the tie 2nd Issue of the 6th National Selection Conference of EYP Cyprus
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editorial Well hello all! At this point you’ve probably at least once hated your chairs for making you run in the sun, or wanted to dismember a fellow committee member. Perhaps you hate it here. Or perhaps you feel that you fit in with all these weird, goofy people who spend the week before school opens waking up at 8am to pretend they are ponies. Oddballs. All we can hope for with this paper is that it engages your attention and has helped you see this experience as an opportunity to meet new people and broaden your horizons. So flick through this to find both updates on the session, but also some comment on various issues both new and old. Most of all, enjoy yourselves. And have a great time not sleeping tonight. Ciao, Elina, Teresa & Clemens
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contents EYP’s got talent
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dependency
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5 steps until you’re free
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give it (h)all!
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education: time for change
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tearing the parties apart
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born in the streets
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julian assange
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committee updates
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danger: radiation risk
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GA sneak peek
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shortcut
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Anxious performers and an impatient audience are gathered in the a mphitheatre, waiting for the show to start. Mamas, Helena and Dimitris have the task to present the event in their own special way. The first act is up. Mark Merkouris, our wonderful journo, with his guitar and soft voice sets high standards for the upcoming performances. Emma from EMPL1 sings “I need a dollar” with her lovely voice. When on stage, however shy she may seem at first, she is really expressive and confident. Timur is here to incarnate the spirit and the intensity of break dance under the beats of Kanye’s Daft Punk remix of “Stronger”. He is selftaught and has gotten injured many times following this pastime. Ayse Lisa and Daniella from ECON and EMPL1 respectively go on stage to perform “Someone like you” by Adele. Dimitris’ teasing comments along with their anxiety result in the interruption of their act. “At least I can ride a bike”, was the remark. Two original acts, juggling and stand-up comedy succeeded Mark’s song.
Andreas Pavlou and Marios Yerou are now responsible for the entertainment of the rest of the EYPers. Andreas, a sixteen year old delegate from SEDE thrills everyone with his fast movements and playful mood. On similarly vibrant note, Marios is a smiley delegate, capable of making one’s day in the morning and all about jokes and news comments.
named “Sheftalia”. Mattho (or Papas if you wish, from Mamas and Papas’ Productions) demonstrates his TaeKwonDo abilities. Although the authenticity of this trick has been questioned, we want to point out that he genuinely broke the wood live on stage. We did love the sounds he made and, of course, his white, loose fitting costume.
Rena Kyriakides, a pocket Mike Ioannou, paid a visit sized teacher’s organiser to our session from the sings “Κόκκινα Γυαλιά” army and honoured us with (‘Red Glasses’) and takes singing ‘Πάρτυ’ (‘Party’) in us away with her majestic the EYP’s Got Talent show. performance. She is only Apparently, apart from nineteen and has already a good journo, he also achieved a lot: she has makes a great singer. Here gone to Eurovision Junior come Christos Panayi and Contest and had her own Aaron Miles. We bet that a TV show. lot of girls fell in love today and are bound to google Lastly, the team presen“Aaron Miles” and “Muddy tations are up. Teachers Street Blue” (Christos’ band perform for the first time name). Christos’ voice imand prove themselves represses you. Aaron’s lyrics ally creative remixing our take you away. Their final beloved “Sticky Moose”. duet is touching and Journos, rocking hard as something we will keep in always, danced to the viral pleasant memory. ‘Gangnam style’. At least we had fun! The organizers And here come the travelled through the musistrange act. Stamos Tahas cal eras of dance, stirring from Greece and Nassos all the participants up. A Stylianou from Cyprus per- great party followed, along form “Romance” ” with some water fights by George Orwell and (Ataou behave!) were a dedicate it to the shy, stray, suitable end to this amazsession dog ing evening.
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we’ve got talent by Christiana Karamalli & Danae Tselou
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dependency.
