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Iranian man, kept for eight months, just wants to go to Canada Pages 6-7

Growing numbers of gold dealers are operating in a legal grey area page 4

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Curator of Nicosia’s Leventis Museum controls a treasure trove

Kiri Spanos is making a stand for gay rights in contest

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TV and lifestyle supplements to see you through the week

SundayMail A Little Bit of Heaven Kate Hudson battles terminal illness Monday, NovaCinema1

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Bizarre creation Pristine, over the top and bewildering: Astana, Kazakhstan’s new capital, almost defies description

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August 5, 2012

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WIN A WEEKEND FOR TWO AT THE KING’S HOTEL PAPHOS INSIDE Cyprus Wet winter led to creepy crawly baby boom 5

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Sport Superstar Bolt struts into Olympic Games 36

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LIVING

Blaming banks could backfire Over-estimating the financing needs of the banks for political expediency could be economic suicide

By George Christou

B

ANKING industry insiders are worried that Cypriot banks will come under severe pressure if the amount needed for their re-capitalisation is too high.

If the total is the €10 billion reported in the press a month ago, more than one bank would have negative capital and not be able to operate. It would then be up to the discretion of the European Central Bank (ECB) to continue providing liquidity.

Central Bank practice does not allow emergency liquidity to be given to banks with negative capital, and the ECB would then have to take a political decision to keep Cypriot banks afloat.

Not to do so would prove catastrophic for the island’s economy.

“If the ECB adhered to the rules, it would be obliged to pull the plug, unless capital was immediately injected,” said a senior banking industry source, highlighting the urgency of the re-capitalisation process over which the government is dragging its

KONTIDES MAKES HISTORY FOR CYPRUS

Sailor’s medal nation’s first

By Nemanja Bjedov

feet.

No decision has yet been reached over the total that would be needed by the banks, but it appears that the government’s attempt to blame applying for a bailout exclusively on the banks could backfire spectacularly.

Ever since the application for EU assistance was filed in June, the president and his spokesmen have been at pains to blame the banks for the development, while the Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades has announced there would be a thorough investigation into their loan portfolios and investments.

The overriding impression is that the situation is much worse than the banks have admitted. Apart from their exposure to Greek government bonds, the total extent of lending in Greece by the Popular Bank and Bank of Cyprus was the wrong side of €20 billion.

If these loans were deemed non-performing - no repayments for more than three months - they would have to

TURN TO PAGE 3

Pavlos Kontides is in second place after yesterday’s races

CYPRUS sailor Pavlos Kontides yesterday made history for Cyprus as he secured the island’s first ever medal at an Olympic Games.

The 22-year-old from Limassol is guaranteed silver and could even win the gold if leader Tom Slingsby of Australia finishes eighth or worse in tomorrow’s medal race combined with a win for Kontides, who described yesterday as “the best day of my life.”

After 10 races in the Men’s Laser category, the Cypriot is in second place with a 21point cushion over Rasmus Myrgren and a 22-point lead over Toni Stipanovic.

This means that he cannot be beaten to the silver medal.

After a disappointing performance on Friday when five-time world champion Slingsby leapfrogged him into gold medal-winning position, Kontides yesterday bounced back with a solid ninth race where he finished in seventh place.

He then improved to fourth position in the tenth and final race, leaving the Cypriot on 39 points, trailing Slingsby by 14.

Only the top ten sailors advance to the medal race where the points are doubled.

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August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Man already on abuse charges identified as boy’s rapist

Weather

Nicosia icosi osi siia sia Troodos dos

37

2 29

Paphos

32

34 4

Larnaca

By George Psyllides

Limassol

34

TODAY: Inland, temperatures will reach 37C and 34C on the southern and eastern coast. In the west it will reach 32C and 29C in the mountains. Mainly hot and sunny, but thickening cloud in the afternoon is likely to bring rain over the mountains OUTLOOK: Remaining mostly settled with a slight increase in temperatures.

YESTERDAY

Nicosia Larnaca Limassol Paphos Paralimni Prodromos

max/min temp 36 - 22 33 - 23 33 - 22 32 - 23 35 - 24 29 - 17

SUNRISE: 05.59 am

Humidity 31% 57% 60% 67% 29% 94%

SUNSET: 19.46 pm

Sunday Mail Established 1945. Number 21,298 NICOSIA 24 Vass. Voulgaroctonou, P.O. Box 21144, 1502 Nicosia Tel: 22-818585, Fax: 22-676385 email: mail@cyprus-mail.com LIMASSOL 5A Nicolaou, Pentadromos Centre, Thessaloniki St, Tel: 25-761117, Fax: 25-761141 email: cyprusmail@cytanet.com.cy LARNACA Tel: 24-652243, Fax: 24-659982 PAPHOS 62 Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, Office 2, 8046 Paphos, Tel: 26 911383 Fax : 26 221049 email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com

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The capacity of the new marina at Larnaca could reach 1,000 vessels

Larnaca upgrade finally on its way Total project for Larnaca worth ¤700m AFTER two years of negotiations, the government has signed an agreement with a private consortium for the development of the Larnaca port and marina worth around €700 million, it was announced yesterday.

The communications ministry said the aim is to start the project early next year with the first phase expected to be complete in three years.

The project will be constructed by Zenon Consortium, which will manage it for 35 years.

Communications Minister Efthimios Flourentzos said such projects “significantly bolster Cyprus’ economy and

create new jobs especially now when we are in an economic recession”.

The development will be in three phases: construction of infrastructure at the port and marina that will include a new passenger building and an offshore jetty, a yacht club and commercial space worth €130 million, and extensions of the port and the marina at a cost of €55 million.

The consortium would also have to provide part of the 200,000 square metre area for housing projects that would bring the cost close to €700 million.

“The project would turn the port into Cyprus’ main pas-

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senger port, able to accommodate large cruise ships while also servicing merchant vessels,” the ministry said.

The marina will initially have a capacity for 500 vessels while its capacity could go up to 1,000 depending on the needs.

The consortium must finalise its funding agreements within six months.

“The preliminary agreement that was signed will be used by the consortium to make the first contacts with financial organisations in a bid to find the capital to start this ambitious project as soon as possible,” said Othon Theodoulou, chairman of the district’s chamber of commerce and industry.

The plans provide for low buildings along the seafront with higher structures - socalled green buildings - located on the port peninsula.

The project will also include parks and restaurants.

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LARNACA police have released a suspect arrested in connection with the rape of a 10-year-old boy after the victim identified a 37year-old local man as the alleged attacker, it emerged yesterday.

The 37-year-old man was remanded in custody for six days as the first suspect, 34, was released late Friday night after spending a day in custody.

The 10-year-old Palestinian had been in hospital since Wednesday night’s incident.

Police spokesman Andreas Angelides said the suspect and a motorcycle he allegedly used that night had been identified by the boy.

Angelides also confirmed reports that the 37-year-old had done jail time in the past for manslaughter and is currently facing charges in connection with trying to sexually abuse two minors in the Nicosia district.

“Beyond the investigation of criminal offences, the relevant services are also kept informed because, as you understand, we are talking about serious cases with sensitive issues,” the spokesman said.

The suspect denies involvement in the case. Police expects the result of a DNA test will shed more light.

Details of the case were scarce yesterday, as the court convened behind closed doors.

Reports said the boy had identified the man at the Larnaca police HQ on Friday evening.

State broadcaster CyBC said the suspect had gone to the station to report as part of his bail terms on his existing charges.

It was not immediately clear whether the presence of both victim and alleged attacker at the station had been a coincidence.

CyBC said, however, that authorities had suspected the 37-year-old all along though they had had to detain the first suspect because he fitted the description given to them by an eyewitness.

Angelides said a 16-year-old witness also put the first suspect in the area when the perpetrator approached the 10-year-old.

The boy was on his bike at around 9 pm on Wednesday when a man on a motorbike forced him to go along with him to “show him his dog”.

The man then took the boy to a rooftop and raped him

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SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Top banker’s letters warned of dangers Classified letter reveals Orphanides’ concerns for banks

By George Psyllides THE government’s argument that it did not know the scale of Cypriot banks’ exposure to Greece has taken a further battering in recent days following the leak of a bundle of letters by the former Central Bank governor to the government.

As recently as Thursday, the government, through its spokesman, tried to shift any responsibility, saying former Central Bank governor Athanasios Orphanides had never informed them of the exposure.

The spokesman was speaking after a bundle of letters was leaked last week showing that Orphanides had repeatedly - albeit unsuccessfully - asked to meet Christofias, warning, somewhat prophetically, about the dire straits the economy was entering.

Relations between the two sides had long been chilly because Orphanides refused to toe the line.

Orphanides had repeatedly called for measures to shore up the ailing economy and blocked government plans to sell off the country’s gold reserves. He had also questioned the government’s appointment to the Central Bank board of the head of an auditing firm with an international client list, on the grounds that there was a conflict of interest.

Meetings with the president were usually set up every two months. But they stopped after seven meetings between October 8, 2008 and August 10, 2009. There was just one more in 2011.

“Mr Orphanides also met with the president after 2009, but Mr Orphanides’ meetings with the president’s associates were regular and he never gave the information on the matter of the banking system and the Cypriot banks’ exposure to the Greek economy,” Stefanos Stefanou said. Asked about a letter sent by Orphanides to Christofias, Stefanou said: “we have not seen such a letter.”

In the letter, dated March 18, 2010 and classified ‘confidential,’ Orphanides again

In March 2010 Athanasios Orphanides warned ‘consequences for the Cypriot economy will be catastrophic’ asked for a meeting, highlighting the critical condition of the economy.

He spoke of the dramatic developments in Greece and the EU in general “which intensified my pre-existing concerns about the economic developments in Cyprus”.

Orphanides said the “current economic collapse in Greece started as a fiscal crisis, endangering the banking sector, and spread into the entire economy.”

He said it then put other countries in the spotlight - Spain, Portugal, Italy prompting the adoption of unprecedented drastic measures.

Cyprus had not yet been caught in the storm, but Orphanides said it was a mat-

ter of time before the ratings agencies and the markets considered it a “country with a vulnerable and weak economy” and start downgrading its creditworthiness.

He listed various factors to support this view, including: “the widening fiscal deficits and public and private debt and the valid questions about the reliability of statistical data – for example, the finance ministry’s official estimates to international investors were adjusted upwards without explanation,

doubling the fiscal deficit.”

Orphanides also listed “the economic connection to Greece” and “the very large size of the banking sector in Cyprus as a percentage of the GDP”.

The former top banker said “our banking sector is already under pressure because of the developments in Greece …I have been warning you for the past two years about the Cypriot economy’s downhill course. I am emphasising in clearest possible terms that if there is no change in course with the adoption of substantive fiscal measures, mainly on public expenditure, the consequences for the Cypriot economy will be catastrophic.”

But even if one were to side with the government in that Orphanides had not spelled it out for them, the fact that Cypriot banks were exposed to Greek debt was already in the public domain.

Everyone knew at least as early as the summer of 2010 after the stress tests carried out by the European Banking Authority.

And the banks also published a detailed account of their bond holdings in June 2011.

Orphanides and Christofias saw each other once more in February last year before their final meet earlier this year where the banker was told his contract would not be renewed.

Kikis Kazamias, who assumed the finance portfolio in August 2011 forged a close, yet short-lived, relationship with Orphanides and is said to have lobbied for an extension of his contract. Kazamias resigned in March citing health reasons.

Orphanides did not meet with other associates of the president - in fact, the Sunday Mail has learned that Stefanou had refused to see him.

He nevertheless kept AKEL chief Andros Kyprianou informed by sending him information on Cyprus’ bond yields at regular intervals.

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, brother

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Shahe Tate who passed away on August 3rd following a short illness.

His funeral will be held at the Armenian Church of Nicosia at 3pm on Tuesday August 7th August 2012.

We call everyone who wants to honour his memory to attend.

The family requests that there is no mourning attire Donations will be welcome in place of flowers Condoleances will be accepted at the church The bereaved: The wife, the daughter, the brother

Blaming banks could backfire (Continued from front page) be classed as liabilities, thus raising the re-capitalisation requirements. It is in this respect that the Central Bank’s eagerness to play up the financing needs of the banks and spare the government the blame for its mismanagement of public finances backfired.

Speaking to the House Finance Committee on July 19, Governor Demetriades said that “the evaluations I have seen (regarding the banks’ re-capitalisation needs) range from €6billion to more than twice that amount.”

It is true there has been a big divergence of opinion even among rating agencies. Fitch estimated the banks would need €6 billion while Standard and Poor’s put the amount at €4.5 billion. Phileleftheros reported on July 4, after members of the troika - the IMF, the ECB and the EU - met Demetriades, that the amount would be €10 billion.

The Central Bank appears to have finally realised that over-estimating the financing needs of the banks for political expediency could prove suicidal for the economy. At a meeting with the heads of all the Cypriot banks on July 26, Demetriades said that the Central Bank was trying to persuade the troika that the needs of the banks did not exceed €6 billion, but that this was eas-

ier said than done.

He told the House Finance Committee that he believed the troika “would tell us to accept the highest evaluation so we would be covered and there would be (provision for) a margin of error”.

A senior banking source said: “At €6 billion, combined with the troika recipes for containing public spending, the debt should be on the sustainable side, barely.”

The source suggested that the government was “playing with fire” by adopting a policy based on the question “what’s the number that makes the banks look as bad as possible, but not as bad as to make the government debt clearly unsustainable?”

The billion dollar question however is: “If the Central Bank told the Troika the number was €10 billion one month ago, what arguments does it use to convince that it is six now?”

The delaying tactics adopted by the government, which does not seem to be in big hurry to sign a bailout could render the discussions of the re-capitalisation figure academic.

The beleaguered Popular Bank is drawing increasingly bigger amounts of emergency liquidity from the Central Bank, but this may be cut off by the time President Demetris Christofias’ government gets round to signing bailout terms and the re-capitalisation takes place.

German beaten and robbed LIMASSOL police were yesterday investigating an assault against a 28-year-old who said he was beaten by several people who then robbed him.

The man, reported to be a German permanent resident who works for a hotel, sustained multiple skull fractures and was being treated in hospital.

He had been walking on the beach when the assault took place.

He said the assailants stole his mobile phone, worth around €230 and €50 in cash.

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Home ‘Illegal tourist shark fishing catastrophic’ says marine research group NIREAS Marine Research is urging the Fisheries and Marine Research Department to implement the law to end illegal shark fishing and to penalise all those breaking the law, especially those involved in tourist fishing trips.

Nireas is a registered non-profit and non-governmental organisation involved in research documentation, education and conservation with regard to the marine environment.

“We’re especially glad because the Fisheries Department is taking a clear stand clarifying that national law strictly forbids fishing and loading onto a boat all types of shark and rays, (including) all professional tourist and fishing activities,” said Dr Maria Hadjimichael, research associate at Nireas Marine Research.

Hadjimichael was referring to the illegal fishing of harmless, protected sharks such as the basking shark in the waters off the coast of the island, especially by companies offering to take tourists out on a boat to hunt them

LAW IN PLACE “The illegal business of ‘tourist shark fishing’ which has appeared over the last few years on our island, has catastrophic effects on threatened sea life and the fragile marine ecosystem in the Mediterranean,” said Hadjimichael.

Hadjimichael applauded the Fisheries Department for its stance but also expected them to fully investigate the complaints and strictly implement the law.

“That’s why Nireas has already handed over to the Fisheries Department the relevant information and evidence,” said Hadjimichael.

The cost of partaking in this activity can start at around €1,000 according to some of the websites of companies which offer it.

A number of photos were also released on the internet and on Facebook.

One shows a tourist pulling open the mouth of a basking shark with a rope while standing triumphantly over it.

A video was also released showing tourists beating a shark to death with a hammer.

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Law needed to monitor increase in gold dealers Gold buyers are operating in a legal grey area

By Natalie Hami

W

HETHER they advertise with big yellow signs reading ‘Cash for Gold’ or simply a small, laminated piece of paper pinned onto a lamp post with a mobile number on it, gold dealers have mushroomed in recent years as the high price of gold and the effects of the recession force increasing numbers of people to flog their gold jewellery and coins.

Not only are these establishments replacing the traditional jewellery and pawn shops but they are also operating in a legal grey area. ars it’s become “Over the last two years s Kiayias, head chaotic,” said Christos of the Cyprus Assay Office in charge of certifying jewellers, of the growing ying ng gold. numbers of shops buying ho open and “There are plenty wh who ng gs as well. He actually do other things an n or sandwich might be an electrician in ng and selling maker, as well as buying a aid. gold on the side,” he said. err to buy gold These shops that offer ca ash are curat the going rate for cash y the law, he rently not regulated by that they’re said. “You can’t say that m illegal because at the moment e law,” there’s nothing in the t he added, explaining that his the need to regulate this has only arisen over the last few years.

A bill regulating the activity is currently before the House which Kiayias y hopes will be passed by the end of the year. t “In the future more than hem a likely we would give them eed to licence...they would ne need e daily price have a screen with the es and chemiof gold, weighing scales ct how many cals that would detect carats are in the item,” said Kiayias.

At the moment the Assay Office weller to buy can only certify a jeweller nts not run by gold, and establishments ctly speaking jewellers are not strictly legitimate. However, the other gold buyers can function without checks simply because there is no law.

Police spokesman Andreas Angelides admitted that this lack of regulation has become a problem particularly over the last 18 months, but the police are doing their best to monitor non-certified outlets.

“We’ve made suggestions for the law such as these premises have to hang on to the goods for ten days before selling them on and they have to keep a photo archive for a year,” he said, adding that this would minimise the sale of stolen goods from the increased numbers of break-ins

A combination of the increase in the price of gold and the recession has seen a big increase in the number of gold dealers which as yet remain unregulated by any law

and robberies.

Questioned on whether the majority of the people running a gold buying shop were in fact professional jewellers, Angelides said whether they know the business or not not, “they’re taking advantage of the gap in the market”.

One owner of a chain of jewellery stores, who is certified to buy and sell gold, said that the unregulated outlets were definitely affecting his business.

“The problem is that a lot of the people that want to sell their gold are women, and they are embarrassed to be seen at places like ours so they avoid us and end up doing deals with illegal establishments where they get ripped off too,” said the jeweller who did not wish to be named.

These illegal ones are hiding behind signs that only have their

phone number on them not even a name, he added.

He said that many of the people who come wanting to sell their gold are quite desperate and cited the examples of parents who need money for their child’s tuition fees or someone recently divorced wanting to sell their ring. They often ask for the blinds in the shop to be shut when they come in, he added.

“We agree on a price. The customer then signs a form. We note down their ID, address and we take a photo if they accept, many don’t, and then we issue a receipt,” he said Apart from buying and selling gold he also operates a pawn shop that does not apply an interest rate like a conventional pawn shop, but imposes an added sum to cover their costs.

The transaction involves the pawnbroker offering slightly less than the value of the item, an agree-

men ment nt is then th signed by both parties thatt outli outlines that the item cannot be sold s be before two months is up or befo ore the customer gives their perbefore miss sion. T mission.

To get the item back the cust tomer returns the money plus a customer sma all sum. sum small “Fo or exa “For example if the customer was give n €90 then they would give back given €98 plus p V VAT,” he said.

Ho owever he added that 90 per cent However of hi is cust his customers simply want to sell the iitems.

One paw On pawnbroker who has been in the bus business for many years and runs a pa pawn shop in Nicosia, said that he too to has been affected by the sudden ris rise in shops offering to buy and sell go gold.

“I don’t have more customers now because of the increase in cost of gold and there are some unscrupulous people, apart from jewellers, who buy gold,” he said.

He explained, however, the convenience of pawning items instead of selling them and that is simply that you can get them back. “Pawning something gives a time limit to come back in say six to eight months. With our system we give you the chance to get it back,” he said.

He said he safeguards against getting stolen goods by noting down everyone’s details which he can offer the police at any time if they need information.

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SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Varosha: a bridge for peace and hope

Winter rain led to insect baby boom More ants, cockroaches and termites this year

By Jacqueline Agathocleous THE numbers of ants, cockroaches, termites, rodents and mosquitoes are up, while those of wasps are down, and it’s all down to the heavy rain over the winter, experts say.

Ants in particular have made their presence felt this year, says Michael Socrates Michael, general director of pest controllers Atom Exterminators.

“The increase this year with the ants was because we had a lot of rain,” Michael explained. “Due to the rainfalls and then the sudden high temperatures, they are now hot and looking for food. The rain destroyed their underground channels, and they have now come up to the surface.”

Perhaps more worrying, the d to heavy rainfall is expected odlead to an increase in woodchomping termites come auhey tumn, said Michael. “They are usually active from September until November in hat Cyprus,” he said, adding that the most effective way to deal ring with any outbreak is to bring in professional pest controllers after a new law passed in 2011 banned unlicensed people from using pesticides.

Mosquitoes were also rlier swarming en masse earlier this year again due to the rain, though the worstt is now over. lem “We had a very big problem with mosquitoes from May

Bakery robbed A MAN yesterday robbed a Nicosia bakery at knifepoint, getting away with €350, police said.

The robbery took place at around 4am at a bakery in the suburb of Strovolos.

The suspect left on foot, police said.

Jewellery stolen A 66-YEAR-OLD Limassol resident reported to police that jewellery worth 11,500 euros had been stolen from her home.

The woman told officers that her home had been broken into.

until the end of June, especially in areas that neighbour with the Larnaca and Limassol salt lakes, and other lakes and rivers. But now that the mud has dried up, the quantities have reduced to a massive extent,” Michael said.

German cockroaches, the smaller ones often found on kitchen tops and in cupboards, have also increased as have rodent populations - especially ferrets.

However, there are fewer snakes around compared to previous years. “I don’t know if this is because of the weather, or because of the human factor,” said Michael.

And wasps should be less bothersome. “The heavy rain, which lasted much longer than previous years, meant the wasps didn’t manage to build their nests on an nd trees, buildings and th here are s o there fewer around this year.”

He said.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about some of the scariest creepy crawlies around: tarantulas and scorpions.

One worried reader spotted a scorpion in her back yard in Yeri, while another living in the centre of Nicosia’s old town said her cat had brought into the house three tarantulas over the past month.

This all to be expected said Spyros Sfendourakis, associate professor at the University of Cyprus’ Biological Sciences’ department.

“Scorpions are present in Cyprus of course, so the sighting of a baby scorpion is hardly surprising,” he said.

And he said tarantula sightings weren’t uncommon either, though he stressed the species in Cyprus weren’t poisonous.

“There are two spe species and actually I found o one inside my house in Ag Aglandja a month ago. They Th are s a harmless species of spider. Their bite - highly uncom uncommon - is not more painful than that of a bee bee. And one species s is en endemic to C Cyprus, meaning it is not prese present in any other pla place of the world,” said S Sfendourakis.

But he spluttered with disbelief when h he was read had told that one reader

reported seeing something she could only describe as a cockroach-frog.

“Was it a cockroach? Was it a frog? Was it a cockroach-frog? It looked like a cockroach but it seemed to have the back legs of a frog, it was so weird,” the reader told the Sunday Mail.

“There is no such thing as a cockroach-frog and it would be very interesting to see a specimen or a photo of it so we can understand what it may be referred to,” said Sfendourakis diplomatically, adding the vision was likely the result of either a misunderstanding, or an overactive imagination.

“It could be a rare species of cockroach - or less possibly frog - that is not commonly found, but this is not a surprising thing; we see rare bird species every now and then but no one gets scared of them,” he said.

“It is a common feature of human behaviour to exaggerate on strange things.”

But he added there are rare occasions when strange new species are uncovered.

“These are not new arrivals to Cyprus but new findings for the biodiversity of the country, given that we know such a small fraction of the overall insect diversity.”

He said that except for a couple of insect groups, such as butterflies and carabid beetles, there has been little systematic recording of Cyprus’ insect fauna.

INVITATION TO SUBMIT BID FOR LIGHTING FIXTURES The Open Source Center (OSC) Nicosia is pleased to invite proposals for the modification of the existing Light Fixtures in their facility in Lakatamia, Nicosia.

Interested bidders can visit OSC premises on Thursday 9 August 2012 from 09:00 to 12:00 hours to receive a detailed Scope of Work together with a drawing outlining requirements.

All interested bidders will have to pre-register by 15:00 hours on 8 August, 2012 by contacting the Administrative section at telephone number 22-362018.

All proposals must be submitted in English in sealed envelopes.

Deadline for accepting proposals will be from 10:00 - 12:00 hours on 23 August, 2012.

Quite common: tarantulas (left) look scary but they rarely attack and their bite is no worse than a bee sting. The numbers of wasps have decreased this year, while the common German cockroach (bottom left) is having a bumper year

VAROSHA can act as a bridge of peace and hope provided Turkey returns to the negotiations it abandoned because of Cyprus’ assumption of the EU presidency, President Demetris Christofias said yesterday.

Speaking in Dherynia last night, in an event marking the 38th anniversary of the seizure of Varosha by Turkish troops, Christofias said Varosha “can, as in the past, be a bridge of peace, hope, cooperation and cohabitation as long as Turkey decides to put threats and insults aside, and re-enter the dialogue it abandoned due to the assumption on the part of the Republic of Cyprus of the presidency of the European Council.”

Christofias said the Greek Cypriot side has proposed opening Varosha under the aegis of the UN with the simultaneous opening of the Famagusta port under the EU and the opening of Turkey’s EU accession chapters which have been frozen.

Such a development, he said, would give a significant boost to the procedure to solve the Cyprus issue and could constitute proof of good will for cooperation on the part of Turkey and could also be an economic boost for both communities.

Varosha was captured by the advancing Turkish troops in mid August 1974. It has remained sealed off, under the control of the Turkish military.

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6

Home

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Clockwise from bottom left: a photo of Sayed Farzin Amirkalali last week, three weeks after he began his hunger strike. A letter written by his son to the interior ministry. Sayed before his arrest. Right: Nicosia Central Prison which houses Block 10 where many illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers are detained awaiting deportation

‘I’m not a criminal’ A mistake with a student visa 15 years ago has kept an Iranian man separated from his family and detained for more than eight months, and he only wants to go to Canada

By Stefanos Evripidou HE STATE has kept a man in detention in unsuitable conditions without sunlight, fresh air or outdoor facilities for 256 days, in essence, because he failed to acquire a ‘pink slip’ in his last year of study at a Nicosia college in 1997.

Sayed Farzin Amirkalali, 47, is a computer engineer from Iran. He has spent the last eight and a half months locked up in Lakatameia police station, separated from his wife and ten-year-old son.

He is not a criminal.

In fact, he is a scientist, responsible for designing the Iranian version of the “voice command wheelchair” to help provide mobility to paralysed victims of the Iran-Iraq war. He is an expert on robotics and wants to develop his research so that a wheelchair can be instructed to move not just by voice alone, but using brain signals.

For the last three weeks, he has been on hunger strike in a Lakatameia holding cell, accepting only tea and water. Last Friday, police took him for a third time to hospital for treatment. Their patience with Amirkalali appears to be thinning.

This time, they refused him a phone call to inform his family. Instead, an inmate at the detention centre alerted his wife, Behnoosh, and Greek Cypriot friend, Nikolas Papaioannou, a classmate from his days at Intercollege in the 1990s.

He was examined by a doctor and taken for X-rays but the entire discussion between the medical staff and police was in Greek.

The patient remained unaware of his condition.

The photos of Amirkalali after his hospital visit, acquired by the Sunday Mail, reveal a shattered, emaciated man who insists on continuing his hunger strike until those who

T

usurped his freedom explain themselves, or better still, until he can eat again with his wife and child at the same table.

“He’s a wreck, physically and psychologically,” said Papaioannou, who saw him briefly at the hospital.

“They say he illegally stayed in the country in 1997 after his visa expired. That is no reason to keep someone locked up for eight and a half months. He has a clean criminal record both here and in Iran. This is discrimination and a violation of his human rights,” said Papaioannou.

“I’ve known him since 1993. We went to college together. This man is a scientist, he can deal with robots, everything. The state could have used this man’s knowledge. If they don’t want him, then let him go,” he said.

