Sunday Mail

TROIKA TALK

WINTER TRAVEL INSIDE

How the week that saw us pull back from brink of disaster panned out

The holiday options you should be looking at this season

Pages 22-23

Pages 6-7

www.cyprus-mail.com

November 25, 2012

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COFFEESHOP: THE SAVIOUR OF INSTITUTIONS THAT SCREW POOR PEOPLE PAGE 17 INSIDE Cyprus Futsal on equal footing with big brother 8

World Dallas star Larry Hagman dead at 81 11

Feature Pretty generous - the help models give to charity 19

Lifestyle Past 60 but not past it: older women who are style icons centre

Sport United add to QPR woes with 3-1 win 40

Hundreds of local families surviving on food handouts In Limassol help for 230

families, up from 25 a year ago 80 per cent of those requesting help are Cypriots Turkey dinners to be given out over Christmas holidays

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LTHOUGH hundreds of families in Cyprus are currently dependant on food packages given by the church and municipalities in the weeks and months to come more and more people will be unable to provide for their family, organisations have said.

In Nicosia alone, the church helps 1,397 families, while municipalities elsewhere in Cyprus provide regular food packages for hundreds more.

In Limassol there are 230 families, in Larnaca 150, and in Paphos 500.

“Cases that last year were considered urgent, aren’t considered so this year,” said the head of Limassol municipality’s social welfare department, Evie Tsolaki. She helps coordinate the community market providing packages for families from donated food, household and clothes items. The number of people asking for help keeps rising and they now have to turn away cases they would have considered urgent just a year ago, Tsolaki said. And the Limassol bishopric’s soup kitchen that has been around for six years says that requests for help have doubled this year.

And though in Limassol the soup kitchen serves 500 people daily, parish priests across Nicosia collectively help 1,397

families, and more keep coming. “The Palouriotissa parish, for example, began with 66 families and has reached 104 to date, while the St Spyridona parish started off with 92 and now totals 138 families,” said the archbishopric’s Father Ieronymos, who runs a food package programme.

Larnaca municipality, that has seen its community market programme almost quadruple in size in the eight months it has been around, has said it is impossible to help everyone. In March, the community market provided weekly food parcels to 40 families but last week it was giving basic food items to 150.

“We can’t give everyone food, and although we don’t want anyone to go hungry in Larnaca, there are strict guidelines that we must follow,” said councillor and head of the committee that runs the scheme, Elias Elia.

And in Paphos, where social welfare now helps 500 people with food support, officials are grinding their teeth in anticipation.

“This is a terrible situation and we are doing what we can to help, but I believe it will get worse before it gets better,” said the head of Paphos’ social welfare committee, Maria Zavrou.

FULL STORY PAGES 4-5

Palestinian school girls walk on the rubble of a building destroyed during last week’s Israeli bombardment as they make their way to their nearby school in Gaza City yesterday three days after a truce was declared between Israel and Hamas (AFP)

2 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

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TODAY: Unsettled with scattered showers. Temperatures will reach 21C inland, around 22C along the coasts and 12C over higher ground OUTLOOK: Generally fine from Monday until Wednesday with temperatures remaining steady

YESTERDAY

Nicosia Larnaca Limassol Paphos Paralimni Prodromos

max/min temp 21 - 11 22 - 12 22 - 13 22 - 12 21 - 13 12 - 5

Humidity 54% 52% 48% 58% 54% 70%

SUNRISE: 06.24 am

SUNSET: 16.39 pm

Cypriot products, unique,unusual gift ideas and plenty of entertainment are just some of the fair’s attractions

Largest ever festive fair comes to Limassol Organisers plan a real European Christmas experience

By Alexandra Anastassiades

Sunday Mail Established 1945. Number 21,389 NICOSIA 24 Vass. Voulgaroctonou, P.O. Box 21144, 1502 Nicosia Tel: 22-818585, Fax: 22-676385 email: mail@cyprus-mail.com LIMASSOL 5A Nicolaou, Pentadromos Centre, Thessaloniki St, Tel: 25-761117, Fax: 25-761141 email: cyprusmail@cytanet.com.cy LARNACA Tel: 24-652243, Fax: 24-659982 PAPHOS 62 Apostolou Pavlou Avenue, Office 2, 8046 Paphos, Tel: 26 911383 Fax : 26 221049 email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com

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CHRISTMAS festivities will have a European flavour this year, as the local Russian newspaper Vestnik Kipra and Yermasoyia municipality organise the biggest Christmas fair ever held on the island.

In many European countries, Christmas fairs are an integral part of the festive tradition. People come together in outdoor Christmas markets and celebrate the festive season as a community. Vestnik Kipra and Limassol’s Yermasoyia municipality have joined forces this year to bring the tradition to Cyprus.

The joint project is funded solely by private sponsors and participants and will be held over 19 days in the tourist area of Limassol, from December 14 until January 1. Entrance is free and many of the proceeds will go to local charities.

“I knew from the beginning that this will be a very challenging task,” Natalia Kardash, president of the organising committee and chief editor of Vestnik Kipra, told the Sunday Mail. “We have already organised many large-scale events in the past, such as the CyprusRussian Festival, but they were only for one day. The Christmas fair is a 19-day project that includes about 50 different events.”

The fair promises a variety of entertainment for the fair-goers. Participants can take part in a number of competitions, including a contest for the most fashionably decorated Christmas tree, the most originally built snowman and the most imaginative light installations, just to name a few. The voting includes a money box system, where visitors can

Organiser: Natalia Kardash

On show: Imaginative light display

donate money to their favourite entries.

The top three winners will keep the money as their prize, while the donations collected by the remaining entries will be donated to local charities.

Local talent will get the chance to be showcased through concerts and Christmas performances and a theatre group from St Petersburg will also be coming to perform their traditional interactive New Year plays for children.

Traditional Christmas stalls will exhibit and sell arts and crafts where visitors can buy unique, handmade Christmas presents. Cypriot products will also be on display. Local village producers will give visitors the chance to taste traditional Cypriot food and drinks and to buy handmade souvenirs from their area.

Feeling homesick or wish you were abroad during the holiday season? The

fair takes care of that too. Certain days will be dedicated to specific European countries such as Hungary, Austria, the Nordic countries, Russia, the Ukraine and Greece. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience their particular Christmas traditions, taste their local dishes and take part in a range of activities.

“Our aim is to create a true Christmas spirit in Cyprus. We have such good weather on the island that it’s a shame to not celebrate Christmas outside, like so many other European countries,” Kardash explains. “We want to include all communities and give people a fantastic Christmas experience combined with famous Cyprus hospitality.”

AUTO AIR PARK Secure Paphos Airport Parking-Operated 24/7, 365 days a year XMAS PRESENT OFFER Park for 3 days in December and get the next day FREE!! (excluding special monthly rates) SO DON’T DELAY, BOOK TODAY. INCLUDES MEET & GREET OPTION STILL THE CHEAPEST CHOICE WITH THE BEST SERVICE Ring us now on 97785663, email info@autoairpark.com Or book online at www.autoairpark.com

For more information on the fair, visit http://vkchristmas.com/

Family issues

Apartments hit

POLICE officers yesterday handed out leaflets and showed educational films while a theatre group performed an ‘intervention’ to highlight family violence issues.

The event at My Mall in Limassol took place in anticipation of today’s UN international day for the elimination of violence against women.

TWO apartments in the same building block were robbed on Friday night in Larnaca.

Burglars got away with a laptop worth €400, jewels and €200 in cash in one apartment and got another laptop and €400 in cash from the second apartment.

Early yesterday, a resident in a different Larnaca apartment reported his EU passport and laptop were gone.

3 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

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Police continue crackdown against illegal gambling AUTHORITIES across the island have been carrying out a number of campaigns this week to combat crime, tackle illegal immigration and enforce anti-gambling legislation, police said.

Police spokesman Andreas Angelides said the police would intensify anti-gambling campaigns during the Christmas holiday season when leisurely Cypriots like to

gamble.

“There is a specific roadmap and plan,” he said referring to efforts to enforce recent legislation rendering online gambling illegal.

Police searched eleven betting shops across the island on Friday night, confiscating computers, printers and cash.

Authorities arrested 17 people at a betting shop in Larnaca where

they were caught playing poker with money, and everyone present, whose ages ranged from 23 to 50, were charged, an announcement said.

Police confiscated €3,901 in cash, two tables, playing cards and tokens.

The 23-year-old betting shop supervisor was also charged for taking football bets without a licence.

As of July 2012, police have

checked 85 places, confiscated about €19,000 and 100 computers, 65 printers and charged 103 people, police said.

Between December 10 this year and January 13 next year, police will follow leads checking premises where gambling is thought to take place, Angelides said.

This includes homes and traditional cofeeshops and clubs.

Cyprus alone in spending all of allocated EU funds €54 million given used on waste treatment plant and road works in Limassol

By Poly Pantelides CYPRUS alone among all qualifying countries has managed to spend all the money paid by the EU cohesion funds, using about €54 million to fund big projects, the planning bureau said this week.

The planning bureau, a governmental body responsible for promoting and coordinating economic growth, said that Cyprus was the “most effective” country in absorbing the cohesion funds available to it in 2011 as part of works approved in the 2000-2006 period.

Cyprus used its €54 million plus to complete two projects: the Koshi waste management plant and major road works in the junctions of Ayios Athanasios and Yermasoyia in Limassol.

The Koshi plant includes a range of modern facilities for the treatment of biodegradable loads, a residual waste landfill, an administration building all the necessary ancillary facilities.

The planning bureau did not release information about works approved for the 2007-2013 period because the relevant EU regulation “does not ask for the submission of an annual report,” an announcement said. The planning bureau could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Sixteen member states – among them Greece, Ireland, Slovenia and Hungary – collectively had 1,192 projects approved with most – 808 – concerning the environment. A total of 271 approved works concerned transport and 109 were technical, the planning bureau said. A remaining four projects were classified as “mixed”.

In total, projects were valued at €32.2 billion, although countries managed to absorb €27.9 billion or 86.8 per cent of available funds.

Ireland was the second most effective country in absorbing funds, spending 94.5 per cent or almost €5.4 billion out of the available €5.7 billion.

The least effective country was Hungary that spent 76.4 per cent of the funds allocated to it. Hungary spent about €1.1 billion but had available just under €1.5 billion.

Spain had by far the biggest amount to spend with roughly €11.7 billion allocated to it, though it spent about €10.4 billion or 88.9 per cent of that. At €8.3 billion, Lithuania had the second biggest amount to spend, of which it absorbed €7.1 billion or 86.4 per cent.

Cyprus, a small country, had the second smallest amount allocated to it after Malta, an even smaller country that was given €21.9 million to spend absorbing €17.5 million or 80 per cent.

CYPRUS TODAY DISY pledge PRESIDENTIAL candidate Nicos Anastasiades said yesterday he will respect the will of the people in regards to the Cyprus problem if he is elected.

He was addressing the central committee of DIKO, which is supporting his candidacy.

The DISY leader assured DIKO members who were against the Annan plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem that even though he stood in favour of the plan, he fully respected the result and was bound by the choice of the Greek Cypriot people, most of whom voted against the plan.

Unions ire WORKERS are not under obligation to commit to possible plans that will harm social cohesion and collective agreements, one union said yesterday.

Representing civil servants and employees and semi-governmental organisations, SIDIKEK-PEO said that even though a global crisis had hurt Cyprus’ economy, it was not actually necessary to ask for an EU bailout.

Cyprus’ lenders are trying to impose non-acceptable terms and austerity measures as they have in other countries, the union said.

The waste treatment plant in Koshi, which was partially funded by the EU’s Cohesion fund, one of two projects on the island that secured monies from it

FOIE GRAS de STRASBOURG We proudly announce the arrival of the world famous GEORGES BRUCK FOIE GRAS de STRASBOURG (Goose and Duck) for the connoisseurs of fine foods.Available exclusively at our Showroom Shops: LAMBIS G. CONSTANTINIDES Ltd, 7 Andreas Avraamides Str., Tel: 22514489, Strovolos, and SAINT HONORE Shop, Kermia Bldg, 4C Diagoras Str., Nicosia.

The Cyprus Association for PersonCentered Psychotherapy and Counselling (Website: http://www.capcpc.org), announces that it has become a member of: • the World Association for Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counselling.

• the Network of the European Associations for Person-Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counselling (PCE Europe) who have awarded the Cyprus Association for Person-Centered Psychotherapy and Counselling the European Certificate as Training Organisation for PersonCentred and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counselling.

4 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

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Did we ever think it would The figures speak for themselves. In Nicosia 1,397 families are now receiving regular food packages to keep food on the table. In Limassol it’s 230, Larnaca 150, and in Paphos it is 500. And these are just the figures from the bigger food programmes run by municipalities and the church.

Every single one of these organisations expects those numbers to rise rapidly in the coming months, troika bailout or not

Limassol: ‘There are families on no income at all’

By Alexandra Anastassiades THE church-run soup kitchen and the Limassol municipality’s community market are playing an increasingly important role in the town as more and more crisisstricken families fall under the poverty line.

The community market is an initiative of the Limassol municipality that collects donated dried and canned food, household items and clothes and prepares them into packages to be given to families in need. In the 12 months it has been operating, the number of families requesting assistance has jumped from 25 to 230.

“Cases that last year were considered urgent, aren’t considered so this year,” head of Limassol municipality’s social welfare department, Evie Tsolaki, told the Sunday Mail.

“For example, the other day a mother of three who was on a salary of 800 euros a month, came and asked us for help. Although this would have been considered an urgent case last year, there are far worse cases now with families that receive no income at all requesting help.”

She said the department receives around 40 requests every week and the number keeps on rising.

“Although it is an initiative of the municipality, the community market operates on a voluntary basis and heavily relies on the volunteers’ help.”

Families requesting assistance are asked to fill in an application at the market’s premises in Ayios Ioannis on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-12pm, and submit evidence of their income and expenses.

Urgent cases are given priority and are often given a few items when they come to submit their application to help them get by.

The packages consist of dry foods such as pasta and rice, canned goods, cereal, fresh milk and even clothes, shoes and games. Children may receive extra powdered milk and both children and elderly people are regularly given extra diapers.

“All of the products are donated, either from supermarkets, suppliers or the public through events that we organise,” Tsolaki explains.

The Limassol bishopric’s soup kitchen has been around for six years and offers daily lunch to people in need. The effects of the economic crisis have driven more and more people to the soup kitchen with the number doubling from last year.

In this case, individuals must

The community market in Limassol with shelves piled with staples which will be packed into boxes and distributed (above). Paphos mayor Savvas Vergas is shown round a similar operaton by volunteers (below)

An elderly lady in Nicosia searching through a dumpster

present a recommendation from a specific bishopric department that helps the needy, in order to be eligible for food.

“We have seen a sharp increase in people requesting help. The number has doubled in the past year,” said Limassol bishopric’s Stavros Olympiou.

“We serve over 500 portions of food a day, with people either eating at the premises or collecting the food as take away to be eaten for lunch or for dinner. We also pack 1,100 sandwiches and juice boxes a day to be given to students in need in schools all around Limassol.”

Paphos: ‘It will get worse next year’

By Bejay Browne CLOSE to five hundred families in Paphos are in urgent need of regular help to keep food on their tables, municipal officials said

this week.