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With so many voices and opinions out there, sometimes all you need is the knowledge that you can still make your own decisions. Drugs can appear enjoyable. They will promise you a great taste, an original escape from boredom and routine, a whole new thrill and perhaps even the attention and fame you have always been deprived of. Most often, what prompts youngsters to drug consumption, is their own curiosity or inescapable peer pressure. Low cost and availability further deteriorate the situation. Perhaps young Europeans are too weak and ignorant to protect themselves. Perhaps Member States fail to safeguard their most vital asset, to make people see the risks of chasing excitement and escape. However, no matter who is to blame, the final responsibility lies within each of us. The decisions people take on this matter affect not only themselves but also the people around them. None of the promises are held the ultimate outcome is always damage. Their
the individual, not just their abuse, so that they can maintain a drug-free lifestyle and achieve productive functioning in the family, at work and in society. Sustained abstinence and recovery can only be managed by long-term and repeated episodes of care. Recovering is painful and can sometimes prove inefficient. But, above all, recovering is both states’ and societies’ responsibilTheir most immediate result, though, is the rupture ity, as they are to blame for of social relations. The drug addiction. user is inaccessible, unOne easily concludes that pleasant and undesirable. the key is to refrain from Once suspected to use using any dangerous subdrugs, he is bound to be excluded from every social stance. “Curiosity killed the cat”, as a saying goes. Even event and contact. People fear and loathe drug users if it is aimed at the pressure, all the problems will and tend to treat them as be there on the way back. such. People should learn how to deal with stress, try to be Here there rises another issue, the one of rehabilita- above the crowd and the image. They should accept tion and treatment of usthemselves, as no one is ers. Drug addiction is a very complex, chronic and perfect, love, protect and untreatable disease, associ- believe in each and every ated with mental disorders. part of their body and It has different dimensions mind. Drugs are a waste of and disrupts many aspects time. They destroy memoof an individual’s life. Effec- ry, self-respect and everything that goes along with tive treatment should atself-esteem. tend multiple needs of by Danae Tselou effects can vary depending on the kind of drug taken, the amount and frequency of consumption, body size, shape and chemistry. Once drugs reach the brain, serious damage can be caused to the body. Dependence is a deadly result, with mental problems and social exclusion appearing with great frequency.
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5 steps until you are free
two years of military service and their effects on a male’s psyche.
Being a male teenager in Cyprus means that you will inevitably face a great challenge in your near future. Two years of compulsory military service are required by the Cypriot National Guard for all male citizens following the end of high school years. The magnitude of this commitment is enough to create numerous questions and concerns as to what this is, how it is and why it exists. I would like to guide you through this experience by highlighting five stages I have experienced in the last couple of months.
who you truly are in an atmosphere that representsprocesses that many might perceive as scary or even daunting. Prior to the army one may be overwhelmed by the ‘fear of the unknown’ as this experience is unique. However, it will give every new soldier the opportunity to explore another side of life and come out of it stronger and more experienced than before.
responsibility and constraint make you realise what freedoms and privileges you have lost. An example of great panic which I experienced was a fellow soldier not being able to accept the fact that he could no longer eat McDonalds whenever he wanted to. This might seem to you as a rather minor constraint yet it takes time to fully realise that you will for the next two years not be able Panic to make choices that seem As this journey commences as simple as choosing a you are constantly place to eat. bombarded with information on why you are Depression where you are. The most As a soldier you soon Anticipation The situation and the common explanation given realise the monotonous organisation you are about is the need to protect the character of your daily life. to enter are uncommon sovereignty of the Republic Various duties and the and challenging. With wars of Cyprus. Protecting information which you are principles such as given are constantly breaking out on a regular basis around the globe, en- democracy and peace are repeated in order to be tering the army gives you huge incentives for this perfected. A loss of morale, the opportunity to discover long journey. Constant permanent negative
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thinking and pressure create a sense of depression for the soldier, a feeling of being imprisoned. Acceptance Once the first couple of weeks are over you come to a point where you realise that acceptance is the only way forward. Discipline, organisation and a sense of comradery are all pieces of a puzzle which form the positive experiences and ideals one may gain during his army service. Great responsibility requires great
determination. Determination is the key factor that is necessary for every soldier to get through these tough two years.
then you are prepared to face life in both its ups and downs. Furthermore, you are rewarded with numerous friendships formed under difficult circumstances. After your service you will have gained the ability to cope with different personalities and become part of a family without expecting anything in return.
Reward As common as the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ might seem, it is ideal to describe the army. Hard work and determination have to offer a great value for you as a person. If you are able to fight any difficulties you are confronted by with and manage to get Mike Ioannu something out of them,
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give it (h)all!
It’s 9.40am and while everyone sleepily clambers up the stairs to their committee rooms, we snatch British born and bred Chris to find out a little more about him. Armed with a frappÊ, he steps into our kitchen office and our interview includes the likes of the army, Barbie and some memorable EYP experiences. We bring you the ultimate Chris Hall, all on this page.