Speaking to the Sunday Mail during brief access to a mobile phone, Amirkalali said: “Two years ago, my neighbours discovered I had converted to Christianity [religious conversion away from Islam is illegal in Iran].

I left Iran for Cyprus with my family before they could arrest me.

“On the day I made my asylum application, November 23, 2011, they came and arrested me in front of my wife and son. They took me to Lakatameia and told me it would only be for a few days. There is no TV, no sunlight, no open space to exercise.

A day is a day here,” he added.

The story of Amirkalali is a complicated, sad one, highlighting the plight of those who leave their

homes for a better, safer future and end up in Cyprus, in a system that has few qualms condemning people to indefinite detention.

Last month, Ombudswoman Eliza Savvidou warned of more unrest if immigrants continue to be held in detention – often in Lakatameia or Block 10 of Nicosia Central Prison - in unsuitable locations for lengthy periods while awaiting deportation, following a fire started in Block 10.

Many end up in a police cell not because they have committed a criminal offence, but based on an administrative decision to hold them while awaiting deportation.

In a 2011 report, she highlighted that Lakatameia holding cells are “unsuitable for detention”. Detainees stay the whole time in the wing or cell without contact with the outside world, natural light or clean air. In the long term, this has clear and serious consequences on their physical and mental health, she said.

She blasted the authorities for choosing “as a rule” to almost always opt for detention: the most “onerous and coercive measure” for anyone set for deportation.

Detention should be a last resort and should not exceed six months except in “exceptional cases” and only where efforts to deport that person continue, said Savvidou.

On June 12, 2012, Amirkalali’s ten-year-old son sent a handwritten letter to the ministry, saying: “My father is in Lakatameia police station for

‘Since 1997, I came to Cyprus four times and every time I got a visa and was legally here’

6 months and 2 weeks. It’s 2 weeks that im [sic] waiting for my father to be released.

I have missed my father and I need him.

Please release my father.”

Under Cypriot law, if there is no reasonable prospect of deportation, the person in question must be immediately released.

So, on what grounds is Amirkalali being detained for deportation?

The ombudswoman’s office sent two letters to the Interior Ministry asking this very question, as has Amirkalali. Demetris Demetriou, a legal adviser for Future Worlds Centre (funded by UNHCR in Cyprus) has sent one letter. To date, none have received a reply.

The Sunday Mail spoke to the interior ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Andreas Assiotis, who said Amirkalali spent 11 months illegally in Cyprus in 1997 after which, he was put on the stop list.

Despite the fact he returned to Cyprus with a legitimate visa four times since 1997, when Amirkalali applied for asylum last November, immigration “correctly arrested” him, said Assiotis.

“These are the facts, he was on the stop list. He is illegal,” he said.

When pressed to elaborate, the ministry official questioned why the 47-year-old delayed applying for asylum after arriving in Cyprus last summer, hinting at possible abuse of the asylum system.

We asked Amirkalali the same question.

“In 1990, I came to Cyprus as a student to study Computer Engineering at Intercollege. Because my English was poor, it took me a longer time to finish my studies. In 1996, I asked for an extension of my visa for one more year to finish my studies but immigration would not issue me a pink slip,” he said.

According to Amirkalali, the authorities “agreed” with the college to let him stay an-

7

Home

SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Lack of funds scuppers Peyia’s popular annual August festival

By Bejay Browne THE ANNUAL Peyia municipal festival held every August has been cancelled this year due to a lack of funds.

Cash-strapped Peyia is unable to put on the popular August 15 event due to a backlog of unpaid taxes, according to local councillor Linda Leblanc.

“We have one company in Peyia which owes us over 800,000 euros in unpaid taxes and obviously this has a knock on effect,” she said.

Leblanc noted that many members of the council were upset by the decision to

cancel the festival but added that the funds just aren’t available.

“In previous years we have spent between 40,000-50,000 euros to bring over a Greek pop star. We couldn’t do this last year as money was tight, but this year we have had to cancel the event altogether, which is a shame.”

She said council members had suggested a smaller event, costing around 10,000 euros, but even this wasn’t possible.

“We are really having a hard time in Peyia,” she said. “All of our state subsidies have been reduced and the cut backs are considerable.”

The councillor said that numerous austerity measures had been introduced by the council in an attempt to cut back on unnecessary expenditure.

“The cost of water in Peyia was the cheapest on the island but it has now been increased. There have also been cut backs in overtime for municipal staff and all municipal vehicles must now be returned to the municipality by 2.30pm each day,” she said.

“For years some employees have been using these vehicles for personal use and the municipality has been footing the bill. All that has stopped.”

Volunteer gardeners to keep Tala green VOLUNTEER gardeners are being sought by Tala community council in Paphos to take part in a scheme which will see green areas cleared of rubbish and planted with trees and shrubs.

The idea was put forward by the ministry of agriculture and will see a close cooperation between Tala community board and local residents, schools and businesses.

“This project will see the green areas being tidied up and beautified,” said head of Tala council Areti Pieridou said The mukhtar said that many

other year without a pink slip to finish his degree. During that year, he was never contacted or informed by immigration that he was “illegal”.

“I was so naïve to trust and believe their words that everything was settled,” he said.

On July 16, 1997, his birthday, Amirkalali left Cyprus of his own free will with a Bachelor’s degree in hand.

Three years later and newly married, the Iranian graduate chose Cyprus for his honeymoon.

In 2010, he brought his wife and son for a three-week holiday to visit close Cypriot friends made during his studies.

“Since 1997, I came to Cyprus four times and every time I got a visa and was legally here and no one said anything about my name being on the stop list. I had no problem on arrivals or departures,” he said.

Two years ago, Amirkalali converted to Christianity. When his neighbours found out, he said he feared for the safety of his family.

“Apostasy is punishable by death. They (Iranian authorities) will arrest you and torture you to give names of other Christians and eventually sentence you to death.”

According to the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, under Iran’s strict interpretation of Islam, anyone converting to another religion could face the death penalty or at least life imprisonment.

Amirkalali decided to move his family to Canada. Given his financial security and innovative research skills, he was confident in securing a ‘professional migrant’ visa.

“I couldn’t wait three to five years to apply to Canada from Iran. Every minute was a risk. I told my wife I have friends in Cyprus, it is a very hospitable country, they are Christians. Let’s go there and from there to Canada,” he said, considering that the visa application in Cyprus would take much less time, six months to a year.

This is the point where the Cypriot authorities appear to reach a mental block.

Sometimes, people may leave a country in fear but still wish to be masters of their own destiny, wanting to start new lives with their heads held high. He chose to return to higher education in Cyprus.

“The one year student visa would provide me with two things: a Masters degree and

enough time to apply for an immigrant visa to Canada,” Amirkalali said.

Unfortunately for him, the college he applied to could offer cheap fees, but no visa.

Unable to wait, he brought his family to Cyprus on a tourist visa. Reminded by the college that one can only acquire a student visa from the country of origin, he returned to Iran alone in secret, avoiding his hometown. Further delays compelled him to return to Cyprus on a business visa in the hope of trading in second-hand computers until the college could sort out his student visa. It couldn’t. On the day his business visa expired, Amirkalali ran out of options and applied for asylum.

He was detained immediately. It’s been eight and a half months. His asylum was rejected. He has appealed. During his time in detention, the 47-year-old has been unable to apply for a Canadian visa.

“I am not a criminal. If I had something to hide I would never have been up front from the beginning about my story,” he said.

“I had everything in Iran: a house, a job, friends, but I had to abandon them to save my family.”

Now, he awaits the decision of the Refugee Reviewing Authority, wondering “why me and my family are considered so unwanted or so dangerous for your country”.

According to Demetriou, his case is “tragic” and his detention “unlawful”.

This is disputed by Assiotis who appears to favour the letter of the law over its spirit.

Meanwhile, the ombudswoman clearly doubts whether the ministry’s policy on detention and deportation even falls within the letter of the law.

As Demetriou noted, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled in two cases that the deportation of an Iranian Christian convert back to Iran would put his life at serious risk, amounting to a violation of Article 3 of the European Human Rights Convention.

During Cyprus’ EU presidency, as the interior ministry attempts to conclude negotiations on a Common European Asylum System by the end of the year, Amirkalali’s fate and that of his family remain in the balance, while the question arises, how many more cases like this are hiding in the artificially lit cells of Cyprus’ detention centres?

of the green areas of the village and surrounding areas are currently being used as dumping sites for rubbish.

“This is something we wanted to change and one of the main reasons for us taking part,” she said.

The clearing of the designated areas is well underway and will soon be completed, in plenty of time for planting which will commence in September.

“We have been provided with a list of suitable plants by the Ministry of Agriculture, which are mainly indigenous to Cyprus,” said Pieridou.

Most of the plants are hardy and so won’t require much water.

Tala council will be responsible for cutting and spraying the trees and shrubs once a year. The rest of the time, volunteer gardeners will be responsible for the upkeep of the area.

The mukhtar said that although Tala and the surrounding areas have numerous green areas, they are in a sorry state, littered with rubble, debris and rubbish.

For further information, call Tala Community Council- 26 652412

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8

World

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Ugandan Ebola patients are ‘likely to survive’

By Elias Biryabarema SOME of the 32 Ebola patients in isolation at a government hospital in western Uganda’s Kibaale district are responding to treatment and may be discharged soon, a health official said on Friday.

The east African country has been battling an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus which has so far killed 16 people.

Health officer Dan Kyamanywa said on Friday there had been no new deaths in two days.

“There are signs of optimism because a big number of the 32 patients we have in isolation are recovering. In fact 9 of the 32 are doing very well and if they keep their current recovery momentum we might discharge them soon,” he said.

There is no cure for Ebola, which is transmitted by body fluids such as saliva, sweat and blood, but doctors can treat symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting.

Residents in western Uganda say they are too scared to go shopping in local markets for fear of catching the Ebola virus in Kibaale, 170 km (100 miles)

west of the capital Kampala.

Kibaale is near the Democratic Republic of Congo where the virus first emerged in 1976, taking its name from the Ebola River.

Tourism Minister Ephraim Kamuntu on Friday acknowledged that the Ebola outbreak was putting off some potential tourists but said Uganda was safe and the outbreak was confined to one district.

In neighbouring Kenya, test results from two suspected cases of Ebola have come back negative, a spokesman for the Public Health Ministry said.

A doctor displays collected samples of the deadly virus

After ‘halftime in US’ Clint picks Romney Hollywood legend says America needs ‘a boost’ The authorities destroyed more than 50 tonnes of the drug, but Peru is better known for its cocaine production

Peru burns record marijuana haul in five-day crackdown POLICE in Peru say they have destroyed more than 50 tonnes of marijuana.

In an operation lasting five days, the police say they located a record 207,000 marijuana plants in two central regions of the country.

According to a report released this week by the US Office of National Drug Control Policy, Peru is the top cocaine producer in the world, followed by Bolivia and Colombia.

Analysts say that little is known about Peru’s marijuana production.

Peru’s Interior Minister Wilfredo Pedraza said the police operation had led to the burning of 17 times more marijuana than had been destroyed in the whole of 2011.

Police Director Gen Raul Salazar said a total of 34.5 hectares (85.25 acres) of marijuana plantations had been destroyed in the La Libertad and Huanaco regions.

Gen Salazar said the police had identified the financial

brains behind the marijuana plantation and were moving in on him.

Milton Rojas of the Peruvian Centre for Information and Education for the Prevention of Drug Abuse (CEDRO) said that most of Peru’s marijuana production seemed to be for domestic consumption.

Rojas told the BBC’s Mattia Cabitza in Lima that unconfirmed reports suggested that marijuana plants were increasingly being grown alongside coca bushes.

In its annual report, also published this week, the US Office of National Drug Control Policy said that coca cultivation in Peru increased by 33% between 2009 and 2010.

According to the report, for the first time in recent history potential pure Peruvian cocaine production exceeded that of Colombia.

Peru’s Interior Minister Wilfredo Pedraza said the government was pursuing “an aggressive strategy” to reverse this trend.

By Sam Youngman MITT Romney must be feeling lucky, punk.

The Republican presidential candidate got a surprise boost yesterday when the star of Dirty Harry, Academy Award winning actor and director Clint Eastwood appeared at Romney’s fundraiser in Idaho, telling reporters he endorsed Romney because “the country needs a boost somewhere.”

“He just made my day,” Romney said.

Romney aides said that the event in the state’s Sun Valley raised more than $2 million, a record for a fundraising event in the state of Idaho.

Eastwood was reluctantly drawn into the 2012 campaign earlier this year when an ad by Chrysler, entitled ‘Halftime in America,’ ran during halftime of the Super Bowl, narrated by Eastwood and seemingly an endorsement of President Barack Obama.

At the time, Eastwood said flatly that he was not endorsing either candidate, telling Fox News Channel he is “certainly not politically affiliated with Mr. Obama.”

“It was meant to be a message just about job growth and the spirit of America,” Eastwood said at the time.

“I think all politicians will agree with it. I thought the spirit was OK. I am not supporting any candidate at this time.”

Feeling lucky: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (right) got a surprise boost from Clint Eastwood That changed yesterday as Eastwood lumbered unaccompanied across the bridge to the resort where about 325 people turned out to contribute to Romney’s campaign.

Eastwood took the stage after an impromptu introduction from Romney, telling the crowd that he first saw Romney when the candidate was running for governor of Massachusetts and Eastwood was directing the movie Mystic River in Bos-

ton.

Eastwood said he kept seeing Romney’s ads and thinking, “God, this guy, he’s too handsome to be governor.

But it does look like he could be president.”

Tax fairness was the primary reason Eastwood cited in his remarks for endorsing Romney, saying Romney will “restore a decent tax system... so there’s a fairness and people are not pitted against each other.”

Eastwood joked with re-

porters before the event.

When asked why he was endorsing Romney, Eastwood, behind Ray-Ban sunglasses, said flatly: “I haven’t endorsed the Governor.”

As the press stood confused, Eastwood let everyone in on the joke, that he was in fact there to endorse Romney.

When asked if this was his second act of ‘Halftime in America,’ Eastwood laughed off the suggestion, saying “that’s pretty good.”

UN to send aid to flood-hit North Korea THE UN World Food Programme (WFP) has said it will send a first batch of emergency food aid to impoverished North Korea, where a series of deluges and a typhoon have left hundreds of people dead or missing.

The North’s state media reported yesterday that the death toll from flooding between late June and the end of last month had increased to 169.

KCNA news agency said the number of missing had risen to some 400, while 212,200 had been left home-

less.

In a statement published on its website on Friday, WFP said it would send emergency assistance comprising “an initial ration of 400 grams of maize per day for 14 days”.

A United Nations mission which recently visited the affected regions found considerable damage to maize, soybean and rice fields, the WFP statement said.

KCNA reported yesterday the floods had washed away 65,280 hectares of farmland.

It added more than 1,400 educational, healthcare and

factory buildings had also collapsed or damaged.

Since the mid-1990s, North Korea’s agricultural sector has become increasingly vulnerable to floods and drought as a result of widespread deforestation.

In Geneva on Friday, UN agencies said access to North Korea has improved during the most recent flooding, indicating the country wants to ease its traditional isolation at least temporarily.

Still, it remains one of the world’s most reclusive states.

9

World

SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Saudi soldier killed by gunmen

China hits back at West over Syria Fresh fighting in Aleppo and Damascus

By Ben Blanchard CHINA hit back yesterday at criticism of its stance over the crisis in Syria following a vote at the United Nations which overwhelmingly condemned the Syrian government, repeating Beijing’s position that outside interference will not help.

The special session of the 193-nation UN General Assembly on Friday night approved the Saudi-drafted resolution, which expressed “grave concern” at the escalation of violence in Syria and condemned the Security Council for its inaction.

As expected, Syria’s staunch ally Russia was among the 12 countries that opposed the resolution in the assembly, where no country has a veto but all decisions are nonbinding. Others that voted against it included China, Iran, North Korea, Belarus, Cuba and others nations that often criticise the West.

Western diplomats said the vote highlighted the isolation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s supporters Russia and China.

Speaking at a hastily arranged news conference in Beijing, Wang Kejian, deputy head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s West Asian and North African Affairs Department, said China continued to support efforts at a peaceful, political solution for Syria.

“We should not easily close the window to a political solution let alone start military intervention,” Wang said.

“China understands the desire of Arab countries and the Arab League for a swift resolution of the Syrian crisis.

“We have on numerous occasions stressed to various parties that the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Syrian people for change and for safeguarding their interests deserve respect,” Wang said.

“The Syrian government should adopt concrete measures to respond to these demands and requests. We have repeatedly stressed that the future and destiny of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people independently.

“Those countries which have made unfounded criti-

cism about China’s position on Syria ... have, in pursuit of their own geopolitical interests in Syria, tried to hinder or undermine the political settlement process and are trying to shift responsibility for the difficulties onto other countries,” he added.

Russia and China voted down a Security Council resolution on Syria last month, the third time the two countries have used their veto power to block resolutions designed to isolate Assad and end the 16-month conflict that has killed thousands.

Syrian forces meanwhile clashed with rebels around Aleppo’s television and radio station yesterday, activists said, and a local rebel commander said his fighters were preparing for a “strong offensive” by government forces on the country’s largest city.

Syrian troops back by armour stormed the last opposition bastion in Damascus on Friday in a drive to crush a rebel offensive that coincided with a bomb attack that killed four of President Bashar al-Assad’s top security officials.

A Syrian rebel poses in front of a vandalised mural depicting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (R), his late father Hafez al-Assad (C) and his late brother Bassel al-Assad

A SAUDI soldier has been shot dead patrolling an area populated by minority Shi’ite Muslims, the Interior Ministry said, and one of the gunmen was killed in the ensuing shoot-out.

The deaths bring to 11 the number of people killed in the Qatif area since November in protests by members of Saudi Arabia’s Shi’ite minority over what they see as entrenched discrimination.

“A security patrol was exposed to heavy fire from four armed rioters on motorbikes when pausing at a street intersection in Qatif,” state news agency SPA reported, quoting Interior Ministry spokesman Mansour Turki.

Turki said the gunmen had been arrested after an exchange of fire in which one of them was killed, and said another man suffering a bullet injury had been arrested at the hospital.

He added that the inciden had led to the death of one soldier, named as Hussein Bawah Ali Zabani, and the wounding of another, named as Saad Miteb Mohammed al-Shammari, whom he said was taken to hospital.

10

Olympics

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY SUNDA MAIL

A lot of very, very important people have gone to London in helicopters, superyachts and private jets. Now they are there, they expect nothing less than gold-medal service, says Susannah Butler

M

OVE over Monaco.

Thanks to this summer’s games London has become the only destination the superrich are dropping into. They are arriving using private jets, chartered motorboats and, most especially, helicopters. Look up and Londoners can see that the city’s skyline is buzzing with helicopter rotors as the well-heeled visitors make their way into the capital for the Olympics.

Now the VVIPs have arrived they expect nothing less than Olympian levels of luxury.

The Obamas and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Hollywood royalty including Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were all in London for the opening, and billionaire Roman Abramovich is said to be docking his yacht on the Thames so he and girlfriend Dasha Zhukova can be at the heart of the action.

But when VVIPs aren’t watchi watching sport, i they certainly won’t be idle - as a soc hectic social schedule of schmoozing awaits awa them.

In between parti parties, they expec expect to be amus amused and pampered at every opp o r t u n i t y.

Leading concierge services an and memb bers’ clubs, including Quintes-

Boat people: Roman Abramovich and Dasha Zhu Zhukova

Haves and have yachts: a super yacht moored at Canary Wharf, one of many in town for the Games

The VVIP Olympics sentially Lifestyle, have been flooded with requests from wealthy clients from Russia, China and Switzerland.

Here are just a few of the essentials that some of the Games most high maintenance revellers have requested.

The ultimate river transfer Forget Games lanes. First-class visitors can take a chartered motorboat down the river straight to the Olympic Park. Former Royal Marine Commandos are manning the boats and they are happy to arrange stopoffs for food, drink and pampering. It will be a 24- hour service throughout the Olympics - which will be handy for all of those swanky post-podium parties.

The superyachts Up to 100 boats have transformed the Thames into a luxurious floating village. Microsoft founder Bill Gates has moored his boat Gogypus at the Royal Docks in east London, five miles from the stadium.

Frank Lowy, cofounder of the Westfield Group, has brought his 74metre superyacht Ilona to Canary Wharf and there are rumours that Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse, the largest private yacht in the world, is also heading to London.

But those without their own need fear not - there are plenty of chartered yachts to choose from. The Seanna, complete with a splendid jacuzzi, can be rented for £294,000 a week - bargain.

The dogs

The booze - in general

One visitor just couldn’t survive the Games without his 15 pooches.

He chartered a private jet to London so they could enjoy the Games too.

The blinging caviar O n e VV I P requested very rare albino caviar, from sustainable farmer’s Siberian Gold Caviar. It’s gold coloured so will be perfect for celebrating medal wins.

As only 25kg is produced a year, and it costs about £46,000 per kilo, it’s simply perfect for those who fancy something exclusive.

The 2012 cocktail Nightclub Chinawhite has mixed up London’s most expensive cocktail for its Olympic after-party. It’s £2,012 and is made with Hennessy Paradis Imperial cognac, es leaf Luxor 24-carat gold pictures made champagne and has a handmade set of 18-carat gold rings att the y for bottom of each glass. Surely ould more than £2,000 they could d? have used 24-carat instead? e Roman and Dasha won’t be impressed.

While medal winners will receive French champagne from Luxor, who have made special gold-leaf gilded bottles that they are able to personalise with names and messages, why not celebrate those golds, silvers and bronzes with wines and spirits from each of the different countries participating in London 2012? Many Chinese clients have apparently requested bottles of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky, which retails at £200 a bottle. They have been engraved with the London 2012 logo.

The great escape Not all of the super-rich have been staying here for the full 17 days, not when they’ve got all that jet-setting to do. The south of France is a safe distance from which to fly to and fro - and the weather there might just be more reliably first class.

Games on: Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta-Jones

Deprived area of London looks for a bright future beyond the Games

By Keith Weir EAST London’s Stratford wants to ensure that its two weeks in the global spotlight as Olympic host translate into a brighter future for some of the poorest people in Britain.

Blighted by pollution from its past as a producer of paints and chemicals, Stratford was anonymous and neglected until the award of the Games to London seven years ago help put regeneration plans on fast forward.

Its appearance has been transformed by the building of the Olympic Park, bankrolled by nine

billion pounds ($14.10 billion) of public funding, and the opening of Europe’s largest urban shopping mall by Australian developer Westfield.

However, local politicians and developers know the hardest part is to come, ensuring that new communities and businesses flourish once Usain Bolt and co have left town.

“People move into the borough, get jobs and move out, leaving behind a welter of poverty,” Robin Wales, mayor of the local Newham district, said on Wednesday.

“If we keep it going for the next decade, then we will see a change for our people and the Olympics and all the investment will have

been worthwhile,” he added.

Wales, who despite his name is a fast-talking Scotsman, says the borough is the second most deprived in Britain and life expectancy is several years lower than in wealthier central London.

Stratford has benefited from 12.5 billion pounds of investment, on top of what has been spent on the Olympic Park, and sees a future as a centre for technology companies and a base for university campuses.

The fate of the Olympic Stadium is still to be decided, with local Premier League soccer club West Ham among four bidders who want to move in after the Games.

The blocks of flats where athletes

are housed and which are currently draped with national flags will provide 2,800 new homes from next year in a development named “East Village”.

Qatari Diar, owned by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, and property company Delancey spent 557 million pounds to buy more than half of the flats.

“We are going to be setting out to make the flats available on a longterm rental basis,” said Stuart Corbyn, Chairman of Qatari Diar Delancey. That is unusual for Britain where people normally aspire to buy their own homes.

Corbyn praises the area’s transport links - a high speed train taking only seven minutes to central

London is a revelation even for people living in the capital.

Eurostar trains heading to Paris and Brussels whistle through Stratford International without stopping but local politicians want the stop to be added to the network.

The Westfield shopping centre, built at a cost of 1.5 billion pounds on the edge of the Olympic Park, is bustling during the Games. Its owners say it is attracting 800,000 visitors each week.

With its up-market shops, restaurants and casino, Westfield is a clear statement of the intent to make Stratford part of mainstream London.

11

Olympics

SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Games souvenirs no golden opportunity Olympic organisers are busy pushing memorabilia but as a rule it’s wise to buy for love rather than investment

By Lucy Tobin NOW the London Olympic organisers have nearly sold out of tickets or, in the case of football, given up on the hope of doing so - they are focusing on a new source of revenues: ofďŹ cial memorabilia.

They want Londoners and Games visitors to snap up everything from the T-shirts and cuddly Mandeville mascots being ogged at the OfďŹ cial London 2012 shops to the net that is to be used in the men’s goldmedal volleyball match, ofďŹ cial score sheets and a baton from the men’s 4x100m relay (http:// memorabilia.london2012.com). Most will make a nice souvenir, but will any actually make you money? “You should buy what you like and collect because you enjoy it, because collectability is hard to predict,â€? says Sophie Churcher, a valuer at auction house Christie’s. “Medals, torches, and special prizes are the items collectors are most interested in, but lots of merchandise

for 2012 has been mass produced and is unlikely to show a signiďŹ cant increase in value.

So the ďŹ rst crucial rule of Olympics investing is to buy for love, and hope it could turn into an investment - not the other way round. The second is to make sure any collectables you buy are authentic - which usually means a Locog licence will be draped all over it. “We have an Olympics auction in September featuring posters,â€? adds Churcher, “and although some of the non-ofďŹ cial ones will sell well due to their age or because they are beautiful lithographs, it’s the ofďŹ cial Olympic merchandise that collectors are most interested in.â€? Medals tend to be good investments as they are limited in number and become a part of history. April saw the most expensive piece of Olympic memorabilia ever sold: a silver cup from the ďŹ rst 1896 Olympic marathon won by Greece’s Spyros Louis, which sold at Christie’s for ÂŁ541,250.

But for the average Joe, these will

be hard to get hold of: most winners won’t be selling them, or at least not yet. Coins are, however, readily available.

The Royal Mint has released sets of Olympic coins, which cost from ÂŁ25.

But dealer Alan Demby, who runs The Scoin Shop, says that although coins minted for Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000 are now selling at up to three times their issue price, that may not be the case this year. “With London being a hugely popular Games, there is an abundance of memorabilia and coins to choose from, which can make it more difďŹ cult to differentiate which will hold their value in years to come,â€? he says. “Products sold for less than ÂŁ250 generally will not appreciate much in value.â€?

Still, the pricier, limited mintage gold coins could be worthwhile.

One of the 29 Chinese gold 100,000 yuan (ÂŁ10,000) coins made for the 2008 Beijing Olympics last year sold for ÂŁ359,000.

Tracy Martin, modern collecta-

bles expert who values items on the BBC’s Flog it! programme, points out that the Olympic Torch Relay pin for London 2012 is “already selling at 10 times its original purchase price of ÂŁ5 and Coca-Cola’s Big Ben pin from its London Landmarks collection is selling for prices upwards of ÂŁ50â€?.

But a full set of Olympic pins can cost more than £10,000 and may not hold their value. Locog’s one for the

opening ceremony currently sells for ÂŁ12; one for the Beijing Games is on eBay for ÂŁ10.

The best investments are those you can’t buy. “Media pin badges are always hugely desirable and a pin badge recently made available to BBC staff to mark London 2012 sold for ÂŁ100,â€? adds Martin. So if you spot Olympic attendees being nice to journalists, this may be why.

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12 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion

How dare the public parasites blame the private sector THE ARROGANCE of the public sector union bosses was on splendid display at the meeting they had on Tuesday which aimed to set up an ‘anti-bailout’ front.

Afterwards, the self-important union leaders spoke as if they were some higher authority, demanding they were told “the bill that Cyprus society would be called to pay”, and the measures that would be taken to lead the country out of recession.

“We need to make sure that the recipe (of measures) would lead us out of the economic crisis and not create the problems similar recipes had caused elsewhere,” said self-righteous PASYDY boss Glafcos Hadjipetrou who had called the meeting. The meeting was also attended by bosses of police, army, teaching and banking unions, but it was Hadjipetrou who was the leader and introduced a ‘class war’ agenda, directing his fire at employers and wealthy tax evaders.