A municipality social welfare committee programme to help needy families started in April with 150 families receiving some sort of food support. That number has now grown to 500 with officials expecting figures to increase rapidly.

“As the economic crisis takes its toll, more and more people are losing their jobs and there is an increasing growing number who have no money for food. This is a terrible situation and we are doing what we can to help, but I believe it will get worse before it gets better,” Maria Zavrou, the president of the Paphos social welfare committee, told the Sunday Mail Eighty per cent of those requesting help are Cypriots, a statistic that Zavrou finds particularly poignant.

“Cypriots are proud and the Cyprus family is a very strong bond.

Family members usually help each other out when in need. But now we have come to the point where they are not in a position to help anymore,” she said.

She said no-one is turned away, but families have to provide the correct paperwork to ensure that

the correct people are being offered help.

The Paphos food programme is also co-operating with the state social services, which are passing on families who do not fulfill their criteria for help.

“There are some needy people who might not qualify for social service help, so they pass them on to us,” Zavrou said. ”Along with the social services, Paphos municipality, volunteer organisations and other associations, we have created a kind of network so that we are able to help people who really need it.”

Most of the needy in Paphos are young families, but the elderly are being given food parcels as well.

Large families with three or four children are given a basic package plus extra food and some are receiving help on a weekly basis.

The items are collected throughout the week from donations and food bought by the Paphos municipality; they are taken to the food support centre and put onto shelves. They are then packaged up into food parcels by the social welfare and volunteers and are handed out at lunchtime every Friday.

A basic food parcel includes necessary staples such as sugar, flour, long life milk, pasta, rice, pulses, cooking oil and coffee.

“We also give any other items we may have collected, including tinned goods. If there are children in the family they are also given products such as cornflakes and cookies,” Zavrou said.

A basic package costs about 3540 euros and around 65 families receive weekly help with the rest being given parcels either once or

twice a month.

With Christmas looming, a major collection drive is underway at all major supermarkets in Paphos.

Paphos municipality is purchasing 500 chickens to be given to the families for the festive season.

Zavrou said although there is wide-spread support for the programme, the municipality is trying to get more people involved to meet the demand for help.

“We now have a programme to involve school children as well. They will help us at the supermarkets and parents are being encouraged to bring products to schools which will then be passed on to us.”

Zavrou fears that next year will be worse.

“We will see the cuts in salaries and banks pushing for loans to be repaid. Homes may be repossessed as well,” she said. “Next year, we may have to have a soup kitchen which will provide hot meals for those without food.”

Larnaca: ‘We can’t give everyone food’

By Peter Stevenson WHEN the Larnaca municipalityrun community market opened in March to provide weekly food parcels to families in need, it helped 40 families. By last week it was giving basic food items to 150.

Each week more and more applications are made to the committee made up of three municipal councillors from the social welfare

5 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

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happen here? office who have the unenviable task of reviewing each case and deciding which individuals or families need help.

Every week they review 30 cases, looking at how many members are in each family, what income they receive, if they are unemployed and if they receive any benefits from the government. This criteria needs to be documented and it is the responsibility of each family to have any paperwork confirmed by their community leader.

Not all cases are approved by the committee as they may be deemed to receive enough benefit, although each case is reviewed differently. Larnaca’s committee is following the model set by Limassol municipality, which started the first community market.

“We can’t give everyone food, and although we don’t want to see anyone hungry in Larnaca, there are strict guidelines that we must follow,” said councillor and head of the committee Elias Elia.

Every Thursday Larnaca council members collect food from different businesses, ranging from bakers and delicatessen meat suppliers to paediatricians. Members of the public also donate.

Eligible families and individuals go on a Friday to the market to collect food which is placed in bags.

The value of the donations ranges from €20 to €30 depending on what donations the council has received that week. The bags contain different dry and canned foods such as pasta, rice, tinned tomatoes and also seasonal fruit and vegetables.

All of the collected food is donated by local businesses and the public.

“Even though the crisis is worsening, the donations are increasing,” said a volunteer from the market who wished to remain nameless.

The council also plans to start collecting clothing as part of the aid it gives families in need.

“There is a need to collect as many things as possible to give a meaningful donation to the families who truly need it, sending a message of support and help,” Larnaca Mayor Andreas Louroutziatis said this week.

Larnaca municipality will also be handing out turkey dinners, soft drinks and Christmas cakes on New Year’s day for those families that qualify for assistance.

Nicosia: church leads the way

By Christos Theodorides IN NICOSIA it is the church which has taken the responsibility for spearheading a system for providing food packages to families in need.

The church, under the direct initiative of Archbishop Chrysostomos II, opened a food market on May 21 this year where families that are in immediate need can receive food.

It is down to the parish priests,

who have direct contact with their flock, to evaluate the needs of their communities and keep the archbishopric updated by sending in lists of Cypriot families who need help.

In May, the number of families that received help was 515. It is now 1,397, according to the archbishopric’s Father Ieronymos who is in charge of the programme.

He estimates that by Christmas that figure could reach 2,500. The size of each family receiving help can be anywhere between one and eight members.

“The Pallouriotissa parish, for example, began with 66 families and has reached 104 to date, whilst the St Spyridona parish started off with 92 and now totals 138 families,” said Father Ieronymos.

To begin with, providing food cost between €21,000 and €27,500 a month. This has now risen to €40,000 with the amount expected to rise sharply in 2013. Most of the money is donated by the church with the rest coming from dona-

A volunteer packs up a box ready for the Friday hand out at the archbishopric. Left: a standard box of food for distribution

tions made by private businessmen or from different fundraisers which the church has organised.

The church purchases the goods directly from the suppliers at wholesale prices, handing them out in packs, once a month. These packs contain 18 different goods, including cereal, pulses, pasta, tomato concentrate, tuna and processed meat and fresh.

Help is also given to Cypriots living in Greece.

“There is currently a market operating in Athens, at Athens

Cypria Hotel, where rooms have been made available to give out packs of food to help the 197 Cypriot families that are living in Athens,” Father Ieronymos said.

There is also a market in Kallithea and Daphni for the parishioners of those areas.

Although Nicosia municipality has not yet followed the example of other municipalities in providing food packages to struggling families, sources at Nicosia town hall said this week they plan to start a similar project soon.

6 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

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Operation bailout: dramatic At the eleventh hour checkmate move from Demetriades and Shiarly plus pressure from Anastasiades averts collapse YPRUS has been saved from bankruptcy at what was literally the eleventh hour following a saga starting last weekend and culminating on Thursday noon.

The slide down the slippery slope leading to the abyss was stopped with a rushed statement from President Demetris Christofias on Thursday when he announced “we are very close” to an agreement with the troika.

Christofias’ statement defused a time bomb, just a breath short of the explosion, saving the financial sector from meltdown. Those who took it upon themselves to prevent the disaster had a very hard time getting Christofias to lift his objections to a bailout.

The banking sector’s woes combined with the endemic problems of public finances have been dominating public debate and the news for two years now.

Regardless of how things came to this point and who was to blame, there was only one cure - appealing to the European support mechanism and signing a memorandum for financial assistance that would prop up the banks and fund the state, which was excluded from international markets. The Cyprus government stubbornly refused to accept this reality and exhausted all existing possibilities over securing loans so that it could hand over the problem to the next government.

The government’s procrastination and, to a large extent, its refusal to tackle the problems created new problems –

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it destroyed its trustworthiness and fuelled uncertainty.

The recession worsened and in conjunction with the lack of political will to tackle it, the economy was driven to an even deeper recession.

But the government, according to what the president had said on November 14, was primarily concerned with securing a bailout with the right content. “The content of an agreement to salvage the Cyprus economy is a more important variable than the time factor,” he said.

His statement demonstrated that the government was not aware of the critical importance of the time factor reinforcing the widely-held view that the president had lost touch with reality.

AKEL’s stance on a “memorandum with the right content” was also adopted by the party’s presidential candidate, Stavros Malas. In fact, Malas’ team launched a campaign to convince the public that it would be better to get by without a memorandum until not only after the presidential elections but the following summer!

On November 16 AKEL assured the public on TV discussion programmes that based on EU contacts, they had established that Germany was not willing to approve a bailout package before the elections so we would have to find money to get by until conditions in Europe were right.

Those who were aware of the gravity of the situation and were not bound by AKEL’s central committee decisions – finance minister Vassos Shiarly and Central Bank Gov-

Breaking point: Nicos Anastasiades (left) and President Christofias at the Wednesday night meeting. Left: central bank governor Panicos Demetriades

ernor Panicos Demetriades – took it upon themselves to wake the party from its slumber.

At the same time, they sought and secured the support of opposition leader Ni-

cos Anastasiades of DISY. While AKEL representatives were creating an anti-bailout climate, Anastasiades penned (November 16) a stern letter to Christofias, calling on him to assume his responsibilities and warning him that if he allowed the economy to collapse he would not be just politically responsible, but could also face charges of criminal negligence. DISY was aware of a European Central Bank (ECB) decision to turn off the taps of emergency liquidity assistance to Cyprus banks if no memorandum was agreed

by January 20. The prospect was frightening.

On November 16 Demetriades asked to meet Anastasiades and informed him that everything was hanging by a string. Demetriades told the opposition chief that because the capitalisation needs of the banking sector were unclear and the sector was at breaking point, the only remedy was the immediate sign-

FUNERAL Of our beloved sister and aunt

ARMEN EKIZLERIAN From Larnaca who passed away yesterday, Saturday 24th November 2012 at the age of 81.

The funeral will take place at 2.30 p.m. Sunday 25 November 2012 at the Armenian Church St Stephanos in Larnaca we invite all who honour her memory to attend the funeral The family will accept condolences in the church from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The bereaved: Sister: Soultana Kakoula and Krikor Ekizlerian Nephews: Evridiki Timini, Georgos Kakoula, Lucy Yam Houri, Maria Ekizlerian and Roupen Ekizlerian Donations may be made to The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society

ing of a deal with the troika.

Without an agreement the banks would not stay afloat for longer than a few weeks; he could not rule out the possibility of a turn for the worst within days.

Anastasiades showed Demetriades a copy of the letter he sent Christofias and an accompanying letter addressed to Demetriades himself, rendering him also responsible for the precarious situation of the economy. Anastasiades and Demetriades agreed to inform the press that signing a memorandum was a matter of the utmost urgency. Demetriades also informed Christofias of the ECB decision in writing, arguing that troika’s representatives should not leave Cyprus without an agreement.

On November 17 discussions between the troika and the government’s negotiating team collapsed.

Meanwhile the anti-bailout campaigning by AKEL and the government was at it height. They kept leaking scare stories about troika wanting “to get its hands on our natural gas”, undermine our state sovereignty and destroy our pension system.

Commerce minister Neoclis Sylikiotis raised the ante by clashing with the troika’s representatives and the finance ministry’s technocrats during talks.

Despite the negotiations’ confidentiality, government members leaked even the exchanges with troika members, cultivating negative perceptions about their intentions. The troika decided to wrap up negotiations and leave Cyprus. The head of the troika mission in Cyprus Maarten Verwey got in touch with the EU Commissioner for economic and monetary affairs Olli Rehn who advised against this, instructing the troika to stay on for a few days more.

Last Saturday, Politis newspaper reported that the ECB had set a deadline for liquidity assistance to Cypriot banks, which rang alarm bells at the Central Bank. This news could have sparked a bank

run if there was no agreement

by Monday morning when the banks opened.

Already throughout the previous week, people were withdrawing deposits from the Laiki Bank, if the panic spread there would be withdrawals from all banks and it would be impossible to control the situation.

At that critical juncture, the Governor and Shiarly took over and sealed a deal for the banking sector with the troika on Sunday. The deal was announced on Sunday night and came as a big surprise to everyone. It acted as a spoiler to AKEL’s plans of avoiding the signing of bailout on the grounds that the troika was making unreasonable demands and a deal was impossible. The announcement of the banking sector agreement boosted confidence and created the impression that a deal could be reached on all issues.

Monday started optimistically with the government spokesman saluting the agreement on the banks.

But by evening the situation came unstuck again with the government carrying on leaking negative information aimed at creating a picture of a talks’ collapse.

The government was split.

On the one side were Shiarly and finance ministry technocrats and on the other were the AKEL central committee members, headed by Sylikiotis who carried on their misinformation tactics, telling the media that they were resisting foreign plans to take control of our natural gas.

Negotiations continued on Tuesday when either an agreement or a collapse was expected. On Tuesday night Christofias attended the opening ceremony for a new building in Psevdas, during which he repeated his red lines but left a ray of hope for an agreement and consensus among the parties.

“I am sure that when push comes to shove, instead of each one of us dealing with the other on the basis of expediencies we will have to come together and see how

7 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Home

scenes played out backstage we can face the island’s huge problems. It is a national imperative,” Christofias said.

Wednesday was the most important day. It was most certainly troika’s last day in Cyprus and all eyes were on the party leaders meeting at the presidential palace.

Christofias called the leaders to update them and ask their views. According to presidential palace sources, Christofias was overwhelmed with fear of having to face another Mari (the blast that killed 13 people and knocked out the island’s main electricity station in the summer of 2011), this time with regard to the economy. His plan was to get the party leaders to push for a signing of a bailout so he could agree with them, under protest. Anastasiades went in with his own strategy: let the government tell the opposition what it wants. The DISY leader read out a new letter to the president asking him to state in writing what his position was on the economy and how he planned to manage it. The rest of the leaders backed Anastasiades’ proposal which angered Christofias, who lost his temper and said he would not sign a bailout; he also showed his irritation with Shiarly and Demetriades. During the meeting, Shiarly said if troika left there was a risk it would not come back and he was not in a position to know whether negotiations would carry on.

The disagreements and squabbling were widely reported, causing confusion and more uncertainty.

Once calm prevailed at the palace, the decision was taken to overturn the climate by announcing that negotiations with the troika would carry on. After meetings of several hours, counter-proposals were prepared by the government in an effort to sugarcoat the pill. On Wednesday evening the drama moved to the Hilton hotel where Shiarly, government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou and undersecretary to the president Titos Christofides hosted a dinner for the troika big-wigs in order to agree the remaining issues. Sylikiotis was not invited.

At about midnight they informed Christofias, who was in Brussels, they achieved the best possible outcome at the negotiations. Christofias once again postponed making a decision until the following day, hoping he would get political support from Brussels for his refusal to agree to a bailout.

He found none.

On Thursday morning the market reacted to the previous day’s shambolic meeting and the troika’s departure.

Substantial deposits started being withdrawn from Laiki from early morning. The Central Bank Governor, who was attending an ECB board meeting, was informed.

Demetriades got on the

Tough talk: Anastasiades speaking to the press on Thursday and (right) finance minister Vasos Shiarly

phone to Anastasiades to tell him that signing a bailout was imperative to stop the bleeding. Anastasiades had already announced a news conference to release the letters he had sent to Christofias to pressure him into taking a decision.

Demetriades also got in touch with Christofias in Brussels and told him that

big funds were being withdrawn from Laiki and only an announcement that a memorandum was agreed would stop this. If this did not happen immediately, the rest of the banks would come under the same pressure and the economy would collapse, warned Demetriades. Finding no sympathy in Brussels, Christofias finally made up

his mind to say ‘yes’ to the bailout proposal. He issued an announcement saying we “were very close” to an agreement with the troika.