So Chris, what is new with you? Well I graduated from Southampton with a Politics degree about a month and a half ago, and
I am currently unemployed as it is difficult to find work in England at the moment. I would like to become an officer in the British army though. (very patriotic!)
How come you decided to come to Cyprus? Well, I have gotten to know a lot of people from EYP Cyprus and they have
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become good friends of mine. The invitation was unexpected but pleasant and it is a great national committee with super cheerful people so I gladly accepted. I feel close to these National Sessions in Cyprus, and especially in Spain as the people are young and enthusiastic without the ego that other National Committees have. How did your EYP career begin? I went to the National Session in Durham around this time five years ago and I had no clue what everything was about – I just went to have a bit of a laugh. Then we were chosen to go to the International Session in Dublin and after that I went to Liverpool. These places were not exactly ‘travelling to exotic destinations in Europe’ especially as they are both English speaking countries and I went to one of them on a train. Since then I took a gap year before university where I had the opportunity to go to many sessions and gain lots of experience. What has your favourite position at a session been? I loved editing in Frankfurt
in 2010 as I had a great team of journalists and I worked alongside my best friend in EYP, Katie. The team was the life and soul of the party – they did everything expected of them and more. The session was pure enjoyment for me.
Aspire. Very camp.No seri ously, my ambition is to be happy and have a family and acquire a better dress sense.
What has the most unforgettable moment for you been?
Nassos, because he is like a brother and we would have things to talk about. However, Stamos would be more practical in the sense that he would whistle to the birds, build a hut in a tree and give signals to ships in morse code. He would totally be in his element.
(Take note that we found out from an anonymous source that Chris sang opera,or classical countertenor, in his first ever session). Well, the session that could not go ahead in Tromso because of the volcanic eruption in Iceland was memorable but sad as we took a 36-hour bus journey from the south of Norway to the north. Also when I was chairing at the International Session in Stockholm when I just fell asleep around 3am and the fire alarm went off. I did not put any clothes on so I was stood outside in my boxers wrapped in a friend’s coat at -4 degrees.
If you could choose one person from the session to live on an island with you, who would it be?
If we gave you polyjuice potion to turn into someone for a day who would that person be? Me with more hair. Or a girl and stare at myself in the mirror all day. Or Barbie. Or George Clooney/ Ryan Reynolds because they are attractive. (The question was then passed on to Ataou whose answer was “I would be me. Why would I be someone else?”)
What’s your ambition in life? (At this point Pashi chimes in: “To not go to jail!!”)
by Susannah Karatzia & Mark Merkouris
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education: time for change Education plays a role of utmost importance, particularly in our days when the world is an enormous, interconnected and interdependent place. It is the key to survival in today’s society. But how are we being educated in the 21st century? Let us look at education in a different context than we usually do. I do not think that anyone disagrees with me on the fact that education is perceived as a fixed formula. It is all pre-arranged and pre-planned: you need to study, pass your exams, goto university, then get a
job. That is it. But why is it like that? Looking back, the current educational system was developed in a different ‘Knowledge takes you from A to Z. Imagination takes you everywhere.’ Albert Einstein period - the Enlightenment of the 18th century. At the time of the industrial revolution, it fit the demands of the era perfectly. But as years went by, it remained the model
of public education, only slightly adapting despite the changes occurring in society. The current educational system focuses on the academic ability of an individual. In other words: Either you are smart, or you are not. Children are bombed with information in schools which they are then expected to memorise within a limited period of time. This cannot be considered knowledge, since whatever is memorised will soon be forgotten. The problem lies in the fact
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that children are served served raw knowledge, which is merely information, on a plate. Instead, children ought to be educated in how they should learn. They should acquire the proper skills on how to gain knowledge themselves. Education’s aim should be to help children cultivate and develop their critical thinking. This can be achieved through tricking their imagination, challenging them academically and showing them how to independently obtain information from various sources. Also, a
modern educational system should discard the method of teaching in a classroom where everyone has to be quiet and obedient. Children should be given the chance to explore things other than their books. The key here is getting students interested. Boring books with fixed meanings are definitely not going to do the trick. Such a diversified education would lead children to autonomously discover things that they are actually interested in and passionate about. It would teach them that
knowledge has no boundaries and that they can cross limits and go beyond what they see. Additionally, developing your critical thinking abilities and gaining independence is a gift for a lifetime, which is not limited to the time you spend in an educational institution. Education, when approached in this way, is a significant investment in life.
