SUNDAY MAIL

CYPRUS ANGER

INCOMPETENCE

INSIDE

Central Bank governor butt of the nation’s feelings

The consequences of the new Dijsselbloem principle

TV and lifestyle supplements to see you through the week

Page 4

Page 22

www.cyprus-mail.com

March 31, 2013

€1.60

COFFEESHOP: DELETERIOUS DELIA IS CRUELLA DEVILLE OF IMF PAGE 17 INSIDE Cyprus Caught in the centre of a media storm 5

World Napolitano pledges to stay to deal with crisis 9

Reportage Belgian chocolate industry hit by copycats centre

Property The smart cities of the future are almost here 23

Sport Murray to battle Ferrer in Sony Open final back

BoC ‘ready to play its part’ Finance minister says after excessive expansion it is now time to pull back

By Poly Pantelides

C

YPRUS’ banking institutions over-extended themselves, leaving the country exposed and now it is time to pull back, finance minister Michalis Sarris said yesterday, referring to a series of painful measures that will see major depositors in the Bank of Cyprus (BoC) lose some 60 per cent of their deposits over €100,000.

“Definitely our policy must be that what we did was excessive expansion, which exposed us, and now is time to pull back,” Sarris told reporters yesterday.

He was discussing a series of measures that are part of a 11th hour bailout to save the banks and the economy from defaulting, later confirmed by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

The haircut will be offset against any existing loans, which Sarris said might mean that some people would be “neither debtors nor creditors”.

But he conceded that savers had taken a hit.

“We have had a major hit.

Doubtless there was a nonvoluntary conversion of deposits to shares but we now have a reformed banking institution that is ready to play its part in the Cyprus economy,” Sarris said.

The Central Bank of Cyprus published yesterday two government decrees on Laiki Bank and the BoC that came into effect from 6pm on Friday.

On Tuesday, when banks

re-open, the Laiki branches will belong to BoC but will be open to the public as normal. All Laiki bank debts and other financial obligations with the exception of deposits larger than €100,000 will be transferred to the Bank of Cyprus.

A total of 37.5 per cent of savings larger than €100,000 in the Bank of Cyprus will be converted to shares, and an additional 22.5 per cent will be frozen for up to 90 days but may be converted to shares in order to recapitalise the bank. The owners of those shares will have voting rights in the BoC’s general meetings and will have dividend rights, allowing them a share of any BoC profits made in the future up until the point they regain the amount that got converted into shares plus interest. If any part of the withheld 22.5 per cent is returned to depositors, they will then be given interest on their savings in arrears plus a small surcharge, the Central Bank said. The remaining 40 per cent is also temporarily frozen but will continue to attract interest as normal.

The measures are per individual customer, so if two people have a joint account of €200,000, then each person will be thought to have €100,000 and will not incur a haircut. The deposits that are subject to a haircut may be in separate accounts. So if a person has €150,000 in three separate BoC accounts, €50,000 will be subject to a

TURN TO PAGE 3

A depositor takes money from a Bank of Cyprus ATM yesterday

(CNA)

Friendship on hold for Olympians one eve of Boat Race BRITISH Olympians George Nash and Constantine Louloudis have put their friendship on hold as each targets victory in today’s 159th BNY Mellon Boat Race.

Nash, the Cambridge president, and Oxford’s Louloudis have rowed together successfully in British colours at Under-23 level, they roomed together and time-trialled together.

Both men won bronze medals in different events at London 2012, but so fierce is the rivalry between the Dark and Light Blues that Nash and Louloudis have not spoken in a couple of months.

Their only contact this year has been a crazy golf challenge they filmed for Boat Race broadcasters the BBC in February, which Nash won.

“I won’t be meeting Stan for a pre-race cof-

fee,” Nash said.

“The Boat Race rivalry can get very intense.

There’s a lot to lose. If your opponent beats you, that takes away six months of your life.

“I don’t think we have spoken since we played golf, although I think my mum speaks a fair bit to his mum.”

Last year’s triumph for Cambridge was one of the most dramatic in history when the race was restarted due to a swimming protestor.

Cambridge then survived a ferocious clash of oars in which Oxford, who were at fault, suffered a broken blade, and the Light Blues pulled clear to win by over four lengths.

Light Blues coach Steve Trapmore rates his 2013 crew as the best of his three years at Cambridge, but it is Oxford who are the favourites.

2 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Home

Nicosia sia

27

19 Troodos 1

25 2 LLarnaca

Limassol Paphos

By Erik Kirschbaum

25

23

TODAY: Overcast. Temperatures will reach 27C inland, 25C along the southern coasts, 23C to the west and 19C over higher ground.

OUTLOOK: Starting off fine then progressively cloudy over Monday to Wednesday. A small dip in temperatures due.

YESTERDAY

Nicosia Larnaca Limassol Paphos Paralimni Prodromos

max/min temp 24 - 10 23 - 11 22 - 12 20 - 12 21 - 12 16 - 8

Humidity 41% 50% 65% 74% 61% 58%

SUNSET: 18.01 pm

SUNRISE: 05.45 am

Sunday Mail Established 1945. Number 21,489 NICOSIA 24 Vass. Voulgaroctonou, P.O. B ox 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

BRAND NEW

22 44 22 10 / 99 666 703 email: yemo@cytanet.com.cy

Committee to start ‘blame’ work ‘Cyprus is and will remain a one-off case’ Tuesday

Schaeuble: euro zone savings safe

Weather

TOP QUALITY FLATS / PENTHOUSE FOR RENT / SALE WHOLE BUILDING FOR RENT / SALE

GERMAN Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has said savings accounts in the euro zone are safe, adding that Cyprus is a “special case” and not a template for future rescues.

In an interview with Bild newspaper published yesterday, Schaeuble distanced himself from comments on Monday by Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who said the rescue programme agreed for Cyprus - the first to impose a levy on bank deposits would serve as a model for future crises.

“Cyprus is and will remain a special one-off case,” Schaeuble said.

“The savings accounts in Europe are safe.”

Schaeuble said the problem in Cyprus was that two large banks were in effect no longer solvent and the government did not have enough money to guarantee savings.

“That’s why the other euro zone countries had to help,” he said. “Together in the Eurogroup we decided to have the owners and creditors take part in the costs of

One-off: Schaeuble the rescue - in other words those who helped cause the crisis.”

Schaeuble said he was confident Cyprus would be able to completely pay back the help. “Cyprus’ economy

will now go through a long and painful period of adjustment. But then it will pay back the loan when it is on a solid economic foundation.”

Schaeuble said the euro was stronger today than at any time since 2010.

“Yes, you could see that during the Cyprus crisis,” he said. “The entire turbulence did not have any impact on the other countries in southern Europe.”

He said it was different in early 2012, when elections in Greece caused interest rates across southern Europe to rise.

“The financial markets have seen: we are better prepared now. We’ve accomplished quite a bit,” Schaeuble said.

He said he was against thinking about individual countries leaving the euro zone. “What is more important is that we are strong enough to keep everyone in the boat,” he said.

“I believe that we will one day read in the history books about this period that the crisis brought Europe even closer together,” he said, adding the continent was currently enjoying “a very fortunate era”.

AN investigative commission appointed by the government to looking into how the country was led to the brink of financial ruin met yesterday at the Attorney-general’s offices to discuss practical matters relating to its operations, justice minister Ionas Nicolaou said.

The commission consists of former Supreme Court and International Criminal Court judge Giorgos Pikis and former Supreme Court judges Panayiotis Kallis and Yiannakis Constantinides.

It has a mandate to complete investigations within three months with the possibility of extending its inquiry for an additional three months if necessary, Nicolaou said.

Its members swear in on Tuesday in the presence of President Nicos Anastasiades, Nicolaou said.

The committee may investigate any actions and omissions on political, civil and criminal levels, and may consult legal and financial experts as necessary.

Insofar as the commission establishes responsibility by individuals, the government’s aim is to see them before court that will decide on the responsibility they bear, Nicolaou said.

Motorcyclist killed in crash

Free tickets

A 22-year-old motorcyclist, Emilios Christofides from Pyla, was killed yesterday morning when a 66-year-old woman driving a car hit his bike as she was trying to make a right turn, a police spokesman said.

At the traffic lights of the Larnaca-Dhekhelia road by the Oroklini police station, the 66-year-old

ANORTHOSIS Famagusta football club is offering 200 free tickets to its needy fans who want to watch today’s game against APOEL. “During these hard times, we will contribute and do what we can,” the fans’ association said in an announcement.

was turning right just as Christofides crossed the junction, Larnaca police officer Christos Andreou said.

Christofides – who was not wearing a helmet – died on the road, Andreou said.

Police arrested the 66-year-old and are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.

OFFSHORE C O M PA N I E S

L L

Cyprus & Worldwide

Pub fire A PUB in the popular Protaras area in Famagusta was burnt down in the early hours yesterday, damaging an adjacent building that happened to be empty at the time, police said.

Complete Service A.K. COSMOSERVE LTD 89 Kennedy Ave., Off. 201 P.O. Box 26624, 1640 Nicosia - Cyprus

Tel 22379210, Fax 22379212 Email: consult@cosmoserve.com

http://www.cosmoserve.com

STROVOLOS near Falcon School

OFFICE/WAREHOUSE FOR RENT 735m² of office space and 1200m² warehousing available for long term rent on Yianni Kranidioti Avenue very close to Carlsberg Brewery.

Easy access to Nicosia-Limassol highway (only 200 metres).

Loading bays for warehouses and parking space for more than 40 cars. Hidden fuel tank plus car mechanics station.

For more information please call 99218866

AUTO AIR PARK Secure Paphos Airport Parking-Operated 24/7, 365 days a year Park for 5 days in March and get the next day FREE!!

(excluding special monthly rates) SO DONT DELAY, BOOK TODAY. INCLUDES MEET & GREET OPTION STILL THE CHEAPEST CHOICE WITH THE BEST SERVICE Ring us now on 97785663, email info@autoairpark.com Or book online at www.autoairpark.com

3 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Home

Sarris: BoC ready to play its part Laiki branches overseas to be sold off but this could ‘take some time’ he says continued from page one haircut.

The BoC’s existing capital, including existing bonds and shares will also be converted to shares but will not carry dividend or voting rights for their owners.

Deposits under €100,000 in Laiki will be transferred to the BoC. All deposits belonging to credit institutions, the government, and other public bodies such as local authorities and municipal councils will also be carried over to the BoC. The same applies for charity foundations, schools and educational bodies and deposits belonging to the country’s main bank card transaction agency, JCC Payment Systems Ltd. Depositors who move from Laiki to the BoC are not part of the haircut.

The deposits that will not be transferred to the BoC will be part of a bad bank that will undergo resolution, i.e. an orderly wind down. Although the money will be there nominally, depositors will not have access to their money for an indefinite amount of time. As the bad bank slowly starts tidying up its account books cash would start going into

the accounts, but the depositors could lose a substantial part of their savings if the bad bank fails to fully recoup all of its bad assets, as expected by analysts.

Sarris said Laiki bank branches abroad would be gradually sold but this might take some time given that “when everyone thinks you should sell you cannot sell on the best terms”. Sarris said the Laiki Bank UK may be protected in part by measures taken by the Bank of England and is not part of the Cyprus developments on Laiki.

“There will have to be an adjustment,” Sarris said adding that the Cyprus-based auditors and lawyers that were part of the country’s financial services have been dealt a heavy blow. With time Cyprus can expand into new markets such as China and the Arabicspeaking countries, he said.

Voluntary departures and smart use of pension funds might ease the blow and limit forcible laying offs, he said.

Cyprus has the infrastructure, the people and the legal system to become a different kind of financial centre that is more contained with-

Sarris: there has to be adjustment

out a large physical presence abroad and without huge investments in Greek bonds, he said referring to the years of overexpansion that contributed to the current crisis when banks incurred losses by a Greek debt write down in late 2011.

Russian oligarchs are in London and elsewhere, Sarris said referring to unsubstantiated claims by Cyprus’ European partners and foreign media that Russian oligarchs laundered their money in Cyprus. “In Cyprus we have the average Russian that wants a secure system, a good lawyer and a good legal system,” Sarris said.

Meanwhile, DIKO’s Nicolas Papadopoulos, who also heads parliament’s finance committee, criticised the Central Bank of Cyprus for failing to brief the public in a timely manner. “For a week now we’ve been waiting on the Central Bank to explain what will happen to their deposits and debt in the BoC and Laiki Bank, as well as their shares,” Papadopoulos said.

“People are behaving responsibly but the officials are being irresponsible,” he said.

KEVE warns of lack of capital THE BANK of Cyprus (BoC) will be in no state to support businesses that are now facing extinction following an effective loss of the majority of their deposits and an inability of the bank to support profit-making businesses, the head of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) said yesterday.

Some 60 per cent of BoC deposits over €100,000 have been effectively wiped out. The Central Bank of Cyprus officially confirmed yesterday that 37.5 per cent of deposits will be converted to shares with a further 22.5 per cent set aside to be used – if necessary – to recapitalise the bank. The remaining 40 per cent is temporarily locked to ensure the capital remains in the Cyprus economy.

A large chunk of Laiki Bank deposits over €100,000 will also be lost following its resolution, and the transfer of its assets to the BoC. Capital controls are also expected to remain in place for as long as it is thought necessary to prevent capital outflow.

“It is clear that in essence the money that is subject to a haircut through this procedure is not returning to the economy,” KEVE head Marios Tsiakkis said yesterday.

“This means that businesses have nil liquidity to continue their operations,” Tsiakkis said. “Businesspeople will not be able to pay wages, supply products and the like,” Tsiak-

kis said.

“Given how the situation is being formed, the Bank of Cyprus will not be able to serve businesses. The problems will not be solved but on the contrary, they will be multiplied with unforeseen consequences to the economy,” he said.

Tsiakkis said that the Bank of Cyprus would not be able to support cash flow in the market to enable businesses to continue being profit-making.

The head of the association of Cyprus tourist enterprises, Akis Vavlitis said that a number of their larger members that employ over 500 people would struggle to pay March wages. Suppliers “want payments only in cash,” he said.

“Since there is lack of liquidity, how are hoteliers going to finance their current needs?”

Vavlitis said that some hotel units might not be able to open in the summer, with many hotels paying in upfront deposits from travel agents in the Bank of Cyprus and Laiki. “And now have not a single cent but are of course obliged to respect the contract they signed with travel agents. This will be a vicious cycle. Everything has dried up,” he said.

“I wonder, how is the economy meant to reboot without cash flow?” Vavlitis said.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS 2013-2014

The English School Entrance Examinations for 1st Year candidates for 2013-2014 entry, will take place on Saturday 6th April 2013.

Registration of candidates has been extended until April 3rd 2013. Application forms can be downloaded from our website, www.englishschool.ac.cy. Hard copies of the application forms will also be available from the school main office, for candidates without access to the internet. The office will be open for lodging applications, from 7.30 a.m.-1.00 p.m., until April 3rd inclusive.

Completed application forms must be accompanied by a copy of the candidate’s birth certificate, two recent passport-sized photographs, and the fee of 120 euros.

Specimen material and further details are available on our website. www.englishschool.ac.cy

when you switch to Gan Direct All-in-One You Save €2,000 on Insurance, for a family with two children, two Cars and a four bedroom house with Family Medical cover based on the most popular plan in Cyprus.

And with Gan Direct’s EasySwitch Service, we will take care of all the paperwork for you.

Call 800 5 10 15 for more details on how you can save €2,000 per year.

Notes: • Motor Cover based on Fully Comprehensive Insurance cover for two 1.6 litre cars, not more than ten years old • Property Cover based on Building and Contents Insurance cover of €250,000 • Medical Cover based on the most popular plan in Cyprus, family (2 adults, 2 dependants) inpatient and outpatient cover of €2,000,000 per year The acceptance of your proposal is subject to terms and conditions and we reserve the right to decline

4 March 31 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Home

Pressure grows on governor to resign in aftermath of bailout shock

By Elias Hazou

C

ENTRAL Bank governor Panicos Demetriades has become everybody’s favourite whipping boy during a week of recrimination over the harsh bailout terms imposed on the island.

Cries for the banker’s removal picked up pace, culminating in the tabling of a parliamentary resolution on Thursday, which was however postponed after MPs had second thoughts.

With tempers running high - a great time for political grandstanding - Demetriades may have become a soft target, a scapegoat for all those anxious to vent their anger somewhere, anywhere.

Meanwhile the administration, far from backing the governor, has encouraged the anti-Demetriades sentiment. In a thinly veiled criticism of Demetriades, the government spokesman spoke of a greater need for cooperation between the Central Bank and the executive. DISY soldiers were less forgiving when speaking to the media.

This state of affairs may suit the government just fine, as focusing on one man draws attention away from itself. The fact Demetriades was appointed by the previous AKEL administration certainly plays a part.

But in all fairness, the central banker is partly to blame for drawing the ire - it would seem - of an entire nation.

His overall handling of the banking sector over the past fortnight has left a lot to be desired. On March 18, after the first haircut decision - on all bank deposits - at the Eurogroup, Demetriades wanted the banks to re-open the following day, but President Nicos Anastasiades put a stop to it because allowing the banks to open would almost certainly have sparked a bank run.

Demetriades gave a repeat performance on March 25, when it was quickly leaked that he intended for the banks - apart from Laiki and Bank of Cyprus - to open without capital controls. A reportedly livid Anastasiades summoned him to the presidential palace and convinced him otherwise.

The Central Bank chief’s popularity ratings plunged further after he caused panic by announcing that an administrator would be appointed to run the Bank of Cyprus, omitting to mention that this had nothing to do with winding up the bank.

By the time the mess was cleared up, hundreds of angry bank employees had converged on the Central Bank fortress. They held up placards reading: “Demetriades: traitor” and “Demetriades go home.”

On the same day, Demetriades held a joint news conference with the finance minister in an attempt to set the record straight and calm nerves.

He claimed that as soon as he took office he had pressured the previous government “in a polite way, and with data” to apply to the support mechanism.

In May 2012, the government of Demetris Christofias - with parliament’s consent - issued €1.8 billion in shares to prop up the bank. At the time, Laiki had already racked up billions in emergency liquidity funds from the European Central Bank, and to those in the know it was obvious which way the wind was blowing.

By taking recourse to the support mechanism in June, the nearbankrupt Laiki could carry on drawing cash from the Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA) until an overall bailout was signed.

In late 2012 the ECB decided to pull the plug on emergency liquidity assistance to Cyprus banks unless a memorandum for a bailout was agreed by January 20. Demetriades informed former President Christofias of the ECB decision in writing. A memorandum was signed between the government

A nation’s anger is homing in on Central Bank governor ‘The man knows very little about banking and how the banking system operates’ and the troika in November, but the final bailout deal was pending.

Under a barrage of questions regarding Laiki’s fate, Demetriades on Tuesday revealed that the bank was deliberately kept afloat for nine months, despite its enormous liquidity problems, because the bank had to stay alive until the presidential elections in February.

Yet in an attempt to deflect the blame, Demetriades was accused of, at best, being too weak or inept and, at worst, of colluding with the Christofias administration. After all, as head of the Central Bank, supervision of the banks is his responsibility.

The irony was that while he was doing everything in his power to keep the insolvent Laiki Bank afloat allowing it to build up a €9.2 billion debt to ELA, he kept turning the screw on the Bank of Cyprus, several executives of which felt that Demetriades had some hidden agenda.

“He kept sending letters demanding explanations for everything we did, repeatedly called directors to his office to tell them off and issued instructions to the bank, arrogantly refusing to even discuss them,” said an executive at the bank. “He just issued orders and did not care if these were practical or not.”

The bank’s top brass were furious with his heavy-handedness and the way he banned all contact between the two banks and PIMCO, the consultants that he had chosen to carry out the investigation of the re-cap-

Strained relations: Panicos Demetriades and President Anastasiades italisation needs of the banks and thus the size of Cyprus’ bailout.

“We gave the data PIMCO had asked for and were not contacted again until its people had decided the level of financial assistance which was presented to us by the governor as the final figure,” said a member of the board. “When we protested he told us that we could meet the PIMCO people to argue our case, but it was too late by then.”

The governor was stopped from making the figure public, as this would mean it was final, by President Anastasiades, who had been tipped off about Demetriades’ intention to release it to the press by representative of the banks.

Demetriades took over the regulator in May 2012, having worked as a professor of finance at the University of Leicester. Critics say he has little to no practical knowledge of how banks operate, no knowledge of how the euro system and ECB operated and even less understanding of the Cyprus economy.

“The man knows very little about banking and how the banking system operates,” said the Bank of Cyprus executive.

From the outset, Demetriades sought to drive home the point that all the economy’s woes had been

caused by the banks, promising to re-structure them and make them smaller - in this respect he may have been adhering to the European Central Bank’s diktats.

In early July, it was leaked to a local daily that the recapitalisation needs of the banks would be €10bn: a worst-case scenario signalling that a loan from international lenders would automatically render the country’s debt unsustainable. The Central Bank was suspected to be the source of the leak. The €10bn figure became part of folklore even though at the time no one knew how much the banks would need - PIMCO had not been hired by then.

This too has been chalked up to Demetriades having a secret agenda, spawning various conspiracy theories.

On the plus side for him, the governor did warn the former president in November last year that Laiki would collapse if he did not agree to a bailout. The ECB had again warned that it would cut off emergency liquidity.

The media, both here and abroad, has been rife with reports of a growing rift between President Anastasiades and the central banker.

It’s said the government is looking to oust Demetriades, but it has to tread carefully under the watchful

eye of the ECB. And complex constitutional procedures make his dismissal difficult.

No matter where you stand, the very public dispute between the government and the central banker can only do more harm, says political analyst Christoforos Christoforou.

“This is no time for a blame game, when we should all be united to find solutions to our problems,” he told the Sunday Mail.

“I feel the acrimony only serves to further undermine any trust the people have left in institutions. It’s like a rehash of the Christofias v Orphanides row, only now it’s even worse because of the crisis,” he said, referring to the strained relations between Christofias and his former Central Bank governor Athanasios Orphanides.

Instead, the two sides should try to work things out quietly, away from the cameras.

“It’s true, Demetriades has shown a certain lack of administrative experience, and was also found wanting on the PR level. It seems that he’s prone to taking decisions by himself, for instance when he did not consult with the government on the reopening of the banks.”

But these were not his only errors in the last couple of weeks. Bank of Cyprus directors, whom he asked to resign earlier in the week, were incredulous over the way he had conducted negotiations for the sale of its operations in Greece.

“He did not even bother to ask us for any figures about the bank’s operations in Greece, which would have helped secure a better price than the ridiculously low price he agreed to sell, without even consulting us,” said a board member.

Commentator Louis Igoumenides felt that the governor is in a no-win situation: “Demetriades is not a very capable political operator. He’s even managed to alienate AKEL. It’s safe to say that he hasn’t got many friends left.

“To some extent, he’s caught between a rock and a hard place...on the one hand he’s got to toe the ECB line, and on the other he’s accountable to Cypriots. I don’t envy him.”

5 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Home

Crisis put us in the eye of a media storm For the most part, we refused to play to the camera as the media descended

By Poly Pantelides

T

HE TV CAMERAS and journalists have now mostly left and Cyprus has slipped from the front pages to the finance pages of most international newspapers. Yet, for nearly two weeks the island had to deal not only with its worst crisis since 1974 but also with the world’s media, hungry for tears and riots.

They were mostly disappointed.

On Thursday, the day the banks re-opened after a 12-day hiatus, the scene on Nicosia’s Ledra Street was a fascinating spectacle.

Conveniently home to big branches of both Laiki and

Bank of Cyprus and a busy shopping street, the street had been a magnet to foreign media since the start of the crisis.

Hours before the banks were due to open at noon, TV cameras had virtually overtaken the top of the street eagerly awaiting a bank run and a rush of irate customers when the banks opened.

When the time came, all the cameras got were shots of modest lines of people.

There were no tears and no riots, and it was arguable who outnumbered whom: the journalists or the banks’ customers.

Instead, the foreign media became a spectacle in their own right with locals regu-

A one-man protest against the media coverage

DAILY OFFER

DESSANGE PARIS

Spa Manicure - Spa Pedicure €55

Camera crews at the top of Ledra Street in Nicosia getting ready for the ‘bank run’ And when parliament rejected that bailout proposal last week on Tuesday, the foreign media’s interest intensified as bankruptcy loomed if a deal was not found by March 25.They then stayed on to cover the aftermath of the final deal and - for them the damp squib of the opening of the banks.

After covering the usual angles - Russians in Limassol, the grandstanding in the parliament and the tragic tales of individuals who stood to lose family businesses and fortunes they started to get desperate for angles.

The BBC was a case in point. At some point this week, they were so desperate they had even resorted to filing reports on the Cyprus problem!

At times, the determination to make the story fit a reality the media wanted to find became outright misleading.

One news agency filed a photograph last weekend of

Cyprus Handicrafts

locals doing their shopping just before the closing time at the open air market in Nicosia by Ochi roundabout.

The caption said, “Cypriots buy left over cheap groceries on Saturday as banks have been closed for five days, cutting off funds for many.”

Although both statements were true on their own, put together they suggested that people were buying cheap produce because they were now poverty stricken.

But, as any local will tell you, there are always people looking for cheap vegetables and fruits at the end of any market day.