His statement calmed things down. Anastasiades did not release the correspondence and in the afternoon parliament approved an additional €3 billion in state guarantees for the banks. On Thursday

evening the government announced that an agreement was reached with troika.

On Friday the markets calmed down, the deposit withdrawals from Laiki stopped and the situation was stabilised.

Following the announcements, the signing of a bailout is a formality. Cyprus may be given a hard time when the Euro group has to approve the deal and national parliaments, the approval of which is also needed, may impose additional terms, but the process is now out of the government’s hands; whatever form the bailout finally takes, it will be obliged to accept.

The most important thing is that the recapitalisation of the banks would go ahead, public confidence would be restored and there would be no danger of the liquidity taps being turned off. The threat of collapse has been seen off.

Former president of the republic George Vasiliou, who was in favour of the memorandum from the outset, said the danger is behind us. “The banking system was just a breath away from collapse but is now considered safe.

The banks’ problems will be permanently resolved with their recapitalisation after the memorandum is signed, but the announcement for an initial agreement has unblocked the cash flow system and there is no more reason to worry,” he said.

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8 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Home

Futsal joins its big brother

By Peter Stevenson

T

HINK futsal, or five-a-side football, and the picture that comes to mind is either of teenage boys or of middle-aged men huffing, puffing and swearing their way through a weekly game in a desperate attempt to lose weight or relive their youthful dreams of footballing glory.

So it may come as a surprise to learn that for an increasing number of players, futsal has become a paid profession and that the top teams now pay foreign players to live in Cyprus and play in the leagues.

Professional futsal has become such a popular spectator sport that the top teams even have their share of fire-cracker and stone-throwing hooligans more usually associated with futsal’s big brother, football.

A futsal league that had been quietly developing over the years has been transformed by the entrance of the local football giants.

Omonoia Nicosia were the first to enter the world of futsal three years ago, quickly followed by AEK, AEL and Enosis Neon Paralimniou. And then this year came the icing on the cake: Omonoia’s arch rivals - APOEL and Anorthosis - have also entered the futsal fray.

Anorthosis decided to take the long route by entering their team in the lowest division and building up, while APOEL, after months negotiating with different teams, decided to take a ‘shortcut’ and co-operate with an already existing team in the first division.

The entry of the big guys has added to the challenges of the league.

“This year the league is a lot more enjoyable than in previous seasons,” says APOEL player and England international Robert Ursell.

Regulations state that teams are allowed to field three foreign players in any game and are permitted to have four on their squad list during the season. These players come from a range of countries including, Brazil, Latvia, Moldova, Georgia and England.

Although the money these players receive cannot begin to be compared to the money professional footballers receive in most countries, they live quite comfortably, often more comfortably than if they had remained in their home countries. Wages vary from anywhere between €600 and €1000 a month but players also receive at least one meal a day and a rent-paid flat to live in. Omonoia and Ararat have both provided cars for their players and Parnassos have

Five-a-side football is no longer associated only with teenagers and middle-aged men

Stadiums are filling up this year with increasing numbers of rivalries. Right: action from Omonoia vs Ararat earlier this season (Viktoria Drangai) found jobs for their foreign players to supplement their salaries.

“Here all the teams have internationals and this year all but one team have foreign players making each game very unpredictable for the first time in Cyprus,” says Ursell.

Although the wage bill is comparatively low, clubs don’t receive much money back as the majority of them do not charge entrance to watch matches. The football association allow teams to charge €5 for entrance if they want to and some clubs have issued €50 season tickets in an attempt to bring in funds although they usually have to rely heavily on the charitable nature of their sponsors. These sponsors range from banks (for SPE Strovolou), private organisations (for Ararat), private businesses (for Par-

nassos) or other sponsors.

Of course some teams receive virtually no sponsorship and cannot pay any of their players.

This mainly applies to teams in the lower regions of the first division and most teams in the second and third.

Futsal’s growing popularity has been reflected in the media coverage. LTV has televised the cup final for some time, but this year for the first time, a regular league match was televised live, albeit by private channel Cyprus Sports.

Not surprisingly, the televised game was between Nicosia rivals, APOEL and Omonoia. It was an exciting

first airing, ending 3-3, with APOEL equalising with seven seconds left on the clock.

Inevitably, fan violence reared its head when an APOEL fan threw a rock at the Omonoia players, striking the goalkeeper in the face ensuring the game was delayed for almost half an hour while he received medical attention.

The general consensus of those involved in professional futsal in Cyprus is to view the increase in spec-

tators and media attention as a huge positive, but the main worry is the escalation of incidents such as the one during the APOEL-Omonoia match.

Prior to Omonoia’s rise three seasons ago, the two most famous Cyprus futsal teams were Ararat and Parnassos.

Ararat have existed since 1999 and are by far the most successful team in Cyprus, winning seven league titles, six cups and reaching the Elite Round of 16 in Europe two years ago. As their name suggests they are an Armenian club and they get most of their funding from the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in New York. Although the team fields mostly local players, it also began the season with three Brazilians.

Parnassos have been around for just as long but have only managed two league titles and one cup, always providing Ararat with the sternest opposition.

Most sports in Cyprus see clubs changing coaches every season or even after a bad defeat and futsal doesn’t differ that much, although over the last few seasons there has been a gradual shift to younger coaches.

“I thought being coach was going to be easier than it actually was,” said Omonia’s Koullis Mavroudis, 34.

“From the first day that I took over I promised myself I was going to work hard and prove to myself and the people in charge that I could be successful.”

Mavroudis had a tough act to follow last season, following in the footsteps of Karol Costanian who had won the double the previous season. He succeeded despite having his doubters, breaking world futsal records for least amount of goals conceded on the way to winning the double himself.

“I didn’t succeed on my own. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my players and to the committee for showing their faith in me,” he said.

Peter Stevenson currently plays in the second tier of Cyprus futsal with Elpida Astromeriti. He has played for Cyprus College and Ararat, winning the double and reaching the last 16 of Europe with the latter. He also served as assistant coach of Ararat last season

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9 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

World

Egypt rifts exposed

By Tom Perry

Protesters run for cover, suffering from tear gas inhalation from canisters fired by Egyptian police in Tahrir square

YOUTHS clashed with police in Cairo yesterday as protests at new powers assumed by President Mohamed Mursi stretched into a second day, confronting Egypt with a crisis that has exposed the split between newly empowered Islamists and their opponents.

A handful of hardcore activists hurling rocks battled riot police in the streets near Tahrir Square, where several thousand protesters massed on Friday to demonstrate against a decree that has rallied opposition ranks against Mursi.

Following a day of violence in Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said and Suez, the smell of teargas hung over the square, the heart of the uprising that swept Hosni Mubarak from power in February 2011.

More than 300 people were injured on Friday. Offices of the Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled Mursi to power, were attacked in at least three cities.

Crisis over president’s new powers rallies opposition Egypt’s highest judicial authority said the decree marked an “unprecedented attack” on the independence of the judiciary, the state news agency reported.

Leftist, liberal and socialist parties have called for an open-ended sit-in with the aim of “toppling” the decree which has also drawn statements of concern from the United States and the European Union. A few dozen activists manning makeshift barricades kept traffic out of the square yesterday.

Calling the decree “fascist and despotic”, Mursi’s critics called for a big protest on Tuesday against a move they say has revealed the autocratic impulses of a man jailed by Mubarak, who outlawed Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood.

“We are facing a historic mo-

ment in which we either complete our revolution or we abandon it to become prey for a group that has put its narrow party interests above the national interest,” the liberal Dustour Party said in a statement.

Issued late on Thursday, the decree marks an effort by the Mursi administration to consolidate its influence after it successfully sidelined Mubarak-era generals in August.

The decree reflects the Muslim Brotherhood’s suspicion towards sections of a judiciary unreformed from Mubarak’s days: it guards from judicial review decisions taken by Mursi until a new parliament is elected in a vote expected early next year.

It also shields the assembly writing Egypt’s new constitution from a raft of legal chal-

lenges that have threatened the Islamist-dominated assembly with dissolution.

The Mursi administration has defended the decree on the grounds that it aims to speed up a protracted transition from Mubarak’s rule to a new system of democratic government.

“It aims to sideline Mursi’s enemies in the judiciary and ultimately to impose and head off any legal challenges to the constitution,” said Elijah Zarwan, a fellow with The European Council on Foreign Relations.

The drafting of Egypt’s constitution has been plagued by divisions between Islamists and their more secular-minded opponents, nearly all of whom have withdrawn from the body writing the document.

Mursi’s new powers allowed him to replace the prosecutor general - a Mubarak holdover who the new president tried to replace in October, only to kick up a storm of protest from the judiciary, which said he had exceeded his authorities.

Arafat’s remains to be exhumed THE body of the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will be exhumed on Tuesday, eight years after his death, in an investigation to establish if he was murdered, a Palestinian official said yesterday.

A French court opened a murder inquiry in August into Arafat’s death in Paris after a Swiss institute said it had discovered high levels of radioactive polonium on his clothing, which was supplied by his widow, Suha.

Tawfiq al-Tirawi, in charge of the Palestinian committee overseeing the investigation, told reporters in Ramallah yesterday “it is a painful necessity” to exhume the body of Arafat, who came to symbolise the Palestinian quest for statehood throughout decades of war and peace with Israel.

Tirawi said the Palestinians had “evidence which

Some Gaza restrictions said eased ISRAEL eased restrictions on Gaza fishermen yesterday, further implementing a three-day-old truce brokered by Egypt after a week of fierce fighting, Palestinian officials said.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children headed back to school for the first time in 10 days, in another indication normal life was returning after cross-border violence in which 166 Palestinians and six Israelis were killed.

A statement from the office of Hamas Islamist Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Egypt had notified them that “Israel has allowed Palestinian fishermen to fish in Gaza’s waters at a distance of six miles, up from three miles”.

A text of the truce deal agreed on Wednesday calls on Israel to ease curbs on the enclave, which it has blockaded since Hamas took power there in 2007.

Arafat’s demise has long raised allegations of murder suggests Arafat was assassinated by Israelis”. Israel denies any involvement.

The exhumation and renewed allegations of Israeli involvement could stir further tension between the Palestinians and Israel, which are observing a truce after a week of fierce fighting in Gaza.

Any positive results for polonium could rekindle Palestinian hostility toward Israel and suspicions that a local collaborator may have poisoned him under directions from the Jewish state.

Allegations of foul play have long surrounded Arafat’s demise. He died in a Paris hospital in November 2004, a month after being flown, seriously ill, from his headquarters in the West Bank town of Ramallah.

French doctors who treated him in his final days said they could not establish the cause of death, and no autopsy was performed in deference to his widow’s request at the time, when Arafat died at 75.

Eight years is considered a limit to detect any traces of the deadly radioactive substance, according to the Swiss Institute of Radiation Physics.

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10 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

World

Thai protesters tear-gassed Biggest street demo yet against PM Yingluck

By Aukkarapon Niyomyat and Amy Sawitta Lefevre THAI police fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators and made dozens of arrests yesterday as thousands demanded the overthrow of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in the biggest street protest yet against her 16-monthold government.

Protesters from the royalist Pitak Siam group, led by retired military general Boonlert Kaewprasit, repeatedly tried to breach police lines in the Thai capital and rammed a six-wheel truck into a security barrier but were held back.

They accused Yingluck’s government of corruption, being a puppet of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck’s brother, and of disloyalty to Thailand’s monarchy. Many were members of a yellow-shirt protest movement that helped trigger a coup by royalist

Tear gas is thrown as police scuffle with anti-government protesters in Bangkok yesterday generals in 2006 that toppled Thaksin.

“If I can’t overthrow this government, I am prepared to die,” Boonlert told supporters.

The clashes revived memories of a tumultuous 2008, when yellow-shirted protesters seized government offices, fought street battles with police, and occupied Bang-

kok’s main airports for eight days. Amid that turbulence, two pro-Thaksin prime ministers were forced to resign by the courts.

Yingluck won a 2011 election by a landslide on support from the rural and urban poor. Her supporters, who wear red shirts at protests, held mass street rallies in 2010 against a military-

backed Democrat-led government. Those demonstrations ended with a bloody army crackdown in which 91 people were killed.

“Our biggest concern is if Pitak Siam decides to escalate their rally or protesters move into key government buildings including parliament,” said Piya Uthayo, a national police spokesman.

Pitak Siam, or Defend Siam - an old name for Thailand taps many of the same supporters who backed the yellow shirts: the traditional Bangkok elite that includes generals, royal advisers, middle-class bureaucrats and old-money families.

Yesterday’s rally follows a visit to Thailand by US President Barack Obama during which he praised Yingluck, calling her a “democratically- elected Prime Minister who is committed to democracy.”

Thaksin, a billionaire former telecoms tycoon, remains a divisive figure, revered by the rural poor and reviled by Bangkok’s elite.

He fled Thailand in 2008 and was convicted in absentia of abuse of power - charges he says were politically motivated. He now lives in Dubai but remains influential.

The confrontation started yesterday morning when about 500 protesters tried to breach police barricades at Saphan Makawan Bridge and the Misakawan intersection, heading to a large plaza where about 15,000 protesters gathered. They ignored police orders to pass through a designated entry point.

At least 42 people were wounded, including seven police, according to the Erawan Medical Centre which monitors Bangkok hospitals.

Up to 132 protesters were arrested, some carrying knives and bullets, said police.

Pakistan religious attack slays at least 7 A ROADSIDE bomb killed at least seven people near a Shi’ite procession in Pakistan yesterday, police said, with security forces on high alert over fears of large-scale sectarian attacks on the minority sect across the country.

Pakistan, a nuclear-armed US ally, is suspending phone coverage in many cities this weekend, an important one in the Shi’ite Muslim calendar, after a series of bomb attacks on Shi’ites triggered by mobile phones.

Hardline Sunnis have threatened more attacks as the Shi’ite mourning month of Muharram comes to a climax.

More than a dozen people have already been killed this week observing Muharram.

Some Shi’ites have been receiving text message death threats.

Yesturday’s attack occurred in the city of Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan’s northwest, a stronghold of al-Qaedalinked Sunni militant groups who regard Shi’ites as nonMuslims and have stepped up sectarian attacks in a bid to destabilize Pakistan.

Four children were among those killed by a 8-10 kg bomb set off by a television remote control device because cellphones were not operational, police said. Khalid Aziz Baloch, a senior medical official, said 30 people were wounded.

The explosion was so powerful that it hurled a young boy onto a rooftop from a street, where a man later carried away half of his body, as a policeman with a bomb detector and residents stood near blood stains.

Intelligence information indicates more attacks have been planned for the coming days in the capital, Islamabad, Karachi and Quetta. Mobile phone service will be suspended for hours in the three cities and dozens of others over the weekend.

Congo rebels told to stop war HEADS of state from Africa’s Great Lakes region yesterday urged rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s turbulent east to stop expanding their war and leave the town of Goma which they captured this week.

The leaders met in the Ugandan capital Kampala to try to bring an end to the conflict after the M23 rebels said they planned to “liberate” the vast central African country.

The M23 is widely thought to be backed by Rwanda, a claim it denies.

A statement signed by the leaders after their meeting urged the M23 to stop talk of overthrowing an elected government and to “stop all war activities and withdraw from Goma”.