Regarding the unemployed, he

said: “Is it the workers in the broader public sector who are to blame (for the high number of unemployed) and not those who were exploiting these people and making profits for so many years but did not show the kindness and compassion to keep them at work in the difficult years?” It is outrageous that people living off the taxpayer’s generosity are now turning on the businesses that gave them an enviable standard of living, which their small contribution to wealth creation in no way justified.

But public sector union bosses think they own the country, which is why they are behaving like our overlords, demanding explanations, attacking businesses and dictating who will pay for the bailout. Yet things are very simple. The government applied for a bailout, because of the banking crisis and also because the costly state sector is no longer viable.

The big salaries, pensions and bonuses paid to public sector work-

Cyprus Mail

ers have led the state to bankruptcy. It can only survive if it drastically cuts the public payroll, as the finance minister pointed out on Tuesday, or sacked 10 per cent of its inefficient workforce.

And it is only fair that the people who were benefiting from the state’s profligacy - public sector employees - should now bear the brunt of the austerity measures.

The same applied to the bank employees, whose union leader kept a low profile at Tuesday’s meeting. For years bank employees were by far the best-paid and best-looked after workers of the private sector. Banks were doing well and the union secured ultragenerous pay rises and benefits for its members. Now the banks are in deep trouble, so their employees will have to make the big sacrifices needed for their employers’ survival; some might

lose their jobs Hadjipetrou should not concern himself too much with the private sector workers who have been suffering the effects of the recession for three years now, long before the pampered public servants had been forced to accept tiny, temporary pay cuts.

Private sector workers made plenty of sacrifices because the companies that employed them were struggling to stay afloat; the 10 per cent of the work-force that is currently jobless is exclusively from the private sector.

It is offensive to hear the leaders of our labour aristocracy demanding that everyone should share the burden of the recession and the austerity measures, austerity measures made necessary because the public employees were being paid princely salaries and pensions financed by borrowed money. The teaching unions are now also engaging in the class war rhetoric.

Are unions being put up to this

by the government and AKEL who seem intent on rallying public opposition to the bailout which, ironically, the government itself had asked for? Are they preparing the grounds for rejecting the troika’s bailout terms? We hope not, but nothing should surprise us in a country in which the unions, encouraged by a disreputable government, have now turned on the businesses that were paying their members’ fat salaries.

Nobody likes austerity measures and everyone suffers from them, but it is morally just that public employees should bear the brunt of them as it is their unending greed that led the state to bankruptcy and in need of a bailout.

Their union bosses should cut the class war rhetoric and, for once, put the interests of the country above those of their pampered and privileged members.

Public employees must for the first time pick up the “bill that Cyprus society would be called to pay.”

Letters to the Editor Compared with Crete, Cyprus’ tourism jaded As a regular visitor to Cyprus, I recently spent a few days here with friends before heading off for a week to Crete for the first time.

I expected the two islands to offer similar experiences, but how wrong I was!

Don’t misunderstand me. I love the relaxed lifestyle in Cyprus, and I feel a weight lift off my shoulders when I arrive here to chill out; however, as a new tourist I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the contrast which Crete offers.

I felt very welcome in Crete. The staff in restaurants, shops and hotels were consistently friendly, smiling and pleasant.

Unfortunately this is no longer the case in Cyprus, where staff are at best just civil, and at worst downright rude.

Cretan people were proud to show their handicrafts and prices were very reasonable. In Cyprus, I can

rarely find anything to buy as a souvenir as I have seen it all before; the cheap, and frankly trashy, offerings, which are relentlessly displayed year in and year out – the same poor quality and over-priced offerings – and all it seems now to be made in China.

In these times of financial hardship for all of us the Cretan people are fighting financial adversity by ensuring that tourists will want to return again.

Cyprus you are lagging so far behind I worry for your future...not due to the financial crisis but for your indifferent and even hostile attitude towards visitors to your beautiful island. Be proud of your island, its heritage and its wildlife; be welcoming.

Revive your originality or lose your flagging tourist industry completely.

Did everything right but still beaten by red tape

Boy racers and the ‘Mickey Mouse Squad’

I lived in Cyprus from 2005 to 2010. I was - I would have thought - the sort of person the island needs to attract. My income not huge, but reasonable - was all spent in Cyprus and I even tried to register for income tax there.

I was beaten by bureaucracy in this as in so many other issues. I encountered racism - I was married to a Filipino woman the vagaries of the exchange rate, and so on, but in the end it was the sheer hopelessness that drove me to leave.

I tried my best to understand the place, I really did. I read everything I could find on the ‘Cyprob’. I made allowances.

I had Cypriot friends. I could never understand why an independent country had another sovereign state’s flag flying everywhere, the stranglehold that a Church of questionable ethics and morals exercised, etc., etc.

None of this is new or unrecognised by so many people there. In my opinion, joining the EU was disastrous for Cyprus and entering the euro was even worse.

It reinforced a view popularly held that Cyprus was larger, more important than it

Re your article in the Cyprus Mail dated July 26, 2012: ‘Number of road deaths among 18-24 year olds alarming’, traffic department chief, Demetris Demetriou is quoted as saying: “whatever we should be doing... we’re doing.....we’re battling onwards” Visiting a restaurant in Xylotymbou we were greeted by boy racers on motorbikes going up and down the road with no helmets.

To our joy a police car came past and we thought they would apprehend them but it carried straight on as if the racers were invisible.

So is this Mr Demetriou’s “battling onwards”? Obviously not all, but some of the police must train in Disneyland to become The Mickey Mouse Squad.

People say talk is cheap and unfortunately it seems so are the young lives of Cyprus

really is and encouraged its politicians in their delusions of grandeur.

In reality, the whole of Cyprus is smaller than many cities and has about the same importance.

Now things seem to be coming to a head.

The vastly overstaffed and overpaid public service, the corruption, nepotism, the ‘rip-off ’ mentality, the whole scandal of title deeds, the ‘baksheesh’ system of banking and finance.

I don’t think my comments are too harsh, and to balance them I have great sympathy for the ‘ordinary’ Cypriot who will have to suffer the greatest deprivations before this whole mess is sorted out.

I have no idea how things will turn out.

Just one final thought.

The photos accompanying the news reports of the ‘troika’ team portray youngish, professional people including women.

I have no doubt that being ‘dressed down’ by such a team will be doubly hard in the patriarchal and misogynistic society that Cyprus portrays.

Name and address withheld

Sue Butler, via email

‘Contract of sale’ - brief warning I read the article “Chinese buyers offer hope to a dormant housing market” with some interest.

I hope that the Chinese do not suffer the same fate of others, both Cypriot and non-Cypriot, who have been duped and mislead by the ‘crooks’ masquerading as ‘honest’ property developers and lawyers.

There is one statement in the article that needs further clarification - “in 2011 the government introduced a ‘specific performance law’ which grants a contract of sale precedence over any pre-existing mortgage.”

Those buying property should be aware that a contract of sale will only be granted precedence over a pre-existing mortgage if the mortgage lender is paid the amount of the mortgaged debt attributable to the property they are purchasing.

A contract of sale will not be granted precedence over any preexisting mortgage unless the purchaser (or developer/vendor) pays the mortgage lender as described above.

Nigel Howarth, Limassol

Fuel price cap? Don’t hold your breath With reference to the article (‘Cheaper fuel should lead to lower prices’, Cyprus Mail July 28, this story will run and run, as it has done for decades.

I worked in the oil industry in the UK for a dozen years and just as probably happens here, when there was a VAT increase or an easily forecast hike in the cost of crude oil, the petrol retailers would quickly order a supply beforehand, fully topping up their tanks, so profiting from their ‘old’ priced stock and making a significant turn from the motorist.

This was effectively inhibited in two ways. Eventually, once it woke up, the government when announcing a VAT increase, or a very rare decrease, made sure it was effective from midnight that same day.

And the petrol companies would all agree immediately to severely limit deliveries to stations to prevent, at least to some extent, the degree of profiteering.

But when prices fell, again rather rare, the petrol stations were invariably very slow to acknowledge this.

What a surprise.

And of course we see this in Cyprus all the time.

As for the latest price rise here it is inconceivable that all the petrol stations ran out of their earlier cheaper stock on the same day at the same hour, but this is what we witnessed and the government’s commerce ministry should not remain unconcerned by this public and widely resented phenomenon.

So, shall we see a welcome price cap?

Don’t hold your breath. . .

Clive Turner, Paphos

Steve Gray, Pyla

Boy racers II I live in Limassol, in the tourist area near Four Seasons hotel.

The noise from night racing is horrendous, I have tried contacted the local Yermasoyia police but after no one showed up twice, I just gave up.

If a traffic officer could come, incognito, just for one night they would realise how difficult it is for hardworking people to get a decent night’s sleep.

Laurentiu N, Limassol

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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.

13 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Opinion

The US Geological Survey has forecast the Arctic seabed may contain almost one-fourth of the world’s remaining oil and gas resources

Race for the Arctic, but no war With the ice melting fast, all eyes are on the Arctic’s more readily accessible oil reserves

R

USSIAN television contacted me last night asking me to go on a programme about the race for Arctic resources. The ice is melting fast, and it was all the usual stuff about how there will be big strategic conflicts over the seabed resources - especially oil and gas - that become accessible when it’s gone.

The media always love conflict, and now that the Cold War is long gone, there’s no other potential military confrontation between the great powers to worry about.

Governments around the Arctic Ocean are beefing up their armed forces for the coming struggle, so where are the flash-points and what are the strategies? It’s great fun to speculate about possible wars.

In the end I didn’t do the interview because the Skype didn’t work, so I didn’t get the chance to rain on their parade. But here’s what I would said to the Russians if my server hadn’t gone down at the wrong time.

First, you should never ask the barber if you need a haircut. The armed forces in every country are always looking for reasons to worry about impending conflict, because that’s the only reason that their governments will spend money on them. Sometimes they will be right to worry, and sometimes they will be wrong, but right or wrong, they will predict conflict. Like the barbers, it’s in their professional interest to say you need their services.

So you’d be better off to ask somebody who doesn’t have a stake in the game. As I

Comment Gwynne Dyer don’t own a single warship, I’m practically ideal for the job. And I don’t think there will be any significant role for the armed forces in the Arctic, although there is certainly going to be a huge investment in exploiting the region’s resources.

There are three separate “resources” in the Arctic. On the surface, there are the sea lanes that are opening up to commercial traffic along the northern coasts of Russia and Canada. Under the seabed, there are potential oil and gas deposits that can be drilled once the ice retreats. And in the water in between, there is the planet’s last unfished ocean.

The sea lanes are mainly a Canadian obsession, because the government believes that the North-West Passage that weaves between Canada’s Arctic islands will become a major commercial artery when the ice is gone. Practically every summer Prime Minister Stephen Harper travels north to declare his determination to defend Canada’s Arctic sovereignty from - well, it’s not clear from exactly whom, but it’s a great photo op.

Canada is getting new Arctic patrol vessels and building a deep-water naval port and Arctic warfare training centre in the region, but it’s all much ado about nothing.

The Arctic Ocean will increasingly be used as a shortcut between the North Atlantic and the North Pacific, but the shipping will not go through Canadian waters. Russia’s “Northern Sea Route” will get the traffic, because it’s already open and much safer to navigate.

Then there’s the hydrocarbon deposits under the Arctic seabed, which the US Geological Survey has forecast may contain almost one-fourth of the world’s remaining oil and gas resources. But from a military point of view, there’s only a problem if there is some disagreement about the seabed boundaries.

There are only four areas where the boundaries are disputed. Two are between Canada and its eastern and western neighbours in Alaska and Greenland, but there is zero likelihood of a war between Canada and the United States or Denmark (which is responsible for Greenland’s defence).

In the Bering Strait, there is a treaty defining the seabed boundary between the United States and Russia, signed in the dying days of the Soviet Union, but the Russian Duma has refused to ratify it. However, the legal uncertainty caused by the dispute is likelier to deter future investment in drilling there than to lead to war.

And then there was the seabed boundary

dispute between Norway and Russia in the Barents Sea, which led Norway to double the size of its navy over the past decade. But last year the two countries signed an agreement dividing the disputed area right down the middle and providing for joint exploitation of its resources. So no war between NATO (of which Norway is a member) and the Russian Federation.

Which leaves the fish, and it’s hard to have a war over fish. The danger is rather that the world’s fishing fleets will crowd in and clean the fish out, as they are currently doing in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.

If the countries with Arctic coastlines want to preserve this resource, they can only do so by creating an international body to regulate the fishing. And they will have to let other countries fish there too, with agreed catch limits, since it is mostly international waters. They will be driven to co-operate, in their own interests.

So no war over the Arctic. All we have to worry about now is the fact that the ice is melting, which will speed global warming (because open water absorbs far more heat from the Sun than highly reflective ice), and ultimately melt the Greenland icecap and raise sea levels worldwide by seven metres.

But that’s a problem for another day.

Gwynne Dyer is a London-based independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

We never realise the seriousness of our problems Comment Loucas Charalambous IN AN INTERVIEW he gave to Antenna TV last Tuesday, DISY chief Nicos Anastasiades came up with the wisest thing I have heard from a Greek Cypriot politician in the last few years.

He said: “Our most serious problem is that we do not realise the seriousness of our problems.”

A day has probably not gone by in the last 60 years of life of this peculiar country, which has not confirmed Anastassiades’ view.

Is there any chance of reading or watching the news on any day without being reminded of the fact that, as a rule, we have no concept of the seriousness of problems we face?

If all those, who took the decisions about our future all these years, had been capable of comprehending the gravity of the variety of problems facing the country and tackling them, there is no way we would be in such trouble today.

The strange thing is that, as time passes, we learn nothing from our mistakes but become even worse.

Take our president, who, as I wrote last week, is moving on a downward spiral. You only had to read the nonsensical comments he uttered while on holiday in London in the last week.

He found himself among uncritical expatriates and saw it as an opportunity to indulge in demagoguery, bombarding us every day with inanities. Among his priorities was to prove that he was no lesser patriot than others and suddenly he became

a Turk-baiter.

He accused Turkey’s PM Tayyip Erdogan and his government of “wanting to bring thousands and thousands of settlers to Cyprus so that there are as many Turks as Turkish Cypriots”. The president was implying that he was not aware that “thousands and thousands of settlers” are already here.

He forgets that he is one of the biggest culprits for what has happened. In 2004 there were about 41,000 settlers and today there are about 300,000 if not more.

The floodgates were opened after the rejection of the Annan plan in which Christofias played a leading role.

He also said, rather sulkily, that as long as Mehmet Ali Talat was in power, Erdogan greeted him, whenever he saw him, “with great warmth”, but after Der-

vis Eroglu was elected, the PM would turn his back to him. And who is to blame for this? Christofias helped in the downfall of Talat who was right in pointing this out to him.

Christofias also had a go at the evil Brits, proudly declaring that he staged a “tremendously big fight” for the renewal of the UNFICYP mandate at the Security Council.

The troika was not spared. He conceded he had asked for a bailout before going on the offensive.

“We probably have a different evaluation. Unfortunately, the troika is following the familiar path, which is why we are reacting, defending the interests of the workers and the ordinary people.”

He is telling us that he brought the troika to save us from bankruptcy, but now he has noticed that it has targeted the work-

ers he has declared war on it in order to protect them from its nastiness. Why is he exerting himself, fighting a war he cannot win? There is an easier way - he could just tell the troika to leave.

It will happily leave us alone and the workers would be saved.

It is blatantly obvious that this man has completely lost touch with reality. He is totally lost. He does not know what he is saying or doing.

Anastassiades was absolutely right in saying that our biggest problem is that we do not understand the seriousness of our problems.

This is particularly true of Christofias, who not only does not understand the seriousness of the problems the country is facing, but it is doubtful he understands what he is saying every time he opens his mouth.

14 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion

Maverick Boris deploys flair A Tory poll has the London mayor as Britain’s ruling party preferred future leader. No one could be better equipped to capitalise on this Comment Andrew Gimson

B

ORIS Johnson moves ahead! Each time the Mayor of London takes another stride towards Downing Street, serious-minded commentators gasp with astonishment, or in some cases dismay, at his progress.

This week Johnson came top of a poll of Tory members who were asked who they would like to lead their party “after David Cameron is no longer Conservative leader”. The poll was a setback to George Osborne, who found himself in eighth position, with only two per cent of the vote compared to Johnson’s 32 per cent.

The Tory leadership is a bit like one of those Olympic road races in which those of us who do not follow cycling as closely as we might have only just learned the name of Emma Pooley, and begun to think she is in with a chance, when we discover the rider to watch is actually Lizzie Armitstead.

We are watching a distance race in which the previously unfancied Alec Douglas-Home, or Margaret Thatcher, or John Major can break away from the peloton and go for glory in the closing stages.

But the good-humoured flair with which Johnson has welcomed the world to London for the Olympics has certainly reminded the Tories that he has a remarkable ability to make a connection with people who are not much interested in politics and is therefore a serious candidate for yet higher responsibilities.

At present, Johnson possesses the inestimable advantage of being an outsider: he takes no responsibility for what the British government

does.

The very qualities that disconcert serious-minded commentators are those that enable the Mayor to appeal to an ever wider public.

As an outsider, a maverick, a man who likes to play things by ear, he sees the ridiculousness of so much of what passes for “grown-up” politics.

His whole demeanour - the jokes, the scruffiness, the often but not always fraudulent air of being underprepared - conveys a lack of respect for conventional politics which is exactly what many members of the public also feel.

The Mayor declines to play the percentage game of the usual career politician, who hopes to climb the greasy pole by never saying anything that might upset either the leadership of his own party or else some considerable group of voters: a self-denying ordinance which leads to bland evasiveness and insupportable tedium.

When the Mayor wishes to do down an opponent, he achieves this not by a direct attack in which he fires off the sharpest insults that occur to him. He does it by showing up the other guy’s absurdity.

So Johnson had only to say, before the crowd in Hyde Park, “There’s a guy called Mitt Romney”, and we experienced an immediate and joyous sense of the ridiculousness of Romney: a presidential candidate who wishes to portray himself as a statesman with serious things to say about foreign affairs, but who cannot even talk about the Olympics without insulting his hosts.

By using the expression “there’s a guy called”, Johnson suggested Mr Romney is such a minor figure that many of us will not even have heard his name before: a joke which is all the funnier for being true. For friendly willingness to be devastatingly rude, the Mayor has no equal.

Larger than life: Boris Johnson with David Cameron and Ed Miliband at the Olympics opening ceremony All this is very distressing for Mr Osborne and his friends. They regard Mr Johnson as hopelessly unreliable: a cowardly and selfish loner who will cut and run rather than defend any unpopular policy.

One might respond to this by pointing out that Johnson had the courage to stand up for bankers, which Osborne did not. But it is nevertheless true that Mr Johnson attains a level of intellectual inconsistency which few other politicians would dare to risk.

For the Mayor’s other trade is journalism, and when the story changes, so does his editorial line.

Johnson voted for the invasion of Iraq, but changed his mind when he saw how bloody that venture turned out to be. He supported cuts in police budgets, but changed his mind a day or two after the London riots. There is a restlessness in him, as when he said of the airport

he wants to build in the Thames estuary: “If we had a bit of get-upand-go we’d do it in six years.” The Mayor would like to take risks: to get the economy going with tax cuts which more cautious policymakers, including Osborne, say we cannot afford. And on the future of the euro, he cannot bear the pious platitudes which previously Eurosceptic ministers feel forced to utter about the need for the members of that currency to go for fiscal union. In Johnson’s view, this is “like seeing a driver heading full-tilt for a brick wall, and then telling them to hit the accelerator rather than the brake”.

His views on Europe are music to the ears of backbench Tory eurosceptics.

As a young man, Johnson wrote a perceptive essay about how to get elected as president of the Oxford Union, a feat he achieved at the

second attempt. He said that what you really need is “a disciplined and deluded collection of stooges” who will get the vote out for you in their respective colleges.

The Mayor is now assembling a collection of stooges within the Conservative Party who will help him, when the time comes, to mount his bid for the leadership.

One cannot yet say this collection of malcontents is disciplined. But it may compensate for this weakness by showing a generous willingness to be deluded.

How the Tory party yearns to believe that on the subjects closest to its heart, such as Europe and the economy, Mr Johnson would prove a better bet than Messrs Cameron and Osborne. The Tories so want to believe this that one suspects they will one day give Johnson the chance to show whether they are right.

Our banks must be recapitalised very soon Comment Erol Riza THE political establishment does not seem to understand the gravity of our economic crisis and some business officials, who really should know, talk about supporting the liquidity of the banks to save the economy when what they mean is that the banks need capital.

The latter obviously confuse capital with liquidity since the banks in Cyprus need to strengthen their balance sheets to cope with the growing size of Non Performing Loans (NPLS) to meet regulatory requirements and to provide the necessary funding for the economy to recover.

All the talk about growth from politicians is not backed by any serious proposal of where the funding will come from. Historically in Cyprus the banking system provided the capital for investment and there is no such possibility now unless the banking system’s financial sound-

ness is restored.

There is no merit in perpetuating the blame game over who is to blame for the huge losses incurred by the banks and more than likely the NPLs which are set to grow in Greece and possibly from within Cyprus. The latter will be the case if the loans to developers which are secured on land and not paying interest for more than 90 days are included in the NPLs on the insistence of the troika. The banks in Cyprus had to raise equity from the private sector by the end of June but they failed. The government saw this coming and instead of readying their application to the EFSF left it till the last minute, choosing instead to look for funding from China or Russia. This has left the banks in Cyprus without the equity and funding they need to lend and help the economy to recover.

In order to understand the immediate need to recapitalise the banks it is important to understand how banks fund themselves to lend. The best funding banks can access are domestic deposits; secondly they can seek funding ei-

ther unsecured by issuing bonds or with secured borrowing in the form of covered bonds (on balance sheet securitisation) and thirdly the interbank market/ECB repos. The bond market and the interbank market have been closed since 2009 and hence only ECB repos (using government bonds) was an option but this has also closed recently as Cyprus’ bonds are not accepted by the ECB as collateral. In the last two years, liquidity - badly needed by the economy - has been taken by the government and hence the private sector has been crowded out.

In the current situation there is no hope of funding for lending being available for the economy unless the banks are recapitalised as soon as possible. If one looks at the history of loans versus deposits and compares their annual growth rates it is blatantly obvious that the growth rates in credit of 30 per cent per annum in 2006/07 (which created the property bubble) were not matched by growth in domestic deposits but by deposits of other Euro residents, principally from Greece

and partly from non euro deposits

by Russian entities of which 25 per cent could be lent. These sources are not stable and can go into reverse quickly, further damaging the banking system. The growth in domestic deposits is over time closely linked to the growth in the economy and thus banks, in the current negative growth environment, will not be able to lend as deposits are not created. In fact the data shows negative growth for domestic deposits in 2011 and early 2012. The lack of growth in deposits, coupled with deleverage (cutting lending to restore capital strength), will undoubtedly be bad news.

The government cannot pretend not to understand since the minister of finance and the governor of the Central Bank are well aware that the recapitalisation is an absolute must and as early as possible.

There are no other sources than the EFSF that can provide the amounts needed and on terms that will alleviate the position of the banking system.

The posturing of government officials and union leaders that some

measures are not acceptable is not a negotiating tactic that will win the day. The government can only hope to lessen the impact on growth from the measures to be proposed since there is no other option than to agree an economic programme with the troika so that the banks get the necessary capital they need to strengthen their balance sheets and resume lending. The banks in their turn have to put their houses in order and get back to being prudent and sound financial institutions; this means good corporate governance. They will have to shed entities that are not core to their business but also, and possibly a wise move, to sell assets in order to free up capital and source liquidity. The financial industry has the tools and the knowledge to undertake such transactions and the management of the banks has to be bold and not live in the past.

Failure to restore confidence soon may be damaging to the economy and to the reputation of Cyprus as a stable and predictable business centre of which the banks are a critical feature.

15 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Opinion

The arm of the law in Cyprus is extremely long

uotes of the week

Comment Hermes Solomon

S

AM’S tale begins on a winter’s night in the sticks near Larnaca when, three and a half years ago, he inadvertently drove his 4WD over what he assumed was a half full refuse bag, jutting out into an unlit road.

The following morning, the cops came to his home and arrested him on two counts; dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident - it had been no rubbish bag - without reporting it.

At Police HQ, his request for a lawyer was denied, so he refused to answer any of the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cop questions. No medical tests were undertaken to establish the existence of foreign substances in his blood and he was locked up for 24 hours in a filthy cell, denied food and told, when he asked for water, that he should use the foul smelling, cell wall-tap. His wife was not permitted access to him until the morrow, when, in the presence of a ‘hurriedly found and briefed’ lawyer, he was formally charged. A police sergeant assured him that those aforementioned charges ‘would more than likely be dropped’. He was released on €3000 bail.

Sam carried on blithely living the good life until, 18 months later, he received a summons to appear in court to answer those aforementioned charges.

On hurriedly contacting the previously ‘hurriedly found and briefed’ lawyer again, Sam was advised that due to him having allegedly left the scene of an accident without reporting it, and having allegedly said to the cops on their arrival at his home that fateful morning, ‘Have you come about the person I knocked over?’ he would need the services of an expert criminal lawyer, preferably one from the capital.

Suddenly and horrifyingly, Sam, who himself admits that his demeanour resembles that of a lout from Anthony Burgess’ Clockwork Orange’ (steel toecap boots, crew-cut hair, attired in tight and grubby all weather jeans and T shirt) although the nicest of persons when we met a week ago, found himself in the vice like, money grabbing grip of the Cyprus legal profession.

Over the period of the past two years, Sam and his capital lawyer have made 36 visits to the Larnaca Assizes (courthouse) at a fixed cost of €500 a time to Sam where, on half of them, his case was deferred to a future date after sitting all morning in an antechamber waiting to be called. When he did appear in front of the judge (there are no juries in Cyprus because everybody knows everybody and nobody trusts anybody) for half of the remaining number of times, he did so only to satisfy a legal formality to re-establish conditions of bail.

On the number of times left (that’s nine if readers are doing the maths properly) Sam and his capital lawyer’s appearances lasted but a few minutes, only for the case to be adjourned to a later date. The court employed a translator for Sam’s benefit, who asked him at one of the sessions what he’d meant by the expression, ‘I am a man of integrity’ – the true meaning of which had foxed both the judge and translator.

During another of those nine short court appearances, the police produced witnesses to the alleged accident, a married couple, who were allegedly following Sam’s 4WD in their car on the night in question and who saw the 4WD hit the victim then drive over his legs, Sam stopping to get out and glance back, then hurriedly drive off.

The lady witness of the couple stated that she took the registration number of the 4WD, rang for an ambulance and called the police, while her husband attended to the salutary needs of the seriously injured victim.

The capital lawyer asserted in court that the victim had spent several months with his legs in plaster then returned to the UK, due to him being a known drunk

“It is the most special thing I have ever experienced in my life. It is so crazy and so inspiring. I couldn’t even feel my legs, it was just so special” Cyclist Lizzie Armitstead, Britain’s silver medallist, on the crowd support during the gruelling road race

“They seem to think that, because you write books about killings and death, you do it yourself” Crime writer Ruth Rendell on the “stupid assumptions” made by some of her readers

Sam’s lawyer charged him 500 euros for each court appearance

Sam’s long, drawn out legal game with the habit of lying in the road after midnight, having been knocked over several times before Sam’s alleged inadvertency.

In support of the prosecution’s case, police forensics alleged that a dent in the front nearside wing of the 4WD was caused by the accident, although Sam claimed that it was in fact caused by a satellite dish falling from the grasp of a TV engineer, who had placed his short ladder two days earlier on the running board of the 4WD to access and remove the dish from Sam’s former flat’s, first floor balcony.

Sam was found guilty by the judge on the second charge (leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it) and given a future date to reappear for sentencing; the capital lawyer informing him that a custodial sentence of up to two years and a fine of a €1000 at worst could not be excluded.