Some of the exaggeration was just plain funny.

In one Daily Mail report this week, under-funded, run down Pallouriotissa on the outskirts of Nicosia was transformed into a “smart suburb”.

Then there was a journalist for a New York based publication looking for a solidarity or “people pulling

together in a crisis type” of story. She was told about tomorrow’s all-day solidarity concert with performers singing without pay in return for food and items to be given to community markets in all cities. But that did not fit with her “reporting needs”. Nothing less than homeless people queuing up for food would do. That is, as yet, not a story in Cyprus, despite the increased use of community markets.

There was no bank run on Thursday, and while the president thanked Cypriots for their maturity and responsibility, it made for rather staid coverage internationally.

But Cypriots were overjoyed.

In the words of Giorgos Theodorou, 48, who was queuing up outside a Laiki branch: “We want to keep our dignity and show all of the foreign media filming us that we are a civilised nation.”

Lefkara handmade lace, embroideries, crochet and needlework. Woven cotton cloth in traditional Lefkoniko, Karpass and Phiti styles. Handwoven traditional costumes, leather goods, silverware, copperware, pottery, mosaic, wood-carved items, baskets and other rush-made articles.

CYPRUS HANDICRAFT SERVICE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TOURISM

Any Facia or Massage hair spa Styling - manicure

€77 Day Spa 5 Aipias Street, Engomi Tel: +357 22464333

Wellness Day Spa 1 Daliyianni Street, Lycavitos 1055 Nicosia Tel: +357 22460000

DAILY OFFER

DESSANGE PARIS

Velvet Skin 25’ with vanilla body scrub

€59 Dead sea 25’ scrub with any Massage 55’

€82 Stone bath – body scrub – Aroma massage Day Spa 5 Aipias Street, Engomi Tel: +357 22464333

larly checking in on what one person called “the media circus”.

Their presence was even the source of a one-man protest by a German resident holding a banner outside the Laiki bank.

“Why must international media be so greedy for horror scenarios?! Is decent and investigative journalism dead? Solidarity with the people of Cyprus, NOT their banks!” read his banner.

The man, who did not want to be named, said he was “fed up with the international media”.

“The cameras have been stationed here for twothree days fighting for the best spot. They are like vultures,” the man said.

None of the journalists paid him any attention, instead making the most they could of the disappointingly modest and orderly queues of people there to withdraw money.

Foreign media started to arrive on the weekend of March 15 and 16, following an agreement with the eurozone’s finance ministers to impose a bank levy for all depositors, spooking the markets at the unprecedented sanctioning of what would have been a haircut on all deposits including those under €100,000.

€85

Wellness Day Spa 1 Daliyianni Street, Lycavitos 1055 Nicosia Tel: +357 22460000

Lefkosia: 186, Athalassa Avenue, Tel: 22305024 Lemesos: 25, Themidos Street, Tel: 25305118 Larnaka: 6, Cosma Lysioti Street, Tel: 24304327 Pafos: 64, Apostolou Pavlou Avenue Tel: 26306243

6 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Home

UNFICYP chief holds China’s most senior blue beret posting Beijing views peacekeeping as sign of growing status

By Peter Apps HEN Chao Liu enlisted in the People’s Liberation Army in the dying years of China’s Cultural Revolution, he never imagined he would end up in Cyprus wearing a blue UN beret.

His army officer father fought US-led United Nations forces during the 1950-1953 Korean War. With schools closed and the country in chaos, he told his 16-year-old son that joining the military was his best chance of a good life.

Now, as commander of the UN mission in Cyprus since 2011, Major General Liu has the most senior peacekeeping position yet held by China - the biggest contributor of peacekeeping troops of the five permanent

W

members of the UN Security Council.

Beijing makes it clear it views its peacekeeping as a sign of its growing status as a global power.

While the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has modernised in recent decades, China has not fought a conflict since a 1979 war with Vietnam. Deploying on peacekeeping, humanitarian and other multilateral missions, experts say, is also seen by its rulers as a crucial way to build skills and test capabilities.

In the past year Beijing has showcased new long-range transport aircraft and is building new supply ships as it faces the task of maintaining forces around the world. With many in the United States and Southeast Asia already nervous about China’s military clout, not everyone is keen to see such growth.

cyprus

Exhibition Exhi on - Εκθ θεσ εση η Entrance €8 includes presentations & sample classes περιλαμβάνη παρουσιάσεις και δείγματικά μαθήματα

Ολιστικές θεραπείες

Υγιεινή ζωή

Φυσική διατροφή

Holistic Therapies

Healthy Living

Natural Nutrition

Περιβάλλον

Προσωπική ανάπτυξη

The Environment

Self Development

“Love to Live” 13th & 14th April 2013 St. Raphael Hotel, Limassol Sat. - Σαβ. : 11:00 - 20:00 Sun. - Κυρ. : 11:00 - 19:00

tel: 96 472717 | www.mbscyprus.com | info@mbscyprus.com

Major General Chao Liu (right and below) taking over as UNFICYP chief in 2011 In Cyprus, Liu, 54, has about 850 troops under his command to police the 180 kmlong buffer zone.

The fact he is here, says the softly spoken grey-haired infantryman, speaks volumes about how China has changed.

“When I was at the military academy, we were told we would never do UN peacekeeping,” he told Reuters in his office at a largely abandoned former British aerodrome in the buffer zone.

“But the changes of the 1970s and 1980s opened up new opportunities. Being involved in peacekeeping allows us to learn from the outside world and also to show the outside world who the PLA are.”

China provides more than 1,800 personnel to UN missions. They have built camps in Darfur, run field hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, cleared landmines in Lebanon and built infrastructure in South Sudan.

While that number is the highest of the permanent Security Council members - China, the United States, Russia, Britain and France - it is less than a quarter of the level provided by countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.

Missions are largely funded by richer states but manned by poorer ones who get paid to conduct operations - though, for China, sending troops is not about the money.

The peacekeeping department of China’s Ministry for National Defence, foreign analysts say, appears to contain some of the country’s best-educated and most ambitious officers, as well as those with the best foreign language skills.

Beijing took on its first major peacekeeping command in 2007, when Major General Zhao Jingmin took charge of a UN force in Western Sahara. His tour of duty finished in 2011.

Liu says his good English was almost certainly an important factor in his Cyprus appointment, as well as his experience as a military observer in the UN mission in Western Sahara and a year spent at the London School of Economics in 1998-99.

Even so, the mission has required a steep learning curve.

The UN force must manage any disputes or incidents in the buffer zone, ranging from the two sides moving their military positions to incidents involving civilian farmers, hunters or even people gathering asparagus.

“People in uniform are similar but the system is quite different,” Liu says. “What I’ve learned in this mission is that every decision is based on discussion. In China, it is quite different ... You just make a decision and you don’t expect to discuss it.”

Not all of China’s deployments around the world are under the UN flag. Chinese antipiracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, often described by Chinese and foreign officials alike as an ideal example of multinational cooperation, have been broadly welcomed

by Western and other navies, including NATO and EU taskforces.

Some Western officers, however, say the Chinese vessels have spent much of the time gathering intelligence on other warships in the area. As the number of attacks

by Somali pirates falls, some suspect that

‘In Cyprus, every decision is based on discussion. In China, it is quite different’ the real focus will become learning new naval skills and keeping a presence in a strategic area.

China’s choice of peacekeeping missions too may have a broader agenda, foreign officials say. Beijing has considerable resource or energy interests in several nations, such as Congo and Sudan, to which it has sent troops, strengthening its regional clout.

One of the reasons the UN chose to send a Chinese general to Cyprus may have been because of Beijing’s lack of involvement here. Unlike in Greece, Chinese firms have no major presence and China has had no direct role in the 50-year-old conflict.

For his part, Liu says he has had little or no regular direction from Beijing on how to do his job.

“They do not bother me and I do not bother them,” he said. “The UN rules and regulations are very clear. They sent me, they recommended me and I should work independently.”

7 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Home

Free clinic set up for those in need Volunteer doctors return home from warzones

The clinic is well-equipped with donated equipment

By Peter Stevenson ROM WARZONES and areas struck by natural disasters, Cyprus’ Volunteer Doctors have returned home to provide mostly free care for the needy during the island’s current crisis.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) has over 20 years experience in wartorn countries like Sri Lanka and Syria as well as helping in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti three years ago. And now their small clinic, situated behind the famous Mitsides factory in old Nicosia, provides a high level of healthcare to the unemployed and the needy.

One of the doctors, George Macriyiannis, explained that the clinic is currently a small operation which is only running in Nicosia for the time being but plans are in place to open in other districts.

“We are hoping to expand but first we need to gain experience as we have only been open since March 9,” he said. “Presuming that the Nicosia clinic is successful we will contact our other members and colleagues in the other districts to make arrangements to open there too.”

Macriyiannis said that there has been plenty of interest from both doctors and nurses wishing to contribute to the work done by the organisation.

The Volunteer Doctors have kept a relatively low profile until now and although they have appeared on both state television and radio, Macriyiannis shied away from having his photograph taken for the paper.

“Those doctors involved with the organisation don’t do it for the publicity. They do it because they want to help people out, especially

F

those than can’t afford proper medical care,” he said.

The clinic has been fitted with modern technology and stocked with sufficient medicine.

“We offer a high level of care here at the clinic, as you can see we have an ultrasound machine which can detect heart and stomach problems and medicine supplied by the pharmaceutical services,” Macriyiannis said. The clinic also has the capability to check patient’s blood sugar levels and nebulisers to administer medicine to asthma sufferers.

“Last week we had an incident where a man came with stomach problems and we detected two tumours on his liver and sent him for a consultation at Nicosia General Hospital, all free of charge,” he said.

Macriyiannis explained that if a problem is detected then patients can be sent to

Nicosia General Hospital or private doctors that specialise in the patients’ particular problem.

“Small operations are often free-of-charge and in the case that a patient needs a bigger operation a special knockdown price will be discussed,” he said.

Through the organisation’s connections patients can usually receive free specialised blood analysis, X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans as long as there is not a large demand for those services every month. “Again, with analyses, X-rays and scans we can either offer them for a lower price or even for free depending on the amount of cases we have per month,” he added.

Volunteer Doctors operates through peoples’ generosity, good will and annual donations from its own members which number about one hundred. Macriyiannis

said there is a €30 subscription fee for doctors who are members of the organisation but that it also receives donations from private companies and the public.

“We also organise fundraising events like concerts, theatre productions and even a bazaar,” he said.

“The government also provides some help by giving plane tickets and other products that go on offer during fund-raisers,” he added. The organisation also receives a large amount of free medicine from pharmaceutical services.

Macriyiannis met with Archbishop Chrysostomos II recently to ask for assistance from the church and

with affected banking institutions would no longer be able to provide services and allowances to people. They would cease operations and be forced to lay people off, he said.

Olympios did not specify how many bodies were likely to be affected from expected losses to depositors in the Bank of Cyprus and Laiki bank.

“People have already been turning to volunteer groups and that number is expected to grow as they tackle many problems that are already apparent. Organisations are called on to provide food, clothing and basic supplies to an increasing number of people and families because of state (benefits) cuts,” Olympios said.

Olympios called on the state to offer what grants they could via the ministries of health and education as well as social welfare, arguing that because they use volunteers they are able to provide services at lower costs. If the organisations were to stop operating it would cost the state much more to pick up the slack, he said.

and a half months.

He added the service would be available “for as long as necessary”.

People have to prove they are are unemployed or earn less than €850 a month. They should also come with documentation of their medical history, including what medications they take.

“We don’t want our contribution to be just symbolic, but rather help our island substantially, that is after all the reason we offer the service,” said Macriyiannis.

Find out more at www.volunteerdoctors.org.cy (Greek only)

“the informed choice for secondary education”

Volunteer organisations warn their services are under threat THE COUNTRY’S coordinating council for volunteer groups said yesterday that it may be unable to continue helping out vulnerable groups unless their deposits holding fundraising contributions are exempted from any deposits haircuts.

The Pancyprian volunteerism coordinative council (PVCC) coordinates 287 local and 55 Cyprus-wide volunteer groups and non-governmental organisations offering a wide range of services from psychological support to nursing and giving out basic supplies and food to people.

“A number of PVCC members hold accounts from fundraising and other activities with the goal to support programmes and services offered to vulnerable groups,” the council’s head Stavros Olympios said in a statement prepared yesterday during a general meeting to discuss their finances.

Olympios, who also runs the Limassol Bishopric’s soup kitchen, said that if deposits larger than €100,000 were not exempted from an expected haircut on deposits the bodies holding accounts

despite the current turmoil, the Archbishop promised he will give funds to the organisation.

The clinic is open to the public between 9am and 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays with one pathologist and one paediatrician posted on a given day to treat people who need immediate attention.

The organisation expects to eventually be seeing about 50 people a day.

A total of 11 pathologists, cardiologists and four paediatricians are on board to work on a rota, Macriyiannis said. A doctor will work on average one day every one

The Senior School Entrance Exam Wednesday 10th April at 1.30pm “Senior School Sports’ Day”

We are now accepting applications to Year 7 for academic year 2013-14, as well as for older year groups where there are places still available. Please feel free to call 2266 0156 or apply online at www.theseniorschool.com

Closing date for applications Monday 8th April 2013 Students wishing to study AS/A2 levels in our 6th Form are invited to join our vibrant student body in September

8 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

World

N. Korea says entering ‘a state of war’ with South But Seoul brushes off rhetoric as tough talk

By Jack Kim NORTH Korea said yesterday it was entering a “state of war” with South Korea, its latest bout of angry rhetoric directed at Seoul and Washington, but the South brushed off the statement as little more than tough talk.

The North also threatened to shut down an industrial zone it operates jointly with the South near the heavily armed border between the two sides if Seoul continued to say the complex was being kept running for money.

The two Koreas have been technically in a state of war for six decades under a truce that ended their 1950-53 conflict.

Despite its threats, few people see any indication Pyongyang will risk a near-certain defeat by re-starting full-scale war.

“From this time on, the North-South relations will be entering the state of war and all issues raised between the

Crowds at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang show support for the Supreme Command of the North Korean Army on Friday (AFP) North and the South will be handled accordingly,” a statement carried by the North’s official KCNA news agency said.

KCNA said the statement was issued jointly by the

North’s government, ruling party and other organisations.

There was no sign of unusual activity in the North’s military to suggest an imminent aggression, a South Korean de-

fence ministry official said.

The North has been threatening to attack the South and US military bases almost on a daily basis since the beginning of March, when US and South Korean militaries started rou-

tine drills that have been conducted for decades without incident.

Many in the South have regarded the North’s willingness to keep open the Kaesong industrial zone, located just a few miles (km) north of the border, as a sign that Pyongyang will not risk losing a lucrative source of foreign currency by mounting a real act of aggression.

The Kaesong zone is a vital source of hard currency for the impoverished state and hundreds of South Korean workers and vehicles enter daily after crossing the armed border.

“If the puppet traitor group continues to mention the Kaesong industrial zone is being kept operating and damages our dignity, it will be mercilessly shut off and shut down,” KCNA quoted an agency that operates Kaesong as saying in a statement.

The threat to shut it down could sharply escalate tensions because it would suspend a symbolic joint project run by the rivals. It could also trap hundreds of South Korean workers and managers of the 123 firms that have factories there.

The North has previously suspended operations at the factory zone at the height of political tensions with the South, only to let it resume operations later.

Mandela breathing without labour NELSON Mandela is breathing “without difficulty” after undergoing a procedure to clear fluid in his lung area which was caused by pneumonia, a South African presidential spokesman said yesterday.

The 94-year-old former president and antiapartheid leader suffered a recurrence of pneumonia, said spokesman Mac Maharaj.

South African officials had previously not specified that Mandela had pneumonia, saying instead that he had a lung infection.

Mandela’s medical team reported that the increasingly frail ex-leader “had developed a pleural effusion which was tapped”, President Jacob Zuma’s office said in a statement.

“This has resulted in him now being able to

breathe without difficulty. He continues to respond to treatment and is comfortable.”

The president’s office thanked all who have prayed for Mandela and his family and have sent messages of support.

Mandela was admitted to a hospital in the capital, Pretoria, late on Wednesday night.

It was his third admission to hospital since December, when he was treated for a lung infection and also underwent a procedure to remove gallstones. Earlier this month, he spent a night in a hospital for what officials said was a scheduled medical test.

Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after elections were held, bringing an end to the system of white racist rule known as apartheid.

South African officials had previously not specified that former president Nelson Mandela had pneumonia

CHEMISTS

will continue until the 30th of April My Shop, 51 Ledra Street Nicosia 1011 (Next to Cafe Mercedes) tel: 22772773

NICOSIA SUNDAY 31/03/2013 A. Patatas, 33B Makarios III Ave. Tel: 22754644, 22311598 (H) K. Liasi, 79C. D Makarios Ave, Kato Lakatameia. Tel: 22384464, 22324314 E. Georgiou, 58 Ay Pavlos St, Ayios Pavlos. Tel: 22781766, 22773868 (H) M. Gregoriou, 65C D Prodromou St,Strovolos. Tel: 22664750, 22354282 (H) K. Aristodemou, 71E Stavrou Ave., Tel: 22427707, 22431301 LIMASSOL P. Panayiotou, Castle Apartments No. 3 Germasoyia Tel: 25322237, 25811860 (H) P. Antoniades 30 Ayias Zonis Tel: 25358034, 25356371 (H) M. Filippidou-Fourla, 7A Nikou Pattihi.

Tel: 25334403, 25770275 LARNACA M. Severis, P. Valdaserides St. Tel: 24639410, 24662497 (H) A. Kalaitzi, New Hospital Road. Tel: 24638387, 24639719 (H) PAPHOS C. Nicolaidou, 14 Gr. Dighenis Ave. Tel: 26935642, 26933793 (H) Evaggelos Manolis, 49 Aristoteli Savva Tel: 26930599, 26943628 PARALIMNI M. Pantelidou, 2 Mapias Sigklitikis, Tel: 23730111, 23823055

NICOSIA MONDAY 01/04/2013 I. Kitiris, 63 Metochiou St. Tel: 22774950, 22774368 (H) N. Nouris, 33 A. B D. Akritas Ave. Tel: 22751801, 22374323 (H) M. Charalambous, 48A Armenia Ave, Acropolis. Tel: 22426655, 22492968 (H) Ch. Kari, 50 Andrea Avraamide, Tel: 22771999, 22351072 LIMASSOL Ch. Karagiannis, 41 P. Tsirou, Tel: 25336176, 25394850 (H) G. Sakkas, 23b Agios Zonis Str., Tel: 25366299, 25385672 A. Geitonas, 33 Agias Sofias & Adonidos, Tel: 25565632, 99937018 LARNACA A. Demetriou, 44 Arch. Makariou Str., Tel: 24822422, 24812188 Z. Perikleous, 24 Gr. Digheni Ave., Tel: 24624374, 24 645918 PAPHOS S. Socratous, 52 Agapinoros St, Kato Paphos. Tel: 26949855, 26221966, (H) K. G. Filippidou, 93 E. Pallikarides St. Tel: 26949259, 26922670 (H) PARALIMNI P. Yiallourou, 173 1st April St. Tel: 23825979, 23744771 (H)

DOCTORS ON DUTY NICOSIA Pathologist: Doros Polidorou, Tel: 99727817 Ophthalmologist: Antonis Glikeriou, Tel: 70000171 Gynaeocologist: Pieris Pieri, Tel: 22339169, 22665777, 99665855 Paediatric Surgeon: Eliana Eliadou, Tel: 99384324 Dentist: Eleftheria Tsagkaridou, Tel: 22759178, 99416838 LIMASSOL Pathologist: Christos Christodoulou, Tel.: 99454612, 25338618 Surgeon: Yiannakis Panayi, Tel.: 25346014, 25336662 Neuro-Surgeon: Michalakis Spirou, Tel.: 99624939 Paediatric: Gavriil Kaimis, Tel.: 25335366 Paediatric Surgeon: Georgios Hadjiconstantas, Tel.: 25730055, 25723914 Cardiologist: Constantinos N. Kyriacou, Tel.: 99511589, 25108850 Doctor: Lampros Theodosiou, Tel.: 25581712, 99624372

WORLD TODAY Court upholds Kenyatta win THE results of Kenya’s presidential election on March 4 are valid and Uhuru Kenyatta has won, Kenya’s Supreme Court said yesterday.

Yesterday’s verdict - following a drawn-out court case which riveted the nation - means that Kenyatta will be sworn in as president early next month.

He will become the second sitting president in Africa to face charges at the International Criminal Court.

He and Deputy Presidentelect William Ruto both face charges related to having helped orchestrate the 2007-08 post-election violence. Both deny the charges.

Ruto’s trial is set to begin in late May and Kenyatta’s in July.

Kenyatta has promised to report to The Hague.

Lawyers for presidential challenger Raila Odinga argued at the Supreme Court that the election was marred by irregularities.

Bashir visit SUDAN’S President Omar Hassan al-Bashir will visit his long-time foe South Sudan for the first time since its independence next week, an official said on Friday, cementing new deals on oil and border security between the two countries.

The African neighbours agreed this month to resume cross-border oil flows and defuse tensions that have plagued them since South Sudan seceded in July 2011 following an agreement which ended decades of civil war.

Bashir had originally planned to visit Juba a year ago but cancelled the trip when border skirmishes between the countries’ armies in April brought them close to a full-blown conflict.

Death toll rises THE death toll from the collapse of a building in Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam has climbed to 19, a senior official said yesterday.

The building of more than 12 storeys, which had been under construction, collapsed on Friday morning near a mosque in the Kariakoo district around the city centre. Several cars were crushed by falling masonry.

Tanzania’s buoyant economy has fuelled a building boom, especially in Kariakoo and the city centre. But the speed of construction has raised concerns about standards.

“Nineteen people have been killed so far and 17 were rescued alive, so this accounts for 36 people who were trapped in the collapsed building,” Dar es Salaam Regional Police Commander Suleiman Kova told reporters at the scene.

9 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

World

UK PM ‘alienating Christians’

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (centre) has acknowledged that he has limited scope to force the divided parties to find a way out of the political stalemate (AFP)

Italian president decides not to stand down early Will stay in office until last day of mandate

By Giselda Vagnoni ITALIAN President Giorgio Napolitano yesterday ruled out standing down early to make way for new parliamentary elections, following the failure of attempts to form a government this week.

Napolitano, whose term ends on May 15, spoke after news reports suggested he might resign to get around constitutional provisions which prevent a president dissolving parliament and calling elections in the final months of his mandate.

The 87-year-old told reporters he would continue his efforts to break the deadlock since inconclusive elections last month that left no group able to form a government.

“I will continue until the last day of my mandate to do as my sense of national responsibility suggests, without hiding from the country the difficulties that I am still facing,” he told reporters at

his Quirinale palace.

He said he would ask two groups of experts to formulate proposals for institutional and social and economic reforms that could be supported by all political parties.

But he acknowledged that he had limited scope to force the divided parties to find a way out of political situation that he said was “frozen between irreconcilable positions”.

Napolitano met leaders of the main parties on Friday to try to find a way out of the stalemate, which has created deep uncertainty just as the Cyprus banking crisis has revived fears about the stability of the eurozone.

However with all of the three main groups in parliament clinging to entrenched positions that have prevented a majority being formed in parliament, hopes of a solution that would prevent the need to go back to the polls have faded.

Centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani, whose party controls

the lower house but does not have a majority in the Senate, failed to win enough support to form a government from any of the other parties during a week of talks.

He rejected demands by centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi for a cross-party coalition deal that would give the scandal-plagued former prime minister a share in power and the right to decide Napolitano’s successor.

Both Berlusconi’s group and the populist 5-Star Movement led by ex-comic Beppe Grillo have also ruled out a new technocrat government like the one led by outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti, blocking what appears to be the only other option.

With investors mindful of the 2011 debt crisis that brought down Berlusconi’s last government, the gridlock has fed worries about Italy’s ability to confront an economic crisis that has fuelled rising social tensions and disillusion with its political class.

BRITISH Prime Minister David Cameron is alienating Christians by promoting gay marriage, an influential former leader of the world’s 80 million Anglicans said yesterday.

In a strongly-worded article, former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey said Cameron’s plan to legalise gay unions hid an “aggressive secularist” approach that threatened the link between church and state.

The comments echoed widespread concern about the policy among some Christians - and also highlighted the challenge facing Cameron whose efforts to modernise his centre-right Conservative Party have antagonised some traditional party voters.

“The danger I believe that the government is courting with its approach both to marriage and religious freedom, is the alienation of a large minority of people who only a few years ago would have been considered pillars of society,” Carey wrote in Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper.

Strong words: former Archbishop of Canterbury Carey Carey’s comments come at a bad time for Cameron, who as the economy flounders is attempting to woo right-leaning voters with tough talk on immigration and the European Union.

The former Anglican leader also condemned what he saw as a lack of government support for Christians who choose to wear a cross at work, a practice that has been

challenged in the past due to rules on religious expression at the workplace.

He cited a survey by pollster ComRes saying more than two thirds of Christians in Britain felt they were a “persecuted minority” and that more than half who voted Conservative in 2010 would not do so in 2015.