Jean-Marie Runiga, the political chief of the M23 rebel group which took control of Congo’s eastern city of Goma this week was also in Kampala, but could not be immediately reached for comment on the proposals.

It was also not clear whether Runiga would meet Congo’s President Joseph Kabila.

WORLD TODAY Merkel rival warning on Greek cost GERMAN chancellor candidate Peer Steinbrueck warned in a newspaper interview released yesterday that German taxpayers could get stuck with a large bill if Greece were to default on its loans.

Steinbrueck told Bild am Sonntag newspaper that Germany has so far only provided loan guarantees for Greece but that could end up costing German taxpayers billions of euros. He said the government should make that fact clear to the public at home.

“One must tell the people that Greece could default on these loans,” said Steinbrueck, who will lead the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) candidate against Chancellor Angela Merkel in next September’s federal election.

“We in Germany have to make sacrifices to help hold Europe together.

We’re already part of a ‘liability union’,” he added.

Pope appoints six cardinals POPE Benedict made six non-European prelates Roman Catholic cardinals yesterday, chipping away at the old continent’s domination of the elite group that will one day elect his successor.

The new cardinals, ranging in age from 53 to 72, are from the United States, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, Lebanon and Colombia, and the decision to choose no Italians or Europeans looked like an attempt to counter criticism that he has in the past neglected the needs of the developing world.

Elevating the new “princes” in a solemn ceremony known as a consistory in St Peter’s Basilica, Benedict said his appointments reflected “that the Church is the Church of all peoples”.

Sarkozy denial FORMER president Nicolas Sarkozy denied receiving “a penny” in campaign funds from France’s richest woman Liliane Bettencourt, according to excerpts of his testimony to judges published yesterday by the French daily Sud-Ouest.

Sarkozy, who lost power in May, was questioned for 12 hours on Thursday by a judge who is trying to establish whether his election win in 2007 was aided by illegal funding by the L’Oreal heiress.

He denies any wrongdoing and his spokeswoman was not immediately available to comment yesterday about the report.

11 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

World

Star Trek desks boost maths skills ‘Smart’ desks better than maths on paper SCIENTISTS designing and testing what they hope might become the classroom of the future have found that Star Trek-style multi-touch, multi-user desks can boost children’s maths skills.

A three-year project with 400 eight to 10-year olds found that using interactive “smart” desks can have benefits over doing maths on paper, and that pupils are able to improve their fluency and flexibility in maths by working together.

“Our aim was to encourage far higher levels of active student engagement, where knowledge is obtained by sharing, problem-solving and creating, rather than by passive listening,” said Liz Burd of Britain’s Durham University, who led the study.

The research team, whose findings were published in the journal Learning and Instruction, designed software and desks that recognise multiple touches on a desktop using infrared light vision systems.

The desks are built into furniture of the classroom to help encourage more collaboration, and are networked and linked to a main smartboard. A live feed of the desks goes directly to the teacher who can intervene quickly to help a pupil while allowing group work to continue.

Burd’s team found that 45 per cent of pupils who used a maths programme on the smart desk system increased the number of unique mathematical expressions they created, compared with 16 per cent of those doing it on paper.

Using the new desks helped children work together and solve problems using inventive solutions, the researchers said.

“We found our tables encouraged students to collaborate more effectively,” said Burd. “Such collaboration just did not happen when students used paperbased approaches.”

Hagman attends the launch of the new Dallas series on August 21 in London

Dallas star Larry Hagman dead at 81 LARRY Hagman, whose predatory oil baron J.R. Ewing on television’s long-running soap opera Dallas became a symbol for 1980s’ greed and coaxed forth a Texas-sized gusher of TV ratings, has died. He was 81.

Hagman, who returned as J.R. in a new series of Dallas this year, died Friday afternoon due to complications from his battle with cancer, according to a statement from the family provided by Warner Bros, producer of Dallas.

“Larry was back in his beloved hometown of Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved the most,” the family said. “Larry’s family and closest friends had joined him in Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday.”

Hagman was diagnosed in 1992 with cirrhosis of the liver and acknowledged that he had drunk heavily for years. In 1995, a malignant tumour was discovered on his liver and he underwent a transplant.

Years before Dallas, Hagman had gained TV fame as a nice guy with the fluffy 1965-70 NBC

comedy I Dream of Jeannie, in which he played Captain Tony Nelson, an astronaut whose life is disrupted when he finds a comely genie, portrayed by Barbara Eden, and takes her home to live with him.

He also starred in two short-lived sitcoms, The Good Life (NBC, 1971-72) and Here We Go Again (ABC, 1973). His film work included well-regarded performances in The Group, Harry and Tonto and Primary Colors.

But it was Hagman’s masterful portrayal of the charmingly loathsome J.R. that brought him his greatest stardom. The CBS serial drama about the Ewing clan and those in their orbit aired from April 1978 to May 1991.

“The Who shot J.R.?” story twist, in which Hagman’s character was nearly murdered in a cliffhanger episode, fuelled international speculation and millions of pounds in bettingshop wagers. When the answer was revealed in a November 1980 episode, more than 350 million viewers worldwide tuned in to find out.

12 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion Building blocks may be agreed but still work to be done THE GOVERNMENT and the troika may have agreed on the policy building blocks of an adjustment programme but there is still some way to go before a memorandum of understanding is finalised and signatures are put on the dotted line. As Friday’s joint statement by the lenders – EC, ECB, IMF – made clear, “discussions are expected to continue from respective headquarters with a view to making further progress towards a potential programme”.

The encouraging thing was that the troika acknowledged that “good progress towards agreement on key policies” was made.

But there could not be a memorandum without an accurate figure for the re-capitalisation requirements of the banks and co-ops. Preliminary results from the firm carrying out an evaluation of the banks’ portfolios are expected in the next few weeks.

The bailout figure regarding the banks will depend on its findings, which is why there could be no memorandum before then.

Had President Christofias mis-

led the public in announcing, from Brussels, we were “very close” to an agreement on Thursday morning? Highly unlikely, considering an international news agency, a few hours later, quoted two EU officials as saying that the deal was almost done. Friday’s joint statement by the troika members may have created the impression that Christofias’ announcement had been premature, a case of wishful thinking, but the fact is that there could have been nothing more than an agreement in principle at this time.

But there is still some way to go before a deal is done and dusted.

Much will depend on the results of the banks due diligence exercise, which will be ready next month as this would determine the amount of the loan. If it is less than the €10 billion on which the negotiations were based, the debt would be sustainable and no additional measures would be needed, but if it is higher than the ball-bark figure then more measures would be needed. Perhaps the sale of all profitable semi-governmental or-

Cyprus Mail

ganisations would be necessary to make the loan viable; there may even have to be a haircut of government debt.

Would Christofias be prepared to agree to more measures, if the need arose, to secure a deal or would he get cold feet again?

Union bosses, who appear to have significant influence over the president, expressed strong opposition to the measures after being briefed at the labour ministry on Friday. They spoke about strikes and appeals to courts while the head of AKEL-controlled PEO declared that the union movement was not bound by any memorandum imposed by the troika. It was the familiar fighting talk (a teaching union boss took an even harder line yesterday), but it is questionable whether their members have the desire for futile strikes.

Much could depend on what Christofias would say in his ad-

dress to the people. If he makes it clear that the bailout was the only option and that he was fully committed to it, despite its negative effects on living standards and economic activity the unions would have great difficulty in mobilising workers. But if he sends out mixed signals, suggesting he was forced to accept the agreement to prevent a banking collapse, turning on the neo-liberals of the EU and troika he would fuel public anger and resentment, union bosses and the more irresponsible party leaders would exploit.

This is why it is essential for the president to emphasise in his address that there would be no turning back now; perhaps he should also explain what would happen to the economy and living standards if there was no bailout, something politicians have avoided bringing up in discussion and debates. People need to know why the bailout is a dire necessity and be made aware of the consequences of not securing the needed funds for the re-capitalisation of the banks and there is no bet-

ter person to put the case convincingly than Christofias.

It would be a first step for ending the uncertainty that has plagued our society for months now; much will also depend on the political parties which need to tone down the populist rhetoric. We may have agreed on the building blocks of an adjustment programme, but there is still work to be done. Euro group ministers will have to give their OK to the memorandum which would then have to be approved by several national parliaments, which could change some of the provisions. The government and Cypriot political parties should make contact with parties they have ties with in Euro group countries to ensure against such developments.

We hope, now that the government has taken the plunge, the political parties would put aside public posturing and point-scoring and work together so that there a smooth passage to the signing and approval of the memorandum.

Letters to the Editor

Purchasing fiasco Neverending Paphos works an sabotages flat sale unacknowledged source of pain NATURALLY l feel sorry for Cyprus these days, but an English pal of mine, who had transfered 70,000 euros to a bank in Paphos to buy a flat that was for sale a year ago for 150,000 euros, emailed me recently with a very upsetting report.

Apparently, the bank would not let him have access to the money, saying he had to wait for seven or eight days more for the money to be clear in his account.

He changed his return flight to the UK at some inconvenience and expense, and was then told by the developer that a bank cheque was not acceptable, and only cash would do to finish the purchase in the land registry.

So my friend went back to the bank to get cash.

Then, the bank said it could not give any cash over 500

euros a day, unless he made an application to the head office on a nice form they gave him in Greek that would take “about two weeks for all the money” to be released.

The topper was the developer didn’t even have a title deed. It turned out he only had a ‘contract of sale’ to register in the land office.

My pal saw red. He decided not to buy the flat, sent his money back home and told everyone he would be looking at Spain instead, where his wife was staying with friends while he did (not do) this business in Cyprus.

I’ve known this friend for 35 years. I guess he will now happily live with “driving on the wrong side of the road”, as he put it.

Dr Tom Davies, Copenhagen

WHEN the roadworks in Paphos are at their height, the disturbance to local communities and householders is beyond description.

Whole areas are blighted for weeks and months on end, with diversions taking a driver into hitherto unknown territory and directions typically running out of signs within a few twists and turns. The alternative routes are invariably strewn with bumps, potholes and appallingly broken surfaces which promise substantial expense to suspension systems.

The especially irritating feature of this municipal ‘enhancement’ is the fact that more often than not there is no work being carried out - and this is noticeable for days on end. Where are the work teams?

Where is any explanation? Meanwhile, freshly asphalted roads within weeks are dug up by one utility company or another, with apparently no co-ordination with the local authority.

But more significantly, local businesses are being devastated. As if the recession isn’t bad enough, there are costs associated with these municipal goings-on

which are totally hidden from the casual observer.

One middling to large and well-established business I regularly visit found its neighbours closing down because customers found it too daunting to get around the restrictions to gain access.

In my example, trade fell off to such an extent that pensions had to be cashed in, family savings had to be plundered and this well-run and popular retailer very nearly went to the wall. We are talking around a quarter of a million euros which hit the business very hard and caused huge concern and anger.

Why the anger? Because not a cent in compensation was offered or available to ease the pain and the owners were forced to watch day after day as their customer base was steadily eroded through absolutely no fault of their own.

What was particularly galling was to observe many days - and sometimes weeks - where no work was undertaken without any discernible reason.

Paphos Municipality give the impression of being sorry, but their hands are

tied since it seems no financial aid can be afforded. So the loss of business goes straight to the bottom line of established concerns, where unless back-up cash can somehow be found, those hard-working and well-regarded business people are simply pushed into penury and eventual demise.

Again, in the earlier example, the final outcome of all the months and months of roadworks, re-routing, and redistribution of land availability, has resulted in worse access as compared to what was possible before. It might have improved nearby traffic flow, but should that be the only consideration?

This financial stripping of local reputations through cavalier town planning, with no counselling, no pre-discussion, and no compensation, does seem grossly unfair, and one wonders how many of us have any idea of how damaging these redevelopments and ‘improvements’ actually are.

Clive Turner, Paphos

Arch antipathy Cultural attractions a source of revenue not being fully exploited THE current Archbishop seems to be promoting exclusivity rather than embracing all to the cause of tolerance and compassion.

He dislikes homosexuality, communism and all manner of other things and instead of concentrating on “matters of the spirit”, he does precisely the opposite with his hurtful comments. He should be ashamed of himself and keep his personal prejudices to himself and instead follow the example set by the founder of Christianity.

Is that too much to expect?

Probably.

Gavin Jones, commenting via the Cyprus Mail website

I WOULD like to draw attention to some of the finer cultural attributes of Cyprus that, over years, may provide financial interest that could potentially generate millions of euros.

Cyprus has 10 Byzantine churches, festooned with wall paintings, frescoes and ancient icons bearing the seal of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, nestled amongst pine forests of the Troodos Mountains.

There are of course many more

churches and monasteries that also retain important gems. To the south in Paphos, another UNESCO site, there are stunning mosaics of Roman villas, the Tomb of the Kings, an archaeological site and, mid south, the 8,000-year-old site of Choirokoitia together with Kourion - two more key UNESCO sites. Cyprus has 10,000 years of history and civilization spanning the major historical periods of the Bronze age, Classical and Roman

periods, the Byzantine legacy, and many more modern periods, all having left their individual mark on the island for visitors to see.

Cyprus is thus a glorious and all embracing open-air museum. And yet, I feel we fail to fully appreciate this cultural heritage, at least in terms of cultural tourism.

By no means is Cyprus unique in great monuments, but many other nations labour intensely in publicising

and promoting what their culture has to offer to overseas visitors, with a planned itinerary of travel, accommodation and specific site guides. The economic benefits must amount to millions of euros and I maintain that the Cyprus Tourism Organisation should follow suit in a much more vigorous manner.

Dimitrios Tsouris, Larnaca

Cypriots have no right to complain about lack of parking How to salvage President’s standing I HAVE seen the following on so many occasions: premises with good parking, but drivers far too lazy to walk even a few steps.

A few years ago, I was having lunch with a friend at Bennigan’s in Nicosia. They have an excellent car park attached to the back of the premises. Nonetheless, as we were having lunch, along came a group of Cypriot ladies

in a massive jeep who parked on the corner of the pavement, right outside the building, when the car park was almost empty. My friend and I complained to the management, but they obviously did not wish to ‘upset’ their customers.

Anna Kimberley, Commenting via the Cyprus Mail website

MR Christofias’ political and public reputation is in tatters. As the Green party leader Ioanna Panayiotou pointed out: the President had no idea where Mari was or the amount of the bailout loan needed by Cyprus.

My advice to Mr Christofias is to donate his upcoming bonus of €360,000 to struggling families in Cyprus. Maybe this small gesture could slightly rescue his reputation.

Vaso Constantinides, Nicosia

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13 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Opinion

New world, same old Israel Israel under Netanyahu is indulging in a form of escapism that harms its interests Comment Mark Leonard

B

ENJAMIN Netanyahu is trying to show that nothing has changed. Israel will defend its citizens just as it did before the Arab Spring. The language of Israel’s politicians, the brutal efficiency of its bombing campaign and the asymmetrical death count all echo Israel’s campaigns in the past. But the political dynamics surrounding this assault could not be more different.

The American president - rather than spending his time in the White House Situation Room - was flying around Asia planning his “pivot” from the Middle East.

Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi, rather than sealing the border, sent his prime minister to Gaza for a display of solidarity.