During this Olympic marathon of courthouse procrastination, Sam’ wife left him. He now needs to find a good home for his two dogs - a greyhound (Sam being an aficionado of hare coursing – no, he claims he is not a gypsy!) and a Cyprus poodle, which he took in after the dog’s former owner kicked it out.

He was told by the judge to expect a visit from a court social worker, who would assess Sam’s pecuniary circumstances and state of mind then report back to the judge. The capital lawyer recommended a ‘specific psychiatrist’ wrote a report stating that Sam was suffering from un-

“He reversed until we were window to window and he hissed ‘Why don’t you retire, you f****** has-been?’ It was a rhetorical question that demanded a physical gesture in response. And got one” Actress Maureen Lipman on how she dealt with a road-rage incident

due stress at the time and that he was an honest and highly sensitive person, but Sam refused to connive. If sent to prison, he will lose his job as a light industrial engineer, his rented accommodation and his dogs.

Now then, if the witnesses produced by the police are to be believed, wouldn’t Sam have seen them and not left the scene of the alleged accident? And if not, you must all be wondering how the police knew where to find the owner of the 4WD. Could the victim have memorised the registration number, and if so, why did he not bring charges for personal injury, since the law allows a maximum of three years from the date of an accident for him to have done so? And why did the prosecution not ensure the victim’s appearance in court to substantiate their case? Then again, if the 4WD’s nearside wing had collided with the victim, more than likely pushing him away, how did the victim manage to shoot his legs under the 4WD’s front and rear nearside tyres? Perhaps there was more than one vehicle involved on that fateful night in question?

The arm of the law in Cyprus is extremely long, whether outstretched or slightly bent! Sam could have crossed over to ‘the other side’, but he stayed put to face the music until penniless, and can now name our judiciary’s tune in one! ‘Money, money, money..!’

Names and places (apart from that of the island of Cyprus) have been changed.

“There are semi-naked women playing beach volleyball in the middle of the Horse Guards Parade immortalised by Canaletto. They are glistening like wet otters” London Mayor Boris Johnson (above) “It was quite funny and I didn’t expect to laugh during the opening ceremony Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev on Rowan Atkinson’s Mr Bean performance at the Olympic Park

“Rock’n’roll isn’t dead. It just smells a bit funny” Singer Hollie Cook, daughter of Paul Cook, an ex-Sex Pistol

“The backside of Downing Street” US Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney’s unfortunate description of the Prime Minister’s official residence “Tourists! Be aware before queuing, that while the Queen is happy to pose for photographs, she no longer signs body parts for later tattooing” Broadcaster Danny Baker

“The best Labour Party political broadcast I’ve seen in a while” Carl Sergeant, a minister in the Welsh Government, on the Olympic Games opening ceremony “I love to travel. It’s just as well because I spend more time in the air than Madonna’s legs” US satirist Joan Rivers (above)

“Art is there to track what’s going on in the world, to make social commentary. I’m calling attention to that intolerance and asking people to pay attention, to wake up to see how we are just creating more chaos in the world” Madonna (above) explaining the use of the swastika in her show

16 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

News Review Losing hand OVER 30 members of the Cyprus Poker Association, including its deputy head, are facing gambling charges after being arrested during trials for a tournament abroad, even though no money was involved, and they had given police advance written warning about practice runs for the national team. According to Antonis Theophanides, the vice president of the association, the players have not broken any laws and yet have been arrested twice, and had equipment and cash, - collected for membership fees - confiscated.

Holy Trinity’ THE ARRIVAL of the feared troika in Cyprus was a result of shenanigans by the ‘Holy Trinity’ two members of the opposition and former central bank governor Athanasios Orphanides, said President Demetris Christofias. Christofias further ruffled feathers when he tried to explain to the Cypriot Diaspora in the UK that the opposition at home “pushed us to enter the (European stability) mechanism in collaboration with the then central bank governor”.

Fuel hikes THE COMMERCE ministry on Monday appointed a committee to investigate fuel prices after two hikes in eight days. The team will be looking at the four companies active in Cyprus - EKO Hellenic Petroleum, Petrolina, Lukoil and Exxon Mobil – to obtain data contradicting or confirming claims available to the commerce ministry.

Compared to early July, fuel is up to 9.0 cents per litre more expensive, according to data.

DISY woos OPPOSITION DISY leader and presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades began wooing his first potential ‘partner’ – DIKO- ahead of next February’s presidential elections on Monday.

Anastasiades met with DIKO leader Marios Garoyian at the DIKO offices for two hours to explore the possibilities of forming a “government of national salvation” for the next five years after President Demetris Christofias steps down next year.

Investors lose THE FINANCE ministry on Monday laid out two options for investors claiming to have been misled by banks, who may need to accept they will only get a portion of their money back. The island’s two biggest lenders who are also in need of a bailout have collectively accumulated €1.4 billion

The fire services were busy Tuesday seeing whether or not they would have easy access to Ledra and Onasagorou streets in case of emergency. Several new eateries have sprung up on both streets, and outside seating has become an issue (Christos Theodorides)

Huffing and puffing in securities but stopped paying interinexplicable reductions in state revAirport est after making significant losses fol- AKEL ‘a danger’ enue and increases in expenditure. lowing a Greek sovereign debt writeHe said that if he was the troika – THE AKEL government has become delegates from the European Comdown. police The banks closed access to capital, af- “a danger to the country”, said main mission, European Central Bank and opposition party DISY on Tuesday International Monetary Fund – he fecting around 8,000 people. after President Demetris Christofias would seek answers as to why these are under blamed the opposition for the arrival fluctuations took place. the troika in Cyprus.

Dog pound investigation ANIMAL welfare groups have sent a ofDISY said the government has become a liability to the country, havMari payouts report to Attorney-general ing failed to heed DISY’s warnings for failing damning Petros Clerides detailing a ‘systemic on the shaky state of public finances, THE GOVERNMENT is mulling a regime of animal abuse’ at the Dali or even acknowledge the situation deal with the insurers of the Vassidog pound. the economy was in, resulting in the likos power plant that would allow to declare municipal the latter to recover from the state The litany of alleged abuses, includes troika’s arrival. €200 million they’ve paid out for dogs being left to die with no medidamage to the insured part of the attention or basic veterinary care, expensive cal facility. dogs entering the pound in a healthy Turkey warning tell the Mail that an undercondition and being found emaciatgifts from ed “to the point of death” only eight TURKEY has warned 15 countries, Sources standing was reached between the including four permanent members parties late last month during the weeks later. the UN Security Council, not to course of a number of meetings inThe dogs also livied in fi lthy conthe Sultan of ditions, surrounded by faeces and ofparticipate in the second licenc- volving the Finance Minister and the crawling with ticks, puppies dying ing round for the remaining blocks insurers of the Electricity Authority through lack of basic care and being in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (EAC).

Oman left to rot in the kennel with other (EEZ), reported Turkish daily Aklive puppies; dogs disappearing and dying with no explanation or paperwork.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK “It is a breach of our human rights, as playing a game or a sport is not illegal and we shouldn’t be treated like criminals for participating in what is the second largest sport in the world with over 300,000,000 players” Antonis Theophanides vice president of the Cyprus Poker Association “No animal in a government operated facility should become sick... the dog pound should be a place of safety for them until they can be reunited with their owners, re-homed or humanely euthanized” A report sent by animal lovers to the attorney-general on the Dali dog pound “If I was the troika and was faced with this situation, I would take a good look at the public finances and ask myself, how did this sudden deterioration emerge?”

Cypriot Nobel prize-winning economist Christopher Pissarides “Finding chips, playing cards and money is a sign of criminal activity” Police spokesman Andreas Angelides “The more the flame travels around the world the more it lights humanity’s hope to overcome selfishness and battle onwards with principles”

Nasos Ktorides (right) ht) who will carry the Marathon Flame to the South Pole “And when did Mr Orphanides warn me how exposed Cypriot banks were to Greek bonds?

Never.

Instead, he was always ys cooperating with (DIKO KO deputy) Mr Nicolas Papadopoulos and (DISY DISY deputy) Mr Averof Neoophytou and they made e this holy trinity attacking ng the government daily”” President Demetris Christofias “I call on the president to clarify whether I am God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?’

DISY number two Averof Neophytou in response to President Demetris Christofias’ reference to him as one of the Holy Trinity who brought he troika to Cyprus

sam on Tuesday.

According to its online version, Ankara is “worried” about a second round of drilling in the eastern Mediterranean. Hence, the Turkish foreign ministry issued warnings on a governmental level to 15 countries, including Russia, China, France, the UK and Norway.

Ryanair demands THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation (CTO) said on Wednesday it did not have the money being demanded from Ryanair to keep the low-cost carrier flying into Larnaca, putting in jeopardy the deal in place since 2010.

CTO chairman Alekos Oroundiotis said the airline was seeking double the originally agreed amounts to promote Cyprus, citing increased fuel prices. Oroundiotis said such a thing was not financially possible for the CTO.

Strong words NOBEL Prize winner Christopher Pissarides has blasted the government for laying the blame for a bailout solely on the banks, saying the island was facing some serious fiscal problems.

The University of Cyprus’ professor blamed the fiscal problems on mistakes made after the crisis started –

New downgrade STANDARD & Poor’s Ratings Services on Thursday cut Cyprus’ longterm sovereign bond rating a notch further into junk territory -- to ‘BB’ from ‘BB+ -- saying that despite an international bailout, the government would remain in a weak fiscal position due to a banking system, which has been unable to cope without state support as a result of its exposure to Greece.

S&P also placed the island’s longterm rating on CreditWatch with negative implications.

Heavy puffers CYPRIOTS are the heaviest smokers in the EU puffing 20.5 cigarettes daily, according to a survey conducted as part of the European Commission’s campaign ‘Ex-smokers are unstoppable.’

According to the survey – conducted by iCoach, a digital health platform aimed at helping smokers kick the habit - only one in ten Cypriot smokers have given up since 2011, and those who still smoked, consumed the highest number of cigarettes in the EU at 20.5 daily.

Most smokers in Europe - 46 per cent - consume 11-20 daily, with the EU average amounting to 14.2 daily.

17 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Coffeeshop

Amid all the uproar, once bolshie bank unions stay very quiet EFFORTS to create a popular resistance front, that would prevent the heartless troika from imposing its horrific, neo-liberal austerity measures on our long-suffering island, are gathering momentum, with more groups joining the new movement.

On Tuesday the leaders of the public sector unions - cops, army officers, pen-pushers, teachers, nurses - met in order to discuss the forging of a united front against attempts by the troika to restrict the blood-sucking of our society’s parasitic classes.

The meeting raised a question this establishment has often asked, without ever receiving an answer. Why are all union bosses ugly males? There was a token woman at the meeting, but she was probably there to take the minutes.

It was fitting that the worstlooking of them all, the miserable Glafcos Hadjiklamouris, acted as their leader and spokesman.

He called the meeting and spoke to the press afterwards, taking a militant line against unkind employers who sacked the workers they had been exploiting, the ‘golden boys’ of the banks who took ‘criminal decisions’, the ‘great benefactors’ who had gone into hiding and of course the troika which was targeting the poor workers.

The parasite resistance movement’s main demand, according to Hadjimourmouris, was that all classes shared the burden of the recession and the troika’s measures. In Italy, he said the big car manufacturers declared they would not allow their country to go bankrupt. Kyproulla’s big car manufacturers, sadly, did not show the same sense of social responsibility and patriotism.

THE BANKING employees’ union boss, the once super-militant, Loizos Hadjicostis also attended the meeting but avoided making any statements or tough-guy gestures. What could he say? That the bank workers would not accept pay and job cuts? After all, his union, ETYK, was represented on the boards of the banks and never objected to the ‘criminal decisions’ taken by the ‘golden boys’. Hadjicostis in fact was great friends with the two bank bosses who respectively masterminded the destruction of un-Popular and decline of Bank of Kyproulla and it would be a bit disloyal to start bad-mouthing them in public.

THE CO-OP banks have also joined the resistance movement.

A meeting of co-op bosses and members on Thursday approved

Union bosses at the big meeting on Tuesday. The once super-militant Loizos Hadjicostis, the head of the banking union (left), also attended the meeting but avoided making any tough guy gestures

a resolution, declaring that the troika’s “unacceptable positions” regarding the abolition of the coop’s supervisory authority and its regulatory mechanisms cannot be accepted.

The troika wants co-op banks, which are mainly controlled by the commies of AKEL, to come under the supervision of the Central Bank and follow the same rules as the commercial banks.

Not surprisingly, the Akelite governor of the Central Bank Professor Panicos agrees that the co-op banks should continue to have their own supervisory authority which has been doing a fantastic job.

But if the co-op Central Bank has been doing such a great supervisory job, why does it not want the troika to investigate co-op loan portfolios and capital adequacy?

And why is Professor Panicos, who has been so horribly tough on the commercial banks, bringing in investigators to check their portfolios, so tolerant and protective of the co-op banks, talking about them as if they were model businesses when everyone knows they are a complete mess?

It suffices to say that the co-ops are controlled by the political party/union clique, supervised by its appointees and run by beneficiaries of rusfeti, who would give loans as political favours and acts of compassion. There is not a hope in hell’s chance that co-op banks had ever been properly supervised and even less chance that their finances are healthy.

AT THE vanguard of the resistance movement is none other than the man who invited the troika to Kyproulla, comrade Tof, supported by his AKEL flunkeys. Is he stirring mass hysteria against the troika, so that it is easier for him to utter the historic, resounding ‘no’ to the bailout terms, when the time arrives?

Meanwhile, the man who is never to blame for anything made it

clear, while holidaying in London last week, that it was the opposition parties that “pushed us to enter the support mechanism, as they refused to approve economic measures.”

Not only was he not responsible for entry into the support mechanism, but as in case of the Mari explosives, he had been kept in the dark about the Cypriot banks’ exposure to Greek debt. He said: “And when did (former governor of the Central Bank) Orphanides warn me how exposed Cypriot banks were to Greek bonds? Never.”

And what if Orph had informed him? The comrade would have done what he knows how to do best of all, when confronted with a difficult problem. Nothing.

nuts,” wrote Vasilas, adding that in some case that came to his notice “the prices start at 10 euros.”

He had testimony about two young women from EU countries, who had recently accepted an offer from two village youths to have sex for 10 euros as well as dinner, which, according to Vasilas, turned out to be a pitta of souvlakia and a couple of cans of beer; village youths don’t have much class.

This in-depth social investigation also uncovered where the foreign potato-picker-cum-prostitutes were having sex. “Prostitution takes place in premises that are growing like mushrooms in the communities, but also at the places where the foreign women are living or at places they are taken to by those who hire them.”

IN LONDON, the comrade and his entourage attended the Olympics opening ceremony, watched several Olympic events, opened an exhibition, met athletes and attended a dinner given in his honour. During the visit, according to an official announcement, he had “the opportunity to talk to Queen Elizabeth”.

What sort of commie is this who loves boasting about talking to the Queen? He was not granted an audience but met her at a reception given at Buckingham Palace to mark the start of the Olympics. According to our mole at the Palace, the conversation went along the following lines: Queen: welcome Mr President, hope you are well; Tof: Very well thakku your manjesty. Queen: I hope you enjoy your stay. Tof: Thakku.

THE PROBLEM has taken such proportions that “women and mothers run to community leaders and priests, desperately seeking help, as the phenomenon attracts ‘naughty’ husbands and youths who clearly show their preference for sex with EU women,” wrote the concerned Vasilas.

He quoted an unnamed community leader as saying: “This is no situation for a village. They’ve driven our youths crazy and they’ve driven our old men crazy.

Even the sex-starved are satiated.”

Vasilas did not name the village the community leader was from, nor the other Kokkinochoria villages taken over by the EU potato-pickers turned prostitutes, because there was a danger busloads of Cypriot men would arrive looking for cheap sex - ten euros and a pitta of souvlakia is a real bargain.

‘PROSTITUTION for peanuts’ read a headline in Monday’s Phil, above a story by the distinguished Kokkinochoria correspondent Bambos Vasilas, who reported that in the Kokkinochoria (Liopetri, Frenaros, Sotira, Xylophagou etc), women from EU countries were offering sex for very little money because they could not find any work.

This was developing into “social problem” that “causes concern to community leaders and priests as well as the police who have been receiving complaints.” It was not unrelated with unemployment which rose after the end of the potato-picking season, reported Vasilas.

While men were working for as little as 10 to 15 euros a day to survive, for the “EU’s weaker sex the need for survival translates to acceptance of sexual exploitation for pea-

THERE was a rather noisy tiff in Cyprus Airway’s Club Class cabin on the flight from Athens to Larnaca, eight days ago.

At the centre of the row was a small dog belonging to Charis Alexiou, one of Greece’s best-known singers, who was travelling to Kyproulla with fellow singer Demetra Galani for a series of concerts. The dog was in a cloth bag, quietly sitting at the feet of its owner, an arrangement that infuriated another Club passenger who demanded an explanation from a member of the cabin crew.

The passenger, who knew that dogs were not allowed in Club, lost it when he was informed that the dog should have been sitting in row 21 in the economy cabin and started shouting, “This airline now upgrades dogs? Is the upgrade of

dogs to Club some new policy introduced by Cyprus Airways, or is the dog a frequent flyer?”

The entire plane could hear the row, with the crew leader unable to calm down the irate passenger, who insisted on being given an explanation as to why the dog had been upgraded to club. At this point Ms Galani thought she could use her star-quality to calm down the shouting man.

She introduced herself and asked the passenger who he was. “None of your business who I am,” he told her, but she maintained her calm urging him not to be a racist against dogs. The dog could not sit on its own at the back without its owner, she told him.

“Then why did she not sit in the back with it, instead of bringing it to the Club cabin,” he replied.

The crew leader told the passenger, “if the dog is bothering you, it can go back to economy.” The passenger said it could stay, but demanded a complaint form so he could write to the airline and demand an explanation about the company policy on upgrading dogs to Club class.

THE AIRLINE responded to the complaint within days, apologising to the passenger and offering him a free ticket as compensation for the inconvenience caused.

The prospect of bankruptcy has had one positive effect on the airline. It has dramatically improved on the company’s customer care standards, which were pretty crap in the good old days when Cyprus Airways employees were earning big fat salaries and receiving whopping pay rises every year.

Several people who have flown with the airline recently have praised the politeness of cabin staff, presumably, also attributable to the threat of closure. Of course the anti-hero of the dog incident had an axe to grind with the national carrier, which he has used about a thousand times.

On an Athens-Larnaca flight six months ago, a friend of his flying in economy joined him in club for 10 minutes and the crew leader, who did not approve, reported the incident to HQ. The passenger subsequently received a stern letter from the company’s Department of Flight Safety, accusing him of putting the flight at risk with his behaviour.

It was six months ago, when the threat of closure was not so real. Now they even upgrade dogs to Club to keep passengers happy.

18 SUNDAY MAIL

Reportage

Water Wars: s

Future demand for water may spark conflict. A US intelligence report has warned that fresh water supplies are unlikely to keep up with global demand by 2040. Disputes are already going on over Himalayan rivers, as India’s hydropower plans in Kashmir upset downstream Pakistan, all of which makes South Asia a flashpoint

By Nita Bhalla AS THE silver waters of the Kishanganga rush through this north Kashmir valley, Indian labourers are hard at work on a hydropower project that will dam the river just before it flows across one of the world’s most heavily militarised borders into Pakistan.

The hum of excavators echoes

through the pine-covered valley, clearing masses of soil and boulders, while army trucks crawl through the steep Himalayan mountain passes.

The 330-MW dam is a symbol of India’s growing focus on hydropower but also highlights how water is a growing source of tension with downstream Pakistan, which depends on the snow-fed Himalayan rivers for everything from drinking water to agriculture.

The silver waters of the Kishanganga river as they rush through this north Kashmir valley. The river is a flash Islamabad has complained to an international court that the dam in the Gurez valley, one of dozens planned

by India, will affect river flows and is illegal. The court has halted any permanent work on the river for the moment, although India can still continue tunneling and other associated projects.

In the years since their partition from British India in 1947, land disputes have led the two nuclear-

Indians washing clothes in the watrers of the sacred Ganges, one of the region’s three main river systems

armed neighbours to two of their three wars. Water could well be the next flashpoint.

“There is definitely potential for conflict based on water, particularly if we are looking to the year 2050, when there could be considerable water scarcity in India and Pakistan,” says Michael Kugelman, South Asia Associate at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington.

“Populations will continue to grow.

There will be more pressure on supply. Factor in climate change and faster glacial melt ... That means much more will be at stake. So you could have a perfect storm which conceivably could be some sort of trigger.”

It’s not just South Asia -- water disputes are a global phenomenon, sparked by growing populations, rapid urbanisation, increased irrigation and a rising demand for alternative power such as hydroelectricity.

Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq quarrel over the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates. The Jordan river divides Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and the West Bank. Ten African countries begrudgingly share the Nile.

In Southeast Asia, China and Laos are building dams over the mighty Mekong, raising tensions with downstream nations.

A US intelligence report in February warned fresh water supplies are unlikely to keep up with global demand by 2040, increasing political instability, hobbling economic growth and endangering world food markets.

A “water war” is unlikely in the next decade, it said, but beyond that rising demand and scarcities due to cli-

mate change and poor management will increase the risk of conflict.

That threat is possibly nowhere more apparent than in South Asia, home to a fifth of humanity and rife with historical tensions, mistrust and regional rivalries.

The region’s three major river systems - the Indus, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra - sustain India and Pakistan’s breadbasket states and many of their major cities including New Delhi and Islamabad, as well as Bangladesh.

“South Asia is symbolic of what we are seeing in terms of water stress

‘It’s not just South Asi a global phenomenon populations, rapid urb irrigation and a rising d power such as h and tensions across the world,” says B.G. Verghese, author and analyst at New Delhi’s Centre for Policy Research.

The region is one of the world’s most water-stressed, yet the population is adding an extra 25 million people a year - South Asia’s per capita water availability has dropped by 70 per cent since 1950, says the Asian Development Bank.

19 • August 5, 2012

sink or swim

The dam in the Gurez Valley is one of dozens planned by India

point for water issues between India and Pakistan The effect of climate change on glaciers and rainfall patterns may be crucial.

“Most of the water that is used in Pakistan comes from glacial melt or the monsoon,” says Rafay Alam, an environmental lawyer and co-ordinator of the water programme at Lahore University of Management Sciences.

The dry months of June-July offer a snapshot of the extreme water crisis in the region.

Hospitals in New Delhi this year cancelled surgeries because they had no water to sterilise instruments,

ia - water disputes are n, sparked by growing banisation, increased demand for alternative hydroelectricity’ clean operating theatres or even wash hands. Swanky malls selling luxury brands were forced to switch off air conditioners and shut toilets.

In Pakistan, the port town of Gwadar ran out of water entirely, forcing the government to send two naval water tankers. Some government flats in the garrison city of Rawalpindi have not had water for weeks, said the local press.

India, as both an upper and lower riparian nation, finds itself at the centre of water disputes with its eastern and western downstream neighbours -- Bangladesh and Pakistan -- which accuse New Delhi of monopolising water flows.

To the north and northeast, India fears the same of upstream China, with which it fought a brief border war in 1962. Beijing plans a series of dams over the Tsangpo river, called the Brahmaputra as it flows into eastern India.

For India, damming its Himalayan rivers is key to generating electricity, as well as managing irrigation and flood control. Hydropower is a critical part of India’s energy security strategy and New Delhi plans to use part of it to reach about 40 per cent of people who are currently off the grid.

A severe power shortage is hitting factory output and rolling outages are routine, further stifling an economy which is growing at its slowest in years.

India’s plans have riled Bangladesh, which it helped gain freedom from Pakistan in 1971. Relations cooled partly over the construction of the Farakka Barrage (dam) on the Ganges River which Dhaka complained to the United Nations about in 1976.

The issue remains a sore point even now.

More recently, Bangladesh has opposed India’s plans to dam the Teesta and Barak rivers in its remote northeast.

But India’s hydropower plans are most worrying for Pakistan.

Water has long been a source of stress between the two countries.

The line that divided them in 1947 also cleaved the province of Punjab, literally the land of five rivers the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum, all tributaries of the Indus - breaking up millenniums-old irrigation systems.

India’s latest hydro plans have fanned new tensions.

“Pakistan is extremely worried that India is planning to build a whole sequence of projects on both the

Chenab and Jhelum rivers ... and the extent to which India then becomes capable of controlling water flows,” says Feisal Naqvi, a lawyer who works on water issues. In recent years, political rhetoric over water has been on the rise in Islamabad, and militant groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba have sought to use the issue to whip up anti-India sentiments - accusing New Delhi of “stealing water”.

India brushes off such fears as paranoia and argues the dams won’t consume or store water but just delay flows, in line with a 1960 treaty that governs the sharing of Indus waters between the two countries.

South Asia’s water woes may have little to do with cross-border disputes, however. Shortages appear to be rooted in wasteful and inefficient water management practices, with India and Pakistan the worst culprits, experts say.

“All these countries are badly managing their water resources, yet they are experts in blaming other countries outside,” says Sundeep Waslekar, president of Strategic Foresight Group, a Mumbai-based think-tank.

“It would be more constructive if

Ten African countries begrudgingly share the Nile seen here, The lights show the extent of human settlements along its banks

they looked at what they are doing at home, than across their borders.”

Their water infrastructure systems, such as canals and pipes used to irrigate farm lands, are falling apart from neglect. Millions of gallons of water are lost to leakages every day.

The strain on groundwater is the most disturbing. In India, more than 60 per cent of irrigated agriculture and 85 per cent of drinking water depend on it, says the World Bank. Yet in 20 years, most of its aquifers will be in a critical condition.

Countries must improve water management, say experts, and share information such as river flows as well as joint ventures on dam projects such as those India is doing with Bhutan.

“Populations are growing, demand is increasing, climate change is taking its toll and we are getting into deeper and deeper waters,” says Verghese, author of Waters of Hope: Himalayan-Ganga co-operation for a billion people.

“You can’t wait and watch. You have to get savvy and do something about it. Why get locked into rhetoric? We need to co-operate. Unless you learn to swim, you are dead.”

20 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Business & Jobs

UK residence test is complex and confusing

Greeks can’t afford to pay expensive bribes any longer

Some of the finer detail could trip you up and prove costly

GREEKS, whose country is facing bankruptcy, can no longer afford the expensive customary cash-filled “fakelaki” or “little envelope” bribes paid to public sector workers, according to an official.

Greece, dependent on international aid to remain solvent, has struggled for years with rampant corruption that has hampered efforts to raise taxes and reform its stricken economy.

The health sector and the tax authorities topped the country’s corruption rankings for 2011, said a report by Leandros Rakintzis, tasked with uncovering wrongdoing in the public sector.

“While the crisis has not reduced corruption itself, it has reduced the price of corruption,” Rakintzis told Skai TV after publishing his annual report.

“They (civil servants) have lowered their price,” he added.

Greeks have suffered steep cuts to pensions and wages as part of austerity measures demanded by the EU and International Monetary Fund in exchange for aid.

The country’s worst economic crisis since World War Two has helped push the economy into a fifth year of recession and forced thousands of businesses to close, putting one in

Investment David Franks is co-founder and Chief Executive of the Blevins Franks Group.

MY PREVIOUS article on the UK’s new Statutory Residence Test (SRT) covered the basic elements of the test and what has changed since last year. It will be a definitive test of residence depending on the number of days you spend in the UK and your ties with it. You can view the article at www.blevinsfranks.com The test will provide more certainty for expatriates as to whether they are UK tax resident and therefore liable to UK income and capital gains tax. However, ‘certainty’ does not necessarily mean ‘simplicity’, as evidenced by the fact that the latest Treasury document runs to over 120 pages. Expatriates should still take advice to clarify their position.

Here I take a closer look at some of the detail which could affect your residence status.

“ONLY HOME” Anyone whose “only home” is in the UK will always be considered UK tax resident, regardless of how few days they spend there a year. The government has now provided some guidelines. A UK property will not meet the “only home” condition if it is a holiday home, or if you also have a home overseas, or if it is available for 91 days or less a year. Ownership is not a determining factor.