“It was a bit rich to hear that the prime minister has told religious leaders that they should ‘stand up and oppose aggressive secularisation’ when it seems that his government is aiding and abetting this aggression every step of the way,” Carey said.

Cameron’s Downing Street office rejected Carey’s accusations, and praised the church’s role in charities and education, but did not address the issue of gay marriage.

“This government strongly backs faith and Christianity in particular, including backing the rights of people wanting to wear crosses at work and hold prayers at council meetings,” Downing Street said in a statement.

Romanian orphan rescuer gunned down by neighbour A DOCUMENTARY film-maker whose work rescuing children from squalid Romanian orphanages in the early 1990s inspired Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, has been shot dead after a dispute with a neighbour over foliage.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said Michael Vilkin, 61, had been arrested on suspicion of the murder of John Upton, 56, of Encinitas, California.

The department said a dispute between the

two men led to the shooting.

After learning of the plight of Romanian orphans in 1990, Upton publicised the brutal conditions and was instrumental in bringing around two dozen orphans to America for medical care and adoption.

His work in Romania also gained the attention of influential activists, inspiring Sir Richard and actress Jessica Lange, to help rescue youngsters from Romania.

10 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion President must drop the platitudes if we are to survive OUR POLITICIANS just cannot resist the temptation to tell their audience what they want to hear. Populism is so deeply rooted in public discourse that very few politicians can break away from it. Those who do are usually pilloried by the media, also inclined to tell people what they want to hear, and punished by voters that detest a messenger of bad tidings regardless of how truthful these may be. As a society we seem to prefer to live with our illusions rather than deal with harsh reality.

We would have hoped that the economic catastrophe visited upon us - the devastating, longterm effects of which many people have not yet realised – would have been the shock that forced us to stop deluding ourselves and faced reality. And if people had difficulty accepting reality, our leaders should have helped them do so by speaking honestly to them, shunning the populist platitudes that were a big contributory factor to our cur-

rent woes. This responsibility is essentially on the shoulders of President Anastasiades, who as head of state, is ideally placed to introduce an honest, realitybased, political discourse.

Anastasiades had shown during the 2004 referendum that he had the mettle to go against the flow and take an unpopular stand he thought was right for the country, disregarding the political cost he would suffer by telling people what they did not want to hear. His televised addresses to the people after the two Eurogroup meetings were pragmatic and honest, indicating that the new president was set on introducing a more honest discourse.

This hope was dashed on Friday when Anastasiades made a speech to the annual conference of the public servants union PASYDY and told his audience what it wanted to hear. He would avoid additional measures that would “certainly burden those whom we always

SundayMail choose to punish, the public servants,” he said, as if this was some downtrodden group of workers forced to live below the poverty line. His despicable pandering to the public servants did not end there. “I want to make it clear, there would not be further cuts in pay and benefits,” he said, explaining that the public sector should focus on increasing productivity and drastically reducing operational costs.

Anastasiades sounded like his predecessor, pandering to Cyprus’ most privileged workers, who have suffered the least from the recession. It was a provocation to even mention that we always punish public employees, when private sector workers who on average are paid 40 per cent less than public servants had to accept much bigger pay cuts. And he omitted to mention that “we always choose to pun-

ish public servants” because the public sector payroll and pensions are the main reason the state is bankrupt. Who should we punish instead – the 50,000 unemployed or the tens of thousands of people being paid less than the minimum wage?

There was no honesty in the president’s speech to PASYDY. Rather than make privileged public servants feel as victims and make them promises he knows he cannot keep, he should have told them to consider themselves fortunate that they had secure, well-paid jobs in contrast to the rest of the population and that they may have to make more sacrifices for the good of society. He could have suggested the possibility of a small cut in their pay that would go towards supporting the growing number of their unemployed fellow citizens who could not afford to feed their families.

And he should never have ruled out more cuts in pay and

benefits because these are a certainty in the next few months when tax revenues fall to the bare minimum. Additional pay cuts of up to 30 per cent in the public sector might not be enough to cover the shortfall the government would face. Does Anastasiades really want to be known as the president who offers false hopes and goes back on all his promises?

The president must banish the populist platitudes from his speeches and prepare people for the years of hardship that lie ahead. What people need to know now is that they have a leader who is aware of the crushing difficulties we face but has a plan to help the country get back on its feet eventually.

It should be made clear that there are no quick fixes and the plan would need big sacrifices and very hard work by all to achieve the desired result. This is what the president must be telling people if we are to have a chance of surviving as a country.

Letters to the Editor From hubris to nemesis Amongst other things, the long-time love affair and worship of all things Hellenic has certainly brought Cyprus to her knees as the economy of the island crashes. This tragicomedy being played out here reminds me of the cautions of the Ancient Greeks about hubris and the inevitable Nemesis.

Let’s hope that retribution for the crimes of fraud and corruption result in the reconstruction a more just, sustainable island society, one that responds to the needs of the people, not to the Kleptocracy that Cyprus has become.

This self-inflicted wound, from which we all suffer, is the result of unrestrained greed.

We can only hope also that our unique endemic sub-species homo cypriensis rusfetica will bite the dust and become as extinct as the dinosaurs that they resemble. It’s up to residents of Cyprus to ensure that this Mass Extinction Event occurs now.

Linda Leblanc, Peyia

Leave the euro Cyprus should leave the euro, this problem will not go away it will return again and then who pays?

The government have treated their own people very badly. I have a lot of Cypriot friends in Cyprus who work very hard for very little due to all the extra taxes being added.

Cyprus was a cheap holiday island but not anymore...so sad. Bring back the Cypriot pound.

From Chris Oeillet, Jersey

What cost the 11th hour deal?

That an 11th hour deal has been hatched in Brussels is no surprise but what is surprising is its severity. Who is being punished is only indirectly hinted at with Russians first and foremost along with crooks, money launderers and gamblers in a so-called “casino economy”, a phrase coined by the French Finance Minister.

What will be the impact of this? A Greek-style recession and angry Russians. Two of the top income-earning sectors in the south of Cyprus [financial services and tourism] will take a big hit, the

first sector a direct hit, the second one indirectly through adverse publicity and a high cost euro.

Expect in the days ahead a hugely negative reaction from Moscow, including an outflow of Russian funds to the maximum extent possible. A huge outflow may well cause renewed instability and a second round crisis.

Domestically, a political storm is in store for the Cypriot President, Mr. Anastasiades. His country as a tax haven is finished.

Russian businesses, legitimate or not, will now try to

exit, thus completing the Eurogroup’s aim. Employees will lose their jobs at Popular Bank as it will effectively cease to exist and other financial institutions will also suffer as companies rush to get out.

While smaller savers [those with up to €100K euro] have been exempt from any deposit tax, the rich depositors have taken a big hit. For now, a disorderly bankruptcy has been averted but in the immediate term, a lengthy Greek-style recession would seem to be inevitable. There’s more. Bearing in mind the

Greek experience [specifically the fact of a second bailout within a relatively short timeframe], Mr. Anatasiades has now managed to avert an 11th hour disaster but the troika will watch every step of the way - and it’s by no means certain that we’ve seen the end of this crisis.

There have been political consequences.

In the protracted negotiations leading up to this deal, the Cypriot finance minister offered Russia everything and more but Russia didn’t want to know. Why? Possibly not to upset its relations with Tur-

key, a rising regional power and a much bigger market.

No less significantly, within EU circles Greek Cypriot credibility has reached a very low level.

As a result of these recent events I would suggest that the most important message would be for all parties to try and resolve the Cyprus problem. The time is surely now.

Ozay Mehmet, Ph.D , Senior Fellow, Modern Turkish Studies Initiative & Professor Emeritus, Carleton University, Ottawa

Taxpayers everywhere would rather their Cyprus is a jewel in money was spent in their own country the crown of Europe I have read the whole comment of Timothy Spyrou “In defence of the German view”, and just want to leave a few words to him and maybe some readers of Cyprus Mail.

I am working for the European Section of the German foreign ministry and have to admit, that I am very touched.

First I have been really sad about all the negative reaction from Cyprus after I checked lots of different news from Germany and Cyprus.

Seeing the European Union falling apart due to people losing the view for the big idea and trying to blame this great idea for all their national mistakes, have become very popular in Europe.

But then I saw this article and once I started, I had to read it to the end

with raising impressions.

The very detailed view needed to be taken for a complex issue like this crisis and the relation between Cyprus and Germany within it.

Germany is indeed a very sensitive country when it comes to its past, and even though people have to suffer right now, we are far beyond the cruelty of those very dark times... and hopefully always will!

The article of Mr Spyrou tried to look at the other perspective, and that is always a great attitude.

Furthermore I have to admit, that even as a reasonably well educated German, it would have been very hard for me to put it in such suitable words, as the author did.

I am grateful in the name of our nation, that some people stay reasonable

and focused and see the dilemma we are in. Every taxpayer would rather like his money to be spent on his own country.

It is always difficult to make people understand, that it is even worth to invest (the main part) in an EU budget and beyond that to pay billions of extra euros to numerous member states.

One may ask what they were doing with the money they got from us in the first place.

That is just the “easy general understanding” of way the German people feel.

I wish you all the best in the times to come. Stay brave friends and thanks for the nice article Timothy!

In my 66 years of life the most important thing I have learnt is that whatever we do and no matter how hard we try, we will not be able to have any control or effect on the past.

Any energy and aspirations we have has to be channelled towards the future.

If mistakes have been made, we must learn from them.

I am a Brit who has lived in Cyprus for seven years, an island that I love and if there’s anything I have learnt, it is that the Cypriot people are good honest people who will rally round together and fight back in any adversity.

Cyprus is a jewel in the crown of Europe, not a sore on its backside as some might have us believe. The hearts and minds of the Cypriot people are king amongst the European people.

They picked themselves up after the 1974 invasion and fought back against extraordinary odds to put their future back together again and they will do it again... believe me.

I for one am proud to live amongst them and I will stand with them in their efforts to rebuild their country’s economy and show the rest of the world that although Cyprus is small, they must never underestimate the size of their hearts and determination.

God bless you Cyprus.

Tom Linder, Berlin

LFB, Larnaca

Want to send a letter?

You can send letters to the Cyprus Mail by email, fax or post. Letters should include a full postal address (an email address is not sufficient), a daytime telephone number and a reference to the relevant article. A name and address 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. Management is under no obligation to inform readers if, when or where their letters will appear.

11 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Letters to the Editor

A sad day for the Cypriots and for Europe A sad day for the Cypriots which is the result of wrong priorities on behalf of past and current governments and of an ill-targeted solution contrived by a vindictive European Union family. The ordinary Cypriot citizen is actually paying the price for agreeing to bail out the Greek economy when the haircut on Greek bonds had been decided.

Cyprus had the greatest exposure

to the Greek economy amongst all member states but this was not taken into consideration at the time of the Greek haircut, nor did President Christofias - at the time - try to negotiate before signing away at least 10 billion euro of a gift to ‘’motherland’’ Greece.

It is true that the policy decided after 1974 to maintain a low corporate tax rate resulted in the gradual accumulation of foreign

deposits into Cypriot Banks, and that this was the reason why Cypriot banks had invested heavily in Greece.

That’s why I consider that the decision taken by Eurogroup is not sufficiently targeted, in the sense that instead of concentrating on the root of the problem which is foreign deposits, it penalises many Cypriot small and medium sized enterprises active in

non-financial economic sectors, such as construction, manufacturing and tourism - companies which just happened to be keeping their accounts with the two major banks in Cyprus.

Asking SMEs in the real economy to pay through their working capital for the bailout of foreign deposits which had been invested and forfeited in Greece is ill-targeted and will strike hard at the

real economy of Cyprus. Punishing innocent citizens rather than incompetent local leadership will not really do the trick in Cyprus and the European leadership of today has to think harder as to how to uphold the vision which had inspired the founding fathers of the Union.

Praxoula Antoniadou Kyriacou, Nicosia

Who knew what and when?

A bailout is not a handout As an ex enthusiastic Europhile I would like to address this letter to the troika and fellow members of the ‘European family’.

Thank you for the life saving bailout but I should like to remind you that it is not a handout but a loan that will be repaid with interest, even though you have decimated our banking sector and economy. I heard one of you say, and I quote; “The euro is saved, you [Cyprus] have not died in vain”. You could have added: “And we sure screwed the Russians”.

Well, your shortsightedness, domestic political considerations and vindictiveness have not only plunged the people of this small island into years of recession and hardship, but taken another step to destroying that great “ideal” of a prosperous, united Europe, at peace, without borders and with a single currency.

Yes we have made mistakes and our politicians have let us down, time and time again, but what country hasn’t?

The stronger, more fortunate members of the EU have chosen to make an example of this unfortunate little island, in order to terrorise other small, less fortunate ones into obeying their demands. That is not the way to bring together all the diverse nations of the EU. You did not succeed in subjugating the smaller nations of Europe with military might and you will not succeed with financial might.

In our long history, many have come and exploited us and some have thought of us destroyed before, but we have always risen from the ashes.

We shall do so again, much stronger and better. I don’t have the same optimism for that “great European Ideal”.

Cypriot Muppets. You must demand an accounting from your political leadership!

Your journalists should be requesting the amounts, with evidence, of how much your government mandarins have lost in this bailout.

Have they lost anything!?

Do not let them hide behind disingenuous responses of privacy. They want you to share the burden, then what about them?

I think you all know the answer. Who knew, what, when? And who moved their money to where?

These are questions that you have a right to know the answer to, as you are funding the bailouts with your money!

Sweet Doug, Ontario

The future is in your own hands I lived in Cyprus for 10 years before recognising that Cyprus was following Greece into a financial abyss, at which point, in 2010, I decided to sell up and get out before the muck hit the fan.

Now as I read the Cyprus Mail online I see that once again Cypriots are blaming the EU or Germany or anyone else but themselves for creating the current financial meltdown.

It was obvious to anyone who took the time to look, even to a clown like former President Christofias, that the Cyprus economy was in freefall, due the an excessively overmanned and extremely overpaid civil service, failure to control the trade unions resulting in high inflation, joining the EU for the wrong reasons – expecting it to instruct Turkey to leave northern Cyprus as a condition of their entry into the EU - and also the failure to devalue the Cyprus Pound by at least 30 per

cent before entering the single currency. When I asked a Government Minister why they had not devalued his reply was that this was because of the loans from foreign governments who would not allow them to repay the loan in devalued Cyprus pounds, which is of course nonsense as any foreign loan would have to be repaid in the currency of the lender, and by buying foreign currency on a forward basis.

Cyprus could also have protected itself from the impact of devaluation on loan repayment. This would also have had a major impact in holding down costs in the tourist industry resulting in Cyprus being much more competitive than it is now.

I would suggest now that Cypriots need to wake up , recognise that Cyprus is not the centre of the universe, and take the tough and uncomfortable measure to put their house in

order, otherwise in a few years time the economic problems will still exist and the next bailout will either be central control from Brussels or being expelled from the EU leaving Cyprus to implode.

Cyprus has a wonderful opportunity to turn things around by correct and effective utilisation of the anticipated income from the gas fields around the island but please don’t employ the president’s second cousin ex-farmer or goat herder to run the operation as they have done for years with Cyprus Airways.

The future is in your hands, stop blaming everyone else, cut out corruption, reduce the influence of the trade unions and work harder for less money and maybe just maybe there can be a rosy future for the lovely island you all live in.

Geoff Pudsey, UK

PD, Prastio

Take Europe to the ECHR I would like to propose the government of Cyprus take the European Central Bank/ troika to the European Court of Human Rights on grounds of purposefully (or negligently) destroying the economy of an EU member by threatening to withdraw ELA within an unreasonably short time frame, resulting into an unprecedented act of human rights violation against the people of Cyprus and the creation of a humanitarian crisis.

Lilian Tsappa, PhD, California, USA

Try to understand us No more offers for Russians?

Dear folk of Cyprus, no matter which country in Europe the euro crisis threatens the livelihood of the people, I always see the same sequence...angry people, going on the streets to demonstrate against Europe and Germany.

I want to tell you some facts about Germany, you maybe don’t know. On average we have less private money than people in south Europe. We have to work more than 40 hours a week and have to work till the age of 67 - soon to the age of 69 - and then get 40 per cent of our final salary.

Please don’t misunderstand,

I’m very sorry about you in this situation but you have to understand us too.

We work hard to earn money for us and our families, and now as well to pay for the people all over Europe, and then we are thanked by calling us Nazis. Why don’t you hate the bankers or your previous governments?

The Germans have no problem with people from Cyprus, Greece, Spain or the other states in Europe with the same problems. But we have problem with being offended.

It seems that Russians will be forced to pay for quite reasonable reluctance of Russia to provide Cyprus unlimited, unconditional and immediate funding.

While browsing the internet for Paphos hotels I came across one quite attractive offer. However I was puzzled by the following note: ‘Please note that rates and conditions are not valid for Russian passport holders.

It is posted in bold, to make sure that every ‘guilty nation’ individual will notice it and will not try to rob Cyprus enjoying special rates, instead paying full price or better staying away at all. I wonder why. Probably to be of the safe side because it seems that Russian money brings nothing but trouble.

Russians are not welcome any more in the hotels? ‘Brothers’ overnight became ‘adopted distant cousins’?

Life becomes more and more interesting in Cyprus...

Sebastian Fehr, Germany

Maria Asalieva, Ypsonas

Today we are all Cypriots The negative fallout from the polarisation in the European Union has its first real victim - Cyprus.

Cyprus needs the strength which comes only from strong political leadership and unity among its people.

Cyprus: Do not be afraid!

Take a stance and show the world how to rise and demand justice; the weary, trodden-upon citizens of Europe will follow. You already hear their voice; they say, “Today, we are all Cypriots”.

The European regime must rethink its approach.

They accuse Cyprus of supporting and allowing money laundering activities originating in Russia. If this is true, then EU should turn against those involved in such activities, and not criminalise the entire nation.

Be grateful, fellow Cypriots. We are blessed with a beautiful island which is the envy of many. Let’s protect our assets, our land, our environment, our culture and our families.

The current crisis is much less serious than what followed the Turkish invasion in 1974. We simply have to live within our limits until we recover. This can be achieved as long as we do not mortgage our sovereignty.

George S. Chrysomilides (Ph.D), Trade Economist and Former Professor, University of British Columbia, Canada

12 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion

EU has been penny wise but gas foolish Comment Giles Merritt EUROPE is on the verge of making a historic mistake, one that would compound the growing sense of European decay and collapse. The issue involves Cyprus, but it has nothing to do with the divisive politics of the country’s bailout terms - though Europe’s approach to that problem will play a key role in determining the outcome.

What is at stake for Europe is the energy deal of the century. No one can yet say how much oil and gas lies within Cyprus’ territorial waters, but there are strong indications that it could make a huge contribution to the European Union’s energy needs.

According to recent news reports, the

Aphrodite field alone could eventually supply 40 per cent of the EU’s current natural-gas consumption.

Clearly, the wrong bankers are addressing the Cypriot debt problem.

A team of investment bankers who know how to structure long-term deals would be far better than the bean-counting officials of the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, who know the price of everything but the value of nothing.

The Aphrodite field lies close to Israel’s Leviathan gas field, whose name gives an idea of how much energy lies beneath the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and it is also not very far from the Egyptian coastline, where Shell already has three major projects.

The Aphrodite field’s known oil and gas reserves are reckoned to be worth

€80 billion. But realising that value is a long-term proposition. More immediately, to get the gas to market in Europe and elsewhere, a gas liquefaction plant costing about €10 billion needs to be built, and Israeli investors have already expressed interest.

The sheer size of Cyprus’ likely energy wealth, and the funding needed to develop it, dwarfs the country’s current financial woes. Yes, Cyprus needed €17 billion to remain in the eurozone, whereas its annual GDP is just €23 billion. But these figures have to be placed in the context of the EU’s gloomy overall energy picture - something that the ongoing debt negotiations have failed to do.

If Russia’s Gazprom eventually strikes a bargain with the Cypriot government, Europe’s dependence on Russia for its energy will increase sub-

The unpalatable truth about keeping the euro

stantially. As it is, half of EU countries’ energy supplies are imported, and that share will probably rise to 70 per cent by 2030, giving Russia even more power to turn off the tap at will.

The recriminations now flying between Nicosia and Berlin - with contributions from the EU in Brussels, the ECB in Frankfurt, and the IMF in Washington - are obscuring the big picture. Of course the Cypriot authorities have been operating a dubious banking sector for many years, with the clear intention of drawing in Russian and other depositors whose funds would not withstand closer scrutiny elsewhere. And, yes, the Germanbacked haircut for holders of Greek government bonds unintentionally - and therefore carelessly - hit vulnerable Cypriot banks very hard. The eurozone’s financial regulation and

supervision have been lamentable.

The question that Europe’s policymakers must quickly address is how to extend the deadlines on Cypriot debt to gain enough time to formulate a more strategic approach. The Aphrodite field contains more than enough energy reserves to cover the country’s short-term indebtedness.

More broadly, with global energy demand set to rise by roughly one-third between now and 2030, investing in Cyprus looks a lot more attractive than what is on offer elsewhere in Europe. The EU must not allow this opportunity to slip away.

Giles Merritt is Editor of Europe’s World and heads the Brussels-based think tanks Friends of Europe and Security & Defence Agenda

Wind turbines in Cyprus are a classic example of the EU’s wrong-headed policies

Cyprus’ humiliating climb down in the face of the EU’s blackmail is a depressing omen

A

S SHINY monuments to the folly of the entrenched political class across Europe, and the hopelessly misguided obsession of the European Union, the near-motionless wind turbines that now disfigure the landscape in Cyprus are hard to beat.

Driving away from Larnaca airport, their obstruction of the classic, sphinx-like profile of Stavrovouni (‘Mountain of the Cross’) seems akin to having pencilled a moustache on the Mona Lisa. The wind blows round the corner off Cape Greco, sure enough, but not notably well inland.

It’s not the only thing that’s seriously not right about the relationship between the EU, its preoccupations and this gilded Mediterranean island that is a second home to me, having bought a small apartment here ten years ago.

And now the world knows how ungodly are the workings of the eurozone and its officials, following the utter debacle and abhorrent threats of the past week.

Earlier this month, during my latest visit to Cyprus, I drew cash from an ATM in Larnaca and wondered if I had left enough in the account for regular bills. When the initial bailout deal threatened to confiscate a portion of everyone’s bank deposits that seemed almost like a stroke of luck.

But the bigger picture seemed nasty, and, on principle, I became as angry as most citizens of this country.

We all know what has happened since, of the deal that has been cobbled together under the president’s duress, treating Cyprus quite differently from the other countries needing financial aid from the EU. We all know how shameful the bullying from the Eurogroup, and Germany in particular has been.

Undoubtedly, Cyprus should have handled its affairs differently in recent times, and many Cypriots will acknowledge that, whether in terms of the volume of Russian money

Comment Andrew Shouler transacted through Cyprus, or the bloated condition of the state sector and its over-reliance on the financial industry, which in turn was overexposed to bad assets, notably Greek bonds.

But, owing to the virtual absence of any northern European exposure to the Cypriot financial system, the treatment meted out to Cyprus was punitive in a way that simply would not have been either imposed upon other southern European countries, or indeed tolerated by them.

It is partly for that reason that I wish Cyprus had been courageous enough to leave the eurozone, and make its own way in the world again.

That freedom would have come at a heavy price, but the relative prosperity momentarily retained by way of the agreement reached could well have deeply damaging consequences.

That’s because of the other key consideration here: namely that monetary union in Europe doesn’t work, and was never going to. It was always a means to an end, namely political union, and the creation of a superstate that would override national sovereignties. The euro is nothing less than the emblem and instrument of a continent-sized country, in which the member states all become relegated to regions.

Since the 1950s the most committed strand of the European elite has been devoted to this cause, ostensibly to prevent another war, but mainly to impose a politico-economic order that this self-appointed cadre sees fit to perpetuate across the peoples of Europe, regardless of their own respective moral convictions, economic preferences and social norms. The history of this plan is actually welldocumented, although naturally you

rarely hear much about it.

More recently, the creation of the euro, the single currency, in 1999 was heralded as a triumph, endorsing and reinforcing European togetherness and ‘solidarity’ - which, realistically, was always a dubious notion, used periodically to justify the redistribution of other people’s money.

Yet, that project was - as has been explained many, many times by a minority of economists - fundamentally flawed. A single exchange rate and single interest rate applying throughout the eurozone could never make sense, and would eventually condemn the entire area to perpetual misalignments and economic imbalances. Thus, today, the system is locked to favour the relatively competitive countries of the north, while denying a way out for the relatively uncompetitive nations of the south.

Eurosceptic commentators gave their warnings often enough, but were dismissed as xenophobes and cranks.

So now, there is no solution to the underlying problem, not while the euro remains in place. The recycling of surpluses, or even sufficiently mollifying transfers, to those parts of the eurozone in persistent deficit will simply not happen. Austerity will be prolonged in the south, even becoming self-defeating in its impact on economic growth and debt dynamics, while the north prospers through what effectively is an undervalued currency in terms of gaining international trade.

Realistically, once Russia had stood aside and refused to help (and no other benefactor come forward), it is quite understandable that Cyprus (at least its leaders) chose to take the severe body blow and hope not to be beaten up again somewhere along the line, so as to keep what has been accumulated in the real value of euro balances. The restoration of the Cypriot pound would have involved steep losses, at least until a form of recov-

ery, involving default, devaluation, structural reforms and concerted self-application would take effect.