And regional leaders from Qatar to Tunisia and Turkey were putting themselves in the middle of the skirmish. But rather than responding to this changed environment with a creative diplomatic strategy, Israel’s government seemed to be doubling down on tried and tested techniques.

On my last visit to Israel, I noted that officials speak about how their government in recent years has moved from making peace to “managing conflict”. They have built a wall to pen in potential terrorists, while launching periodic attacks to disrupt the military operations of Hamas and Hezbollah. (One official referred to these repeated attempts to defang Hamas as “cutting the grass”.) Every nation is entitled to defend itself. But unless violence is part of a political strategy, it rarely creates real security.

The problem with these repeat military operations is that they create a growing pool of anti-Israel resentment in the neighbourhood while eroding Israel’s international standing.

Israel under Netanyahu is indulging in a form of triple escapism - defensive, geopolitical and economic - that takes the nation further and further away from engaging directly with the Palestinians.

The almost 30-foot-high concrete walls that dot Israel’s security barrier do not simply shield Israelis from terrorist attacks. They also shield them from the reality of their occupation, and have led the Israeli government to avoid the sorts of negotiations that are necessary for any lasting peace.

Many Israelis are now against substantive talks with the Palestinians until the latter recognise Israel’s right to be a “Jewish state”. A senior military intelligence officer said, “We used to think of this a territorial dispute, but now we realise it is actually a

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Israel has retreated from the world just at a moment when the long-term prospects for its survival have never been more insecure conceptual one about the legitimacy of Israel’s existence as a Jewish state.”

Yitzhak Rabin used to say he would pursue the peace process as if there were no terror and would fight terror as if there were no peace process, but Netanyahu has only ever been interested in the second half of that equation.

The second dimension of Israeli escapism is geopolitical. The elite are concerned about the effects of the Arab uprisings, but they tend to see the expressions of solidarity from new leaders for the Palestinians as empty gestures. However, Daniel Levy, a former adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak who is now a researcher at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said: “It is dangerous and misguided to assume that Arab states have taken economic sanctions and military responses off the table for all time.”

One reason Israelis do not take the risk of meaningful action by its neighbours seri-

ously is that many can see that their dispute with the Palestinians is being overshadowed by more pressing conflicts such as those between Shia and Sunni Muslims or reforming regimes and counter-revolutionary ones.

Israelis talk about their fear of Iran’s nuclear programme, but they also hope anti-Iranian sentiment may reshape the politics of the region. The artificial states constructed by the West after World War I might now collapse and be replaced by new entities drawn around tribal and sectarian lines. “It is not impossible to imagine that with chaos in the region,” according to one Knesset member, “Iraq, Syria and Jordan might disappear and Palestinians might reaffiliate with new entities.”

For some intelligence analysts who focus on the Middle East, it seems like an absurd idea to fixate on a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders at precisely the moment when the borders and governance of

all states in the region are up for grabs. But this misses the point. Whatever borders are settled for other states, the Palestinians will demand their rights as citizens.

Israel’s political sphere today has economic escapism at its centre. The country’s governing elite have created a new founding myth for a time of consumerism: that of a “startup nation” of entrepreneurs who came to the desert to create high-tech companies. This country of seven million people - in a state of war since its founding, with no natural resources - has more new companies listed on the Nasdaq than Japan, China, India, Korea, Canada or the UK. However, the parties of the left claim that the economic reforms that have driven this growth have seen this aggressively egalitarian country become very unequal, with rising prices and cuts in services increasingly hitting the middle class. This is why last year there was a protest - dubbed the “Tentifada” - about the cost of living.

Where Israel’s first generation was involved in founding the state, and the second in heroically defending it from external aggression, today’s Israelis are focused on house prices and the cost of staple foods like cottage cheese.

The paradox is that Israel has retreated from the world at a moment when the longterm prospects for its survival have never been more insecure. The current operation is called “Pillar of Defence”. Ironically, it comes at a time when the four real pillars of the country’s security are eroding: the memory of the Holocaust; its status as the only democracy in the Middle East; nuclear and conventional military superiority; and American protection. The nightmare scenario for Israel would be to be out-victimed by the Palestinians, out-democratised by the Arabs, outgunned by the Iranians and outside America’s main focus of interest as it shifts its attention from the Middle East to the Pacific.

If Israel tries to protect itself by retreating into a world where it imagines that conflict can be “managed” and where demographics and settlements make a two-state solution impossible to negotiate, the pillars of Israel’s security are even more likely to crumble. Therefore, despite all the complexities on both sides of the conflict that make a two-state solution so difficult to achieve, Israel cannot afford to wait until a more convenient partner or a more stable situation emerges. It needs a deal sooner rather than later. That is the only way to defend the security of its citizens.

Mark Leonard is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, the first pan-European think-tank.

He is the editor of China 3.0, which was published by the European Council on Foreign Relations (www.ecfr.eu) on November 8

Is it possible for us to sink any further?

Comment Loucas Charalambous THE WORST things we have witnessed these days, as our country has been sinking, are the audacity and sheer nerve of some of our politicians.

Even at this time, when our future hangs from a thread, a time when disaster has ceased being a possibility to becoming a tangible reality, they display an astonishing arrogance that suggests that they have no remorse for the harm they have brought upon the country.

On the contrary, they have continued singing the same tune, showing the same irresponsibility they did when they brought us to today’s catastrophic mess.

They appear to be under the impression that with this provocative behaviour they would

be able to absolve themselves of any blame for what they have done; that by accusing everyone else they could then pass for innocent themselves.

This is what the president and the AKEL leadership, the main guilty parties, have been doing.

Yiannakis Omirou and his presidential candidate, Giorgos Lillikas, the other great anti-troika warriors, are also resorting to the same ploy.

“We are playing with fire,” said the DIKO chief Marios Garoyian on Wednesday after the meeting at the presidential palace. This conveyed better than anything else the nightmarish reality we face. Of course Garoyian and his party are accessories to the crime perpetrated against the country.

Christofias did not become president with just AKEL’s votes. It was Garoyian and the

Papadopoulos family (father and son) who made it possible for a man of Christofias’ low calibre to become president.

They and Omirou put him in the presidential chair and this crime will not be forgotten.

Admittedly, we should credit Garoyian for the responsible stance he has displayed since.

And we should also credit DISY chief Nicos Anastasiades for his public renunciation of the demagoguery and populism with which the bailout negotiations have been handled.

In the other camp, apart from the AKEL leadership, we have EDEK’s Omirou and his candidate Lillikas, who remain unrepentant and incorrigible demagogues. Lillikas is proving the most hideous and irresponsible populist of the lot. His idiotic sloganeering, particularly in the last few days, causes dis-

gust.

Last weekend he accused Anastasiades and AKEL candidate Stavros Malas of “competing with each other over who would weaken the morale of the people the most, repeating what they had done in 2004”. He said Anastasiades was scare-mongering when he warned that without the signing of a bailout the state would collapse.

These inanities do serve one useful purpose. They are indicative of the ethics and quality of a disgraced, opportunist politician who wants to become president. In the last few days he also has remembered his foolish proposal for the establishment of a state gas company that would issue bonds that would allow junk status Cyprus to borrow a few billions from international investors and then

lend the money to the bank at an interest of less than one per cent, so they could then borrow money to businesses at interests of between two and three per cent.

I had asked this great economist, in another column, to tell us where the state would find the hundreds of millions needed every year to pay the difference in the interest rates to the investors whom he would be relying on to put their money in our junk bonds. I wonder why the other candidates do not put this question to Lillikas who is constantly challenging them “to take a position” on his idiotic proposal.

Omirou, Lillikas, the AKEL leadership and the rest of the demagogues are not just playing with fire, they are also showing total contempt for our intelligence.

14 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Opinion What we need: productivity, innovation, research, development and a focus on youth

Bailout of sinking ship does not ensure recovery or growth Comment Theodore Panayotou

H

URRAY! Let’s celebrate. An agreement with the troika was reached at last and a bailout will be signed ending the uncertainty that has crippled the Cyprus economy for months.

While many have received the news with a sigh of relief, the hard part begins now, and I am not referring to the remaining steps still to be taken: approval by the three troika members, the Euro Group and several national parliaments. First we should take stock of how we got into this deep hole and how selfishly and immaturely we acted in trying to find a way out. This is not to fix blame but to establish how not to do it from now on.

As Einstein warned us “we cannot solve our problems by doing the same things we did when we created them in the first place.”

For the last few weeks, like rats on a sinking ship we scurried around to the last second to salvage whatever could be salvaged: our salaries, our privileges, our pension funds, our low corporate tax, our natural gas, our sovereignty, our dignity. It has not been a pretty picture.

We are still wondering who took away our economic miracle, our wealth and our pride when, in the past eight years, we had managed so much. We had rejected an unjust solution to our national problem. We were admitted into the EU despite our unsolved political problem. We entered the eurozone even though we were totally unprepared for it.

We established our exclusive economic zone and discovered vast quantities of natural gas despite relentless threats from Turkey.

Above all we achieved a level of prosperity that was unthinkable a few years ago at a pace which was unprecedented even by world standards. In less than a generation we have achieved and exceeded the American dream of owning a home with a two-car garage. We own mansions and summer homes and three or four luxury cars. Only a couple of years ago, banks were begging us to borrow more money from them to buy more property, to invest in more luxury, to send our kids to the most expensive schools abroad and to go on vacations to distant lands. We amassed all this and we were counting on more. And how did we do it? Simple! We did it by pursuing the Cyprus Dream of getting a job in the public sector and huge loans from banks we were not intending to pay back.

Suddenly, the party came to an end. No public sector jobs for our offspring. No easy loans for our luxuries, not even for our necessities. Even our kektimena (acquired privileges) of generous allowances, secure jobs, short hours, 13th salaries, and the untaxed large lump-sum at retirement are vanishing before our eyes.

Where did it all go? “Who moved our cheese?” we wonder, along the lines of the famous book

by Spenser Johnson. It can not be for real. It is just a bad dream, a storm that soon will pass and the good old days will return.

This is probably the worse we can do the day after we sign the bailout: take the bitter medicine (or worse pretend that we are taking it) and sit out the storm counting on fast recovery on account of the bailout. No placebo effect here!

First of all we should not try, in the timehonoured Greek tradition of signing and not honouring our signature, to avoid implementing the letter and the spirit of our agreement with the troika. If we do, the clauses in the bailout will be put into effect and tougher medicine will apply and a second harsher bailout is not far off. Worse yet we would have lost whatever credibility we are left with after

We should turn our thousands of loafing soldiers and thousands of unemployed university graduates into our entrepreneurial workforce the tortuous fits and starts of the bailout negotiations. This is not a loan from a friendly Cyprus banker, counting on a big bonus to buy a summer mansion or the inability or unwillingness of the bank to confiscate the property we put up as collateral.

Second, we should not rely on the bailout to get us out of the recession and back to economic health and growth. Apparently this was never the intention of our lenders. Nor have we, the borrowers, demanded it to be part of the bailout, except in vague populist declarations for vote grabbing. The lenders are giving us a huge loan in relation to our size, and

‘This is the largest bailout

in history as a percentage of the troubled country’s Gross National Product (GNP). The ¤17.5 billion loan is 100 per cent of our GNP! It is a first’ all they have done is to ensure that they will get their money back. It is that simple.

This is the largest bailout in history as a percentage of the troubled country’s Gross National Product (GNP). The €17.5 billion loan is 100 per cent of our GNP! It is a first.

In fact, the troika gave plenty of signs that they do not trust that we will be able to grow sufficiently out of the slump to repay our loan from tax revenues. They know from their experience in Greece and elsewhere: their measures alone will deepen the recession and

enlarge the hole necessitating a second bailout. This is why they laid claim on the revenues from natural gas and insisted that we sell public enterprises like CyTA. These are revenues that do not depend on the growth of the Cyprus economy.

At best, the bailout gives temporary relief to our cash-strapped government and the banks and buys us time to formulate and put in place measures that will raise the productivity of the public sector and the competitiveness of the private sector, measures we should have taken years ago but we failed to take, ending up in this predicament.

What are these measures? First and foremost, we need to re-establish the broken link between salaries and productivity in the public sector and the economy as a whole by introducing one of the existing several systems of measuring productivity since whatever is not measured cannot be improved.

Civil servants should then be assessed and paid according to their productivity. This would create powerful incentives for raising productivity, reducing waste and cutting unnecessary cost.

It is not only that the public sector is full of fat and perverse incentives that raise costs and lower productivity in the public sector itself, it is also the fact that inefficiencies in the public sector raise the cost of doing business in the private sector through red tape, delays, unnecessary costs, and higher taxes.

The introduction of electronic government throughout the public sector can reduce costs as much as 30 per cent based on other country experience.

Second, we must reduce the cost of doing business by simplifying procedures, cutting bureaucracy, reducing the cost of electricity and capital and increasing the flexibility of the labour market by introducing the Scandinavian system of job “flexsecurity”. We must encourage innovative business to invest and expand beyond our borders through tax incentives for research and development and employment of unemployed university graduates.

Third, we must promote creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship throughout our educational system, from kindergarten to

university. We should pass a legal framework about angel funds and venture capital and proceed to create such funds to encourage entrepreneurial risk-taking and finance business start-ups. We should turn our thousands of loafing soldiers and many more thousands of unemployed university graduates into the country’s innovation and entrepreneurial workforce, taking a page from the Israeli experience. Indeed we should expand our collaboration with Israel, the world’s “start-up nation” beyond energy to innovation and entrepreneurship.

We should stop wasting the time and energy of our youth in demeaning inactivity and depression and begin putting them into the task of rebuilding our economy and our country through business ventures, social work and voluntarism.

Fourth, an independent “Development and Competitiveness Commission” or Task Force must be urgently created to identify constraints to be relaxed and opportunities to be tapped to re-energise the Cyprus economy and formulate an action plan for the next three to five years to offset the recessionary effects of the troika bailout measures.

There are limitless opportunities in all sectors, from services and energy to tourism and agriculture that remain untapped for lack of vision, strategy, institutional framework, and incentives that don’t cost any money. I will be presenting some of these opportunities in a open talk on The Cyprus Economy Downturn: What Can We do to Reverse It? next Thursday, 29 November, at 7:00 pm at the University of Neapolis, in Paphos, organised by the Paphos-Aphrodite Rotary Club.

Dr Theodore Panayotou is director of the Cyprus International Institute of Management (CIIM) and former professor of economics and the environment at Harvard University. He served as consultant to the UN and to governments in the US, China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico and Cyprus. He has published extensively and was recognised for his contribution to the Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007

15 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Opinion uotes of the week “It is time for David Cameron to put on that pineapple-coloured wig and powder-blue suit, whirl his handbag round his head and bring it crashing to the table with the words ‘No, non, nein’” London Mayor Boris Johnson urging the Prime Minister to emulate Margaret Thatcher’s firmness in dealing with the EU budget

“It is not that the women in today’s pop and rock world are being treated like sex objects. It is that they are choosing to do it to themselves, which is strange to me. Now, they seem to be nearly nude, and I think that the videos are borderline pornography” Suzi Quatro, 62, a female rock and roll pioneer

“You have got to be really smart to play this dumb” Actress Cameron Diaz (above), who plays an ageing rodeo queen in a new film

“All of them, but to be honest we are both stone deaf” The Duke of Edinburgh (below), when asked which was his favourite act in this year’s Royal Variety Show

The Fukushima catastrophe might have caused devastation but nobody died

The risks involved with ditching nuclear power A

FTER the loss of 10 million American lives in the ThreeMile Island calamity in 1979, the death of two billion in the Chernobyl holocaust in 1986, and now the abandonment of all of northern Japan following the death of millions in last year’s Fukushima nuclear catastrophe, it is hardly surprising that the world’s biggest users of nuclear power are shutting their plants down.