by Anastasia Liopetriti
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“I wish President Obama had succeeded, because I want America to succeed” – Mitt Romney
tearing the parties apart: the 2012 US presidential elections
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In 2008, Barack Obama charmed the United States and the majority of the world. The deliverance of his speeches, the promises he made and the sheer humanity about him won the US population’s vote. However, the next presidential election is edging nearer and a fiery competition has been in play between two completely different candidates - Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. With Mitt Romney recently becoming an official representative of the Republican Convention, one can’t help but wonder - which party really is the better suitor for the next four years? Both candidates have raised important issues and talked about how they would like to tackle them. However, one specific issue created uproar and chaos: the stance the respective parties took on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community rights. While Mitt Romney and the Republican Party expressed their disapproval of same-sex marriage, Barack Obama and the Democratic Party did quite the opposite by expressing his approval of same-sex marriage. Mitt Romney stands by the fact that the
Defence of Marriage Act should not be ignored and that he “fails to recognize civil unions for gay couples”. However, by taking a stance on such a sensitive topic, Mitt Romney has lost supporters. Or perhaps even gained supporters. Barack Obama similarly took a stance but on the other side of the fence by supporting that same-sex marriage should be legal in all states. Both candidates have stood out as complete opposites, and while Barack Obama has won over the LGBT community he may have lost many supporters in the process. While some may believe Romney is out of line in denying a substantial amount of people basic civil rights, the Party he represents has for a long time stood for that precise way of thinking. So is it a blatant rejection of human rights, or just the Republican Party’s mindset? The Republican Party focuses on the maintenance of conservatism and more specifically American conservatism. The stance Mitt Romney would be expected to take would therefore be the disapproval and rejection of same-sex marriage.
In turn, the Democratic Party is the exact opposite in the sense that it promotes a more socially liberal way of life where everyone should be united in order to create a stronger nation. The two major parties differ greatly, and it is for this reason that their aims and means are the opposite of each other’s. As Tuesday 6th November 2012 approaches, the fight for the presidency is nearing to an end. Each Party is trying to win over the United States by politely offending each other, one example being “Mitt Romney has no tangible ideas and he would take our country backwards”. Who will win the Presidency is unknown and what will become of the US in the next four years is also unknown. What we do know of are the strong beliefs put forward by either party, whether it is about LGBT community rights or welfare and unemployment. The Democrats and Republicans will continue to battle at opposite ends, tearing each other apart.
by Joune Kawas
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Embedded in rusty, crumbling walls, branded on glazed stones, scribbled on peeling posters, spreading across dark alleys’ gloomy pathways-graffiti creeps, flourishing amidst the limitless realm of the urban cityscape. These anonymous inscriptions have become surreptitiously throughout time, conservation and proliferation, part of our daily errands. Blending with their environment, immersing themselves everywhere, these scratched engravings spur universal controversy. Regularly referred to as “Unwanted” or “Sight Damage”, many consider graffiti as a form of nuisance. Nonetheless, a brighter picture has gradually been emerging throughout time as graffiti has been gaining recognition from the art world, bringing into the light its legitimacy and artistic authenticity. The issue of regarding graffiti as vandalism or sheer art is considered - is it a clash between our differing, conflicting perceptions? Eradication or acknowledgment? Let us dissect with our scalpel and explore the intricate recesses of graffiti’s ongoing pursuit of recognition – a combat stemming from ancient and obscure times.