Yet, for all those who hope a certain liberty in Europe will be kept alive, this decision and outcome are a matter for regret. Many, like me, would really have hoped, albeit against expectation, that Cyprus might have pulled off a David-and-Goliath act, poked the eye of the EU, and walked away. The pound would have been restored, at a cost, but a dignity and independence would have been retained. And it might well have been the first of a series of necessary dominoes to fall.

Right across Europe the eurozone needs to be undone, and national currencies re-instituted. Only then will it have a chance to grow, when exchange rates have adjusted to reflect local conditions, and other sensible monetary and fiscal actions been undertaken and adhered to. No doubt, a period of difficulty would last for some while. But not forever, and maybe not as long as some would claim.

As it is, the eurozone will stumble on, and increasingly ingenious ways

will have to be found to shuffle resources about to paper over the widening cracks in the system.

As for Cyprus, it should learn a very important lesson, and take something good from the very bad that has been perpetrated upon it. It should understand now what and whom it is dealing with in relation to its so-called partners in the EU, reconstitute its finances on a sufficiently solid basis, and plan to get out of the eurozone, at least, when the moment is right.

And it should waste no time in that.

In particular, it should make sure its energy deposits are beyond the call of Europe, which might seek a contribution to ‘solidarity’ when casting around desperately for funds as this unedifying framework falters again.

In short, Cyprus needs to be reborn as a sovereign nation, and pave the way for the other freedom-loving peoples of a very financially-troubled continent led by what seems to be a very determined cabal of arguably mentally-troubled autocrats.

Andrew Shouler is a freelance journalist and economist

13 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Opinion

Capital controls an ‘omnishambles’

Bank workers familiarising themselves with the new controls (far left). A customer with his daily withrawal of €300 (left)

If controls stay in place, a euro exit is increasingly likely Comment Hugo Dixon

C

YPRUS’ capital controls are an “omnishambles”. If the Argentine-style “corralito” really can be lifted in seven days, the damage could be contained. But that doesn’t seem credible. Extended controls could spawn bribery, sap confidence, further crush the economy, spread contagion and ultimately lead to the country’s exit from the euro.

The lesson of capital controls elsewhere is that, once they are imposed, they are hard to remove.

Iceland’s curbs are still in place five years after they started. In Argentina, they lasted a year.

There’s little reason to suppose it will be much different in Nicosia.

After all, the restrictions - which limit both the amount of money people can take from their banks and the amount they can transfer abroad - have been imposed because the lenders do not have enough access to ready funds. If there’s not sufficient liquidity today, why should anybody believe there will be enough in a week, a month or even a year?

The shambolic manner in which the restrictions have been implemented also rams home the fact that it’s unlikely they will be lifted quickly. An earlier leaked draft didn’t mention any daily limits on cash withdrawals; the final version set it at €300 per person. The draft said people could take €3,000 abroad per trip; in the end, it was cut to €1,000.

A central bank spokesman said the controls would last four days; in the end it was seven, although the central bank’s own press release didn’t even mention a timetable. The tightening of the controls between the leaked draft and the final version might suggest that liquidity is in pretty short supply.

The internal inconsistency of

the controls also seemingly gives a lie to the idea that the controls will last only a week. They prevent people spending more than €5,000 a “month” abroad on their credit cards; they limit the transfers to people studying abroad to €5,000 per “quarter”. Why are there monthly and quarterly limits if the whole exercise is supposed to last only a week?

The European Commission also gave the game away in its statement on Thursday morning backing the controls. While saying free movement of capital should be reinstated as soon as possible, it also says it will monitor any need to “extend” the controls.

ALTERNATIVE There was, and still is, an alternative. The European Central bank could have made clear that it was willing to supply unlimited liquidity to Cyprus’ banks now that they are being recapitalised by converting uninsured depositors into shareholders.

No doubt there are difficulties doing this because the banks don’t have a ready supply of suitable collateral. But the ECB’s collateral rules could be eased and the haircuts imposed by the Central Bank

of Cyprus for emergency liquidity assistance could be cut. The country’s largest lender, the Bank of Cyprus, could have further capital stuffed into it if there were still doubts about its solvency. After all, the details of what proportion of uninsured deposits will be converted into equity have yet to be finalised.

It’s a mystery why the ECB didn’t take a grip on the situation and act as a proper lender of last resort. Perhaps it has been too busy fighting fires elsewhere after Eurogroup leader Jeroen Dijsselbloem dropped his bombshell by suggesting that the Cyprus rescue could be a model for dealing with other troubled banking systems. But whatever the reason, the ECB’s failure could set off a damaging chain reaction.

The capital controls are supposed to stop a bank run. But they are unlikely to succeed. People may queue outside branches to take the maximum amount they can per day - and then come back tomorrow and the next day to do the same.

The Cypriots will also exploit loopholes. They may even be tempted to bribe banks and officials to bend the rules in their favour.

Foreign transfers are allowed under the new regime provided they are for bona fide trade purposes. It will be up to banks to vet transactions up to €5,000. Those between €5,000 and €200,000 will be approved by the authorities in daily batches provided there is enough liquidity. Those above €200,000 will need to be approved individually by the authorities - again depending on there being sufficient liquidity.

Meanwhile, the customs authorities will have the job of making sure nobody takes more than 1,000 euros in cash out of the country when they leave.

EXODUS As Reuters reported earlier this week, money oozed out of the country’s banks over the previous week even when they were supposedly closed. It wouldn’t be surprising if it continued to do so now they are partially open.

But much money will stay trapped both inside the banks and inside the country. If restrictions aren’t lifted soon, this will effectively lead to a parallel currency. A euro trapped inside Cyprus won’t be worth as much as one in the rest of the world.

One can imagine that people will be willing to suffer a discount in order to swap euros trapped inside Cyprus for those abroad. The discount for money stuck in bank accounts would presumably be larger than that for hard cash which people will ultimately be able to smuggle out of the country.

Such black market discounts could then be the precursor for a new exchange rate for the Cypriot pound. If controls really aren’t lifted, it may only be a matter of time before Nicosia goes the whole way and introduces its own currency. Given Cyprus’ dependence on imports for oil, electricity and a vast array of other goods, inflation would soar. But the banks could at least be properly open for business.

All this will be terrible for Cyprus.

It could also send shock waves through other vulnerable euro zone countries. The ECB should get the show back on the road before it is too late.

Hugo Dixon is editor-at-large, Reuters News. Before founding Breakingviews in 1999, which he edited until 2012, Hugo spent 13 years at the Financial Times.

Follow Hugo on Twitter @hugodixon

An orgy of stupidity as the economy collapsed Comment Loucas Charalambous THE ONLY SAFE conclusion one can reach from everything we have heard in the last couple of weeks is that the catastrophe staring at us was no accident.

For 15 days now, deputies, ex-ministers, economists, academics, bankers, businessmen, journalists and many others, clueless and clued up, have been parading through the studios of television and radio stations to impart their wisdom about the crisis to the public.

Countless simpletons posing as experts, after the obligatory patriotic outburst against Merkel, Lagarde and Schaeuble and the other anti-Hellenes who plotted to destroy our economy, steal our natural gas and impose an unjust solution to the Cyprus problem, also proposed an easy way of finding the €17 billion that would rid us of the troika and its memorandum. The spectacle was a joke even though we should have been crying instead of

laughing.

As I watched this orgy of stupidity, day after day on the telly, I became even more certain about the view I have expressed tens of times in this column - that given our attitude and behaviour we have not suffered that much.

Below are a few examples of this parade of stupidity.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said: “All those who might think that because of our economic troubles, we would be vulnerable and accept any solution to our national problem will be proved wrong. No pressure and no blackmail will be so intense that they would force us into accepting an undignified solution.”

But why is he so worried? Nobody will pressure or blackmail him because nobody is interested whether our problem is solved or not. As we who have the problem are in no hurry to solve it why would others be in a hurry? We could not care less if you do not solve it, is their message.

Another one who resorted to patriotism was the House president Yiannakis Omirou. “Unfortunately our partners, instead of support and solidarity, offer us blackmail, bile and

vinegar. We propose national resistance because it is our duty to safeguard our national independence and national dignity.”

Omirou and his party EDEK are among those who elected Demetris Christofias president and are therefore accomplices in the catastrophe he caused. It would have been preferable if Omirou and EDEK accepted their responsibility for the mess rather than resort to patriotic platitudes about dignity and other nonsense.

DIKO deputy Nicholas Papadopoulos also deserves special mention. On the morning of Saturday March 16, he was on a radio station angrily railing against the agreement for the across the board haircut of deposits. “I want to hear arguments as to why we should not let the banks go bankrupt,” he said. And he voted against the relevant bill at the legislature the following Tuesday.

The next evening, when it was announced that the European Central Bank would cease providing liquidity to the banks after March 25, he toured the television stations passionately pleading that “we cannot allow our banking system to collapse.” This is how serious the chairman of our House Finance Com-

mittee is.

But the politician who stole the show of lunacy was AKEL’s leading light Nicos Katsourides who revealed the full scale of the foreign conspiracy determined to destroy us. During a panel discussion on Mega TV, he informed us that three peculiar events that had taken place at more or less the same time were not unrelated to each other.

He was referring to the Eurogroup agreement, the Israeli government’s apology to Turkey over the flotilla attack and the unilateral declaration of a ceasefire by the Kurds.

The implication was that they all took place as a result of a satanic plot to destroy the economy of Cyprus. Benjamin Netanyahou, Abdullah Ocalan and Angela Merkel were in charge of this despicable international conspiracy against us. Katsourides kept a straight face while he was explaining his conspiracy theory.

How could anyone disagree with me or say I am wrong to claim that with these people in charge of our fate, we were lucky to escape with just an economic catastrophe. As I wrote a short while ago, one troika is not enough for us. We need 10 troikas to put us in shape.

14 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion

A Devil’s Island off Turkey All nationalism has its price and we’ve paid for ours many times over Comment Hermes Solomon

G

IDEON John Tucker (1826–1899) was an American lawyer, newspaper editor and politician. In 1866, he wrote, “No man’s life, liberty or property is safe while the Legislature is in session.”

Tucker’s statement is certainly true of our legislature, who betrayed citizens by failing to observe laws governing our membership of the European Union. In turn, Cyprus was punished by the troika group, which comprises the European Commission (EC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the European Central Bank (ECB).

Today, the word ‘betrayal’ is on everybody’s lips - demonstrators, bank employees and politicians to name but a few. But the hard facts of the Cyfi-prob suggest otherwise. Comparing President Nicos to Judas is unjustified.

I’ve been living here for ten years and have yet to receive a straight answer to any question posed to officialdom. I initially put their evasiveness down to deviousness/artfulness, but now suspect it might be due to excessive in-breeding and autism.

Historically, our ancestors were known as scavengers of shipwrecks - our inlets/harbours used as ports of convenience for pirates pilfering Ottoman seafaring wealth. The island’s hillbilly farmers survived impoverished on scrubland, bedevilled by disease and plagues of locusts.

Since 330AD we were a people loosely unified under the guidance of the Greek Orthodox Church, and have, in 1700 years, failed to adapt to other than the spiritual. We are still living in trust of yesterday’s Constantinople sustained by easily accessible dosh. After all, what else could our banks have done with those Russian billions other than chuck them at irresponsible scavengers at high interest rates who, like vultures, tore the corpse of this economy to shreds, failing abysmally to invest a single cent in the island’s future and the security of our grandchildren?

Our past sins have now returned to haunt us.

My book, Cyprus on the Rocks, published over two years ago, more than aptly presaged today’s catastrophe. Even the title should have made the literate sit up and take notice. But which politician or economist predicted our own impending doom when we were gloatingly dispatching food parcels to Greece? The cost of fuel has doubled since, during which time our banks persisted in throwing somebody else’s money at an already hugely financially overstretched populace.

There are more black holes in our banking and financial services sector than in the entire universe - so many in fact that our legislature doesn’t even know where to start. Numbers are meaningless; how to resolve bad banking practices and self-inflicted poverty, unanswerable.

How much of depositors’ deposits will be frozen? What will be the eventual limit on withdrawals from ATMs? Who will and who won’t be permitted to transfer ‘their funds’ abroad in what was, up until recently, a ‘free movement of capital’ EU member state? And for just how long will restrictions last?

Ten years ago, passenger ferry services from Piraeus to Limassol were abandoned. Cyprus, without realising it, became an island prison facing Turkey, like the infamous Devil Island in French Guiana.

The illegal way out of the Republic is through Ercan Airport or Girne (No, not Tymbou and Kyrenia which, like Constantinople, no longer exist). Those of you with pots of cash at home, and who now hate Cyprus, please leave!

Cyprus has been driven down the drain by powers beyond the ordinary man’s control.

She is now floating out to sea. But you could, like me, stay onboard and fight to drop anchor.

The Attorney-general’s job is to protect the innocent at the expense of the guilty and not permit those criminals to escape with their euros, gold bars or dollars to other tax free havens, which will shortly come under the scrutiny of EU officialdom anyway. Passports of all suspects responsible for this mess should be confiscated until an investigation into their presumed illegalities is satisfactorily concluded. This island must be sealed tight, and with the co-operation of the Turkish Cypriot authorities, flight of criminal phoenixes ground-

Where do we go from here?

‘We are stony broke

with a declining tourist industry, virtually no manufacturing base and a bankrupt financial services sector’ ed.

It is pointless arguing the legality of recent legislation - fighting for our human rights since 1974 has dug too many of us into the ground on both sides.

But today’s financial fiasco can in no way be compared to 1974. Today, we are stony broke with a declining tourist industry, virtually no manufacturing base and a bankrupt financial

services sector.

We must expect to be drip stolen of what money we have left by further devious legislation (taxes) and our banks. Our standard of living will fall rapidly to resemble that of Greece.

We will endure eternal poverty if we continue sending our kids on the streets to demonstrate with placards insisting that the ‘troika get out of Cyprus’, we ‘leave the Eurozone’ and ‘return to the Cyprus pound’ - all nonsense and brainwashing by teachers who should know better.

But where does the island’s future lie? And that is the only question now worth asking and answering.

We will never see the benefits from our gas wealth unless there is a settlement with Turkey over the Cyprob. We must solve the Cyprob yesterday for the sake of the economy tomorrow. This is the only way forward. Accepting a revised Annan Plan, precipitating closer ties with Turkey, will mollify both Israel and the US, even if it leads to weaker ties with Russia and Europe. We are, after all, central to the Near East, at present floating awkwardly in the middle of ‘no-man’s’ sea!

All nationalism has its price and we’ve paid for ours many times over - 1821, 1931, 1960, 1974 and 2013. Enough is enough! Let’s start living in the real world and stop living in the ephemeral (of no lasting significance) past!

We have been staring in the wrong direction for far too long.

Optimism is cheap to those who aren’t in the gutter Letter from London Alexia Saoulli LIVING in London I’ve felt much removed from everything, despite being glued to the television watching BBC News on the hour, reading the Cyprus Mail and Sunday Mail and following the comments on social media. Some were downright nasty and others completely paranoid and delusional. I watched - and waited - with bated breath wondering what would happen to my little country.

Now I know what has happened I feel a mixture of sadness, guilt, anger, shame, defeat, relief and anxiety perhaps.

Sadness because my beautiful country, and the simple Cypriots in it, the ones who have values and heart, will suffer in the days and years to come.

Guilt, because I, like many of my fellow Nicosians, certainly shared in the good times, living

in my own bubble and spending money like I’d found my very own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Guilt also because part of me gets the smug finger pointers on social media sites who are now saying “I told you so” and “you have your own greedy selves to blame”. Am I enjoying the suffering of some? Do I enjoy the thought that the mighty, whoever they may be, will fall and perhaps no longer be as rich as they once were? The thought that a part of me may be saying yes to those questions fills me with guilt. What does that say about me? Am I that self-righteous?

That punitive? Where is the love for my fellow man now, even if s/ he has been a pompous, shallow, clueless individual who treated others like they were beneath him/her?

I also feel anger. Anger that we allowed it to come to this. Anger that as a people we take things lying down. I don’t mean now, with the bailout, I mean before, when things were getting bad, why didn’t we say or do some-

Part of me gets the smug finger pointers on social media sites who are now saying ‘I told you so’ thing? Why didn’t we question authority more? Why didn’t we fight more? Speak out more?

That’s one thing I admire about the British. They are like a dog with a bone when something goes wrong with their political system. The public won’t let up.

The media won’t let up. The op-

position parties won’t let up.

They really have a voice. We, on the other hand, shout for a while and then get bored and move on to the next hot topic. I mean Mari was so 2011, wasn’t it?

Shame, that I, like many others, was too superficial and obsessed with material possessions to realise that I was living beyond my means and that this privileged lifestyle had to be earned, and was most certainly not my God given right.

Shame that this collective greed everyone is accusing the powers that be of is actually a projection of our own personal greed. Would we have behaved any differently in their shoes? Aren’t we all greedy deep down? Don’t we all want more? There are a handful of self righteous people who say they are nothing like that. They like to beat their breasts and proclaim loudly that they were above all this and that we, the “ignorant, lazy, greedy morons”, as one Cyprus Mail website commentator called us, had this coming to us.

And what is this? Total annihilation of our country? Maybe

not literally, but today people are feeling kicked to the curb and defeated. My Cypriot Facebook friends were eerily quiet last Monday morning and not only because it was a national holiday.

I also get a sense of relief. Particularly from the people who moved their money months ago, either abroad or to banks other than Laiki and the Bank of Cyprus. At least now we have a deal and the only way is up, they say.

We are optimists and we’ll get through this, they add. Perhaps it’s easier for them as they haven’t lost their savings. At the end of the day, we’re all out for Number 1, even if we don’t readily admit it. I know I probably would be. After all, optimism comes cheap to those who aren’t in the gutter.

But that way up makes me anxious. It means change. Will that change be good or bad? Many are hopeful that together we can work hard and make things better in Cyprus. I hope so. I no longer live in Cyprus but the thought of not being able to go back because there is no future is a frightening and depressing one.

15 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Opinion Ways in which Cyprus’ economy can be remodelled Comment

uotes of the week

Erol Riza

T

HE GOVERNMENT, employers and the workers representatives should look beyond the crisis which Cyprus has suffered.

The crisis provides the Cyprus government, and its leaders, with an opportunity to restructure and modernise the economy. The unsustainable model of the economy with a significant source of growth dependent on financial services has run its course. This much it seems the bulk of the politicians and businessmen have accepted and it is a welcome development.

The sad perception of the Cyprus economy was clearly expressed by several EU ministers of finance in the recent crisis.

There was not a single minister who sympathised with Cyprus’ predicament; the French minister called the Cyprus economy a casino economy, the Swedish minister suggested Cyprus has only banks and beaches and will be left with beaches, the Austrian finance minister called it a low tax economy.

The government, the parliament and all stakeholders in the economy (employers and unions) have heard all these derogatory remarks and need to remodel the economy on a sustainable course.

The people of Cyprus deserve an economic model that is based on sectors that Cyprus infrastructure and human capital can be fit for purpose. The article will suggest which sources of financing could serve the Cyprus economy.

In order to regain trust and reform the workings of the economy there is a need to put some things right. The most important absence from the Cyprus economic model is good corporate governance. The government has an opportunity to reform the system of appointments to the boards of semi government entities and for the Central Bank to introduce a more robust approval process of bank boards. The allocation of board positions in semi government entities linked to political parties has to end.

In the UK the Cadbury Report on good corporate governance produced a blueprint for such governance and it could be a reference report for future boards across the corporate sector, public and private.

The government needs to quickly start planning which sectors will be the source of recovery and growth of the economy.

By identifying these sources it has to consider how these sectors will be financed.

One of the major problems of the new state of affairs will be the difficulty in funding projects in the sectors that will underpin the economy. It must be understood that the restructured banking system will not be able to finance the necessary capital investments which require long term funds. This will be due to the financial weakness of the banking system as recession deepens. I believe non commercial banking sources of funding, domestic and from overseas, will be a good source plus the EU funding programmes that will be made available to Cyprus.

In particular the following could be considered by the government: 1) The planning bureau office should be changed to a business and infrastructure department of the finance ministry which will be tasked to provide the necessary economic analysis and define the projects of those sectors that should realistically and practically be a priority.

2) The government should without delay, once these priority sectors are determined, negotiate with the EU the new operational programme 2014-2020 which will enable Cyprus to draw funding from the EU structural funds and the regional development fund. These will be very critical sources for long term funds which are highly desirable.

3) The government should explore with EU institutions on how private sector projects of public interest could be funded by the European Investment Bank and the EU project bond initiative.

4) The government should seek inno-

“I’ve heard about it. I thought it was a textile book”.

Polymath Jonathan Miller’s response when asked about the erotic best-seller Fifty Shades of Grey

The island’s ports need to be modernised

It’s time to develop a new model vative financing sources for the support that small medium enterprises (SMEs) will require as they form the bulk of businesses in Cyprus. There is an opportunity if banks can allocate funding in accordance with a programme that can be agreed with the European investment fund.

5) There is a need for Cyprus’ banks to upgrade their services to support project development such as non recourse project finance which requires far more skilled staff with the knowledge of those sectors the government has decided are a priority. The government can provide tax incentives to banks focusing more on infrastructure loans than consumer loans.

6) Banks boards should only be staffed by professionals who understand governance and can scrutinise and oversee the executives.

7) The banks should engage with their borrowers who may have solutions/proposals of how they may be able over the next three to five years to offer a better recovery amount. Liquidation and auctioning of property will make matters worse.

8) All official sources of financing of projects linked to energy infrastructure should be sought from strategic partners in project development (ENI, KOGAS, TOTAL, NOBLE); these are typically provided by export credit agencies or development banks.

9) Projects which the government will license such as casinos within an integrated project should be done by auction so that the government raises revenues from these project sponsors. A condition should be that there should be minimum 30-40 per cent equity participation from foreign direct investment. The government should incorporate such projects in its medium term new economic model and not rush to give out licences without a strategic plan.

10) Domestic savings should be mobi-

lised to invest in infrastructure bonds that will be issued by a specially created agency which would be state owned but run as a private sector company. In this way it will not be included in public debt.

These bonds should be especially targeted for selected projects which require long term loans and which could be of interest to insurance and pension funds.

Such bonds could have tax exemption as well as being eligible for liquidity from the Central Bank so that banks hold them.

11) The co-operative movement could be focused to develop its services to meet the needs of the SMEs as has been the case in other EU member states.

Cyprus’ economic management in the near future should not be reactive but proactive. It could seek the assistance of the EU in setting its new economic model which will seek to exploit the comparable advantages of Cyprus.

The future of Cyprus is to become a centre of value added services and not a financial centre. Cyprus was never a financial centre but a business services centre with a low tax regime. Cyprus will continue to be a business services centre thanks to the quality and range of such services.

Cyprus’ tourism infrastructure can be upgraded and its shipping services expanded so long as the working of ports is modernised. However, sustained economic growth will come from new technologies, healthcare services, tertiary education and energy infrastructure. These sectors require long term strategic planning and best practice. The size of Cyprus’ economy is such that a few large infrastructure investments will reignite business activity and restore hope for a better future.

Cypriots should adopt the Obama slogan “Yes we can.”

Erol Riza is managing director and founder of SME Markets Ltd in the UK

“I could tell him until I was blue in the face that he was the sexiest creature on God’s earth, which he was, but he didn’t think he was”.

Actress Sheila Hancock on Daniel Day-Lewis

“A friend is someone who will help you move house. A real friend is someone who will help you move a body”.

Charles Saatchi “I can’t even be certain how to boil an egg”.

Actor Peter McKellen on his culinary limitations “I hope and believe this is time out, not time over”.

Former prime minister Tony Blair on David Miliband’s decision to quit Westminster politics “Only a mentally ill person could have an itching desire to govern Italy right now”.

Pier Luigi Bersani, Italy’s centre-left leader

“I am a spectacle wearer so I hate going to 3D movies because you have to wear two pairs of spectacles, which makes you feel like even more of a prat”.

Director Danny Boyle “The deal to secure a 10-billion-euro German bail-out of the bankrupt Mediterranean island is one of the nastiest and most immoral political acts of modern times”.

Historian Sir Max Hastings on the plight of Cyprus “Oh, this thing? I bought it for £12.99 from Oxfam”.

Dr Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury when complimented on the suit he was wearing

“When you make a mistake you lose $10 million, $50 million, $100 million.

But when it is $200 million, $500 million or $1 billion, that’s a blunder”.

Saudi Arabia’s Prince Alwaleed bin Talal

“Our relationship is very passionate. We are like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor”.

TV presenter Ruth Langsford on her copresenter and husband Eamonn Holmes “The noise of the media?

It wasn’t a noise, it was a racket”.

Carla Bruni Sarkozy describes having been France’s first lady “With the terrible weather and continuing financial crisis, how nice of Victoria Beckham to cheer us all up by announcing she won’t sing again”.

