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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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Insurers devalue impact of haircut ’Losses could spread to the whole of the financial sector’ By Elias Hazou

NSURANCE companies yesterday sought to downplay the possible impact on policy holders as a result of the deposits haircut. Under a decree issued by the Central Bank, insurance companies are no longer exempt from a deposit haircut at the Bank of Cyprus (BoC) and the old Laiki. Authorities had initially excluded various entities from the write-down but were forced to rethink after it became obvious that it would increase the losses on depositors who must chip in to recapitalise stricken BoC. Several previously exempted categories will now incur a 27.5 per cent loss on their deposits over €100,000. These include charities licensed by the ﬁnance ministry, and private schools registered with the education ministry. But insurance companies will be hit with a 27.5 per cent hair cut on all deposits (from the ﬁrst euro) as they are bound by different legislation. To recoup losses, the companies might be tempted to raise premiums; but industry players are understandably wary of calling it one way or the other. “There are so many different types of policies out there, and insurance companies’ money is invested in other assets other than

deposits, such as real estate and so forth,” said Stefi Drakou, head of the Insurance Association of Cyprus (IAC). “Plus, companies keep some of their money in foreign banks. It’s hard to determine how far they will be affected... it’s not one size to fit all,” she told the Mail. Drakou said the previous decree exempting insurance companies from the haircut was the correct one, because it contained the hit to the banks. “Now losses may spread to the whole of the financial sector, of which we are part,” she said. Conventional wisdom has it that life insurance policies run the most risk of being impacted, since payments are made over a long period of time and usually come out of people’s savings. Less so for general insurance (or non-life insurance policies) such as automobile and homeowner policies. IAC data for 2011 shows that the top five life insurance companies had premiums worth a combined €315m. Laiki Cyprialife’s market penetration stood at 29.1 per cent, followed by Eurolife 27.7 per cent, Universal Life 14.0 per cent, Metlife-Alico 6.9 per cent, and Prime 6.5 per cent. Andreas Pirishis, vicepresident of Atlantic Insurance (deals with general insurance) said the company took a “very minor

TURN TO PAGE 4

Five Israeli navy ships took part in a joint exercise with Cyprus forces yesterday to put search and rescue teams through their paces. FULL STORY PAGE 3

Markets chaos after hackers’ White House explosions tweet HACKERS took control of the Associated Press Twitter account yesterday and sent a false tweet of two explosions in the White House that briefly sent US financial markets reeling. In the latest high-profile hacking incident involving social media service Twitter, an official @AP account reported that two explosions at the White House injured President Barack Obama. AP spokesman Paul Colford quickly confirmed the tweet was “bogus,” but within three minutes of the tweet hitting the web, virtually all US markets took a plunge on the false news in what one trader described as “pure chaos”. White House spokesman Jay Carney

told reporters that Obama was ﬁne soon after the tweet went out a little after 17:00 GMT. Markets quickly recovered their losses after the tweet was knocked down. Some traders blamed automatic electronic trading for the sharp fall and bounce back. At a time when cybersecurity and hacking have become top national security concerns, Twitter and its reach to hundreds of millions of users is coming under growing scrutiny for the risk of data breaches on the site. A group calling itself the Syrian Electronic Army, which has supported the country’s leader, President Bashar alAssad, during the two-year civil war,

yesterday claimed responsibility on its own Twitter feed for the AP hack. The group, which creates new Twitter accounts every time the company suspends its old ones, has recently also claimed credit for similar hacks of Twitter accounts for National Public Radio, BBC and CBS’s 60 Minutes programme, among others. The spate of recent hacks have again turned the spotlight on what critics deem to be Twitter’s thin security offerings. For years, security experts have called on the San Francisco company to introduce a measure called two-factor authentication that they say would greatly reduce such breaches.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Home PICTURE OF THE DAY

Weather Paralimni

Nicosia 27

18 Troodos

27 27

Larnaca

Paphos

Limassol

TODAY: Sunny and warm. Temperatures will reach 27C inland and along the coast and 18C over higher ground OUTLOOK: Remaining settled with temperatures rising slightly YESTERDAY:

Max Temp Nicosia 26 Larnaca 22 Limassol 22 Paphos 22 Paralimni 26 Prodromos 14

Min 11 11 11 13 11 6

Humidity 40% 60% 68% 63% 36% 61%

SUNRISE: 06:03am

SUNSET: 7:26pm

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

Air quality in Cyprus is assessed with the aid of a network of nine advanced monitoring stations. Data is recorded hourly. Information provided by the Air Quality Section of the Department of Labour Inspection (DLI)

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

21 22 21 13 24 13 24 13 16 16 15 17

Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Clear Cloudy Cloudy Clear Clear Clear

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

18 14 11 12 16 18 19 17 19 13 22 20

Clear Cloudy Clear Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Clear Cloudy

EXCHANGE

€

1.3108

€

0.8588

For a full list of exchange rates, see page 12

CHEMISTS NICOSIA N. Hadjicharalambous, 49C Prodromou Ave. Tel: 22451451, 22770444 (H) O. Solomou, corner Strovolos & Pythonos St, Strovolos. Tel: 22313123, 22375724 (H) M. Kitsa, 21C Kyriakou Matsi Ave., Tel: 22441780, 22420506 (H) G. Hatziapostolu, 75 Larnaca Ave., Tel: 22100029, 22779662 LIMASSOL Chr. Kourtellou, 84 Macedonias & Vas. Constantinou, Tel: 25870288, 25737455 (H) A. Syngelidou, 36Z Karaiskakis St. Tel: 25746522, 25341824 (H)

K. Makridou, 66A Miltonos, Tel: 25712790, 25746954 (H) LARNACA Despo Theodosis, Lordou Vyronos & Gladstonos 1, Tel. 24622522, 24720083 114 L. Lambrou, 32, Rafael Santi, Tel: 24662044, 24342157 (H) PAPHOS A. I. Loizidou, 47 Thermopilon St. Tel: 26934184, 26934343 (H) A. Papoudas 25 Al. Ipsilanti Tel: 26811750, 26952138 (H) PARALIMNI A. Mavroyiannou, 216 Gr. Dighenis St. Tel: 23828880, 23829202 (H)

Thai vendors sell their goods on a railway track as the train passes through at Talad Rom Hoop, meaning ‘closing umbrella market’ in Mae Klong district, Samut Songkhram province, Thailand, yesterday, where merchants, shoppers and tourists dodge commuter trains passing through eight times a day (EPA)

QUICK CROSSWORD 2373 Across

Down

1 Longways (10) 7 Corresponding in sound (7) 8 Challenger (5) 10 Guest (6) 12 Point for writing (3-3) 13 Cored (anag.) (5) 14 Clenched hand (4) 16 So-so (4) 17 Most upset (3-2) 19 Detest (6) 20 Evident (6) 23 Bumpkin (5) 24 Interferer (7) 25 Faint (10)

1 Alloy (anag.) (5) 2 Secured (6) 3 WAfrican country (4) 4 Prison ofﬁcer (6) 5 Open grassland (7) 6 Elegantly (10) 9 Science room (10) 11 Theatrical show (5) 12 Appear suddenly (3,2) 15 Ease up (7) 17 Pepper (6) 18 Amnesty (6) 21 Israeli port (5) 22 Send out (4)

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

ON THIS DAY APRIL 24 1916

35 years ago, Monday April 24, 1978

In Dublin, Irish nationalists led by Patrick Pearse launch the Easter Rebellion against British rule.

The Turkish proposals for the Cyprus problem leave no room or expectation for a new round of talks which could lead to a viable and just solution, the Minister to the Presidency George Ioannides said yesterday. The Minister was addressing the Executive Council of the International Committee of Solidarity with Cyprus in Nicosia.

1967 The Soviet spaceship, Soyuz 1, crashes on re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere killing cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov.

1975

Cyprus Mail

WHAT THE MAIL SAID

The left-wing German terrorist organisation, the Baader-Meinhof Gang, blow up the West German embassy in Stockholm.

45 years ago, Wednesday April 24, 1968 Osorio-Tafall is seeing President Makarios again this morning in a new bid to remove obstacles in the way of talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The UN Special Representative saw Foreign Minister Kyprianou yesterday, accompanied by the UN Commander General Martola and the Senior Political Adviser Gorge.

Established 1945. Number 21,516 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

1980 In Tehran, eight U.S. troops are killed whilst trying to free 52 American hostages being held in Iran.

1993 An IRA bomb explodes in the centre of London killing one man and causing an estimated £1 billion worth of damage.

55 years ago, Thursday April 24, 1958 Dr Dervis, Mayor of Nicosia, yesterday stated that the Turkish Cypriot project to set up their own municipal councils was stupid and ridiculous. He said that the Turkish Cypriots had been a burden on the Greek municipal taxpayers, but argued against separate councils on the grounds that the Turkish demand for them was artiﬁcial and had been whipped up by the British.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Home No direct CYPRUS-ISRAELI EXERCISE WRAPS UP OFF THE COAST flights from Aegean this summer THIS summer season will see Aegean Airlines without any direct flights to London airports. Flights to Heathrow stopped around March 25 because the landing and takeoff time slots that Aegean Airlines were renting could not be renewed. “Unfortunately we were not able to renew our time slots at Heathrow Airport for direct flights from Larnaca International Airport. Time slots are essential for any airline as it determines when a plane is scheduled to take off or land. We have been renting these slots for about two years and when our contract ended at the end of the winter season, we wanted to renew it but were declined,” Aegean’s Stavroula Saloutsi said. The airline then tried to offer direct flights from Larnaca to Gatwick but the airport does not offer connecting flights on other Star Alliance routes, the global airline network to which Aegean is affiliated. Star Alliance has 27 airline members and offers connectivity and convenience for international passengers. “As we could not get connectivity we could no longer carry out our flights from Larnaca to Gatwick as without this we cannot properly serve our passengers’ needs and the planes would only travel with a limited number of passengers. This would not only leave customers unsatisfied, but it would also result in large costs,” Saloutsi said. Saloutsi said that Larnaca remained an important airport for the airline, which has recently added a new route - Larnaca to Kiev. As of the end of May, passengers wanting to travel from Larnaca to the United Kingdom can do so via Athens.

Land Registry staff accused of corruption and bribery ‘Civil servants appear to have been putting their hands in the honey jar’ By Stefanos Evripidou

CYPRUS’ joint Search and Rescue exercise with Israel was successfully completed yesterday just off the coast of Limassol. The scenario participating teams had to face was an accident at sea involving an explosion in the engine room of a cargo ship. In the scenario a number of the crew were injured in the blast and forced to jump overboard. According to the Ministry of Defence, Larnaca’s Centre for Search and Rescue conducted the operation and immediately activated all of its available resources. Due to the severity of the accident and the large number of injuries and person’s missing from the ship who were substituted with ﬂoating dummies, Haifa’s Rescue Coordination Centre and the Israeli Navy were called in for assistance. An area of 200 square metres was used for the exercise, which was completed successfully with all of the missing crew members found within two hours and taken to Limassol and Larnaca hospitals by helicopter. Cyprus’ Port and Marine Police, Navy, and medical rescue teams from Civil Defence and Medical and Nursing Services took part in the exercise as did ﬁve Israeli navy ships. Two helicopters from the National Guard and one from the police were also involved. After the exercise, authorities looked into the procedures required to deal with an oil spill in the sea. “The exercise showed the readiness of Search and Rescue services from the two countries to respond immediately to treat any incident within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” the statement said.

A NUMBER of “corrupt” public officials at the Land Registry Department have been dipping their hands into the honey jar, Interior Minister Socrates Hasikos said yesterday, adding that the ministry will not hesitate to pursue criminal investigations wherever necessary. According to Hasikos, seven land registry officials are under criminal or disciplinary investigation in relation to allegations of corruption, bribery, embroilment, violation of personal data laws and depriving the state of revenue. “It appears there is corruption, without wishing to taint all land registry employees. On the other hand, there are these exceptions where civil servants appear to have been frequently putting their hands in the honey jar,” he said. “The ministry is in a position to identify these exceptions and we will not sit idle,” he added. Hasikos told the Cyprus Mail two land registry officials have already been suspended and their files sent to the police to launch a criminal investigation into allegations of corruption and bribery. The two are allegedly involved in helping Greek Cypriots - for a fee - sell their properties in the occupied areas by applying to the Immoveable Property Commission (IPC) in the north. “It appears a ring is operating... particularly in the

Minister Socrates Hasikos

Larnaca district, where this illegality appears to be blossoming,” said the minister. He did not rule out others being involved. In a separate case reported by Phileleftheros yesterday, Hasikos confirmed that a disciplinary investigation is underway against four employees accused of filing 25,000 applications for information on property owned by 16,300 citizens across Cyprus. It appears the employees were filing fake applications for a data search at the land registry in order to retrieve information for hidden individuals in exchange for a fee. Hasikos said he did not rule out also sending this case to the police to launch a criminal investigation. The case involves potential violations of personal data laws, as well as actions which have deprived the state of revenue, since in-

voices were not issued and paid for the fake applications for data searches at the department. According to Phileleftheros, Auditorgeneral Chrystalla Georghadji uncovered the scam which allegedly took place between 2008 and 2012. Through a surprise visit to the land registry department by a member of her ofﬁce, Georghadji found a number of ofﬁcials had printed out thousands of data searches for immoveable property without being authorised to do so. It was not clear whose hands the information ended up in. In her report, Georghadji also had a dig at the land registry department for carrying out an “inadequate” investigation into the allegations. A seventh employee is also being investigated in relation to a separate case of alleged bribery regarding the sale of land, said Hasikos.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

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New IPT will include all homes: minister By Elias Hazou A REVISED tax bill on immovable property, to be finalised in the coming days, will also apply to first domiciles, the interior minister said yesterday. Socrates Hasikos said that through the new IPT the state intends to collect some €75m in addition to the current projected amount of €29m, to meet fiscal targets. The minister reiterated that approval of this legislation is one of the conditions that must be met for the first tranche of aid from Cyprus’ international lenders - the troika - to be disbursed. That first residences are not exempted should be taken for granted, he said.

BURDEN Hasikos hastened to add that the new tax scheme would not unduly burden homeowners. “We are talking about €50 to €100 a year, and I believe this to be perfectly doable for any household, even the poorest,” he said. “The philosophy is that everyone must contribute, that no one should pay less or more at the expense of someone else.” Hasikos clariﬁed that the taxation would be based on 1980 market prices. The bill, he said, will cover this year and the next, until such time as the property tax is re-calculated, as per the troika’s recommendations. From then on, the approach to IPT would be

totally different, he said. Under the memorandum of understanding struck with the troika, authorities must “implement a property price index that establishes the average property market valuation in 2013 by square metre of habitable surface and land plot. This index shall be operational to provide imputed market valuations for each non-agricultural cadastral plot [Q2 2014], in time for its application in the calculation of the immovable property tax in 2014.” The previous MoU, concluded last November, had called for putting an immediate end to the use of 1980 values. It was understood the troika had wanted the government to raise around €100 million, but a government bill brought by the previous administration overshot that target by intending to generate twice that. That bill never made it to the House plenary due to the intervening elections, and the new government decided to scrap it and start again. Under the ﬁrst MoU, 1980 prices were to have been adjusted by the Consumer Price Index from 1980 to 2012 and the threshold at which IPT becomes payable would be increased to €150,000. Under that arrangement, anyone owning property with a 1980 value exceeding roughly €44,000 would become liable to pay IPT and would be required to submit an annual selfassessment to the Inland Revenue Department.

Haircut impact downplayed continued from page one hit” in bank deposits but this would not in the least affect either their solvency or robustness. Another source in the insurance industry, wishing to remain anonymous, said she did not expect companies to increase their insurance premiums: “I really don’t think this is a good time for that”. A day earlier, Universal Life, one of the largest insurance companies, said the haircut will have little effect on its investment funds. The losses will not exceed 0.1 per cent, the company said, adding that it will cover the cost through its own capital.

Finance minister Haris Georgiades says controls will deﬁnitely be lifted in six months

Controls are set to be lifted ‘within weeks’ Meanwhile sale of gold is not a priority says Georgiades By Michele Kambas CURRENCY controls are expected to be lifted within the next few weeks, definitely within the next six months, finance minister Harris Georgiades has said. Georgiades said he anticipated the controls, imposed after a chaotic bailout last month and which led to a lockdown of the banking system for 15 days would be eased in “days or weeks”. Asked during a Reuters interview published yesterday whether measures would be eased in two, or six months, Georgiades said: “Definitely not six months. I am optimistic we shall be able to proceed much sooner.” Capital controls were imposed at the end of March to prevent a flight of funds from

a banking system flush with cash from Russian and European businesses, but also from many overseas Cypriots. Now islanders are on a cash withdrawal limit of €300 a day and have a €2,000 ceiling on what they can take abroad, while businesses cannot make transfers exceeding €20,000 overseas unless they are vetted by the central bank. Firms have complained the restrictions are stifling, while Russia has warned it will only restructure its own loan to the island if its interests are protected. Cyprus received a 2.5 billion euro five-year loan from Russia in late 2011. Russia had previously said it was ready to restructure the terms by extending the credit and cutting interest to 2.5 per cent from an earlier 4.5 per cent. “I am pretty confident these

necessary but temporary measures will not be needed in the next days or weeks,” Georgiades said. He also said the sale of the island’s gold reserves is not being given priority under the international bailout agreed this month and the government is still exploring all options to meet its side of the deal. Cyprus’ agreement to sell €400 million worth of gold reserves was one of several shockwaves progress towards a bailout sent through European ﬁnancial markets earlier this month. The amount is small but the precedent of a eurozone central bank being pushed to dispose of some of its reserves helped drive the biggest fall in gold prices in 30 years. Investors worry central banks in some of the eurozone’s strug-

gling larger economies could eventually be pushed to follow Cyprus’ example. But while Georgiades said the gold sale was one of several commitments to the island’s international lenders, he said it was not an issue which took priority. “We shall do whatever it takes, we shall meet all ﬁscal targets. I am sure we shall succeed in gathering the amounts which remain our responsibility in order to avoid any need to come back with a new (adjustment) programme,” Georgiades said. Asked whether the sale would be reconsidered if the amount was found elsewhere, Georgiades said: “So long as we are able to meet the ﬁnancial element of our commitments I think all possibilities should be explored and they will be explored.”

EU Parliament likely to back forced losses on depositors

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By Claire Davenport THE European Parliament is likely to back plans to impose losses on wealthier depositors in failed banks while shielding smaller savers, its lead negotiator on the rules said yesterday. Talks are under way to ﬁnalise EU rules on crisis-hit banks following the Cyprus bailout, in which both large and small depositors were originally going to be hit before the plan was changed to charge only the former. The European Parliament’s backing is needed for any proposals to become law. Gunnar Hokmark, a Swedish conservative in the European Parliament, said most categories of deposits would not be protected under proposals likely to be agreed.

“There is a very clear exception for all deposits below €100,000,” Hokmark, who will lead negotiations with European Union member states, told a news conference. Bigger depositors would only suffer losses once bondholders and shareholders had been hit. The European Parliament has an equal say alongside countries when deciding who among a bank’s creditors must bear the brunt of failures such as those in Cyprus’ banking sector. Hokmark, however, pledged to protect small depositors in EU legislation. “What happened in Cyprus shall not happen again if this legislation is involved,” he said. The initial EU-Cyprus plan, which would have imposed losses on smaller, insured depositors, prompted a large

backlash both from depositors and ﬁnancial markets. Although some policymakers have sought to portray Cyprus and the losses suffered by depositors at two of its banks as a one-off, many analysts believe it marks a change in tack in how Europe deals with troubled banks, to spare taxpayers who have been on the hook for previous bailouts. The European Commission has written the ﬁrst draft of the law about how to share out losses when banks run into trouble, designed to prevent EU countries taking a variety of approaches to deal with struggling banks and bondholders. It is now up to member countries and the parliament to decide whether and when savers should face losses, when a failing bank is being salvaged or shuttered.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

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Lawsuits against bail-in begin at Supreme Court By Stefanos Evripidou THE SUPREME Court yesterday began hearing 53 applications ďŹ led against last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eurogroup decision to resolve Laiki Bank and force losses on uninsured depositors at the Bank of Cyprus. The applications were ďŹ led by depositors who can expect to lose the entirety of their deposits over â&#x201A;Ź100,000 at Laiki and between 40 to 60 per cent (potentially higher)

of uninsured deposits at the Bank of Cyprus (BOC). The eurozone ďŹ nance ministersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision on March 25 provides for the restructuring of Cyprusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; two main banks, through the resolution of Laiki Bank and the recapitalisation of the Bank of Cyprus, resulting in a massive write off (haircut) of Cypriot and foreign bank deposits. Since the controversial Eurogroup decision for a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bail-inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of depositors at the two banks, un-

insured deposits in both banks (over â&#x201A;Ź100,000) have been frozen to resolve Laikiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debts and recapitalise the BOC, with BOC depositors only allowed access to 10 per cent of their deposits so far. It transpired during yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearing that the effort by the plaintiffsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lawyers to group their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cases together failed, meaning that the Supreme Court will hear each of the 53 applications separately. Regarding a request by the

Second member quits the committee of inquiry

plaintiffsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lawyers to postpone the hearing so they could access information requested of the Legal Service, Attorney-general Petros Clerides - representing the state - argued against a postponement, saying the resolution and recapitalisation of the two banks was a precondition for Cyprus to receive as a loan â&#x201A;Ź10 billion from the troika. Meanwhile, the data requested by the lawyers could not be given to the plaintiffsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; since the Central

Bank had classiďŹ ed it as conďŹ dential, preventing even the Legal Service from having access to it. The process will continue today and tomorrow. Supreme Court President Petros Artemi yesterday excused himself from the proceedings, noting that he will soon enter into early retirement and will not be able to see out the hearings. He has been replaced as chair of the full bench of the top court by Judge Demetrios Hadjihambis.

Former ombudswoman Iliana Nicolaou is set to be sworn in later this week

Clash of interests with family law firm slated By Elias Hazou FORMER supreme court judge Panayiotis Kallis has resigned from the committee of inquiry tasked with probing the circumstances which led the economy and banking sector to the brink of collapse. In a letter to the President and the justice minister, Kallis said he felt obliged to step down citing a possible conďŹ&#x201A;ict of interest with his sonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; law practice. In the letter, Kallis explained that he could not in good conscience continue his work as his sonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; law ďŹ rm has taken on clients challenging the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;haircutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on deposits at Laiki and Bank of Cyprus. That in itself did not constitute a conďŹ&#x201A;ict of interest, Kallis explained. However, he subsequently discovered (on Monday) that some of his sonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clients plan to argue in court that the haircut and the winding down of Laiki are the result of inadequate supervision/negligence by regulatory authorities such as the

Central Bank and the lack of corrective ďŹ scal measures on the part of the state. Given that these very issues are included in the scope of the inquiry, Kallis said, it would be best that he quit: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My continuing participation... would prove catalytic for the good standing of the committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ ndings. At the same time, the government would be accused that the committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report is infected with graft.â&#x20AC;? Kallis is the second panel member to quit, following former supreme court judge Yiannakis Constantinides who resigned two weeks ago, citing health reasons. Kallisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; replacement was yesterday conďŹ rmed as former Ombuswoman Iliana Nicolaou, set to be sworn in later this week. In announcing his resignation, Kallis hit back at allegations that the three-man panel is being manipulated by the government. He is not a person to be inďŹ&#x201A;uenced or take orders from anyone, he said. Kallis was responding to

AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou, who a day earlier questioned the panelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impartiality and said the inquiry is really a vehicle to lay the blame on the previous administration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one is out of the crosshairs,â&#x20AC;? Kallis retorted. He said the panel will also look into the second Eurogroup of March 25 which decided the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bail-inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of depositors and the resolution of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest commercial lender. That decision was rubberstamped by the current DISY government, Kallis said, which shows that the investigation will spare no one. The committee of inquiry meanwhile said yesterday it would have to reschedule due to Kallisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; withdrawal. The next hearing - initially set for today - will take place on Friday. Under the relevant law, the panel is purely an investigative body, and its ďŹ ndings are not legally binding. Loss of second committee member feeds into AKEL propaganda Page 13

EIB approves loan for key investments on the island THE European Investment Bank (EIB) yesterday approved today a loan of up to â&#x201A;Ź100 million for key investments. The loan will be used for investments in priority areas identiďŹ ed in the National Strategic Reference Framework, which include improving the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy, promoting sustainable development and investing in skills and innovation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x201A;Ź100 million loan approved today builds on the â&#x201A;Ź200 million loan provided in 2012 which has been committed to support a large number of schemes in the areas of solid waste management, renewable energy, skills and innovation and urban development,â&#x20AC;? said EIB President Werner Hoyer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Examples of projects ďŹ nanced include the

improvement of operations of 37 waste sites in Paphos district, development of a Green Point Network in Cyprus, development of the Open University of Cyprusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; technological infrastructure and regeneration of Limassolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Town Centreâ&#x20AC;?, he added. According to the EIB President, the new loan will strengthen the productive base and competitiveness of the Cypriot economy and provide ďŹ nancial added value due to its long tenor and favourable terms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The facility will unlock investments in key infrastructure and regional assets and is expected to assist the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absorption rate of EU Structural Funds. The EIB will keep its product mix and expertise available and ready to use for the beneďŹ t of Cyprus in the coming years,â&#x20AC;? he concluded.