CONNECTING FACTORS The government has kept family and accommodation as two separate factors, making it easier for anyone with UK resident family to be caught out. However, the accommodation rule was relaxed slightly - whether or not your family has available accommodation is now irrelevant; only accommodation used by yourself is taken into account if it is available to you for a continuous period of 91 days in a tax year and you spend at least one night in it during the tax year.

A DAY IN THE UK Day counting refers to the number of midnights you spend in the UK during a UK tax year (6th April to 5th April). The government is considering a supplementary rule to apply to anyone who spends a large number of days in the UK but always leaves before midnight.

TRANSITIONAL RULE A transitional rule will be introduced whereby you can apply the new rules to determine residency in any of the three years prior to the date the SRT comes into effect, if you need this to determine your residence in future years.

EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES Days in the UK to be disregarded under exceptional circumstances. This is where you are in the UK for reasons beyond your control, such as national or local emergencies (civil unrest, natural disasters etc) or sudden or life-threatening illness or injury. It does not mention what happens

Currencies USD GBP CHF JPY AUD CAD SEK

03-Aug-2012

1,2141 0,7826 1,1967 94,84 1,1507 1,2125 8,2132

1,2214 0,7873 1,2063 95,60 1,1737 1,2368 8,3775

New rules will provide more certainty if your spouse suffers an illness, nor does it include cases where you choose to undertake medical treatment or look after a sick relative in the UK. SPLIT YEARS The Extra Statutory Concession which permits split year treatment for certain types of income and gains will be placed on a statutory footing. You can spend 16 days back in the UK in the tax year of departure without losing split year treatment, but you must have no home in the UK to achieve this.

The proposed new rules are a major advance in providing certainty for British expatriates. Nonetheless they are still complex and confusing to the non tax specialist, and some of the finer detail could trip you up and prove costly. You also need to take your local residence rules into account, and a tax treaty can affect your position. Blevins Franks is highly experienced in both residence and domicile matters and can guide you through the rules and help plan the best way forward for you.

The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual must take personalised advice.

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

27-July-2012

1,2255 0,7816 1,1962 95,76 1,1679 1,2267 8,3365

1,2329 0,7863 1,2058 96,53 1,1913 1,2512 8,5032

20-July-2012

1,2225 0,7784 1,1961 95,99 1,1664 1,2232 8,4196

1,2298 0,7831 1,2057 96,76 1,1897 1,2477 8,5880

1wk 1mth 2mth 3mth 6mth 1yr

USD 0,20 0,24 0,34 0,44 0,73 1,05

five Greeks out of a job.

As the crisis deepens, more and more Greeks find themselves no longer able to pay expensive bribes, Rakintzis said.

“There are no longer serious corruption offences. There is no money for major wrongdoings,” he was quoted as saying

by Proto Thema newspaper.

Out of 1,403 corruption cases examined, 393 were referred to prosecutors. The worst offenders were officials working at the tax authority as well as high ranking civil servants with many years of work experience, the report found.

In one incident, a tax office official gave her fiance proof of tax clearance even though he never submitted his tax return and had arrears amounting to 178,863 euros.

In another example, a Foreign Ministry official issued visas without carrying out necessary checks.

Overhauling its tax system and improving its public sector are among a long list of reforms Greece’s foreign lenders have long demanded the country push through.

“The struggle (against corruption) is not easy but long, difficult and painful and demands persistent political will because it faces many hurdles,” Rakintzis wrote in the report, citing red tape and lawsuits filed by the accused.

More than 50 per cent of Brits without life insurance DESPITE rising levels of financial commitment, British adults are rejecting the peace of mind offered by life insurance, a new study has found.

A YouGov poll of more than 2,000 people, conducted on behalf of beaglestreet.com discovered that 55 per cent of adults do not have life cover, despite the protection it offers for family members who could struggle financially or even lose their home in the event of a death.

Cost was the primary barrier to purchasing cover, with 39 per cent of those without life insurance saying ‘It’s too expensive’. Worryingly, almost one in five people, at 19 per cent, said that they have ‘never thought about it’. The research also highlighted that certain groups of people

EUR 0,05 0,09 0,15 0,25 0,56 0,89

GBP 0,54 0,56 0,61 0,73 0,99 1,47

CHF 0,01 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,16 0,37

are more likely to lack cover even though they may in fact have a greater need. For example, 61 per cent of divorced/separated adults had no life insurance, and those living with a partner were more likely not to have a policy (55 per cent said they had no cover) than those who were married (45%).

The research also revealed high levels of uncertainty around the option of placing life insurance in trust, so that inheritance tax does not apply to the pay out. Only 10 per cent of respondents with life insurance said that their policy was held in trust. 48 per cent said that their cover was not, and a further 43 per cent either did not know if this was the case, or were unclear as to what ‘held in trust’ means.

JPY 0,11 0,14 0,16 0,20 0,33 0,55

LIBOR RATES (London Interbank Borrowing Rates) AS AT 06/08/2012

CAD 1,03 1,09 1,19 1,30 1,57 2,05

AUD 3,62 3,76 3,87 3,99 4,21 4,53

21 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Business & Jobs

China big city spenders confound global gloom Consumers remain among the most optimistic internationally

By Nick Edwards CONSUMER optimism in China’s biggest cities rose to its highest in nearly three years in the second quarter of 2012 even as global economic gloom knocked the national average down from a more than six-year high, a survey showed this week.

The rise in confidence among consumers in China’s so-called Tier 1 cities was fuelled by a combination of improving job prospects, better personal finances and a greater willingness to spend, said the survey by global information company, Nielsen.

The Tier 1 city consumer confidence index was the only one of five regional subindexes to rise quarter-onquarter, but the bounce to 107 from 101 in the first three months of the year still left China’s big city sophisticates lagging their rural cousins according to the quarterly survey of 3,500 consumers.

Rural consumers remained the most optimistic - they have been since the first quarter of 2011 - despite the regional confidence index registering a six-point quarterly drop to 113.

Growth in the world’s second-largest economy was fuelled by strong domestic spending in the first half of the year, and China has said it is a top priority to boost consumption as a means of adjusting its economic structure.

China’s cities are divided into tiers for administrative

What recession? Chinese consumers are not holding back the chequebook purposes. Tier 1 comprises China’s four biggest cities, Tier 2 the key provincial capitals, with Tiers 3 and 4 established by population size and economic output. Rural areas are separate.

Rural consumers had the highest confidence level on employment prospects, with 92 per cent saying the jobs outlook was excellent or good, unchanged from the first quarter survey.

Tier 1 consumers were next most optimistic about jobs -

and again the only group registering a quarter-on-quarter improvement - with 59 per cent describing job prospects over the next 12 months as excellent or good.

Tier 1 consumers were particularly upbeat about service sector job opportunities - vital to Beijing’s plan to rebalance an economy mainly focused on manufacturing and investment.

China’s consumers on average remain among the most optimistic internationally.

While the headline China index dropped to its lowest since the third quarter of 2011, the reading of 105 was still 14 points above the world average in the Nielsen global survey of consumer confidence and spending intentions that polled more than 28,000 consumers in 56 countries.

But consumers in Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities all cited a reduction in job prospects for the coming year the sub-index for Tier 2 sank

14 points to at least a fourquarter low.

China’s overall labour market, however, remains tight with official figures showing more job vacancies nationwide than there have been for around a decade, despite six straight quarters of slowing growth and an export downturn that is biting into the vast manufacturing sector.

Tier 2 consumers also suffered the sharpest drop in confidence about the health of their personal finances.

A slowing economy and reduced job prospects were cited as souring outlooks to leave only 58 per cent of respondents seeing excellent and good prospects in the year ahead, down 13 points on the quarter.

China’s top leaders said this week they would enhance pro-growth policies in the second half of the year, although there are signs of stabilisation in the economy.

The overall decline in consumer confidence unsurprisingly pushed down the national willingness to spend in China to its lowest in three quarters, though Tier 1 consumers again bucked the trend with a fourth straight quarter of improvement.

The survey showed that consumers aged 30-39 were more willing to spend than those below 30 for the first time since the last quarter of 2011.

Digital appliances, home appliances and furniture top shopping lists for both demographics.

Rain boosts bookings at Thomas Cook A SODDEN British summer boosted foreign holiday bookings at tour operator Thomas Cook in the three months ended June, although acquisition-related costs and inflation drove it to an operating loss during the period.

The 171-year-old travel group said this week it made an underlying operating loss of 26.5 million poundsin its fiscal third quarter compared with a profit of 20.1 million pounds in the same period last year.

Net debt at June 30 was 1.01 billion pounds, versus 902.5 million pounds at the same time last year.

The firm said that while the outlook remained challenging, its quarterly financial trend was improving and it expects to post a full-year result broadly in line with expectations.

Thomas Cook has been hit hard by tough trading conditions, particularly in Britain where its core customer base of families with young children has been particularly hit by the economic downturn. It has also been affected by unrest in popular destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco.

“My initial focus is to review our businesses, quickly establish priorities and develop a clear plan to reinvigorate Thomas Cook, which I expect to be able to present to you next Spring,” said chief executive Harriet Green.

At its half-year results in May, the tour operator posted a pretax loss of 328.3 million pounds for the six months to the end of March.

22 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY SU MAIL

World in pictures

Dark clouds hang over thatched houses in Kampen on the German North Sea island of Sylt, northern Germany (AFP)

South Korea’s Shin A Lam cries after an interruption of her Epee semifinal bout at London’s ExCel centre

(AFP)

A young great grey owl enjoys a mouse in the owls’ enclosure at the Zoologischer Garten zoo in Berlin (AFP)

Australia’s Melanie Schlanger competes in the women’s 100m freestyle semi-finals swimming event at the London 2012 Olympic Games (AFP)

General Motors workers burn tires in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil to protest the closure of an assembly facility (AFP)

Korea’s Hwang Ye-Sul (white) competes with Italy’s Erica Barbieri (blue) during their -70kg judo contest match (AFP)

Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany serves during his table tennis men’s bronze medal singles match (AFP)

British policemen block a topless protester of Ukraine’s prominent feminist rights group FEMEN in Central London (AFP)

An Egyptian man who chained his wrists, protests against military trials outside Cairo’s Administrative court (AFP) The fleet sets sail in the 470 sailing class at the London 2012 Olympic Games, in Weymouth

(AFP)

23 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

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 CLASSROOM ASSISTANT needed to help a nine year old in primary school. Previous teaching or experience with special needs essential. Good knowledge of English language necessary and patience and good communication skills a must. Hours 7.30-1pm Contact 26 948791

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Details of meetings are available on www.aa-europe.net ***************************** DOES SOMEONE ELSE’S DRINKING CAUSE YOU A PROBLEM? Al - Anon is for family and friends of those with a drinking problem. Call Nicosia 99 877205 for more information and details of meetings.

JOB WANTED

HEALTH & FITNESS

HOUSE MAID from the Philippines is looking for full- or part-time job as “living out” domestic helper in Nicosia.

Flexible terms considered. Call 99555229

MISCELLANEOUS YOU LOVE CYPRUS but annoyed by language, cultural barriers. Are you sick and tired of EU policy ? The solution is : The Bahamas!. Enjoy commonalities in language, our Queen, offshore privileges & MORE. Send for a Relocation Package today. Call 96 688 392.

TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE GREEK ORTHODOX: The European Union Parliament is pressuring the Turkish Government to restore Saint Sophia Cathedral from a museum into a Greek Orthodox Church.

However the Parliament has set a requirement of 1,000,000 signatures on a petition before it makes this conversation a prerequisite for Turkey’s admission into the European Union. You are requested to cast your vote by logging on to a link at www.hagiasophiablog. com. This is an opportunity for each of you to have an impact on world events. Get as many Greek Orthodox, other Orthodox and Christian friends of yours to sign the petition and make history. ***************************** ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS CYPRUS Is drink costing you more than just money? AA could be the answer.

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PROFESSIONAL AROMATHERAPY & fully body relaxing massage, at your home or hotel for men & women – Paphos area Call Ulrica on tel : 96853681 to book an appointment FULL BODY MASSAGE + relaxing massage for men and women in classy surroundings in Kato Paphos – privacy & discretion. We offer you professional mausseurs, appointments necessary 1 Hour for 35 euro, call 96637039 - honest people STRESSCONTROL. Aromatherapy MASSAGE. Area Hilton NICOSIA. More info on 97696795 EIGHTSMILEYS OFFERS SUP (STAND UP PADDLE) LESSONS, RENTALS & SALES. A great way to release tension and stress at the same time exercise your body, made for all ages and genders. Find out more information on www. sup.com.cy facebook: Eightsmileys Kitesurfsup or call on 99355191 ***************************** CLINICAL PILATES. Personalised Clinical Pilates by Physiotherapists in Nicosia. Individual assessment and supervision of exercises. “Clinical pilates” is a modified form of therapeutic exercise used by physiotherapists to assist in the rehabilitation and prevention of musculoskeletal injury especially lower back pain, sacro-iliac pain and neck pain. More info on 22446988. *****************************

PERSONAL 60 YEAR OLD ENGLISHMAN, fit, healthy and working, would

Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385 like to meet an English speaking, non-smoking lady for socialising, outings etc.Tel or text 96503261 AUSTRIAN ENGINEER, 50 years, searching for a nice women.

Mobile: 00491726293462

PETS *****************************

KITTENS FOR ADOPTION Three kittens for adoption about 5 weeks old. Two tabbies (one female/one male) and one black (female). Please call 22-679893 ADORABLE GOLDEN LABRADOR female puppy for sale.

She is 3 months of age. House trained and vaccinated. We own both parents. 300 euros.

Tel 99898322 or 99172549. ***************************** DOGS currently held in municipality pounds and facing euthanasia are looking for loving homes. Various breeds and sizes. Will only be given to responsible dog-lovers. Adoption contract and medical package obligatory. Nicosia area.

For info 99548264, 99846033, 99987222.

LESSONS ART DESIGN &CONSTRUCTION. September - Limassol.

Intensive course Drawing and Painting Tuesday nights. Art &Architecture History Thursday nights. All levels. Portfolio development. UCAS application support.

AutoCAD courses.

BTEC Level 3 Construction Diploma courses. Registering now! 99409829 info@idclimassol.org ***************************** DO YOU WANT TO LEARN CHINESE? Experienced private teacher available for Chinese lessons in Cyprus. €30 per lesson. Call for more details.

96864438 ***************************** PRIVATE TUITION - Experienced, UK-qualified teacher and tutor offers full / part time private home tuition in Maths, English, Science, Geography, History, Business Studies and Economics, from KS3 to iGCSE, AS and A2 levels. Telephone 26642781 or 99318796. ****************************

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

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Call Harry on 97768020 PROFESSIONAL UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, also carpets, rugs and mattresses. Special offers now available. For a quote call Rickys Cleaning Services on 99131044 (all areas) rickyscleaningservices@gmail.com UPHOLSTERY, RUG, BLINDS + CURTAIN CLEANING Rugs from 20€ - Carpets from 38€ Fabric Suites form 85€ - Leather Suites from 95€ - Mattresses from 25€. Curtains, Roman blinds, Vertical Blinds need to be surveyed. Collection Service available. For a free quotation call Mark on 70006766 All areas 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 or 96333961 All areas K.D.FLYSCREENS LTD We manufacture top quality sliding screens, opening doors and roller systems. We also do

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KEEP YOUR HOME COOLER THIS SUMMER by having Windowfilm professionaly fitted.

Stops up to 86% of heat from entering your home! Windowfilm increases privacy, blocks harmful uv-rays which cause fading, reduces glare and saves energy costs on air-con.

Also keeps your home warmer in winter. Call Ian on 99979671 WE UNDERTAKE REFURBISHING of houses or holiday homes, construction of pergolas, undertaking of plumbing, house painting, garden work.

For information call JIMMYS: 96587137, MELIS: 96547879 JURIDICAL SERVICES Contracts, sales agreements, conveyancing, wills, administration of estates, general litigation, power of attorney, land registry matters, companies, translations, immigration etc... And all legal matters. Call: Natalia Michealidou – jurist, Paphos Tel: 26 933159 – 99523231 (office hours)

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS NEW GAZEBO STILL IN BOX €100, calor gas heater almost new €40, HP computer monitor 17 inch €20, Logitec webcam and headphones with software €10, Phillips voip with software €20 . Tel 99191956 2 BEDROOM ATLAS MOBILE HOME for sale . Granite kitchen surfaces, tiled floors in W.C., Shower room and kitchen REDUCED TO E7,900. Tel. 99416918 or <sandymathie@ hotmail.com> ***************************** FURNITURE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: Childs cot / mattress €50 play table and stools €50 Bunk Bed set with ladder/ mattress €100 child’s bike €40 Child’s easy chairs €30 Easel €20 gas BBQ 80 vacuum cleaner Miele €80 Abstract canvasses from €10 ENGOMI 22355790 ***************************** CLOTHES STOCKS AND SHOP FITTINGS FOR SALE. Excellent women’s brands for sale including Italian, Spanish and French clothes and shoes.

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classified contents Employment Opportunities pg 23 Employment Miscellaneous 23 Pets 23 Lessons 23 Health & Fitness 23 Personal 23 Services 23 For Sale Miscellaneous 23 For Sale Land/ Property Business 23 For Sale Motor vehicles 24 Wanted 24 To Let Nicosia 24 To Let Limassol 28 To Let Larnaca 28 To Let Paphos 28 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni 29 To Let Athens -Land For Sale Bulgaria -For Sale Limassol 29 For Sale Nicosia 29 For Sale Larnaca 29 For Sale Paphos 29 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras -For Sale Athens -Property& Home Services display ads 30

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

24

Advertiser

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

FOR SALE B.P./LAND

FOR SALE B.P./LAND

able, sea view, near the 2 golf courses, Venus rock and airport. 60% Building eu 115,000.

Half registration fees till the 2.6.12. Tel. 99 621914 ***************************** LARNACA, ALETHRIKO, PLOTS FOR SALE, 525 sqm, 90% building factor, near highway Limassol-Larnaca, 5 min from airport, quiet residential area, eu 125,000. Half registration fees till the 2.6.12. Tel. 99 621914

of apartment building or 1 or 2 large houses. Price reduced to € 360.000 tel. 99 330 908 www. cyprusre.com/listing-lim-0170 **************************** FOR SALE OR RENT - Kato Paphos – full moon bar, fully furnished and equipped, large flat screen TV’s + projector, fits 120 people comfortably, incredible opportunity for ready business!

Please call: 99493579

RESIDENTIAL PIECE OF LAND of 985sqm in the village of Pareklisia. Partial sea views, near to electricity and water supplies. € 135.000 D.C. (Cyprus) Real Estate Tel: 99 330 908 **************************** FOR SALE PLOT in the centre of Lefkara Village 670sqm, high build factor, near all shops, and amenities € 210.000 negotiable Tel: 99 330 908 **************************** PLOT LOCATED in Mesa Geitonia, Limassol 617sqm. 100% build. Ideal for the construction

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES *****************************

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

SELEC 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

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TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

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

bassador and American heart institute area, easy access to city centre, schools, hospitals, all amenities and motorway, in quiet cul-de-sac, on high ground with views of Nicosia and Pentadaktylos. 3 Baths, garage for 2 cars with automatic doors, bbq, fireplace, oil central heating, airconditioning, fully furnished. €2000 Pm, tel 99 621914 **************************** FULLY FURNISHED recently renovated apartment for rent, located in a central area of Nicosia (behind Starbucks) with central heating and airconditioning units. Very reasonable rent. For information 99476737 and 99382422. ***************************** 3 BEDROOM FLAT completely renovated in Strovolos. 135sqm, quite family owned building recently painted. c/h, a/c, storage room. Stainless steel appliances, washing machine. Sky satellite tv. € 650/month Call 99 330 908. ***************************** LYCAVITOS 300sq.m., 3 bdrm

office lux. €1500, Dasoupolis 2 bdrm., wooden floors modern design €750, Acropolis 3 bdrm f/f., modern furniture, luxury €1000, Hilton 2 bdrm., wooden floors, modern building €850, Mak/ssa whole floor flat with/ without furniture €1200, villas Mak/ssa-Strovolos with pool and garden. Costas Markides Tel: 22378898/99464764, Reg. No. 487, E16. ***************************** FLATS FOR RENT studio strovolos 250,1 bdrm ag.antonios 380,kennedy furnished 440,engomi 490 Ag.andreas 490,dasoupolis 450.makarios av.500,strovolos 400 2bdrm furnished lykavitos 600 acropolis just built 650,anthoupolis 430 3bdrm acropolis 300,engomi 500,Hilton furnished 600 4bdrm ag.andreas fully equipped 800. POSPORIDES ESTATES 99474839 99646822 REG.338

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA

FOR SALE factory with showroom, 1050m2, in private land, in Kokkinotrimithia industrial zone. Tel. 99849195.

WANTED TO RENT

TO LET NICOSIA

FOR SALE BMW 320i CONVERTIBLE, 2008, colour platinum bronze, 18’’ alloys, being leather, cruise control, front and rear parking sesonrs, lights-rain sensors, wind deflector, 45000 km, excellent condition, €30,900. For information call 99405122. **************************** MINI 1, 2005, red, manual, all specs, radio/cd/ac, MOT / tax, 20,000 miles from new, price : €7000 call 99096902 – Polis

CHILDCARE From a Cypriot - with 20 years experience in a kindergarten - looking after infants and children at her house in Nicosia

For information call 99781943

**************************** FOR RENT : 2 bed-room flat in Nikis Aven in Nicosia, 80 m.

Very good conditions. Excellent for office or flat. €525. 3 bed-room flat with some furnitures in Nicosia near Central Bank, 140 m. Completely renovated like new. €650. Mob : 99460860 **************************** LUXURY UPPER HOUSE 180 sq.m at Ayios Dometios. Furnished, 3 bedrooms, laundry room, w/m, s/h c/h, fully air-conditioned, 5 ceiling funs, walled kitchen, refrigerator, curtains, parking place. Tel.99443412 **************************** HOUSE FOR RENT: 5 bedroom detached house, French am-

English-Painter & Decorator

FOR SALE

Fully Qualified 30 years’ Experience

Office furniture and equipment.

Excellent quality, new condition. Modern Hi-Tech design. Including 2 work stations, conference room, Manager Desk, cupboards, Switchboard and more..

Must See!!!

Tel: 25817684

SUMMER OFFER 30% OFF ALL AREAS • External & Internal painting • Damp Damage Repairs • Spritze Repairs • Free Estimates + very clean work • All areas. All types of woodwork stained and preserved • All work guaranteed

Tel. Tony on 99176557

***************************** ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT, in small quiet building, new, very spacious, fully furnished and air conditioned. Very good location between Strovolos and Engomi, close to The European University (Cyprus College) and all amenities. Covered parking. Rent €495/m. Please call 99695382 ***************************** TO LET 3 bdrm flat Kaimakli area near Frederic. Tel. 99606665. ****************************** LUXURY HOUSES: 1. 5 bedrs detached house, 550sq.m, built in 2 big plots of land, big garden with grass, big swimming pool with extra fence for children and big covered patio with bbq area,

25

Advertiser

SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

TO LET NICOSIA big reception areas with marble floor, fire place and bar, big kitchen with all electrical appliances and sitting room with fire place, maid’s room, floor heating, full a/c, blinds on the windows, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and shower, big bathroom for the other 3 bedrooms and extra shower in the 5th bedroom. Available end of July - Strovolos €2500 (H5ST10001-R), (photos in the website).

2. 3 bedrs luxury ground floor renovated semi detached house,210sq.m, with central heating, air conditions, solid parquet floor, fire place, big kitchen with all the electric appliances, 2 wc curtains, big veranda, big patio on the back with bbq area, 2 covered parkings in a quiet neighborhood close to the Embassies –Engomi €900 (H3ENG0002-R), (photos in the website) 3. 4 bedr + separate office space + maid’s room luxury detached house, split level, big open space sitting areas,400sq.m,a/c for hot and cold in all the rooms, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, swimming pool, big verandas, 2 covered parking, in a very quiet area near Lidl – Latsia €2500 (H4LAT0008-R), (photos in the website).

4. 3 bedr luxry detached house with 1 bedr flat in the basement, floor heating with gass a/c units, big kitchen with electrical appliances, 4 wc, 3 bathrooms, big garden with small pebbles, 2 covered parking, in a quiet area in a dead end. Can be rented furnished or not. AVAILABLE in August – Makedonitissa €1700 (H4MAK0027-R), (photos in the website).

5. 4 bedr+ attic room with shower

TO LET NICOSIA and wc luxury detached house with separate maid’s room, central heating, a/c, separate office room, sitting and dining areas, big kitchen with dining room and big family room opening to the big garden with grass and bbq area, 2 covered parking, behind General flooring shop – Makedonitissa €3000 (H4MAK0025-R), (Photos on the website).

6. 3 bedr + big attic room which can be used as a bedroom/office, detached house, central heating, full a/c,3wc, 2 bathrooms, big sitting and dining room, separate kitchen with all the electrical appliances, small garden and patio with bbq area, covered parking, near Apollonion hospital. – Makedonitissa €1200 (H4MAK0016-R), (photos in the website) 7. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, 330sq.m, central heating, full ac, 2 covered parking’s, big kitchen with sitting room and all expensive electrical appliances, blinds on the windows, lighting fixtures, 2 bedrs with en suite shower and wc, main bathroom with jacuzzi,3rd bedroom with only shower ,swimming pool with wooden deck around, covered patio with nice covered bbq area, opposite a green area in a very quiet area – Strovolos €2600 (H4ST10040-R), (photos in the website).

8. 4 bedr luxury detached house, 350sq.m, central heating, full a/c, office space, separate maid’s room, big storage room, solid parquet floor in the bedrooms, 2 covered parking, swimming pool, garden with trees, veranda with bbq area, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, big sitting and din-

TO LET NICOSIA ing areas, very near to English School, off Athalassas Avenue €2300 (H4ST10036-R), (photos on the website).

9. 3 bedr ground floor semi detached house in very good condition with storage heaters, 5a/ c,2wc, big kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting and dining room, big front veranda, 2 covered parking in a very quiet neighbourhood close to Alpha Mega - Parissinos €550 (H3PA2001-R), (photos in the website).

10. 4 bedr new luxury finished top quality detached house, 290sq.m, central heating, full a/c, master bedroom with ensuite shower/jacuzzi, guest bedroom with shower, main bathroom with jacuzzi, 4wc, fully expensive furnished with 3 LCD televisions, kitchen with very expensive electrical appliances and family room, garden with grass, big covered patio with bbq area,2 covered parking’s, alarm system, pressure system, - Strovolos €3000 (H4STI0039-R), (Photos on the website).

11. 4 bedr luxury detached house built in 3 plots of land. Separate maid’s room outside the house, big basement with playroom, office and guest room with separate entrance. The house has big sitting and dining room, separate family room, separate kitchen, big bedrooms, internal elevator, central heating, full a/c, big yard with tiles, covered kiosk and trees, 2 covered parking, in a quiet area in a dead end opposite Cineplex – Strovolos €3000 (H4STI0042-R), (photos in the website).

12. 5 bedr new luxury finished detached house with separate maid’s room, one of the bedrooms with shower and wc and can be used as guest room,4 wc, solid parquet floor all the house, separate family room with fire place, big sitting room, separate dining room, big kitchen with breakfast area,

TO LET NICOSIA big outside patio with tiles and bbq area,2 covered parking, electrical appliances in the kitchen, in a very quiet neighborhood close to CYBC station. Can be rented furnished or not. – Platy Aglantzias €3000 (H5PAG0001-R), (Photos on the website).

13. 3 bedr detached house with extra room for office,250sq.m, central heating independent, 4a/c, big renovated, kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting and dining room with parquet floor and fire place,1bathroom,1 shower,2wc, 2 covered parking, big verandas surrounded by trees and bushes off 28th October street - Makedonitissa €1300 (H4STI0043-R), (photos in the website).

14. 3 bedr luxury house, nicely modern furnished with big sitting and dining areas with bar, central heating, full a/c, big fitted kitchen with TV room, office space, patio area with bbq, covered parking, 3wc, solid parquet floor in bedrooms and granite in the sitting areas, near the MEGA TV station – Archangelos €1300 (H3AR0002-R), (photos in the website).

