second to play bounced off the rim.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

29

Sport Modest Prior again proves his worth

Ailing Federer outmuscled by resurgent Nadal

By David Clough

Spaniard speaks of ‘big surprise’ at result

By Mark Lamport-Stokes ROGER Federer’s title defence at the BNP Paribas Open came to a surprisingly abrupt halt in the early hours of yesterday morning when he was hammered by his long-time rival Rafa Nadal 6-4 6-2 in the quarterfinals.

While Nadal’s fitness on hard courts had been in some doubt on his return to the ATP circuit after seven months out with a knee injury, it was Federer’s troublesome back that proved the most significant factor as he was totally outplayed.

The four-time Indian Wells champion continually struggled to hold serve, was broken four times and made a slew of backhand errors against an opponent who moved well and controlled most of the rallies with deeper and more accurate groundstrokes.

“I was hanging in there in the first set so you always believe that with a good return game and I dug myself out of a couple of tough service games, that I could do it, you know,” Federer told reporters after losing to Nadal for a 19th time.

“The longer the match went on, I realised I had to change up my game. I played differently than I was hoping to be able to. Obviously he got more comfortable as the match went on, as well.

“Things became difficult.

Obviously once I was down a set I knew it was going to be difficult. It (the back niggle) is obviously a small issue, and that doesn’t work against guys like Rafa.”

Federer, who had beaten claycourt specialist Nadal 6-3 6-4 in last year’s Indian Wells semi-final when they last met, said he had not been surprised by the Spaniard’s fluent movement about the court in the California desert.

“He’s not going to come back if he’s not well,” the 31-year-old Swiss said. “He’s not going to come back half broken. I expected him to tear through the clay. I expected him to be tough here, which he shows to be.”

“Sometimes I am not able to play all the shots with my forehand that I used to because I am not that fast yet to do it. That’s why the backhand today is very important for my game,” Spanish left-hander Nadal said afterwards..

“But it is a big surprise for me to have these results, that’s the truth ... because I really was not able to practise a lot. I was able to practise just a little before the comeback.

“I go day by day as I did all my life, and that’s not gonna change,” he added.

“If the things are not working well, so change, but if the things are working well don’t change, no?

“Important thing is be healthy. And if that happens

and I’m able to practise as much as I can, as much as I want, probably the comeback will be a little bit less difficult, no?”

Nadal won two ATP titles after reaching three finals on the clay courts of South America on a highly impressive return to the circuit last month.

Federer meanwhile is still seeking his first ATP title of the year after producing contrasting form in his first four tournaments.

After reaching the Australian Open semi-finals, where he lost to Andy Murray, Federer was beaten by Julien Benneteau in the Rotterdam quarter-finals before squandering three match points in a semi-final defeat by Tomas Berdych in Dubai.

Following his quarter-final exit from Indian Wells, Federer plans to return to his native Switzerland to map out his playing schedule going forward.

“I’ll go back for the next few days and weeks and sort of consider what’s next,” said the Swiss, who will skip next week’s ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami. “Normally I’d like to practise real hard and rest up and recover from this week.

“It’s been a really difficult week for me, so I’m happy to have played a decent tournament. Overall under the circumstances I’m happy.

I’ll probably maintain my schedule, but you never know.”

Vamos! Rafa Nadal beat his long-time rival in their first match for a year. Federer, who was troubled by a back problem, wasn’t at his best

North: Wales fans want ‘bloodbath’

Welsh wing wizard George North says fans have been telling him to ‘smash England’s heads in!’

GEORGE North says Wales fans want victory amid a bloodbath in today’s Six Nations decider against England in Cardiff.

Scarlets winger North, 20, said: “You try to keep a cool head and you try to maintain calm and focus.

“But everyone you see on the street is saying ‘make sure you smash their heads in!’.”

North also says the rivalry between the neighbouring nations means Wales fans want victory amid “a bloodbath”.