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Home State spending on rent to be reduced THE state spends roughly €30m a year on renting buildings that house public services and diplomatic missions abroad, paying out roughly €157m since 2007 in rent, the House Watchdog Committee heard yesterday. The committee met to discuss the squandering of public funds regarding the housing of public services in private buildings, the selection criteria for these spaces and the rising cost of rent paid. “More than 30 per cent of public services are housed in public buildings and between 2007 and 2012 the government paid out more than €155m in rent,” House Chairman Giorgos Georgiou said. He added that the Committee’s primary objective is to appoint an ad hoc committee to renegotiate rental contracts to reduce costs. “Our monitoring will be continuous, persistent and painstaking,” he added. He revealed that since December 2011 the state has saved €1.6m from renegotiating contracts. He went on to say the Committee’s second aim was looking into Finance Minister, Haris Georgiades’ proposal to house public services in private modern buildings such as the Electric Authorities’ offices in Paphos. “At this moment there is a need for economic recovery and to reduce government spending to reduce expenses including the millions wasted on rent which were explained to us by the auditor-general, who informed us that rents are very high in relation to what they should be,” DISY MP Sotiris Sampson said. DIKO MP Giorgos Prokopiou said the Committee has identified important elements concerning the length of some rental agreements. “Rental agreements of indefinite duration with large and frightening amounts are unacceptable with some going on for 10 years and others for up to 50,” he said. He added that the state also pays large sums of money to embassy residences abroad. “There are five Ambassador’s houses that the state pays between €112,000 and €170,000 per year and other housing between €60,000 and €100,000 per year,” he added.

Firecracker charges POLICE have stepped up efforts ahead of next weekend’s Easter celebrations to locate and confiscate dangerous firecrackers. A 13-year-old boy was yesterday charged by police after members of the force found 77 firecrackers in a school yard in Paphos that belonged to him and after searching his home found another 100. Police also arrested a 62-year-old Greek-Cypriot hairdresser and his 25-yearold Syrian employee after they found 60 firecrackers in his salon in Chlorakas.

CYPRUS TODAY Gay pride on hold THE first Cyprus Pride event has been postponed until further notice due to the crisis. “Taking into consideration the difficulties that emerge as a result of the current reality, the granted support of the Mayor of Nicosia and our aim for the best possible outcome as with regards to the first Cyprus Pride, the Board of accept – LGBT Cyprus, with full gravity, has unanimously decided to move the date of the first Cyprus Pride that was initially announced for May 25, to a date that will be commonly decided on following several organised movements,” an announcement said.

Car torched A clean-up operation underway at the school yesterday

(Christos Theodorides)

Students charged for vandalising school after party A POLICE ofﬁcer was wounded and two students arrested yesterday when about 60 students vandalised a high school in Strovolos at around 5am following their graduation party. The students threw stones and smashed the school windows, and also

set some dustbins on ﬁre. When members of the police asked them to leave the school, two students reacted violently. The two students were charged in writing, with disrupting the peace, attacking a police ofﬁcer, resisting arrest by vio-

lent attack and being a part of an illegal gathering. They were then released. The students claimed when they went to the school some students from other schools had already vandalised the building. They also claimed that they had been charged unjustly.

Corruption in Cyprus growing says survey More people blaming police, politicians and local authorities By Poly Pantelides CORRUPTION is Cyprus is growing, residents polled for years by an independent body dedicated to ﬁghting it said yesterday. Almost everyone or 91 per cent of those polled said last year that corruption was a major problem, up from 70 per cent in 2010, the survey by Transparency International Cyprus (TIC) said. TIC polled 953 people across Cyprus between September and December 2012, and across gender, age, employment and the unemployed. Some 85 per cent thought there was corruption in national institutions last year, up from 60 per cent in 2010. People also grew more fatalistic and from about 50 per cent who thought corruption was inevitable and would always be present in 2010, 73 per cent thought so last year. And more and more people blamed politicians (93 per cent), the police (93 per cent), and local authorities and ofﬁcials at both regional and local level (93 per cent), saying last year that they

thought these sub-groups exchanged bribes and abused their position for personal gain. But Cypriots are becoming increasingly cynical and intolerant of corruption, TIC’s polls showed. Whereas in 2010 some 58 per cent of those asked thought business and politics were closely linked, in 2012 the ﬁgure rose to 80 per cent. People also thought that public money was not spent in a transparent manner (from 56 per cent in 2010 to 81 per cent last year); that there was no real punishment for corruption (from 67 per cent in 2010 to 87 per cent last year); and that authorities often fail to apply the law (from 61 per cent in 2010 to 85 per cent last year). Can this change? Yes “but the government needs to sanction changes,” said head of TIC and academic Maria Krambia-Kapardis. “The main barrier in ﬁghting corruption in Cyprus is the nonexistence of: a) a national strategic anticorruption action plan and (b) an authority solely responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and prevent-

ing corruption.” She said one suggestion was to limit immunity of members of parliament, elected officials, the President and his Cabinet to while they are on active duty. “Not if they’re speeding on the highway and are caught,” Kapardis said. Deputies have previously refused to lift their immunity – used by some to avoid paying for traffic fines – citing the need to take on authority as needed. The Greens’ MP, Giorgos Perdikis, was not convinced and said that “the odd traffic warden” would not endanger their freedom of speech. Other proposals include not allowing ministers and public agents to take on interests in private ventures for three years following their term’s end and forcing lobbyists to publicly disclose their interests. In addition, all deputies and ministers disclose their assets and any conflict of interests that should prevent them from participating in discussions in which they have a stake. If this legislation were in place in 1999, deputies

would not have been allowed to change the law on taxing stock market profits. Though dozens of politicians made hefty profits, thousands of people who invested in bubble shares lost their life’s savings by 2000. But in 1999, only one deputy informed parliament about conflicting interests and abstained from voting. Examples abound of scandals and omissions, from using positions of power to benefit family members to charging the state thousands for cosmetic medical procedures or charging an inefficient state for overtime pay. “Corruption affects economic growth, foreign investment, public infrastructure, standard of living, quality of life, and has social and political repercussions,” Kapardis said adding that the current society’s legacy could be a republic “with minimum corruption and high ethical values”.

Go to www.transparencycyprus.org to ﬁnd out more

A STOLEN car was torched on the Anagia road close to the Ergates industrial area in the early hours of yesterday morning. The fire department put out the fire, which completely destroyed the car. Police said the fire seems to be an arson attack. The car was reported stolen on April 21.

Knifepoint robberies POLICE are investigating two robberies at knifepoint in two Zorbas bakeries in Limassol during the early hours yesterday. The ﬁrst robbery was committed at 3.18am, when the robber got away with €800 after threatening three employees with a knife. The second robbery was committed at 3.50am in Ypsonas. The robber demanded the two employees give him the money from the till. He got away with about €600. In both cases the male robber is described as being around 1.80 metres tall, of thin build and with short black hair. He was wearing a blue jumper, blue tracksuit bottoms, a black hat, light coloured trainers and pink kitchen gloves. His face was covered with a blue sash.

Fags grab A 38-year-old Limassol resident was arrested on Monday for questioning concerning the alleged theft of 270 cartons of cigarettes worth €19,377 from the company he was working for. The van was in an accident at around 9am on Monday, during which the missing cigarettes fell out. No damage was caused to the van and the accident was not reported to police.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Home

Ten years on mixed feelings about crossings Curiosity, anger and emotion By Peter Stevenson ON THE morning of April 23, 2003 Nicosia was inundated with thousands of people waiting in disbelief and anticipation as news spread the crossing point at the UN-controlled Ledra Palace Hotel was to be opened. It meant those on the island could venture to the ‘other’ side for the ﬁrst time in three decades and for some, the ﬁrst time in their lives. Ten years on, the events of that day and the decisions surrounding it, can still be viewed as the most momentous and life changing for many Cypriots, since the division of the island. But what was the feeling among those around Nicosia’s Ledra Street checkpoint yesterday? For 34-year-old Nicosia Municipality employee Spyros Hadjipsaltis it was irritating to see Turkish people living in houses which belonged to Greek-Cypriots. “It’s sad to see the desecration of churches in the occupied north seeing as we make it a point to preserve Turkish mosques on this side,” he said. Hadjipsaltis said he has visited the occupied areas on many occasions although he

Not buying: Hadjipsaltis

has not spent a penny, visiting only to see the sites. An overwhelming feeling of curiosity was the reason 53-year-old Chryso Kaveli and her 44-year-old sister Elena crossed over to the north. “The over-riding feeling when we crossed over was one of anger at seeing our land occupied by others,” they said. Accompanied by their friend, 52-year-old Lia Charalambous, the trio said they still feel the occupied areas belong to the Greek-Cypriots. “We went over to see our villages of Yialousa and Ashia which is still our land but we don’t make a habit of crossing over because it’s too painful to see,” they added. The visit to Kyrenia and Morphou to see his mother’s and father’s homes was an emotional trip for 29-year-old dentist, Nicos. “It felt very strange crossing over, like I was no longer in my country,” he said. He added that he had only crossed over twice, once to see his mother’s village and once to see his father’s, both out of curiosity. Although he had asked someone to visit his and his brother’s home in Morphou, 80-year-old pensioner Andreas Efstathiou stated that he has not crossed over and never will. “I don’t have anything against the TurkishCypriots, it’s the settlers from Turkey I have a problem with,” he said. “Before the invasion we had good relations with the Turkish-Cypriots but I ﬁnd it humiliating that my compatriots visit casinos and the airport in the north,” he concluded. Today also sees the nineyear anniversary of when the UN solution blueprint, the Annan plan, was rejected by 75 per cent of Greek Cypriots.

Downer, Leo and Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace yesterday

Dog days for Cyprob negotiations in Nicosia THE United Nations is sympathetic towards the struggle the Cypriot people now face, UN Special Advisor on Cyprus Alexander Downer said yesterday after a meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace. Downer said he hopes to announce a dinner between Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu after his meeting with the latter today. Downer will head to Greece on Thursday to meet Greek Foreign Minister Demetris Avramopoulos before travelling to Turkey on Monday to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. “I will go into those meetings well armed,” Downer said. Speaking about the crisis, he said everyone must be hopeful and patient although the UN was not in a position to judge the Troika’s decisions. “There is no doubt that negotiations (for the Cyprus problem) could move faster if it wasn’t for the current circumstances,” he added, although he declined to say negotiations had been postponed. Downer and Anastasiades were accompanied by the President’s new black terrier puppy Leo, a present from his daughter Elsa.

Universities decrease fees by 10% THERE will be a 10 per cent decrease in tuition fees at private and state-run universities for the 2013-2014 academic year, Minister of Education Kyriacos Kenevezos announced yesterday. Kenevezos said the decision was made after the ministry’s plea to the rectors and boards of private universities in light of the crisis to reduce their tuition fees for the next academic year. “The reduction in fees is happening despite the fact that universities have not increased their tuition fees since 2010 and there had been talk there could have been an increase,” he said. Kenevezos added that the Ministry of Education will attempt to play its part in

helping out during the current crisis. Asked whether there would also be a reduction in college fees, the Minister said any announcement would be made after the Ministry comes to an agreement with the relative establishments. “We will have a dialogue with all bodies and all elements of the education sector and I hope we will always take the correct decisions,” he added. A statement from the Ministry of Education revealed that the University of Cyprus, The University of Technology (TEPAK), the Open University, Frederick University, the European University, University of Nicosia, Neapolis University and UCLan University will all reduce their tuition fees.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Britain

Battlefield killer robot ban urged LETHAL armed robots which could target and kill humans autonomously should be banned before they are used in warfare, campaigners have said. The potential future weapons would be able to select a victim on the battleﬁeld without any human intervention, crossing moral and legal boundaries, Human Rights Watch warned. The so-called ‘killer robots’ could also be adopted by autocrats to use in deadly attacks on their own people and would be incapable of exercising compassion, campaigners say. Steve Goose, director of the arms division at Human Rights Watch, said: “Lethal armed robots that could target and kill without any human intervention should never be built. “A human should always be ‘in-theloop’ when decisions are made on the battleﬁeld. “Killer robots would cross moral and legal boundaries, and should be

rejected as repugnant to the public conscience.” He spoke out as the organisation launched its global Stop Killer Robots campaign calling for a pre-emptive and comprehensive ban on fully autonomous weapons. It suggests the prohibition could be achieved through an international treaty and national laws. During the past decade, the use of unmanned armed vehicles or drones has dramatically changed warfare. Now rapid advances in technology permits nations with high-tech military capabilities - including the UK, US, China, Israel and Russia - to move towards systems that would provide greater combat autonomy to machines, Human Rights Watch said. But if one or more country chooses to deploy such weapons, others may feel compelled to abandon policies of restraint, leading to a robotic arms

race, it argues. Goose said: “Many militaries are pursuing ever-greater autonomy for weaponry, but the line needs to be drawn now on fully autonomous weapons. “These weapons would take technology a step too far, and a ban is needed urgently before investments, technological momentum, and new military doctrine make it impossible to stop.” Supporters of the campaign believe the machines would lead to more civilian “collateral damage”, more conflicts being triggered or escalated, a loss of accountability in war, and an uncontrollable arms race. The Terminator films envisage a horrifying future in which thinking military machines turn on their creators. That much is sci-fi fantasy, but military technology is marching rapidly towards drone aircraft and other weapons that can operate with little or no human intervention.

A robot in Parliament Square, central London, during a photocall for the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots

UK takes ownership of stored plutonium

Scottish independence push linked to euro-style problems

BRITAIN said it would take ownership of 2,950 kg of waste plutonium that it has been storing on behalf of European utilities and may reprocess it into fuel for a planned new generation of nuclear plants. The ownership change does not mean that more nuclear fuel will be brought into Britain, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said. The government wants to recycle the world’s largest civilian stockpile of used plutonium - stored at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria - into MOX fuel for a new generation of plants currently under discussion with France’s EDF and others. A decision on whether to build a dedicated plant to convert plutonium into MOX fuel is not expected until 2015, a spokesman for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority said. Britain’s new reactor fleet is not due to become operational until the 2020s, with launch dates still subject to commercial discussions. The UK government currently spends £2 billion ($3.1 billion) a year to manage its growing plutonium stockpile. The radioactive byproduct is found in used or spent fuel when it is removed from a reactor. It can be extracted by reprocessing and can then be reused to make MOX fuel, which can be used to power other nuclear reactors. “There are advantages to having national control over more of the civil plutonium in the UK as this gives us greater influence over how we ultimately manage it,” Britain’s minister of state for energy, Michael Fallon, said in a statement. The latest deals, agreed with Britain’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, involve a complex series of swaps to take ownership of 750 kg of German-owned plutonium and 350 kg of Dutchowned material. In addition, the state will assume control of 1,850 kg of plutonium previously earmarked to repay to France.

Osborne warns on Scotland currency ills By David Milliken BRITAIN’S government raised the prospect of eurostyle ﬁnancial problems if Scotland votes for independence, saying the kind of currency union proposed by nationalists is unlikely to work. The eurozone’s experience of countries sharing a currency but not a government shows there is no clear case for an independent Scotland to use sterling, Britain’s Treasury said in a report released yesterday. The nation of 5 million will hold a referendum on Sept. 18 next year to decide whether to split from the United Kingdom, as proposed by the Scottish National Party (SNP) that runs the country’s devolved government. Independence campaigners want Scotland to keep sterling initially and decide later whether to set up its own currency. British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne linked the push by nationalists to the problems besetting the eurozone and said

Warning: Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said an independent Scotland using the pound would have no control over its currency and economic policy an independent Scotland using the pound would have no control over its currency and economic policy. “I think its unlikely that the rest of United Kingdom would agree to or could make work a euro-style currency zone with Scotland,” he told BBC radio. “If Scotland

wants to keep the pound, the best way they could do that would be to stay in the United Kingdom.” Osborne, from Britain’s Conservative party, and his Liberal Democrat deputy Danny Alexander presented the report - part of a series by the government - in Glasgow

yesterday. Opinion polls show around 30 per cent of Scots are currently in favour of independence, while 50 per cent are against. A leading member of the SNP accused the Treasury of trying to make the prospect of independence sound as dif-

ficult as possible and said Osborne was “playing with fire.” John Swinney, Scottish finance secretary, said an independent Scotland might refuse to take on its share of British debt if London did not let Scotland use the pound as part of a currency union. “If that’s the kind of game and negotiation (Osborne) wants to play, he’s welcome to do that. But what we’re interested in is a rational and considered discussion,” Swinney told the BBC. Financial markets are unperturbed by what they see as a remote prospect of Scottish independence. But there could be major implications for sterling and the British government bond market if this perception changed. Markets could easily force a currency union to break up after independence if they did not think there was a solid commitment to it on both sides, imposing costs on both Scotland and the rest of Britain, the report said. Moreover, there would be complex issues to be decided on whether the Bank of England could continue to be a lender of last resort to Scottish banks, and Britain would want “rigorous oversight” of an independent Scotland’s fiscal policies. “The current currency and monetary policy arrangements within the UK serve Scotland well,” the report said. But after independence, “the status quo would not be one of the options”.

Government refused permission for House of Lords Qatada appeal

Abu Qatada has thwarted every bid to deport him

THE Government has been refused permission to take its ﬁght to remove hate preacher Abu Qatada from the UK to the highest court in the land, the Judicial Ofﬁce said yesterday. Permission to appeal to the Supreme Court was refused by the Court of Appeal. The Government’s latest move came after judges last month rejected the latest in a long line of attempts to deport the terror suspect to Jordan. In March, the Court of Appeal backed an earlier ruling that Qatada,

also known as Omar Othman, could not be deported over fears that evidence obtained through torture would be used against him. A spokesman for the Judicial Ofﬁce said the Court of Appeal had conﬁrmed that it had refused permission for the Home Secretary to appeal to the Supreme Court. At the Court of Appeal, Home Secretary Theresa May’s lawyers had challenged a ruling made last November by immigration judges on the grounds that Qatada was a “truly

dangerous” individual who had escaped deportation through “errors of law”. But three appeal judges said the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) was entitled to conclude that disputed statements will be used against Qatada. Qatada, who featured in hate sermons found on videos in the ﬂat of one of the 9/11 bombers, has ultimately thwarted every attempt by the Government to put him on a plane.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Europe

‘Face the truth’, Nikolic urged

France legalises same-sex marriage

BOSNIAN Muslim leader Bakir Izetbegovic publicly upbraided Serbia’s nationalist president yesterday, saying he must face the truth of Srebrenica and the siege of Sarajevo before the region can move on. A disciple of the Greater Serbia ideology that fuelled the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s, President Tomislav Nikolic’s interpretations of what happened then have raised hackles in the Western Balkans since he took power almost a year ago. His remarks, including a denial that the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica amounted to genocide, have set back efforts to reconcile the ex-Yugoslav republics, a prerequisite of stability and economic cooperation as they each strive to join the European Union. Addressing a joint news conference with Izetbegovic, Nikolic said Bosnia’s 199295 war had ended “long ago” and that wounds should heal. “We agreed that between us there will be no more disagreements or misunderstandings,” he said. Izetbegovic, the son of Bosnia’s wartime leader Alija Izetbegovic, issued a scathing riposte: “Fifteen, twenty years ago, so not in the so distant past, we had a war, which did not come from Bosnia,” he said. “To move forward, we will have to stop for a moment, turn around and look into the past, at what happened in Srebrenica,” he said. “It happened 8,372 times. Not a single hostage got out alive; children of 13, 14 years old. One must face up to this.” It was Izetbegovic’s first official visit to Belgrade and first meeting with Nikolic.

FRENCH parliament approved a law allowing samesex couples to marry and to adopt children yesterday, a flagship reform pledge by President Francois Hollande which sparked often violent street protests and a rise in homophobic attacks. Hollande’s “marriage for all” law is the biggest social reform in France since his left-wing mentor and predecessor Francois Mitterrand abolished the death penalty in 1981, a move which also split the nation. Lawmakers in the lower house National Assembly, where Hollande’s Socialists have an absolute majority, passed the bill by 331 votes for and 225 against, making France the 14th country in the world to allow same-sex couples to wed. “Many French people will be proud this job is done,” Justice Minister Christiane Taubira told parliament. “Those protesting today will find themselves moved by the joy of the newly-weds.” Yet the episode has carried a political price for an already unpopular president. Critics said Hollande should focus on fixing the moribund economy while opponents have demanded a referendum and protests against it descended into violence. The debate is also blamed for fanning a spate of homophobic attacks, including the beating up of a 24-year-old in the southern city of Nice on Saturday. Socialist and conservative lawmakers had come close to blows more than once during lengthy parliament debates on the law, which authorises adoption and marriage but will not let gay couples use medicallyassisted procreation. France, a mainly Catholic country, follows 13 others including Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Uruguay and New Zealand in letting gay and lesbian couples tie the knot. In the US, Washington D.C. and nine states have legalised same-sex marriage.

Pre-emptive arrests: this combination photograph released by the Spanish Interior Ministry yesterday, shows two suspects identiﬁed as Nou Mediouni (left) and Hassan El Jaaouani

Al Qaeda suspects are ‘lone wolves’ - Spain POLICE have arrested two suspected members of al Qaeda’s North African branch in Spain, one of whom Spanish authorities alleged praised the Boston Marathon bombings, but neither of whom was known to possess any explosives or be planning any attack. Spanish Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz told reporters there was “sufﬁcient grounds” to warrant the arrests, adding that they were made to avoid “greater risks”. He said the two suspects - an Algerian and a Moroccan were acting as “lone wolves”. Fernandez Diaz also said that one of the two arrested had praised the Boston attacks. The private news agency Europa Press, citing the minister, said this was found

There were enough grounds for duo’s arrest, says minister in a document seized by police during the arrests. Madrid is to stage its own marathon on Sunday. Authorities yesterday said that while no risk or threat had been detected, 1,100 police and security personnel would be on duty. Two explosions near the ﬁnish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15 killed three people and wounded more than 200 others. One suspect in the attacks was killed during a stand-off with police, while a second was later arrested after being wounded. A Spanish Interior Ministry

statement said Nou Mediouni, an Algerian, was arrested in the north-eastern city of Zaragoza, while Hassan El Jaaouani, a Moroccan, was arrested in the south-eastern city of Murcia. Ofﬁcials are not aware of any connection between the two suspects and had no information that they possessed explosives or were planning any attack, a ministry spokeswoman said. The ministry alleged the two were suspected members of a cell linked to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, a branch of the terrorist net-

work that operates in northwest Africa. The ministry said they regularly visited an internet website used by AQIM to recruit members. It said Mediouni had tried to travel to the north of Mali to be trained as a jihadist ﬁghter but international police pressure prevented him from making the trip. A statement from the ministry also said that upon returning to Spain, Mediouni had expressed “frustration at not being able to ‘die like a martyr’”. The ministry further alleged that El Jaaouani, the Moroccan detainee, had made direct contact with a person in Mali suspected of having been involved with the kidnapping and killing of two French citizens in Niger in January 2011.

Italy’s re-elected President Napolitano speeds the search for a new government

Upbraided: Serbia’s nationalist president Nikolic

ITALY’S president held urgent talks yesterday aimed at naming a prime minister to head a coalition government backed by the rival parties on the centre-left and centre-right and end two months of post-election stalemate. Hopes that a government can be formed quickly gave a further boost to

THIS WEEK IN YOUR

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ﬁnancial markets yesterday, with the yield on 10-year Italian government bonds dropping below 4 per cent and the spread, or risk premium over German bonds, narrowing further. Former Prime Minister Giuliano Amato is widely considered to be the favoured choice of President Giorgio Napolitano, who has the ﬁnal say and was expected

SundayMail

A NIGHT FOR TWO WITH BREAKFAST AT

ENTER OUR COMPETITION (living page 28)

to make the appointment late last night or today. The young centre-left mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, had also emerged as a possible candidate. Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-right People of Freedom (PDL) party said it had no objections to Renzi after his name was suggested by the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) late on Monday. But

Renzi, 38, who opinion polls indicate is the country’s most popular politician, later played down the possibility. Delegations from the PDL and the PD will meet separately with Napolitano on Tuesday to make their proposals for who should lead the country following February’s inconclusive election.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

World WORLD TODAY Top brass to spend fortnight as juniors CHINESE President Xi Jinping has ordered his top brass to spend two weeks as junior soldiers every few years as a way of boosting military morale - but sceptics doubt the move will do much more than polish his own credentials as commander in chief. Under the directive, published by the defence ministry, the temporary and symbolic demotion applies to lieutenant colonels and above - although it is primarily aimed at senior ofﬁcers aged under 55 or who have not come up through the lower ranks. “It will help to purify the soul and be the prevention and cure for laziness, lax discipline, extravagance and other bureaucratic illnesses,” the ofﬁcial People’s Liberation Army Daily said of the measure yesterday. The move recalled a similar one made by former leader Mao Zedong in 1958, the newspaper added.

Bishops released KIDNAPPERS freed two Syrian bishops yesterday who had been abducted in the northern city of Aleppo, a church ofﬁcial said, but the identities of their kidnappers remained uncertain. “The two are on their way to the patriarchy in Aleppo,” Bishop Tony Yazigi told Reuters in the capital Damascus. Yazigi, a relative of one of the kidnapped bishops, did not say who was behind the kidnapping of Greek Orthodox archbishop Paul Yazigi and Syriac Orthodox archbishop Yohanna Ibrahim. They were seized on Monday near the commercial and industrial hub of Aleppo, which is contested by rebels and forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

Life sentence FORMER Egyptian finance minister Youssef Boutros-Ghali was sentenced in absentia to life in prison in a corruption case yesterday, a Cairo criminal court source said. Boutros-Ghali, whose uncle Boutros Boutros-Ghali was UN Secretary-General from 1992 to 1996, served as finance minister under deposed President Hosni Mubarak. He fled the country and was convicted in absentia in 2011 in a separate graft case and sentenced to 30 years in prison. In yesterday’s case, Boutros-Ghali had been accused of squandering 13 million Egyptian pounds ($1.9 million) of public funds in a transaction involving coupons used for the distribution of subsidised cooking gas.