15. 3 bedr luxury semi detached house with central heating independent, a/c, 3wc, parquet floor, fire place, electrical appliances in the kitchen, curtains, in a very quiet neighbourhood in the area near Falcon school – Strovolos €1500 (H3STI012-R), (photos in the website).

16. 3 bedr + office space +separate maid’s room detached luxury house, 450sq.m, recently renovated, with central heating, full a/c, big sitting and dining area with parquet floor, TV room with fire place, big kitchen with breakfast area and fitted cooker and oven, 4 wc, roller blinds on all windows, very big verandas and yard, covered parking, in a very quiet neighborhood in the

TO LET NICOSIA centre of Makedonitissa opposite a playground. - €1400 (H4MAK0003-R), (photos in the website).

17. 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,6 wc, 2 covered parking’s, big yard with tiles and garden with grass, bbq area in a very quiet neighbourhood near the CYBC ( RIK) station and near a neighbourhood park – Aglantzia €2000(H4AGZ0005-R), (photos in the website).

18. New luxury 4 bedr + very big 40sq.m attic room with shower and wc semi detached house, 300 sq.m, central heating, full air condition, big sitting and dining areas, 4 wc, 2 showers,1 bathroom, solar heater, pressure system, covered parking, big back yard with tiles, blinds, cooker, oven and, refrigerator in the kitchen, in a very quiet neighborhood and area – Agios Dometios €1500 (H4ADO0004-R). (photos in the website).

19. 4 bedr semi detached house with central heating, 4 a/c, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, 180sq.m, small yard, bbq area, FULLY FURNISHED, off Costantinoupoleos street near French Ambassador residence – Strovolos €900 (H4STI0043-R), (photos in the website).

20. 4 bedr + 2 separate rooms with showers and wc (120sq.m) detached house with big sitting and dining areas, big kitchen with dining area and family room with fire place, very big swimming pool with bbq area, covered patio, garden with grass, central heating in 4 zones, full a/c, 6wc, 5 covered parking’s, pressure system,

TO LET NICOSIA opposite Apoel training field.

Can be rented furnished or not. AVAILABLE END OF AUGUST – Archangellos €4000 (H4AR0007-R), (photos in the website).

21. 4 bedrs luxury detached villa built in 5 plots of land, 600sq., central Heating, full a/c, very big garden with grass, big swimming pool 5 x 13, bar with bbq area, office space, TV room with fire place, marble floor, all the bedrooms en suite shower/bathroom, separate self contained apartment for the maid, 2 covered parking in a nice area with easy access to the Limassol road. Can be rented also partially furnished – Latsia €5000(H4LAT0007-R), (photos in the website).

22. 4 bedr luxury detached house, separate maid’s room, 600 sq.m, central heating, full a/c, 6 wc, 4 bathrooms, big sitting and dining areas opening on to the garden, big kitchen with electrical appliances, built in 2 big plots of land with huge garden with grass, swimming pool, 2 covered parking, in a quiet neighbourhood close to Alpha Mega supermarket Engomi - €3700 (H4PA20005-R), (photos on the website).

23. 4 bedr luxury detached house with expensive finishes, office space, separate maid’s room, 3 of the bedrooms with en suite shower/bathroom, floor heating, full air condition, white marble floor all the house, fire place, lighting fixtures, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, swimming pool with bbq area, small garden,2 covered parking’s in a nice neighbourhood with expensive houses near KEMA building – Platy Aglantzias €3500 (H4PAG0004-R), (photos in the website).

For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ES-

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION On May 21st, 2012 in accordance with Section 14.81.1 C of the Liberian Business Corporation ActDogonLtd (“Company”) with registration number C-37274 doing business at 9 Marikas Kotopouli Street, 3030 Limassol the shareholders have agreed to dissolve the Company.

1. All claims against the assets of the Company must be made in writing and include the claim amount, basis and origination date.

2. The deadline for submitting claims is 23rd November 2012 3. Any claims that are not received by the company prior to the date set forth above will not be recognized.

5. All claims and payments must be sent to P. O Box 53766, 3317 Limassol, Cyprus Dated: March 22nd, 2012.

Camilla Strømstad Liquidation board

26

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA TATES LTD 22-422225/96422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates.com **************************** LUXURY FLATS: 1. 2 bedr luxury fully renovated apartment, storage heaters, 3 a/c, separate big kitchen, big sitting dining room, fully modern furnished and equipped with solid parquet floor off Prodromou street – Engomi €600 (A2ENG0010-R), (photos in the website).

2. 2 bedr new luxury modern,

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

2 storey apartment with solid parquet floor, floor heating independent, full a/c, 2 bathrooms, 2 wc, expensive fitted electrical appliances, blinds, covered veranda with very nice view, in a quiet neighbourhood on a modern design building.

AVAILABLE 1st of August – Aglantzia €750 (A2AGZ0021-R), (photos on the website).

3. 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with big sitting room, separate kitchen with electrical appliances, central heating independent with diesel,2 a/c,

aluminum shutters in the bedrooms, covered veranda, covered parking, storage room, on a small quiet building in a quiet neighborhood – Agios Dometios €450 (A1ADO0004-R), (photos in the website).

4. 3 bedr luxury PENTHOUSE apartment with storage heaters, full a/c, office space, very big veranda 100sq.m with nice view and bbq area with bar, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, 2 bathrooms, 2 storage rooms, covered parking, in a small building

10th August - 8nts Norwegian Fjords to escape the summer heat!

SAIL ON THE 5* MS RYNDAM OUTSIDE CABIN OFFER FROM ONLY ¤1675!!!

All prices include flights, transfers, hotels and cruise (where applicable). We go the extra mile to provide excellent ervice before, during and after your holiday. Call us and see what difference we can make to you!

Tel: 70 000 970

info@centurycyprus.com

www.centurycyprus.com

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

6. 1 bedr luxury fully furnished apartment, 60sq.m, with 2 a/c for hot and cold, spacious, covered parking, on a small building near Alpha Mega supermarket – Dasoupolis €450 (A1DAS0001-R), (photos in the website).

cold (Mitsubishi), storage heaters can be installed if needed, electrical shutters in the bedrooms, pressure system, water serculation system, solar, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds, covered veranda, 2 COVERED PARKING, storage room, near the centre and near traffic lights of Honda showroom. – Agioi Omologites €700 (A2AOM0007-R)

7. 2 bedr brand new luxury finished apartment on a small modern design building with 2 bathrooms, a/c for hot and

8. 1 bedr, fully furnished and equipped apartment, 50sq.m, 2 a/c for hot and cold, covered verandah, covered parking,

near Hilton park and Ippokration hospital – Engomi €1000 (A3ENG0023-R), (photos in the website).

TO LET NICOSIA ice view off Makarios Avenue between Hilton and DEBENHAMS shop – Nicosia Centre €460 (A1NIC0006-R), (photos in the website).

9. 3 bedr new luxury penthouse apartment on the last floor of a 3 storey building, CH ind, full a/c, pressure system, cooker and oven in the kitchen, blinds in the living room, 2 bathrooms, 130sq.m, big veranda with view, covered parking, 200m opposite Akropolis park. Acropolis €850(A3ACS0039-R), (photos on the website).

27

Advertiser

SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

TO LET NICOSIA 10. 2 bedr new luxury finished apartment with a/c for hot and cold, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, big covered veranda,2 bathrooms,2wc,covered parking, storage room, secured entrance building in a very quiet neighborhood – Aglantzia €650 (A2AGZ0022-R), (photos in the website) 11. 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with big sitting and dining room, storage heaters, 2 a/c, cooker, oven, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer, refrigerator in the kitchen,2 wc, 1 bathroom, blinds, big covered veranda, storage room, parking, big common SWIMMING pool. Price includes common expenses – Latsia €500 (A1LAT0004-R), (photos in the website).

12. 2 bedrs big luxury flat, 110sq. m+big covered veranda, CH ind, 3 a/c, cooker, oven in the kitchen, roller blinds, 2 bathrooms, 2 wc, parquet and granite floor, big bedrooms, big sitting and dining room, covered parking, intercom, on a small building with 6 flats only near Coca Cola factory 2 km from McDonalds in Egomi – Agios Dometios €550 (A2ADO0013-R), (photos in the website).

13. New luxury 2 bedr apartment with nice view, 100sq.m, big sitting & dining area, big separate kitchen with cooker and oven, big covered verandah, 2 wc, storage heaters, 2 a/c, electric shutters in the bedrooms, covered parking and storage room on the 11th floor of a small building with

TO LET NICOSIA 6 flats only 200 meters for Akropolis park and opposite a small neighborhood park – Dasoupolis €550 (A2DAS0001-R), (photos in the website).

14.

3 bedr apartment, 140sq.m,central heating independent, full a/c, 2 bathrooms, big separate kitchen with cooker and oven in the kitchen, blinds, covered parking off Kennedy and Markora street walking distance to the centre – Nicosia Centre €550 (A3NIC0023-R), (photos in the website).

15. 3 bedr +separate maid”s room (with shower and wc) & luxury apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, big separate kitchen with breakfast area and electrical appliances, big sitting and dining area with solid parquet floor, big covered veranda, blinds, alarm system, 2 parking, in a quiet area off Makarios Avenue near Hilton – Nicosia Centre €1100 (A3NIC0023-R), (photos in the website).

16. New luxury 2 bedr apartment with central heating independent, full ac, fully modern nicely furnished and equipped, big covered verandah, 2 wc, covered parking opposite Hilton, off Makarios Avenue close to the centre – Lykavitos €650 (A2LYK0003-R), (photos in the website) 17. Brand new quality finished 2 storey Penthouse apartment with cozy nicely modern fully furnished apartment, 150sq.m unique design, a/c for hot and cold in all the flat, 2wc, big ve-

TO LET NICOSIA randas around the flat, private elevator with lock for the flat , in the centre of Makedonitissa of 28th October street – €1200 (A2MAK0004-R), (photos in the website).

18.

4 bedr luxury floor apartment,250sq.m, office, maid’s room, central heating ind, full a/c,2 showers, 1 bathroom, 3wc, parquet floor, big kitchen with cooker and oven, big sitting area, roller blinds on all the windows, big veranda on a small building off Athalasas Avenue near Alpha Mega supermarket and Areteion hospital – Dasoupolis €1100 (A4DAS002-R), (photos on the website) 3 bedr luxury spacious floor apartment on the 4th floor of award winning building,200sq. m+big covered veranda, central heating independent, full built in air conditions, lighting fixtures, curtains and blinds on all windows, big spacious living room with fire place, big kitchen with double cooker, oven and microwave and breakfast area, double glazed windows, all the bedrooms with en suite shower/bath, big satellite dish with sky decoder,2 covered parking and storage room, close to American embassy and other amenities – Engomi €1600 (A3ENG0025-R), (photos in the website).

20. 3 bedr new luxury finished penthouse floor apartment, 240sq.m, big sitting and dining area(can fit 2 sitting rooms and dining table), big separate kitchen with cooker, oven, microwave, laundry room and

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

breakfast area, big bedrooms, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, storage heaters, full a/c, blinds on all windows, pressure system, covered parking, big covered veranda, off Iphigenia’s street near Ministry of Education on a small building with 7 flats only. Available in September – Acropolis €1300 (A3ACS0019-R), (photos in the website).

big sitting and dining area (can fit 2 sitting rooms and dining table), electrical appliances in the kitchen which has a breakfast area,2 covered parking, storage room in a very quiet green neighbourhood near the centre and Ag. Andreas - AVAILABLE in AUGUST– Nicosia Center €1450 (A3NIC0004-R), (photos in the website).

pensive electrical appliances in the kitchen, double glazed windows with electrical shutter, covered veranda, pressure system, solar heater, central satellite antenna, 2 covered parkings, storage room, security entrance, close to Honda traffic lights walking distance to the centre – Agioi Omologites €850 (A3AOM0009-R), (photos in the website).

21. 2 bedr new luxury apartment with central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, big sitting and dining room, separate kitchen with cooker and oven, blinds on all windows, covered veranda, solar heater, pressure system, covered parking, storage room, on a small building in a quiet neighborhood next to a playground, near Central offices of Cyta and Laiki Head quarters – Dasoupolis €600 (A2DAS0018-R), (photos in the website).

24. New luxury 2 bedr apartment, open plan kitchen, 3 a/c for hot and cold, blinds on all the windows, nicely expensive full furnished with real leather sofas, double bed, big dining table, LCD 32”, satellite dish with receiver, internet, very big bedrooms with big and many wardrobes, covered parking and storage room, in a quiet area near BMH – Aglantzia €620 (A2AGZ0001-R), (photos in the website).

27. 3 big bedrs +office space luxury penthouse floor apartment, renovated, central heating independent, full a/c, 230sq.m,double glazed windows,3wc, 2 bathrooms(one en suite),solar heater, pressure system, SKY satellite dish, big sitting and dining areas, solid parquet floor all the flat, big kitchen with cooker and oven and breakfast area, very nice view of the old city,40sq.m private roof garden area ,covered parking on a small building in the centre of Nicosia near the Museum and the old Hospital. Available middle 15th of SEPTEMBER –Nicosia Centre €1200 (A4NIC0005-R), (photos in the website)

22. 4 bedr new luxury finished apartment, 160sq.m+35sq.m covered veranda, big sitting and dining room, NICELY MODERN FURNISHED, Daikin air-conditions for hot and cold in all the rooms, 2 bedrs with en suite shower/wc, 4wc, 2 covered parking, in a small modern building off Makarios Avenue in a quiet neighbourhood.

Available in August – Nicosia Center €1400 (A4NIC0001-R), (photos in the website).

23. New luxury spacious 3 bedr quality apartment, 165sq.m+ big covered verandah, separate floor heating, full a/c, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), solid parquet floor all the flat,

25. 2 bedr new luxury finished and FURNISHED ground floor apartment, 80sq.m +120sq.m veranda and garden, separate floor heating, full a/c, 2wc, aluminum shutters outside the windows, pressure system, fully expensively fitted with electrical appliances in the kitchen, big covered parking and big storage room, off Athallassa Avenue near English School in a small modern building. AVAILABLE 1st of AUGUST – Strovolos €800 (A2ST10023-R), (photos in the website).

26. 3 bed brand new luxury finished apartment in a small modern design building with 2 bathrooms(one en suite), ex-

For many more properties with photos visit our website at w w w. l a n d t o u r i s t e s t a t e s . com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22-422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates.com ***************************** 2 BDRM flat in the centre of Nicosia. Rent €450. For information call 99453663, 99663927. *****************************

28

Advertiser TO LET LIMASSOL LIMASSOL FOR RENT IN LIMASSOL furnished studio with small verandah, air condition (hot/cold), in the tourist area, opposite the sea, on “Lordos Beach Garden”, 2nd floor. Rent €250 per month. Information Tel. 25378504.

4

BEDROOM recently renovated whole floor apartment of 200sqm.. Fully Furnished.

Opposite sea, swimming pool, tennis court, and security gate.

3 new bathrooms, new kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

2 Covered parkings. Price € 1500/month. Call 99 330 908

OFFICE FOR RENT opposite sea with amazing sea views.

120sqm, 2 bathrooms, kitchen.

Security system, cabling and server room ready. Price € 1400/month negotiable tel. 99 330 908 www.cyprusre.com/ listing-LIM-0103 GROUND FLOOR HOUSE 3 bedrooms in Omonia furnished /unfurnished, fire place in sitting room, main sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, utility, shower with W/C. A/C in bedrooms.

Covered parking. Price €650.

Tel 95 116808 VERY SPACIOUS LUXURY BUNGALOW HOUSE situated in the village of Palodeia, ideal for its proximity to the Heritage school and only 5 miles to Limassol town centre with shops and banks close by. Accommodation comprises of an open plan sitting room/dining area, fully

August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

TO LET LARNACA

TO LET LIMASSOL fitted and equipped kitchen, 1 master bedroom with en-suite, 3 large bedrooms, a separate wc/bathroom and an office room. A/c & c/h throughout. In front of the house is a car port for 2 cars but has additional space for another 3 or 4 cars.

Price €1250.00pm. Viewing available after 23/8/12 please contact Yiannakis Georgiou 99451011.

OFFICE FOR RENT OPPOSITE SEA WITH amazing sea views.

120sqm, 2 bathrooms, kitchen.

Security system, cabling and server room ready. Price € 1400/month negotiable tel. 99 330 908 www.cyprusre.com/ listing-LIM-0103

LARNACA PHINIKOUDES PROMENADE one bdr apt on the 4th floor, F/F, a/c. In the most exclusive area on the sea front of the city centre. A panoramic view of the Marina and the sea. Situated right on the sea. Makes life a holiday all year round.

For long term rent only €380.

Tel: 99222197, 99541828. ***************************** FULLY FURNISHED one bedroom flat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel: 99202543 **************************** 1. K.S.L LETTINGS – APARTMENT FOR RENT Fully Furnished ground floor 2 bedroom apartment, overlooking pool. Beautifully furnished throughout. 350 Euros per calendar month. Larnaca District.

TO LET PAPHOS

Quote TLL884. Tel. (00357) 24815104 2. K.S.L LETTINGS – Properties Required for waiting Long Term Tenants. We desperately require 2/3 & 4 bedroom villa’s with private swimming pools for waiting tenants in the Larnaca District. Please call us for a free valuation. Tel.(00357) 24815104 3. K.S.L LETTINGS – largest range of properties. Over 200 rental properties in the Larnaca district at the most competitive rates! Flexible contracts available. Tel. (00357) 24815104 4.

WWW.KSLLETTINGS.COM – VILLA FOR RENT Fully furnished 3 bedroom Villa with a good-sized rear garden & Communal pool, located in the village of Oroklini. Call for further information quoting Ref. TLL1189. Tel. (00357) 24815104

CALL 24 815 104 TO ENQUIRE OR ARRANGE A VIEWING – NO OBLIGATION OR FEES. VIEW OUR FULL RANGE OF OVER 200 PROPERTIES

BY VISITING WWW.KSLLETTINGS.COM UPDATED DAILY. LANDLORDS ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY FOR FREE AND GET WORLD WIDE ADVERTISING – NO TENANT NO FEE ! ****************************

PAPHOS AGIOS NEOPHYTOS, TALA, 2 bedroom house, with a/c, split units, private parking, beautiful

garden, very quiet area, with sea views. Rent is negotiable, Tel : 96570227 6

BEDROOM, LUXURY DETACHED VILLA in Chlorakas, for rent. Breathtaking, unobscured sea and mountain views.

Close to all amenities, located in a cul de sac in Melanos area with a private road. 6 bed, 2 bathrooms (+2en suite), utility room, outdoor storage, Jacuzzi, private pool, fully A/C, fitted kitchen, large verandas and landscaped gardens. Long term let or sale by owner, call 99414920 **************************** FOR RENT 2bed townhouse 3 km from Paphos centre in small project of 4 units, large swimming pool available, free wifi Large green areas around, sea and mountain views €350 per month .Please call 99439891. **************************** UNIVERSAL AREA, 1 bedroom, furnished apartment, off street parking, quiet area, euro 250 per month, plus electricity, no other charges. Tel : 96523557 **************************** LUXURY PRIVATE NEW VILLA, with 7 bedrooms, with own bathrooms, s/pool, satellite TV, hot tub spa, panoramic view, pool billiard table, soccer table, table tennis. Beautiful garden, located at Coral Bay area in Pegia, Paphos, is available for rent. Please call 96351179. **************************** 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

TO LET PAPHOS Landlord & Owners please call 99329357 Or please view at are website www.cyprussands.com Fully Registered Company in Cyprus ***************************** CHLORAKA, 2 bedroom apartment, only 5 years old, fully furnished with a/c, lovely, large patio area in rear €300 per month, + communal charges please call Malcolm on: 99127031 - no agents **************************** FOR RENT new ground floor terrace studios for rent in Kouka village(20 minutes from Limassol) in a quiet and peaceful area fully furnished €180 per month minimum contract 1 year. Inf. Mob 99548855 **************************** For your consideration 1. KATHIKAS AREA €450 a modern 2 bedroom, stone walled villa with sea views, large swimming pool and 650 sq metres garden. In a quiet cul-de-sac, available unfurnished or furnished. Solar panels and pressurised water system. A great villa in a fabulous village. Will accept pets.

2. TREMITHOUSA €275 situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, this furnished modern 3 bedroom detached house with small garden is available, a/c throughout and satellite broadband. Offering fantastic views of the sea.

3. TREMITHOUSA €250 luxury 2 bedroom maisonette. Fully furnished with modern furniture and satellite broadband.

Modern furniture with new appliances. & A/c throughout.

TO LET PAPHOS Good sea views. Located in a fabulous village. A must see!

4. CENTRAL PAPHOS €250 modern 1 bedroom top floor apartment, opposite bowling, master with walk-in wardrobe.

Fully furnished with all appliances. Lift to all floors. This complex offers a lovely communal pool area and security barrier entrance. Close to amenities, a great central location.

Call Val on 99166563 Or Liz on 96703403 **************************** UNIVERSAL AREA, 2 bedroom modern furnished town house, communal pool Euro 450 per month Tel 99387842 ***************************** ANAVARGOS, 3 bedroom detached house, low maintenance garden, communal pool, very close to international school, Unfurnished or furnished, euro 550 per month Tel: 99239262 ***************************** EPISKOPI – PAPHOS, 3 bedroom bungalow, unfurnished, a/con, fire-place, spectacular mountain views, large established garden with irrigation, swimming pool, very quiet location, euro 650 ono – long term Please call Micheal: 99655636 - no agents **************************** ONE BEDROOM fully furnished apartment for rent in Kissonerga. Near Cynthiana Beach hotel and close proximity to Coral Bay. Overlooking the sea and 100 metres from beach. AC in bedroom. Tel: 99-492521/ 99673276

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SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

TO LET PAPHOS **************************** PEYIA – 3 bedroom villa with modern quality furniture and finishes.

Central heating, sky, alarm, infinity pool and stunnning sea and mountain views €700 per month, call : 99389426 ***************************** BRAND NEW APT, opposite Poseidonio Gym, near Carrefour, F/F, a/c, great quality, 1 bdrm, from €340p.m.Tel 99403261 **************************** MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PAPHOS OFFICE: 26271858 (00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACTOFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE 1.UNIVERSAL AREA €550 spacious 3 bedroom semi detached house all with ensuite bathrooms plus downstairs guest wc. Large storage room & roof terrace. Enclosed garden with private pool. Drive for off street parking. Available unfurnished with sky satellite.

Situated in a great central location.

2.TALA €625 unfurnished modern 3 bedroom detached villa offering total privacy & breathtaking sea views. Includes underfloor heating plus real fire.

Master with ensuite. Large storage room. Shutters & flyscreens.

Covered veranda, garden with mature plants, private pool offering sea views.

Off street parking. A beautiful home.

3.KAMARES €675 we are delighted to offer this 2 bedroom 2 bathroom bungalow offering magnificent sea views. Lovely enclosed garden & private pool. Available unfurnished though can be furnished if de-

TO LET PAPHOS sired. Includes central heating throughout plus modern gas fire for those winter months.

Outdoor storage facilities, shaded patio area, fly screens & shutters.

4.KONIA €700 new to the market this spacious detached 3 bedroom villa, master with ensuite. Guest wc. Beautifully furnished with quality modern furniture. Separate modern fitted kitchen plus separate utility room. Shutters to all windows.

Roof terrace with sea views.

Fully enclosed garden with storage shed, covered barbeque area and private pool offering lovely views.

5.PEYIA €700 rental price includes pool cleaning. Unfurnished 3 bedroom bungalow, master with ensuite. Spacious kitchen & living area. Enclosed garden with well & private pool offering sea views. Covered veranda, private drive for off street parking. Situated in a quiet residential area.

6.PEYIA €750 price includes pool cleaning. If you are looking for a villa with breathtaking views & privacy then this property is for you. This modern detached 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villas is furnished with modern furniture, including satellite TV. One bedroom & bathroom on ground floor. a spacious enclosed garden with private pool offering stunning views.

Off street parking.

7.KOILI €800 brand new modern detached 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa. High quality fixtures & fittings. Spacious living area with real fireplace, plus underfloor heating throughout.

Enclosed garden with private pool. Total plot size 600 sq metres, covered area 220 sq metres. Available unfurnished.

Pets allowed.

8.MESOGI €1250 stunning de-

TO LET PAPHOS tached 4 bedroom 5 bathroom villa. One bedroom & ensuite on ground floor. Spacious kitchen with separate utility room. Available unfurnished though includes gas central heating plus real fireplace in living area. Enclosed garden & private pool. Gated entrance with undercover parking. Situated on a private road.

Tel: 97790883 office: 26271858 visit our website for many more properties www.mrrent-paphos.net email: info@ mrrent-paphos.net ***************************** 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 97641764 FOR MORE INFORMATION. LANDLORDS CALL IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT.!!!

1. KAMARES - TALA – 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished luxury bungalow set on an elevated plot on this prestigious development. Open plan living area with feature fireplace, dining area. Separate kitchen with D/W etc. Separate utility room with access to side garden. 2 double, bedrooms, master with en-suite. Family bathroom. Large verandah overlooking the pool.

Sep storage room, covered parking and additional store.

Swimming pool, and landscaped gardens. €600.00 a month or sensible offers only 2. TRIMITHOUSA 3 bed 2. bath unfurnished apartment/ house set in quiet location with views. Open plan living area and dining area.

Fully fitted kitchen with appliances. Guest WC. 3 double bedrooms. Family bathroom.

Large balcony, off-street parking. €400.00 a month.

3. KATHIKAS – 3 bed,2 bath unfurnished stone bungalow with no immediate neighbours.. Open plan living area with fireplace with log burner..

Fitted kitchen, utility room. 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite. Family bathroom. Parking, Swimming pool and landscaped garden areas. Very quiet area. €600.00 a month

U SEFUL PHONE NUMBERS POLICE DIVISION HQ

HOSPITALS ........ 1400

Nicosia ........................22 802 020 Limassol ......................25 805 050 Larnaca .......................24 804 040 Paphos ........................26 806 060 Famagusta ..................23 803 030

Nicosia General .............22-801400 Nicosia Makarios ...........22-405000 Limassol Old ................25-305333 Limassol New ................25-801100 Larnaca Old...................24-630312 Larnaca New .................24-630300 Paphos ..........................26-821800 Famagusta ....................23-821211

Drug Law Enforcement Unit ......................................... 1498 (Confidential Information) Rescue Co-ordination Centre ............................. 1441 (Immediate Response Service for Aeronautical or Maritime Accident & Incidents) Game Fund Service: (Wildlife and hunting) Central offices (Nicosia): 22867786, 22-867897 Nicosia: 22-664606, 99-445697 Limassol: 25-343800, 99-445728, Larnaca/Famagusta: 24-805128, 99-634325 Paphos: 26-306211, 99-445679 Forest Fires ..................... 1407

Narcotics Helpline ......... 1410 (Outside hours.............. 22-304160) AIDS Advisory Bureau ................................ 22-302826 Domestic Violence Centre .......................................... 1440 (Emergency Centre for Victims) Drug Info & Poison Control ............... 1401 Cyprus Samaritans ... 77777267 Police Duty Officer ......... 1499 (Confidential Information) Airports Larnaca ..........................77778833 Paphos ...........................77778833

4. MESA CHORIO– 2 Bed, 2. bath fully furnished apartment in good location close to ISOP Open plan living area with dining space. Fitted kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, master with en-suite. Family bathroom. Off street parking & comm. Pool. Minutes into Paphos. €425. Or close offers 5. GOUDI (near Polis) Outstanding 3 bed, 3.5 bath un-

TO LET PAPHOS furnished villa. Set in a rural setting the property enjoys privacy with no immediate neighbours. Open plan living area, spacious fitted kitchen.

Guest WC. Ground floor bedroom with en-suite. Stairs to 2 further double bedroom with en-suite. Breakfast area with hob & fridge and seating space. Doors out to large covered verandah with panoramic views. Full A/C, C/H, garage, over-flow tiled pool, SKY dish. Villa has substantial insulation to walls and floors.