The Welsh-speaking, Anglesey-bred player, who was born in the English town of King’s Lynn to a Welsh mother and English father, said: “The whole country (Wales) loves it.

“Wales is a massive rugby nation, and whenever we play England there seems to be this long, long rivalry that everyone just wants a blood-

bath, really.

“They just want the best for the team, and their way of helping is just making sure they give you a tap on the back when you are walking round town or saying ‘good luck’.

“Everyone has got that common thing that everyone doesn’t really like the English in rugby terms.

“But they are a great team, and have great qualities.

“It’s not like a bad thing that Welsh fans hate English fans because they are nasty people.

“It’s that they are a good team to beat and a good scalp to have.”

North, who has 30 caps, is one of 12 Welsh starters who won 19-12 at Twickenham in 2012 on the way to a Grand Slam.

England will arrive in Cardiff with their sights on European rugby’s top trophy and a first Slam since 2003.

However, after away wins over France - in which North scored a crucial try - Italy and Scotland,the mathematical permutations mean Wales can retain the title.

North added: “You can’t beat around the fact that it is a big game.

“But you’ve got to try and take it as your job at the end of the day, so it’s just trying to focus now, ready for Saturday.

“If you cut all the emotions out of it, it’s just another game.

“If you take all the fans away, it’s just 15 against 15.

“We had the heartbreak of the first game (Ireland beat Wales 30-22 in Cardiff) and did not perform very well.

“Then to have had such a hard journey with three away games on the bounce, and then come back home and come back with a great chance to retain the title, it’s a great place to be for the whole squad.”

MATT Prior yet again proved invaluable to England with another perfectlyjudged half-century as the tourists jockeyed for an advantage at the Basin Reserve.

Prior’s 82 from 99 balls was merely the latest example of his importance in the pivotal number seven position, a vital contribution to ensure England did not squander hard-won gains on day two of the second Test against New Zealand.

The upshot, after Kevin Pietersen (73) had also dug in for a half-century to augment hundreds from Jonathan Trott and Nick Compton, was a total of 465 all out.

Prior’s fluency, particularly in an eighth-wicket stand of 83 with Steven Finn, also bought England’s bowlers enough time to reduce the Kiwis to 66 for three by stumps - thanks to two wickets in two balls from Stuart Broad.

Prior fell short of a deserved seventh Test century, but now has 25 50s for his country - part of a body of work which puts him high on the list of England’s all-time best wicketkeeperbatsmen.

The 31-year-old is especially adept at batting with the tail, and his natural attacking instincts lend themselves to a selfless approach which serves his team so well.

Many are beginning to bracket him not only with the best in his trade among contemporaries the world over, but also alongside illustrious England predecessors such as Alec Stewart and Alan Knott.

Prior himself is modest, and wise, enough to ignore the hype.

“Things like that are for other people to say, not for me to worry about,” he said.

“As far as I’m concerned, those guys are legends of the game - and I’ve got a long way to go before I class myself alongside them.”

For him, the key is to help England win games of cricket - as he can realistically hope to here, weather permitting - and let the statistics and record books look after themselves.

Prior is aware of the inevitable comparisons with Stewart and Knott, but will not waste time or tempt fate by poring over the figures himself.

“Fingers crossed, one day I might be able to say ‘Yes, I had a good influence on the team’.

“You look at these guys Stewie has been a mentor of mine for many years - and their stats and the games they’ve played, of course.

“But they’re distant goals.

“I made the mistake of looking too far ahead once before, and I’m not going to do that again.”

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Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport Ballack and Loew bury the hatchet

Barca back to earth for game against Rayo

By Karolos Grohmann

Busquets: ‘all teams have dips in form’

By Iain Rogers AFTER the delirious high of Tuesday’s Champions League fightback against AC Milan, Barcelona need to come down to earth for what should be a routine La Liga game at home to eighth-placed Rayo Vallecano this weekend.