Japan shrine visits, isles row stir East Asia tensions China patrol vessels play cat-andmouse with Japan flotilla By Kaori Kaneko TENSIONS ﬂared between Japan and its Asian neighbours after a group of Japanese lawmakers visited a shrine seen by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism, and Chinese patrol vessels played cat-and-mouse with a ﬂotilla of Japanese nationalists near disputed islands in the East China Sea. Beijing protested over the voyage by 10 boats carrying about 80 Japanese activists into waters near the islands, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. “Regarding the Japanese right-wing activists’ illegal entry into the waters of the Diaoyu islands that is causing trouble, the Chinese foreign ministry has lodged stern representations with Japan, and has strongly protested,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a news conference. Japan also protested at what

A Chinese marine surveillance ship Haijian No. 66 (centre) cruises next to Japanese coast guard patrol ships in the East China Sea, near islands known as the Senkaku isles in Japan and Diaoyu islands in China, in this photo taken yesterday it called an intrusion by eight Chinese patrol vessels into its waters near the uninhabited Japanese-controlled islands, which are near rich ﬁshing grounds and potentially lucrative maritime gas ﬁelds. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pressed in parliament to say how Japan would react to a Chinese attempt to land on the tiny islands, said it would

be “natural to force them to leave”. But Tokyo appeared keen to avoid a clash between the nationalists’ ﬂotilla and the Chinese ships. Japan’s Coast Guard, which had 13 vessels shadowing the boats, urged them to leave and escorted them away. Last year members of the same group, “Ganbare Nip-

pon” (Stand Firm! Japan), landed on one of the rocky islets and triggered anti-Japanese protests in China, where lingering resentment over Japan’s wartime aggression has been rekindled in recent days. China chastised Japan for yesterday’s visits by at least 168 lawmakers to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, which hon-

ours 14 leaders convicted as war criminals by an Allied tribunal along with Japan’s war dead. The pilgrimage came after Abe made an offering and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and two other ministers visited Yasukuni over the weekend. Homage paid by leading Japanese politicians at the Tokyo shrine typically angers Japan’s neighbours, who contend that it gloriﬁes wartime aggression. “Regardless of what method or what identity these Japanese leaders take in visiting Yasukuni Shrine, fundamentally it is intentionally denying Japan’s militaristic invasionist history,” Hua said. “We urge Japan to be responsible to history, to be responsible to the people and take a responsible attitude to the future and take realistic actions to win the trust of the international community, stop causing harm to itself and stop isolationist measures.” Some Japanese experts said that, despite the latest tensions, the Asian rivals might avoid a re-run of the violent anti-Japanese protests last September that hurt economic ties between Asia’s two biggest economies. Those protests were sparked when Japan’s government bought the islands from a private owner. South Korea, where bitter memories of Japan’s 19101945 colonisation run deep, has cancelled a trip to Japan by its foreign minister following the weekend shrine visits.

Train plot suspects in court TWO men charged in Canada with plotting an attack on a passenger train appeared in separate courts yesterday while Iran reacted angrily to police accusations that the plotters were backed by al Qaeda elements in Iran. Raed Jaser, 35, of Toronto and Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, of Montreal were arrested in separate raids and charged on Monday, sparking worries of a Canadian attack just one week after the Boston Marathon bombings killed three people and injured more than 200. Jaser arrived at the procedural hearing in Toronto’s Old City Hall courthouse sporting a long black beard and black cap. Details of the hearing are covered by a publication ban. Jaser, who denied an involvement, was detained and will return for a bail hearing at a later date, his lawyer, John Norris, told reporters. “He denies the allegations and he will vigorously defend them,” Norris said outside the court, describing Jaser as being in a state of “shock and disbelief”. He would not disclose Jaser’s nationality but said he has been a resident of Canada for 20 years.

Outside the court room, a middle-aged man, a woman in a cream-colored hijab and a younger man identified themselves as family, but would not give their names or answer questions. Esseghaier, a Tunisian-born doctoral student at a Montreal-area university, appeared at a Montreal court, handcuffed and in shackles. He told the judge that conclusions had been drawn from deeds and words “that are only appearances”. “We can’t conclude -” he said before being cut off by Quebec judge Pierre Labelle, who said this appearance was only designed to fulfill a legal requirement that he appear in his province within 24 hours of his arrest. Bearded and bespectacled, Esseghaier was remanded in custody until an arrest warrant is executed and endorsed in Quebec. Canadian authorities have linked the two to al Qaeda factions in Iran but they say there is no indication that the attack plans, which police described as the first known al Qaeda-backed plot on Canadian soil, were state-sponsored. Police said they had been investigating the two suspects since last fall after a tip from the Muslim community in Toronto.

John Norris (centre), lawyer of suspect Raed Jaser, speaks to the media outside Old City Hall Court in Toronto

264 people said to have been injured in Boston bombings PUBLIC health ofﬁcials are now saying that 264 people sought treatment at hospitals for injuries sustained in the Boston Marathon bombings. Authorities had been saying that about 180 people were injured, but that was just victims brought to hospitals in the immediate aftermath of the April 15 explosions. Three peo-

ple were killed and at least 14 people lost all or part of a limb. The Boston Public Health Commission says the larger number includes people who delayed seeking treatment. Twenty-seven different hospitals treated the injured. There are still 51 people being

treated for their injuries in hospitals. Meanwhile, lawyers for the wife of the deceased bombing suspect say she is doing everything she can to assist authorities. But they wouldn’t say if Katherine Tsarnaeva, widow of Tamerlan Tsarnaev, has spoken to investigators yet.

Providence attorneys Amato DeLuca and Miriam Weizenbaum issued a statement saying she is deeply mourning the bombing victims. They say that Tsarnaeva and her family were in shock when they learned of allegations against her husband and brother-in-law, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

World

Palestinian captive ends hunger strike after deal with Israel

A police ofﬁcer hits a supporter of former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who is the head of the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) political party, during Musharraf’s hearing at an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on April 23, 2013. The former army chief was

detained last week over allegations he had overstepped his powers while in ofﬁce. Pakistani police said yesterday that they had found 45kg (100lb) of explosives hidden in a car near the residence where Musharraf is under house arrest, TV channels reported (AFP)

Car bomb hits France embassy in Tripoli By Marie-Louise Gumuchian and Ghaith Shennib A CAR bomb in Tripoli wounded two French guards at France’s embassy in Libya yesterday, bringing new violence to the capital, which has not seen attacks on diplomats like that which killed the U.S. envoy in Benghazi last year. Since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled by Westernbacked rebels in late 2011, Tripoli and the rest of the sprawling desert state have been awash with weapons and roving armed bands but violence in the city has not targeted diplomats before in the way Western envoys have been shot at and bombed in the east of the country. “This is an attack that targets not only France but all countries that fight against terrorist groups,” Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in Paris before flying out to see for himself the damage to the embassy. Security will be stepped up

First assault on diplomatic mission in Libyan capital across a region where France has taken a leading role of late, first in pushing for a NATO air campaign to defend the Benghazi-based rebels from Gaddafi’s forces, and most recently mounting its own assault in its former colony of Mali against Islamist insurgents who have profited from arms and fighters coming over the Sahara border from Libya. President Francois Hollande said: “France expects the Libyan authorities to shed light on this unacceptable act so that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.” Libya’s government, struggling to exert its authority, said it was a “terrorist act” aimed at destabilising their country and ministers said they would work with French investigators.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility in the hours after the early morning blast, which caused extensive damage, but al Qaeda’s north African arm, AQIM, threatened retaliation for the French intervention in Mali as recently as last week. Westerners in the region have been on particular alert since January’s bloody mass hostage-taking at the In Amenas natural gas plant in Algeria, close to the Libyan and Malian frontiers, during which militants demanded Paris halt operations in Mali. Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot said France had not received any speciﬁc threat against the Tripoli embassy but it had been aware of a generally increased risk: “There was no speciﬁc threat against our interests, just a

general worsening situation in the region,” he said, adding that the embassy was now out of action and staff would move elsewhere. He said France had asked Libyan authorities to strengthen security around French institutions which were now all closed, including a cultural centre and a school. “This is a very worrying sign for the government,” one Western diplomat said. “It will be a further deterrent for companies who have so far been reluctant to come to Libya.” In the chaos following Gaddaﬁ’s overthrow and death, there have been attacks on diplomats, notably in Benghazi in the east. In September, the US ambassador to Libya and three other Americans were killed at Washington’s consulate in a city that is the hub for the lucrative oil industry. US ofﬁcials say militants with ties to al Qaeda were mostly likely involved in that attack but no group has credibly claimed responsibility.

Israeli spy says Syria used chemical arms, US remains unconvinced SYRIAN government forces have used chemical weapons - probably nerve gas - in their ﬁght against rebels trying to force out President Bashar al-Assad, the Israeli military’s top intelligence analyst said yesterday. The assessment met with scepticism from the United States, which has declared any use of chemical weapons in Syria’s two-year-old civil war a “red line” that could trigger intervention. US Secretary of State John Kerry said

he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the latter “was not in a position to confirm” the briefing given by Itai Brun, a military intelligence brigadier-general, at a Tel Aviv summit. “I don’t know what the facts are,” Kerry told reporters in Brussels. Netanyahu’s office declined comment on Kerry and Brun’s remarks, made a day after US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said while visiting Israel that Washington’s spy agencies were still

assessing whether such weapons had been employed. “To the best of our understanding, there was use of lethal chemical weapons. Which chemical weapons? Probably sarin,” Brun told Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies. “Forces loyal to Assad were behind the attacks on “armed (rebels) on a number of occasions in the past few months, including the most reported incident on March 19.”

A PALESTINIAN prisoner whose hunger strike had stoked weeks of protests in the West Bank ended his eight-month on-off fast yesterday in exchange for early release by Israel, Palestinian officials said. Israeli and Palestinian officials had feared that had Samer al-Issawi, 32, died because of refusing food, it might have led to mass unrest. At least six Palestinian protesters were wounded in February in clashes with Israeli troops after another Palestinian died while being interrogated in an Israeli jail. The clashes were fuelled by the worsening health of Issawi and other prisoners. Under a deal signed by Issawi and a military prosecutor, he will serve eight more months for violating bail conditions from an earlier release, the officials said, announcing he had ended the strike. He will then be allowed to go to his Jerusalem home, Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian prisoner organisation, told Reuters. Israel convicted Issawi of opening fire on an Israeli bus in 2002, but released him in 2011 along with more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for an Israeli soldier held hostage by the Hamas Is-

lamist group in Gaza. He was re-arrested last July after Israel said he violated the terms of his release by crossing from his native East Jerusalem to the West Bank, and ordered him to stay in jail until 2029 - his original sentence. Citing security concerns, Israel restricts Palestinian movement between East Jerusalem and the West Bank - a policy criticised by Palestinians as collective punishment. Israel captured both areas in the 1967 Middle East war, annexing East Jerusalem in a move that has not won international recognition. Both Palestinian and Israeli ofﬁcials have visited Issawi frequently to reach a compromise and prevent the violence his death could have provoked, potentially further complicating any peace efforts. Issawi’s lawyer and sister had conveyed the offer, which was brokered by Israel and Palestinian ofﬁcials, to his bedside in Israel’s Kaplan hospital, where he had been under Israeli guard and receiving intravenous vitamins but was refusing food. Palestinians regard Issawi and the prisoners as heroes of their struggle for statehood and welcomed the news of the deal.

Palestinian protesters hold placards during a demonstration in support of al-Issawi near Tel Aviv on Monday

‘Reliable partner’ offer made to West by Tehran IRAN said yesterday that it would be a “reliable partner” in the Middle East if Western countries would take a more cooperative approach in talks on its nuclear programme. Western powers blame tension with Iran in part on its refusal to cooperate with United Nations calls for curbs on its nuclear activity to ensure it is for peaceful purposes only, and to open up to investigations by UN inspectors. Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency, said that current US and European policies, including extensive sanctions on the Islamic Republic, were bound to fail. “Western countries are advised to change gear from confrontation to cooperation, the window of opportunity to enter into negotiation for long-term strategic cooperation with Iran, the most reliable, strong and stable partner in the region, is still open,” Soltanieh told a meeting in Geneva on the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Soltanieh offered no speciﬁcs on how Iran could move to a cooperative dialogue with the West, which has demanded concrete Iranian action to allay international concern that it is trying to develop the means to produce nuclear weapons. Thomas Countryman, chief US delegate to the NPT talks, said on Monday that Iran’s nuclear programme poses the greatest threat to the credibility of the NPT, which aims to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. Soltanieh said Iran was determined to pursue “all legal areas of nuclear technology, including fuel cycle and enrichment technology, exclusively for peaceful purposes”, to be carried out under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Business US factory growth slowest in six months

Shares rally, euro dips on ECB rate cut speculation

U.S. FACTORY activity expanded at its slowest pace in six months in April, the latest sign economic growth continued to lose momentum early in the second quarter. Another report yesterday showed the housing market recovery pushing ahead, with sales in March the secondhighest in three years. Financial data firm Markit said its “flash”, or preliminary, Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 52.0 this month, the lowest since October, from 54.6 in March. The data “raises concerns that the US manufacturing expansion is losing momentum rapidly as business and households worry about the impact of tax hikes and government spending cuts,” said Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit. The “flash” reading is based on replies from about 85 per cent of the US manufacturers surveyed. Markit’s final reading for April will be released on May 1. Separately, the Commerce Department said new home sales increased 1.5 per cent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 417,000 units last month. Sales are being held back by a lack of supply of homes on the market in some major regions. There were 153,000 new homes on the market last month, not far from record lows. The tight inventory is highlighted by a very low months’ supply, which at 4.4 months is below the six months normally considered as a healthy balance between supply and demand. “We will need to see the housing market index start improving again to be sure the trend remains upward. But in the meantime this report is encouraging,” said Jim O’Sullivan, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics in Valhalla, New York.

Euro dips against dollar on German PMI data By Angela Moon GLOBAL equity markets rose yesterday, as Wall Street shares surged on strong corporate earnings and European shares posted their biggest one-day gain in seven months, while the euro hit a two-week low against the dollar after weak German data sparked speculation the European Central Bank could cut interest rates. On Wall Street, the major indexes jumped more than 1 per cent and were on track for a third straight day of gains on strong earnings from insurer Travelers Cos Inc and others, though investors said recent volatility was likely to return. The euro fell as low as $1.2971 and could break decisively out of the $1.30 to $1.32 range that has held for the past couple of weeks. It was last down 0.7 per cent on the day at $1.2978. The latest Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) for the eurozone raised concerns about the economic health of the region, with business activity in Germany - the region’s biggest economy - contracting for the ﬁrst time in ﬁve months in April. A broader gauge of the wider 17-nation zone showed the region still mired in recession. Adding to concerns about Asia, growth in China’s vast factory sector dipped in April as new export orders shrank, suggesting the world’s secondlargest economy still faces formidable global headwinds

Wall Street shares surged on strong corporate earnings yesterday as European shares posted their biggest one-day gain in seven months (AFP) into the second quarter. These reports also helped the yen move higher and drove the commodity-linked Australian dollar to a six-week low against the US dollar. “Given the deteriorating fundamentals in the eurozone, the prospect of (an ECB rate cut) has certainly increased,” said Boris Schlossberg, managing director of FX strategy at BK Asset Management in New York. “A rate cut would

Rates

Buying Selling Pound St

0.8588 0.8502

US Dollar

1.3108 1.2978

Australian $

1.2904 1.2586

Canadian Dol.

1.3565 1.3231

Swiss Fr

1.2258 1.2112

Denmark Kr

7.5475 7.3611 129.3716 127.8284

Norwegian Kr

7.7403 7.5491

Polish Zloty

4.1627

4.0599

Romanian Leu 4.4411 4.2669 Russian Ruble 41.8568 40.8233 Swedish Kr

was up 15.96 points, or 1.02 per cent, at 1,578.46. The Nasdaq Composite Index was up 39.00 points, or 1.21 per cent, at 3,272.56. The CBOE Volatility index, a measure of investor anxiety, fell 6.3 per cent, though it was coming off a jump of 24 per cent last week. “Equity gains have been getting progressively smaller, so it doesn’t really feel like a robust rotation into the mar-

UK deficit barely falls in 2012/13

These Bank of Cyprus rates for telegraphic transfer transactions (spot deals) apply to yesterday, but provide a good guide to today’s value against the euro.

Japan Yen

be the quickest and least expensive policy course.” Among top gainers on Wall Street, shares of Netflix Inc rallied 23 per cent to $214.90, after the video subscription service reported solid subscriber growth and betterthan-expected profits in the first quarter. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 142.96 points, or 0.98 per cent, at 14,710.13. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

ket at this stage,” said Jeff Morris, head of US equities at Standard Life Investments in Boston. Europe’s top share index closed up 2.4 per cent, the biggest daily rise since early August, buoyed by strong earnings and the expectations of a rate cut by the European Central Bank. The FTSEurofirst 300 provisionally finished at 1,182.49 points. In Treasuries, the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note was down 3/32 in price, with the yield at 1.7048 per cent. The economic headwinds from China earlier hit Asian shares, driving MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 0.4 per cent. Chinese shares posted their worst daily loss in nearly a month. MSCI’s world equity index, which is heavily weighted toward US shares, was up 1 per cent. Adding to concerns about growth in Asia, the flash HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index for China in April fell to 50.5 in April from 51.6 in March. The reading was still stronger than February’s reading of 50.4. The HSBC report on China, its first economic indicator for the second quarter following weaker-than-expected growth in first-quarter gross domestic product, weighed heavily on commodity markets worried about the outlook for future demand. Brent crude oil fell toward $99 a barrel on concerns about the outlook for fuel demand. June Brent crude was down $1.22 to $99.17 a barrel while US crude for June delivery was down $1.10 at $88.09. Gold fell around 1 per cent yesterday after the outflow from the biggest gold exchange-traded fund accelerated, investors shifted toward other assets like equities, and the stronger dollar put pressure on prices.

8.6512 8.4376

Yesterday’s ONS ﬁgures underscore just how far Britain’s Conservative-led coalition has to go to meet its central goal of balancing the country’s public ﬁnances

BRITAIN’S budget deficit barely fell in the last 12 months despite a government austerity drive, official data showed yesterday, pointing to further pain to come. The fact borrowing fell at all will be some comfort for finance minister George Osborne, after a week when the International Monetary Fund cast doubt on his policies and ratings agency Fitch stripped Britain of its triple-A status. But yesterday’s figures from the Office of National Statistics underscore just how far Britain’s Conservative-led coalition has to go to meet its central goal of balancing the public finances, as weak growth saps tax revenue and raises welfare costs. “There’s a small crumb to be had from the fact that borrowing is less than last year, but really that’s a political point not an economic one,” said David Tinsley, UK economist at BNP Paribas. “The government seems to be delivering on spending reductions, but it is failing on getting growth ... and that’s why the fiscal position isn’t improving. It’s flat-lining.” The government’s preferred measure of public borrowing - which excludes some effects of bank bailouts and a one-off Royal Mail pension transfer - fell to 114.2 billion pounds ($174.1 billion) in the tax year which ended in March. This equates to 7.4 per cent of economic

output, down from 7.9 per cent in 2012/13, and is well below a peak of 11.2 per cent just before the coalition came to power in May 2010. But it is still far higher than in most other major advanced economies as Britain struggles to deal with the long-term effects of the financial crisis. The economy has been broadly stagnant for the past two years, and gross domestic product data tomorrow will show whether the economy has slipped back into technical recession for a third time in less than five years. Most of the fall in government borrowing was due to a scheme that transferred bond interest previously paid to the Bank of England back to the Treasury. Without this, the deficit would only have fallen to 7.8 per cent of GDP. This year the government aims to cut the deficit to 6.8 per cent of GDP, but economists warned even this could be hard, especially as some annual spending that would normally have taken place last year has been pushed into the current year. “The bigger test will be if he can continue to meet the forecasts for the years ahead, and we think it’s looking vulnerable because of the weakness of the euro area, which could decrease tax revenues and mean higher spending pressures,” said Tinsley.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Opinion

Loss of second committee member feeds into AKEL propaganda ONLY ONE of the original three members of the committee set up to investigate the causes of the collapse of the economy is still in his place – Giorgos Pikis. The other two members of the line-up sworn in on April 2, have since resigned - Yiannakis Constantinides a week later for health reasons and Panayiotis Kallis on Monday because of what he described as a conflict of interest. His sons’ law office had taken legal action against the Bank of Cyprus that was related to the terms of reference of the investigative committee. In his letter of resignation to the president, Kallis had pointed out that he felt he “did not have the right to investigate behaviour, actions and omissions that constitute issues of legal dispute in a suit filed by members of my family”. Commendable as his decision may be, he should have thought of the matter before he agreed to sit on the committee instead of quitting three weeks after his appointment. His sons had taken legal action against the Bank of Cyprus at the end of March, and although this had not raised the issue of conflict of interest, there was always the possibility of subsequent action that would - which was the case. A second resignation, three weeks after the establishment of the investigative committee, does not inspire public confidence. If anything, it undermines the investigation, suggesting that this is not a very serious undertaking by the government, which, quite clearly, made unwise choices. The three retired judges chosen may have had impeccable credentials but they were all of advanced years and it was questionable whether they had a deep understanding of the workings of the economy and the banking system. This, after all, is an investigation into the actions or omissions that led to the economy’s collapse which requires more knowledge of economics than of the law. Yet the government has decided to replace Kallis with a retired judge who has also served as ombudswoman. The government’s unwise choices have helped AKEL’s orchestrated efforts to discredit the committee and question its legitimacy. The resignation of Kallis on the same day that AKEL chief Andros Kyprianou alleged the government was ‘directing’ the committee would have given some credibility to the communist misinformation campaign. This was an idle claim, not supported by any evidence, but designed to undermine the committee by implying that the investigation was rigged. How strange that the government is, inadvertently, helping AKEL’s propaganda campaign to achieve its objective.

Want to send a letter? Send letters to the Cyprus Mail by email, fax or post. They should include a full postal address (email address is not sufﬁcient), daytime phone number and reference to any relevant article. Names and addresses may be withheld from publication if circumstances warrant. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Correspondence will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Can populism exist without its totems? Comment Jan-Werner Mueller

icolás Maduro’s narrow victory in Venezuela’s presidential election raises an important question (quite apart from the opposition’s question as to whether Maduro really won): Can populism thrive without a genuinely popular, charismatic leader, or are movements like Chávismo doomed to fade into insignificance once they have lost their quasi-deities? For many observers, populism is unthinkable without a strong, direct bond between an anti-establishment leader and citizens who feel neglected by mainstream political parties. Yet the role of leadership in populism is vastly overestimated. Indeed, given populism’s importance as a political phenomenon, that view, along with two others – that populism is somehow a call for direct democracy, and that populists can only protest, but never govern – needs to be challenged. Populism, unlike, say, liberalism or Marxism, is not a coherent body of distinct political ideas. But it also cannot be defined simply as any political movement that panders to the masses by promoting simplistic policy proposals. While populists might be particularly prone to advocating facile solutions, they hardly have a monopoly on that tactic. Moreover, impugning populists’ intelligence and seriousness only plays into their hands: See how the arrogant, entrenched elites, they will counter, dismiss the common sense of the people. Populism cannot be understood at the level of policies; rather, it is a particular way of imagining politics. It pits the innocent, always hard-working people against both a corrupt elite (who do not really work, other than to further their own interests) and those on the very bottom of society (who also do not work and live off others). In the populist imagination, both the very top and the very bottom of society are not really a part of it: they are directly or indirectly supported by outside powers (think of pro-European liberal elites in Central and Eastern Europe); more obviously, they are immigrants or minorities, like the Roma. Typically, in the populist political imagination, elites disproportionately care for those who, like themselves, do not really belong. Europe’s elites are regularly accused of lavishing benefits on ethnic minorities in the name of protecting their rights. America’s Tea Party populists often imagine an unholy alliance of left-liberal, bi-coastal elites and the Afri-

So far, Chavez’s successor Maduro (above) has drawn on his well-employed populist tactic of demonising his most recent rival for the presidency, Capriles (EPA) can-American underclass (an alliance that in their eyes is embodied in President Barack Obama). A leader who can represent this purely moral – as opposed to political – image helps to provide a focus for voters. But it is not crucial. It mattered that Chávez reassured the masses that “I am a little of all of you.” Yet it could be someone else, or a group; or it could be no one in particular (who really leads the Tea Party?). Voters who support populist movements do so because they

cal inclusion are different from demands for direct democracy. Where direct democracy is very much a part of normal politics – in Switzerland, for example – populist parties have been doing better, not worse, than elsewhere. It is similarly misguided to think that populist politicians, once in power, will not be able to govern effectively, because they have emerged from protest parties whose agendas are deﬁned entirely by what they oppose. Rather, what is distinctive about populists in

‘... what is distinctive about populists in power is that they attend only to their clientele (the rest of the population is utterly undeserving) and ride roughshod over checks and balances’ believe that current elites fail truly to represent them. They are not against representative democracy as such: they just want different representatives – people whom they consider morally pure. Thus, calls for more popular participation are not essential to populism; rather, they are a symptom of perceived exclusion (which might well be a reality, especially in Latin America). But cries for politi-

power is that they attend only to their clientele (the rest of the population is utterly undeserving) and ride roughshod over checks and balances. From a populist perspective, this makes perfect sense: Why should they accept checks on their power if they represent the authentic will of the people? Populists can live with representative democracy; what they cannot accept is political pluralism and the no-

tion of legitimate opposition. It was this tendency to demonize opponents, not particular policies favouring the poor, that made Chávez a populist. In Finland, to take another example, it is the claim of uniquely authentic representation, not criticism of the European Union, that makes the revealingly named True Finns a populist party. Likewise, the Italian populist Beppe Grillo’s attempt to empower ordinary citizens is not a cause for concern; but his claim that his Five Star Movement deserves nothing less than 100 per cent of seats in parliament, because all other contenders are corrupt and immoral, certainly is. It is this feature of populism – the idea that the people want only one thing, and that only true representatives can give it to them – that explains a symmetry (often evoked, but seldom spelled out) between populism and technocratic government. Just as technocrats assume that there is only one right solution to every policy challenge – hence political debate is not necessary – so, for populists, the people have one, and only one, uncorrupted will. Liberal democracy assumes just the opposite: space for different perspectives – and for political alternatives. Jan-Werner Mueller is Professor of Politics at Princeton University and a member of the School of Historical Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study. His most recent book is Contesting Democracy: Political Ideas in Twentieth-Century Europe © Project Syndicate 2013

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Showbiz

Jury is chosen in Michael Jackson wrongful death trial Lawsuit pits King of Pop’s mother against concert promoters AEG Live By Jill Serjeant and Alex Dobuzinskis A JURY has been chosen in the $40 billion civil lawsuit over the death of Michael Jackson that pits the pop star’s mother against concert promoters AEG Live. After a month-long search for a jury, six men and six women were seated to hear what could be an emotional three-month trial that will revisit the chequered life and 2009 death of the ‘King of Pop’ on the eve of a planned comeback. Three alternate jurors still have to be chosen, clearing the way for opening statements to begin possibly later this week or early next week. Jackson’s 82-year-old mother, Katherine, is suing AEG Live, the promoters of the never-realised series of 2009 London concerts, for the wrongful death of her son. The lawsuit alleges AEG Live was negligent in hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to care for the singer while he rehearsed for a series of 50 shows. AEG Live contends that it did not hire or supervise Murray and that Jackson had prescription drug and addiction problems for years before entering into any agreement with it for the This Is It London concerts. The concert promoters also argue that they could not have foreseen that Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death, posed a danger to the singer. Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009, from a lethal dose of the surgical anaesthetic propofol that Murray was administering for sleep problems. The day before he had been in ﬁnal

Michael Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009, from a lethal dose of the surgical anaesthetic propofol that his doctor was administering for sleep problems rehearsals for the concerts due to start on July 13. Potential witnesses in the civil trial include Jackson’s mother, his two oldest children Prince, 16, and Paris, 15, as well as Murray, singers Prince and Diana Ross, and Jackson’s ex-wives, LisaMarie Presley and Debbie Rowe. Katherine Jackson and her son’s three children are seeking some $40 billion

in damages from privately held AEG Live for loss of the singer’s earnings and other damages. The ﬁnal amount will be determined by the jury should it ﬁnd AEG responsible for negligence. Murray, who is not being sued, was convicted in 2011 after a long trial that depicted the singer known for his spectacular public shows as an odd, sometimes slurring, drug-dependent shadow of

his on-stage image. Murray is serving a fouryear jail sentence. On Monday, his attorney ﬁled an appeal seeking to overturn his conviction, arguing Jackson self-injected a fatal dose of propofol when Murray left the room, according to court documents. At his 2011 trial, Murray’s original defence attorneys also presented the theory that Jackson could have

self-injected. A spokeswoman for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Ofﬁce declined to comment on the appeal. A judge ruled last month that AEG Live could raise Jackson’s 2005 trial and acquittal on child molestation charges as part of its defence as it may be relevant to the singer’s history of drug abuse and despondency.