John Warren, of Bexhillon-Sea, East Sussex, in a letter to the Daily Mail

16 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Week in pictures

Anger management: a bank manager speaks to members of the public waiting for the doors to open Line-up: people formed long queues outside banks prior to their reopening on Thursday

Speech to the nation: a man watches from a coffeeshop as President Anastasiades spoke to the nation on Monday

Just say no: thousands of students demonstrated on Tuesday outside parliament and the presidential palace Food giveaways: a worker at the Red Cross

Centre stage: the world’s press gathered in Cyprus as the banks reopened on Thursday

Investigators: a meeting at the presidential palace looked at ways those responsible for the crisis can be held to account

Pensioners chat as they wait for a Co-op bank to open

Bang on: demonstrators in Nicosia

17 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Coffeeshop

Deleterious Delia revealed as the Cruella Deville of the IMF GOVERNOR of the Central Bank Professor Panicos has suddenly become the most-hated man in Kyproulla, trusted by nobody apart from the foreign technocrats who are here diligently working on reducing the size of our economy by 50 per cent.

He is now everyone’s favourite punching bag (a shame because our establishment had enjoyed the monopoly for months) with senior government officials bad-mouthing him to hacks and even the mildmannered finance minister Michalis Sarris, who never speaks ill of anyone, diplomatically distancing himself from the beleaguered governor.

The hatred is understandable given the lunatic decisions Panicos has tried to impose over the last couple of weeks, not to mention the eightmonth war he has been waging on the banks and appears to have won – Laiki has been closed down and the once mighty B of C has not only been downsized it has been burdened with so much debt it is unlikely it would ever recover.

On Monday night Panicos and his sidekick Spyros Stavrinakis were summoned to the presidential palace at 8pm by the furious Fuhrer who had hit the roof when he heard the Governor was planning to open the banks the next day (apart from Laiki and BoC) without any controls on withdrawals and transfers.

We do not know what form of persuasion he used but by midnight the professor issued an announcement saying the banks would not open and the run on the smaller banks was averted – not thanks to Panicos.

ON TUESDAY senior government officials called in hacks to tell them what a complete waste of space the Governor was and that he had his own agenda.

As if to prove them right in the evening the Central Bank issued a brief announcement stating that accountant and retired banker Dinos Christofides had been appointed administrator of the B of C. When the bank’s employees read this the next day they assumed the bank would suffer Laiki’s fate and organised themselves into a mob.

The angry mob of bank clerks gathered outside Panicos’ Central Bank fortress shouting abuse at him and demanding his immediate resignation. Another announcement was issued subsequently explaining that the administrator would not wind up the bank but oversee the transfer of the Laiki business to the B of C. To calm nerves, a joint news conference was held in the afternoon

by Sarris and Panicos during which the Governor was asked the million dollar question. Why had he not restructured Laiki last year when he knew it was insolvent instead of allowing it to draw €9.2 billion of emergency liquidity that it would never be able to pay back?

It was not right to wind up a bank one month after becoming Governor, he said. Subsequently, he had raised the subject with the Tof government a couple of times but he was told it would be better to wait until after the elections. He had also asked the government to sign a bailout “politely” in order to save the banks.

In the end Panicos’ politeness was very costly to the country.

th B of C’s ability to secure strict the liquidity assistance as it would be it own assets as collateral for using its Laiki’s debt. Need we also mention bar the bargain basement price that the ba bank’s operations in Greece were so sold for because the Krauts wanted to reduce the size of our banking sector?

THO “I THOUGHT the Governor was respons responsible for all these crazy ideas until I had meeting with members of the troika,” one banking executi executive told our establishment.

“These people treat us with utter contem contempt, always imposing their views o on us.” f Apart from the arrogant and selfimporta important representatives of the troika, B of C executives also have to deal with the geeky consultants Alvar and Marsal whom Paniof Alvarez hire to restructure the bank. cos hired ar nerdy types in their late They are 20s or e early 30s, who know nothing t about the real world, but feel they th right to boss around evehave the ryone. ar not as bad as the nerds They are working for the ECB and the IMF hav been shouting and dresswho have dow Sarris, Panicos and anying down one else who dares to disagree with pl their plans.

This is why Panicos has ch now chosen the easy way out, always ag agreeing with them and doing as they command him regardless of how catastrophic cat their idea are.

rDURING the news conference the polite Panicoss also explained why he would not resign. “I have no intention at such a tdifficult time to make maty. I enjoy ters worse for the country. uropean the confidence of the European Central Bank and I am proud of this.” e of the Enjoying the confidence mposing ECB, the organisation imposing d destroy the measures that would thing you the country, is not something mount to make public. It is tantamount sleeping with the enemy, a bit like the National Guard chieff boasting nce of the that he enjoys the confidence ps.

Turkish occupation troops. re sympaHe would have won more thy if he said “I will not resign beob; it pays cause this is my dream job; extremely well, I have a chauffeur and bodyguards, a big fatt expense account, it has made me a celebrity us I could and given me social status not even dream of two years ago.

Why would I resign and go back to incial unibeing a nobody in a provincial own, drivversity in a dull English town, ing my own crap car and earning a w, at such quarter of what I earn now, untry?” a difficult time for my country?” a and the APART from the media al parties government, the political also turned on the ECB’ss local enpulist Perforcer. Tree-hugging populist dikis tabled a motion in the legisesident to lature asking for the president sack the Governor. t Deputies voted in favour off a postponement of the vote after being told by the Attorney-general that a legal can of worms would be opened by such a move and that the ECB, which loves the polite Panicos, might have refused to sanction it.

Central Bank on Friday to insist that he tendered his resignation.

We do not know if Panicos got one of his steroid enhanced bodyguards to rough up Kypri but he did get the resignation letter.

SO IS HE executing a dastardly commie plan to destroy the evil banks and force everyone to become a customer of the co-ops? A director of the B of C, who together with his fellow directors, was politely forced to resign by Panicos this week said that the Governor “is very confused and under a lot of pressure.”

This was very charitable, considering that the Governor has now taken effective control of the B of C. On Wednesday he also called the CEO of the B of C Yiannis Kypri to his office and asked him to resign, ordering him not to return to his office. Kypri ignored the order and returned to his office. Kypri’s line was that he did not want to resign and would leave his office only if he was sacked, in writing, by the Governor.

The power-tripping Panicos, annoyed that he had been disobeyed

by Kypri, called him back to the

THE BANK of Kyproulla is now under the effective control of the Professor. The administrator he appointed, Dinos Christofides, is a pensioner who last worked at the Arab Bank and would be at the Governor’s beck and call.

Christofides has already moved into the bank chairman’s palatial office and has sent morale-boosting memos to staff. It will need a lot more than memos from a retired banker to boost the morale of staff that were informed on Friday that not even their jobs are safe.

Some great brain, probably the Governor, decided that all 2,300 local Laiki employees would be added to the B of C’s 3,000-strong work-force and then someone would decide who would be kept on. It is a lunatic scheme that only a complete lunatic could have come up with but it obviously has the approval of the polite Panicos.

He cannot claim that this was the

troika’s idea as he did when he asked for the resignations of the bank’s directors. The troika has come up with some resoundingly stupid ideas but this is so stupid it could only have been thought up by the bank workers’ union boss Loizos Hadjicostis. Being a loyal left-winger Panicos could not go against the wishes of a union boss.

THE NASTIEST of the lot, accor cording to our customer, is th deleterious Delia Dracuthe llescu who has been labeled the Cruella Deville of the IMF. Unsmiling, dour and condescending at all times, she is one of those people w who cannot lose an argum ment.

“The harder we tried to nego“T tia tiate the less we got from her,” said one banker. “If we managed to persuade her to improve someth something she would demand another fo four things that would make matter matters worse for us so that she could rremain in charge. And she spoke tto us as if we were clueless peasant peasants who had not seen a computer in our life.”

If at an any time members of our side stuck to their position, Cruella would just get up and threaten to leave. She did this to Sarris on several occasions, we were informed.

“She is not just on a mission to destroy us but she wants our complete humiliation as well because this would satisfy her congenital and nasty sadistic sense of superiority,” said the banker.

THE B of C has been turned by Panicos and his ECB commanders into a sort of banking rubbish tip into which all problems are dumped.

First they lumbered it with Laiki’s €9.2 billion debt to ELA in exchange for giving it Laiki’s healthy business which was worth significantly less.

Then they gave it all Laiki’s bad debts as an added sweetener. Now it has also been lumbered with Laiki’s staff and would have to sack some of its own employees to make room for the Laiki workers.

It gets worse. The B of C has now been told that the collateral provided by Laiki in exchange for the €9bn was inadequate given that the PIMCO report envisaged a 70 per cent reduction in the value of properties and would have to provide additional collateral. This would re-

THE KRAUTS may have managed to make our banking sector smaller but did they punish the Russian oligarchs as they had planned? They may have punished those who had money in Laiki but those with allegedly dirty money in the other banks were not touched.

As for those who had money in the B of C they will now be shareholders as the uninsured depositors would receive shares in exchange for the money they would lose (37.5 per cent of their deposits at present, but do not be surprised if Cruella decides this should rise to 80 per cent). Rather than penalising the Russian oligarchs, the clever Krauts made them shareholders in our biggest bank so they could launder their dirty money with fewer restrictions.

Spot the difference: Delia and Cruella

18

SUNDAY MAIL

Reportage

Belgian chocolate m protection from cop p Belgium boasts more than 200 chocolate companies and is keen to trademark its premier products reports Philip Blenkinsop

Godiva says its chocolates from Pensylvania are essentially Belgian. Inset: the familiar figures of Guylian

ELGIAN chocolate makers believe their renowned pralines should have similar protection to that enjoyed by French champagne or Italy’s Parma ham.

They want the term “Belgian chocolate” to be their exclusive preserve and also want to crack down on foreign rivals dressing up their products as “Belgian style” or of a “Belgian recipe”.

Copycats, they say, eat into sales and undermine a stamp of quality built up over the century since Jean Neuhaus invented the hard-shelled, cream-filled chocolate, the praline, in 1912.

The industry federation will meet regional governments from next month to decide how Belgium might apply to the European Union to protect Belgian chocolates or perhaps seek a trademark to safeguard their treats.

“What makes us sad is that very often the copies are not up to the standard of the originals,” Jos Linkens, chief executive of Neuhaus, told Reuters in an interview.

“If top chocolatiers around the world copied us, perhaps we would be happy. We don’t want the image of quality to suffer,” said Linkens, who is also president of Belgian biscuit, chocolate and confectionery federation Choprabisco.

Belgium is proud of its mastery of chocolate. It boasts more than 200 chocolate firms, over 2,000 chocolate stores and museums, tours and workshops, such as the Brussels museum of cocoa

B

and chocolate.

Belgians say their years of experience have created a pool of chocolate-making talent, and success is a result of the skill of master chefs devising new cream fillings, rather than machines.

At Neuhaus, workers fill buckets with pralines made imperfect by air bubbles or messy stripes while others make caramel tubes by hand or whip up chocolate for use in giant eggs and bunnies for Easter.

Despite their quality, like other luxury items, sales of Belgian chocolates have stag-

nated or slipped in mature Europe and North America, but compensate for that with roaring growth in emerging markets.

Overall exports of Belgian pralines rose just one per cent between 2007 and 2011, but shot up 60 per cent in Asia and 82 per cent in Africa.

Sales to Asia in 2011 were three times their level a decade earlier. Individual chocolate makers talk of expansion in China and India last year of up to 50 per cent.

And there is yet more scope for growth, with the aver-

nese age Chinese eatperson han ing less than 100 grams of chocolate per ainst year against between 6 and 10kg for Europens said. ans, Linkens ng demand in new The surging as left foreign promarkets has ger for a share of ducers eager t, tempting some the market, ey too are making to claim they ocolates.

Belgian chocolates. et, secretary genGuy Gallet, hoprabisco, has a eral of Choprabisco, crate-load of “Belgian chocos he and travelling late” boxes

A vendor adjusts a giant chocolate egg at Belgian chocolate maker Neuhaus in Brussels

Belgian executives have found on their travels. They include examples from Canada, China, Hungary, Ireland and Malaysia.

Switzerland, famous for its milk chocolate, has been more active in its protection of domestic brands.

Th t h h They too have seen sharp growth in Asia, with sales rising by 49 per cent in value terms last year to China and by 52 per cent to India.

But the CHOCOSUISSE federation of chocolate makers, has trademarked the terms “Swiss” and “Switzerland” in the European Union, the United States and Canada. And it works to enforce those rights.

The federation has a staff member dedicated to the problem and can spend up to 80,000 Swiss francs ($85,100) a year on lawyers’ fees.

“We check trademark applications all over the world and we regularly see cases in which Swiss, Switzerland or references to the country such as the flag are misused,” said federation head Franz Schmid.

“The problem is more prevalent in Asia, South America and eastern European countries, including Turkey.”

Steven Candries, export manager at Belgium’s

Guylian, known for its shelld seahorse-shaped h h d chocoh and lates, becomes animated at the mention of copycats. The firm has been battling a Chinese maker of “Belgian chocolates” with a box design remarkably similar to that of

‘We check tradema over the world and cases in which Sw references to the c flag are m Guylian.

“If everyone starts using the term, then what is the value? Nothing. We want Belgium to be thought of as the chocolate version of the champagne region among sparkling wines,” he said.

He and others in Belgium,

19

L • March 31, 2013

makers seek pycats

whose chocolate brings in almost 4 billion euros each year, believe securing the EU’s protected geographical status or a trademark, putting it on a par with champagne, Parma ham or Roquefort cheese, would curb impostors and set Belgian chocolate apart.

Ch bi ’ G ll t says it Choprabisco’s Gallet was hard to imagine Belgian chocolate being accorded such status, until now.

Unlike earlier protected products, the chocolate itself does not come from Bel-

ark applications all d we regularly see iss, Switzerland or ountry such as the misused’ gium, with the vast majority of cocoa beans originating in Ivory Coast and Ghana.

More recently, the European Union has included ‘chocolate and derived products’ as a specific category worthy of protection. This year, it modified its rules, to say that

a geographical indication could apply pro to products from a spec cific country.

“Before it th had said that it sp could be a specifi c e country only in exceptional cases. You were thinking more of, say, Luxwou be embourg. Belgium would too big,” Gallet said. “Now there is the theoretical posexis besibility that didn’t exist fore.” be Neuhaus’ Linkens believes alth it will happen, although could take some time.

Orga The World Trade Organisation’s 159 members are supprote posed to uphold protection indica of geographical indications, h as Colombian C l bi such coffee, but can choose how to do so.

In some cases, such as parma ham in Canada, a local company has continued to own the trademark to the name. Feta cheese is made in the United States despite being in theory only Greek.

The EU’s recent bilateral trade deals, such as with Korea and Colombia, have proven a stronger way to ensure mutual respect of protected products.

However, quite what counts as “Belgian chocolate” is open to debate.

Gallet says a problem is that in some cases the chocolate itself is from a Belgian facility of one of the bulk producers, such as Swiss-based Barry Callebaut.

“That shouldn’t count as Belgian chocolate. What you should be saying is: ‘Made with Belgian chocolate’,” he said.

Gallet mentions one EU producer that did agree to adjust its label to ‘with Bel-

gian chocolate’, but the word ‘with’ was written in text so small that would only a discerning customer might spot it. Belgian chocolate makers were not amused.

Not all chocolates produced in Belgium are pralines. Highend chocolatier Pierre Marcolini, for example, makes some, but also has a wide range of other morsels, such as truffles and bite-sized pure chocolate tablets.

Since 2008, a number of Belgian producers have signed up to a non-binding chocolate code, specifying that to be labelled “Belgian chocolate” the products must be refined and moulded in Belgium, but even that has its critics, such as Belgiumbased Godiva.

Godiva has a very strong presence in North America, a market it supplies from a factory in Pennsylvania.

Guillaume de Foucault, Godiva’s general manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, says these Godiva chocolates are still essentially Belgian, in the same way that one might think of a BMW made in South Carolina as still essentially a German car.

“Godiva started in 1926 in Belgium, we have a Belgian chef and Belgian facilities,” he said.

“It’s important to include a lot of players. Some have difference areas of expertise. It would be very limiting if only chocolate produced in Belgium could be considered,” he said.

Linkens, speaking for Neuhaus, has a different view.

“Why does camembert need to be made in Normandy, champagne in the region of Champagne? In all gastronomic products, the origin has some importance.

It’s about being honest and straightforward.”

We don’t want the image of quality to suffer says Jos Linkens, chief executive of Neuhaus

Chocolate pralines at Belgian chocolate maker Neuhaus

In Brussels there is even a museum dedicated to chocolate

20 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Lifestyle Muriel Rodriguez has written a novel exposing the ugly side of fashion and yet she misses it, she tells Katie Law

M

URIEL Rodriguez arrived in London at the age of 18 with her model’s portfolio under her arm and hopes of a career on the catwalk. “I remember thinking London was so big and frightening, but it was also thrilling and cosmopolitan,” she recalls. “We were put into a model’s flat in Maida Vale and I shared it with a group of other girls.

Some of the English ones as young as 15 were there on their own but still we had a great time. London was so exciting and seemed to offer so much. Agents and PRs were always organising parties and drinks and, as a model starting out with no cash, I was just grateful for the next free drink, the next free meal and to be out and about on the London scene.”

She worked on some big campaigns there, including one with Christy Turlington, but never made it to the top of the London fashion scene, she says, because she was always too big and never had what she calls the “London edge”.

“You’d notice that most of the top models in London were English, as only they had that funky, cool look.

No one else did. It’s typically from London and I don’t know any other girl who really made it there apart from them.” She was also working alongside Naomi Campbell at the haute couture shows in Rome in 1997 when Gianni Versace was murdered. “It was a very strange moment. We were all stunned and shocked.

Everything was in place and it was a massive show on the Spanish Steps with lots of designers. Then all of a sudden everything got cancelled and everyone was in tears, although I wasn’t, because I didn’t know Versace personally.”

French-born Rodriguez,

now 37, is talking for the first time about her life as a model - the freely distributed drugs, the fraud, and the sex as well as the money and the jet-set life, which began when she won the Elite modelling competition at the age of 17 and ended 14 years later, when her first son was born.

During that time she travelled all over the world, living in London, Paris, New York and Milan, enjoying a gilded lifestyle. She was shot by Mario Testino, Peter Lindbergh and Bruce Weber, she partied with Sarah Ferguson and Donald Trump and she dated a member of rock band Skunk Anansie. “For him it was nothing, but for me, in my life as an ordinary girl, it was amazing, going backstage meeting all the rock stars as if I were one as well, then meeting celebrities and leading their cool way of life.”

She was constantly being flattered. “People tell you you’re beautiful all day and it can be addictive. You do feel special and yes, I think we do believe them. The fact that you base absolutely everything on your appearance is very dangerous, though, because if you put on even a tiny amount of weight, if you have one pimple, one wrinkle, they’ll tell you one day you’re beautiful, the next day you’re out.”

She describes how wonderful it felt not having to work all the time and the possibility of making huge sums of money. At her peak, she was earning £400,000 a year shooting catalogue campaigns for companies like Next and Empire, and she made a million euros on a campaign she did for Peugeot. Then there was the lucrative but psychologically lowering shoot she did for German Playboy once when she was broke.

Although she was never on the A list Rodriguez shot campaigns with Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell

Drugs, fraud, flattery, sexual coercion - and why my experience as a model has no value in the real world “It was just one day, but it was really horrible.” Naked, she was sprayed in liquid latex and once it had hardened she had to pose in a mirrored box, with her legs spread apart. “It was as bad as a gynaecologist routine checkup, only worse.

But for some reason you always carry on. It’s like a carrot. They say, you may get this, and then a photographer says I’m going to make you a star, and in the end it doesn’t happen. But every time you’re down, there’s a hand picking you up, making you believe it’s going to.”

But there is also a much darker, seedier side to this glamorous world which Rodriguez experienced firsthand and speaks about openly, especially the drugs and the sexual coercion, which if she is to be believed were (and no doubt remain) endemic in an industry that thrives on its physical appearance. “Model agencies in Paris, London, New York and Milan were not only distributing drugs, they also thrived on hustling models and stole money from the girls who

did get work by deducting miscellaneous expenses from their accounts that were impossible to verify.

In one girl’s case it was her boyfriend who gave drugs to her, I don’t know whether she paid for them or he gave the amphetamines to her, but the one drug led to another. At the time it was common, it was out in

time, she was taken to a party and expected to join in an orgy. When she complained to one of the agencies about being sexually harassed in the flat she had been put up in, she was accused of leading the man on.

Yet listening to her talking today, her voice carries more than a hint of nostalgia for these bygone

She once had a big shoot cancelled after she refused to sleep with the photographer the night before the open and you could get drugs anywhere.”

She and the girls she got to know were incessantly groped by the male photographers - “lots of them were real pigs” - and she says it can be even worse for the straight male models. She once had a big shoot cancelled after she refused to sleep with the photographer the night before and another

bittersweet days. She lives in a small cottage in the Normandy countryside with her husband, a former military policeman who is now a personal trainer, and their two young sons and she works for an ocean freight company. It’s a dull job that she says pays her barely more than the minimum wage. But for the past year she has been chroni-

cling the highs and lows of her life in modelling in a book that is billed as a novel based on true events.

“My experience as a model has absolutely no value in the real world and what I tried to show in the end of my novel is how hard it is do something else afterwards. Even for top models, which was not my case, it’s very hard to let go or do something else. It doesn’t last long enough, you don’t make enough money to cut away from the real world and when you have to really make a living, you struggle.

Every other job is boring to me. I’ve been through it and now I’m struggling to find one that is interesting and that pays. I’m stuck with this for now, but I’m pretty optimistic. I’m sure something will come up.”

Her ambition is to turn the novel into a movie. Think The Devil Wears Prada, or make that Nada. She says it’s only a dream, but it’s one that may well come true.

A Model Life by Muriel Rodriguez is published by Acorn

21 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Business & Jobs

Pensions liberation: all that glitters is not gold Investment Bill Blevins Bill Blevins is Managing Director of Blevins Franks International. Tel: 26-912315 THE UK Pensions Regulator has launched a campaign to warn consumers and pension professionals about so called “pension liberation schemes”.

These schemes are promoted as a means of allowing Britons to release cash from their pension schemes early, but carry a number of undisclosed risks.

The regulator cautions: “people may be misled or not properly informed that tax charges and fees can erode their pension pot by more than half, leaving them with little to live on in retirement.”

There are an increasing number of companies and individual advisers encouraging fund members to take pension benefits before age 55, and the schemes concerned have been described as “scams”. It is understood that the amount of money lost has doubled over the last year to £400 million, and thousands of pension scheme members have been affected.

Whether you are UK resident or an expatriate, you should only take advice on UK pensions and transfers from a firm which is authorised and regulated for the conduct of pension business by the UK Financial Services Authority, such as Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited.

Under UK pension legislation, since April 2010 you can only start to draw benefits from your pension funds from age 55 (unless you have a terminal illness). The Pension Regulator’s document entitled “Pension liberation fraud. The predators stalking pension transfers” warns: “For the majority, promises of early cash will be bogus and are likely to result in serious tax consequences.” An unauthorised payment charge of between 55 and 70 per cent could be imposed.

This campaign is reminiscent of HMRC’s crackdown on those Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) which allowed members to take up to 100 per cent of their fund as cash.

QROPS were introduced in April 2006 on the back of EU directives on pension harmonisation.

The intention was to enable British expatriates to transfer into a scheme in their new country of residence. QROPS quickly become popular, but the landscape changed significantly in April 2012 when HMRC introduced changes to make the QROPS regime operate in line with policy intention.

There is now less choice in the QROPS market, and more complexity than people realise.

QROPS are not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. You need to look at how QROPS work, what the alternatives are, and your personal circumstances and objectives, before establishing what would be the most effective individual solution for you.

Your options include: Leave your pension funds as they are Consolidate multiple schemes into an existing one Buy an annuity Transfer to a new UK pension scheme, this could be an Income Drawdown or Flexible Drawdown plan A cost effective Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)

A suitable QROPS. Should a QROPS prove to be the best option for you, you then need to consider which one.

You need to look at the jurisdiction, its legislation, restrictions, investment environment etc; how the product is structured, and the provider.

Consider the tax implications in the jurisdiction, UK and your country of residence. All QROPS are not the same, and the rules can vary considerably between jurisdictions. You need research and specialist guidance.

To establish what all your options are, and how they affect you personally, speak to a UK regulated firm like Blevins Franks which has been providing expatriates with advice on their pension funds and tax planning for decades.

Blevins Franks Financial Management Limitedisauthorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK for the conduct of investment and pension business, reference number 179731.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com

Vienna aims to muscle into growing gay travel market VIENNA has joined a growing list of European cities seeking to attract lesbian and gay tourists who are expected to remain willing to spend on travel while other recession-hit travellers cut back.

City authorities in Vienna this month released a review of the Austrian capital’s gay and lesbian tourism strategy, deciding to focus on travellers interested in music, culture and history -- and with money to spend.

The review followed a study among gay and lesbian travellers from outside of Vienna that found their average household’s monthly net income was 385 euros higher than that of other tourists to Vienna.

Clemens Koeltringer, marketing analyst from the Vienna Tourists Board, said this target group was “high profile, luxury customers who go to the opera and enjoy very good food”.

“Vienna is not a Mykonos, it must not be,” Koeltringer told Reuters, referring to the Greek party destination. “This is the main reason we are differentiating ourselves.”