The thumping 4-0 victory over the Italians, which sent Barca through to the quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate, made a mockery of suggestions the club were in crisis and they will look to protect their 13-point lead at the top of the domestic standings when Rayo visit the Camp Nou tomorrow night (10pm).

An out-of-sorts Barca were reeling after a 2-0 reverse to Milan at the San Siro in last month’s last 16 first leg followed by painful defeats to Real Madrid in the King’s Cup and La Liga.

Inspired by their Argentine World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, they rediscovered their form in spectacular style against Milan and their bids for a third European crown and a fourth La Liga title in five years are very much alive.

“It was the day and the match that we needed,” midfielder Sergio Busquets told a news conference after the Milan win.

“We didn’t do it because we wanted to silence the critics, we did it for ourselves,” added the Spain international, who turned in an immense performance against Milan in his unheralded defensive midfield role.

“You have a bad time when you lose, so these days have done a lot of good for our confidence.

“But neither did people need to take the situation quite as seriously as they did. All teams have dips in form.”

Real, also through to the last eight of the Champions League after eliminating Manchester United, leapfrogged city neighbours Atletico into second in La Liga last weekend and a win at home to struggling Real Mallorca tonight (9pm) would cut Barca’s lead to ten points.

But with only 11 games left, the champions have effectively written off their chances of catching their arch-rivals and their focus is on the Champions

League and the King’s Cup, in which they are through to face Atletico in May’s final.

Atletico, who dropped their first home points of the campaign in a 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad last weekend, play at relegation-threatened Osasuna tomorrow (8pm).

After their failed campaign to defend their Europa League title, they are concentrating on securing a lucrative Champions League place for next season and are 13 points ahead of Malaga and Sociedad in fourth and fifth respectively.

Coach Diego Simeone, who committed himself to the club until the end of the 2016-17 season by agreeing a new contract last week, said his players needed to rediscover their scoring touch if they are to prosper.

“We found it tough against Sociedad to maintain the calm to finish off our attacks in the final metres, which are the most difficult,” he told a news conference on Wednesday.

“Now we have to keep pushing to have that fluidity in the final phase,” added the Argentine.

Barca’s thumping 4-0 victory over AC Milan on Tuesday made a mockery of suggestions the club were in crisis

Returning Sannino tries his luck at Palermo again

By Brian Homewood

I’m back! Giuseppe Sannino was Palermo’s first coach of the season but was bizarrely fired after three games

GIUSEPPE Sannino makes his debut as Palermo coach for the second time this season on Sunday and, judging by the farcical goings-on at the Sicilian club, may well be looking over his shoulder already.

Table-propping Palermo’s volatile president Maurizio Zamparini has sacked three coaches in his team’s last six games, one of them twice, as his club nosedive towards Serie B. Sannino will hardly be relishing a trip to AC Milan (4pm) who were on the wrong end of a Barcelona masterclass in the Champions League on Tuesday, when a 4-0 defeat sent them crashing out of the competition.

Sannino was Palermo’s first coach of the season but was fired after three games and replaced by Gian Piero Gasperini, who managed to hang on until the start of February.

That was when the fun and games really started. Gasperini was fired after his team lost to Atalanta and replaced

by Alberto Malesani, who was

himself sacked after three games in charge.

Bizarrely, Zamparini then re-hired Gasperini only to fire him again after two matches, the second being last Sunday’s home defeat by fellow strugglers Siena which was followed by angry fan protests outside the stadium.

Sannino seemed reluctant to look even beyond his first training session as he contemplated his return to the hot seat.

“We must take it day by day, then see where we end up,” he said. “We must concentrate only on the work that awaits us over the next two months, training session after training session, game after game.

“My predecessor is a great coach and at this moment we must respect the man and the professional.”

The practice of firing and rehiring coaches is common in Italy. Coaches can lead only one Serie A team per season and also often remain under contract when sacked, meaning they are cheaper to rehire.