Backstreet Boys get Musician Richie Havens dies a Hollywood star BOY band the Backstreet Boys - now all grown men - this week marked their 20th anniversary and their upcoming world tour by getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Backstreet is Back and we aren’t going anywhere,” Nick Carter, 33, told fans as all five members of the 1990s band gathered to unveil their star - located right next to another popular boy band, Boyz II Men. The close harmony singers were visibly emotional as they thanked their families and fans for their support over the years. “What an honour it is,” said Kevin Richardson, 40, holding back tears. “What a beautiful day. What another beautiful way to celebrate 20 years together.” Formed in 1993 in Florida, the Backstreet Boys went on to sell more than 130 million albums worldwide and score hits like 'I Want It That Way', and 'Shape of My Heart'. The other members of the group are Brian Littrell, A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough. After several hiatuses in the 2000s and the departure of Richardson, the five original members officially got back together last year and will embark on a world tour in May, starting in China. Backstreet Boys are also due to release a new album this summer, and a music documentary in 2014.

Richie Havens opened the historic 1969 Woodstock musical festival and sang for the Dalai Lama and Bill Clinton

US folk musician Richie Havens, who opened the historic 1969 Woodstock musical festival and energised the crowd with his version of 'Motherless Child/Freedom', died of a heart attack on Monday at the age of 72, his talent agency said. Havens, who emerged from the New York folk scene in the 1960s and went on to sing for the Dalai Lama and President Bill Clinton, died at his home in Jersey City, New Jersey, Roots Agency President Tim Drake told Reuters. Known for his driving acoustic guitar and soulful covers of songs by The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Who, Havens used his music to champion the causes of personal freedom and brotherhood. He retired from touring three years ago and released what would be his ﬁnal album Nobody Left to Crown in 2008.

Reese Witherspoon apologises for drunken spat By Eric Kelsey OSCAR-WINNING actress Reese Witherspoon’s initial court date on a disorderly conduct charge has been pushed back for a month after the squeaky-clean Legally Blonde star admitted she had drunk too much and was “deeply embarrassed” by her behaviour. Witherspoon, 37, one of Hollywood’s most beloved celebrities, was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning in Atlanta, after arguing with police who stopped her husband James Toth on suspicion of drunken driving. A first court hearing set for Monday was rescheduled for May 22, Atlanta municipal court officials said. Her talent agent husband Toth will have a hearing the following day. In a statement, the American actress said she could not go into detail about what happened, citing legal reasons. But she added: “I do want to say I clearly had one drink too many and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said,” Witherspoon said in the statement. “It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that was no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. I have nothing but respect for the police and I am very sorry for my behaviour.” Witherspoon, who has recently dyed her signature blonde hair brown, appeared in New York on Sunday as scheduled for the premiere of her latest film Mud, as news of her arrest began to break. The actress, who won an Oscar in 2006 for playing country star June Carter Cash in Walk the Line and made her movie debut at age 15, had until now avoided the kind of scandal that hits many Hollywood stars. According to the police report, Toth, 42, was pulled over when he drove across a double line on the road. Appearing dishevelled, smelling of alcohol and with bloodshot eyes, he then failed a bloodalcohol breath and a field sobriety test. Witherspoon was warned to stay inside the vehicle but after her husband’s arrest, she got out of the car and said, “she was a ‘US citizen’ and that she had the right to ‘stand on American ground.’” Witherspoon was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct. The actress asked if he knew who she was, saying: “You’re about to find out who I am. You’re going to be on national news,” the police report said. Witherspoon has been in the Atlanta area filming her next movie The Good Lie, based on the real life story of a refugee from the Sudanese civil war. Toth and Witherspoon married in 2011 and have a son together. Witherspoon has two children from her first husband, actor Ryan Phillippe.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Education New study in Cypriot nationalism How a student took on eminent economists on debt issue - and won

Taking on the masters

THE ASSOCIATION for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) in collaboration with Thekla Kyritsi and Petros Nikolaou have organised a one-day conference on the topic, The Emergence and Development of Nationalism in Cyprus Thekla Kyritsi is a PhD student at Panteion University in the department of social and political sciences. Petros Nikolaou is a PhD student in the department of Turkish and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Cyprus. The conference, on Saturday, April 27, aims to contribute to the public debate regarding the modern and contemporary history of Cyprus and to make a contribution to the effort of cultivating historical critical thinking and developing ‘reﬂexes’ towards stereotypical/nationalist ﬁgures of Cyprus history. The one-day-conference will run from approximately 9:00 am until 18:00 pm and it will include 12 reports divided into four different sections. Each report will last for 20 minutes. The topics include: The Ideology of “Megali Idea” and the emergence of Greek nationalism in Cyprus, by Petros Nikolaou; Nation, Church and the political power in Cyprus: the period of adaptation to the new ideology, by Michalis Michael; Turkish Cypriot political elites’ perceptions, reactions and attitudes towards Greek nationalism at the beginning of the 20th century, by Samani Meltem Onurkan, and the emergence and the evolution of nationalism in the Turkish Cypriot community, by Niyazi Kizilyurek The conference is being organised as part of the AHDR’s Multiperspectivity and Intercultural Dialogue in Education (MIDE) project, which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme - Action for Cooperation and Trust (UNDP-ACT). Simultaneous interpretation in Turkish, Greek and English will be provided. For more details please visit the AHDR website at www. ahdr.info, or call 22445740/ 00905488345740

By Edward Krudy

HEN Thomas Herndon, a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s doctoral programme in economics, spotted possible errors made by two eminent Harvard economists in an inﬂuential research paper, he called his girlfriend over for a second look. As they pored over the spreadsheets Herndon had requested from Harvard’s Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff, which formed the basis for a widely quoted 2010 study, they spotted what they believed were glaring errors. “I almost didn’t believe my eyes when I saw just the basic spreadsheet error,” said Herndon, 28. “I was like, am I just looking at this wrong? There has to be some other explanation. So I asked my girlfriend, ‘Am I seeing this wrong?’” His girlfriend, Kyla Walters, replied: “I don’t think so Thomas.” In the world of economic luminaries, it doesn’t get much bigger than Reinhart and Rogoff, whose work has had enormous inﬂuence in one of the biggest economic policy debates of the age. Both have served at the International Monetary Fund. Reinhart was

a chief economist at investment bank Bear Stearns in the 1980s, while Rogoff worked at the Federal Reserve, passing through Yale and MIT before landing at Harvard. Their study, which found economic growth slows dramatically when a government’s debt exceeds 90 per cent of a country’s annual economic output, has been cited by policymakers around the world as justiﬁcation for slashing spending. Former US vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, a Republican congressman from Wisconsin, is one inﬂuential politician who has cited the report to justify a budget slashing agenda. Using the two professors’ data, Herndon found that instead of a dramatic fall in growth, the decline was much milder, slowing to about 2.2 per cent, instead of the slump to minus 0.1 per cent that Reinhart and Rogoff predicted. Things tend to move at a glacial pace in the world of academic research papers, but within 24 hours Herndon and his two teachers, who co-authored the report, Michael Ash and Robert Pollin, found themselves swept up in a global debate. Herndon’s paper began life as a replication exercise for a term paper in a graduate econometrics class. He expected to replicate Reinhart and

Challenge: Thomas Herndon Rogoff’s results, then challenge the idea that high public debt caused growth to slow. But he never got that far. Repeated failures to replicate the results roused his interest. Pollin and Ash encouraged him to pursue it after he convinced them he was onto something. “At ﬁrst, I didn’t believe him. I thought, ‘OK he’s a student, he’s got to be wrong. These are eminent economists and he’s a graduate student,’” Pollin said. “So we pushed him and pushed him and pushed him, and after about a month of pushing him I said, ‘Goddamn it, he’s right.’” Herndon approached Reinhart and Rogoff earlier this year for the spreadsheets they used in their paper. The

two professors provided them at the start of April, unlocking the mysteries of the data that had stumped Herndon. Herndon said only 15 of the 20 countries in the report had been used in the average. He also said Reinhart and Rogoff used only one year of data for New Zealand, 1951, when growth was minus 7.6 per cent, significantly skewing the results. Reinhart and Rogoff have admitted to a “coding error” in the spreadsheet that meant some countries were omitted from their calculations. But the economists denied they selectively omitted data or that they used a questionable methodology. For Ash, the findings mean the claim that high public debt causes growth to stall no longer holds water. “Their central thesis has been substantially weakened,” he said. Reinhart and Rogoff, however, say their conclusion that there is a correlation between high debt and slow growth still holds. “It is sobering that such an error slipped into one of our papers despite our best efforts to be consistently careful,” they said in a joint statement. “We do not, however, believe this regrettable slip affects in any significant way the central message of the paper or that in our subsequent work.”

British nurseries ‘fail to teach manners’ By David Wilcock TOO many nurseries in the UK are chaotically organised and failing to teach young children good manners, a government minister has said. Childcare Minister Elizabeth Truss said many preschool units needed a more structured approach and more teachers with a graduate-level education, in an interview with the Daily Mail. She praised the French system for caring for youngsters, using a teacher-led daily routine which she said resulted in a calmer atmosphere in the classroom. It comes days after Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said failing nurseries and pre-schools will face closure if they do not rapidly improve. Truss, a 37-year-old mother of two, told the Mail the government wanted children “to learn to listen to a teacher, learn to respect an instruction so that they are ready

Structured play in nurseries helps young children learn good manners for school”. “This isn’t about two-yearolds doing academic work - it’s structured play which teaches children to be polite and considerate through ac-

tivities which the teacher is clearly leading,” she told the paper. “At the moment fewer than one-third of nurseries employ graduate-level teachers and

have structured, teacher-led sessions. We know that’s very beneﬁcial. “What you notice in French nurseries is just how calm they are. All of their class-

es are structured and led by teachers. It’s a requirement.” She said that French children learn to socialise with each other, pay attention to the teacher and develop good manners. Under a major shake-up of early years inspections announced by Sir Michael last week, those nurseries that fail to raise their game will have their registration cancelled. Sir Michael announced on Friday that from September, Ofsted will only consider a rating of good or outstanding to be acceptable for nurseries and pre-schools. The satisfactory judgement will be scrapped and replaced by “requires improvement” - a change already made to school inspections in England. Sir Michael also raised fresh concerns about qualiﬁcations among those working with babies and toddlers, saying it is an “absolute nonsense” that more exams are needed to work with animals than young children.

‘Every schoolchild should be taught about life inside prison’ By Anna Davies

Lady Edwina Grosvenor

CHILDREN should get lessons in prison life to stop them becoming involved in crime, according to the daughter of Britain’s Duke of Westminster. Lady Edwina Grosvenor, who has dedicated her life to prison reform, yesterday called for the classes to be included in the national curriculum.

She said that teaching primary and secondary school children about the harsh reality of jail would deter them from committing offences. Lady Edwina, the wife of TV historian Dan Snow, said: “We’re up against this idea that prisoners get luxuries like televisions - we show them the reality. I’d love to see this (prison lessons) in the national curriculum.” In an interview with

the Evening Standard, she also criticised cuts which have led to youth centre closures. Lady Edwina, whose father is Britain’s richest landowner and Prince William’s godparent, said: “In austerity Britain a lot of youth services have taken cuts of up to 75 per cent. “Closing youth centres and chucking children back out on the streets means they don’t have an outlet. There’s also a

wealth of research that shows children need role models. You can’t just expect them to know how to behave.” Lady Edwina was speaking to mark the 20th anniversary of The No Way Trust, a charity she supports which was set up by prison ofﬁcers and gives talks in schools. They use role play and a mobile prison cell to educate children about the impact of crime and

anti-social behaviour. New ﬁgures reveal that its innovative approach has led to a signiﬁcant drop in crime by 10 to 17-year-olds. Youth crime in Greenwich dropped by 18 per cent between 2010 and last year. Crimes fell from an average of 231 a month to 190. Serious youth violence also fell from 203 offences to 113. For more than 14 years Lady Edwina has worked in and around

the prison service. The social reformer, who has a degree in criminology and sociology, helped start The Clink, the ﬁrst in a range of ﬁne dining restaurants located inside prisons. She said: “A lot of people are shocked because of my background. “But I felt I’ve got all this amazing wealth and privilege and I’m utterly passionate about what I do.”

CYPRUS MAIL Wedn

Lifestyle

THE ZOOLANDER DI Collared: Dan Rookwood backstage at Oliver Spencer’s show in January

Modelling for Reiss

Is there anything more to male modelling than being really, really good-looking, asks catwalk novice Dan Rookwood Imogen Poots as Raymond’s daughter Debbie

Ben Stiller in Zoolander

LUE Steel, ‘Derelicte’, Tango-tanned torsos and tiny underpants... male models have never been taken very seriously. Long derided in popular culture, they lack the financial heft and fashion influence of their female counterparts. And yet, even as Zoolander 2 goes into production, with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson rumoured to be reprising their roles as film’s most fantastically ridiculous fashion plates, these kings of the catwalk are gaining in gravitas. Since its launch in 2012 the biannual London Collections: Men has become so significant that Burberry has just bid arrivederci to Milan and will now show in the UK. According to the British Fashion Council, the luxury menswear sector is growing twice as fast as womenswear. Is it time to reappraise what we think we know about male models? To borrow a phrase, I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to modelling than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking. And I’ve decided to find out what that is. But first a bit of background. The 1980s, that alpha decade of sex and excess, saw the emergence of the

ﬁrst male supermodels, the likes of clean-cut Americans Jeff Aquilon, Michael Flinn, Hoyt Richards and Bruce Hulse. Hulse did a great deal to cement the public perception of the male model with his book Sex, Love, and Fashion: A Memoir of a Male Model about crotch bodydoubles, silk pants (for men), and model bed-hopping. The photographer Bruce Weber and the designer Calvin Klein were the high priests of this era, celebrating the male body in its most sculptural and Apollonian form. This aesthetic continued through the 1990s, but things began to change in the early 2000s, when androgynous geeks and skinny, gap-toothed freaks began to get a look-in (although more in London than New York). Androgyny was à la mode, as dictated by the powerhouses in Paris. “Hedi Slimane was then the creative director of Dior Homme and he is credited with introducing these pencil-thin, street-cast urchins,” says Eric Down, senior style editor at Men’s Health. “Slimane’s version of male beauty was so inﬂuential it prompted Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld to diet his way into Dior Homme’s super-slim

designs.” The TV presenter and fashion writer Rick Edwards was at Select (model agency) with David Gandy at the time: “People used to say he was too muscular, too classically good-looking.” Gandy helped change the shape of male modelling in 2007 when he became the face and abs of Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue fragrance. That famous shot of Essex’s finest lounging in a rowing boat in a pair of tight white pants launched his career. “We have our favourites like David Gandy, Noah Mills, Adam Senn, Enrique Palacios,” says Stefano Gabbana. “Why? Because they reflect our ideal man, which is different from a real man.” Today there is no single set aesthetic for male models - it’s a ‘healthier’ mix. At one end of the spectrum the likes of Burberry and Lanvin still tend to use skinny, fresh-faced, groomed guys, whereas Dolce & Gabbana and Versace prefer a more muscular, romantic lead. Although men’s fashion is undoubtedly on the up, “the pay is massively better for women but men have way more longevity,” says the Levi’s and H&M model Jerome Rebeiro. “Women have to start in their teens and most of them are finished a few years later. Men like myself might only enter modelling in their thirties or even forties and then stay in it on and off for decades.” A new father and a trained graphic designer, Rebeiro is not a full-time model - by choice. “However, modelling makes up about 80 per cent of my income now,” he says. Rebeiro has only been modelling for two years but what

can an established and successful male model expect to earn in a year? “It’s safe to say in the region of €115,000 to €700,000, depending on the model and the jobs he books,” estimates Daniel Jaems, a former model who is now a fashion photographer and creative director of modelling website ftape.com. “People think there’s nothing to modelling, just a bit of fafﬁng around in front of a camera,” says Rebeiro. “And I thought the same before I started. But it is a tremendous amount of work.” “Male models need to spend their career living in gyms and maintaining size, good skin, fresh appearance,” says Jon Bruce, a model booker with PRM agency. “It’s very

At one end of the s of Burberry and L use skinny, fresh guys, whereas D and Versace prefer romanti competitive - the industry is constantly on the lookout for the next best thing.” The models I have spoken to have admitted to a punishing regime of no carbohydrates after lunch and serious dehydration before an underwear shoot in order for their abs to appear more deﬁned. Most train at the gym at least three times a week,

nesday, April 24, 2013

17 Television

Crossword

Sport

IARIES

28-32

On the catwalk for Oliver Spencer

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke

Male models top: Noah Mills, Michael Flinn (left) and David Gandy (far left) and if all else fails ‘suck in the cheeks!’ But ill-advised crash diets and eating disorders are not uncommon. “If you are looking for the protein bar, 100 push-ups in between castings, ‘have I got organic broccoli stuck in my bleached teeth?’ kind of model you see in the movie, then head to New York where Zoolander is pretty much a documentary,” says Jaems. “The teeth whitening and hair conditioning is reserved for the Americans. Most of the Europeans are quite laidback in public.” It doesn’t sound very glamorous. But to really understand the milieu, I realised I had to become a part of it. By some serendipity, Oliver Spencer, one of my favourite

spectrum the likes anvin still tend to -faced, groomed olce & Gabbana r a more muscular, ic lead. menswear designers, asked me to walk at his autumn/ winter London Collections show in January. I collared David Gandy beforehand for a lesson on how to walk the male catwalk. In the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral on the runway of the Hackett show we stage a private “walk-off” à la Zoolander. He goes ﬁrst: a con-

ﬁdent stride, shoulders back, head up. Then it’s my turn. He gives me some tips: walk purposefully but naturally, as if striding down the street; look straight ahead so as not to be put off by familiar faces on the front row; most importantly try not to overthink it. “Give me your best ‘Blue Steel’,” he says, as I strut past the tombs of Sir Christopher Wren, Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. “Not bad,” he concludes. “But can you turn left?” Backstage at the British Fashion Council show space on New Oxford Street, Spencer looks relaxed as his production team of 70 - seamstresses, dressers, hair and make-up stylists - scurries around him. This tenminute show is costing Spencer almost €60,000. Behind the partition, 600 people who have ﬂown in from all over the world for London Collections: Men are beginning to take their seats. ck In most shows I would stick out as an imposter. I am 34 and 5ft 11½in (yes, the half inch matters). I am, according to Jaems, “older, broader, shorter and fuller than most models”. Fortunately, Spencer likes to assemble a deliberately eclectic cast. “My show represents the kind of men I make clothes for,” he says. “What I’m aiming for is a cross-section of London: different ages, different sizes, different ethnicities, but all real characters. There’s no point in me sending stereotypical models down the runway. They are not my customers.”

Sure there are the returnSure, ing faces of the brand such as Greg Payne - who looks uncannily like Johnny Depp (Google him). But to my great relief, not everyone here is a professional, and very few of them model full-time. One is a charming, chatty kook called Mark who happens to be Spencer’s postman. Another is Ramiro, an art dealer and stay-at-home dad in his late forties who arrived at the venue looking like the Brazilian Jay Gatsby. And then there is Rick Edwards, now a fashion columnist for The Observer. Rick and I are close friends and for several years

w shared a house. He’d supwe p plemented his student loans w with modelling work, but g gave it up as soon as he got a job in TV because most of th other models were “exthe a actly as you would expect: d dull, vain, into smoking weed a and talking shit”. I wonder if the weed smokin is to deal with nerves, being c cause I am terriﬁed as I wait in the wings. “Don’t overth think it, don’t overthink it, d don’t overthink it,” loops the mantra in my head. I am overthinking it. All I have to do is walk around a room once, get changed into a second outﬁt bloody quickly and then make another circuit. What’s so hard about that? And yet I can feel my limbs stiffening. A make-up artist dabs forlornly at my sweaty forehead with mattifying powder. In the event, it was a bit like being on a roller coaster. Except without the screaming. The worst bit was waiting my turn in the train of models. But once I got my signal to go from the producer, I rather enjoyed the ride and

it was all over too quickly. However, I fear that I might have a Pavlovian response in future whenever I hear the show’s soundtrack - ‘I Ran (So Far Away)’ by A Flock of Seagulls - and start manically strutting. Purely by coincidence - was it something I had done with my hair? - the day after I walked in Spencer’s show,

Reiss asked me if I would do a shoot for its website wearing the latest collection. Reiss liked the resultant shots so much they are currently plastered all over the shop windows. Jon Bruce is thinking about representing me. Maybe Derek and Hansel will give me a part as an extra in Zoolander 2. I’m working on my ‘Magnum’ just in case.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

What’s on

films

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

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

Telephone no: K-Cineplex: 7777-8383

NICOSIA Broken City (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 5.35pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 1) at 5.35, 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 11.15am, 1.20pm and 3.25pm The Croods (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.20pm; KCineplex (Screen 6) (in English) at 7.50pm, weekends also at 5.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) (in Greek) at 5.20pm, weekends also at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.20pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) (in English) at 5.20 and 7.50pm, weekends also at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.20pm Oblivion (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 7.45 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 5.25pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 2) at 5.25, 7.45 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 11.30am and 3pm

Pitch Perfect (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 7.50pm G.I. Joe: Retaliation (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 10.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) at 10.15pm Zarafa (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.35pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 3) (in Greek) at 5.35pm, weekends also at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm Sammy’s Great Escape (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.25pm Cyprus Film Days Ttonight at 6pm: The Sun Also Rises, tonight at 8pm: La Demora, tonight at 10pm: Broken Zena Palace. All films with Greek and English subtitles. www.cyprusfilmdays.org

LIMASSOL Broken City (15) Rio 3 at 7.45pm. K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 5.35pm The Croods (K) Rio 2 (in 3D, in Greek) at 7.45pm, weekends also at 5.15pm; Rio 4 (in 2D, in Greek) at 7.45pm, weekends also at 5.15pm; Rio 4 (in 2D, in English) at 10pm; Rio 5 (in 2D, in English), weekends only at 5.15pm. K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.20pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 6) (in English) at 7.50pm, weekends also at 5.20pm Oblivion (12) Rio 1 at 7.45 and 10pm, weekends also at 5pm. K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 7.45 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 5.25pm

Broken City

Silver Linings Playbook (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7.45 and 10.15pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 4) at 7.45 and 10.15pm

Silver Linings Playbook (12) Rio 5 at 7.45 and 10pm. KCineplex (Screen 4) at 7.45 and 10.15pm Zero Dark Thirty (15) Rio 3 at 10pm. K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 10.10pm Beautiful Creatures (12) Rio 6 at 8 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 5.30pm

Oblivion (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 2) at 7.45 and 10.15pm, weekends also at 5.25pm Silver Linings Playbook (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) at 7.45 and 10.15pm

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (12) Rio 2 at 10pm. K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 10.15pm

Zero Dark Thirty (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 7.15 and 10.10pm

Zarafa (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.35pm

Beautiful Creatures (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 10.15pm

Oz the Great and Powerful (12) Rio 3, weekends only at 5.20pm Cyprus Film Days (tonight at 5.30pm: Devils on the Doorstep) (tonight at 8pm: God’s Neighbours) (tonight at 10pm: The Passion of Michelangelo) Rialto Theatre. All films with Greek and English subtitles. www.cyprusfilmdays.org

Broken City (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 1) at 7.50 and 10.10pm, weekends also at 5.35pm

Beautiful Creatures (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 6) at 10.15pm

The Croods (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.20pm; K-Cineplex (Screen 6) (in English) at 7.50pm, weekends also at 5.20pm

Pitch Perfect (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50pm

LARNACA

Zero Dark Thirty (15) K-Cineplex (Screen 5) at 7.15 and 10.10pm; K-Cineplex, Mall of Cyprus (Screen 5) at 10.10pm

Rio Limassol: 25-871410 Rio Paphos: 26-207000

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

Pitch Perfect (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 7.50pm G.I. Joe: Retaliation (12) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) at 10.15pm Zarafa (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 3) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.35pm Sammy’s Great Escape (K) K-Cineplex (Screen 4) (in Greek), weekends only at 5.25pm