Vienna is not alone in identifying the potential of the gay and lesbian market.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) leisure travel is forecast to rise almost 10 per cent to $181 billion in 2013, according to an LGBT Travel Report 2013 by marketing specialist Out Now Global.

Germany, Bulgaria and Greece were among other destinations promoting gay friendly credentials at the world’s leading travel trade show, the ITB Travel Fair.

22 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Business & Jobs Greece’s PPC misses 2012 profit forecast GREECE’S dominant power producer PPC failed to meet analysts profit expectations for 2012 due to surging costs, taxes and sliding energy demand in the austerity-hit country.

The company reported a net profit of 30.5 million euros ($38.9 million) after a revised loss of 149 million euros the previous year.

That fell short of an average profit forecast of 86.3 million euros in a Reuters poll of analysts.

The return to profit was helped by a one-off, aftertax gain of about 153 million euros which PPC booked after settling a pricing dispute with DEPA, its biggest natural gas provider.

The 51-per cent stateowned company said it plans to distribute a dividend of 5.8 million euros, or 0.025 euros a share.

Higher energy taxes and levies increased PPC’s fuel costs by a third last year.

The company also raised by 50 per cent the amount of money it sets aside as provisions to cope with austerity-hit customers who fail to pay their bills.

Unpaid bills rose by more than half in 2012 to about 1.3 billion euros, according to PPC data. They soared after Greece’s cash-strapped government slapped a property tax on electricity bills.

Amazon plans to buy social network for book fans AMAZON.COM Inc said on Thursday it plans to acquire the book recommendation website, Goodreads.

In buying Goodreads, Amazon gets a community of bibliophiles primed to buy and recommend books - one of its key areas of business.

“Goodreads has helped change how we discover and discuss books and, with Kindle, Amazon has helped expand reading around the world,” Russ Grandinetti, Amazon vice president, Kindle Content, said in a release.

Based in San Francisco, Goodreads is a social network site that lets bookworms catalogue and review books. Co-founded

by Otis Chandler, whose family once published the Los Angeles Times, Goodreads has more than 16 million members, who have generated more than 23 million reviews.

“We’re looking forward to inspiring greater literary discussion and helping more readers find great books, whether they read in print or digitally,” Chandler, who also serves as CEO of Goodreads, said in a statement.

Terms of the deal, expected to close in the second quarter, were not disclosed.

Consequences of the new Dijsselbloem principle

Comments about future bailouts were true political incompetence

By Felix Salmon F A gaffe is what happens when a politician accidentally tells the truth, what’s the word for when a politician deliberately tells the truth? Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the current head of the Eurogroup, held a formal, on-the-record joint interview with Reuters and the Financial Times on Monday, saying that the messy and chaotic Cyprus solution is a model for future bailouts.

Those comments are now being walked back, because it’s generally not a good idea for high-ranking policymakers to say the kind of things which could precipitate bank runs across much of the eurozone. But that doesn’t mean Dijsselbloem’s initial comments weren’t true; indeed, it’s notable that no one’s denying them outright.

Dijsselbloem’s interview can be summed up simply: we’re not bailing out banks any more. Instead, we’re going to let them fail.

When a European bank runs into difficulties in the future, under this view, the EU is not going to help bail it out. Instead, it will go down a list: the bank’s executives come first, then its shareholders, then its bondholders, and finally its uninsured depositors. All of them will take losses before the national or European authorities step in with bailout money.

In principle, this makes perfect sense. Given the choice between Ireland and Iceland - between guaranteeing all bank creditors, on the one hand, or just letting the banks fail, on the other - the latter seems to inflict pain where it’s warranted, on irresponsible lenders, including foreign lenders, rather than on the country as a whole.

What’s more, what you might call the Dijsselbloem Principle does help to remind people that depositors are

I

creditors, and that when you deposit money with a bank, you’re lending that money to an entity which might not pay you back. Deposit insurance is basically a government guarantee backstopping that loan: if the bank can’t pay you back, the government will. But deposit insurance is only there for insured depositor - it can’t mission-creep its way into backstopping uninsured depositors and even the bank itself.

Such a principle would have consequences, of course, both intended and unintended.

It’s a direct call to depositors across the eurozone - retail and corporate alike - to move cash now and spread it across a portfolio of the largest available banks. It’s direct advice to dump bank debt. And it’s a direct invitation to speculate that the EFSF, the ESM, and the rest of the alphabetic bailout soup is going to be discarded in favour of calling on depositors’ money across the Continent.

Much more unnerving than the potential future consequences of the new policy, however, was the immediate reaction of bank stocks to Dijsselbloem’s comments: the Euro Stoxx Banks index fell almost four per cent on his comments.

Which brings up what you might call the Other Dijsselbloem Principle: you can do anything you like, just so long as it doesn’t spook the markets. This was the crucially-important background to the negotiations between Cyprus and the EU: the Europeans were emboldened to be tough on Cyprus by the fact that global markets seemed utterly unconcerned about what was going on in an economy which accounts for about 0.15 per cent of European GDP, and shrinking.

After all, anything that the Eurogroup did in Cyprus would have set a dangerous precedent somehow, even if they had simply capitulated

and agreed to a full €17 billion bailout of both the sovereign and the banks.

The capital controls imposed by the Cypriot government ensure that a Cypriot euro is not fungible with a German euro, and as such represent Cyprus’s first steps towards fullyfledged exit from the eurozone.

Indeed, for all that Dijsselbloem’s comments caused the most immediate market reaction, traders with a slightly longer-term time horizon would do well to pay attention to the real powers in Cyprus: people like lawmaker Nicholas Papadopoulos, Nobel laureate Christopher Pissarides, and even Archbishop Chrysostomos II. All of them are talking openly about exiting the eurozone -

‘No country has ever been more likely to exit the euro than Cyprus is right now’ the one degree of freedom which Cyprus really has, now that the troika has imposed austerity, bank resolution, and everything else onto the island from above.

Think about it this way: exiting the euro is a bit like the US hitting its debt ceiling and defaulting on its treasury bills. Both of them are meant to be unthinkable, impossible. But both of them are thought about at length, and entirely possible in theory. What’s more, the opportunity is always there. No country

has exited the euro in the past, just as the treasury has not defaulted in the past. But even if the probability at any given point in time is small, over a long enough time horizon it still grows. And right now, the probability of a country exiting the euro is not small: no country has ever been more likely to exit than Cyprus is right now.

Dijsselbloem’s interview on Monday was undoubtedly a prime piece of political incompetence: there’s no reason at all for anybody in the Eurogroup to be drawing broader lessons from Cyprus at this point.

The market can speculate about the Cypriot precedent all it likes; it behooves no politician to be clear about what they think it means, least of all the Eurogroup president.

Maybe, in a few months’ time, when the Cyprus chaos has died down, the EU could start putting out extremely long and dry papers about what has been learned from Cyprus, along with a detailed look at the costs and benefits of letting banks fail rather than bailing them out. But if you’re making policy on the fly in Cyprus, the last thing you want to do is turn that cobbled-together precedent into something semi-binding on the rest of the continent - whatever the policy might be.

Still, the toothpaste is out of the tube now, and the traders selling off bank shares were acting entirely rationally. The chances of European banks being allowed to fail are higher now than they were pre-Cyprus. As a result, we should expect uninsured deposits to continue to flow from the periphery of Europe towards the centre. Which in turn means extra pressure on Italian and Spanish banks, just when it’s least needed.

Felix Salmon is a Reuters columnist

23 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Property Buildings of the future will be made from self-healing concrete, be powered by their solar paint and even have flying robots, says Jasmine Gardner

I

F YOU work for a young web company, you probably think your office is pretty cool. Maybe it has a pool table or even a roof terrace.

Pah! Give it 37 years and, according to engineering company Arup, our office blocks will contain working farms, produce their own energy, be linked together by suspended green walkways and sections of each floor will be removable, upgradable and replaceable.

This is the building of the future, imagined in a report released earlier this month by Arup’s “Foresight + Innovation” arm. It is just one example of the elements that will make up our “smart cities” of the next age. “Smart cities” is the buzz phrase of the moment. It refers to energyefficient and spacially economical urban worlds in which we’ll live in years to come - all thanks to technology.

Smarter cities are now a focus of both big business, such as Shell and IBM, and small entrepreneurs and scientists, such as the Dutch microbiologists who have developed a self-healing concrete. Cracks in the buildings of the future will be filled by calcium carbonate, produced by a bacteria feeding on nutrients, both incorporated into the cement. The bacteria are only activated when rainwater gets into a crack.

Tomorrow’s smart city - closer than you think

GROWING “The global population is growing towards nine billion by 2050,” says Rick Robinson, executive architect for the Smarter Cities arm of IT company IBM. “In the West we’ve become accustomed to building cities outwards around cars. If more people fall into that lifestyle we’re going to exhaust the world’s resources very, very quickly.”

Adam Newton is a project manager for the Strategy and Scenarios team at Shell. “By 2050, between 70 and 80 per cent of the world’s population will live in cities. How and where people consume energy will be very important,” he says.

For IBM, smarter cities mean ones that harness data. It is already creating space on the cloud to share information such as water flow and distribution. “By managing pressure on a water distribution network, you can

istic end is the smart electricity grid integration.”

And yet all the ideas are based on current prototypes and development flying robots are actually being developed in Zurich, Switzerland, and can build a six-metre tower out of foam bricks. Given the exponential rate of technological advancement, it’s not hard to fathom that skyscrapers coated with photovoltaic paint will indeed come to pass - and sooner than you think.

Indeed, the floors of Arup’s building occupied by algae-filled biofuel pods are not unlike a current project by French biochemist Pierre Calleja.

He is building algae street lamps that eat up CO2 in the atmosphere. Combine this with another algae lamp that produces its own light using energy created by photosynthesis and you get self-powered, antipollution street lamps.

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) just announced their creation of a grapheme supercapacitor - essentially a battery but one that charges up to 1,000 times faster than the normal kind, and that can be composted. The future promises instant phone chargers and petrol stations with plugs that can charge cars faster than they currently fill up on unleaded.

SMARTEST

serve additional houses without needing to expand the system - allowing you to support a growing population without spending hundreds of millions on infrastructure,” explains Robinson.

Intelligent traffic lights are also high on the agenda.

“In Singapore and California we’ve used technology that can make predictions that are 85 per cent accurate about how traffic is going to develop over the next hour,” he says. In future the light sequencing might change automatically.

For Shell, it’s all about energy efficiency. “The low energy prices that drove cities to sprawl may not exist in 20 years. Fewer roads

ARUP’S SKYSCRAPER OF THE FUTURE

and better integrated public transport is likely to be the way forward,” says Newton.

Shell will no doubt be interested in a project from US energy data analytics company Intelen, which monitors energy usage in office blocks with smart meters and has created a social gaming application where employees compete for low-energy scores.

While these don’t seem outlandish developments, is Arup’s futuristic building just science fiction? “It’s a hamburger of ideas,” says Josef Hargrave, the author of Arup’s report. “The more unrealistic bits are the flying robots [which remove and re-insert building sections] while the very real-

At a recent TED conference in LA an architect and computer scientist Skylar Tibbets showed off 4D printing - essentially objects that self-assemble by absorbing water. For Tibbets this material is best used for installing underground water pipes.

Robinson is loath to point out the world’s smartest city (he mentions Birmingham as a candidate) but Newton says new cities in emerging markets have the potential to “leapfrog other parts of the world.”

The real smart aspect may come down not to the technology which we know exists but to foresight and willingness to change.

“There have to be new models of collaboration for businesses and decision-makers in cities and government to have the positive impact we know the technology could support,” says Newton. The city that leads in this department may just end up the smartest in the class.

Li Ka-shing sounds warning over volatile Hong Kong property

By Yimou Lee A SERIES of tightening measures have put the brakes on Hong Kong’s overheated property sector, forcing developers to cut prices and prompting a warning from Asia’s richest man Li Kashing: speculators stay away.

Developers say a sixth round of cooling measures imposed last month to rein in prices and to avoid an asset bubble are now having an impact on sales.

“If you are speculating, I would suggest that you stay away in such

a volatile market because no one knows what will happen next,” Li said after his company Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd announced its first annual decline in net profit in five years.

“Look at your pocket first and don’t take risks,” Li said.

In late February, Financial Secretary John Tsang imposed a new round of steps to curb prices that have doubled since 2008, saying they were needed to keep the potential economic risk from spreading in the financial hub.

The new measures included higher stamp duties and home loan

curbs on property transactions.

In the first three weeks of March, second-home transactions plunged to their lowest since the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, when Hong Kong’s real estate market hit an all-time low, according to data from property agent Midland Realty.

“We only recorded two deals from the 10 large-scale residential estates during the past two weeks,” said Wong Leung Sing, analyst at Centaline Property Agency. “It has never been so bad.

“The market might head in two

different directions: Prices stay the same with a plunge in transactions, or prices will just collapse,” Wong said, adding that home prices may drop as much as 20 per cent in the second quarter.

Over the past three years, property prices have surged in Hong Kong, one of the world’s most expensive property markets, on ultra-low interest rates, tight supply and abundant liquidity.

Along with government tightening, a number of banks raised mortgage rates by 25 basis points earlier this month.

“We think the rate hike has

psychological impact more than actual impact to buyers,” Dennis Wu, research analyst at Phillip Securities, wrote in a note last week.

Wu said a big drop in property prices in the past was only triggered by major events, such as the financial crisis in 1997 and the SARS outbreak in 2003.

“But in view of property prices at historically high levels, government damping non-user demand and some property developers offering a price discount, we maintain a 5 to 10 per cent reasonable correction forecast for 2013 property prices.”

24 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Property LEGAL ISSUES WITH GEORGE COUCOUNIS

Strict supervision needed over banks

Should property owned and lived in by Makarios be valued higher than that next door?

Does history add extra value to any property?

Would you pay more just because of what happened in the past?

By Antonis Loizou FRICS IN A RECENT case tried at the Paphos District court and which referred to a house within which one of the Cypriot heroes was born and raised, the above question was raised by us. The case referred to a compulsory purchase of a house which the state wanted to turn into a museum.

We seem not to have a difference of substance between our own valuation and that of the Lands Office in terms of land plus buildings. We raised the question whether a building with such a history, should/could command an increased compensation/value over and above the value based on comparables of similar properties. We raised the point why an ancient Greek historical pot has a value considerably more than a reproduction of the same item by an ordinary modern ceramics workshop.

The difference, we argued, was in the history behind the ancient pot. We also asked the court whether, for example, Makarios’ family home in Panayia village commands a higher value than the neighbouring similar house. We even came up with Churchill’s hotel suite at Claridges during the second world war, which is now a tourist attraction with

a fee, where there is a queue, mainly of Americans, to overpay to stay in that suite for a night in order to get the “feel” of the place.

Looking in the judge’s eyes we felt (perhaps wrongly) that we were making some progress in persuading him towards our point of view. We claimed (and this without a real basic data but more our opinion as an expert witness) that in this particular court case, the hero’s house should be valued at least 20 per cent more, whereas had we have to value Makarios’ house we would have adopted at least a 100 per cent increase. We added that each country has its own history and its heroes and there are individuals, organised groups, clubs, associations etc that would be prepared to pay over and above an ordinary price to get hold of a piece of history. Would you pay €1 for Einstein’s pen which was used to make all the revolutionary calculations we added? Imagine if Richard the Lionheart’s castle in the centre of Limassol was up for sale, say to convert it into a mansion etc. Would one value this as land and stones only (a complete theoretical approach – but having said that not far fetched under Cyprus’ present economic conditions)?

A most interesting argument and

WHAT YOU GET FOR

despite our own research and that of the advocate’s, we did not come up with any legal precedent on the matter. There we were, towards a “success route” (as we thought) but then the next witness who was a third generation resident of the house and who objected to the acquisition declared that “this is an old building worth nothing save the land and they would not pay a penny for history!”

We were left in the cold, notwithstanding the fact that they were present at our own presentation. How wrong can one get? It the end, we compromised on a very small increase in value much to the judge’s relief.

The basic question is still there, however and we love to hear of any local/ international past court cases on the subject, because this sort of question will come up in the future i.e. whether buildings with a history have an added value. A matter of opinion one might say, but as long as there are people out there in the market who are prepared to pay, the answer is for the added value.

Antonis Loizou & Associates Ltd – Property Valuers & Property Consultants, www.aloizou.com.cy, ala-HQ@aloizou.com.cy

THE banking system in Cyprus has been irretrievably affected with great consequences for depositors, investors, businesses and society at large without anyone being able to estimate the damage caused.

It is evident that fundamental principles of the banking system and the law, such as the supervision of the banks by the Central Bank, the regulation of their operation, the protection of investments, depositors and businesses, the trust between a customer and the bank and many other principles have been essentially violated, leaving Cyprus exposed and its people suffering. The Central Bank, which ought to have been the centre of the banking system and to supervise it, being the bank of the banks and the bank of the Republic, has failed. The obligation of the government to maintain an independent central bank unaffected by politicians so that it can play a key role in the economic policy and practice, especially during a period of financial recession and increasing unemployment to safeguard financial stability and development was not fulfilled.

Moreover, the responsibility to outline the economic policy and practice so as to avoid the dead ends we are facing today was not undertaken and as a result we have to take more painful measures which are imposed upon all of us.

It is obvious that the banking system essentially will have to start from scratch and it depends on everyone to work hard to re-structure it on a proper basis, restoring and sticking to the economic principles upon which every healthy banking system depends. The restoration of the relationship between customer and bank and the trust in the banking transactions and services, as well as the duty of the bank to act diligently to safeguard the deposits and investments of the people, the duty of confidentiality, the definition of the level of the liability of the bank and the application of proper bank practices, the banking code and the bank-

ing manuals are sine qua non elements and principles which must be applied. The bank should act as a trustee of the people’s money, exercise due diligence and care and it has to be checked for applying these principles in practice. Today’s situation is very different and the banks cannot act as if the money deposited therein belongs to them to use as they wish or to risk in dangerous and speculative acts. To the contrary, the banks should be accountable to every depositor for his money because they agreed to repay it to him whenever he asks.

The depositor is also a consumer and unfair terms or practices shouldn’t be adopted to make profit. On the other hand, one must not overlook the bank’s advisory role and its responsibility in certain cases. The trust relationship between a bank and its customer may create a representative or a trustee relationship with the customer. Safeguarding the legal liability of the bank towards every depositor/customer is one of the prerequisites to restore the lost credibility of the banking system. Transactions are not only local but also international, something which increases the responsibility of the banks and the system, since they affect both Cypriots and people from abroad. The smaller and more supervised the banking system is the more reliable and flexible it will become for the benefit of the country and the economy.

The boards of the banks and every bank employee must redefine their relationship with the public to restore it and ensure safety in transactions.

The supervision of the banks should be more strict by the Central Bank and they have to operate in a transparent manner so that there will be chances for the economy to recover.

George Coucounis is a lawyer specialising in the Immovable Property Law, based in Larnaca, Tel: 24 818288 coucounis.law@cytanet.com. cy, www.coucounislaw.com

€350,000 compiled by Peter Stevenson

How much: €350,000 What you get: This three-bedroom house in Ayia Napa comes with its own private pool and is adjacent to Nissi beach.

From: www.foxrealty.com.cy Tel: 80080082

How much: €350,000 What you get: This three-bedroom villa in Pissouri between Limassol and Paphos comes with its own private pool.

From: www.buysellcyprus.com Tel: 26 200000

How much: €350,000 What you get: This four-bedroom detached house in Aradippou is only a five-minute drive away from the beach.

From: www.propertyincyprus.com Tel: 70003211

25 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

ADVERTISER helps you find what you’re looking for

Advertiser 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

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

/ Friday / Saturday 25368265 / 99559322 Nicosia 99013596

HEALTH & FITNESS ***************************** FOR PRETTY WOMAN: anticellulite treatment,reflexology,aromat herapy massage against stress, back pains,headache. also spa for nails. Tel: 99986991 *****************************

MISCELLANEOUS ***************************** WANTED: 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. ***************************** ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CYPRUS Is drink costing you more than just money? AA could be the answer.

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

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

many large dogs have been taken from the Mesogi/Anarvagos/ Ttremithousa areas. Please call 99622678 if you have seen him

Wednesday/Sunday

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

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

SERVICES

LESSONS ***************************** PRIVATE TUITION experienced, UK-qualified teacher offers fulltime 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 *****************************

Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385

***************************** 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 ***************************** 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 K.D.FLYSCREENS LTD. We manufacture top quality sliding screens, opening doors and roller systems. We also do repairs.

For a FREE QUOTE please contact Phone: 99119582 Website: www.kdflyscreens.com SWIFT SERVICE AND REPAIRS air-cons, commercial and domestic fridges and freezers, ice machines, cool rooms, supply and fit air-cons VRV S. Call Nik on 99579602 Limassol ***************************** DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full repair & restoration of chipped, scratched, dull and stained, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone & Ceramic tiled floors and surfaces. Professional cleaning, repair & sealing of internal/external ceramic tiles & grout lines.

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

PETS

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

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS ART AND WATCH collector purchases art works and watches in cash. Watches: only high end pieces with the original box and invoice. Art works: international artists for which the provenance can be clearly proved. Send details/pictures to laurentjones1@ gmail.com ***************************** FOR SALE: Electric Cooker, Bosch 4 ceramic hotplates and oven, used 1 1/2 year, €350 For further information contact phone 99757511 ***************************** FOR SALE – PAPHOS CATERING EQUIPMENT 1. Industrial freezer – CORECO Height 200cm, width 68cm, depth 58cm 2.

Electrolux Freezer, model EUC3109X, width-595mm, height-1800mm, 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 CONDITION AT REDUCED PRICES. PLEASE CALL : 99622678 *****************************

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND

***************************** LAND FOR SALE (8 plots) Lakatameia - Nicosia Residential green area. Easy access to the City Centre Call Michael Messaritis: 00357 99622929

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

FOR SALE plot of land with sea view. In Chlorakas area. Very quiet and private location. Title deed. Tel. 99519370. ***************************** LIMASSOL 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.

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

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

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

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES CARS BOUGHT FOR CASH. Contact Mike on 99166532 Mike Johnson Cars e-mail mj@mikejohnsoncars.com Web Address www.mikejohnsoncars.com

PROPERTY TO LET

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049

open plan €1000 f/f €1200, Nicosia 3 bedr., f/f, luxury €1000 f/f, Latsia 2 bedr., pool €430, Strovolos f/f house 4 bedr €1300, Mak/ ssa ground floor house detached €850 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 €300 call 99680208 ***************************** 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 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).

FOR RENT a spacious two bedroom apartment, near Hilton and Central Bank. Living/dining room, sitting room, large veranda, kitchen, c/h, s/h, covered parking. Title deeds. Tel. 99519370. ***************************** HOUSES/FLATS

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)

2 bedr. lux. flat, Ayioi Omoloyites, wooden floors €800, 3 bedr.

Acropolis c/h a/c wooden floors €650, Mak/ssa 3 bedr., modern,

4. 3 bedr luxury semi-detached house with character, 200sq.m, central heating, full ac, sitting and dining room with fireplace,

NICOSIA

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg 25 Employment Miscellaneous 25 Pets 25 Lessons 25 Health & Fitness 25 Personal 25 Services 25 For Sale Miscellaneous 25 For Sale Land/ Property Business 25 For Sale Motor vehicles 25 Properties Wanted -To Let Nicosia 25 To Let Limassol 27 To Let Larnaca 28 To Let Paphos 28 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -For Sale Nicosia 30 For Sale Limassol 30 For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 30 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras 30 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

26 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA 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).

TO LET NICOSIA garden with grass and bbq area,3wc, central heating, full a/c, covered parking, in a very quiet neighbourhood – 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).

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

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

FOR RENT

English-Painter & Decorator

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).

2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Larnaca near new hospital. €400 per month including service charge and refuse collection Call 99358916

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 with artificial 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 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

TO LET NICOSIA built area near Falcon school – Strovolos €2000 (photos in the website).

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 patio area with fully equipped bar (bbq, fridge, freezer, cooker), mature

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 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)

TO LET NICOSIA 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 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) For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225/96-422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates.com

CityCell WiFi

1ST IN CYPRUS

Installation At € 99 & Only € 25/Month WIRELESS INTERNET NO PHONE LINE , NO DEPOSIT, NO CONTRACT . UNLIMITED USE , 25-100 999

SKY HD WATCH NOW SKY SPORTS & FULL PACKAGE IN HD. Call: 25-341444 www.citycell.tv BBC ITV CH4 CH5 & 100 UK FREE CHANNELS ,NO DISH REQUIRED.HAVE A DIRECT VIEW ON YOUR TV WITH REPLAY - / +12HRS

27 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

TO LET NICOSIA ***************************** 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, 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).

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).

4. 2 bedr luxury ground floor apartment with central heatingindependent, 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 –

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

Strovolos €650 (A2ST10054-R) (photos in the website)

(A2AOM0003-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)

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) .

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 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

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).

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

TO LET NICOSIA 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 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

TO LET NICOSIA 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 www.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.

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

TO LET LIMASSOL 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 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.