Rewinding history’s clock, one can trace the roots of graffiti which are deeply anchored in the depths of the past. Initially, hailed and considered to embody the paroxysm of beauty, knowledge and creativity graffiti adorned a much glorified image. Recorded throughout history, ranging from paintings to cave inscriptions graffiti was representative of culture, leaving a trace of humanity which would stay immutable to Time’s tendency to erase and consume. Writings permeate throughout time, rendering Graffiti a bridge to jadis – snippets of past eras. Graffiato is a historic form which has helped gain understanding into the lifestyles and languages of past cultures, offering a veracious insight. From the Ancient Romans to La Grotte de Lascaux to the Bronx’s crime-ridden ghettos, once Man discovered his ability to modify his surroundings and expressing himself freely, graffiti has evolved, rejuvenating itself. Graffiti remains. Going beyond the destructive aspect of graffiti, brushing aside graffiti’s label as pure degradation, one must with the benefit of hindsight attempt to look beneath the surface
of things. Streets remaining communally owned by the people offering a street artists unrestricted, boundless grounds to conquer. “Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing” reminds a renowned street artist referred to as Banksy. Inevitably, one can perceive that graffiti empowers minorities who conditioned in stereotypes, secluded in derelict environments, thriving under a repressive system are unable to voice their beliefs, hopes and desires. “A wall is a very big
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born in the streets weapon. It’s one of the nastiest things you can hit someone with” reinforces the artist. A form of self-expression and an anonymous cry out to the indifferent passerby, graffiti represents a sociological connotation. Seen from this perspective, it inherently conveys a message beneath its illegible lettering or extravagant frescoes and encourages free expression, letting the reins to one’s flow of thoughts and claims loose.
tinue to create disagreement. Indeed, affirmingthat such painting bares the glorious genes of Art is something entirely subjective. One ultimately questions the true meaning of Art. Can such a universal definition truly exist? This throws us back to the basic philosophical reflections of Sartre, who stressed the innate subjectivity concerning the depiction of beauty. Art needs to be appealing for it to be perceived as such. Art stirs and triggers our senses.
Nonetheless, controversies that surround graffiti con
by Marie Poupinel
‘Sculpt, polish, engrave; May your floating dream be sealed in the resistant block.’ -THEOPILE GAUTIER
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For the past few years Julian Assange has been on everybody’s lips as the infamous founder of WikiLeaks – an organisation publishing confidential documents and images. For some people his campaign is an act of courage, for others his are no more than publicity- seeking threatening national security. Our WikiLeaks ‘hero’
is also the victim of rape allegations he is said to have committed in Sweden and is wanted in the country for questioning over the charges. Recent news about him is always quite fascinating! In 2010, Assange was detained in the United Kingdom following an nternational arrest warrant issued by Sweden
iregarding the allegations of sexual assault. The charges are focused on the claims that he raped one woman and sexually molested another while in Stockholm. His defence to these claims is that he raped one woman and sexually molested another while in Stockholm. His defence to these claims is that the encounters were
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entirely consensual. However, just a few months ago the Supreme Court of Britain ruled that he should be sent to Sweden to face questioning, thus rejecting his appeal.
became even more interesting. This decision led to tensions between Ecuador and the UK, in which the UK government refused to allow Assange passage out of the country. For now he remains in the Ecuadorean Assange’s greatest fear Embassy in London and about being sent to the question is whether the Sweden is that he may sub- UK government can enter sequently be handed over the diplomatic premises to the USA. It is not ikely of Ecuador. The ‘highly UK that he will receive the government can enter the
Mr.Assange cannot leave the embassy of Ecuador in London.” Nevertheless, Britain is insisting that it has a legal obligation to hand the WikiLeaks chief to Sweden. For now, the only likely prospect for a solution seems to be for Britain and Sweden to give credible assurances that Assange would not be handed over
julian assange:
‘the world’s most dangerous man.’ lwarmest of welcomes in the USA since publishing a mass of leaked diplomatic cables. It is also thought that his right to a fair trial would be violated. It is at this point that an unexpected South American country felt the need to step up. Assange was granted political asylum in Ecuador, which is when the situation
dangerous’ Julian Assange has once again achieved to make it to the headlines.
to American authorities. Britain indicated its willingness to resume the talks with Ecuador whereas AsIt is unknown how long sange expects to remain Assange is going to remain in the embassy for as long in the Ecuadorean Embassy, as a year. It looks like there and therefore his future still are going to be interesting seems blurry. Ecuadorian news regarding the AsPresident Rafael Correa sange case in the very near said that “this could end future, so stay tuned! tomorrow if the UK grants safe passage, or it could go by on for months and years if Rifat Koseoglu
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committee updates
AFET
The lovely delegates of AFET got to know each other really well thanks to the auction game where they had to promote the characteristics of their partners. After getting comfortable as a team, they started committee work by drawing a picture of their committee topic, which sparked off an interesting debate.
ENVI I really seemed cooperative right from the beginning. They managed to fit their feet into a tiny circle without falling. The team spirit carried on even during committee work. A collection of keywords started a long discussion between them and resulted in an impressive picture of a ‘green city’!