PAPHOS Broken City (15) Rio 5 at 5.15, 7.30 and 9.45pm The Croods (K) Rio 1 (in 3D, in Greek) at 5.15 and 7.30pm, weekends also at 3pm; Rio 1 (in 3D, in English) at 9.45pm; Rio 6 (in 3D, in English) at 5.15 and 7.30pm, weekends also at 3pm Oblivion (12) Rio 7 at 5.15, 7.30 and 9.45pm Silver Linings Playbook (12) Rio 3 at 5.15, 7.30 and 9.45pm Zero Dark Thirty (15) Rio 2 at 9.45pm Beautiful Creatures (12) Rio 2 at 5.15 and 7.30pm Pitch Perfect (12) Rio 6 at 9.45pm G.I. Joe: Retaliation (12) Rio 4 at 5.30, 7.30 and 9.45pm Oz the Great and Powerful (12) Rio 7, weekends only at 3pm Barbie in the Pink Shoes (K) Rio 4 (in Greek), weekends only at 3.30pm Sammy’s Great Escape (K) Rio 3 (in Greek), weekends only at 3.30pm

listings Today Exhibitions Suicide Daughters of Atlas Sotiris Giannakou presents seven poems illustrated by seven artists. Opens April 24, 7.30pm until April 30. Morfi Gallery, 84 Agkyras Street, Limassol. MondaySaturday: 10am-1pm. Tuesday-Friday: 5pm-8pm.Tel: 25-378733. The World of Cyprus Exhibition of monumental work by famous Cypriot artist Adamantios Diamantis, returned home after over 30 years. Opens April 24, 11.30am until October 6. The Leventis Municipal Museum, 15-17 Hippocrates Street, Nicosia. TuesdaySunday: 10am-4.30pm. Wednesday: 10am-10pm. Tel: 22-661475

Music Mendelssohn: Double Concerto Pianist Johannes Lang, violinist Julian Fahrner and the Camerata Crucianorum present Mendelssohn’s Concerto. April 24. The Shoe Factory, Ermou Street, Nicosia. 8.30pm. €15/10. Tel: 70-009304 Limassol Solidarity Charity concert with artists from Greece and Cyprus to collect food, medicine and other essential items for people in need. April 24. Enaerios parking, Limassol. 5pm-midnight

The Deep River of Music The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra present a programme devoted to music of the African-Americans and the indigenous Indians of America. April 24. Markideion Theatre, Paphos. 8.30pm. Tel: 26-932571 J.Kriste, Master of Disguise Popular local band perform songs from their new album, selections from their previous album and some covers. April 24. Savino Live, 1 Watkins Street, Larnaca. 9pm. €7. Tel: 99-860304

Rami Sarieddine Piano recital. PASYDY Amphitheatre, 3 Demonsthenis Severis Avenue, Nicosia. 8pm. €5. Tel: 22-379545 Chamber Music Concert Recital with Musicians of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. April 25. Larnaka Municipal Theatre. 8.30pm. Free. Tel: 22 463135

Other Events

The Cyprus Problem Open discussion with international guest speakers about the Cyprus problem. April 26 University of Nicosia, UNESCO Amphitheatre. 5pm-7pm. In English. RSVP by April 24. Tel: 99-472282/ +90-542 8553472

To Become Oneself in the Midst of Others – Kierkegaard on the Modern Individual in Society The Danish Embassy in Cyprus marks the anniversary of famous Danish philosopher with a lecture at the University of Nicosia in cooperation with the Jean Monnet Chair. April 25. UNESCO Amphitheatre University of Nicosia. 4.30pm. Free in English. Tel: 22-660418/22-841572

Tomorrow

Ongoing

Other Events

Music

Theatre

Easter concert Traditional songs and tunes from Cyprus, Greece and Asia Minor will be performed, associated with Lent and Easter with the Anotoli ensemble. April 25. Strovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia. 8.30pm. Free. Tel: 22-470470

In Motion The Black Box Theatre Group presents play by George Kleanthous. Until April 26. Old Vinegar House, 34 Genethliou Mitella Street, Limassol. Wednesday through Friday at 8.30pm. €10. Tel: 99-790819/99-349719

Tom, Dick and Harry Satiriko Theatro presents comedy by Ray and Michael Cooney. Until April 28. Vladimiros Kafkarides Cultural Centre, 11-15 Vladimiros Kafkarides Street, Aglantzia, Nicosia. On Saturdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 6.30pm. €15/10. Tel: 22-312940/ 22-421609 In the Land of Peter Pan The Puppet Group of Satiriko Theatre presents work by James Barry. Until April 28. Vladimiros Kafkarides Cultural Centre, 11-15 Vladimiros Kafkarides Street, Aglantzia, Nicosia. Every Sunday at 10.30am. In Greek. €10. Tel: 22-312940/22-421609 Kai Mi Heirotera Theatro Lexi presents comedy by Giorgos Tsiakkas which satirizes Europe and Cyprus today. Until May 1. Latsia Municipal Theatre, 57 Yiannos Kranidiotis Avenue, Nicosia. On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 6.30pm. €15. In Greek. Tel: 22-878688 Gone With the Jobless A comedy performance by Marinos Hatzivasiliou who, together with other actors from the popular TV programme Patates, present a hilarious show with humour and laughter. Until May 5. Diachroniki Music Stage, 2 Yianni Koromia Street, Kaimakli, Nicosia. Every Sunday at 9pm. €15. In Greek. Tel: 99-783455

A Steady Rain The theatre group D-tale presents twocharacter melodrama by Keith Huff. Until May 16. WhereHaus 612, 5 Michael Kousoulide, Pallouriotissa Industrial Area, Nicosia. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.30pm. €12/15. Tel: 99-535625 The Dispute The Main Stage of THOC presents tragic comedy by Pierre de Marivaux. Until May 17. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Friday and Saturday at 8.30pm and Sunday 6pm. In Greek. €12/10. Tel: 77-772717 Egg Salad A new children’s play, in a new theatre presented by Aiora. Until May 26. Aiora Theatre, 4 Trion Ierarchon Street (Carrefour Volos Street), Limassol. Every Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 11am & 4pm. €7/5. In Greek. Tel: 99-668843 Gethsemane A play about British public life by David Hare. Until May 31. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. On specific days at 8.30pm and on Sundays at 6pm. In Greek. €12/6. Tel: 77-772717/22-864300 Centuries away from Alaska Dionysos Theatre presents play by Akis Dimou, directed by Tonia Misiali. Until June 2. Dionysos Theatre, 29 Diagorou Street, Nicosia. On Fridays and Saturdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 6.30pm. In Greek. €15. Tel: 99621845/22-818999

Exhibitions Norwegian Architecture Three exhibitions highlighting recent achievements in Norwegian architecture: Contemporary Norwegian Architecture #7, The Oslo Opera House by Snøhetta and Palimpsest – Norway by Claudio Santambrogio. Until April 26. The Department of Architecture, University of Nicosia, 31 Michael Giorgalla ,Str., Engomi Industrial Zone, Nicosia. Daily: 9am-6pm. Tel: 22-842600,info.arc.@unic.ac.cy Christos Michlis Solo painting exhibition. Until April 26. Rouan Gallery, 28 Dodekanisou, Limassol. Monday-Saturday: 10.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm. Tel: 25-350845 Costas Economou Solo painting exhibition. Until April 26. EKATE building, 11 Paeonos, Nicosia. Opening hours: 10am-1pm and 5pm8pm. Tel: 22-466426 Group Exhibition Group painting and sculpture exhibition. Until April 27. Opus 39 Gallery, 21 Kimonos Street, Nicosia. Monday: 5pm-8pm. Tuesday-Friday: 10.30am-12.30pm and 5pm-8pm. Tel: 22-424983 Island of Saints, Artist of Light Solo painting exhibition by Vartan Tashdjian. Until April 27. THOC New Theatre Building, 9 Gregori Afxentiou, Nicosia. Wednesday- Sunday: 10am8pm. 22-864300

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

19 To have your event included for FREE in our listings, send details to: Arts Editor, Cyprus Mail, PO Box 21144, Nicosia. Fax: 22-676385. Email: whatson@cyprus-mail.com Please send your information as early as possible. Include full details, a contact number and good quality photos

Psatharis auction goes postal

ALL SORTS of philatelic goodies are set to go under the hammer this Saturday when Psatharis Auction House holds its first philatelic auction at the Hilton. The auction includes 87 lots with stamps, covers and postcards. The lots are currently on display for viewing at Gallery Kypriaki Gonia in Larnaca. As always, previewing is a must with auctions as you can inspect ut for those each item at your leisure and in depth, but e works can unable to make the trip to Larnaca, all the be seen in catalogue on the website. Many of the items capture a glimpse of history that you can hold in your hand, an educational trip back in time. These e fascinating postcards, just a few of those going under the hammer, stretch back e across the decades offering a remarkable snapshot of Cyprus as it was. Cyprus philatelic history began in 1343 with the first known letter from Famagusta to Constantinople. Foreign mail was carried by the captains of various ships and the foreign consulates in Larnaca, which was then carried around the island by privately hired muleteers. The country’s postal history is intricately linked to the island’s political past. Postal services existed during the Venetian and Ottoman periods of occupation however the first printed postage appeared after the start of the British occupation in 1878. Of particular curiosity is Lot 7, a sealed cover with a ¾ piastre stamp, on route from Ayios Neofytos via Paphos and with a Nicosia arrival stamp, dated

Don’t Forget Theatre Pip Utton’s ﬁnest hour? JOIN Pip Utton at the Pallas Theatre on Friday as he transforms into Winston Churchill and looks back on the iconic statesman’s remarkable life. Utton has won over audiences as famous ﬁgures for years. Following a sell-out tour of his signature piece Adolf in 2010 and the lead part in A Slight Risk which premiered at the Kypria International Festival, the British actor continues his collaboration with Fresh Target Theatre Ensemble to present his latest solo show. He began writing and performing one-man shows 16 years ago. Since then he has won acclaim and awards around the world and has established a reputation as one of the leading writers and performers of solo theatre. For one night only, this doyen of monodrama is setting his sights

December 5, 1931, with an estimate of €500-550. Lot 24, a cover with a Half Piastre stamp with the Prastio Railway Post Office stamp and a Nicosia arrival stamp dated October 4, 1916, is estimated at €400-450. Local nostalgia buffs may also find great interest in the covers that have been sent by railway, franked with the Railway Post Office stamp. It is well-known that th the Cyprus Government Railway operated from fro 1905 to 1951; there were 62 stations and stops, the most major of which served Am Ammochostos, Prastio in Mesaoria, Ye Yenarga, Angastina, Trachoni in Kythrea, N Nicosia, Kokkinotrimithia, Morphou, Kalo Chorio in Lefka and Evrychou. The local railway stations functioned as places of exchange of goods and serv services, while some also operated as telc ephone centres, telegram offices and/or postal c offices. Most covers are addressed to the Most Reverend Exarch of the Archbishopric Ieronymos – Nicosia, with the senders being priests from various communities. In addition, Lot 75 – a letter from the Mukhtar (head of the community) of Kornos, Michael Papadopoulos, dated 14/11/1924 – could also spark some interest. In the letter the School Trustees notify the church committee of Ayios Savvas Church – Nicosia for the payment of a tax amounting to 5 shillings “...for the property of Ayios Savvas Church in Kornos”. Unique to this lot is a letter, by the Enthroned Committee of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus dated

on the most celebrated Briton in modern history – Winston Churchill. The basic idea behind this story is that once a year when the Palace of Westminster clock strikes 13, the statues of Parliament Square are granted a magical hour of animation when they can indulge in their favourite pastimes: in the case of Churchill, whisky, cigars and listening to himself speak. There’s no shortage of material as he charts an erratic course through 50 years in politics during which he held practically every high ofﬁce. He talks of his childhood, his parents, his education, his marriage and his appetites. And while it may be his wartime leadership for which he is best remembered, we are reminded that Churchill was also an accomplished artist and Nobel Laureate winning author. Churchill is not only insightful and funny but also reminds us of the true leadership skills required by a politician in difﬁcult times and poses a series of questions that are as relevant in today’s politics as they were in Winston Churchill’s time.

All proceeds raised for the oneoff show will be donated to the Angaliazo Foundation. Furthermore, Greek speaking audience members should take note that while the show is in English there will be Greek surtitles. Churchill Fresh Target Theatre Ensemble presents charity performance by Pip Utton in a one-man play exploring the life of Winston Churchill. April 26. Pallas Theatre, old Nicosia. 8.30pm. €15. All proceeds will be donated to the Agkaliazo Foundation. In English with Greek surtitles. Tel: 22-410181

Today Other Events Healthy living ENGOMI Municipality, the University of Nicosia and the Green Party are organising a ﬁfth Health Week that consists of three lectures/presentations. Health Week, which is set to

17/3/1925, signed by Archbishop Kyrillos, informing the Nicosia Church Committees that they include an amount for tickets for destitute pupils in their budget.

Philatelic Auction of Stamps - Covers & Post Cards Psatharis Auction House hosts first philatelic sale. April 27. Hilton Hotel Nicosia, Ahera Room. 5pm. The viewing of the lots will take place at Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, 45 Stadium, Larnaca. Monday-Saturday: 10am-1pm & 4.30pm-8pm. Tel: 24-621109/99-564131. www.psatharis-auctions.com.cy

begin today, focuses attention on issues that promote health, wellness and safety across the country, and will start off with a presentation about Childhood Vaccinations. Dr. Maria Noula, associate professor in the Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia will give the lecture at midday today in the auditorium of the First Primary School in Engomi. The main purpose of this presentation is to highlight the importance of immunisation/prevention against various diseases to protect children. The presentation is properly conﬁgured in order to address both the children and their parents. Next up is a presentation at UNESCO auditorium in the University of Nicosia about the Turkish nuclear power plant in Akkuyu, Büyükeceli, Turkey which will also be held today. There are serious objections to the project. The most important objection is that Büyükeceli and the surrounding coastline may lose its touristic potential after the realisation of the project. Lecturer MP of the Green Party

By Ledha Socratous Movement George Perdikes will touch on environmental issues, and health risks for people living in neighboring areas. The third presentation will be held on Thursday at the Engomi Seniors Club. Dr Zoe Roupa, professor in the Department of Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, will speak about Alzheimer’s, which is currently the most common form of dementia, occuring mostly in people over 65. By raising awareness about this condition, it is hoped that more people will be diagnosed earlier, giving more time for them to come to terms with future symptoms. Health Week A series of lectures/presentations raising community awareness about health issues. Tel: 22-453800 April 24: Presentation on childhood vaccinations. Auditorium of the First Primary School, Engomi. 12 midday April 24: Presentation about the Turkish nuclear power plant and health risks. UNESCO auditorium in the University of Nicosia. 8pm April 25: Presentation about Alzheimer’s. Engomi seniors Club. 10am

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

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Television CYBC 1 06.45 08.15

Proti Enimerosi Kali Sas Mera Early morning entertainment magazine featuring segments on cooking, fashion, lifestyle issues and more.

11.00

Kaftes Piperies (rpt)

11.30

Istories Tou Horkou (rpt)

CYBC 2 08.00 17.00 18.00 18.50 19.00 19.10

12.00 15.30 15.35

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Apo Mera Se Mera Lottery Draw Entehnos Mazi Sto CyBC News Kaftes Piperies Paizoume Kypriaka Local game show, asking questions having to do with the Cypriot dialect.

19.20

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

20.00 21.15

22.35

News Vimata Stin Ammo Friends (rpt) American comedy about the lives and loves of six New Yorkers.

22.30 23.30 23.45

I Kypros Konta Sas News Repeats

07.50 08.40

NRG Zone A Touch Of Frost: Endangered Species

Brothers & Sisters (rpt) Fourth season of drama series. ‘Leap of Faith’. Luc’s return delights the Walkers, but Sarah is shocked by his plans to ensure he can stay in the country. Kitty makes a bid to ﬁre her campaign manager, while Justin tries to persuade Rebecca to open up about her miscarriage.

Local period drama, based on true events.

22.00

05.30 06.30 06.50 07.00

After receiving a chilling phone call, the detective and new sidekick DC Presley stumble on an exotic animal smuggling ring at a nearby farm where it appears an old adversary of Frost’s has been eaten by a crocodile. Meanwhile, a couple return from holiday to ﬁnd the naked corpse of a man in their bedroom, prompting the husband to assume his wife was having an affair.

Local cultural show.

16.00 18.00 18.15 18.45

Kids’ TV Kati Psinetai (rpt) Kato Apo Ton Idio Ourano News In English News In Turkish Megastructures Discovery documentary series looking at the making of the greatest structures and machines ever created.

Cookery show. Local comedy series, which happens to be the longest-running show on TV.

ANTENNA

23.20

Repeats

09.30 10.25 11.15 12.10 13.00 13.20 14.00 14.50 15.45 16.40 17.30 17.40

Erotas (rpt) Proini Enimerosi Me Agapi Ellas To Megaleio Sou (rpt) Vodka Portokali (rpt) Fila To Vatraho Sou (rpt) Einai Stigmes (rpt) Pansellinos (rpt) Tis Agapis Mahairia (rpt) Niose Me (rpt) News Mera Mesimeri Konstantinou Kai Elenis (rpt) To Kafe Tis Haras Ta Koritsia Tou Baba (rpt) Oneiropagida (rpt) Lefta Sto Lepto Vals Me 12 Theous (rpt)

MEGA 06.00 06.30 07.00 08.00

Greek competitive cooking reality show, open to amateur and home chefs.

09.00 10.00 11.40 14.00 16.00 18.00 18.30 19.30 20.20 21.20 22.20 23.10

Aiyia Fuxia (rpt) Local comedy series, with village setting.

19.30 20.15 21.15 22.20

Niose Me News Vals Me 12 Theous Grey’s Anatomy

23.00 00.00 00.05 00.20 01.40 02.30

Oikonomahies News Sports News Ola Bahalo Fetos Horis Oria (rpt) To Paihnidi Tis Signomis (rpt) News Deal (rpt)

US medical drama.

03.20 04.40

Klemmena Oneira (rpt) Proino Mou Enimerosi Tora Eheis Meson Yia Sena News Erastis Ditikon Proastion (rpt) Sto Para Pente News Klemmena Oneira Oi Vasiliades The Vampire Diaries First season. ‘History Repeating’. Jeremy thinks there is something strange about his new history teacher, and his concern increases when Jenna seems to be falling for the newcomer. Bonnie has disturbing dreams about her ancestor, while Damon reveals his reason for returning to Mystic Falls.

With News at 18.00.

18.40

Ta Epta Kaka Tis Moiras Mou Retire Epomeni Mera (rpt) Master Chef (rpt)

00.00 00.10

SIGMA 06.10 07.00 08.20 10.00 10.50 12.00 14.30 15.20 17.15 18.00 18.05 18.40

Anna Paola (rpt) Protoselido Eleni Vasiliki (rpt) Aspra Balonia (rpt) Mesimeri Kai Kati Efta Ourani Kai Sinnefa Alites (rpt) Magazino Siga Min To’ Xeres News Ti Tha Fame Simera Mama Anna Paola Latin American telenovela.

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02.10 02.40 03.00 04.00

News Dekati Entoli (rpt) Siga Min To’ Xeres (rpt) Mono Mia Fora (rpt) Se Fonto Kokkino (rpt) Ta Hrisopsara (rpt) Eleni (rpt)

News ‘Til Death

08.30 09.00 10.00 10.45 11.40 12.30 13.00 15.30 17.00 17.50 19.40

Fotis - Maria Live Best Of Exelixeis Sti Showbiz Mesimeriani Meleti Best Of I Kouzina Me Ti Dina (rpt) Mila (rpt) Berdema (rpt) Star News Mesimeriani Meleti Kids’ TV Berdema Fotis - Maria Live Mila Discussions about various issues based on a woman’s life (men, relationships, sex, kids etc.) with showbiz guests.

21.15 22.00

Exelixeis Sti Showbiz The Closer Sixth season of detective drama. ‘Last Woman Standing’. Brenda cannot focus on the murder of an aspiring actress properly because she has an important job interview with the mayor to become the next Chief of Police.

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06.45 09.10 09.40 10.00 11.00 11.30 12.30 13.20 15.30 16.20 16.50 17.40 18.10 18.15 19.15 19.50 20.05 21.00

Nistikoi Praktores (rpt)

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LTV Sports News Star News Repeats

Kids’ TV Kalitera En Ginetai (rpt) Akti Oneiron (rpt) Ston Asterismo Tis Imeras Kouzina Me Apopsi Igeia & Zou (rpt) Milagros Kids’ TV Top Models Kalitera En Ginetai Sabrina, To Koritsi Tis Agapis Akti Oneiron News Sto Mati Tou Kiklona News Sports News Epi Topou FILM: Volcano: Nature Unleashed A volcanologist embarks on a mission to save a town from destruction. Disaster movie, starring Chris William Martin. 2004.

22.45

FILM: The Rival A couple unable to have children enlist the aid of a surrogate, only for the wife to be driven to insanity and murder by her paranoia. Thriller, with Tracy Nelson. 2006.

Vathi Kokkino

Cooking show, with helpful tips on eating well and nutrition.

Yia Sena (rpt) Enimerosi Tora Proino Mou (rpt)

CAPITAL

Greek drama series.

23.30

Sitcom chronicling the domestic discord and disasters of middleaged couple.

01.00 03.00 04.30

07.20

Efta Ourani Kai Sinnefa Alites News UEFA Champions League Live coverage of ﬁrst leg of semi-ﬁnal between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

00.40 00.45 01.20

PLUS TV

00.30

FILM: Road To Ruin A wealthy businessman feigns poverty to test his girlfriend’s loyalty - only to end up genuinely penniless. Comedy, starring Peter Weller. 1992.

The Vow (Novacinema1, 22.00)

01:10 The Impressions Show With Culshaw &... 01:40 As Time Goes By 02:10 The Weakest Link 02:55 EastEnders 03:25 Doctors 03:55 Lark Rise To Candleford 04:45 Rev. 05:15 The Impressions Show With Culshaw &... 05:45 My Family 06:15 The Weakest Link 07:00 Garth And Bev 07:10 Tweenies 07:30 The Green Balloon Club 07:55 Me Too! 08:15 Garth And Bev 08:25 Tweenies 08:45 The Green Balloon Club 09:10 Me Too! 09:30 My Family 10:00 Rev. 10:30 The Weakest Link 11:15 EastEnders 11:45 Doctors 12:15 Silk 13:05 Lark Rise To Candleford 13:55 My Family 14:25 Monarch Of The Glen 15:15 The Impressions Show With Culshaw &... 15:45 EastEnders 16:15 Doctors 16:45 The Weakest Link 17:30 Silk 18:20 Lark Rise To Candleford 19:10 EastEnders 19:40 Doctors 20:15 The Weakest Link 21:00 My Family 21:30 After You’ve Gone 22:00 Silk 22:50 One Foot In The Grave 23:25 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 00:10 Spooks

07:00 Sunrise Earth 07:55 Mega World 08:40 Extreme Engineering 09:30 Prehistoric 10:15 Science Of The Movies 11:05 Deadliest Catch 11:50 Time Warp 12:15 River

Monsters 13:05 Rodeo 13:50 Cafe Racer 14:35 Wild Fisherman: Norway 15:25 Prehistoric 16:10 Mythbusters 17:00 Inside West Coast Customs 17:50 Chasing Classic Cars 18:40 Cafe Racer 19:30 Wild Fisherman: Norway 20:20 Science Of The Movies 21:10 Prehistoric 22:00 Inside West Coast Customs 22:50 Chasing Classic Cars 23:15 Chasing Classic Cars 23:40 Deadliest Catch 00:30 Science Of The Movies 01:15 Mythbusters 02:05 Inside West Coast Customs 02:50 Chasing Classic Cars 03:40 Cafe Racer 04:30 Prehistoric 05:20 Wild Fisherman: Norway 06:10 Science Of The Movies

09:30 Motorsports: The Grid 09:45 All Sports: Watts 10:00 Snooker: World Championship Un. Kingdom 15:00 Cycling: Italy 16:30 Snooker: World Championship Un. Kingdom 19:30 All Sports: Wednesday Selection 19:35 Equestrian Sports: Riders Club 19:40 Golf: The European Tour Open De Espana Spain 20:10 Golf: U.S. P.G.A. Tour Rbc Heritage Usa 21:05 Golf: Ladies European Tour South Africa 21:15 Golf: Golf Club 21:20 Sailing: Yacht Club 21:25 All Sports: Wednesday Selection 21:30 Snooker: World Championship Un. Kingdom

05:40 Desperate Housewives 7 06:25 Bones 07:10 Raising Hope 2 07:35 Scrubs 9 08:00 Grey’s Anatomy 8 08:50 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 7 09:40 Desperate Housewives 7 10:25 Bones 11:10 Raising Hope 2 11:35 Friends With Benefits 12:00 Grey’s Anatomy 9 12:50 Private Practice 6 13:40 Grey’s Anatomy 8 14:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 7 15:20 Desperate Housewives 7 16:05 Bones 16:50 Raising Hope 2 17:15 Friends With Benefits 17:40 Grey’s Anatomy 5 18:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 7 19:20 Desperate Housewives 7 20:10 Bones 21:00 Grey’s Anatomy 9 21:50 Private Practice 6 22:40 Raising Hope 23:05 Friends With Benefits 23:30 Grey’s Anatomy 9 00:20 Private Practice 6 01:10 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 7 02:00 Desperate Housewives 7 02:45 Raising Hope 03:10 Friends With Benefits 03:35 Surviving Suburbia 04:00 Grey’s Anatomy 5 04:50 Make It Or Break It 4

07:30 Shelter 09:30 Mercy 11:15 Love Ranch 13:20 Guitar 15:00 Detroit Rock City 16:45 Steelyard Blues 18:30 Unnatural & Accidental 20:00 LTV Sports News 21:00 Life As We Know It 23:00 Freeway Killer 00:30