Large gardens. €800.00 per month.

6. UNIVERSAL AREA. 2 bed fully furnished apartment.

Living area, fitted kitchen. 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. A/C, balcony, shutters, comm. Pool and parking. €400.00 a montn or offers. 1 & 2 bed apartments available on Universal.

7. TALA - 5 bed, 3.5 bath large fully furnished villa. Very large property with open plan living area. Fitted kitchen, storage cupboard, guest WC. 2 bedrooms, bathroom on this level with small seating area. Ideal for dual living. Stairs up to 3 double bedroom, en-suite & family bathroom. Heated swimming pool, A/C, C/H. Electric gates and garden areas. Parking for several cars.€1500.00 per month or offers.

8. PISSOURI DISTRICT – 3 bed 2 bath spacious unfurnished detached villa on large landscaped plot in the beautiful village of Anoygra. Spacious open plan living area with feature fireplace. Fitted kitchen and breakfast area. Ground floor bedroom with adjacent bathroom. Stairs to 2 additonal bedrooms and family bathroom. This floor also has a mezzanine suitable for office/playroom. Doors out to balcony. Pretty landscaped gardens and off street parking. Pool facilities are available close by. €500.00 per month. Fixed price FOR FULL LISTINGS OF A PA R T M E N T S / T O W N HOUSES AND VILLA PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL LANDLORDS/ OWNERS PLEASE CALL PLEASE CALL 97648440 or email:inforentals@aol. com **************************** REFURBISHED stone-built village house located in Kili Paphos. Consists of 3 large rooms 1 small. Traditional wood burnt fireplace, fully tiled secluded yard and garage. Tel: 99210610. ****************************

TO LET AYIA NAPA

FOR SALE LIMASSOL

AYIA NAPA

908 www.cyprusre.com/listing-lim-0361 ***************************

**************************** LUXURY VILLA with pool & BBQ Close to Nissi Beach, 5 minutes walk, Sleeps 8. Available 20/8 up to 20/9, SPECIAL PRICE For more info see owner’s direct UK, prop.

No CY2141 or call 99775861 ****************************

PROPERTY FOR SALE NICOSIA **************************** FLAT FOR SALE: 2 BEDROOM FLAT with title deeds, 110 sqm, fully renovated, best central area, 800m from the European University, excellent view, eu 119,000. Tel 99 621914 *************************** FOR SALE IS A BUILDING WITH 4 FLATS, each 3 bedroom. 2 on the ground floor with yards, and 2 on the first floor. 2 on first floor completely renovated. Located in quite area. Building recently plastered and painted. €850,000 euro. negotiable Call: 99 330 908 *************************** FLAT FOR SALE/RENT: ‘ITHAKI’ is a small 3 Storey brand new building, only 5 units located in quiet neighbourhood in Strovolos, near Falcon school. ITHAKI has only 2 completed 3 bedroom apartments per floor. And on 3rd floor an independent 3 bedroom penthouse with a roof garden. Italian Kitchen, big verandas, big storeroom and convenient parking. PANICOS STAVRINOU ESTATE AGENT R.N.497 99666703 email yemo@cytanet.com.cy *************************** FOR SALE is a building with 4 flats, each 3 bedroom. 2 on the ground floor with yards, and 2 on the first floor. 2 on first floor completely renovated. Located in quiet area.

Building recently plastered and painted. €850,000 negotiable Call: 99 330 908 *************************** FOR SALE PENTHOUSE between Armenias Str and Hilton Hotel. 3 bedroom, main bedroom with shower, c/h, fireplace, large verandas.

For more information please call: 99467596. ***************************

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

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

SALE LIMASSOL 2 bed flat on beach road; light, airy with balcony. New flooring, a/c units, lift 2nd floor, windows 3 sides, own car space. TITLE DEEDS. €115,000.

Tel 99178141 www.homesinternational.info (Les Bois) ***************************

LARNACA *************************** AMAZING SEASIDE WATERFRONT BEACH APARTMENT - Immaculate and spacious open-plan living, 2 double bdrms, fantastic sea views, big veranda and parking in exclusive location only 6 minutes to Larnaca airport. This excellent investment property is available immediately with title deeds.

For viewing telephone 99890128. *************************** NEAR MARONI Coastline Larnaca 2 bdrm bungalow on large plot Wrap around veranda with sea & mountain views, Large lounge/dining room, Large Kitchen, Full C/H Provision for a/c All furniture & car included €295,000 99147929 ***************************

PAPHOS *************************** FLATS FOR SALE OR RENT: kissonerga, 3 bedroom flat with title deeds, in a block of 4 flats only, fully renovated, 2 baths, 146 sqm closed area, ch, ac, covered parking, excellent view of sea and mountains, half registration fees till 31.12.12. Reduced to eu 135,000,or rent eu 450 pm. Tel 99 621914 *************************** 2 PROPERTIES BETWEEN POLIS AND LATSI. 2 bed townhouse, village centre €69,000 and quiet 3/4 bed house overlooking bay.

2 bath, c.h. wood burner, a.c. bedrooms, salt water 9x6 pool set in approx 2.500 sq.mts. €444,000 Tel: 99995531 *************************** TALA, 5 bdrm villa for sale . Title deeds. Sea and mountain view. 5 en-suite double bedrooms. Central heating, a/c, fireplace. Private L shape s/ pool and garden area, patio, with bbq, bar and pergola.

Car parking. Plot: 620 sq.m.

Covered: 285sqm, €458.000. tel. 99587757. ***************************

AYIA NAPA PARTLY BUILT HOUSE for sale in Dierona (near Arakapas, Limassol district) with 4 bdrms, 3 bathrooms, laundry room, lounge, large kitchen, quiet location, plot 372sq. mtrs. Sale due to bereavement. Price €80,000 o.n.o.

Phone 99924362. *************************** 2 BEDROOM FLAT located in Germasoyia with partial sea views, 85sqm less than 10 years old with title deeds Price € 135.000 tel. 99 330

*************************** AYIA NAPA, rare opportunity, with title deeds, 4 bedroom house, renovated, swimming pool, 300m from best beach, 650 sqm plot. Eu 440,000. Tel 99 621914 *************************** AYIA NAPA, studio for sale, 38 sqm, furnished and fully renovated, with title deed, in licensed complex, 500m from nissi beach, eu 52,000, tel. 99 621914

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August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

FOR PAPHIAKOS ANIMAL WELFARE SOS HELPLINE, 24 HOUR MEDICAL EMERGENCY SERVICE - CALL 99655581 CONTACT DETAILS FOR PAPHIAKOS. Paphiakos & C.C.P. Animal Welfare Education/Information Centre, No. 12 Dedalos Building, 8049 Kato Paphos PO Box 61272 8132 Kato Paphos

ALL SAINTS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH (ENGLISH) Sunday Divine Liturgy 8-10am. Followed by Fellowship hour (coffee) Services are now being held at the underground Chapel of All Saints of Cyprus at St. Panteleimonos Church Makedonitissa Archangelos (Engomi) For more info please contact Fr. Joseph Coleman Tel. 99938924

Web. www.cyprusanimalwelfare.com www.facebook/paphiakos Email info@cyprusanimalwelfare.com Larnaca Emergency Service - The contact point for animal emergencies in Larnaca is Maria at the Paphiakos Animal Welfare Charity Shop, telephone 24623494 or 99325897 STOP, SHOP AND GIVE TO THE ANIMALS! ALL DONATIONS ARE WELCOME AT OUR CHARITY SHOPS!!!!!

PAPHIAKOS NEW CHARITYSHOP/T.ROOMS NOW OPEN IN PEYIA. T ROOMS NOW OPEN (next to Peyia Police Station) Volunteers and donations needed please contact Suzanne 99151996 for further information.

NOW OPEN !!!

BOOKSHOP/INFORMATION CENTRE/T-SHOP IN POLIS CONTACT JUDY 99223572 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND DETAILS. PAPHIAKOS & C.C.P. BOOK EXCHANGE SHOP TREMITHOUSA Paphiakos Book Exchange Shop, Tremithousa. Special Tuesday sales held on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. For more information Tel 99771763/99283467 PAPHIAKOS & C.C.P. ANIMAL WELFARE Registered Charity No 1529 Contact our shops and we can take your clutter The Charity Shops are located at: Shop No.1 Agapinoros Street, Kato Paphos Shop No.2 Ap Pavlou Avenue, Kato Paphos Shop No.3 Gr. Afxentiou Avensia Court 3 Larnaca Shop No.4 9 Ayiou Ioanni Street 3061 Limassol Our shops are always happy to receive your unwanted goods!

PAPHIAKOS CAR BOOT SALE EVERY SATURDAY at the Ambassador Restaurant and outside in the grounds at Paphiakos. Free parking. Sellers from 7am, buyers from 8am. For information & bookings please call MIKE on 96702600.

PAPHIAKOS & C.C.P. ANIMAL WELFARE URGENTLY NEEDS PASTA TO HELP FEED THE DOGS AND SOFT FOOD FOR ALL THE CATS. DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THE CLINIC. PLEASE SPONSOR AN ANIMAL OR BECOME A MEMBER TO ENSURE PAPHIAKOS CAN CONTINUE WIH THEIR NECESSARY WORK. Telephone Jan 26946461 ex 114 or 97614008 NOW YOU CAN HELP BY COLLECTING YOUR ALUMINIUM CANS AND HANDING THEM IN AT ANY PAPHIAKOS CHARITY SHOP OR THE CLINIC. SAVE AN ANIMAL AND SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT!!

THE DONKEYS AT PAPHIAKOS WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO HELP YOU GET RID OF YOUR UNWANTED CAROBS. PLEASE DELIVER TO THE CLINIC AND GIVE THE DONKEYS A SPECIAL TREAT! FEELING THE HEAT? THINK ABOUT THE ANIMALS NEEDING WATER AND SHADE. MAKE SURE DOGS ARE NOT LEFT IN CARS THEY BECOME OVENS IN SUMMER!!

For further advice or assistance contact the clinic 26953496 or visit the website www.cyprusanimalwelfare. com

CHEMISTS NICOSIA SUNDAY 05/08/2012 Ktena, 14 Santaroza Ave. Tel: 22760951, 22492381 (H) Y. Toumba, 86C Athalassa & Dorion Ave, Strovolos. Tel: 22313677, 22499681 (H) Ch. Nicolaou, 145 Kyrenia Ave, Anglanja. Tel: 22335477, 22450313 E. Korfiati, 31 Kantaras, Tel: 22324205, 22354014 E. Kontopoullou, 36, Grigorni Afxentiou, Tel: 22770150, 97627448 LIMASSOL G. Stylianou, 32B 1st April St, Ayia Fyla. Tel: 25386760, 25339436 (H) St. Houvartas 9 Panayioti Tsangari Germasoyia, Tel: 25879007, 25770489 (H) P. Panagidou, 82A Fragklinou Rousvelt Str. Tel. 25575777, 25561570 (H) LARNACA E. Vasiliki, Tel: 20 Stratigou Timayia Ave, Tel: 24660688, 24623060 M. Kyritsis, 107 Dianelou Str., Tel: 24656514, 24625038 (H) PAPHOS I. K. Konstantinou, 11 Ellados Ave., Tel. 26100292, 26653482 PARALIMNI P. Kyzas, 82 Makarios Ave. Tel: 23823270, 23823308 (H)

NICOSIA MONDAY 06/08/2012 M. Spiritou, 109D Tseriou Ave, Strovolos. Tel: 22320553, 22496649 (H) Ch. Scoumpris, 26A+B Byzantiou St, Strovolos. Tel: 22661499, 22370357 (H) S. Stylianou-Kyriakou, Ayiou Pavlou 101, Tel: 22771122, 22590272 A. Demetriou, 5 Armenia St, Acropolis. Tel: 22333670, 22425240 (H) LIMASSOL C. Petridou, 12 Omonias Ave. Tel: 25571632, 25752256 (H) M. Michaelides, 369 28 Octovriou, Tel: 25582914, 25763863 (H) P. Panayiotou, Ayias Fylaxeos 225, Tel: 25770930, 25811860 LARNACA L. Georgiou, 77 S. Timayia Ave. Tel: 24631390, 24821388 (H) G. Antonis, 14 K. Matsis St. (Atticon Cinema road) Tel: 24626332, 24657313 (H) PAPHOS Evaggelos Manolis, 49 Aristoteli Savva Tel: 26930599, 26943628 PARALIMNI M. Klepiniotou, 16 Agiou Georgiou, Tel: 23820422, 23822330 (H)

CHURCHES

DOCTORS ON DUTY NICOSIA Pathologist: Doros Polidorou, Tel: 99727817 Gynaecologist: Marios Eleftheriou, Tel: 22469000, 99433384 Dentist: Anna Maria Yiannikou, Tel: 22764765, 99418010 LIMASSOL Pathologist: Victor Hadjirousos, Tel.: 25346551, 99630288, 25729498 Surgeon: Nearchos Zaoskoufis, Tel.: 99622236 Neuro-Surgeon: Michalakis Spirou, Tel: 99624939 Paediatric: Androula Stephanou, Tel.: 25340570, 99615535 Paediatric Surgeon: Yiannakis Koualis, Tel: 25731673, 25732256 Doctor: Lampros Theodosiou, Tel: 25581712, 99624372

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF AGIOS ARSENIOS, LIMASSOL (near Tsirion Stadium) The Orthodox Liturgy in English Saturday, 4 February at 8:30 am For information please contact: Father M. Spanou at 99 – 401365 (msspanou@googlemail.com)

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ST ANDREW AND ST JOHN THE BAPTIST MESA GEITONIA, LIMASSOL The Orthodox Liturgy in English served fortnightly on Saturdays at 9.00 am. We also hold a Discussion Group every Thursday evening at 7.30 pm For information please call Fr. Christopher Klitou Mobile: 99957144 Fax: 25710318 You can email us at: klitoux@logos.cy.net or visit our website: www.christopherklitou.com

Family oriented evangelical church Contemporary Christian Worship Sunday 10am (Holy Communion - 1st Sunday of the month) Sunday School (Juniors and Teens) Outreach and Evangelism Bible Studies

Tel. 99 293489, 99 279960 Email: immanuel.church.nicosia@gmail.com Website: www.immanuelchurchnicosia.org

DEUTSCHE GOTTESDIENSTE IN ZYPERN

LARNAKA COMMUNITY CHURCH APHRODITE STREET, LARNAKA 10.00 AM MORNING SERVICE and SUNDAY SCHOOL For more details ring Fred 24365152

Nikosia: Am 1. und 3. Samstag im Monat in der St. Paul’s Cathedral um 18 Uhr Limassol: Am 2. Sonntag im Monat im Gemeindehaus in Germasogeia um 11 Uhr Am 4. Sonntag im Monat in der St. Barnabaskirche um 18 Uhr Paphos: Am 2. Samstag in der Kirche an der Paulussaeule um 16 Uhr Agia Napa: Am 4. Sonntag im Monat im Hof des Klosters um 9.30 Uhr

Open Door Baptist Church

Näheres Informationen durch Pfarrer Dr. Herold, Tel 25-317092 oder im Internet www.ev-kirche-zypern.de

9 Larnakos Street Katholiki Area Limassol Sundays: 9:45, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM Wednesdays: 7:30 PM 25 751193 or 99 758729 www.cbm-odbc.org

GRACE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Invites you to COME AND EXPERIEBNCE THE LOVE OF GOD WITH US Int. Christian Business Fellowship Meeting Centre Sundays: 10.00am Sunday School 11.00 am Main Service (Dine with us centre services) Wednesdays: Prayer meeting 6pm Address: To Arsinois Str., 1010 Nicosia (Next to Western Union Office to KISA) Contact: 99988900 or 97667932.

VISITORS ESPECIALLY WELCOME!!!

THE REFORMED CHURCH OF LIMASSOL Clear exposition of the Bible in the presence of God, and relevant to our lives.

Our Sunday services start at 10:30 am sharp, and the Wednesday Bible discussion at 7 pm.

International Evangelical Church (Reformed) is located at 352 St. Andrew’s Street. 1½ blocks from Starbucks / Fat Boy, and 1 block from the Municipal Gardens, Zoo. For further information call Steve at 99384742, or email: iee.limassol@gmail.com All are welcome!

NICOSIA CHRISTIAN CENTRE 10 PINDOU STR, ENGOMI, NICOSIA, TEL. 22464375 SERVICES: SUNDAY 10AM, WEDNESDAY 8PM St Barnabas’ Anglican Church 153 Leontiou A Street Limassol www.stbarnabas-cyprus.com Telephone: 25362713 - All welcome HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, PAPHOS GATE, NICOSIA Sunday Masses: Saturdays 6.30 pm, Sundays 8.00am, 9.30am & 6.30pm Weekday Masses: 6.30 pm Monday to Friday Tel: 22662132 Email: holcross@logos.cy.net

GRACE CHURCH, LARNACA 8 Ayiou Neofytou St Sundays 10 a.m.

Also Midweek Meetings Details: Colin 24530700

The Anglican Church of Paphos Ayia Kyriaki (St. Paul by the Pillar) Sunday 8.15am Holy Eucharist 6.00pm Sung Eucharist 4th Sunday 6.00pm Choral Evensong Wednesday 9.00am Holy Eucharist rd 3 Wednesday (BCP) St. Stephen’s, Tala 1st & 3rd Sunday 11.00 am Holy Eucharist 2nd & 4th Sunday 11.00am Morning Worship St. Luke’s, Prodromi 1st & 5th Sunday 9.30am Morning Worship 2nd , 3rd & 4th Sunday 9.30am Holy Eucharist 1st & 3rd Wednesday 9.30am Holy Eucharist 1st Sunday 6.00 p.m. Peace & Wholeness with Holy Eucharist 4th Sunday every quarter 9.30 am Holy Eucharist from BPC Church Office: 26-953044 Fax: 26-952486 Email: anglicancofp@cytanet.com.cy for directions to each church

St Helena’s Anglican Church, Larnaca St Helena’s Court, Grigoris Afx Sunday Service: Holy Communion 9.30 am ALL WELCOME Tel:24651327 office@sainthelenas.com

International EVANGELICAL CHURCH (Reformed) Limassol 352 St. Andrew’s Street (1½ blocks from Starbucks/Fat Boy) Sunday worship 10:30am Wednesday Bible Discussion 7pm For info: 99384742 ALL ARE WELCOME

31 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Compiled by Rosie Ogden

car2go brings car sharing to Miami LAST weekend, car2go North America, a subsidiary of Daimler North America, officially launched a new way of car-sharing in Miami, Florida, making a network of 240 low-emission smart fortwo vehicles widely available and affordable throughout the city.

“The success of car2go around the world to date shows that we are in a time that demands and calls for new mobility solutions in urban settings, and we are thrilled to be working with the City of Miami and the Miami Parking Authority to bring the next generation of car-sharing to the people who live in, work in and visit Miami,” said Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go North America.

The car2go car-sharing model, when used alongside existing public transportation, serves to substantially reduce the C02 emissions and traffic congestion that are common in densely populated cities like Miami.

240 car2go edition smart fortwo vehicles are now available for people in Miami to use and share collaboratively. Those who register to become a car2go member receive a membership card that allows them to drive in any of the available car2go vehicles in Miami, whenever they need it, for as long as they need it, without having to commit to a return time or location.

Registration can be done online and, to encourage use, for a limited time, all new members who use a promotion code receive 30 free minutes of driving time, and currently the onetime $35 membership fee is being waived.

The car2go scheme in Miami differs from traditional car-sharing or car rental companies in three areas: with ‘by the minute’, members pay only for the time they use the car, by the minute, with discounted rates for hourly and daily use. There is no minimum amount of time that a car can be used. Whether a member needs a car for 10 minutes or an entire day, members simply get in and drive for as long as they want, without having to commit to a specific return time or location. Parking, fuel, maintenance and insurance are included at no additional cost, and there are no annual or monthly fees.

‘On demand’: Members can use the first available car2go they find, either via a smartphone app, or the car2go vehicle finder online, or by calling the customer call centre, or by simply locating an available car2go. Reservations are not required because with this scheme members have unrestricted and unlimited access to car2go vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

‘Free-floating’: Members can pick up and drop off a car2go anywhere within the car2go Home Area. They can simply drive the car for as long as they need it, park the car in one of the designated parking areas, and end the rental by swiping the card on the windshield reader. Instantly the car becomes available for the next member to use.

Could such a scheme work in Cyprus? It would certainly cut congestion and emissions in our town centres.

‘The success of car2go around the world shows that we are in a time that demands and calls for new mobility solutions in urban settings, and we are thrilled to bring the next generation of car-sharing to the people’

Could such a scheme work in Cyprus? It would certainly cut congestion and emissions in our town centres

Motoring

CHAMPION SWIMMER TEAMS UP WITH BMW TO EXPLORE EFFICIENCY

The tests, using two metre-long hydrodynamic ribbons that were attached to Rebecca’s swimsuit, replicated the effect of vapour trails used in wind tunnels to analyse the aerodynamic efficiency of BMW Group vehicles

Rebecca Adlington driving for success ONE doesn’t usually associate motor manufacturers with Olympic sports – and especially not swimming – but Britain’s Rebecca Adlington teamed up with BMW to explore efficiency through hydrodynamics and aerodynamics The double Olympic champion recently joined London 2012 automotive partner, BMW and sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte to highlight how expertise in vehicle aerodynamics can be used to analyse the hydrodynamics of her underwater performance ahead of the Games.

Applying aerodynamics theories used by BMW, Professor Whyte investigated Rebecca’s hydrodynamic performance across her dive and turns, as well as when she was swimming beneath and on the surface.

The tests, using two metre-long hydrodynamic ribbons that were attached to Rebecca’s swimsuit, replicated the effect of vapour trails used in wind tunnels to analyse the aerodynamic efficiency of BMW Group vehicles. Their movement in the water was then analysed with the help of highdefinition, super slow-motion underwater footage, as well as images, to highlight Rebecca’s technique in real time, looking at how the smallest details can improve her efficiency.

Professor Whyte commented: “Rebecca is a very

Dr. Eder, BMW Group EfficientDynamics expert pointed out the parallels between his work and Rebecca’s pursuit of hydrodynamic perfection talented and diligent individual who is a brilliant example of human efficiency. Whilst already being a champion in her field, she was interested in observing her technique on the playback screen, evaluating her performance and looking for the tiniest areas to improve upon.”

Since winning two Olympic gold medals in 2008, Rebecca has also triumphed at the World Championships, the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games, but she is still looking to improve: “It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference at this level and obviously my positioning and form underwater are absolutely

vital to my performance – I have to make sure I’m nice and centred, that my core’s drawn in and that my legs are completely straight.

It is amazing to be able to step back and review my swim to see what else I can learn.”

Dr. Eder, BMW Group EfficientDynamics expert pointed out the parallels between his work and Rebecca’s pursuit of hydrodynamic perfection: “Swimmers are trying to maximise their underwater performance with the use of minimum energy and this is mirrored in the work that BMW conducts to analyse how a car moves through the air. We are constantly striving to make our vehi-

cles as streamlined as possible, because that’s what improves efficiency and performance.”

As with the hydrodynamic performance of a swimmer in water, the most important factor for the aerodynamic quality of a car is the drag coefficient which can be optimised by the shape of the vehicle. About 40 per cent of the overall air resistance of a vehicle results directly from its proportions and shape with the remaining 60 per cent from other exterior aspects including functional openings guiding air to brakes, the engine or the transmission, the design of the underfloor and the wheels and respective arches. A droplet shape is the optimum form for reducing drag, which is crucial to the efficiency of cars and swimmers alike.

An aerodynamic form has a positive effect on fuel consumption in cars and on energy expenditure for swimmers. A reduction of air resistance by 10 per cent improves fuel consumption by approximately 2.5 per cent under realistic average driving conditions, and even more while driving on a motorway.

To optimise the aerodynamic efficiency of new vehicles, they are all tested in a wind tunnel, which recreates the most precise and realistic simulation of actual air flow conditions on the road.

32 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Sport

Britain takes two rowing golds in 20-minute double whammy

Shot put champion Majewski eyes Rio

Team GB win ‘Ashes clash’ with main Aussie rivals

By Neil Maidment

By Kate Holton and Toby Davis BRITAIN won two Olympic golds in 20 minutes on Dorney Lake yesterday as the men’s four beat their fierce rivals Australia in the race of the regatta and the women’s lightweight double took the medal in front of 30,000 screaming fans.

Confirming their position as the strongest rowing nation in the world, Britain powered off the start in their men’s four final which had been dubbed an ‘Ashes’ clash on a par with the cricketing rivalry between the two countries.

The commanding performance followed days of tough talking from the Australian boat and gave Britain a fourth consecutive win in the men’s four and took the host nation’s medal tally on the course to seven, making it the most successful Olympic regatta for the country in modern rowing.

The win by just over a second also denied Drew Ginn the chance to become the

Britain’s men’s four won the race of the regatta, confirming their position as the strongest rowing nation in the world first Australian to win gold in four Olympic Games.

Twenty minutes later the tally went to eight medals with four golds, one silver and three bronzes as Katherine Copeland and Sophie Hosking rowed through the favourites to win by a length.

The duo were in utter disbelief and looked up at the big screen to confirm their win after they crossed the line before hugging each other and standing up in the boat to accept the ap-

plause.

Ginn had used the build up to the Games to try to heap the pressure on the British men’s boat, saying they would be scared of racing against the Australians.

Instead, the British boat surprised the fast-starting Australians by matching them from the off and then pulling out a slight lead by the 250 metre mark.

They then held on to that lead with a display of powerful rowing which allowed

them to respond to anything the Australians could throw at them.

As the two crews went over the line the British threw their arms in the air before collapsing in to their boat and blowing kisses to the crowds and pumping their fists.

The Australians in contrast fell back into their boat and held their heads in their hands. The two crews then congratulated each other on the side of the lake minutes after the race.

“We’d been under a lot of pressure to carry on the coxless four tradition and we’ve done it, this is wonderful,” Britain’s Alex Gregory told the BBC. “My son will be able to take the medal into school and say my dad’s an Olympic champion.”

For the third day out of four the sound of the British national anthem then echoed across the lake as British rowing fans belted out the anthem in support of their rowers.

Dibaba hails ‘special’ victory

By Justin Palmer

Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba is the first woman to win back to back titles over the 10,000 metres

ETHIOPIAN Tirunesh Dibaba’s rocket-propelled final lap lit up the first day of track and field in the Olympic stadium, burning off her rivals in style to retain her 10,000 metres crown.

Dibaba, 26, swept to glory in 30 minutes, 20.75 seconds, helped by a phenomenal final 400 which left her rivals trailing in her wake.

The race had been expected to provide fireworks between Dibaba, dogged by leg problems since winning the 5,000 and 10,000 double in Beijing, and Kenya’s double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot.

The imperious Dibaba was in no mood for a dogfight though, bursting clear at the bell with a surge of acceleration that Cheruiyot, who has played second-fiddle to Dibaba for most of her career, had no answer to.

“I have never been happier,” Dibaba told reporters. “It is very special. I have

worked hard for this.”

Known as the ‘baby-faced destroyer’, Dibaba lived up to her nickname by quickly putting distance between herself and chasing duo Sally Kipyego and Cheruiyot, who will now seek revenge in the 5,000.

Kipyego took silver in 30:26.37 with Cheruiyot, never in a position to utilise her feared finishing kick, coming home third in 30:30.44.

Dibaba, the first to win back to back titles over the distance, emulated her cousin Derartu Tulu (1992 and 2000) to become the second woman to win two Olympic golds in the 10,000.

Draped in an Ethiopian flag, she celebrated with a lap of the track alongside team mates Werknesh Kidane (fourth) and Beleynesh Oljira (fifth).

“I did not think I was going to make it to the Olympics,” said Dibaba, who has suffered a series of injury-hit seasons because of recurring shin splints and a toe injury

and had run only a handful of races at the distance since her Beijing triumph.

“But I felt confident in training.”

Dibaba’s good feeling was well-founded having set the year’s leading time in early June before going faster on Friday.

Dibaba is not quite yet ready to say goodbye to her track career but told a news conference that a step up to the marathon was very much in her sights next year.