That means Malesani would be the obvious candidate if Zamparini loses patience with

Sannino.

Former technical director Christian Panucci, who quit the club after less than two months last season, gave an insight into the club this week.

“I would have happily continued, Palermo are an important part of Italian football, but after 40 days I realised there was no place for me,” he told Sky Sports Italia.

“I made a lot of suggestions to the president Zamparini, but he just didn’t listen to me.”

Palermo are level on 21 points with Pescara at the bottom of the table, after winning only three of their 28 games.

They are five points from safety with 10 matches to go.

Despite their resounding defeat in Barcelona, Milan are Serie A’s in-form team, having won seven and drawn three games since the start of the year.

That run has taken them up to third, the Champions League qualifying round spot, with 51 points, two behind second-placed Napoli, who have faltered badly with four draws and a defeat in their last five games.

FORMER Germany captain Michael Ballack and coach Joachim Loew have ended their years-long feud with the latter accepting an invitation to attend the retired player’s farewell game.

Loew said yesterday he had talked to Ballack on the phone after months of silence between the two and he would be attending his June 5 game in Leipzig.

“We talked on the phone yesterday and he invited me,” Loew told reporters.

“We said we will drink a coffee together sometime before the match, as the last months there was no communication.”

“I was delighted to have been invited. We want to sit down, find a date and talk about things that are still hanging in the air.”

The 36-year-old Ballack, who retired last year, had accused Loew of lying in a bitter war of words following an injury to the then Germany captain just before the 2010 World Cup and his subsequent loss of the skipper’s armband.

Loew never recalled Ballack again. The German football federation offered him the chance of a farewell appearance in a friendly against Brazil last August, but the player declined.

The two men had also clashed after Germany lost the Euro 2008 final to Spain, with Loew temporarily banning his captain from the team.

Ballack, who won 98 caps and led Germany to the 2002 World Cup final and Euro 2008 final, played for clubs including Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Kaiserslautern.

Several former team mates and coaches are set to attend the game in Leipzig.

Loew meanwhile has again snubbed Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling for the two 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan later this month, saying he planned for a future that may not include natural forwards.

Loew, who on Thursday called up only one out-andout forward in Mario Gomez for the games on March 22 and 26, said Kiessling may be playing a fine season but he did not necessarily fit his overall philosophy.

First choice striker Miroslav Klose will be missing through injury.

“This squad of 20 in-field players is enough for me,” Loew told reporters. “This quality is enough for these games and I have enough options up front.”

Kiessling, second-best league scorer with 16 goals so far this season, won the last of his six caps in the third place match against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup. Loew’s consistent refusal to recall the in-form tall striker has repeatedly raised eyebrows and generated some criticism.

CYPRUS MAIL Saturday, March 16, 2013

31

Sport

United look for return to form against managerless Reading

Everything still to play for in Cyprus

Champions City face tricky trip to Everton

By Nemanja Bjedov

By Mike Collett ELIMINATED from the Champions League and almost knocked out of the FA Cup, Manchester United return to the relatively calmer waters of the Premier League when they host relegationthreatened and managerless Reading today (7.30pm).

United, who have won 14 of their last 16 league games, are 12 points clear of secondplaced champions Manchester City and can take another step towards an unprecedented 20th title while pushing Reading closer to the drop.

The visitors, who sacked manager Brian McDermott on Monday and are set to be in the hands of youth academy coach Eamonn Dolan, have never won at Old Trafford and have only ever beaten United once - in an FA Cup match in 1927.

Reading have lost twice to United this season, 4-3 at home in the league and 2-1 away in the FA Cup and whoever takes over from McDermott, with ex-Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio the favourite, has a huge task on his hands to keep them up.

McDermott, who took Reading up last season and was named manager of the month for January, was sacked after his side lost a fourth successive league game to Aston Villa last weekend.