Oh, wait a minute...This just in!

Nobody died in the Three-Mile Island calamity, 28 plant workers were killed and 15 other people subsequently died of thyroid cancer in the Chernobyl holocaust, and nobody died in the Fukushima catastrophe.

In fact, northern Japan has not been evacuated after all. But never mind all that. They really are shutting their nuclear plants down.

They have already shut them down in Japan. All of the country’s fifty nuclear reactors were closed for safety checks after the tsunami damaged the Fukushima plant, and only two have reopened so far. The government, which was previously planning to increase nuclear’s share of the national energy mix to half by 2030, has now promised to close every nuclear power plant in Japan permanently by 2040.

In a policy document released last September, the Japanese government declared that “one of the pillars of the new strategy is to achieve a society that does not depend on nuclear energy as soon as possible.” In the short run, Japan is making up for the lost nuclear energy by running tens of thousands of diesel generators flat out, and oil and gas imports have doubled. In the long run, they’ll probably just burn more coal.

The new Japanese plan says that the country will replace the missing nuclear energy with an eightfold increase in renewable energy (wind, solar, etc.), and “the development of sustainable ways to use fossil fuels.”

But going from 4 percent to 30 percent renewables in the energy mix

Comment Gwynne Dyer will take decades, and nobody has yet found an economically sustainable way to sequester the greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.

The truth is that as the Arctic sea ice melts and grain harvests are devastated by heat waves and drought, the world’s third-largest user of nuclear energy has decided to go back to emitting lots and lots of carbon dioxide.

In Germany, where the Greens have been campaigning against nuclear power for decades, Chancellor Angela Merkel has done a U-turn and promised to close all the country’s nuclear reactors by 2022. She also promised to replace them with renewable power sources, of course, but the reality there will also be that the country burns more fossil fuels.

Belgium is also shutting down its nuclear plants, and Italy has abandoned its plans to build some.

Even France, which has taken 80 per cent of its power from nuclear power plants for decades without the slightest problem, is joining the panic. President Francois Hollande’s new government has promised to lower the country’s dependence on nuclear energy to 50 per cent of the national energy mix. But you can see why he and his colleagues had to do it. After all, nuclear energy is a kind of witchcraft, and the public is frightened.

The tireless campaign against nuclear energy that the Greens have waged for decades is finally achieving its goal, at least in the developed countries. Their behaviour cannot be logically reconciled with their concern for the environment, given that abandoning nuclear will lead to a big rise in fossil fuel use, but they

have never managed to make a clear distinction between the nuclear weapons they feared and the peaceful use of nuclear power.

The Greens prattle about replacing nuclear power with renewables, which might come to pass in some distant future. But the brutal truth for now is that closing down the nuclear plants will lead to a sharp rise in greenhouse gas emissions, in precisely the period when the race to cut emissions and avoid a rise in average global temperature of more than 2 degrees C will be won or lost.

Fortunately, their superstitious fears are largely absent in more sophisticated parts of the world.

Only four new nuclear reactors are under construction in the European Union, and only one in the United States, but there are 61 being built elsewhere. Over two-thirds of them are being built in the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India and China), where economies are growing fast and governments are increasingly concerned about both pollution and climate change.

But it’s not enough to outweigh the closure of so many nuclear plants in the developed world, at least in the short run. India may be aiming at getting 50 per cent of its energy from nuclear power by 2050, for example, but the fact is that only 3.7 per cent of its electricity is nuclear right now. So the price of nuclear fuel has collapsed in the last four years, and uranium mine openings and expansions have been cancelled.

More people die from coal pollution each day than have been killed by fifty years of nuclear power operations – and that’s just from lung disease. If you include future deaths from global warming due to burning fossil fuels, closing down nuclear power stations is sheer madness.

Welcome to the Middle Ages.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries

“Did no-one advise General Petraeus to keep control of his Privates?”

Susan Lewis, of Crewe, Cheshire, in a letter to the Daily Mail newspaper

“How can we ever think that smacking or using physical force on children can ever be right?

None of us would ever dream of smacking an adult - why should we think smacking a child is any more acceptable?”

Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales

“I hated my boobs more than anything as a teenager. I would do anything not to take my top off. I see nudity as empowering now. Before, I didn’t.

I cried” Model Kate Moss (above)

“Don’t get me wrong, but I just had this instinct, well, you were the first person I thought of to play a chimpanzee” Actress Helena Bonham Carter recalls how she was approached by film-maker Tim Burton now her partner - when casting for Planet Of The Apes

“This is a very dark day for the Church” Dr Christopher Lowson, Bishop of Lincoln, on the rejection of allowing women bishops “I hoped and prayed that this particular business would be at another stage before I left. And, of course, it is a personal sadness, a deep personal sadness, that this is not the case” Dr Rowan Williams, the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, on the Synod’s decision “I got a wolf-whistle the other day, and, apart from thinking the chap needed a visit to the optician, I was delighted, not offended” Former BBC news reader Jan Leeming, 70

16 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

News Review Stumbling blocks AN INITIAL agreement between government and international lenders on the banking sector last weekend failed to smooth agreement over other aspects of a bailout agreement with marathon negotiations continuing all week.

Disputes over privatisations of semigovernment organisations, pensions, the cost of living allowance and the proceeds from natural gas all proved stumbling blocks to negotiations.

Compromise THE government on Tuesday gave international lenders a compromise proposal in what appeared to be a last ditch effort to bridge differences between the two sides over the conditions of a bailout.

Christofias reiterated his opposition to the privatisation of profitable semigovernment organisations (SGOs), despite Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades sending the president a letter warning of the risks involved in not agreeing on a bailout or delaying an agreement further.

Builders demonstrating during a 48hour strike this week (Christos Theodorides)

Palace fireworks A MEETING between President Demetris Christofias and the party leaders

Initial troika deal finally struck on Wednesday to brief them on the state of the troika negotiations was tense and filled with recriminations.

It became particularly hostile when the political leadership heard the bailout amount, which is around €17 billion - €10 billion for the banks, €6 billion for maturing state debt, and €1.5 billion for public finances - reports said.

At this point Christofias, reports said, slammed his hand on the table and asked how the amount became so high.

Reports also claimed that the president twice said that he would not sign a bailout deal that was not manageable.

He was also openly critical of Finance Minister Vassos Shiarly and Central Bank Governor Panicos Demetriades whom he likened to his predecessor Athanasios Orphanides who had irked Christofias repeatedly by urging him to shore up public finances.

On the verge

BY Thursday night the mood had changed as it became clear the government and foreign lenders were on the verge of striking a preliminary deal for a state bailout.

Local media reported on the broad strokes of the deal. After intensive negotiations on Wednesday night and throughout Thursday, the two sides hammered out an agreement apparently bridging their differences on the major outstanding issues: pension reform, management of gas revenues, privatisation of certain semi-governmental organisations, and inflation-linked wage indexation.

Preliminary deal

BY Friday Finance Minister Vassos Shiarly could officially announce the two sides had struck a “preliminary agreement” on the terms but warned that several more stages were needed before Cyprus received any financial assistance.

Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner and Vice-President of the EC Olli Rehn welcomed the decisive progress, achieved after drawn-out talks in Nicosia.

Officials made clear however that the terms of the deal can only be finalised once the interim results of the due-diligence into the banks’ loan portfolios are known and after agreement by the Eurogroup. Those results are expected early December.

English Greek DR HELEN Soteriou - cancer specialist, researcher, activist and 1998 OBE win-

The two men were neighbours and following a row over a parking space, the suspect allegedly fatally stabbed Athanasiou

ner - died on Monday at the age of 92.

Born in Liverpool in 1920, Soteriou had lived in Cyprus since 1969 after marrying a Famagusta businessman. After training as a doctor she become a world-class cancer specialist and went on to pioneer the radiotherapy department in the state’s oncology department at Nicosia general hospital and then set up the first private radiotherapy centre at the Evangelistria clinic in Nicosia. She was also an activist and was one of the founders of the Women Walk Home movement which was active in the 1970s and 1980s.

Angry archbishop ARCHBISHOP Chrysostomos II said this week he would be out on the streets protesting against any harsh bailout conditions set by Cyprus’ international lenders.

He said the church cannot solve the financial crisis and that its exposure to Greek debt has meant the church has to slash its contributions to charity from €5.0 million to €1.0 million. He said that the church had cut wages to control expenses, and his own wage had been reduced from €5,000 a month to €4,000.

He said if the troika - the EU, the ECB and IMF - manage to do the “unaccept-

able” and impose harsh bailout conditions, he will protest “with every fibre of [his] being”.

Fatal stabbing A MAN with a history of mental illness was remanded for eight days on Wednesday over the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Apostolis Athanasiou in Limassol late on Monday.

It later emerged that the suspect, Eleftherios Constantinou, has a track record of violent behaviour.

According to police, the incident took place around 10.30pm on Monday in Kato Polemidia, Limassol. The two men were neighbours and following a row over a parking space, the suspect allegedly fatally stabbed Athanasiou.

In February 2011 he had stabbed and injured a 48-year-old man, again in Limassol, under “similar circumstances”.

No show A UN-hosted reception at Chateau Status on the buffer zone in Nicosia on Tuesday night fell flat when neither the president nor the Turkish Cypriot leader

“It should not even cross your mind that the church - with its property - can an change things.

There are others hers in Cyprus who are richer er than the church” Archbishop Chrysostomos “We do not agree with the elimination off the role of the state. We perceive the state as the steam engine e of growth, defender of the weak and d guardian of national and collective interest” President Christofias

“It is the government that must take the decisions and submit the proposals on how it tackles a dead end. We are ready to provide support” DISY chief Nicos Anastasiades in a letter to the president “It is not the time to hide; it is the time to tell the truth and face it” DIKO leader Marios M Garoyian (left) “I will be blunt: a few months ago the president said ‘I don’t don know where Mari is’. Today he told us ‘I don’t know amount of the am the lloan we need’.” nee Green Gre party leader Ioanlea na Panayiotou oto

Economy shrinks CYPRUS’ economy will contract by 3.5 per cent in 2013 as the government aims for a 4.4 per cent deficit, according to the state budget that was submitted to parliament on Thursday.

The government expects the economy to contract by 2.4 per cent this year.

Unemployment is expected to reach 13.8 per cent next year and will peak at 14.2 per cent in 2014 before dropping a year later.

Bankruptcies up

QUOTES OF THE WEEK “An English lady with a Greek soul” The 2010 Biographical Lexicon of Cypriots describing cancer specialist and activist Helen Soteriou who died on Monday

turned up.

Special Advisor of the United Nations Alexander Downer had held separate meetings during the day on Tuesday with President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu. In the evening, a reception was held for diplomatic missions, but neither Christofias nor Eroglu showed up.

Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris said that the reason Eroglu did not show up was because Turkey’s ‘ambassador’ to the ‘TRNC’ Halil Ibrahim Akca was not invited.

Christofias said he was busy with the troika - the EU and IMF - discussing a bailout package for the island.

“We have avoided the abyss at the eleventh hour” DISY deputy chairman Averof Neophytou “The programme has been a success so far and it brings the people working at the salon great satisfaction to see the women with such big smiles on their faces after they’ve had their hair done” Christina Karamani one of the operators of the senior citizens’ programme on the establishment of a free hair salon for the elderly “We are on track and very soon we expect to have the final arrangement. When the president says we are close, it means we are close” Finance Minister Vassos Shiarly “We have completed the first and most important stage which concerns the terms of the memorandum” Shiarly

THOUSANDS of bankruptcy orders are piling up in the courts, suggesting at the very least that bankruptcies this year have doubled compared with the previous few years, according to figures mentioned this week at the House legal affairs committee.

Up until the first week of November, a total of 4,828 bankruptcy orders were still pending in courts, the head of the legal affairs committee, DISY’s Ionas Nicolaou said.

He said that those figures are not yet part of the statistics of the office of the registrar of companies and official receiver whose own yearly figures show hundreds rather than thousands of bankruptcies and liquidations.

Animal cruelty ANIMAL rights’ supporters welcomed on Thursday a landmark case which saw a Nicosia man jailed for neglecting his animals and for animal cruelty.

The Nicosia district court sentenced the 45-year-old resident of Engomi, Nicosia to one month in prison for mistreating three pitbulls.

They were malnourished, dehydrated and covered in marks of abuse.

17 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Coffeeshop

Tof: saviour of the institutions that screw over the poor people WHO WOULD ever have thought that our Marxist-Leninist president would have agreed to all those unacceptable anti-worker measures proposed by the neoliberal, colonialist loan sharks of the troika to save the ruthless representatives of capitalist exploitation – the banks.

Could there have been a worse humiliation for a communist ideologue who had devoted his life to championing the rights of the proletariat and made the creation of a fairer society the guiding light of his presidency, than to betray everything he stood for in order to rescue the hated banks.

It was the banks’ big problems that forced him to apply for financial assistance and invite the troika to the bankrupt sunshine isle in the first place, but it would never have occurred to him – not es – that in his scariest nightmares g as the he would end up acting at make saviour of institutions that ing poor their profits from screwing people. ’s bankThe future of Kyproulla’s ands on ing system was in his hands ld have Thursday and he could apse by brought about its collapse doing what he does bestt - nothoke the ing – but instead he spoke els. In a magic words from Brussels. written statement, he said the government was ‘very close’ to an agreement with the troika in he withthe hope of stopping the aiki and drawal of money from Laiki it worked. ned him His action will have earned y as the a place in world history der who first ever communist leader came to the rescue of the banks. nition He deserves world recognition for this. s perIT GETS better. He was suaded to save the banks – and e said the economy it should be e, Pro– by his former comrade, riades, fessor Panicos Demetriades, d Govwhom he had appointed k back ernor of the Central Bank hamein May in place of the shameos Orless neo-liberal Athanasios phanides. inted The professor, appointed omic for his left-wing economic nks views and the AKEL links mily, of members of his family, apturned out to be a big disapade, pointment for the comrade, even though in the first few ship months of his Governorship he behaved like a true red Akelite. ers He sidelined the members ade of the Orph regime, made inan Akelite his second-insly command and zealously mparticipated in the commmies’ demonisation camks. paign against the banks. nHe even brought in consultancy firm Alvarez & e Marsal to investigate the s banks’ reckless decisions s to find the guilty parties and surrender them to the AKEL lynch mob.

The investigators were also asked to find evidence off the n by inadequate supervision Orph, so as to support the commies’ propaganda claim r the that he was to blame for omy’s bank’s woes all the economy’s estigaproblems. The A&M investigampleted. tion has not yet been completed.

Having been warned by the Euhat the ropean Central Bank that idity astaps of emergency liquidity

sistance would be turned off if we did not sign a bailout and seeing the government building public opposition to the troika he decided to act.