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

LARNACA IMPRESSIVE three bedroom first floor apartment, Pyla. Large lounge, balcony, seperate kitchen, furnished. Flyscreens, ceiling fans, aircon. Upstairs three double bedrooms, balcony, sea views. Bathroom. Downstairs toilet. Free internet. Digi box.

Garden,Patios,Gazebo, Pavilion. €550 euros pcm. Tel 99935294 www.improdiavilla.com/jr486 FOR RENT fully furnished 1 bedroom flat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel 99202543 1 BEDROOM flat in Ermou Square area Larnaca - 2 bedroom flat in Phaneromenis area Larnaca.

28 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET LARNACA

TO LET PAPHOS

Call 96693375 ***************************** 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 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

with en-suite, airconditoned throughout, garage for 2 cars, storage room, swimming pool, with established garden, quiet area, beautiful mountain and sea views, euro 600 p/m – o.N.O call: 99553741 ***************************** FOR RENT a selection of 1 to 5 bedroom houses & apartments F/F & U/F Universal, Peyia, Tomb of the Kings, Tsada, Timi, Kato Paphos & Kissonerga Landlord & Owners please call 99329357 Or please view at our website www.cyprussands.com Fully Registered Company in Cyprus ***************************** CHLORAKAS: 3 Bedroom unfurnished villa private swimming pool, utility room, walking wardrobes, en suite shower 180 m2 covered area fenced garden fully a/c, € 575 p/m For more information’s phone 99400697 ***************************** KISSONERGA - Beautiful Detached U/F 3 Bedroomed Villa, Large Pool, 2 Bedrooms Upstairs Master En-suite, Family Bathroom, modern Fitted Kitchen, Downstairs Bedroom

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

FULL TIME DOMESTIC WORKER WANTED

3 BEDR DETACHED VILLA + POOL, central heating, covered garage, garden, 2 bedrs en suite, lovely view, quiet area, furnished or unfurnished. (Near Tsada golf course) tel.99 60 33 30 ***************************** KISSONERGA, 3 bedroom villa, unfurnished, 2 bedroom upstairs one with en-suite+ extra w/c upstairs, 1 bedroom downstairs

HOUSEWORK + GARDENING + CARER DRIVERS LICENCE REQUIRED PAPHOS AREA TEL : 99047855

EMBA

PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS with En-suite Shower room, Low maintenance Garden, Large Terraces and Separate Storage Room €600.

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 €325.

TREMITHOUSA - Traditional Spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, and Large Mature enclosed Garden, Open Fireplace, Beautiful Fitted Kitchen, A/C, Wonderful Family Home €400.

EMBA - Spacious 2 Bedroom Corner house ,U/F, Separate Downstairs Cloakroom, Balcony, no garden €300.

URGENTLY WANTED – 2/3 Bedroom F/F Properties

INDOOR MARKET & CAR BOOT SALE FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY 8:00AM – 2:00PM ALL YEAR ROUND VISIT US NOW FOR:

ba m ch Le ur Ch

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 PAPHOS MORE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 99862922 ***************************** 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 residen-

TO LET PAPHOS tial no through road, separate kitchen, well maintained, large balcony, private pool and garden with sea views €750 pm Universal - 2 bedroom fully furnished ground floor 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

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

Apartment or House in Cyprus A four bedroom Semi Detached house in the East Midlands, less than three miles from Clumber Park, is offered in exchange for a 2 bedroom (minimum) residential property anywhere in Cyprus.

DESCRIPTION: • 4 bedrooms with one being a Granny Flat extension (built at a cost of £17,000) • £25,000 recently spent on modernisation • 2 bathrooms (I full bath, one walk-in shower) • Bathrooms recently renovated and professionally tiled at considerable cost • New expensive kitchen with breakfast island and central extractor fan • Specious open plan sitting room – dining room • Economical Gas central heating with latest “90% efficient” Vaillant combi boiler • Laminate flooring with damp protection and OSB insulation on ground floor • Short walking distance to a School • Short walking distance to Golf Course • Satellite TV cable access in every room • Insulated walls and ceiling • No flooding possibility • Three outside storage rooms (one with toilet) • Corner plot • Friendly, helpful neighbours on quiet and crime free road

Property is free of all liens and ready to be transferred to new owner on completion of the agreement. Any cash difference must be in favour of the UK property.

I am willing to consider a Cyprus property without title deed, provided relevant problem is not practically insurmountable.

If interested, please email Natalie at: nzah50@hotmail.com

29 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

TO LET PAPHOS 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 1st of April For more info call: 99 442485 ***************************** MR RENT PAPHOS, the leading property rental agency in Paphos ofďŹ ce: 26271858 (00357) if you have a property to rent we are the rental agency to contact offering full property management & rent collection service 1. Anarita â‚Ź375 beautifully furnished modern 2 bedroom townhouse situated on 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 2. Tombs of the Kings â‚Ź400 spacious 3 bedroom ground oor

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

apartment (120 sq meters) conveniently located close to bus stop. Less than 10 minutes walk to tomb of the kings road & old town. Beautifully presented, fully furnished with yscreens & a/c throughout. Enclosed garden.

Pets allowed at owners discretion. Website reference number: RTL_662 3. Peyia â‚Ź550 modern detached 2 bedroom villa, situated on private road. Available unfurnished 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 6. Kamares Tala â‚Ź850 a stunning detached villa offering 4 bedrooms plus ofďŹ ce in a quiet & private residential area with large parking bay for numerous cars and covered off street parking. Offering spacious living accommodation and breathtaking views of the sea. This property includes a lift to all 4 oors.

Lovely garden with spacious verandah & private pool. Available unfurnished. Website reference number: RTL_669 7. Peyia â‚Ź950 we are delighted to offer this ultra modern 4 bedroom villa with luxury furnishings & ďŹ ttings. Offering spacious accomodation with breathtaking sea views. Finished to a very high quality. Spacious living

TO LET PAPHOS area with modern ďŹ tted kitchen & utility area. One bedroom on ground oor with ensuite & kitchenette. Guest wc. Private inďŹ nity pool & enclosed low maintenace garden. A must to see! Website reference number: RTL_670

AYIA MARINOUDA PAFOS 2 bedroom furnished bungalow in lovely quiet complex with communal pool. Property has ďŹ replace, off street parking, nice stone features, character property. Ref: 1224 â‚Ź500

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 numer: RTL_579

MESOGI PAFOS 4 bedroom house offered furnished, near all amenities. Property has sitting,dining area, kitchen, storage, downstairs bedroom, guest wc. Upstairs 3 additional bedrooms, master en suite, family bathroom. Off street parking, back garden with lawn Ref 1211 â‚Ź690

Tel: 97790883 tel: 99133422 ofďŹ ce: 26271858 visit our website for many more properties www.mrrent-paphos.net email: info@mrrent-paphos.net

***************************** MANDRIA PAFOS 2 bedroom furnished bungalow within walking distance of the village. Large bedrooms, kitchen, sitting room/ dining area with ďŹ re place, large bathroom. Outside gated area and fenced off, pets welcomed Ref: 1217 â‚Ź450

Watch Your Capital Grow 68.3% NET GROWTH

In Op ves p o tm r t en un t ity

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

since launch in July 2008

No Negative Months Since inception just less than 5 years ago this Isle of Man based fund has outperformed the FTSE 100 Index, the Consumer Price Index and the Investment Property Database

SEA CAVES PAFOS modern bungalow offered furnished or unfurnished, 3 bedroom, master en suite shower, family bathroom, kitchen, sitting area, outside private pool, roof garden, outside shower-toilte, yscreens nice location with sea views. Ref: 1213 ₏750 MELANOS/CHLORAKA PAFOS Part-furnished, modern 4 bedroom villa, with private pool and amazing sea views. Has modern appliances, off-street covered parking in a nice quiet location.

Pets welcome. Ref: 1206 â‚Ź800 PEGEIA PAFOS 3 bedroom unfurnished villa with great sea and mountain views. Property has sitting/dining area, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, master en suite, private pool, covered parking. Ref: 1214 â‚Ź550 CORAL BAY PAFOS 3 bedroom Villa offered furnished or unfurnished in a lovely private and peaceful location. Property is cosy with a small kitchen, sitting room and dining area with a ďŹ re

place, ac, guest wc, 3 bedrooms master en suite, family bathroom.

Nice views Ref: 842 ₏750 CHLORAKA PAFOS 2 and 1 bedroom apartments in a lovely modern complex offered furnished or unfurnished with y screens, nice large kitchen, bathroom, communal pool, nice location.

Ref 1219 from â‚Ź300 Please call for a free viewing on OfďŹ ce 26600450 Mobile: 97614070 many more properties on our website at www. owron.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 ďŹ nishes.

Central heating, sky, alarm, inďŹ nity pool and stunnning sea and mountain views â‚Ź700 per month, call: 99389426 BRAND NEW APT, opposite Poseidonio Gym, near Carrefour, F/F, a/c, great quality, 1 bdrm, from â‚Ź340p.m.Tel 99403261

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

1. MESA CHORIO– 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished ground oor apartment set on an elevated po-

7JTJUJOH "UIFOT

Capital Growth + Income Option 1 year

2 years

+13.57%

+26.42%

5% annual income withdrawal, penalty free!

Since Annual growth in excess of 3 years Inception 12% per annum +42.10% +68.30%

Included in the Investors Chronicle Top 100 Funds, 2012 Up one day, down the next. If you're disillusioned with equity markets, frustrated with low yields on fixed-income investments and low bank deposit rates consider an asset class that isn't correlated with any of them. For qualifying investors this Isle of Man based Green Energy & Recycling Investment Fund could be the perfect alternative for your capital growth and income. We can also arrange offshore banking facilities.

Family, friends? Why stay in a hotel? A new, comfortable, modern and fully-furnished apartment, giving you greater leisure and at a lower price, sounds much better. And with the added bonus of being located in one of the most vibrant areas in Athens.

For further information please call 2525 7788 or email enquiries@amasseurope.com and request a brochure or a meeting with one of our qualified Financial Advisors.

t (B[J "SFB OFYU UP UIF .FUSP 4UBUJPO XJUI GSFF 8J 'J t 'SPN FVSPT QFS QFSTPO

Amass Europe is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Licence number 167/12

Tel 22819742 - www.menogazi.com

Krakow, Poland 4 nights including return flights, private transfers, 3* hotel B&B and FREE day excursion to Auschwitz

Departure dates 13 May - ¤399 per person 27 May - ¤369 per person 10 June - ¤439 per person

www.centurycyprus.com

info@centurycyprus.com

70 000 970

30 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS sition 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

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

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.

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.

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

4. TALA - 3 bed 3 bath quality furnished villa. Set in enclosed gardens the villa consists of open plan living area with dining space. Fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, door to rear garden. Storage room. Ground floor bedroom with adjacent shower.

Stairs to two double bedrooms both en-suite, one with Jacuzzi tub. Small seating area with adjacent balcony. Pool and off street parking. Landscaped gardens 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.

7. LOWER PEYIA - 3 bed, 2.5 bath

TO LET PAPHOS 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.

8. CHLORAKAS – 2 bed 1 bath 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

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE NICOSIA ***************************** FOR SALE a very nice, large, two bedroom apartment near Hilton and Central Bank. Living, dining room, sitting room, large veran-

FOR SALE NICOSIA

FOR SALE PAPHOS

da. Spacious kitchen, c/h, s/h, covered parking. Title deed. Tel. 99519370. ***************************** FOR SALE OFFICES, ground floor space, suitable for offices or any other business. Centrally located, off Arch. Makarios Avenue, in the Commercial Centre of Nicosia, near Hilton. Also mezzanine, basement, small kitchen, a/c, parking. Title deeds. Tel. 99519370.

tio, garage, store room. Option for second floor. Title deed. Adjacent to above. Sold separately plot of land, with sea view. Title deed. Tel. 99519370. ***************************** 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

***************************** STROVOLOS, Symi street, Tseriou new one bedroom apartment, 55 sqm, large sunny balcony, air-conditioned, private parking, lift, title deeds, reduced price €95.000 (including VAT) (no offers) tel: 99266282 (no agents) ***************************** 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. *****************************

Tel: 99753334

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

PAPHOS ***************************** FOR SALE large, beautiful, nice designed, sea view house. In Chlorakas area, very quiet and private location. 4 en-suite bedrooms. Spacious living - dinijng room, sitting room, kitchen with all electrical appliances, breakfast room, two fireplaces, builtin bookcases, eletrical shutters, a/c, swimming pool, garden, pa-

ARIS EMPIRE BINGO Address: Paphos street 207, next to Carrefour Kato Polemidia, Limassol Email: arisempire@yahoo.com

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

GERMANY ***************************** GERMANY INVESTMENT PROPERTY FOR SALE. Block of 33 apartments. Rental income 85000 euros per year (7%) with further potential. Price 1.2M euros. Call owner for more details: +358 703 711 405 *****************************

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

31 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Compiled by Rosie Ogden

Motoring

UK proposes new driver laws with minimum learning period before sitting driving test UNDER proposals announced this week by Britain’s Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, new drivers in the UK could soon face a minimum learning period of six or twelve months before they are allowed to sit their driving test.

The radical change to the law is one of several being suggested with the aim of reducing the number of accidents caused by new motorists. Other changes under consideration include

incorporating motorway driving into the learning process, banning new drivers from carrying passengers and from driving at night, and increasing the probationary period during which new drivers can have their licences revoked if they accrue six or more points.

McLoughlin said the new proposals aim to cut the death rate among younger drivers. “It is alarming that a fifth of people killed or seriously

injured on our roads in 2011 were involved in a collision where at least one driver was aged 17-24,” he explained.

“Improving the safety of our young drivers is therefore a real priority, and will not only reduce casualties but should also mean a reduction in the sky-high insurance premiums they pay.”

The new proposals have been cautiously welcomed by motorists’ groups.

The radical change to the law is one of several being suggested with the aim of reducing the number of accidents

Used car owners risk costly repairs, says Vauxhall 30-98 ‘one of the greatest sports cars of 20th century’ What Car?

Britain’s first 100mph car celebrates centenary THE Vauxhall 30-98, which many people say is one of the greatest sports cars of the twentieth century, and the first to top 100mph in production form, is marking its centenary in style this May, when almost 50 surviving examples attempt the Waddington Fell hillclimb, site of the car’s first appearance and competition success in 1913.

Described as ‘The car of grace that sets the pace’, the 30-98 was derived from Vauxhall’s C10 ‘Prince Henry’ – acknowledged as the UK’s first real sports car – and was produced at a time when Vauxhall vied with Bentley in the prestige car market.

But armed with a kerb weight 400kgs less than a Bentley 3 litre, a powerful engine and high axle ratio, the 30-98 became renowned as a high-performance car that could swallow long distances with ease.

This made it particularly popular with drivers in the colonies, and explains why so many cars still survive in Australia today.

A precursor to the recently launched Cascada convertible, the 30-98 was actually developed in just 71 days, but went on to spawn a production run of 600 cars over a 14 year period (with a break during World War 1). Remarkably, around a third of these cars still survive today.

At a time when car manufacturers promoted the performance, durability and handling of their products through competition, Vauxhall had already been successful in hillclimbs, grands prix and endurance trials since the company was formed in 1903 (it is now celebrating its 110th anniversary - the UK’s oldest surviving car brand).

And the 30-98 represented the zenith of those achievements. On its first outing at the Waddington Fell hill climb in Lancashire, it set fastest time of the day, proving to the car’s designer, Laurence Pomeroy, and Vauxhall’s directors, Percy Kidner and Leslie Walton, that the car had a future, and production started in

Major C.G. Coe in the 30-98 at Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb in 1924 earnest.

Originally fitted with a 4,525cc side-valve four cylinder engine, producing 90bhp, the model was made in two basic types: Etype and OE-type, with the latter denoting the more powerful overhead valve cars producing 112bhp, and built between 1923 and 1927.

And it was the OE-type that became the first production car to exceed 100mph, partly prompted by a letter to The Autocar’s editor from a Major L.Ropner, complaining that he was unable to buy a road car that could cover a flying mile at more than 100mph!

Vauxhall responded by producing a stunning two-

seater 30-98 for him in polished aluminium, with a full set of road equipment.

On March 28, 1923 factory test driver Matt Park took the car to Brooklands and achieved a flying lap at 100.7mph, before delivering the car to Ropner, who used it extensively for competition, continental touring and commuting to London from his home in Yorkshire.

The British motoring press fell in love with the OE-Type 30-98, and in 1923 The Autocar subjected one to an early road test, recording a maximum speed (with standard Velox body and wind-breaking full windscreen) of 82.57mph – no mean feat at a time when most cars were strug-

gling to top 50mph.

The Autocar went on to say: “Few cars have such graceful lines yet at once suggest unlimited strength allied to speed…and very, very few can take a corner stiffly with absolute certainty as this one can.”

This year, Vauxhall Motors’ own 1926 OE-Type Velox Tourer (OE268) will join around 50 other 30-98s in Lancashire to celebrate the model’s competition debut at Waddington Fell.

Working with the Vauxhall 30-98 Register, local authorities have closed the public road which used to form the course, allowing cars from as far afield as Australia and the US to recreate Higginson’s winning run.

1924 manufacturer’s display ad for The Autocar

A full 57% of used car owners in Britain have not invested in an extended warranty for their vehicle, according to a whatcar.com poll.

On top of that, only a third of warranty-holders had researched the market themselves to find the right policy for their needs. The remaining two thirds could suddenly find that a costly failure on their car isn’t covered by their policy.

What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett said: “The average cost of a visit to the garage for used car owners is approximately £350, which is similar to the cost of an extended warranty. That’s why we’d urge everyone to get a warranty included in any used car deal, to future proof themselves against any nasty surprises.”

However, What Car? also warns that not all extended warranties offer the same protection, so it’s vital that people read policy small print carefully.

In general, used car warranties do not cover ‘wear and tear’ claims, including tyres, bulbs, wiper blades, brake pads, water and oil pumps, drive belts, electric window motors and fuel injectors.

Says Hallett: “The onus is very much on the buyer. In general, extended warranties can save the motorist a lot of money if the car has a problem but only if the right warranty has been selected.

We advise buyers not to accept the first warranty the dealer offers and not to select on price alone.”

What Car? top 10 checklist for choosing a warranty: Can you choose different levels of cover?

How does the age and mileage of the car affect the cost?

Is wear and tear included?

Which parts are designated as wear and tear?

Are failures at an MoT test and service covered?

Are extras such as accommodation, car hire and emergency travel included?

What percentage of parts and labour are paid for?

Is consequential damage covered?

Can you transfer your policy with the car to its next owner?

Do betterment charges apply?

32 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport James shines as Heat back in business LEBRON James poured in 36 points as the Miami Heat started out on a brand new winning streak with a 108-89 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.

Dwayne Wade also scored 17 points to help the Heat recover from their loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday which ended their 27-game winning run.

James’ haul came in part thanks to seven three-pointers, including six in a row in the first half.

Tim Duncan and Tony Parker has 24 points apiece as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Los Angeles Clippers 104-102.

Duncan, who fired a gamewinning three-pointer in the closing seconds, also had 11 rebounds.

Nikola Pekovic had 22 points and 15 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves upset the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-93.

The win came despite 36 points from the Thunder’s Kevin Durant.

Paul Pierce registered a triple-double to lead the Boston Celtics to a 118-107 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

Pierce had 20 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds, while Jason Terry added 24 points.

JR Smith poured in 37 points - his third straight game of 30 or more - to help the New York Knicks beat the Charlotte Bobcats 111-102.

It was a seventh straight win for the Knicks, who also got 32 points from Carmelo Anthony and won despite 35 points from the Bobcats’ Gerald Henderson.

Zach Randolph had 21 points and 12 rebounds while Marc Gasol also scored 21 points in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 103-94 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Twenty-eight points from Mo Williams lifted the Utah Jazz to a 105-95 win over the Portland Trail Blazers while Tobias Harris had 30 points and 11 rebounds as the Orlando Magic beat the Washington Wizards 97-92.

The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-87, the Toronto Raptors overcame the Detroit Pistons 99-82 and the Denver Nuggets were 109-87 winners over the Brooklyn Nets.

Bamberg’s Matt Walsh (left) and Panathinaikos’ Stephane Lasme vie for the ball

Nocioni’s performance lifts Caja, Panathinaikos advance

By Zoran Milosavljevic FORMER Chicago Bulls forward Andres Nocioni produced a vintage performance to keep Caja Laboral Vitoria in the hunt for a berth in the Euroleague playoffs after a rollercoaster 86-82 win at Khimki Moscow on Friday.

The competition’s six-time winners Panathinaikos Athens reached the last eight with a match to spare in the second group stage after an 82-60 rout of Germany’s Bamberg and holders Olympiakos Piraeus, their bitter cross-town rivals, stayed on course with a 78-73 success at Fenerbahce.

Quadruple former champions Maccabi Tel Aviv also edged closer to the quarterfinals with a 101-58 home rout of hapless Besiktas Istanbul while last season’s runnersup CSKA Moscow beat Real Madrid 81-72 in a battle of the top contenders.

DAILY OFFER

DESSANGE PARIS

Maccabi record 101-58 home rout over Besiktas, CSKA overcome Real 81-72 The 33-year old Nocioni, who has had a topsy-turvy season in Europe’s premier club competition, rolled back the years by scoring 24 points, including four crucial three-pointers, to keep Caja in the hunt for one of the three remaining berths in their eight-team top pool.

Khimki, who are also involved in a fierce five-team dogfight to join group winners Barcelona in the quarter-finals, had fought back from a 10-point deficit in the final quarter before Nocioni stepped up to the plate and buried a long-range effort to swing the tie Caja’s way.

“It’s a big victory for us and it gives us an opportunity to advance to the knockout stage if we win our last home game

DAILY OFFER

Hair spa

personal training 60’

Styling & Manicure

with any massage

€29

€67

Crème de palme

Aroma massage

DESSANGE PARIS

for 2

styling & Manicure

€90

€46 Day Spa 5 Aipias Street, Engomi Tel: +357 22464333

(against Montepaschi Siena),” Caja coach Zan Tabak told the competition’s official website (www.euroleague.net).

Centre Maciej Lampe, who poured 21 points for the winners, added: “It was great to be in this wonderful arena, I spent three years here and have fantastic memories but the most important thing is that we came away with a lifeline win.”

Panathinaikos joined the already qualified trio of CSKA, Real Madrid and Anadolu Efes Istanbul from the other pool after Lithuania shooting guard Jonas Maciulis netted a game-high 24 points in just 23 minutes on the court, hitting six of seven three-pointers.

Centre Stephane Lasme and

Wellness Day Spa 1 Daliyianni Street, Lycavitos 1055 Nicosia Tel: +357 22460000

Day Spa 5 Aipias Street, Engomi Tel: +357 22464333

Wellness Day Spa 1 Daliyianni Street, Lycavitos 1055 Nicosia Tel: +357 22460000

forward James Gist added 11 apiece for Panathinaikos, who will be looking for a win at home against CSKA in their final group match that could lift them into the top two and ensure home court advantage in the best-of-five quarter-final playoff series.

Four teams from each pool advance to the quarter-finals, whose winners will progress to the May 10-12 Final Four in London.

Maccabi looked out for the count halfway through the second group stage with two wins and five defeats, but came storming back and hauled themselves into the hunt with a sixth successive victory after an impressive display against Besiktas in their Nokia Arena.

Americans Devin Smith and Ricky Hickman netted 16 points each and their compatriot Nik Caner-Medley chipped in with 15 to boost Maccabi’s confidence ahead of a crucial visit to 2010 champions Barcelona in the last round.

“I am really pleased with the club and the players who knew how to turn a very difficult situation into a wonderful one,” said Maccabi coach David Blatt, who won the 2007 European Champion-

ship with Russia.

“Perhaps we are not as strong as in past years but we are still strong enough to rout (Besiktas) and I never thought it would be this easy,” he added.

CSKA also appeared to be in trouble at one stage in the top 16 but five wins on the trot, capped by an effervescent performance against eighttime winners Real, elevated them into the driving seat of their section.

Former Toronto Raptors guard Sonny Weems led the charge with 21 points and four assists, playmaker Milos Teodosic added 17 points and seven assists and fellow Serbian centre Nenad Krstic amassed 16 points.

“We played good defence against a team of great shooters and it’s a very important victory for us because it’s always been our goal to finish top of the group,” said Weems.

Real looked certain to clinch that group when they romped to a 9-1 record but three successive defeats have made that objective unlikely ahead of their final game at home to Efes.

The Turkish side also did themselves no favours in the battle for top spot with a 7064 home defeat by Spaniards Unicaja Malaga, but the victory turned out to be meaningless for the visitors, who were eliminated from the playoffs after Panathinaikos won their match.

33 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Sport

Wilkinson: my team-mates convinced me to keep playing

Sri Lanka defends selection decision

Opinions of Toulon’s Giteau and Michalak key

SRI Lanka’s board of selectors have defended their decision to name the son of a government minister in their squad for today’s one-off Twenty20 international with Bangladesh in Pallekele.

Ramith Rambukwella, a 21-year-old all-rounder and son of media and information minister Keheliya Rambukwella, was given the nod despite a modest career to date featuring just two half-centuries and one fourwicket haul.

His call-up has not been met enthusiastically by the Sri Lankan media, but chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya defended his inclusion.