Reading are four points

This wasn’t in the script: Manchester United need a boost after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid and letting a two-goal lead slip against Chelsea in the FA Cup adrift of safety in 19th place with nine matches to play, level on 23 points with bottom side Queens Park Rangers who have improved their chances of late.

QPR will be looking for a third win in a row when they visit 17th-placed strugglers Villa today (5pm).

Wigan Athletic, who surprisingly reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time when they won 3-0 at Everton last Saturday, are the other side in the drop zone and need a win at home to Newcastle tomorrow (6pm).

Manchester City have their tails up after winning their last four league and cup games - scoring 12 goals and conceding none.

Five of those came without reply against Championship side Barnsley in the FA Cup last weekend when Carlos Tevez scored a hat-trick, but the Argentine is injured and may miss today’s tricky trip to Everton (2.45pm).

David Moyes’ team will be eager to put last weekend’s defeat against Wigan out of their minds and pick up vital points in their hunt for European football next season.

However, they are likely to be without goalkeeper Tim Howard, who is suffering with two broken bones in his back.

Everton’s dire weekend was completed when they slipped back from sixth to seventh in the league after

arch-rivals Liverpool came from 2-1 down to beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 at Anfield on Sunday.

The result kept alive Liverpool’s slim hopes of finishing in the top four and they visit lowly Southampton today (5pm).

However, London sides Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are still better-placed in the race to claim the other two Champions League spots, with United and City on course to finish one and two.

Tottenham lead the race in third place with 54 points, followed by Chelsea on 52 and Arsenal on 47, but Chelsea and Arsenal have played one match less than Spurs, who lost for the first time

in 13 league games at Liverpool.

Spurs, who survived a 4-1 Europa League hammering

by Inter Milan to progress on away goals at the San Siro on Thursday, will be at home to mid-table Fulham, managed by former Spurs boss Martin Jol on Sunday (5pm), looking for an immediate return to winning league form.

Chelsea, who beat Steaua Bucharest 3-2 on aggregate in the Europa League, welcome London rivals West Ham tomorrow (6pm) while Arsenal, free of any other distractions after going out of the Champions League on Wednesday, face a tricky test at League Cup winners Swansea City today (5pm).

FA chief condemns racist abuse

By Paul Hirst

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor was repeatedly subjected to racist chanting at the San Siro on Thursday

FOOTBALL Association chairman David Bernstein has condemned the monkey-chanting aimed at Tottenham’s players in their defeat against Inter Milan on Thursday night.

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor was subjected to the racist chanting on several occasions during his team’s 4-1 defeat to Inter, while one home fan was also seen waving an inflatable banana.

Despite repeated attempts

by UEFA and FIFA to stamp out racism in football, the problem keeps rearing its head and Bernstein admits the regularity of such abuse is worrying for the game.

“I condemn the racist abuse that Tottenham Hotspur

players suffered at the Europa League fixture in Milan,” Bernstein said in a statement on the FA’s website.

“It is unacceptable and concerning that clubs in Europe have had to endure recurrences of abuse this season.

“I am sure UEFA will take appropriate action but it also reminds us of the need to work collectively across national and international football authorities to deal with this serious issue, as we are also doing in this country.

“This is a matter I will take up as a priority with the new FIFA anti-racism and discrimination task force when I meet its head Jeffrey Webb in the near future.”

Although progress has been made since the days when black players were regularly abused from the terraces in the 1970s and 1980s, incidenc-

es of racist chanting continue to occur.

AC Milan midfielder KevinPrince Boateng walked off during his team’s friendly against Pro Patria after he was racially abused.

The England Under-21 side were also subjected to monkey chants during their qualifier in Serbia.

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel said he did not hear the chanting in the San Siro but he is in no doubt that racism exists throughout society.

He added: “Unfortunately I live with it every day. My wife is from Barbados so we get to see it up close and personal. People can talk about it being out of society all they want but I am afraid it’s not.