ENVI 1
EMPL 2
EMPL II started teambuilding with some problem-solvers where one of the delegates risked his life by climbing a tree to get through the Spider’s Web. As they get closer, their committee work is turning out to be full of interesting discussions and hopefully no one will be risking their lives anytime soon.
It is really rare to find committee members who feel so secure and confident with each other, but SEDE did it really well. Friendly to and comfortable with each other from team building to committee work, they have defended their place as the best committee at this session!
SEDE
ECON
ECON quickly bonded over several name games and acting like blind chickens. They are very eager, something that comes across when debating and trying to solve a problem. Lisa’s imagination ran wild, calling the picture game “pictureception” and wondering “why would anyone sleep with a fisherman…eurgh fish” while discussing the Abigail story.
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EMPL I, chaired by Laura Hibberd and Pieris Christofi consists of nine delegates that were welcomed with great enthusiasm. A day and a half of teambuilding brought together Bean, Christo, Dani, Elona, Emma, Marianna, Michael , Rebecca and Rosie. They are now ready to tackle their question. Respecting each other’s ideas works in this teams’ spirit.
ITRE
Alert and attentive faces, eye-brows frowned under this strange force called concentration. From silence, to an uproar of questions; I experienced ITRE’s progression towards achieving consensus regardless of their diverse backgrounds. Mature, constructive and cooperative. The Pack of Wolves is on the move.
Loveable FEMM’s teambuilding was adventurous to say the least! The highlight was Pan’s unfortunate sprained wrist. Everyone was surprised by the delegates’ creativity and communication skills. It seems that FEMM can effectively combine fun with serious work, as proven from the beginning of committee work and as will be proven
LIBE
EMPL 1
FEMM
LIBE’s delegates bonded easily during teambuilding and successfully passed all their strategy games. Even a complicated version of Pass the Orange was mastered by them. Once the team members were close enough, they started debating what to do with immigration to the EU during the economic crisis.
After a few names games and speed dating, ENVI II’s delegates started trusting each other and once their team was built, they turned directly to Committee Work. Remarking what their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were, they had no fear to start focusing on Europe’s increasing waste problems.
ENVI 2
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The generating of nuclear power starts with the mining and processing of uranium and other radioactive elements. These elements are used to feed the reactor of a nuclear power plant, generating a reaction known as fission which creates intense heat. This heat turns water in the plant into steam. The steam powers turbines, which then generate electricity and feed it into the electrical grid. On June 26 of 1954 in Russia, the world’s first nuclear power plant was used to supply electricity for commercial use. On August 27 of 1956, in the United Kingdom, a nuclear power plant connected to the national grid for the first time. As of today, there are 435 nuclear power plants in 31 countries and a further 62 plants in 14 countries under construction. The total electricity production since 1951 amounts to an impressive 69,760 billion kWh.
Besides the way nuclear energy works, the pros and cons of it have been discussed extensively in the past. In the 70’s and 80’s, demonstrations took place in most major cities of the world, with hundreds of people voicing their disagreement with nuclear power plants and nuclear weaponry. But the question remains: What is the best way of generating electricity? The high energy output of nuclear power plants and the fact that they are almost carbon free make them look very appealing. However, they are not very clean. Since uranium is required, radioactive waste, which is not biodegradable and extremely dangerous, is the hazardous bi-product. Most plants store nuclear waste in steel-lined concrete basins filled with water, where it remains radioactive for thousands of years to come.
Dreadful accidents in nuclear power plants have cost thousands of Besides the way nuclear people their lives. Three energy works, the pros and Mile Island (1979), cons of it have been Chernobyl (1986 and discussed extensively in the Fukushima Daiichi (2012) past. In the 70’s and 80’s, are the most prominent demonstrations took place examples that are still a in most major cities of health threat to people
in the surrounding areas, since the atmosphere is not free of radiation. The debate about nuclear energy remains unresolved. It is important to take into consideration that the main problem is that other ways of producing electricity cannot make up for the abolition of nuclear power plants. A lot of scientists are currently researching other possible ways of obtaining electricity but until they find them, we need to keep working for a greener Earth. Last week, on Wednesday 22nd of August, Humanity reached the point where we used all the natural resources the earth can produce within one year. As a result, we are now in ecological deficit, something thatthis happened 36 days earlier than last year, according to the Global Footprint Network. I would want to leave this question unanswered and ask you to be the ones to take a stance on this issue. Always be conscious that we have to live on our planet and that, however we choose to proceed, we will have to live with the consequences. by Danae Tselou
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danger: radiation risk
the role and impact of nuclear power in today’s energy supply
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GA sneak peek
A small preview of what to expect on GA day... As a new member of the EYP it is only natural to feel anxious about what to expect from the Session and the day of the General Assembly (GA).But do not worry! Having already been through the first day of teambuilding, you must have realised by now that your chairs are here to guide you throughout your EYP journey.