“Ramith is a left-hand batsman who bowls right arm off-spin, who can clear the boundaries and can hit hard,” Jayasuriya told a press conference.

“He’s someone who can play Twenty20 cricket in the middle order, and you need players like that in this format. We’re bringing him on as a batting all-rounder who can bowl off-spin.

“We don’t just bring in players who perform, we also bring in players with talent.

“I’m not saying you can get picked even if you don’t bat well in domestic cricket, I’m saying if you are talented, or you’ve made runs in the past, we will give those players an opportunity.”

Today’s match comes following the conclusion of the one-day series, which ended in a 1-1 draw after Bangladesh’s three-wicket win in Thursday’s third and final match.

JONNY Wilkinson has revealed he canvassed the opinions of fellow fly-half stars Matt Giteau and Frederic Michalak before electing to extend his career for a further year.

The 33-year-old England World Cup winner spent the winter debating whether to continue his successful stint at wealthy French club Toulon or retire.

The pain of a long-standing groin problem was tipping the balance towards retirement, but following the success of a recent operation, he says another season is now in his sights.

Discussing his recent operation in The Times, Wilkinson said: “I didn’t know if it was going to work, but it has given me the ability to go out and work hard, to recover and go again.

“From November through to January, I was thinking: end of career.”

Wilkinson said the views of Toulon team-mates Giteau and Michalak were taken into account before he decided to play on.

“These are guys who play inside and outside me and both play in my position too, so there is no better position to have to see if they think I am doing a good job,” he said.

“I also wanted to know

Soul searching: 33-year-old England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson said he had spent the winter debating whether to continue his successful stint at wealthy French club Toulon or retire where they see their futures. Am I in the way of their future? Am I helping their future? Do they feel comfortable playing alongside me?

“I was more than willing to hear.

“These are guys for whom I have such great respect, guys from whom you want to hear the negative stuff.

“But they were really honest and I got the im-

pression that they wanted me there.”

Wilkinson stepped down from the international game just over a year ago following a stellar Test career, but his name continues to be linked with the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia.

While refusing to rule himself out of contention, he admits he has had no contact with head coach

Warren Gatland and considers himself a left-field selection.

“The Lions is so exciting,” he said. “I would certainly welcome the opportunity, though I’m not sure why my name would be mentioned.

“I’m not thinking, ‘I’m in with a shout’.

“The young guys in international rugby are the ones taking the sport forward.”

‘Am I in the way of their future?

Am I helping their future?’

Rory McIlroy sneaks into Houston Open weekend

IN BRIEF

Nothing to spare: McIlroy

STEVE Wheatcroft took a one-shot lead at the midway point of the Houston Open as world number two Rory McIlroy sneaked into the weekend.

Wheatcroft produced a second straight 67 to set 10 under overall, one shot ahead of fellow Americans Jason Kokrak and overnight leader DA Points - and nine up on McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman carded birdies at the 15th and 16th holes for a second-round 70 - a score that

left him on one under and through to yesturday’s play with nothing to spare.

TIMELY BIRDIES McIlroy had been facing up to an early finish when he teed off at the 15th hole, but two timely birdies saw him make the cut.

He told www.pgatour.com: “As I said, no one likes missing cuts and

especially when it’s my last one before the Masters.

“It’s nice to have another couple of rounds, do some work on the range this afternoon and hopefully improve on the course that I’ve already done.”

In fact, it will not be his last cut before the Masters - he subsequently, and with 30 minutes to spare before the deadline, entered next week’s Valero Texas Open in San Antonio.

Jockey McNamara staying NZ cricketer Ryder is out of ‘positive’ despite injury coma and talking - manager JT MCNAMARA is reported to be in a “very positive” frame of mind despite suffering a serious neck injury at the Cheltenham Festival which his family has revealed resulted in paralysis.

The 37-year-old amateur was injured following a fall in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and had to be airlifted to Bristol, where he remains, although plans are to be made for a transfer to Dublin in due course.

A McNamara family statement read: “JT McNamara remains in the Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. Whilst he suffered a serious neck injury resulting in paralysis, he has made progress ... and is in a very positive frame of mind.”

NEW Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder is out of an induced coma and talking, according to his manager Aaron Klee.

Ryder, the 28-year-old Wellington all-rounder, was admitted to Christchurch Hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning after suffering multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, in an attack outside a bar.

He was in a critical condition and was put into an induced coma, but by Friday Klee said Ryder was stable and had given doctors a thumbs-up.

“Jesse’s condition has improved to the extent that he is now out of the induced coma and off the ventilator ...

(He) is awake and talking to us,” Klee said yesterday.

Modest career: Sri Lanka’s Ramith Rambukwella

Brumbies’ Lealiifano kicks late penalty to beat Bulls CHRISTIAN Lealiifano kicked a penalty after the fulltime hooter to give the ACT Brumbies a 23-20 victory, that moved them back to the top of the point standings, over the Bulls in their Super Rugby clash in Canberra yesterday.

Bulls centre JJ Engelbrecht had scored a 78thminute try, which was converted by Morne Steyn to give the South Africans hope of a draw before Lealiifano slotted the long-range penalty after the Bulls had been penalised from the kickoff.

Yesterday’s victory moved the Brumbies to 27 points on the table.

34 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport Fulham match a must-win, says QPR’s Jenas ahead of west London encounter QPR midfielder Jermaine Jenas has branded tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to west London rivals Fulham as a must-win game for the relegation-threatened club.

Rangers head into the weekend bottom of the Barclays Premier League table and seven points adrift of Aston Villa in 17th position with just eight matches remaining.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp remains confident his men can claw themselves to safety, particularly in the wake of their recent victories over Southampton and Sunderland.

And while Jenas would settle for a point at Craven Cottage, he made no bones about Rangers’ need for victories.

“If we’re totally honest, we need to win on Monday night,” Jenas said.

“A draw won’t be a bad result because it keeps us moving forward and gets that momentum back up,

but make no mistake, we need to be winning games.

“There are teams that can easily get sucked into it.”

Jenas has made a big impression since his January move to Loftus Road from Tottenham, scoring twice in two appearances and Redknapp views his experience as key.

‘TOUGH POSITION’ “He knows the situations I’ve been in throughout my career and knows I can handle these types of battles.

I’ve played in a lot of pressurised games throughout my career,” Jenas told qpr.co.uk.

“I’d like to think that’s why Harry bought me here - to play games, score goals and help the team out.

“The position we’re in is tough, but the mood in the camp is positive.

We’re scoring goals, creating chanc-

es and there’s a style about our play now that wasn’t there a few weeks or months ago.”

Redknapp has targeted “four or five wins” from their remaining eight matches, which would be some achievement given they have only won four league matches all season.

But the QPR boss is confident because of the way his side are playing, despite suffering a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on their last outing before the international window.

“We’re playing well. If we were in bad form I’d be more worried,” Redknapp said.

“That gives us a chance. With eight games to go, that’s positive for us.

There are four or five wins for us in the games left.

“We’ve got to go to Fulham and win the game. It’s a local derby, we’ll take a huge following with us. We want a positive result.”

Jenas has made a big impression since his January move to Loftus Road from Tottenham, and QPR boss Redknapp views his experience as key

Lennon wants end to defensive weakness

Rodgers adamant that Reds won’t let season peter out

NEIL Lennon is looking for his Celtic side to tighten up defensively for today’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Mirren in Paisley.

The Hoops manager has detected a “flatness” about his players in the two games following their Champions League last-16 exit to Juventus earlier in the month.

Celtic had to come back from 3-1 down at home to Aberdeen in the match immediately before the international break to win 4-3 with a last-gasp goal from Georgios Samaras.

The week before that the Parkhead men surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Ross County in Dingwall and the former Celtic skipper is looking for the leaks to be plugged against the Scottish Communities League Cup winners.

“I think there has been a bit of a flatness since the Juventus game,” he said.

“However, certainly the last half-hour (against Aberdeen) filled me with a lot of excitement and satisfaction in the end.

“But the goals we have conceded in the previous two games were poor and that is something we need to brush up on.”

Lennon is hoping the international break has rejuvenated his players as they close in on the title and look to get past Dundee United in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden next month.

“You always think it is never a good time to have a twoweek break but maybe it was what some of them needed,” he said.

In tribute to St Mirren’s League Cup final win over Hearts at Hampden almost a fortnight ago, Celtic will form a guard of honour for the Saints players before the game.

Liverpool boss says lack of silverware to play for will not deter his side

By Carl Markham LIVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant his players will not allow the season to fizzle out despite a lack of tangible targets.

With no silverware to play for and Champions League qualification a distant nine points away with eight matches remaining, the best the Reds can realistically hope for is a Europa League spot.

The surprise defeat at Southampton before the international break brought the momentum of three successive league victories to a crashing halt.

Defender Jamie Carragher has admitted thoughts of a top-four finish “have been put to bed” by defeat at St Mary’s, but Rodgers insists there is no chance of the players switching off.

“The Southampton result was disappointing and unexpected because we were in great form and playing well,” he said.

“It (the international break) has given us a chance to analyse and reflect on it, and sometimes you have to after a performance like that when there were no positives.

“It is very important the season doesn’t peter out and it can’t do.

“We are at a stage of the season when we don’t have a trophy to play for as such but we have to fight.

“This is a club where supporters pay good money home and away to watch the club.

“This is a club where there is institutional pride playing for Liverpool.

“Of course we always want to be challenging for trophies, but if that is not the case you represent the shirt and the city and every game is vital.

“Every position we can grow

Standstill: Liverpool’s surprise defeat at Southampton brought the momentum of three successive league wins to a crashing halt

in the Premier League this season is important for us.

“We are looking to finish the season with strength and continue. It is very important we finish the season well as that can provide a really good platform for us for next season.”

Even though Europa League football is by no means a certainty for Liverpool, Rodgers is confident they will still be able to attract the right players in the summer without it.

“Whether we are in Europe or not we are going to be able to attract good players here,” he added. “That (Europe) is where we would like to be, but if it isn’t to be then I still believe we will be able to get in players who can improve us.”

Liverpool head to Aston Villa today looking to avenge what was the worst day of Rodgers’ first six months in charge when they lost 3-1 at Anfield in yet another shock result.

“Up until that point it was

probably the most disappointing (game) because we were in good form going into the game,” he said.

“We started the game well and if we had got the early goal the story could have been different.

“But it was a turning point for the better, because the game was a real setback in terms of the result but we had success after that which showed the group was ready to respond.”

Villa are just one place above the relegation zone as manager Paul Lambert has struggled to integrate many of the club’s promising youngsters.

Rodgers, and by association owners Fenway Sports Group whose transfer policy is focused on younger players with better value for money, has also been criticised by fans for buying potential and not established stars but he accepts there is a fine line to be maintained.

35 SUNDAY MAIL • March 31, 2013

Sport

Blues Champs League hopes dealt a blow after Saints loss

Fergie: Rio can handle any flak from the stands

Rodriguez, Lambert score at St. Mary’s

SIR Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will not be affected by any abuse from the stands as a result of his England withdrawal.

Anti-racism activists FARE have reported the Football Association to FIFA over the behaviour of England’s fans in San Marino last Friday.

Specifically, it was felt by FARE that the ‘bonfire’ song, adapted to include the names of Ferdinand and his brother Anton, warranted further attention from the game’s authorities. The FA have so far failed to unearth any evidence of the song being sung, while not challenging that it happened, and have repeated their desire to stamp racism out of the game.

That may not prevent Ferdinand being targeted on Manchester United duty though, given the controversy that surrounded his England withdrawal and subsequent trip to Qatar to commentate on the World Cup qualifier.

Yet United manager Ferguson feel the 34-year-old is strong enough to cope.

“If there is criticism out there I don’t think it will bother him,” said Ferguson.

“In modern society there is always a venting of spleen against someone who displeases them at any particular moment in time.

“Most people realise Rio’s international career had been in doubt for a while anyway.

He hadn’t been picked for a few games.”

Southampton 2 Chelsea 1

By Simon Peach RICKIE Lambert celebrated his new Southampton contract in some style yesterday, smashing home an exquisite free-kick to secure all three points from a hard-fought encounter with Chelsea.

The 31-year-old has established himself as a firm fans’ favourite at St Mary’s since joining from Bristol Rovers in August 2009 and has seen his stock rise considerably during his debut top-flight season.

Lambert was rewarded for his performances with a new deal until 2016 during the international break and repaid Southampton in spectacular fashion yesterday afternoon.

Making his 500th career league appearance, the Liverpudlian curled home a spectacular 25-yard free-kick to rack up his 14th league goal of the campaign - more than any other English player in the Premier League.

Saints had gone ahead through another in-form striker Jay Rodriguez, who collected a neat one-two from Steven Davis before slotting home in the 23rd minute.

John Terry was allowed to level unmarked from a corner 10 minutes later, only for Saints to hit back immediately through Lambert’s fine strike.

Chelsea peppered the Southampton goal throughout the

Fans’ favourite: Southampton’s Rickie Lambert scores his side’s second goal during the Barclays Premier League match against Chelsea at St Mary’s yesterday second half but were unable to find a way past substitute goalkeeper Kelvin Davis, leading to a defeat that drops Rafael Benitez’s side to fourth.

Rodriguez got Southampton’s first shot away after less than two minutes. The £6million summer signing has looked rejuvenated since Mauricio Pochettino arrived and his new-found confidence was epitomised by a fantastic dink over Terry’s head on the

halfway line, before bursting through on goal and testing Petr Cech.

Rodriguez should instead have perhaps played the ball out wide to Jason Puncheon, who soon threatened himself, only to be denied by the onrushing Cech.

Chelsea were struggling to cope with Southampton’s attacking intent and Nathaniel Clyne saw a crossshot blocked by Branislav

City cruise past lacklustre Newcastle Man City 4 Newcastle 0 MANCHESTER City skipper Vincent Kompany was amongst the scorers as the Citizens recorded their biggest Premier League win since November.

Carlos Tevez, David Silva and Yaya Toure were also on target against a lacklustre Newcastle outfit, who remain not quite far enough clear of the drop zone for comfort.

With potential back-toback games against Manchester United looming, little wonder why City manager Roberto Mancini was so concerned at Belgium’s use of his captain, who was returning to club duty for the first time in two months after a calf problem.

For Kompany is going to

Keeping good Kompany: the Belgian (left) was among City’s scorers yesterday be a key man over the next fortnight, which could do so much to determine whether Mancini’s work over the season is viewed as progress or inexcusable regression.

They may have been in the top two for five months, but the title fever that gripped City at this point last season is nowhere to be seen and news of the Manchester United win at Sunderland that briefly took the Red Devils 18 points clear was greeted with complete indifference in the stands.

The large section of Mancini’s programme notes devoted to the FA Cup semi-final, a match not due to take place for another fortnight, seemed to indicate where the priority now lies, beyond, of course, securing a Champions League berth for next season.

The liveliest the home fans got was with Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot, who from a ridiculously early point was dragging out every dead ball and free-kick he was asked to take.

Ivanovic.

Lambert saw his follow up thwarted but it did not take long for the hosts to get the opener they deserved.

Rodriguez collected the ball and played a fine one-two with Steven Davis, before slotting past Cech.

Thereafter a Maya Yoshida mishap put Fernando Torres through on goal, with the Spaniard showing good poise and skill to delicately chip the

ball past Artur Boruc, only for his goal to be chalked off for a handball in the build-up.

The disallowed goal kicked off a period of Chelsea dominance and, after Victor Moses saw a cross-shot deflect behind off Luke Shaw, they snatched a 33rd-minute leveller.

Marko Marin sent in the resulting corner and kamikaze defending allowed captain Terry to head home unmarked from six yards.

Chelsea were level for less than two minutes, though, thanks to a moment of magic from Lambert.

After Steven Davis was fouled by Ryan Bertrand, the 31-year-old stepped up to fire home a thunderous 25-yard free-kick into Cech’s topright hand corner.

Saints returned for the second period in similarly-impressive fashion, with Clyne testing Cech at his near post moments after the restart.

Chelsea, though, were an improved outfit going forward and Kelvin Davis, on at the break for the injured Boruc, saved a Frank Lampard strike well at his near post.

Clyne blocked a Marin effort as the west Londoners continued to knock on the door, with Kelvin Davis doing fantastically to tip a deflected Moses cross onto the bar and over.

Eden Hazard was introduced as Chelsea searched for another goal, with Rodriguez heading over before Jack Cork stopped Lampard.

Anti-Benitez chants echoed around the ground as the 3,181 away supporters’ frustrations heightened, with Hazard unfortunate to see a strike fly across the face of the goal.

Lampard tried to score with a backheel and then a freekick as the Blues continued to press.

But, try as they might, there was to be no equaliser as Saints held on to secure an invaluable three points, much to Chelsea’s frustration.

Premier League standings Team 1 Manchester ManchesterUtd United 2 Manchester Chelsea City 3 Tottenham Arsenal 4 Chelsea Manchester City 5 Arsenal Liverpool 6 Everton Tottenham Hotspur 7 Liverpool Everton 8 West Brom Stoke City 9 Swansea Bolton Wanderers 10 Fulham West Brom 11 West Ham Fulham 12 Stoke City United Newcastle 13 Southampton Sunderland 14 Norwich Aston Villa 15 Newcastle Blackburn Rovers 16 Sunderland Wolves 17 Wigan Birmingham 18 Aston Villa Blackpool 19 Qpr Wigan Athletic 20 Reading West Ham United

P

W

D

L

F

30 37 30 36 31 36 30 36 30 36 29 36 30 37 31 36 31 37 29 37 30 36 30 36 31 37 31 36 31 37 31 37 30 36 30 37 30 36 31 36

25 22 18 21 17 19 16 19 15 17 12 14 12 13 10 12 9 12 10 7 11 8 11 7 10 9 10 7 11 8 7 10 4 7 5 7

2 11 8 7 6 10 7 8 8 7 12 14 9 15 5 7 10 9 10 6 15 13 11 10 11 13 12 6 10 10 7 6 15 9 11 15 8 12

3 4 4 8 8 7 7 9 7 12 5 8 9 10 13 16 11 15 11 15 14 11 10 14 13 15 11 14 16 17 14 19 16 13 14 18 15 14 18 17

70 74 55 67 53 69 59 55 59 46 51 57 50 41 46 41 52 40 53 35 45 27 51 44 42 28 45 41 43 33 44 36 31 53 26 36 36 41

A Pts 31 35 26 30 38 39 32 33 33 41 35 45 39 45 41 44 40 54 44 68 44 41 35 52 53 56 47 58 56 57 43 63 56 54 56 74 48 59 61 64

77 62 70 57 67 55 65 53 58 48 56 45 51 44 46 40 46 36 46 36 45 34 44 34 44 34 42 33 40 31 40 30 39 30 39 23 36 23 33

Results Premier League Sunderland Man United

0 1

Arsenal Reading

4 1

Man City Newcastle

4 0

Southampton Chelsea

2 1

Swansea Tottenham

1 2

West Ham West Brom

3 1

Wigan Norwich

1 0

Everton Stoke

L L

Playing Today Villa v Liverpool, 3.30pm Playing Tomorrow Fulham v QPR, 10pm Cyprus Championship Alki 6 Ethnikos Achnas 5 Omonia Nea Salamis

6 0

AEP Olympiakos

0 5

Paralimni AEL

1 2

Playing Today Apollon v Ayia Napa, 2.30pm Doxa v AEK, 3.30pm Anorthosis v APOEL, 4pm

36 March 31, 2013 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport

Wilkinson: my team-mates convinced me to keep playing 33

Chelsea Champs League hopes suffer setback after Saints loss 35

United extend title advantage Sunderland own goal hands Red Devils win Sunderland 0 Man United 1

By Damian Spellman

T

The British number one asserted his authority in the second and third sets of an entertaining semi-final clash against Richard Gasquet at the Sony Open yesterday

Murray fights off Gasquet to book final against Ferrer BRITISH number one Andy Murray held off a strong challenge from Richard Gasquet in the early hours yesterday, to claim a 6-7 (3/7) 6-1 6-2 win and book a place in today’s Sony Open final against David Ferrer.

Eighth seed Gasquet started like a train before claiming the first set on a tiebreak, but Murray asserted his authority in the second and third sets of an entertaining semi-final.

Murray will next take on third seed Ferrer, who beat veteran German Tommy Haas in the opening semi, with the Briton playing both for the title and the number two spot in the world rankings. A win will take him above Roger Federer.

“The first set was a tough one to lose,” Murray told Sky Sports 2. “I hit something like 20-odd winners, so to lose it was tough.

“I felt like I was dictating a lot of the points but just made a few unforced errors on the backhand side at the end.

“I did well in the second and third sets to keep up my intensity.”

Gasquet manoeuvred Murray around the court to create a break point opportunity in the Briton’s first game, then produced a stunning backhand pass to convert.

Two more flashing backhand winners helped the Frenchman take the next game to love, meaning he was yet to drop a point on serve at 3-0.

Murray held confidently to get on the board and finally took a point on the Gasquet serve via a double fault.

All of a sudden it was Murray bossing proceedings and he twice passed Gasquet as he brought up three break points then converted at the first time of asking

and held to level at 3-3.

With Murray creating some outrageous angles on the forehand, he broke again for 5-4, but then threw the advantage away as he served for the set with an unforced error and a double fault, and the set went to a tie-break.

Gasquet took the advantage with an early mini-break and a stunning half-volley winner helped him bring up three set points, only one of which he needed.

The standard noticeably dipped at the start of the second, but some eye-catching defence from Murray, as he hammered a Gasquet overhead straight back at him, helped the Scot to break for 3-1.

That proved to be the turning point in the match.

A pinpoint lob helped Murray to another break for 5-1, then he held to love, sealing the set with an ace.

Gasquet received treatment to his feet at the end of the set, but it did nothing to switch the momentum as Murray broke again at the start of the third.

Murray contrived to bring his opponent back into the match as two double faults saw him surrender the advantage, but broke again immediately and this time it was decisive.

“He always comes up with unbelievable points,” Murray said of Gasquet. “He’s incredibly talented. In the tie-break he played two- pick-ups off his toes for clean winners. He’s in the top 10 in the world and he’s playing very well.”

On the final against Ferrer, he added: “It will be a tough match.

“He’s had a great week, he’s in great shape. He’s always tough to play against.”

itus Bramble’s unfortunate own goal allowed Manchester United to tighten their stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League title with a narrow victory at Sunderland.

The luckless defender unwittingly turned Robin van Persie’s 27th-minute shot past keeper Simon Mignolet after it had also clipped Phil Bardsley on its way to goal.

It proved enough to hand United a seventh successive league victory on a day when they were far superior to their relegation-threatened hosts for long periods, but were unable to make their superiority tell.

The Black Cats were barely in the game before the break, but rallied after it without ever testing keeper David de Gea as they continued their run without a league win to eight games before a crowd of 43,760.

United, on the other hand, extended their lead at the top of the table, for a few hours at least, to 18 points, the perfect preparation for tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final replay at Chelsea.

Sunderland had beaten United only once in 23 previous Premier League encounters, and Sir Alex Ferguson did not even include Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney in his 18 with Monday’s trip to Stamford Bridge looming large.

There were 12 minutes gone when full-back Alex Buttner embarked upon a determined run which took him past both Craig Gardner and Bardsley and deep into the penalty area, where Mignolet managed to block his closerange effort.

The Belgian had to be equally alert three minutes later as the Dutchman threatened to get on the end of a throughball, and he then had to claw an Ashley Young cross out of his top corner as the visitors found their rhythm.

However, even he could do nothing about the chain of events which led to the

United’s van Persie (second left) scores the opening goal via a deflection off Sunderland defender Bramble (left) opening goal with 27 minutes gone.

Van Persie picked up possession on the left side of the penalty area, but found himself confronted by Bardsley.

The striker patiently worked himself into a position to shoot, but when he unleashed his drive, it flew off Bardsley’s boot on to Bramble’s knee and inside the far post.

Van Persie thereafter forced a smart near-post save from Mignolet with a 38th-minute snapshot and then prompted him to tip over a fiercelystruck free-kick four minutes later.

Sunderland mustered only two attempts of note, both from Gardner and both off his weaker left foot, but first Nemanja Vidic and then Chris Smalling made blocks.

After the interval United retained possession at will with the movement of Shinji Kagawa and van Persie, and Michael Carrick’s composure simply too much for their hosts, who were seeing too little of the ball to bring wide men Adam Johnson and James McClean into play.

However, the former Manchester City winger finally got the bit between his teeth with 59 minutes gone when he burst into the penalty area.

His cross was blocked, but Bardsley latched on to the

loose ball, only to fire harmlessly over the top.

The home side threatened once again seconds later when striker Danny Graham crossed from the right towards Stephane Sessegnon, who was only just beaten to the ball by substitute Jonny Evans.

The mood inside the Stadium of Light lifted instantly as Martin O’Neill’s men mounted a sustained spell of pressure for the first time in the game and it took another good clearing header, this time by Smalling, to prevent Graham from opening his Sunderland account 19 minutes from time.

Johnson smashed a leftfoot effort from distance just wide two minutes later, but Buttner forced a solid save from Mignolet and Vidic headed wide from a corner as United saw time out with few further scares.

Van Persie should have made sure deep into injury-time after Young had evaded Bramble’s lunge and squared, but Mignolet made a remarkable stop to deny him.