“It’s worldwide. I think it’s disgusting. I think it’s just ignorant people.”

LEAGUE leaders APOEL host bottom side AEP Paphos in the penultimate round of the national football championship regular season at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia tomorrow at 6pm, while all other matches are scheduled for this afternoon at 4pm.

APOEL top the standings with 60 points, one more than Anorthosis in second, while AEK are third with 49 points.

Omonia and champions AEL are battling for the fourth and final championship playoff spot, with both sides tied on 47 points, with the Nicosia giants currently ahead due to their better head-to-head record.

“I did not expect us to catch Anorthosis so quickly, but I was expecting my team to battle for the title. What I know is that I can count on my players’ positive attitude and great effort in every single game ahead,” said APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic whose side trailed Anorthosis by six points only a few weeks ago.

“The match against AEP is very important for us because if we win we will stay top. We are aware that they have many difficulties, but it would be wrong to assume that any game at this level will be an easy one,” he added.

“They have nothing to lose and we have to win, so what is certain is that they will give everything they have. In football you can never be sure about the final result and most definitely you should never underestimate an opponent, especially when you are the favourite, concluded Jovanovic.

APOEL will be missing Nektarios Alexandrou, Athos Solomou, Nuno Morais and Urko Pardo who are all suspended, while Efstathios Aloneftis and Christos Karipidis are close to returning after injuries, but the AEP clash might come too soon for either of them. The team’s top scorer Aldo Adorno remains a long-term absentee.

Anorthosis face a difficult test against AEL at the Tsirion Stadium in Limassol, but AEL coach Jorge Costa will be thrilled to welcome back Orland Sa and Maykon who are both fully fit after recovering from injuries.

Anorthosis manager Ronny Levy has no new injury concerns.

Elsewhere, AEK take on Enosis Neon Paralimni, while Ayia Napa host Alki.

Ethnikos Achnas face Doxa Katokopia at the Dasaki Stadium, while Apollon travel to Larnaca to meet Nea Salamina.

Toni Savevski’s Omonia take on Olympiakos in a minor Nicosia derby.

Saturday, March 16, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

32 Ailing Federer outmuscled by resurgent Nadal 29

Sport

United look for return to form against Reading 31

Bayern face Juve, Barca meet PSG in quarter-finals

English trio kept apart in Europa League draw

Mourinho pitted against former favourite Drogba

EUROPEAN champions Chelsea were left contemplating a long trip to Russia’s Rubin Kazan in their second leg following the Europa League quarter-final draw yesterday.

Lazio and Fenerbahce, who have both been in trouble with UEFA over fan behaviour, were paired in another tie while Tottenham Hotspur, the only one of the quarter-finalists to have won the trophy, face Basel with the first leg in London.

Former European champions Benfica were drawn against Newcastle United, the third English Premier League side still in the competition. None are left in the Champions League.

“It’s a great draw for us,” Newcastle manager Alan Pardew told the club’s official website.

Fenerbahce, at home in the first leg against Lazio, had to stage their last 16 second leg against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday behind closed doors after their fans set off fireworks during a previous home match against BATE Borisov.

Serie A side Lazio will play the second leg in an empty stadium in Rome as they complete a two-match sanction for racist behaviour of fans, poor organisation and firework-throwing during the group stage match against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

It was Lazio’s fourth racism offence this season.

The first legs will be played on April 4 and the second legs on April 11.

By Brian Homewood

F

OUR-TIME winners Bayern Munich will face resurgent Juventus in the pick of the Champions League quarterfinals following the draw made in Nyon yesterday, with favourites Barcelona paired with Paris St Germain.

Bayern, beaten finalists last season when Chelsea lifted the trophy, will first host the Serie A champions who are back in the quarter-finals after a seven-year absence.

“That is certainly not a dream draw for us,” Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told reporters about meeting the twice European champions.

Barcelona, who overhauled a 2-0 first leg deficit to beat AC Milan in the last 16 this week, will face rising force PSG with the first leg in France.