Hustler TV 03:00 Vision Quest 04:50 Centurion 06:30 LTV Sports News

02:00 Albert Nobbs 04:00 The Transporter

07:00 Kids TV 15:45 Justice League Unlimited 16:10 Legion Of Super Heroes 16:35 Young Justice 17:00 2013 Indy Car Series 19:30 Uca/Uda College Cheerleading Championships 20:00 Ironman 21:00 La Liga World 21:30 Planet Speed 22:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13 00:00 La Liga Review 2012-13 01:00 Liga Bbva 2012-13 05:00 Barclays Premier League 2012-13

19:15 Affair In Trinidad 21:00 Tt: Closer To The Edge 23:00 Game Of Thrones 00:05 Person Of Interest 00:55 Cine News 01:30 Adult Zone

07:15 2 Broke Girls 08:00 Big Bang Theory 08:30 Mentalist 09:15 C.S.I. Miami 10:00 Friends 10:25 Privileged 11:10 Top Boy 12:05 Luck 13:00 Gossip Girl 13:45 2 Broke Girls 14:35 Mentalist 15:20 C.S.I. Miami 16:05 Friends 16:30 Pan Am 17:20 Necessary Roughness 19:00 Gossip Girl 19:45 2 Broke Girls 20:30 Two And A Half Men 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 21:45 Ncis: Los Angeles 22:30 Closer 23:15 Fringe 00:05 Magic Men 01:45 Alive 03:50 Friends 04:15 Pan Am 05:00 Necessary Roughness 06:30 Gossip Girl

07:45 Bachelor 09:30 Bird 12:15 You’re A Big Boy Now 14:00 Fair Game 16:00 G.I. Joe: The Rise Of

Cobra 18:00 Wrestling Ernest Hemingway 20:15 Season Of The Witch 22:00 Taking Lives 00:05 Daring! TV 04:05 Fork In The Road 06:00 Rudo Y Cursi

05:10 Apollo 18 06:40 Cine News 07:25 There’s Something About Mary 09:25 Certain Prey 11:00 Hollywood 1 On 1 11:35 Thousand Words 13:10 Nisos 2: To Kinigi Toy Xamenou Thisavrou 15:00 Larry Crowne 16:45 Cine News 17:05 In Darkness 19:30 Action Zone 20:05 Zookeeper 22:00 The Vow 23:50 Demeni Kokkini Klosti 01:40 Cine News 02:15 Transit 03:45 Young Adult

05:15 Suspect Zero 06:55 Old School 08:30 Cine News 09:30 Pay It Forward 11:35 Captain America: The First Avenger 13:45 Walk Don’t Run 15:40 Bridesmaids 17:50 Film & Stars 18:25 Beginners 20:15 The Double 22:00 X-Men: First Class 00:15 Martha Marcy May Marlene

19:00 The Stone Angel 23:00 Ksafnikos Erotas 00:40 Room In Rome

00:30 Sea Master 01:00 Golf Central International 01:30 Pinks All Out Montgomery 02:30 NHL: Boston Bruins At Philadelphia Flyers 05:00 MLB: Texas Rangers At Los Angeles Angels 08:00 Morning Drive 09:00 Golf Central International 09:30 Feherty 10:30 The Golf Fix 11:00 NHL: Boston Bruins At Philadelphia Flyers 13:30 Courtside Jones 14:00 Super Bowl Highlights: XXI: New York Giants V Denver 14:30 Super Bowl Highlights: XXII: Washington V Denver 15:00 America’s Game: 1977 Dallas Cowboys 16:00 PRE GAME(E) 16:45 CHAMPIONSHIP 2012-13: APOLLON VS ALKH (E) 18:45 POST GAME (E) 19:30 A DIVISION CYPRUS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 20:00 MLB: St. Louis Cardinals At Washington Nationals 23:00

By Preston Wilder

Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (LTV3, 18.00) Ah, the good old days. Going down to Joe’s pool hall. Watching the fights on TV on a lazy Friday night. Me and Ernest Hemingway wrestling in the parking lot behind the pizza parlour, our well-oiled bodies grappling furiously ... I digress, of course - and Ernest Hemingway doesn’t actually appear in this early-90s drama, one of many Odd Couple films featuring oldage pensioners made around that time (the basic template was Grumpy Old Men, which came out in the same year). Robert Duvall is a dapper Cuban barber, retired and retiring; Richard Harris is a blustery Irish sea-salt with a penchant for being inappropriate. The

two septuagenarians meet in a park and become friends, despite (or because of) being so different and there’s also Shirley MacLaine as a tough-minded landlady and a pre-stardom Sandra Bullock as a perky young waitress. “A film of discreet pleasures,” wrote Time Out, which is fair enough - and it’s nicely done, if not exactly Hemingway. Made in 1993.

X-Men: First Class (Novacinema2, 22.00) Two boys in the 1940s, one at the gates of a concentration camp, the other in a swanky New York mansion. Both are mutants - and they grow into Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy respectively, though

of course X-Men fans will say they grow into ‘Magneto’ and ‘Charles Xavier’. This prequel is set in the early 60s, climaxing in the Bay of Pigs crisis - and, unlike previous X-Men films, it goes for light-hearted, slightly campy fun over portentous shock-and-awe, which is why it’s the best of the lot. Our heroes seek youthful mutants for their ‘army’ (the X-folk appear as blobs of colour in a black-and-white dream world), battle Kevin Bacon who’s attempting to start World War 3, and meanwhile director Matthew Vaughn (who made Kick-Ass) is giving it James Bond moments, girls in bikinis and a taste for goofy banter (“Don’t touch my hair!”). Result? A tired franchise somehow mutates into bouncy, zippy fun. Un-X-pected! Made in 2011.

X-Men: First Class

Lucas Oil On The Edge Rally ‘Round The Flag (Pole) 23:30 Wrecked The Windy City

06:00 Only Hits 8:00 MTV GreekLips 9:00 MTV Hollywood Heights 10:00 MTV Plain Jane (Commissioned Version) 11:00 Pure Local 12:00 MTV VHI Pop up Video 12:30 MTV VHI Pop up Video 13:00 MTV Made 14:00 MTV Big Time Rush 14:30 MTV Victorious 15:00 MTV Hollywood Heights 16:00 MTV Crash Canyon 16:30 MTV Crash Canyon 17:00 MTV Pranked 17:30 MTV Pranked 18:00 S7S Lockdown Top10 18:30 Only Hits 19:00 Only Hits 20:00 MTV Movies & Stars 21:00 MTV Awkward 21:30 MTV Awkward 22:00 MTV Awkward 22:30 MTV Awkward 23:00 MTV Underemployed 00:00 MTV Jersey Shore 01:00 Only Hits

07:00 Somewhere I’ll Find You 08:55 The Seventh Cross 10:55 The Bad and the Beautiful 12:55 Ivanhoe 15:00 A Streetcar Named Desire 17:00 The Swan 18:45 Arena 20:00 Three Daring Daughters 22:00 The Gypsy Moths 23:50 On the Town 01:30 Straight Time 03:30 Easter Parade 05:15 Somewhere I’ll Find You

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 2373 1

PREVIOUS DAY’S SOLUTIONS

6 7

HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved, you solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. With the ‘X’ sudoku, the shaded X must also contain the numbers 1-9.

13 14

16 17

22 23

EASY

HARD

MEDIUM

HARD

1 Moving arm up and down (5) 2 The French travel on the lake (6) 3 101 fruit (4) 4 Feel ambition but get false praise (6) 5 Delivery person, not a collier (7) 6 Unfair at present – or later (3,4,3) 9 Spirited relation (5,5) 11 Directed to reform the media (5) 12 Clean round single seat (5) 15 Added an alteration to the appendices (7) 17 Leave some of the trade parts (6) 18 Rufﬂe louts ’e upset (6) 21 If Ken moves, it will cut (5) 22 Cracksman? (4)

Rating EASY

1 Unwillingness to remove a cent. Cruel! (10) 7 Plainly this ﬁgure has eight sides (7) 8 Penny called after the crash (5) 10 Ear job performed on rodent (6) 12 Dumb game? (6) 13 Hot but pleasant outside for the recess (5) 14 Stump or catch (4) 16 One piece of ammunition (4) 17 Entry on the left (5) 19 Silently agreed (6) 20 Stern rebuke for space traveller (6) 23 Fishy girl? (5) 24 Being less patient, has a row (7) 25 Do a bit that’s entertaining (5,5)

Rating HARD

Down

Rating EASY

Across

Rating MEDIUM

Answers to crossword 2372

HOROSCOPE

CRYPTIC: Across – 1 Bashful; 7 Annual; 8 Tattler; 10 Total; 11 Minister; 13 & 14 Gunshot; 15 Brae; 16 Sum; 18 Falsetto; 20 Inset; 22 Singled; 23 Geisha; 24 Merited. Down – 1 Batsmanship; 2 Satin; 3 Full stop; 4 Larger; 5 Knit; 6 Vantage; 9 Blindfolded; 12 Prisoner; 14 Smashed; 17 Balsam; 19 To let; 21 Task.

QUICK: Across – 1 General; 7 Inhale; 8 Liaison; 10 Corfu; 11 Enhanced; 13 Fed; 14 Find; 15 Fury; 16 Lea; 18 Credible; 20 Valet; 22 Bracket; 23 Scroll; 24 Enthral. Down – 1 Galley-slave; 2 Neath; 3 Resonant; 4 Linnet; 5 Chic; 6 Clarify; 9 Fundamental; 12 Quadrant; 14 Fallacy; 17 Treble; 19 Baker; 21 Tool.

ARIES March 21 - April 20

LEO July 23 - August 22

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

Mercury, still in your zodiac sign, goes face to face with the Moon in Libra today. The Moon is asking you to be more carefully attuned to the feelings of others. Mercury in Aries though can be quite outspoken, impulsive and changeable. If you need to talk about anything sensitive or difﬁcult, you may be best to wait until later today.

You might pride yourself, ordinarily, on your clarity of thought and purpose, but today, at least for a few hours, fact may appear stranger than fiction. Because of this, just be extra cautious in your conversations with life’s movers and shakers, or the bureaucrats and officials we all encounter. That old adage of first impressions count, still holds true.

Whatever you do today, don’t expect oodles of feedback or acknowledgement. Worse, if you put a load of effort in and believe you deserve any, you could ﬁnd yourself boiling over at the injustice if there is a lack of it. You may be best to narrow your focus, and just do the things that you can gain satisfaction from. Avoid those that get on your nerves.

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

VIRGO August 23 - September 23

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20

Although there is so much goodness ﬁzzing away in your situation, you might just temporarily lack a bit of conﬁdence or feel that you might inadvertently step on people’s proverbial toes. Don’t worry. This is not going to last long, but it is a small planetary signal just to keep things in balance, and keep a bit of private time back for you.

Your ruler is brieﬂy opposed by the Moon today. This can ratchet up the intensity in your responses, especially about money, or matters of intimacy. Balancing your needs with the needs of another is going to be the challenge. Also, you may feel that your opinion is beyond doubt. This is all very well, but everyone is entitled to their own.

If there is someone on your radar that you are strongly attracted to, you may decide to let them know. If you use today’s energies wisely, your personality, charisma and drive could make a fantastic impression. The trick is keeping enough of yourself back. If you don’t, it may seem that you’re trying to hurry things along. This may prove counterproductive.

GEMINI May 22 - June 21

LIBRA September 24 - October 23

AQUARIUS January 21 - February 19

Unfortunately, you may be discovering a bit more about certain associates, and some of what you learn may not be particularly palatable. If you are a Twin with very high standards or expectations, in some way or another you could end up being disappointed. Don’t look for too much outside help. Fall back on your own resources at this time.

You can have a wonderfully deft touch when it comes to making your point, but today you may ﬁnd your temper is on a shorter fuse than usual. People can irritate you more easily and you may decide to tell them exactly how you feel. Confrontation is possible. When you’re upset, a much feistier side of you can come to the fore, and this is possible now.

You have a side which can like your own space. This may come up today, a time when you may be better off controlling your own environment, where possible. Even if you share your home with others, try to create some moments to yourself. You probably won’t like anyone making demands on you. Your mood could be a bit up and down.

CANCER June 22 - July 22

SCORPIO October 24 - November 22

PISCES February 20 - March 20

Your contacts book is probably burgeoning, but despite this and the possible offers that arise, you may want to wait until later in the day to make your mind up about anything deﬁnitive. You can occasionally, have a tendency to see issues through rather more subconscious and emotional lenses, and earlier on, this is possible Cancer.

Your co-ruler Mars is of course the planet of war. Today, it is side by side with the Sun in the part of your situation concerned with how you interact with others. Now, this may make it a bit trickier to work in a co-operative or collaborative way. Remember, Mars likes to have its voice heard, so you may ﬁnd yourself being ultra competitive.

You may be much more blunt when saying how you feel today. Your ideas can be delivered with greater intensity, even force. This is probably not a great day for getting into a debate about a contentious subject, and with someone with very different views. What may work well for you is some intense physical exercise. This can help burn off frustration.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser

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JOB WANTED ****************************** COUPLE FROM SRI LANKA are looking for a job, any job gardening, looking after old people, cleaning. Has driving licence. They have release papers - living in or out call 96499207 or 96757437 ******************************

MISCELLANEOUS ****************************** HELP WANTED and commission paid for advice regarding purchase of surplus Russian military items from Cypriot military. Please reply your details to info@rme-ltd.eu

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Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385 pets, rugs and mattresses. Special offers now available. FREE STAIN GUARD FOR LIMITED TIME For a quote call Rickys Cleaning Services on 99131044 (all areas) info@rcscyprus.net / www.rcs-cyprus. net **************************** K.D.FLYSCREENS LTD. We manufacture top quality sliding screens, opening doors and roller systems. We also do repairs. For a FREE QUOTE please contact Phone: 99119582 Website: www.kdflyscreens.com **************************** SWIFT SERVICE AND REPAIRS air-cons, commercial and domestic fridges and freezers, ice machines, cool rooms, supply and fit air-cons VRV S. Call Nik on 99579602 Limassol **************************** DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full repair & restoration of chipped, scratched, dull and stained, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone & Ceramic tiled floors and surfaces. Professional cleaning, repair & sealing of internal/external ceramic tiles & grout lines. For a free professional consultation & demonstration contact Mark at Premier on 70006766 All areas ****************************

PETS ***************************** LOST GINGER AND WHITE CAT – name tag says Clio. Found on Plataion Street in Strovolos, Nicosia. Call 99 435385 ***************************** RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK Quality pedigree puppies for sale, Kennels club registered. An excellent hunter, a good family dog, as well as a good guard dog. Lovely to have around, both parents can be seen. Price €500 for more info pls call 99046966 ***************************** HONEY is a 3 month old pincher/ terrier mix. She is very small sized and very sweet and playful. Honey is looking for a loving family to be hers forever! She will remain small sized so she is ideal for a family with an apartment! For adoptions call 99 520 511 Monday-Friday between hours 10-2 or email ndsadoptions@gmail.com *****************************

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS **************************** PROFESSIONAL UPHOLSTERY CLEANING, also car-

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FOR SALE: Electric Cooker, Bosch 4 ceramic hotplates and oven, used 1 1/2 year, €300 For further information contact phone 99757511 ***************************** FOR SALE – PAPHOS CATERING EQUIPMENT 1. Industrial freezer – CORECO Height 200cm, width 68cm, depth 58cm 2. Electrolux Freezer, model EUC3109X, width-595mm, height-1800mm, depth623mm, freezing capacity-24kg/24hours, energy class A 3. CONVOTHERM OVEN model-OBG 6.10Combi OvenSteamer with Gas Steam Generator Extra: Stand with stainless steel shelving, extractor fan, water supply system and gas installation connections, PLUS CHAFING TRAYS & THERMO BOXES, ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AT REDUCED PRICES. PLEASE CALL: 99622678 *****************************

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND ***************************** PLOT FOR SALE IN KATO PLATRES in a pine tree area. It comes with title deeds, 1095 square feet. Tel. 99881051. ***************************** FOR SALE LAND in Anthoupoli (half plot) 288 sq.metres. for information 99621554. *****************************

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA LUXURY APARTMENT in Asinou Court 4-6 Acropolis. Consists 3 bedrooms with bathroom in main bedroom, big sitting room ,central heating & a/c in sitting room & main bedroom. Kitchen with the electrical appliances, covered parking, partly furnished. For more information call Mrs Constantinou daily 22775629 or 97665995 must speak Greek. ***************************** TO LET Villa Dasoupolis with pool mature garden €5000 Ayioi Omoloyitae 3 level house c/h a/c €3000 Mak/ssa f/f house 4 bedr., €1500 Strovolos f/f house 4 bedr., €1200 3 bedr., ﬂat center f/f €1000 2 bedr., Acropolis/ Ma/ssa f/f €600 center 1 bedr.,f/f €550 Photos www.markidesestates. com Markides 22- 378898 / 99464764 Reg.No. 487 E 16

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049

***************************** FLATS/HOUSES FOR RENT studio Makarios Av. €300, Kennedy furnished €300, 1 bdrm Str/los €400, Hilton €400, 2 bdrm Lycavitos €480 fully equipped, Ag. Dometios ground floor + garden €450, Ag. Paylos rear house newly built €390, Acropolis furnished €450, 3 bdrm Ag. Omologites garden €700, Nikis Av. Furnished €500, Archangelos detached with pool €1,200, Acropolis independent ideal for office/residence €750, 4 bdrm Kwsta Theodorou new house €1,100, Mosfiloti unique villa with pool/landscaping €2,500. 99474839, 99646822. 21 PROPERTY FINDER LTD. Licenced & Registered Estate Agents A.M.627 A.A.108/E ***************************** TO LET 1 bedroom upper floor house, large veranda near restaurant Periyiali in Acropolis 5 Aeantos Street €300 call 99680208 ***************************** LUXURY HOUSES:

1. 4 bedr luxury detached house built in 3/4 of a plot, office space, central heating, full a/c, big sitting and dining area, separate big kitchen with family room and all the electrical appliances, blinds and curtains on all windows, aluminium shutters, big garden with grass, 3 wc, covered parking, in a quiet area – Strovolos €1000 (H4ST10051-R), (photos in the website) 2. 3 bedr luxury terraced house, 210sq.m,central heating, full a/c, marble floor in the sitting areas and solid parquet floor on stairs and bedrooms, 4 wc,3 bathrooms, 2 en suite, big verandas, electrical appliances in the kitchen, 3 covered parking spaces, roof garden access, in a quiet neighbourhood on Mon Parnas hill – Engomi €850 (photos in the website). 3. 3 bedr luxury semi detached house, a/ c for hot and cold in all the rooms, blinds, electrical appliances in the kitchen,2wc, big patio with tiles, in a quiet area in a dead end – Strovolos €550 (H3ST10002-R) (photos in the website) 4. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house,230sq.m,big sitting and dining area with solid parquet floor, big kitchen with cooker and oven,3wc,2 bathrooms, curtains on all windows, small garden, patio, central heating, full A/C, covered parking in a dead and near French Ambassador house- Strovolos €950 (H4ST10012-R) (photos in the website) 5. 4 bedr+ very big attic room separated in 2 rooms +separate room for the maid in the basement luxury fully renovated detached house with big sitting and dining room with fire place, big kitchen with electrical appliances sitting room and

Larnaca - tel: 99 634725

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg 22 Employment Miscellaneous 22 Pets 22 Lessons 22 Health & Fitness 22 Personal 22 Services 22 For Sale Miscellaneous 22 For Sale Land/ Property Business 22 For Sale Motor vehicles -Properties Wanted -To Let Nicosia 22 To Let Limassol 25 To Let Larnaca 25 To Let Paphos 25 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -For Sale Nicosia 27 For Sale Limassol -For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 27 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras 27 For Sale Athens -Property& Home Services display ads -Churches 26

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

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA breakfast area, 3 bathrooms, floor heating independent with grass, a/c units, garden with grass and covered patio, in a quiet area near the International fair in the central part of Makedonitissa - €1500 AVAILABLE END OF MAY –(H4MAK0018-R) (photos in the website) 6. 3 bedr + attic room with shower and wc luxury detached house with central heating, a/c, fireplace, modern kitchen open plan with expensive electrical appliances, blinds, garden with grass, over flow swimming pool, covered parking in a quiet area. – Makedonitissa €1500 (H4MAK0023-R), (photos on the website). 7. 4 bedr luxury detached house with 2 big extra rooms on the attic with shower and wc, central heating, air condition units, 360sq.m, solid parquet floor all the house except the kitchen, big sitting and dining areas with fire place, big separate kitchen with family room and breakfast area, big mature garden with grass and swimming pool, covered parking, in a qui-

FOR RENT 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Larnaca near new hospital. €400 per month including service charge and refuse collection Call 99358916

TO LET NICOSIA et neighborhood close to Alfa Mega supermarket – Dasoupoli €2000 - Available middle of June (H4DAS0001-R) (photos in the website)

TO LET NICOSIA

8. 3 bedr +ofﬁce space luxury detached house with storage heaters, full a/c, 3 wc, 260 m², big kitchen with big family room opening to a big garden with grass, electrical appliances, covered parking, in a very quiet neighborhood in a dead end - Makedonitissa €2000 (H4MAK0034-R) (photos in the website)

fireplace, and 2 bedrooms with one bathroom. Outside private fenced garden with artificial grass, bbq area and covered veranda. The house has blinds and shutters on all windows, false ceiling with spot lights throughout house, pressure system, covered parking, satellite dish, central music and network system, storage room, very good double glazed windows. Behind General flooring in the centre of Makedonitissa - €2000 (H4MAK0001-R), (photos on the website).

9. New modern luxury very good quality finished semi detached house built in 3 levels. Upstairs 1st level 3 bedrs all en suite+ laundry room, 2nd level big attic room which can be used for office space or bedroom. Ground floor with 2 sitting areas ,dining area and breakfast area, kitchen with all the electrical appliances, central heating, full a/c units. Basement with kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher, microwave and 2 refrigerators, sitting room with

10. ***************** 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, 450sq.m, central heating, full a/c, office space, separate maid’s room, big kitchen with sitting room and fire place and all the electrical appliances, all the sitting areas viewing the garden with grass, blinds on all windows downstairs, very big bedrooms with parquet floor, main bedroom with jacuzzi,2 covered parking’s near Alpha Mega supermarket and English School. AVAILABLE END

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TO LET NICOSIA OF MAY 2013 – Strovolos €2200 (H4ST10001-R) (photos in the website)11. 4 bedr new luxury finished detached house with central heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, big kitchen with cooker oven, dishwasher and big family room, aluminium shutters in all the house, separate big sitting and dining room with parquet floor, 2 covered parking, alarm system, big covered patio, SWIMMING POOL, in a newly built area near Falcon school – Strovolos €2000 (photos in the website). 12. 3 bedrs luxury 2 storey, FULLY RENOVATED LISTED HOUSE with high ceilings in the centre of Nicosia, 260sq.m, 2 small attic rooms, big sitting room upstairs, big sitting room and dining area downstairs, wooden floor, kitchen with all the electrical appliances, 2 bathrooms (one en suite),3wc,CH independent, A/C, big garden – Nicosia Centre €1400 (H4NIC0002-R), (photos in the website).

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TO LET NICOSIA 13. 4 bedrs luxury renovated detached house built in 3 plots of land,550sq.m aprox, central heating, full a/c, all the bedrooms with en suite shower/ bathroom, extra room upstairs for sitting room/office space/ bedroom, solid parquet floor in bedrooms, big kitchen with granite and all the electrical appliances, maid’s room, big sitting areas with fire place and internal yard, big swimming pool 6 x 12,big mature garden with grass and big trees surrounding the house giving privacy, in a very quiet neighborhood near Acropolis park. Available in August €5500 – (H4DAS0006-R) (photos in the website) 14. 4 bedr very big luxury semi detached house 350sq.m, with big separate basement 80sq.m with 2 rooms, sitting room,

TO LET NICOSIA kitchen and bathroom. Consists of big sitting and dining areas upstairs, big kitchen with big family room and breakfast area, big bedrooms, 3 showers, 1 bathroom, central heating, full a/c, black out blinds on all windows, cooker and oven in the kitchen, covered parking and patio with bbq in a very quiet neighbourhood close to Makarios football stadium. CAN BE RENTED FURNISHED, PARTIALLY FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED - Makedonitissa €1500 (H4MAK0032-R), (photos in the website) 15. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, all the bedrooms very big and all with big bathroom/ shower, sitting room upstairs, attic room with shower and wc, ofﬁce space/maid’s room with shower and wc, central

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA heating, full AC,450sq.m, big sitting and dining areas, big kitchen with sitting area and ﬁtted cooker and oven, 6wc, 2 covered parking, yard with tiles and SWIMMING POOL, bbq area in a very quiet neighbourhood near CYBC (RIK) station and near a neighbourhood park – Platy Aglantzias €2500 (H4AGZ0005-R), (photos in the website) For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225/96-422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates.com ***************************** LUXURY FLATS:

1. 3 bedr luxury ﬁnished spacious ﬂoor apartment with very

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA big sitting and dining areas with family room with ﬁre place, solid parquet ﬂoor all through, central heating independent, full a/c, all the bedrooms with en suite shower/bathroom, 4wc, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, blinds on all windows, big covered veranda, covered parking, big storage room, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighbourhood – Agios Andreas€1100 – A3AAD0005-R (photos on website). 2. 1 bedr spacious fully luxury renovated apartment,60sq.m, big sitting and dining room, big bedroom, fully newly modern furnished with LCD TV 32’, covered veranda, covered parking, storage heaters, full a/c, near Cyta, Laiki and Hellenic Bank headquarters – Dasoupolis

€500 (photos in the website). 3.

1 bedr luxury GROUND FLOOR apartment with very big verandas and garden,2 a/c for hot and cold, cooker, oven, washing machine, fridge in the kitchen, big bedroom, covered parking, storage room, off Kallipoleos street in a quiet area – Lykavitos €360(A1LYK0021-R), (photos in the website).