To his credit, he forgot his debt y, to AKEL for his cushy, highly-paid job and did everything he could to prevent the collapse of the whole system including standing up to the autocratic comrade who only has time for yes-men.

THE PROFESSOR recruited the help of the DISY Fuhrer, and made public pleas for the imm e -

diate signing of a bailout and privately tried to persuade the obstinate comrade to get the deal with the troika done.

Nothing worked until Thursday morning, when he was informed that millions of deposits were being withdrawn from Laiki Bank putting it under severe pressure.

A panicking Panicos contacted the comrade in Brussels and the fear of being debited with a banking collapse, and all its devastating consequences finally helped him make up his mind.

For the first time in his term in office, the comrade acted decisively. He immediately issued a statement, saying the government and the troika were ‘very close’ to a deal. On Thursday evening it was reported from Brussels that an agreement had been reached with the troika, which was not, strictly speaking, true but it served to calm nerves and rule out the possibility of a bank run.

The panicking Panicos had finally gotten through to the comrade, even though his actions – fraternising with the Fuhrer and speaking out in public against the government’s indecision – meant the he is now, officially, out of favour, struck off the list of the comrade’s trusted yesmen.

He finally turned into a yes man in Brussels this week

THE COMRADE will find it very difficult to come to terms with Panicos’ betrayal. He said so at Wednesday’s farcical presidential palace meeting with the party leaders during which he attacked both the Governor and his detested finance minister Vasos Shiarly.

In one his outbursts the comrade reportedly said with a degree of bitterness and condescension, “First we had Thanasis (Orphanides), now we have Panicos.” He is cursed to have a Central Bank Governor that would cause him grief.

The irony is that both Governors he managed to fall out with had impeccable AKEL credentials. Thanasis was from a bona fide AKEL family while Panicos’ grandfather was known as The Bolshevik. Why do these sons of the big AKEL family denounce the party once they sit in the Central B Bank Governor’s chair?

Who pois poisons their minds and turns the them against the Party?

Thanasis may have been the victim of bra brain-washing while working in the US, but Panicos had preserved his left-wing prejudices whil while in the UK. Could it be that once he got to know Akelites better he d decided he did not want to have an anything to do with them, especially as they would be out of power in tthree months?

I CANNOT CANNO hide my admiration for the commies’ propaganda machinery machinery. A few hours after the comrade h had capitulated, agreeing to sha shaft the public parasites as the tro troika had been demanding, they were w praising him for securing the th best possible terms.

The resi resistance offered by the governm government in negotiations yie had yielded positive results, s their spokesmen argued. We achiev achieved a better bailout thanks to the brilliant negotiatin tiating of our government which had proved how wrong o the opposition parties were in calling c for the signing of dea deal without a fight.

“O “Once again it was proved th that this government d does not give in easily a and it defends with vigo our the conquests and r rights of the working people,” trumpeted the party mouthpiece in an editorial. The unions were not so impressed w with the government’s def defence of their members’ conq conquests and rights.

As H Hadjiklamouris pointed af out, after being briefed by labou ministry about the the labour bailout’s provisions, p the workers “were slau slaughtered”. Then again, expressing gratitude is not something the chief public parasite is known for for.

THE HAG HAGGLING with the troika completel completely overshadowed the visit of Bi Big Bad Al. Both leaders snubbed the cocktail party he gave for d diplomatic missions at Chateau Status.

S Eroglu di did not go because Al had not invited his overlord, Turkey’s ambassador, while the comrade claimed he was busy dealing w with the troika. But Tof could not have been so busy if he had tim time to go to Psevdas, on the day of the reception, for the opening c ceremony of another vil-

lage periptero.

Nevertheless, Al did manage to attract some negative press, by saying that the solution of the Cyprob would be a bi-zonal, bicommunal federation or something else. This incensed the supporters of the BBF at Phil, which headlined its story “Downer bomb regarding the basis for solution.”

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Yiorkos Lillikas, aka Tsipras Mark II, seized the opportunity to have a go at the Turk-loving Aussie. But if he wants anyone to take notice of his bash-patriotic posturing he should show a little more originality. Dismissing Al’s statements as “provocative and unacceptable” is just so lazy and boring.

Everyone uses these exact adjectives as soon as Al opens his mouth. Lillikas, who claims he is different from the rest of the politicians, must think of better adjectives. His predictability does not end there. He also urged the government to demand the immediate replacement of Al, because “he undermines our national interests and with his behaviour he promotes the objectives of Ankara.”

The funny thing is that Yiorkos, when he is not playing the national saviour, likes to think of himself as a great communications strategist. If he were he may have known that repeating the exact same boring platitudes people have heard millions of times is not a very smart communications ploy.

I MUST say I feel sorry for poor old Ethnarch Junior who is destroying all the good work he has done in the last couple of years, as a tough critic of the Tof government’s suicidal economic policies. He is now running the risk of destroying the image he built by insisting on supporting Tsipras’ the Second’s presidential candidacy.

This week he was on the radio urging the government to sign a bailout immediately, because the alternative would be catastrophic. But he is also backing Lillikas who is fanatically opposed to the signing of a bailout. Attacking the government for not signing a bailout, while supporting a candidate, who opposes signing a bailout, seems a bit schizophrenic.

IT IS NOT only the banks that need a bailout. The Orphanides supermarket chain could also have done with a big injection of cash, but its survival is not considered essential to the smooth functioning of the economy, at least by the IMF. The company is set to go into administration, but at present its two biggest creditors, Laiki and the BofC, are bickering over the identity of the administrator. Both banks want to keep the company afloat because if it sank they stood to lose huge amounts of money, not to mention the chain’s hundreds of creditors who would go down with it.

THE GOOD news is that there are only 91 days left of the communist presidency that sacrifices the rights of the workers in order to keep the banks in business.

18 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

World in pictures

Liu Xianping, a 72 year old grandfather modeling for his granddaughters’ online fashion company Yecoo in China

Indian Border Security Force soldiers take part in a passing out parade in Humhama (AFP)

A multiple exposure image shows China’s Wai Hou Ng competing in the men’s 3m springboard during the 9th Asian Swimming Championships in Dubai (AFP)

Wax figures of US musician Rihanna (left), actors George Clooney (seated) and Morgan Freeman (right) join US President Barack Obama in a recreation of the Oval Office for Thanksgiving at Madame Tussauds in London (AFP)

US soldiers wait in line for their Thanksgiving Day meal at Kabul International Airport (AFP)

Cardinals chat before taking part in a ceremony where the pontif appointed six new cardinals (AFP)

Buildings of The Barcode Project pictured at sunset in Oslo

Indian Hindu devotees offer prayers to the sun during the Chhath Festival eight days after Diwali (AFP)

An Israeli border policeman stands inside a police station stoned by Palestinian protestors in east Jerusalem (AFP)

19 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Lifestyle

When they’re not stalking catwalks, the world’s top models keep busy ministering to the poor gg supergiver? p g and needy through charity work. Lucy Hunter Johnston asks who is the biggest KATE MOSS, 38 SWEET CHARITY Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Cancer Research UK. STATE OF DONATION Since 2001 Marks & Spencer’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign for Breakthrough Breast Cancer has raised more than £17 million.

GREAT LENGTHS Kate modelled a T-shirt for the M&S campaign, and in 2007 designed a charm for a necklace sold by Wallis in aid of Cancer Research UK. She also had a brief role in a 2011 Comic Relief sketch.

PAYING IT FORWARD “I am happy to give my support to help fund research, as so many lives are affected by this terrible disease.”

Tasty: Gisele serving Thanksgiving dinner at Morgan Memorial Goodwill in Boston, 2008

Kate Moss has raised funds for anti cancer charities

NATALIA VODIANOVA, 30 SWEET CHARITY SuperNova founded the Naked Heart Foundation in 2004, after the Beslan school siege.

STATE OF DONATION The charity has opened 90 parks for children in 68 towns across Russia. Just under £4 million was raised in 2011.

GREAT LENGTHS During Paris Fashion Week in March, Natalia ran a halfmarathon to raise funds, before coolly trotting down the runway for Stella Mc-

PRETTY GENEROUS Cartney.

PAYING IT FORWARD “Philanthropy is where I channel most of my real self.”

CINDY CRAWFORD, 46 SWEET CHARITY Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

STATE OF DONATION Cindy has helped raise around $224,000 for the hospital.

GREAT LENGTHS Cindy’s younger brother Jeff died of leukaemia, aged three.

Since then she has been fundraising for the disease, donating all proceeds from her annual calendar to the hospital where Jeff was treated.

PAYING IT FORWARD “When I was able to start raising money and awareness, this was the first place that popped into my head.”

Natalia Vodianova

NAOMI CAMPBELL, 42

SWEET CHARITY Founded We Love Brazil, which sells fabrics made by Brazilian women to help fight poverty, and Fashion For Relief, which organises charity fashion shows. Last year she was honoured for her charity work for cancer research.

STATE OF DONATION Fashion For Relief has raised £4.5 million for humanitarian causes.

GREAT LENGTHS Naomi’s charities have done so much work in Brazil that in 2007 she was named an ambassador for Rio de Janeiro.

PAYING IT FORWARD “It would be fantastic if everyone joined forces to give what they can.”

raised £120,000.

GREAT LENGTHS Christy has persuaded her celebrity friends Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Martin and charity heavyweights Bono and Sting to feature on charity compilation albums.

PAYING IT FORWARD “It is education that will arm us with the tools that will enable us to succeed and put a stop to the rising rates of preventable death.”

due to the fact it’s genetic, so it doesn’t have the high profile of HIV or malaria.

[Riley’s diagnosis] made me almost not want to leave the house, but I made myself get over it.”

LILY COLE, 24

SWEET CHARITY Founded Every Mother Counts in 2010.

STATE OF DONATION Every Mother Counts has

SWEET CHARITY Sickle Cell Society.

STATE OF DONATION The charity raised £405,125 in 2011.

GREAT LENGTHS When Jourdan’s son Riley was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia before his birth, she became a campaigner to raise awareness of the inherited blood disorder.

PAYING IT FORWARD “It’s something people don’t really know about,

SWEET CHARITY Global Angels (children’s charity), WaterAid, Environmental Justice Foundation, Christian Aid. STATE OF DONATION In 2011 Christian Aid raised £95,453,000.

GREAT LENGTHS In 2010 Lily travelled to Thailand to visit the Nai Soi camp, home to 15,000 Burmese refugees, to raise awareness of their situation.

PAYING IT FORWARD “It’s a difficult idea to get my head around. The camps offer a refuge for people who have nowhere else in the world to feel safe. If the funds were removed, there would be nowhere for them to go.”

Cindy Crawford

Naomi Campbell

Christy Turlington

CHRISTY TURLINGTON, 43

JOURDAN DUNN, 22

GISELE SELE BÜNDCHEN, ÜNDCHEN, 32 2

SWEET WEET CHARY UN Goodwill ITY mbassador, Red Ambassador, oss, RED camCross, ign. paign.

TATE OF DONASTATE ON In 2010 Gisele TION ve close on £1 milgave n to the Red Cross, lion forr relief in Haiti.

REAT LENGTHS GREAT sele set up a ‘green’ Gisele og (blog.giselebundblog en.com.br) where she chen.com.br) ites about environwrites ental issues, with the mental g line ‘The fashion is tag to be responsible’.

AYING IT FORWARD PAYING “I help a lot of charis.” “The more you ties.” ust your intuition, trust e more empowered the u become, the you ronger you stronger come, and become, e happier you the come.” become.”

Jourdan Dunn and Riley

Lily Cole

20

SUNDAY MAIL •

Lifestyle

Nobody puts grandm With their bright red lips, tribal jewellery, and ‘Honey, who gives a crap?!’ attitude, stylish over-sixties are storming out of the shadows and on to catwalks and red carpets as the fashion world falls under their spell.

Hermione Eyre joins some very glamorous geriatrics ASHION’S most wanted is walking down the street at a slow, genteel pace, in mid-high heels. She is carrying a patent leather handbag, wearing leopardprint gloves and a 1920s cloche hat.

A glorious diamond brooch twinkles at her neck. She is on her way to the postbox. At least, she was on her way to the postbox: nowadays, the glamorous grandma (‘Glamma’) is more likely to be on her way to a model casting, photo shoot, or even the premiere of a documentary about herself. Every one of the older women I interviewed for this feature was having a documentary made about her.

Fashion has fallen in love with fabulous older women - the older the better. Being in your sixties doesn’t quite cut it; octogenarians have all the cachet. Carmen Dell’Orefice, the mesmerisingly beautiful 81-year-old, was one of the busiest models at September’s New York Fashion Week, appearing in two shows in one day.

Iris Apfel, 91, is currently resplendent in Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons creations on the cover of Dazed & Confused. “We have always believed that models can be any age, any colour, any ability, any shape. We have never had a conventional view on beauty, it’s always about attitude,” says Dazed founder Jefferson Hack. “Experience combined with a strong individuality is totally punk.

Iris is at the vanguard, and we get excited about celebrating those who are pushing things forward.”

Formerly a top New York textile designer, Apfel became a “geriatric starlet” (her own designation) overnight when selections from her wardrobe were put on display at the Met. A documentary about her is forthcoming - full, no of doubt, Apfel bons

F

Former model Gitte Lee

Iris Apfel on the cover of October’s Dazed and Confused mots such as: “If you don’t dress like anyo anyone else, you don’t have to think like anyone else,” and “If you hear an anyone say I’m dead, tell them, ‘ ‘No, she’s very much alive and j just walking around to save funeral expenses.’”

What is it like to be ‘discovered’ at the age of 81? Jacquie Murdock has been a successful dancer h all her life, but her biggest break came this year when she appeared L in a Lanvin campaign photographed S

by Steven Meisel. It all began when she w was stopped in the street by Ari Seth Cohen, creator of the influenA tial Advanced Style blog, in which ch he chronicles the well-dressed older wom women he meets out and about on s the streets of New York. He asked if he could take her photograph. “I told him, ‘I am a professional. I am leg a legendary dancer from the Apollo thea theatre in Harlem.’ Then I threw my hand in the air and went ‘Ta-dah!’ hands h started snapping away.” and he Bor Jacqueline Bebe Mercedes Born Cam Campbell, she grew up in Harlem; her pare parents came from Cuba via JamaiA 17 she danced alongside the ca. At Coun Basie Orchestra at the Apollo.

Count She worked with Eubie Blake, and still dances the Charleston at the Harl Harlem Jazz Museum. She was “the first student of the first belly-dancing school in New York”, where she assu assumed the Middle Eastern stage nam name Tajah. Later in life, she went

on to take three degrees at NYU. “I live a very active life. I don’t eat too much, and I never wear jeans. I love clothes and fashion and I have my own unique style. I can still wear my clothes from 30 or 40 years ago.”

Spotted on Advanced Style, she was recruited to the ground-breaking Lanvin advertising campaign, created by Ronnie Cooke Newhouse of House + Holme. “When they saw me, the casting director said, ‘Oh, you kept your figure, didn’t you?’ I said, ‘I certainly did,’” says Jacquie.

Being dressed by Alber Elbaz was a lifelong dream come true: “I wanted to be a fashion model in Paris when I was 18 and now you can put the 8 in front of the 1,” she quips. She loved the photo shoot – “I had three people working on my hair and make-up at one time” - and Elbaz chose a green peplum dress for her, although she kicked off the accompanying stilettos. “I couldn’t stand in them. I’m tall enough. I’m a showgirl!”