PSG’s former Barca frontman Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to miss the first leg

There are no English teams in the last eight, but David Beckham (right) could find himself lining up for PSG against Barcelona. Four-time champions Bayern Munich will face resurgent Juventus in arguably the pick of the ties through suspension.

Leonardo, sports director at the Qatari-backed Ligue 1 leaders, told TV channel BeIN Sport: “We are going to play against the best team - not just because of what they did this week, but because of what they have been doing in the past years Nine-time winners Real Madrid will take on Galatasaray in a tie which pits Jose Mourinho, coach of the Spanish side, against his former Chelsea player Didier Drogba.

Real director Emilio Butragueno told Sky Sports:

“We need to get a very good result at home because we know that their fans will make it very difficult there.

Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund were drawn against Champions League newcomers Malaga in the other quarter-final with the Spaniards at home in the first leg.

“We can live with this draw,” Dortmund sports director Michael Zorc said. “ England do not have a team in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 1995-96 season.

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW MALAGA v DORTMUND REAL v GALATASARAY PSG v BARCELONA BAYERN v JUVENTUS 1st leg: April 2-3 2nd leg: April 9-10

Farrell: composure key for Cardiff cauldron

By Mitch Phillips

Ice-cool: England flyhalf Owen Farrell is ruthlessly efficient, with his goal-kicking out of the top drawer

DESPITE being only 21 and with only a handful of caps as England’s starting flyhalf, Owen Farrell was coach Stuart Lancaster’s obvious choice for the key role in today’s Six Nations showdown with Wales in Cardiff (7pm).

A thigh strain kept Farrell out of Sunday’s 18-11 victory over Italy, when Toby Flood produced an excellent kicking display in his 56th international appearance to land all six penalties.

But when Lancaster came to name his team for a game certain to be played in a cauldron of noise - most of it fervently anti-English - he opted for the youngster with ice in his veins.

“He is a big-game player and he’s really looking forward to it,” the coach said of Farrell, who made his debut at centre in the first game of Lancaster’s regime at the start of last year’s Six Na-

tions.

After subsequently vying with Flood for the flyhalf shirt, he made it his own last year when he produced a masterful display against the All Blacks, going toe to toe with Dan Carter and coming out on top as England chalked up a memorable win.

Farrell is not a flashy, eye-catching 10 but he has become ruthlessly efficient in his distribution and decision-making. His goal-kicking is out of the top drawer and he tackles with the weight of a dump-truck.

“The bigger the occasion, the more he likes it,” Lancaster said of a player who inherited much of his no-nonsense approach from his father Andy, the current England assistant coach who captained the Britain rugby league team at 21.

Farrell junior always seems faintly bemused when asked questions about his temperament, as if it never

crossed his mind there could be another way to approach things.

“It’s all about composure,” he told reporters at England’s plush, training base in the Surrey woodlands, lightyears from the Wigan base where he grew up.

“All I do is concentrate on my job. If I don’t, I’ll get found out.”

Farrell, like most of his England team-mates, has never played at the Millennium Stadium and even the few who have have never did so with a Six Nations championship on the line.

An eight-point win for the Welsh would give them a second successive title but England have their eyes set on nothing other than a grand slam.

“To be in this situation from where we were at the start of last year’s Six Nations, well it’s a credit to the staff and everyone involved as we’ve come on leaps and bounds and played some

good stuff,” Farrell said.

For all the talk of the ‘Cardiff factor’ the statistics tell a different story. Wales have lost their last five games there, while England have won all four away games they have played in the tournament under Lancaster.

“We’ve taken steps forward this year, irrespective of what happens on Saturday,” said Farrell.

“I feel the more we’re together, the more people talk, the tighter we get. Everyone involved pushes each other, in a good way, and it’s a brilliant place to be at the moment.”

WALES FANS ‘WANT BLOODBATH’ PAGE 29