4. 2 bedr FULLY RENOVATED spacious apartment with laminate parquet floor, a/c for hot and cold in all the rooms, big sitting and dining room, separate kitchen, big bedrooms, FULLY NICELY FURNISHED, covered veranda with nice view, near the American Embassy - €450 (A2ENG0018-R) 5. 4 bedr new spacious luxury finished floor apartment with floor heating independent, full a/c, 3wc, electrical appliances in the kitchen, blinds on all windows, very big 50sq.m covered veranda, fireplace, covered parking and big over floor heated covered swimming pool on the ground floor, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighbourhood near a playground and near Ippokration private hospital – Engomi €1500 (A4ENG0003-R) (photos in the website) 6. 1 bedr new luxury finished apartment with parquet floor, a/c for hot and cold, big bathroom, covered veranda, NEWLY MODERN FURNISHED, parking, off Kennedy Avenue near the centre – Nicosia Centre €450 (A1NIC0021-R), (photos in the website). 7. 2 bedr new luxury apartment

TO LET NICOSIA 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 – Dasoupoli €500 (A2DAS0018-R), (photos in the website). 8. 2 bedr new modern luxury apartment with separate central heating, full a/c, 2bathrooms(one en suite), blinds on all windows, electrical appliances in the kitchen, big sitting & dining room, big covered veranda, covered parking near Alpha Mega – Engomi €500. AVAILABLE END OF APRIL (A2ENG0014-R), (photos in the website). 9. New top quality 2 bedr apartment, 93sq.m+20sq.m veranda, on a small modern building with 6 flats only. Central heating independent, full a/c, 2 bathrooms, 2wc, fully fitted kitchen with all the electrical appliances, water pressure system roller blinds and shutters on windows, big sitting and dining room, big bedrooms, covered parking and storage room, in a quiet neighbourhood near Akropolis park. – Acropolis €700 A2ACS0002-R (photos in the website) . 10. New luxury finished 1 bedr penthouse apartment with big verandah with nice view, in a small modern building,55sq.m,storage heaters,2 a/c, blinds on the

TO LET NICOSIA

windows, expensive electrical appliances (cooker, oven, extractor, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer), covered parking and storage room, off Kalippoleos street opposite Dessange Day Spa near the University – Lykavitos €420 (A1LYK0002-R), (photos in the website).

the ﬂat,3wc,2 bathrooms, central heating ind, full a/c, big separate Italian kitchen with electrical appliances and dining area, big sitting room, covered parking and storage room off Makarios Avenue walking distance to the centre €850 (A3NIC0030-R), (photos in the website).

11. 2 bedr luxury apartment with a/c for hot and cold, separate kitchen, big covered veranda, FULLY NICELY FURNISHED, covered parking, near the Ministry of Education – Acropolis €550 (A2ACS0036-R), (photos in the website) 12. 2 bedr new modern luxury apartment with floor heating, full a/c, big sitting and dining room, big covered veranda 30sq.m, fully fitted kitchen with expensive electrical appliances, blinds, covered parking, on the 6th floor with plenty of view and nice breeze, in the centre off Kennedy avenue – Nicosia Centre €700 (A2NIC0031-R), (photos in the website).

14. 3 bedr spacious luxury ﬁnished apartment 150sq.m+30sq.m covered veranda, central heating independent with petrol, full wall a/c units, solid parquet ﬂoor, expensive electrical appliances in the kitchen, 3wc, curtains and blinds on windows, 3 COVERED PARKING, storage room, near Pizza Hut in Strovolos €1100 (photos in the website).

13. New luxury finished 3 bedr penthouse (floor apartment) on the 5th floor,165sq.m+ big verandas(one bigger with bbq), solid parquet floor all

15. 3 bedrs luxury penthouse,165sq.m+80sq.m verandah with bbq, central heating ind, full AC, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, solid parquet floor all the flat, big kitchen with dining area, fully MODERN FURNISHED, covered parking off Athalassa Avenue near Stephanis Electronics and English school – Strovolos €800 (A3ST10013-R) (photos in the website) 16. New luxury finished 4 bed

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CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA PENTHOUSE apartment in a small modern building, 186sq. m+90sq.m big veranda with nice view, separate floor heating, fully air conditioned, 4wc, 2 en suite bedrooms with shower,1 bathroom, solid parquet floor all through, big sitting and dining areas with electric modern shutters opening to the veranda, fully equipped kitchen with expensive electrical appliances, 2 parking places (1 covered), in a very quiet neighbourhood ,near the Russian Embassy. AVAILABLE END OF MARCH –Engomi €1900 (A4ENG0005-R) (photos in the website) For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates.com ***************************** 2 BDRM flat in the centre of Nicosia. Rent €450. For information call 99453663, 99663927. *****************************

LIMASSOL ***************************** TO LET Large 4 bedroom unfurnished house in the village of Asomatos nr Akrotiri Limassol. Fully A/C & Heating (storage heaters). 5 wc’s, large kitchen/ diner, lounge and sitting room. Large loft with own shower/wc (suitable for ofﬁce/playroom/ gym). Carport - prominent position in cul-de-sac - lots of

TO LET LIMASSOL

TO LET LARNACA naca. 3 bedroom detached unfurnished property set on a fantastic development in the village of Tersefanou. Available for immediate occupation. Ref. TLL973. Tel 24815926

parking. €850 pcm (negotiable). Available from April 2013. Tel. 99831431 TRADITIONAL VILLAGE STONE HOUSE IN APESHIA. Very quiet village, 20mins from Limassol. Road to heritage school/ Troodos. 2 bedrooms, office available top floor with veranda great view of mountains. Small courtyard with trees. Electric solar water. A/C-toilet in main bedroom. Semi/full furnished. Fitted kitchen with electrical appliances, fireplace. Toilet/ shower. €550pm negotiable. Tel 96891800. GROUND FLOOR HOUSE, furnished renovated this year. Laminated parke floor, and big wardrobes in the 3 bedrooms. Rent €590.00 Tel 99497576 99886775 *****************************

LARNACA ***************************** TO LET 3 bedroom house, 100m from beach, Dekelia road Oroklini area. 1 bed ﬂat Makenzie near sea and Petros supermarket. tel: 96693375 ***************************** FOR RENT fully furnished 1 bedroom ﬂat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel 99202543

1 BEDROOM ﬂat in Ermou Square area Larnaca - 2 bedroom ﬂat in Phaneromenis area Larnaca. Call 96693375 ***************************** 1. Superior Real Estate Lar-

2. Superior Real Estate Larnaca. 2 bedroom fully furnished apartment, nr the Metro/American Academy Larnaca. Ref. TLL1654 Please call to arrange a viewing Tel. 24815926 3.

www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com – LARGE RANGE OF RENTAL PROPERTIES. From studio apartments to 5 bedroom villa’s for rent, all properties have detailed descriptions, professional photographs. Interactive Virtual/ Video Tours. Please visit our website. www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com www.superiorrealestatelarnaca.com - License No. 419. LANDLORDS AVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY WITH US FOR FREE. Tel. 24815926 Email. info@superiorrealestatelarnaca.com

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

PAPHOS ***************************** TREMITHOUSA- Modern 2 Double Bedroom Townhouse with Stunning Sea views, Large Secluded Terrace with Open Views, Roof Garden, Fitted Kitchen, A/C, U/F 350 Euros or F/F 400 Euros

TREMITHOUSA- Superb Detached 3 Bedroom Villa with

TO LET PAPHOS Large Pool, F/F to a very High Standard, Mater En-Suite, Family Bathroom with Jacuzzi, Beautifully Fitted Kitchen, Utility, Separate Shower room, Spectacular Mountain and Sea views, Quite Cul-De-Sac location 700 Euros KISSONERGA- Beautiful Detached U/F 3 Bedroomed Villa, Large Pool,2 Bedrooms Upstairs Master En-suite, Family Bathroom, modern Fitted Kitchen, Downstairs Bedroom with En-suite Shower room, Low maintenance Garden, Large Terraces and Separate Storage Room 600 Euros TREMITHOUSA- Purpose Built Ground and First Floor 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments U/F and F/F, A/C, Parking From Only 150 Euros URGENTLY WANTED – 3 Bedroom U/F Detached Villas 600/700 MORE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 99862922 ***************************** ST GEORGE, beautiful 4 bedroom villa with stunning sea views, located in quiet cul-desac. good quality furniture, central heating, jacuzzi bath, stunning home with large garden, pool with roman steps, walking distance to tlc. €1200 per month negotiable. Tel: 96241965 ***************************** 1. Sea Caves Paphos, luxury 3 bed unfurnished villa with private pool on a big plot. One bed downstairs, kitchen white goods include dish washer.

TO LET PAPHOS Spacious bedrooms, dressing room, balconies, separate outdoor storeroom, enclosed garden. €1000 2. Secret Valley, 3 bed un/furnished villa with private pool on a big plot. Spacious living space, good sized bedrooms. Pool and garden maintenance included in rent. Lovely sea and country side views. €700 3. Peyia, Beautiful 3 bed un/furnished villa with amazing sea views. Private pool, lovely garden, double bedrooms, master en suite. €500 4. Koili, brand new 4 bed unfurnished villa. Finished to a very high quality in a very quiet location. Italian kitchen, fire place, under floor heating, shutters, fly screens, pool, one bed downstairs. €850 PAPHOS TO RENT Tel: 99389198. For listings and many other properties please visit our web www.paphotorent.com and give us a call. ***************************** PEYIA, luxury villa, 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully or part furnished, private pool, quiet location, paved garden area, sea and mountain views. Sky satellite, €550 ono, please call: 99771532 – no agents FOR RENT a selection of 1 to 5 bedroom houses & apartments F/F & U/F Universal, Peyia, Tomb of the Kings, Tsada, Timi, Kato Paphos & Kissonerga Landlord & Owners please call 99329357 Or please view at our website www.cyprussands.com Fully

TO LET PAPHOS Registered Company in Cyprus ***************************** MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PAPHOS OFFICE: 26271858 (00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT OFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE 1. CHLORAKA €600 a unique opportunity to rent a traditional stone village house in the village of Chloraka. This beautiful property has been lovingly restored and offers a spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom homes with plenty of character. A rustic hideaway offering large pretty courtyard with fruit trees. Off street parking. Stunning real fire in living area & log burner in kitchen. Available furnished with solar panels, pressurised water system & storage space. Viewings highly recommended. website reference number: RTL_679 2. SECRET VALLEY €750 spacious modern detached 3 bedroom villa situated on a corner plot in a peaceful residential area. Offering large private pool with a low maintained enclosed garden with sea views. Off street parking. Fully furnished with modern furniture and includes gas central heating throughout. Modern fitted kitchen with granite worktops. One bedroom on ground floor with bathroom. Pets allowed at owners discretion. Viewings highly recommended. website

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS reference number: RTL_561 3. KAMARES TALA €850 a stunning detached villa offering 4 bedrooms plus ofﬁce in a quiet & private residential area with large parking bay for numerous cars and covered off street parking. Offering spacious

TO LET PAPHOS living accommodation and breathtaking views of the sea. This property includes a lift to all 4 ﬂoors. Luxury modern ﬁtted kitchen with appliances. Lovely garden with spacious veranda & private pool. Available unfurnished. website reference number: RTL_669

TO LET PAPHOS 4. SEA CAVES €850 price includes pool cleaning & gardening. Luxury modern detached 3 bedroom villas in a peaceful & private location. Fully furnished with good quality modern furniture including a log burner for those winter months. Modern fitted kitchen with top brand appliances. Two bedrooms on ground floor with family bathroom & master bedroom & ensuite on upper level. Good sized low maintenance garden with private pool offering privacy & sea views. Shaded bbq area. Off street parking with shaded car port. website reference number: RTL_625 5. KAMARES TALA €900 a unique property combining modern and traditional. Situated in the sought after area of Kamares on a large plot with mature gardens & stunning private pool, offering total privacy and breathtaking sea views. Separate annex with modern shower room & separate kitchen. Guest room offering bedroom & shower room at pool level. Large modern office. Main house offering 2 further bedrooms plus a number of sitting rooms. Perfect for those who require something completely different from the norm. Available furnished or part furnished. website reference number: RTL_673 6. PEYIA €950 we are delighted to offer this ultra modern 4 bedroom villa with luxury furnishings & fittings. Offering spacious accommodation with breathtaking sea views. Furnishings & fittings are of a very high quality. Spacious living area with modern fitted kitchen

TO LET PAPHOS & utility area. One bedroom on ground floor with ensuite & kitchenette. Guest wc. Private infinity pool & enclosed low maintenance garden. A must to see! website reference number: RTL_670 7. ST.GEORGE €1,100 a brand new stunning detached 3 bedroom villa with modern fitted kitchen & bathrooms. Beautifully finished with detail mosaic flooring. One bedroom on ground floor with bathroom. Enclosed landscaped garden with kidney shaped private pool. Situated in a quiet residential area. Available unfurnished though includes top brand kitchen appliances & blackout blinds. website reference number: RTL_678 8. CHLORAKA €1,800 substantial luxury 4 bedroom villa, spacious (350 sq meters), beautifully designed with unique detail. Conservatory with views of landscaped gardens. Large modern fitted kitchen, living room with working fireplace. Circular dining room with vaulted dome ceiling. Stunning private pool area. Available unfurnished. website reference number: RTL_579 Tel: 97790883 Tel: 99133422 office: 26271858 visit our website for many more properties www.mrrent-paphos. net email: info@mrrent-paphos.net **************************** FLOWRON PROPERTY RENTALS : Offering a full range of property services, the company you can TRUST.

TO LET PAPHOS bedrooms with nice veranda views of mountains. Middle floor has sitting/dining area all with classic furniture and fireplace and lovely big kitchen. Downstairs is a self-contained annex with bedroom and kitchen area/bathroom wc. Private pool BBQ area and outside sink. REF 1232 €1300 AYIA MARINOUDA 2 bedroom furnished bungalow in lovely quiet complex with communal pool. Property has fire place, off street parking, nice stone features, character property. REF 1224 €500 KOLETRIA 4 bedroom house with 3 bathrooms offered unfurnished, central heating and flyscreens throughout 3 bedrooms upstairs, master bedroom has ensuite. Large shower room. Fourth bedroom downstairs TIMI with shower room. Lovely large kitchen and sitting room. Covered area for car and back garden REF 1234 €500 A LARGE HOUSE in its own pri-

TO LET PAPHOS vate grounds surrounded by orange groves in Timi. This property has been built to a very nice standard and offers lots of living space. Large quality kitchen, sitting room and dining room. 3 large bedrooms. The master bedroom has ensuite and there is an additional room used as office, upstairs loft room. REF 1049 €650 PANO PAFOS Large 3 bedroom house on ground floor on large plot with lovely garden and private pool with BBQ area with outside utility room and shower in a residential area that is within walking distance to shops PEYIA government offices, school, pharmacy and near to bus stop. REF 1231 €700 A LOVELY 3 bed villa in Peyia, unfurnished, with 3 a family bathroom. Downstairs it has a sitting/dining area and guest cloakroom. Kitchen is nice with all whitegoods. Satellite TV, fans, flyscreens all included. Garage and shaded

SPECIAL OFFER In Kokkinotrimithia, 15km from Nicosia in a good area, (in the centre, opposite Maragos bakery, 41/2 acres or 7 plot with 90% building factor. For more information please call 99673286, 99918830.

KONIA 4 bedroom villa in Konia on 3 ﬂoors. Four spacious

CHURCHES GRACE CHURCH, LARNACA 8 Ayiou Neofytou St Sundays 10 a.m. Also Midweek Meetings Details: Colin 24530700 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

LARNAKA COMMUNITY CHURCH APHRODITE STREET, LARNAKA 10.00 AM MORNING SERVICE and SUNDAY SCHOOL For more details ring Fred 24365152

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

St Helena’s Anglican Church, Larnaca St Helena’s Court, Grigoris Afx Sunday Service: Holy Communion 9.30 am

NICOSIA CHRISTIAN CENTRE 10 PINDOU STR, ENGOMI, NICOSIA, TEL. 22464375 SERVICES: SUNDAY 10AM, WEDNESDAY 8PM

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

ALL WELCOME Tel:24651327 ofﬁce@sainthelenas.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

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! PROPHETIC CALL-OUT Grieved by preachers living in sin ? Pastors collaborating with idolaters? Bored with just being a spectator? In Prophecy there is no ‘us and them: Everyone contributes (1 Cor 14:26) 10am start 9/2/2013 God willing, Meet: Entrance Palaiopafos, Kouklia Instruments/shofars welcome

Open Door Baptist Church

St Barnabas’ Anglican Church 153 Leontiou A Street Limassol www.stbarnabas-cyprus.com Telephone: 25362713 - All welcome 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

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)

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 Anglican Church of Paphos Ayia Kyriaki (St. Paul by the Pillar) Sunday 8.15am Holy Eucharist 6.00pm Sung Eucharist th 4 Sunday 6.00pm Choral Evensong Wednesday 9.00am Holy Eucharist 3rd Wednesday (BCP) St. Stephen’s, Tala st rd 1 & 3 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

DEUTSCHE GOTTESDIENSTE IN ZYPERN 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 Näheres Informationen durch Pfarrer Dr. Herold, Tel 25-317092 oder im Internet www.ev-kirche-zypern.de

St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Byron Avenue, Nicosia, 22 445221/22 677897

www.st-pauls-nicosia.com

Sunday 0930 : Holy Communion Sunday School in the hall 1800 : Evening Prayer Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 0830: Morning Prayer Wednesday 1030 : Holy Communion First Monday of each month 1930 : Guild of St Raphael Parish Office : Mon-Fri : 0900 – 1100 Saturday 1000-1200

Bookshop and Thrift Shop

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS offstreet parking with private pool and amazing sea and mountain views. REF 1214 €550 GEROSKIPOU 2 bedroom apartments, ﬁtted wardrobes, in nice area of Geroskipou. Furnished, all white goods included, ﬁtted kitchen and fully airconditioned with seaviews. Walking distance from shops. REF 1235 and 1236 €300-350

TO LET PAPHOS

FOR SALE NICOSIA

FOR SALE PAPHOS

ANARITA 3 bedroom villa in Anarita in a nice quiet location with outside fenced area with gates, private pool, great seaviews. Unfurnished, airconditioning, ﬁreplace in living room. Modern kitchen with granite worktops, guest WC. Nice garden and offstreet parking. REF 1229 €700

97614070 many more properties on our website at www. flowron.com - Your Vision is our Mission LANDLORDS IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT, PLEASE CALL US!!!!!! **************************** PEYIA – 3 bedroom villa with modern quality furniture and finishes. Central heating, sky, alarm, infinity pool and stunning sea and mountain views €700 per month, call: 99389426

Nicosia, Strovolos 550sqm build in two lots 1250sqm. 6 bds, 6 bath, under floor heating, A/C, basement, two car garage, beautiful landscape, well, pool, quiet area, great for families. Motivated seller. Price reduced 1.500000. Call 99432074 mpapadmd@ gmail.com **************************** FOR SALE upper floor house 210 sq.m built on 301 sq. m land, Lapatsa area, Pereous 1a. 4 bedrooms with attic room (not finished), c/h ,4 a/c, aluminium

doors& window, covered parking and storage room. Price €310.000 pm call 22431095 99330632. *****************************

with title deeds Call : 26954147/ 99137828 *****************************

Please call for a free viewing on Ofﬁce 26600450 Mobile:

UK House Offered in Exchange for Apartment or House in Cyprus A 100 sq. m. four bedroom Semi Detached house in the East Midlands, with a market value of £120,000, is offered in exchange for a 2 bedroom (minimum) apartment or house anywhere in Cyprus. My house has been recently renovated at a cost of over £25,000 and is situated within less than three miles from Clumber Park. If interested, please email Natalia at nzah50@hotmail.com for a detailed description of my property and please include the internal size in square metres and photos of what you are offering in exchange.

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

PROTARAS ***************************** NEED A REST? Luxury ﬂats to be let, at Protaras, just by the sea. Reasonable prices. Tel 447794 or 99628758 *****************************

***************************** EXO-VRISI – 2 bed townhouse in quiet cul-de-sac. Panoramic sea views, car port, a/c, ceiling fans, tastefully furnished, plus all white goods, €105.000 o.n.o

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

3nt Easter Breaks in Cyprus! All Inclusive Protaras 4* hotel ONLY ¤365 PER COUPLE PER STAY!

PROPERTY FOR SALE

UPGRADE TO SEA VIEW FOR ONLY ¤30 EXTRA!!

NICOSIA ***************************** FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL VILLA,

PAPHOS

PROTARAS

www.centurycyprus.com

info@centurycyprus.com

EMBA

Tel: 70 000 970

INDOOR MARKET & CAR BOOT SALE FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY FRI 8:00AM – 2:00PM

FRESH VILLAGE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES WATCH REPAIRS & JEWELLERY POTTED FLOWERS NEW & USED HANDBAGS & CLOTHES SECOND HAND BOOKS COMPUTERS & TELEPHONE ACCESSORIES SECOND HAND FURNITURE & ANTIQUES INDIAN TAKE AWAY HOME MADE FRESH CAKES & PIES

STALLHOLDERS & CAR-BOOTERS WELCOME ALL ENQUIRIES CALL: 96533839/99771532

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport ‘Tired’ Nadal takes positives despite defeat By Gregory Blachier

The seven-time Roland Garros champion says he is still searching for his best form

RAFAEL Nadal admitted he is still trying to recapture his best form but remained optimistic for the French Open after losing his Monte Carlo crown to Novak Djokovic on Sunday. Nadal, who returned to action in March after seven months out with injury, went down 6-2 7-6 to the Serbian world number one, ending his eight-year reign on the principality’s clay. “I need to put in a little bit more physical performance,” the Spaniard

told a news conference. “That’s the real thing - to play all the points with the same intensity. I get tired to play with that intensity, earlier than what I used to.” Nadal had won three tournaments, including the Indian Wells Masters, and reached the final in Vina del Mar since returning from the serious knee injury that kept him out for the second half of last season. And although he had said this week he wanted to concentrate on his tennis rather than his fitness, he added: “I think I’m in the right way. “Five finals in a row. If

you had told me that four months before, I would have cried for emotions, no? I’m very happy to be able to play against the best players of the world and play with real chances. “I think for me it was a positive week...I didn’t practise in Mallorca (his home base). I just practised here before the tournament. With not much preparation, I was able to play in the ﬁnals.” The French Open begins on May 26, when Nadal will be aiming to win his eighth Roland Garros championship. “This week is going to help me be ﬁt for the next

Farah patient over marathon success

Godolphin admits to ‘catastrophic’ doping error

‘You can’t think, ‘this is my first marathon, I’m going to smash it’. It doesn’t happen like that’ By Guy Aspin

IN BRIEF

MO Farah admits it will take time before he can compete with the world’s best marathon runners, but is conﬁdent he can adjust to the initial feeling of not winning. The double Olympic champion fancies a crack at Steve Jones’ 28-yearold British record of two hours seven minutes 13 seconds when he makes his full London Marathon debut next year. The top three this year all went quicker than that, though, Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede’s winning time at 2hrs 6mins 4secs, and Farah knows he will not be an instant world beater. “You have to accept that,” said Farah, who kept up with the leading group at what was worldrecord pace in his controversial run to almost halfway in Sunday’s race. “How long did it take me to start winning races on the track? I’ve been a track runner seven years now

and finished sixth in the World Championships in 2007, seventh in the World Championships in 2009, got knocked out at the Beijing Olympics and did not even make the final and then came out four years later and won double gold. “It takes that long process. I believe the marathon will be similar to that. You can’t just think, ‘This is my first marathon, I’m going to smash it’. It doesn’t happen like that. It might happen one time and you might get it right, but it’s a challenge.” However much Farah knows patience will be key at the start of his marathon career, it will still be a mental test for a man accustomed to standing on top of the podium to cope with finishing further back. It is one, though, the 30-year-old is adamant he is prepared for. “You’ve got to do that, as an athlete that’s just how it is,” he told Press Association Sport. “I’m looking forward to it. What’s exciting is being able

to run in you home town, where you grew up, where you’ve done everything, where you’ve got great memories of the Olympics. “Running on the streets of London, how often are you going to have that chance?” While Paula Radcliffe has taken British, and indeed global, women’s marathon running to new heights, Jones’ mark, set in Chicago, will be almost 29-yearsold by the time Farah lines up for his first attempt. And the last British man to win the London Marathon, Eamonn Martin, did so 20 years ago. Farah was presented with half a medal by race director Hugh Brasher for completing half the course and joked that the around 34,000 people who beat him by finishing could contact him on Twitter with the hashtag “I beat Mo.” The London Marathon yesterday announced a five-year extension to their sponsorship deal with Virgin Money and next year’s race will be known as the Virgin Money London Marathon.

weeks,” he said. “Hopefully I can play another great week in Barcelona next week, play some matches that will keep helping to put me in 100 per cent shape physically. “Roland Garros is very far. I needed more matches to play with this intensity all the time. The competition gives you these special things, extra things that you may need sometimes when you are playing against some players. “We have Barcelona, then we have Madrid, then we have Rome. It’s enough time, I think. Yes. It’s more than enough.”

Britain’s Olympic 5,000 and 10,000 metres champ ran half of Sunday’s London Marathon

A Godolphin trainer has admitted to a ‘catastrophic error’ in using banned steroids to dope race horses from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s illustrious racing stable. Eleven horses tested positive for steroids, including stanozolol - the steroid used by disgraced Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson at the Seoul Olympics. The trainer, Mahmood Al Zarooni, is to attend a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) disciplinary inquiry after the positive tests from horses in his care at Newmarket, southern England. “I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a catastrophic error,” Al Zarooni said on Godolphin’s website. “Because the horses involved were not racing at the time, I did not realise that what I was doing was in breach of the rules. I can only apologise for the damage this will cause.” Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said the discovery marked a “dark day” for Godolphin. “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was absolutely appalled when he was told and this is completely unacceptable to him.”

Record-breaking Gayle hits century off 30 balls

Philadelphia considering 2024 Four-time champ Higgins Olympics bid, mayor says suffers shock defeat

EXPLOSIVE West Indies opener Chris Gayle smashed a century off 30 balls in an Indian Premier League match yesterday and ﬁnished on 175 not out, the highest ever Twenty20 innings. Playing for the Bangalore franchise, Gayle blasted 17 sixes and 13 fours off just 66 deliveries to take his team to a mammoth total of 263 for ﬁve wickets. Gayle’s 30-ball century eclipsed the 34-ball hundred scored by Australian Andrew Symonds for Kent against Middlesex in 2004. The left-hander also posted the highest individual score in a Twenty20 game, going past New Zealander Brendon McCullum’s 158.