It all starts with committee work. You discuss your topic as a group and discuss everyone’s ideas and opinions. The consensus of this process ultimately culminates into a resolution that includes all the other delegates and is handed out to you in a resolution booklet the night before GA. As delegates you should keep in
mind that the resolution written by the group must feature strong arguments and be dynamic. This will make your resolution less likely to be attacked and more likely to be passed by the Assembly. Your resolutions should make people think and react. In addition, receiving the resolution the night before GA will help you defend
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your own committee’s resolution while also having the opportunity to constructively criticise the work of other groups through open debate or attack speeches. During GA, the committees will need to assign a variety of speeches and duties to different members. Firstly, one member of the proposing committee will read the operative clauses of the resolution to the Assembly. Secondly, a member of the proposing committee is given the opportunity to hold a defence speech. The purpose of this speech is to explain the resolution to the other committees. It should outline why the committee chose their respective solutions and convince the other delegates of the effectiveness of its measures.
Thirdly, during the open debate, any delegate has the opportunity to ask questions about the resolution or comment on it. The board decides after how many questions the floor will be given back to the proposing committee to answers the points raised. There will be approximately three to four rounds of open debate. The purpose of open debate is to give every delegate the possibility to voice their opinion about problems the EU is currently facing.
if you cast an empty vote. The votes are then collected and counted and the board determines whether or not the resolution has passed. It is important that delegates understand that if a resolution fails to pass, it does not mean that the resolution was not good. Failure can also be a sign of creativity and courage to suggest innovative and controversial solutions. The aim of EYP’s GA is to raise awareness on current European issues and encourage the delegates to form and voice their opinions and thus get actively involved in European politics.
Finally, students vote on whether or not the resolution passes. Each delegate can vote in favour, against, or they can abstain. Delegates are discouraged from abstaining, as EYP essentially asks you to form personal opinions and this by Christiana Karamalli is not necessarily the case
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the lovely dog Sheftalia introduced during Europe’s Got Talent is in fact alone and looking for a home. anyone interested in adopting this beautiful dog please call Maria Iordanous on 99838668
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“who said nights were for sleep?” - Marilyn Monroe
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shortcut
Q
of the day
what do you want to study and where? Have you ever felt like EYP is secretly an
international law organisation, aimed at helping solicitors all over Europe to connect? Up to this point, there were only rumours about this, but what you are currently reading is the long aspired proof. Out of ten delegates who answered our survey, five affirmed that they want to study law and all but one are planning on heading off to the UK. Those of you who choose Accounting, Medicine or Psychology as their future career can also be found at prestigious universities in Germany or France. One out of ten willing interviewees is choosing the creative path to become and actor or writer – the tie approves.
the tie
dress to impress It is getting hot in here so you better take off all your clothes - and follow these small tips, written especially for you. Wear light-coloured, comfortable clothes. Preferably dresses and loose fitting trousers. No tight jeans and suffocating t-shirts, otherwise you will probably end up fainting somewhere between debates and energisers. Dear girls, y u no pull your hair back?!/try it. Sitting in the sun with your hair loose? Not too comfortable. Pull your hair back and you will experience a new feeling of joy. On shoes: I would definitely go for sandals, sneakers or anything athletic. Keep it casual but classy. And last but not least - smile. Anywhere, anytime. It suits anyone and it is surely the best fashion advice I can give you.
playlist
The Way We See the World – Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike and NERVO got everyone hyped at the theme party! Never Be Alone – Deepside Deejays (it actually sounds like “you are in Limassol” rather than “you are in my soul”). Roza – Dimitris Mitropanos got those zempekeiko moves going. Payphone – Maroon 5 is the official pressroom song.
the session top 5
Imagine remix by John Lennon, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes brings a twist to the official EYP song.
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THE EYP CYPRUS WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF ITS GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN MAKING THIS SESSION POSSIBLE FOR ALL ITS PARTICIPANTS.
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