“I will do both (track and marathon) simultaneously,” she said.

“But I want to make history in the marathon.”

Silver and bronze were Kenya’s first medals since the 10,000 was introduced for women at the 1988 Games in Seoul.

Cheruiyot, who clocked a personal best, said she expected to do better in the 5,000.

“I accept the other two (Dibaba and Kipyego) were better,” she said.

MOMENTS after winning a second men’s Olympic shot put title, Poland’s Tomasz Majewski was already contemplating a tilt at a third in Rio in 2016.

“Why not? If I am healthy, then why not. Three is a good number,” the 30year-old said smiling as he towered over a crowd of reporters.

Victory for Majewski, who took gold in Beijing four years ago, made him the first man to win the event twice since Parry O’Brien of the United States in 1952 and 1956 and the first nonAmerican.

The pony-tailed Pole took the lead with his third attempt inside a lively Olympic stadium, edging one centimetre ahead of German world champion David Storl with a throw of 21.87 metres, which he confidently greeted by wagging a finger in the air.

With US medal contenders Christian Cantwell and Ryan Whiting never really threatening and his closest rival on the night Storl failing to register a distance in his last three throws, gold was to be Majewski’s. But not before one final flourish.

With the pressure lifted he stepped up to deliver a season’s best throw of 21.89 to put three centimetres between him and Storl and add the gloss to a classy performance.

Majewski’s previous season’s best had been 21.72.

“It was a great feeling to defend the title,” said Majewski, who after his win hugged his rivals warmly before running across track to drape himself in a Polish flag. “56 years ago Perry O’Brien did that, he was a legend. I’m very proud.”

Reese Hoffa, the 34-year-old 2007 world champion, took bronze for the US to keep a strong American presence in an event in which the US has claimed medals in all but two of the Olympic Games that they have attended.

“The most important thing throughout this competition was to continue the tradition of the US getting medals at the Olympic Games, so I am very happy,” Hoffa said.

The Pole is the first nonAmerican to win the event twice

33 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Olympic Games Britain’s Idowu uses Twitter to blast critics

By Alison Wildey

Phillips Idowu won the triple jump silver in Beijing

BRITISH triple jumper Phillips Idowu took to Twitter yesterday to hit back at media criticism of his Olympic buildup after he pulled out of the national athletics team’s final training camp with a hip injury.

“I’m in London where I have been for the last few wks, finalising my prep and receiving therapy, My coach knew about this and it has not been a secret,” the 33-year-old Beijing silver medallist said on Twitter.

“I have to give notification of my whereabouts everyday for doping purposes, so impossible to completely disappear. The appropriate people can contact me with ease.”

Idowu was asked to provide British Olympic officials with his medical records before the Games after missing the training camp in Portugal.

British newspapers reported that Idowu had disappeared and was not in direct contact with the British team’s head coach Charles van Commenee.

“There is no story here at all,” tweeted Idowu who is due to compete in triple

jump qualifying at the Olympic stadiumon on Tuesday.

“I’ve only heard about the hysteria about my whereabouts today as I’ve been on a media lockdown, I’m into the village on Sunday as was planned months ago. #teamGB have been performing amazingly they need the column inches and adulation for their efforts.”

Idowu has not competed since early June when he retired from a Diamond League meeting in Oregon after three jumps.

He dismissed reports of a foot injury but then withdrew from the London Grand Prix last month with muscle tightness.

Ancient dopers got their kicks from raw testicles

American boxers humiliated in worst showing

‘It’s a race I don’t think we can ever win’

THE United States men’s boxing team have made a humiliating exit from the Games after their final two fighters were eliminated, the first time the once great amateur boxing nation has failed to bring an Olympic medal home.

The US came to the Olympics with the biggest boxing squad of any country but after less than a week’s fighting, not one of their nine male boxers, competing across all bar one weight class, were good enough to make it beyond the last 16.

Three female fighters can salvage some pride for the US when they enter the fray on today and tomorrow, but for a country that has captured a record 48 boxing golds, won by the likes of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, this week marked a fresh low.

“We still have the girls as long as they don’t get any bad decisions or stuff like that,” Rau’shee Warren told reporters after losing to France’s Nordine Oubaali, launching a now familiar complaint against scoring at the Games.

The US had thought they had a horrible Games four years ago when they won a solitary bronze. It was a roaring success compared to the last seven days.

The team had started brightly, winning their first four fights with Joseph Diaz Jr. and Errol Spence impressing, but they then lost nine in a row culminating in Spence’s 13-11 loss to world amateur bronze medallist Krishan Vikas of India.

“It’s real disappointing because we expected to come home with medals and we didn’t so it’s kind of a sad day,” said Spence who left the ring in tears after his narrow loss.

“I feel like I let down a lot of people, my family and the people that is at home.”

The Americans have now won just one gold from the past four Games including London, light-heavyweight Andre Ward’s victory eight years ago in Athens.

Boxing greats like Oscar De La Hoya and Evander Holyfield, Olympic medal winners who supported the team all week via Twitter and at ringside, must wonder what has gone wrong.

By Kate Kelland FORGET anabolic steroids in easy-to-swallow tablets, or EPO in clean syringes.

Ancient Olympic dopers got their pre-Games hormone boost from chewing on raw animal testicles.

The problem of some Olympic competitors taking potions, medicines and supplements to boost performance is as old as the Games themselves.

Even athletes of the 19th century thought nothing of fortifying themselves with coca leaves, cocaine and alcohol.Thomas Hicks won the 1904 Olympic marathon with the help of raw egg, strychnine and shots of brandy given to him at regular intervals by his attentive coach.

“Doping has always been part of the Olympics, but drugs have not always been seen as a problem, they have become a problem,” Martin Polley, an Olympic historian at Britain’s Southampton University, told Reuters.

Experts say what drove people to extremes then is probably similar to what drives athletes to dope now.

After all, the desire to win by any means must have been strong to induce athletes to eat raw testicles - although as Polley points out it was “probably also seen as a sign of masculinity”.

The difference now is that drugs are safer, subtler and more sophisticated. And perception of cheating has changed.

Athletes competing in the earliest days of the modern Olympics, which began in Athens in 1896, felt perfectly free to take medicines, stimulants and “tonics,” says Vanessa Heggie, a sports medi-

Controversy: Canada’s Ben Johnson stormed to victory in the 100m final at the Seoul Games in 1988 only to be stripped of the gold medal when he failed a drug test in the most notorious doping scandal in Olympic history cine historian at Cambridge University.

Injections of strychnine, tinctures of cocaine and sips of alcohol were all used in normal medical practice to treat aches, pains and fatigue, she explained in an interview. The idea was that athletes should be able to take medicines to relieve ailments, just like anyone else.

“Athletes were basically taking all the medications and substances that normal people were taking - including strychnine, amphetamines and cocaine,” Heggie said.

“That’s because at that time athletes were seen by society very much as people who were basically normal, but a little bit better.”

As the perception of athletes began to change, so did attitudes on what medicines, supplements and stimulants they should be allowed to consume.

“What we consider to be a drug changes over time,” said Heggie. “Sometimes it’s a medication, sometimes it’s thought of as food, and then

The death of Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen at the Rome Games in 1960 - thought to have been caused by amphetamines - was a turning point for the IOC sometimes it’s things that are thought of as more illicit, like recreational drugs.

“And some substances are in all of those categories,” she added. “Alcohol, for example, was taken by the Victorians as a medication, it’s also a type of food, it’s clearly used by us as a recreational drug.”

Polley says the change in attitude to drugs in sport was initially prompted by concerns about what drugs were doing to athletes’ health.

He points to the death of Danish cyclist Knud Enemark Jensen at the Rome Games in 1960 - thought to have been caused by amphetamines - as a turning point for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on doping.

“That’s often seen as the moment at which the IOC realised there was a problem,” he said.

From then on, the fight against doping has been building - along with the sci-

ence of testing - but is often seen as a race against cheats who are always one step ahead.

As soon as the fight against stimulants and steroids began to produce results, potential cheats rapidly shifted towards blood doping in the 1970s and 1980s.

The IOC banned blood doping as a method in 1986, but was not able to put in place a reliable test for the blood drug erythropoietin (EPO) until the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.

Now the World Anti-Doping Agency’s ‘prohibited’ list runs to hundreds of substances.

And the liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry testing equipment at the London 2012 anti-doping lab can screen up to 400 samples a day for more than 240 banned substances in less than 24 hours.

Yet Olympic historians are sure dopers will always be ahead.

As Heggie puts it: “It’s a race I don’t think we can ever really win.”

34 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Olympic Games

New queen of the pool Ledecky quizzed about doping

Russia beat Spain in battle of the unbeaten teams

By Julian Linden

See-saw encounter goes down to the wire

By Larry Fine RUSSIA roared back from a 20-2 deficit to beat Spain 7774 after a crucial free throw miss by Pau Gasol, seizing the upper hand for a critical seeding advantage at the Olympic men’s basketball tournament yesterday.

The victory between the previously unbeaten teams of Group B gave Russia (4-0) the inside track with one preliminary round left to win the group and ensure a path to a possible gold medal game against the defending United States.

The see-saw struggle came down to the last seconds.

Gasol went to the foul line for two shots with Spain trailing 75-73 and 5.3 seconds left on the clock.

After a Russia timeout to give the Los Angeles Lakers NBA All-Star time to ponder his task, Gasol hit the back rim and missed his first attempt. After making the second the world’s secondranked Spaniards trailed 75-74.

Russia’s Vitaliy Fridzon was fouled immediately after the inbounds pass and made his two shots from the charity stripe for the final

total. He led all scorers with 24 points.

There was still 4.8 seconds left when Spain inbounded, but the ball came to Marc Gasol in the backcourt and he was not able to set up a desperation shot for Spain (3-1).

“It was a shame I wasn’t able to score the two free throws which would have put us in contention,” said Pau Gasol, who had made his previous four foul shots.

Spain missed only two of 19 free throws in the game.

“It was a great game,” said Russia’s American coach David Blatt, who credited assistant coach Dmitry Shakulin for suggesting he use a timeout to try and disturb Gasol before the key free throws.

Spain, coming back from a lacklustre victory over Britain, came out on fire, scoring the first 10 points on the way to a massive 20-2 lead.

The Russians patiently clawed their way back, and when Fridzon and his team mates started finding the mark with their jump shots they went on a 12-4 run that helped get them to intermission trailing by just 40-32.

Russia limited Spain to only 12 points in the second

quarter and 13 in the third quarter as they surged to a 56-53 lead.

The momentum swung back to Spain at the start of the fourth as the 2008 silver medallists used a 16-4 burst to lead 69-60.

A three-pointer by Victor Khryapa tied it at 73-73 with a minute to go and Timofey Mozgov’s slam dunk put Russia ahead by two with 18 seconds left before Pau Gasol was sent to the line.

“Today, they killed us.

Those three of them. They were extremely effective,” Spain’s Italian coach Sergio Scariolo said, singling out Fridzon, Anton Ponkrashov and Khryapa.

Ranked just 11th by the International Basketball Federation, Russia overcame Spain because of their team play, according to 31year-old forward Andrei Kirilenko.

“I think our team has a face, our own face,” said Kirilenko, who played 10 years with the NBA’s Utah Jazz.

“We’re playing hard. We don’t have a lot of shooters, but I think we can do a lot of things together as a team.

We stay in as a team and that’s why we keep grinding those wins.”

Crucial: victory for Russia ensures that they now cannot meet the all-conquering US ‘Dream Team’ until the final

South Korea’s ‘soft drink pig’ guzzles gold after win

By Peter Rutherford SOUTH Korea’s Oh Jin-hyek sat back in his chair, looked at the Olympic archery gold medal around his neck, then took a long, slow swig from a chilled bottle of Coke - the ‘Soft Drink Pig’ had never been happier.

The chunky Korean, saddled with the unflattering nickname due to his fondness for fizzy drinks, upstaged his younger team mates at Lord’s cricket ground to end his country’s long wait for the men’s individual gold.

In his first Olympics, Oh also won bronze in the team event.

However, he does not have bragging rights over his girlfriend. Ki Bo-bae won the individual gold medal 24 hours earlier, and her team gold trumps his team bronze.

Oh had battled to force his way onto the mighty Korean archery team for a decade, trying out for every Olympic squad since the 2000 Sydney Games.

He made sure he savoured every moment of his time in London.

“When I was younger I imag-

Taking aim: chunky Korean Oh Jin-hyek is saddled with the unflattering nickname due to his fondness for fizzy drinks ined being a gold medallist at the Olympics,” the 30-year-old told reporters. “But as time went by, my results weren’t good enough to make it to the Olympics.

“It was a long way to reach

this moment. I wanted to have no regrets. I shot every arrow as if it were my last.”

Standing proud on the podium, hand over his heart and Korean anthem in his ears, Oh was surprised the emotion

of the moment did not get to him.

“I expected to cry but now I am just overawed by all the attention that the media is giving me,” he said.

“I knew I could do it but I

wasn’t completely sure. I felt like I was flying out there. It’s strange - I don’t feel like crying at this moment.”

South Korea still stands head and shoulders above the rest of the world, but other countries are catching up partly because they are hiring Korean coaches.

World archery’s decision to go with a set-based format instead of an overall score system in the head-to-head knockout rounds has also chipped away at the Koreans’ dominance.

But Oh said the Korean team would never become complacent and would continue to practice with both formats in the future to see off all challengers.

“Whether it’s the overall score or the set score, at the end of the day the archer who shoots best wins.”

Korea head coach Jang Young-sool could hardly stop smiling.

After Oh, Im Dong-hyun and Kim Bub-min had broke the team 72 arrow world record in the ranking round on the first day of the Games, most thought the others would be playing for silver.

AMERICAN teenager Katie Ledecky got a rude introduction to the cost of success at the London Olympics.

After blitzing the hostnation’s best hope for a swimming gold medal with an astonishing victory in the 800 metres freestyle final, the 15-year-old climbed out of the pool and walked straight into a storm.

Ledecky was not expected to win the gold medal, but that was not the least surprise. It was the way she won it that set tongues wagging as soon as she touched the wall.

In her first international meet, she destroyed the world’s best long-distance swimmers, including Britain’s defending Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington.

Never in danger of losing, she was half a second away from breaking Adlington’s world record after charging ahead from the start, but even that was not the root of most astonishment.

In a sport where competitors spend years trying to shave fractions of seconds off their personal best (PB) times, Ledecky has been hacking off large chunks, more than 11 seconds this month.

At the US Olympic Trials earlier this month, Ledecky carved more than five seconds off her PB to make the team for London. She reduced it by more than another five seconds late on Friday night to win the Olympic gold.

“I’ve just progressively set short term goals and long term goals,” she said.

“I just have been dropping time progressively and just going to some big meets and having some good races and I’ve been able to get down to where I am here.”

While her time was outstanding, her timing was awful.

Earlier this week, an American coach, not involved with the team or US Swimming, accused China’s Ye Shiwen of doping when she won the 400 individual medley gold medal, saying her rapid improve, which was less dramatic than Ledecky’s, was a sign she cheated.

Ye denied any wrongdoing and swimming’s world governing body backed her, saying she passed all her drug tests. The Chinese said their accusers were racist and would never point the finger at their own.

Then along came Ledecky.

Within moments of her win, Ledecky’s Wikipedia entry had been vandalised. At her post-race conference, the inevitable inquisition began.

“It’s totally false,” she replied when asked if she had doped.

“I just put in a lot of hard work, this last year and that’s all that it’s been. It’s that simple.”

35 SUNDAY MAIL • August 5, 2012

Olympic Games

Pumped-up Murray can’t stop smiling after beating Djokovic

Swiss Spirig leaves hero Federer in the shade

‘The atmosphere was unbelievable, different to anything I’ve played in before’

By Martyn Herman

By Eleanor Crooks

IN BRIEF

ANDY Murray will play Roger Federer for the Olympic gold medal this afternoon, and he cannot take the smile off his face.

The 25-year-old was roared on to a stunning 7-5 7-5 victory over Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the men’s singles on Centre Court late on Friday night to set up a rematch of last month’s Wimbledon final.

Murray wept as he soaked up the adoration of the crowd and then leapt into the air in celebration of one of his finest wins and finest performances, which guarantees him at least a silver medal.

The Scot said: “The atmosphere was unbelievable, different to anything I’ve played in before and I’ve played in some big matches. Night matches at the US Open everybody says is the best atmosphere but it’s not even close to what it was here.

“It’s one of the biggest matches of my career, one of the biggest wins of my career and one of the most emotional. I was so, so happy to win.

“You don’t see me smiling that much but I haven’t stopped smiling since I came off the court. Even afterwards, me and all the volunteers were so pumped, so happy, all the people around outside, it’s just so different to what we normally experience in tennis.

“I think in terms of just enjoyment, it’s probably the most fun I’ve had at a tennis tournament.”

It was the day the Olympic tennis tournament really came alive, with Murray’s victory coming in the gloaming because of Federer’s titanic 3-6 7-6 (7/5) 19-17 win over Juan Martin Del Potro earlier in the day.

The world number one will present a formidable obstacle in the final, of course, particularly with the format changing to best of five sets.

There would be a certain irony if Murray were to win a title on Centre Court that was not Wimbledon, having spent so long trying to break

Overcome with emotion: Andy Murray is within one win of erasing the pain of his Wimbledon final defeat to Roger Federer last month when he takes on the Swiss legend again for Olympic gold today his grand slam duck, but it would definitely not be second best for the Scot.

He said: “Before this tournament I would have said within tennis winning a grand slam is the most important thing you can do in your career, but within sport a gold medal is the pinnacle and, after what I experienced againt Djokovic, it would be right up there with anything else I could achieve in tennis.

“I don’t know how I would feel if I won gold but I know that winning a silver medal feels really good and losing a grand slam final feels terrible.”

Murray has never beaten Djokovic at a grand slam but he has a decent record against him in best-of-threeset tennis and is more comfortable on the grass than the Serb.

Olympic singles gold is the only thing missing from Federer’s glittering career Murray said: “In the first set I played really well, I hit the ball really well. It was windy conditions. The second set there weren’t so many great points but I served well when I was down.

“He had a lot of break points

but I hung tough and then just managed to get the break in the end. He made mistakes in the last game but the conditions were very tricky.”

Djokovic will now fight for a second consecutive Olympic bronze medal, and he hailed Murray as a worthy winner.

The world number two said: “He played better in the important moments. He served extremely well, used that element in his game efficiently when he needed to.

“I had a lot of break balls in the second set. Practically every service game I had a chance in the second set to make a break, especially the one at 5-5. It’s a disappointing loss. But he deserves to be in the final.”

Looking forward to the final, which is scheduled to begin at 4pm Cyprus time, Federer said: “I couldn’t be more

Italian Rossi wins women’s Syrian rider says Olympic trap with world record effort for ‘all Syrians’ ITALIAN Jessica Rossi broke the world record in winning the women’s trap Olympic shooting gold medal yesterday.

Rossi shot 99 of the 100 targets in the three qualifying sessions and 25 shot final to easily claim the gold at the Royal Artillery Barracks.

Delphine Reau of France, Alessandra Perilli of San Marino, and Slovakia’s Zuzana Stefecekova were in a shootoff for second and third after they all finished on 93 hits.

The Italian police officer bettered the previous record mark of 96 set by Stefecekova in 2006 Rossi was on track to complete a perfect 100 shot before missing her 92nd shot of the day.

YOUNG Syrian show jumper Ahmad Saber Hamcho said yesterday he was at the London 2012 Olympics to represent “all Syrians”.

A civil war in Syria has intensified in the past few weeks, with fighting engulfing the country’s capital Damascus and largest city Aleppo for the first time in a 17-month-old uprising against Assad family rule.

“For sure I feel bad - it’s my country,” the Londonbased Hamcho, who posted a clear round in the first leg of the individual competition, said of the situation in Syria.

happy and more pleased. It’s a big moment in my life and a big moment for Switzerland because we don’t have a medal yet. I hope that this also inspires other Swiss athletes for the Olympics now.

Speaking about his recordbreaking semi-final win over Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro, which was the longest three set tennis match in the professional era, Federer said: “The level of play throughout was amazing, especially from Juan Martin. I’ve never seen him play so well from start to finish, particularly on grass.

He should be very proud of his performance.

“I felt very bad for him at the net. It was an emotional hug we gave each other. It’s not over for him yet. I hope he can make the turnaround and play a good bronze medal match.”

NICOLA Spirig spent Friday afternoon watching fellow Swiss Roger Federer push his body to the limit to reach the Olympic tennis final, then went the extra mile the following morning to win their country’s first gold medal at the Games.

Every sportsman and woman in the Alpine country plays second fiddle to the winner of 17 grand slam titles but yesterday in London’s Hyde Park, the 30-year-old Spirig stole the spotlight by winning the women’s triathlon.

Three-time European champion Spirig, competing in her third Olympics, prevailed by the narrowest of margins in desperate sprint to the line with Sweden’s Lisa Norden.

After a 1,500m swim in the Serpentine, 43km in the saddle of her racing bike and four 2.5km loops of the central London park, she took gold by approximately 15cm with not even the official clock being able to separate the leading duo.

Both collapsed to the floor after one the most dramatic finished to a race the Olympics is likely to witness and she admitted she did not know for sure that the gold was hers.

“I had a feeling I had won when I crossed the finish line but it took an official to tell me,” she told reporters.

“It took a few minutes and those minutes were really hard.

“I’ve never had a finish like that in an important race. I knew I had a good sprint but I could see on the screens that Lisa was coming back strongly.”

Asked what it was like to steal some of the limelight from Federer, who faces Britain’s Andy Murray today after taking four and a half hours to beat Juan Martin del Potro in a record-breaking semi, she said that his display had been inspiring.

“I watched Roger, it was an amazing performance and he is such a great athlete for our country. He is my hero” she said.

“I was glad that he was guaranteed a medal for Switzerland, at least one, but this is a great honour to win a gold medal. It’s the most amazing experience for an athlete.”

African nations ‘should bid for 2024 Games’ BRITAIN’S Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson encouraged African nations to bid to host the 2024 Olympics, saying the Games should not be the preserve of Western nations and the rich.

South Africa burst onto the international sports scene in 2010 when it hosted the football World Cup, and the continent’s runners dominate long-distance events.

But an African nation has yet to host the Olympics.

“I am a firm believer that the Olympics should not just be restricted to western Europe, to the Americas, to the prosperous nations of the Far East,” Robertson told Reuters.

36 August 5, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

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Stunning Serena destroys poor Sharapova SERENA Williams continued her amazing form yesterday by thrashing Maria Sharapova in straight sets to win gold.

The 14-time grand slam champion only dropped one game in the women’s final at Wimbledon, meaning she has only lost 17 in the entire tournament.

Wimbledon champion Williams, who is now on a 17-match winning streak, won the first set 6-0 and the second 6-1.

The 30-year-old had won the last seven matches she played against Sharapova.

Williams finished the match

with two aces, asserting her utter dominance.

She jumped up and down with delight as she clinched the Olympic title.

The American, 30, has lost just five games in the three Olympic finals she has won: 2000 Sydney doubles, 2008 Beijing doubles and 2012 London singles.

Sharapova, 25, was competing in her first Olympic Games and received enthusiastic support from the crowd.

One fan shouted: ‘Maria, I still want to marry you’ as defeat looked imminent.

Williams is the first person to

win the golden slam in both singles and doubles, and the first person to do it in singles since Steffi Graf won all five titles in 1988.

“I didn’t think I would be this happy,” said Williams, who was due to play in the doubles semi-finals with her sister Venus later yesterday.

“Oh my gosh, I got the gold.

Wow. I’ve never played better.

Playing against someone like Maria you have to be at your best. I knew that, so it was like I had nothing to lose.

“I never expected gold in singles. I was so happy with my doubles golds. I thought ‘if my career’s over I have my

gold medal and now I have everything’.

“I have singles, doubles, actually everything there is to win in tennis. Where do I go from here?”

Sharapova added: “Serena played some incredible tennis, with the form she was in during Wimbledon and afterwards.

“With every match she has played she has played great, she has improved and become better, and that showed today.”

PUMPED-UP MURRAY CAN’T STOP SMILING PAGE 35

What a performance: Serena Williams is the first player to win the golden slam in both singles and doubles

Bolt struts into Games Crowd gets fleeting glimpse of world’s fastest man, ‘Blade Runner’ makes history

By Justin Palmer

T

HE London Games finally got a fleeting glimpse of the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt yesterday as the Olympic 100 metres champion enjoyed nothing more than a light canter after a sloppy start to safely reach the semi-finals.

The leading protagonists for tonight’s blue riband showdown, including world champion Yohan Blake, Jamaican compatriot Asafa Powell and Americans Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay all enjoyed a comfortable passage.

On a track described by the stadium’s PA as a ‘magic carpet’, Bolt stumbled slightly at the start but still barely broke sweat on a sunny morning for the second day of track and field action.

“I made a bad step. I stumbled a bit. I’m glad it happened now,” the Jamaican said after easing home in 10.09 seconds in the fourth heat.

Bolt shared the stage with South Africa’s ‘Blade Runner’, Oscar Pistorius, who became the first double amputee to compete on the track at an Olympic Games.

Pistorius, who wears carbon fibre prosthetic blades after being born without a fibula in both legs, qualified

Thumbs up: the Jamaican superstar and defending champion enjoyed nothing more than a light canter in the 100m heats, while Oscar Pistorius (inset) became the first double amputee to compete on the track at an Olympics for the 400m semi-finals to huge cheers with a season’s best of 45.44 seconds.

Bolt entered the arena well wrapped up in beanie hat and hooded top as he went through some stretching routines, half-heartedly acknowledging the crowd before touching knuckles with the official behind his starting block.

The Jamaican, disqualified for false-starting in the world final in Daegu, South Korea, last year and entering these Games with doubts over his fitness, said he was “running

well” and his training had been “great”.

The semi-finals will take place tonight at 9.45pm Cyprus time, with the mouthwatering final at 11.50pm.

Blake looked in good form by clocking 10.0, as did 2004 Olympic champion Gatlin (9.97) who was one of two runners to dip under 10 seconds. American Ryan Bailey signalled that he will be in the medals shake-up by dashing to 9.88, the fastest of the day.

British sprinters Adam Gemili, James Dasaolu and

Dwain Chambers all advanced to the semi-finals, with world junior champion Gemili, in 10.11, second behind former world record holder Powell in his heat.

Chambers, a beneficiary of the British Olympic Association’s Games ban for past doping offenders being overturned, had not run quicker than 10.25 in 2012 until yesterday when he clocked 10.02.

He said: “I don’t know where 10.02 came from, I’ve been running 10.2 all summer, but I know that isn’t

me. I’ve just put it together at the right time, but I wasn’t expecting to run that fast.

“It was difficult because my last Olympic experience was 12 years ago, and I still remember it clearly to this day. The main point is I have become eligible to compete here and I wanted to be sure I made my team, my friends, my family and my supporters proud.”

Chambers will be in the lane next to Bolt in the second semi-final, while Gemili will be alongside Blake in the third race, with only the

first two in each of the three semis guaranteed to make the final.

Former world champion Kim Collins was a surprise absentee from the heats with local media reporting that the St Kitts & Nevis runner had fallen out with his country’s officials over a visit from his wife.

The 2003 world champion hinted as much yesterday when he tweeted: “Even men in prison get their wives to visit. 6 athletes and 9 officials. That ain’t enough to make some people happy.

Omg.” Pistorius meanwhile revelled in the roars of another 80,000 crowd.

“I was so nervous this morning,” the 25-year-old said.

“Thanks to everyone for showing their support. I didn’t know whether to cry.

I had a mixture of emotions.

It was the most amazing experience... I saw the South African flag. I’ve run so much in the UK it feels like my second home.”

World 400 champion Kirani James breezed through but Olympic champion LaShawn Merritt was the biggest casualty of morning qualifying with the American, who had been suffering from a hamstring injury coming into the Games, pulling up in his heat.

Merritt, who appeared on the track with a heavily strapped left thigh, served a 21-month suspension after a positive doping test for using of an over-the-counter male enhancement product in 2010 which contained a banned substance.