PHILADELPHIA is exploring a bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, Mayor Michael Nutter said this week. Nutter was responding to a letter from the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) sent to 35 cities across the country seeking potential host cities for the international sporting event. USOC will decide over the next two years whether to submit a bid to host the 2024 Games in the US. If it goes ahead, it will submit the candidate city for consideration by the International Olympic Committee, in Switzerland. The last time the United States hosted the Olympics was in 1996 in Atlanta.

FOUR-TIME snooker champion John Higgins suffered a shock 10-6 defeat by Mark Davis in the first round of the World Championship at the Crucible. Higgins led 2-0 but the world number 16 from Hastings forged 6-3 ahead overnight, with breaks of 85 and 96. The Scot won two of the first three frames on Monday with runs of 92 and 69, but uncharacteristic errors allowed Davis to move within one of victory. Higgins pulled a frame back but Davis made a composed 87 break to go through. Higgins, 37, suffered a first-round Crucible exit for only the third time in 19 campaigns since his debut in 1995.

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Sport Rugby World Cup rest periods balanced for all teams By Greg Stutchbury

Lewis Hamilton (left) and team-mate Nico Rosberg have seen Mercedes make take steps forward after ending last season struggling even to score points

Hamilton: Mercedes ‘holding on by the skin of our teeth’ LEWIS Hamilton says his Mercedes team are just about hanging on to Formula 1’s front-runners but is hopeful they can compete soon. Mercedes have taken pole for the last two grands prix but are struggling with excessive rear tyre usage in races. Hamilton said: “I feel like we’re holding on by the skin of our teeth. “The guys at the factory need to keep pushing because we’re not that far off and if we can just make that next step we can close the gap with them.” Mercedes have made

Silver Arrows hopeful of closing gap at top huge steps forward after ending last season struggling even to score points. Hamilton was on pole and finished third in China earlier this month, while team-mate Nico Rosberg qualified fastest in Bahrain at the weekend, too. But in the race on Sunday, Rosberg slipped back to finish ninth, having to make four pit stops for fresh tyres when most leading runners made only three. Hamilton struggled in the early stages of the race after

starting ninth because of a five-place grid penalty, but came alive in the second half of the race and finished fifth. He is third in the championship after the first four races, 27 points behind leader Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull, who is 10 ahead of Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen. Hamilton is three points ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, who won in China and would be second overall had it not been for team errors in both Malaysia and Bahrain.

Although the Mercedes is competitive in qualifying, Red Bull, Lotus and Ferrari are comfortably the fastest cars in the race, with Mercedes at the head of the next group which includes Force India and McLaren. Hamilton said: “I’m very proud of what the team have done getting the car turned around to where we are already. I feel very fortunate to be where we are points-wise and ﬁnishing-wise but of course we need to keep pushing.”

Mercedes have suffered problems with rear tyre usage since 2010 and Rosberg said the team were focusing on trying to solve them. “The great thing is we have a great car,” Rosberg said. “We just need to sort out these tyre issues, which is easier said than done. “It is a massive mission and it is the same for everyone. Some people are doing a better job so we are pushing hard for that.” Team principal Ross Brawn added: “This is an issue we have to address and we will continue working on solutions to improve our performance in this area.”

Ryder Cup heroes reunited on home soil for first time By Tony Jimenez

The Europeans staged a remarkable comeback to snatch the famous trophy on US soil in September

EUROPE’S triumphant Ryder Cup team will be reunited on home soil for the ﬁrst time when all 12 players and captain Jose Maria Olazabal compete in next month’s PGA Championship at Wentworth. “It will be great to have the team back together,” world number two Rory McIlroy said in a news release this week. “It was such a special Ryder Cup, one that will have a special place in history, and I don’t think anyone associated with that team will ever get tired of celebrating it.” The United States were 10-6 up going into the last day of the biennial event at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois in September but the Europeans staged a remarkable comeback to win by 14 1/2 points to 13 1/2. “I am delighted the British public will get the chance to see all of my Ryder Cup team in action at

Wentworth,” said Olazabal. “Medinah was an unforgettable experience for everyone who was there ... and the BMW PGA Championship is the perfect setting for the players to be reunited to show what they can do as individuals as opposed to the team environment.” McIlroy, Luke Donald, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Nicolas Colsaerts, Peter Hanson, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer, Francesco Molinari and Paul Lawrie will lead the chase for a record ﬁrst prize of 791,660 euros on the outskirts of London. Donald is seeking to emulate Colin Montgomerie’s record of three consecutive victories in the tournament. The European Tour’s ﬂagship event starts on May 23. American Ryder Cup golfers Dustin Johnson and Zach Johnson meanwhile have pulled out of the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea this week because of the political tension in the region.

“They have reached this decision following perceived unrest on the Korean peninsula,” the sponsors of the European Tour event said in a statement. There has been hostility in the region for weeks because of United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea for a nuclear test. On Sunday, a South Korean news agency reported that the North had moved short-range missile launchers to its east coast, apparently indicating it was pushing ahead with preparations for a test launch. World number seven Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa will be the highest-ranked player at the Ballantine’s event in Seoul starting tomorrow. Former U.S. PGA champion Yang Yong-eun of South Korea, 1999 British Open winner Paul Lawrie and former European Ryder Cup player Paul Casey will also be chasing victory in the tournament which carries a prize fund of 2.2 million euros.

TOP-TIER rugby nations will not play all of their 2015 World Cup pool matches on weekends in order to give smaller nations a more balanced programme, the International Rugby Board has said. “Yes, that does mean that,” IRB chief executive Brett Gosper told reporters in Wellington when asked if the top-tier nations like New Zealand, England and France would face a similar schedule as teams like Samoa, Fiji and Japan. “We think in the next World Cup schedule, that will be announced very soon in late April or early May, there is a very strong fairness in terms of the times of rest periods. “It will be the same for all teams. Far more equal. Completely equal,” he added. Second-tier nations have been forced to have a condensed schedule at previous World Cup tournaments, with broadcasters requiring the top-tier nations to play at the weekends, thus ensuring bumper television viewing figures. Japan were required to play all four of their Pool A games at the 2011 World Cup in 17 days. Hosts New Zealand and beaten finalists France, both in the same pool, had a week between each of their group games. The scheduling, however, created greater controversy for Samoa, who played Wales in Hamilton just four days after their first game of the tournament. Wales, by contrast, had a week to prepare and beat the Pacific Island side 1710. Samoa also played 2007 World Cup winners South Africa just five days after their match against Fiji, losing 13-5 to the Springboks and falling out of quarter-finals contention. Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu took to the social media network Twitter to vent his frustration at the scheduling, labelling it as “unjust” and akin to “apartheid” and “slavery”. Fuimaono-Sapolu later apologised for his outburst but stood by his assertion that the schedule was unfair. New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chief executive Steve Tew said his organisation was in full support of the schedule as the top-tier nations had requested a more equitable draw. “We asked for it after the last World Cup,” Tew said. “We thought it was unjust that the small unions play in a pinnacle event with a shorter rest period than we played our games.”

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport EUROPEAN HEAVYWEIGHTS READY TO RESUME RIVALRY AFTER GROUP STAGE BATTLES

Face off: 1997 Champions League winners Borussia Dortmund are back in the last four for the ﬁrst time in 15 years, while Real Madrid are desperate for a record-extending tenth European Cup

Dortmund and Real gear up for crunch semi-final clash By Karolos Grohmann AN injury scare to Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski is unlikely to derail unbeaten Borussia Dortmund’s focus ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid tonight as they bid for their first final spot since 1997. Poland international Lewandowski, who scored for a 12th consecutive league game in their 2-0 win against Mainz on Saturday, picked up a knock on his thigh but said he hoped to be fit in time for the match in Dortmund. “I felt some pain in the final minute (after a first-half knock) and hope it does not swell up,” he said after Dortmund secured their Champions League spot for next

season. “I hope there’s enough time until Wednesday.” Lewandowski is Dortmund’s most proliﬁc scorer in Europe this season with six goals and two assists in 10 games. “The game against Mainz was strange because we also kept thinking of the Madrid game. I want to score at least one goal every time I play and if I can achieve that against Madrid then even better.” For coach Juergen Klopp’s young team, which won consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, it is a career highlight, with the 1997 Champions League winners back in the last four for the ﬁrst time in 15 years. “This is the biggest game so far that my boys will have to play,” Klopp told reporters. The last time they reached

this stage - in 1998 - it was Real who eliminated them en route to the title. The nine-time European champions are no strangers to Dortmund this season either with the Germans beating them in Dortmund and Real escaping with a lastgasp 2-2 draw in Madrid in the group stage. With central defender Mats Hummels and Jakub Blaszczykowski gradually hitting top form after their injury breaks, Klopp has a full squad to choose from. “We are ready to give it everything we have against the biggest club in the world because if you reach the semiﬁnal then you obviously want to get into that ﬁnal,” Klopp said. Real’s 3-1 La Liga victory at home to Real Betis on Satur-

day came at a cost, with fullback Marcelo and midﬁelder Luka Modric picking up muscle injuries. Goalkeeper Diego Lopez and forward Karim Benzema complained of knocks but assistant coach Aitor Karanka said neither seemed serious. With right back Alvaro Arbeloa suspended, coach Jose Mourinho will have to shufﬂe his defence and is likely to switch Sergio Ramos over to replace his Spain team mate and bring France centre back Raphael Varane into the middle alongside Pepe. Still only 19, the pacy and athletic Varane, who was introduced to the club by former France and Real player Zinedine Zidane, has impressed with a series of mature performances this season, particularly against

Real’s arch-rivals Barcelona. “This is a key position, and you must bring some security, that’s very important,” Varane told the club website. “You must also communicate well and have a good sense of positioning. In this position you play a lot with your head, you have to think a lot, these are important skills to possess. “We have seen that Dortmund are a very good team. They have not reached the semi-ﬁnals by chance, we saw in the group phase that they have a quality squad. We will need to be strong and play very well. “It’s true that they are a team who switch into attack very fast, they love attacking. That is our game as well, so those are always nice games to follow.”

Juventus fined for racist abuse

AC Milan midﬁelder Kevin-Prince Boateng (right) has become a ﬁgurehead for the anti-racism movement

JUVENTUS have been fined 30,000 euros after a section of fans directed racist abuse at AC Milan players during Sunday night’s Serie A game. The Lega Serie A’s disciplinary committee has taken exception to chants directed at black members of the Milan team, including striker Mario Balotelli, who was not playing due to suspension. A statement published on legaseriea. it read: “A fine of 30,000 euros is issued to Juventus because fans, in the 26th minute of the first half, directed expressions of racial discrimination towards an opposition player. “In the second minute of the second half there were insulting chants directed at an opposition player not deployed on the field. “Finally, between the 38th and 41st minutes of the first half, a large banner was unfurled displaying outrageous content.” Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was one Milan player subjected to boos and catcalls from a section of Bianconeri supporters during his club’s 1-0 defeat at the Juventus

Stadium. The Ghanaian has become a figurehead for the anti-racism movement since he reacted to abuse at a friendly match at Pro Patria in January by kicking the ball into the stands and leading his team-mates off the pitch. Boateng has subsequently met with FIFA president Sepp Blatter to discuss changes to legislation while comparing racism in the modern game to malaria at a United Nations conference in Geneva. The 26-year-old was seen putting his finger to his lips in response to chanting as he warmed up in Turin before the stadium announcer intervened and asked offenders to stop. The Drughi, a hardcore Juventus fan group, had appealed for all in attendance to refrain from racist behaviour via their official website ahead of the match. Former Manchester City striker Balotelli, who served the last instalment of a twomatch ban on Sunday, has been the subject of racist abuse on multiple occasions since returning to Italy.

FIFA Twitter accounts hacked FIFA has confirmed that the Twitter accounts of president Sepp Blatter and the World Cup team were hacked this week, with a series of controversial messages left on both. The co-ordinated hacking affected the @SeppBlatter and the @FifaWorldCup accounts, with messages suggesting the decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar had been corrupted. While the @FifaWorldCup account carried tweets suggesting Blatter was to stand down following corruption charges, the @SeppBlatter account ‘responded’ with messages purporting to be Blatter defending himself. A FIFA statement said: “We can confirm that some of FIFA’s twitter accounts, including the account of the FIFA President and @ fifaworldcup, have been hacked. “We are looking at this issue at the moment. “In the meantime, to avoid any doubt, we kindly ask you to verify and check any statements that you see on a FIFA twitter account with the FIFA Media department (media@fifa.org).” A group called the Syrian Electronic Army claimed responsibility by signing off from both accounts. The hacking began with a message which read: “FIFA executives held a meeting regarding the decision to host the 2022 World Cup in #Qatar “It was decided that the president Sepp Blatter is to step down due to corruption charges.” A message on Blatter’s account then said: “So what if I took money from Qatari prince? I am the family’s bread earner.” One of FIFA’s leading advisers meanwhile revealed she has quit in protest at the governing body’s failure to implement reforms. Alexandra Wrage, a Canadian who is an expert on anti-corruption, confirmed to FIFA’s Independent Governance Committee (IGC) that she has resigned. Wrage told Press Association Sport: “It didn’t make sense to stay when none of our recommendations are going forward to the FIFA Congress next month. For me going to the Congress would just have been a vacation in Mauritius. “The IGC idea was FIFA’s idea but it has no means to compel them to adopt our recommendations so if they are not going to do so voluntarily I would much rather work with other organisations who are keen to do so. Wrage revealed last year a senior FIFA official who answered to Blatter had told her, in front of two witnesses, that having a woman at the head of the ethics committee was unacceptable. She said: “That was a brazen disregard for even the appearance of gender equality.”

CYPRUS MAIL Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Sport

Ferguson raises bar despite Man United’s shortcomings

Lambert optimistic for Premier League future

Sir Alex’s ability to tweak his team and tactics is unrivalled

By Martyn Ziegler

By Martyn Herman SIR Alex Ferguson says his current Manchester United model is a match for any of the previous editions that have rolled off the Old Trafford production line and should they win their last four games it would be hard to mount a case against him. After beating Aston Villa 3-0 on Monday to seal a recordextending 20th English title, the next target is to reach 96 points - one more than the Premier League points record set by Jose Mourinho’s ruthlessly efﬁcient Chelsea side in 2004-05. United have won 13 Premier League titles under Ferguson, who has now collected 49 club trophies in his long managerial career, and the 92 points they amassed in 199394 remains a club record, albeit over 42 games rather than the current 38. Since then, United have achieved 90-plus points only twice but Ferguson, always keen to raise the bar, will be disappointed if they do not break that barrier again this season to underline their dominance in what has been a below-par Premier League. After the freakishly close conclusion to last season when neighbours Manchester City took the title with virtually the last kick of the campaign, Ferguson has clearly revelled in restoring the balance of power. His side have been helped somewhat, however, by City’s mid-season wobble, Chelsea’s managerial merry-goround and another woefully slow start by former perennial challengers Arsenal. City boss Roberto Mancini refuses to acknowledge that United are better than his side and he is not alone in thinking that Ferguson’s claim is off the mark. “It’s not the reality of this championship,” the Italian said after his side’s 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday set up United’s crowning against Villa. “There is no gap. They are not better than us but they deserve to win the title.” Churlish maybe, but Mancini, who did admit United had “more attitude” than his team, has a point. While United have cantered to the title, scoring freely in the process, there have been

Party time: the Red Devils celebrate winning a record 13th Premier League title

EVRA POKES FUN AT SUAREZ OVER BITE Manchester United defender Patrice Evra some Liverpool fans calling on the FA to wasted no time in poking fun at Luis Suarez take action. for his latest misdemeanour, pretending to Suarez, who has apologised for biting chomp on a fake dismembered arm after Ivanovic, has been fined by Liverpool and his side clinched a 20th English title by was charged by the FA with violent conduct on Monday. beating Aston Villa on Monday. The day before, Liverpool’s Uruguay An independent commission will meet striker Suarez had bitten Chelsea defender today to discuss the case. Branislav Ivanovic during a 2-2 draw at Anfield - a moment of madness for which he faces a lengthy ban from the Football Association. Suarez has been widely condemned for the bite, the second such incident of his career, and he was getting no sympathy from Evra who was embroiled in a racism storm with the Uruguayan in 2011. Suarez was banned for eight games for calling Evra ‘negro’ and when they next met on a football field he added to the bad feeling by refusing to shake the Frenchman’s hand. Armless fun: Patrice Evra mocked Luis Evra’s stunt has already lit up Twitter, with Suarez at full time by biting into a fake arm times when they have looked creaky at the back, laboured in midfield and over-reliant on the goals of Dutchman Robin van Persie - a player Mancini tried desperately to tempt to City. Had he done so, sky blue ribbons would surely be attached to the Premier League trophy next month. Included in Van Persie’s 24 Premier League goals are numerous crucial late winners, including the 92nd-minute effort in the 3-2 victory over City at the Etihad Stadium in December. Wayne Rooney is the only other United player to reach double figures in the league this season - his 12 goals a poor return for the England striker whose future at Old Trafford has come under

scrutiny in recent weeks. Ferguson has shown great faith in young forward Danny Welbeck yet he remains far from the finished article and hardly in the same class as some of Ferguson’s former strikers such as Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, Teddy Sheringham or Dimitar Berbatov. Midfield anchorman Michael Carrick’s appearance in the shortlist for PFA Player of The Year has surprised some. The former Tottenham Hotspur player has scored one league goal this season and though always neat with his passing, has struggled to influence matches in the way Paul Scholes used to on a weekly basis. There has been a dearth of goals from midfield with wide

men Nani, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, hugely under-performing. Tellingly, Ryan Giggs, aged 39, is United’s joint fourthhighest scorer this season with ﬁve, underlining Ferguson’s debt to the golden boots of Van Persie. Ferguson will seek to address a lack of creativity in midﬁeld during the off-season, possibly with a bid for Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, and will also want to plug leaks in a defence which has already conceded 35 goals during this campaign. Injuries to players such as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have not helped while Chris Smalling, signed as Ferdinand’s eventual replacement, has yet to establish himself.

United have scored three or more goals in 15 league matches this season yet they have not played the swashbuckling, irresistible football seen when Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney were running riot or when David Beckham was supplying the ammunition for Cole, Yorke and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Yet despite his team’s apparent shortcomings, Ferguson has again proved the master at eking out results. His ability to tweak his team and tactics to cope with circumstances is unrivalled in English football and it is no coincidence that just when Van Persie’s goals began drying up, so the defence tightened up. With Ferdinand and Vidic back in tandem United have kept 10 clean sheets in the league since Christmas. Their points total suggests they have blown away their rivals; in reality they have ground them into submission.

‘After the freakishly close conclusion to last season, Ferguson has clearly revelled in restoring the balance of power’

PAUL Lambert says his relegation-threatened Aston Villa side can kickstart their survival struggle by beating Sunderland next week. Villa lost 3-0 at Manchester United on Monday night but Lambert insisted his players had been unlucky not to score - and had shown character to prevent United running up a huge score such as the 8-0 thrashing handed out by Chelsea in December. Lambert is now turning his focus to Sunderland’s visit on Monday to Villa Park with his side three points ahead of third-from-bottom Wigan but the Lancashire side have a game in hand. “Next Monday is a massive game for us,” he admitted. “We need to win and we know what we need to do. In football the most important thing is if it is in your own hands and you are not looking at everyone else’s results. “Sunderland are going well themselves but it is an opportunity for us. “We are at home. We know what we have to do and that’s a good thing.” Lambert claimed he had seen enough in his side’s performance against Manchester United to give him heart for the relegation run-in. Robin van Persie’s hat-trick came within the ﬁrst 33 minutes but after that Villa kept United out - and the Dutch striker even headed off the line from Andreas Weimann while Christian Benteke came close on a couple of occasions. Lambert added: “When the third goal went in I was thinking this could be a long, long night but I could not fault the players at all for the way they kept going. “The worrying thing was if we capitulated like what happened at Stamford Bridge, and whether psychologically the players who played there would be affected. “But credit to our players in the second half they came out and we had some really good chances. “We have proved that especially going forward we are a threat. “To keep playing the way they are, I couldn’t really fault them - they were up against one of the best teams in European football.”

Paul Lambert’s Villa side are ﬁghting to avoid relegation

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 CYPRUS MAIL

Sport

Hamilton says Mercedes ‘holding on by skin of our teeth’ 29

Dortmund and Real gear up for crunch clash 30

Bayern stun Barcelona with four-goal show Bayern Munich 4 Barcelona 0 By Brian Homewood BAYERN Munich’s incredible season continued when they handed Barcelona one of their heaviest defeats for years, hammering the Catalans 4-0 in the ﬁrst leg of their Champions League semi-ﬁnal last night. Thomas Mueller headed the recently-crowned Bundesliga champions ahead in

the 25th minute and Mario Gomez turned in the second goal amid suspicions of offside early in the second half. Arjen Robben added a third in the 73rd minute and Mueller then grabbed his second of the night as Barca collapsed dramatically in a game where Lionel Messi, returning from a hamstring injury, made little impact. Robben nearly put Bayern ahead in the third minute after a clever backheel by Javi Martinez gave him a clear scoring chance but he shot straight at keeper Victor Valdes.

Barca then put together some intricate passing moves although they rarely threatened to score and Bayern had the next chance when a goalbound Philipp Lahm shot was blocked by defender Gerard Pique. It was not long before Bayern, who won the Bundesliga with six games to spare, went ahead with the help of an overhit corner by Franck Ribery. His effort found Robben on the other side of the penalty area and a rare right-footed cross from the Dutchman found Dante whose header fell for Muel-

ler to stoop and score. Bayern extended their lead from another corner as Mueller at the back post headed back into the middle for Gomez to turn the ball in at close range after 49 minutes although he may have been fractionally offside. Robben exploited the Barca gaps when he burst down the right for the third and, with Barca still reeling, Mueller blasted a David Alaba pass into the net for the fourth goal. The rout equalled Barca’s worst ever defeat in European competition.

Bayern’s Thomas Mueller (centre) reacts with team-mates after scoring the fourth goal

Van Persie up there with United greats, says jubilant Ferguson Red Devils revel in record 20th English title

ESS than a year into his Manchester United career and Robin Van Persie has already guaranteed himself a place in the pantheon of greats to have worn the famous red jersey. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson lauded the Dutchman after his hat-trick in United’s title-clinching 3-0 win against Aston Villa on Monday night, saying the 29-year-old’s impact since his arrival from Arsenal was already comparable to the likes of Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Van Persie has scored 24 Premier League goals this season, one third of his team’s total, and it is hardly an over-statement to suggest that the title would probably have been retained by Manchester City with him in their attack. Ferguson has worked with some of the world’s best players in his 26-year reign at United, but Van Persie’s capture has arguably been his greatest transfer coup. “In terms of impact he has had as big an impact as anyone I can imagine,” Ferguson, who has won 13 Premier League titles for United, said after the club took its overall tally to 20. “Eric Cantona was an incredible impact player and I have been very, very lucky in that I have had some fantastic strikers right through, probably ten great strikers

Sealed in style: a memorable first-half hat-trick from Robin Van Persie blew away Aston Villa as Manchester United’s title win sparked wild celebrations at Old Trafford at the club. “I think we had an expectation of Robin because his performance last year for Arsenal was sensational. We saw him last year and knew he could gel into the way our team was, and he has never disappointed us.” Van Persie’s second goal on Monday, an unstoppable first-time volley as Wayne Rooney’s long pass dropped over his shoulder, made the £24 million United paid Arsenal seem like a bargain. “It was a marvellous hit, head down, over the ball, perfect timing - a magnificent strike,” Ferguson added.

“Of all the great goals we’ve scored over the years, from David Beckham through Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Eric Cantona, that goal has joined that. “He’s been unbelievable. His early form in the ﬁrst six months was fantastic. He had the spell where he didn’t score but he was unbelievable against Villa.” Van Persie is now favourite to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot award for the second successive season having scored 30 last year for Arsenal. Rio Ferdinand meanwhile savoured United’s 20th title and then taunted the club’s

two biggest rivals. The centre-half had both Manchester City and Liverpool in his sights after the win over Villa clinched the title with four games to spare. Last season City snatched the title from United’s grasp when Sergio Aguero hit an injury-time winner seconds after their Manchester rivals had concluded their own campaign. But Ferdinand says the way United have dominated the League this time means their title victory is more worthy than City’s achievement. “It’s always sweet when you win the title and it’s nice

to do it here, in the right way and in style, not on goal difference,” said Ferdinand. “We have won it outright and we have won it comfortably.” At the weekend, Ferguson talked of the challenge of trying to overtake Chelsea’s Premier League points record of 2005 when Jose Mourinho’s side ﬁnished on 95. United will achieve that if they win their last four games of the season against Arsenal (a), Chelsea (h), Swansea (h) and West Brom (a). On Monday night, though, Ferguson was happy enough to focus on what his team

have already achieved this term. He said: “It’s always special when you win it. What the players had to do is focus on how they lost the league last year and make no mistakes really. I’m delighted for all the players, for myself, the staff and the supporters. The focus of the team was good, they focused on the challenge of City and came up trumps.” Michael Carrick meanwhile has run out of words to describe the achievements of ‘legend’ Ryan Giggs. At 39, Giggs has now won an incredible 13 league titles. To put it into context, the veteran Welshman has now won as many as Arsenal have in their entire history. It is a quite phenomenal achievement, and Giggs is not ﬁnished yet given he has already signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at United beyond his 40th birthday. Carrick said: “I keep talking about him but what else is there left to say? “It is sensational that he is still able to do that after all this time. “It is not just physical, it is mental, having the drive and desire to do it every day. “Ryan is out there training every day. The standard he has set is unbelievable. “He is a legend. It is a throwaway comment too often. But he is the legend really. It is a pleasure to play with him and work with him every day.” FERGIE RAISES BAR DESPITE SHORTCOMINGS PAGE 31