Elbaz told me that he liked working with Jacquie because she brought “another angle, another perspective.

There’s a feeling today that women are not allowed to age any more, it’s like wrinkles are almost forbidden. But I think sometimes you have to stop and say, ‘Look, there are so many beautiful people in the world, there is beauty in an older woman…’

My logo is a mother and a daughter, and I try to do clothes for women of

different ages. Yves Saint Laurent said many smart things but he said that before they’re thirty, women don’t need him, they’re beautiful already. After thirty, they come looking for him. Then he has something to do for them.”

There is no such thing as a generic Glamma. The whole reason these women are venerated by fashion is that they have, over the years, distilled a style that is all their own. It might be the outrageous Pop Art maximalism of the late Anna Piaggi, or its opposite, the restrained elegance of the former Danish model Gitte Lee - actually Lady Lee, since she is married to the actor Sir Christopher Lee (and has been for 50 years). Her signature daywear pieces include heavy black-rimmed spectacles, a wide straw hat, an Hermès handbag and usually one of a selection of long, light overcoats, made for her in India. For evening events - accompanying her husband to a James Bond gala, for example - she favours black, with outsize gold jewellery.

She never wears her hair down. She has always been a beauty, but at 77 she has something indefinably extra, which makes photographs of her so compelling: she looks as if she has life all figured out. Her serenity seems to come from within.

“I met Gitte at the premiere of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland,” explains the fashion photographer Tim Walker. “She looked breathtaking. She was wearing a black embroidered cape from Ecuador. I wanted to take her portrait and capture her presence. At my Somerset House exhibition everyone was really taken with the pictures of her. She’s an exceptional individual, she’s had time to become who she is. As the decades go by, we start just pleasing ourselves. Photographing age is maybe even better than photographing youth, which is complicated by desire and full of questions: am I sexy?

Whereas for an older person it’s not a

The whole reason these by fashion is that they distilled a style th question, it’s a statement: I am stylish. There are so many older women I’d love to photograph: Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin. The fashion industry thinks there’s some kind of cut-off point for beauty, but they’re missing out. They should wake up and see how certain women perpetuate the idea of beauty into their sixties, seventies, eighties. It’s a very positive thing for everyone.”

Gitte is also one of Ari Seth Cohen’s great discoveries. “We can all take style cues from Gitte,” he says. “She is one of the most elegant women I

Textile designer Iris Apfel

21 November 25, 2012

a in the corner… …

Grey matters: Carmen Dell Orefice on the catwalk at the Sherri Hill SS 2012 fashion show and (right) at the Sherri Hill show in September

Artist Beatrix Ost

e women are venerated y have, over the years, hat is all their own have ever met and has a great instinct about style and how to enjoy scinated life.” Ari is 31, and became fascinated er movwith superannuated chic after ego four ing to New York from San Diego nner and years ago. His decorous manner sincere appreciation mean most ladies he approaches agree to pose itely defor him, although some “politely ul about cline”. He still seems regretful ere was the ones who got away. “There this lady in a black suit and hat the at the other day…” He admits that es is hardest part of what he does explaining what a blog is.

Cover girl: Gitte Lee on the cover of Advanced Style

“Advanced Style isn’t only about fashion, it’s a project about how it’s OK to get older,” he says. “I’ve never considered ‘old’ a bad word. To be old is to be experienced, wise and advanced.” The blog - now also a coffee-table book and a forthcoming film - is a treasure trove of eccentric elegance.

Advanced style may be eccentric, but it should never be crazy. Skull caps, false eyelashes and outsize dark glasses are all part of the look. As are bangles and brooches,

Ari Seth Cohen at his book launch with Zandra Rhodes, 72

lipstick and silver-topped canes. A tie, trilby or beret can work. Also, multiple small dogs. Londoner Heather Chasen is a Tony-nominated actress whose effortless style impressed Ari (he knocked on her door out of the blue, tipped off by a friend). She appears in his book holding Sweetie Killer, her Pomeranian, and Bosie, her Chinese crested rescue dog, wearing a Louis Vuitton leopard-print scarf. “I love animal prints. Always have done.

Unfortu Unfortunately, they’re rather popunow Heather describes her style lar now.” pithily: “I usually wear black with a thin dangling round my neck. few things Amber beads and a magnifying glass u all the time. That’s all it is, that I use darlin I usually wear red lipstick darling.

but now I can’t be f***ing bothered to do the rest.” Her signature scent is “mothballs and Jean Patou”.

There is little justice in youthful beauty, which is all genetics, but advanced beauty is a triumph of character, taste and will. Ari clearly adores his ‘ladies’. “You can see their passion and determination in the way they dress themselves every day.” In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Ari found his ladies full of survivors’ spirit. “Ruth, who is 101, was without electricity for days, living on the 17th floor. It didn’t seem to faze her.

She was most worried about how

Jacquie Murdock in the Lanvin AW 2012 campaign

she was going to do her Pilates in the dark.” To sum it up, he says: “These ladies are inspiring, and I want to be like them.”

Tavi Gevinson, the 16-year-old fashion blogger, echoes his sentiment when she says of Iris Apfel: “If I’m ever disappointed about anything, just thinking about Iris Apfel makes me feel inspired again. I hope to be like her asap, not just once I get to her age.”

Glammas can receive a lot of love and attention. “People smile and they’re so appreciative - they send me love and it’s very healing,” says Tziporah Salamon, also featured in Advanced Style. And sometimes their new cultural status can lead to life-changing invitations. Two of Ari’s ‘ladies’ have landed television commercials, and we are crossing everything for Jacquie Murdock, for whom, at 81, the adventure is only just beginning: “I’ve still never been to Paris,” she says. “But I’m hoping to one day soon.”

22 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Winter travel

Set for skiing

Borovets

With the cold weather, holiday thoughts inevitably turn to skiing packages but what’s on offer? the traditional settlement of Palaiou Ayiou Athanassiou is the ski centre of Kaimaktsalan, which provides modern fixtures and a breathtaking view. Winter sports lovers prefer it not only for skiing but also for other activities such as Airboard Trail (special slope for inflatable boards that slide on the snow) and Snowboard (specially constructed and bounded slope) that raise the adrenaline.

Faraya Mzaar

Price: five days from €520

Bansko

Faraya Mzaar, Lebanon The ski centre of Faraya Mzaar in Lebanon is a remarkable choice for those who only have a few days spare to dedicate to winter sports.

Slopes have a total distance of 80 kilometers with a good system of lifts connecting them, creating a winter destination that is attractive and affordable.

The five-star Intercontinental offers a luxurious environment and is located right at the beginning of the ski centre. Aux Cimes du Mzaar is a new hotel in an extremely favourable location, with a direct access to the slopes. The three-star Merab Hotel is suitable for lower cost holidays in a place with clean rooms and very close to the slopes.

it is located only one hour away from Sofia airport.

Hotels at the resort are right on the ski slopes, thus there is no

Bansko is the most recent ski centre in Bulgaria and has seen huge development over the last few years. Millions have been invested in the area, turning this graphic village into a ski Mecca of the Balkans. Bansko Hotels offer a

Kopaonik is the largest ski centre in Serbia and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe need of transportation to for access. The variety and the quality of the slopes are more than satisfactory.

very satisfactory quality of service in reasonable prices. Transfer is either from Sofia or Thessaloniki.

Price: six days from €500 Price: eight days from €430

Price: start from €420 for a fournight stay

Kaimaktsalan

Borovets

Domotel Neve Mountain Resort & Spa is located under the shadow of Mount Voras, the third highest mountain in Greece - Kaimaktsalan.

Only 10 kilometers away from

Borovets is a historical ski centre with a long tradition in tourism of more than 100 years. Its most important advantage is the fact that

Kopaonik

Serbia (Kopaonik) Kopaonik is the largest ski centre in Serbia and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Europe.

It has well-organised ski slopes of 55 kilometers total length for Alpine ski and of 12 kilometers for

For more information contact Let’s Go Tours on 77778277 or visit www.amathusetravel.com classic ski. Kopaonik offers a huge delight for all skier categories, from the inexperienced beginners to the most experienced.

It also has a snowboard park, sleighs and skaters. Three of the slopes are based on the FIS specifications, suitable for slalom, giant slalom and super descent. All slopes are connected via ski lifts.

Price: four days from €530

Arachova Parnassus Ski Centre tops skiers’ preferences in Greece, as it is very close to Athens and its installations allow numerous visitors. It is the largest and the most well organised ski centre of Greece.

Tagli Resort & Spa is a new fivestar hotel only three kilometers from Arachova, combining the best of nature and comfort.

Price: five days from €950

Colorado: the perfect compromise for skis and horses

By Alf Alderson THE snowfall gathered slowly along the mane of my horse as we worked our way along the high-level meadows of the Colorado mountain country. Finally, more than 40 years after donning my first “cowboy outfit” I felt like the real thing - although I have to admit to some chagrin at not being supplied with a Stetson hat along with my steed, Hopi.

I was playing John Wayne at Home Ranch, close to the ski resort of Steamboat Springs, where those who want a change from hooning downhill on skis - or maybe don’t want to ski at all – can get away from the hullabaloo of the slopes and explore Colorado’s quiet high country on horseback, cross-country skis or snowshoes.

Our compromise ski trip had so far proved remarkably successful. We’d started with a night (and marvellously relaxing après-flight spa treatment) at one of Denver’s plushest hotels, the 19th century

brick and sandstone Oxford Hotel in the city’s vibrant downtown area, then taken the short drive to Winter Park resort for some fun skiing in fresh powder.

From Winter Park, a three-hour drive north took us to Steamboat Springs, where two-feet of the resort’s trademarked “champagne powder” turned up right on cue. I spent a day floating through shindeep fluff. This was rounded off perfectly by a visit to nearby Strawberry Park Hot Springs, where you can enjoy the perfect antidote to aching quads. Several swift transitions back and forth from the 40C hot pools to the chilly waters of the river which flows beside had us feeling like overcooked noodles after about half-an-hour.

But that was the last of the skiing. The following day saw us drive north in glorious winter sunshine to Home Ranch, a family-owned operation that has been putting greenhorns like me on horseback for more than 30 years. The ranch has more than 100 head of horses, many of which we fed before sad-

dling up.

Hopi, I was pleased to find, was also renowned for his forgiving nature and ability to wander along totally unperturbed despite having a complete beginner on his back. I was told how to get him to respond to neck reining, whereby I laid the reins against the right side of Hopi’s neck to get him to turn left (viceversa for right) and pulled gently back on them to get him to stop.

His response was instantaneous, and within a minute of climbing into the broad, surprisingly comfortable Western saddle I was manoeuvring around the yard on horseback while the others in our group got to know their horses.

Our afternoon ride consisted of following wrangler Alec Nelson through knee-deep snow in a gently meandering crocodile across meadows and beside the Elk River as snow fell ever more heavily. Hopi’s gentle and sure-footed progress took no getting used to at all and it was literally a matter of minutes before I was relaxing and enjoying the snowbound Colorado

Home Ranch has cosy cabins and plenty of horses high country.

This was all so much less frenetic than skiing and no bad thing for that. And it was instantly possible to understand the attraction of riding a horse through this lovely winter landscape. The pace is relaxing, a well-trained horse such as Hopi responds instantly to commands and the views from the saddle put you right there in the heart of your favourite (winter) western movie.

To be fair the unchallenging nature of this kind of horse riding

wouldn’t be likely to appeal to more experienced riders, who would be better advised to visit Home Ranch in the summer when you can enjoy full-day adventures in the backcountry. But for someone such as me, who has only ever looked upon a horse as something that can create mayhem from either end, it’s a great way to enjoy a - well, a ski holiday. And that’s something I would never have expected, particularly with all that “champagne powder” just a few miles down the road.

23 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Winter travel

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Evenings on board are even more exciting! All the ships offer a variety of bars, lounges, piano bars and many more. You may enjoy your

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24 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Business & Jobs

Taxman clampdown on Jersey accounts Investment Bill Blevins Bill Blevins is Financial Correspondent at Blevins Franks International.

INFORMATION on over 8,000 HSBC Jersey clients has been leaked to the tax authorities. Half of the names on the list are UK residents, while the rest are based in various other countries.

We had a similar situation with HSBC Geneva a few years ago. This enabled the tax authorities in the UK and elsewhere to trace tax evaders and recoup unpaid tax and interest and penalties.

This latest incident was uncovered by the Daily Telegraph which published an exposé on November 8.

According to the report, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) received information from a whistleblower on 4,388 UK residents (apparently every Briton with an HSBC bank account in Jersey). The data includes clients’ names, addresses and account balances. Between them they hold £699 million

in HSBC current accounts at the bank’s Jersey branches.

In all, the list contains 8,474 names, including 527 in France, 333 in Spain and 117 in the US. According to a Cyprus Mail article, reports here have since indicated that the list contains names of 134 Greek Cypriots, though this is not backed up by the Telegraph or official sources.

It is of course completely legal to use offshore bank accounts, provided you accurately report the income in your country of residence. Whether you live in the UK or Cyprus, you are obliged to declare your worldwide income.

Offshore bank accounts can provide various advantages for British expatriates, but tax planning is not one of them. You should only ever use tax planning which is compliant in your country of residence.

The Telegraph article emphasises the fact that the list of bank account owners includes a convicted gun runner, drug dealers and three bankers facing fraud charges.

It also reportedly includes bankers and senior figures in the city, one apparently holding £6 million in his account, and doctors, mining and oil executives and oil workers.

The list also contains dozens of people who appear to have no source of substantial income and yet still hold large amounts in Jersey, which is exactly the sort of anomaly

World Vision is one of the world's leading relief, development and advocacy organizations, currently helping more than 100 million people in almost 100 countries. As a Christian organization, we work alongside communities in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

HSBC accounts in Jersey under scrutiny tax investigators look for.

The UK tax authorities are understood to be going through the list and comparing it to tax returns to determine which accounts have not been correctly declared.

The consequences of using Jersey (or other offshore centres) to evade tax in the UK include heavy penalties, possibility of criminal prosecution, possibility of naming and shaming.

We can expect the names of clients based

in other countries to be passed on to their tax authorities. This is what happened with the HSBC Geneva list and is typical of the exchange of information we see nowadays as governments work together to fight tax evasion.

The bank has launched an urgent internal enquiry in the “alleged loss” of client data, and has said it would co-operate with any investigation if required to do so.

This is an embarrassment for the bank, not only because of the breach of security.

It raises questions about its internal compliance procedures in Jersey and how it vets customers. HSBC is already facing a large penalty for failing to implement proper controls in Mexico.

Jersey insists that it is not a haven for drugs money, tax evasion or other crime.

This incident could however put more pressure on Jersey to commit to automatic exchange of information, especially if it is established that people have been using the island to evade tax.

Offshore banking has been under intense scrutiny since the financial crisis, and any evidence of tax evasion here will not help matters.

If you are looking for tax efficient arrangements for your savings and investments, contact a firm like Blevins Franks for upto-date advice based on your circumstances and objectives. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com

The organization is seeking to recruit a qualified, flexible and highly motivated individual for the following position, who will be based in their regional office in Nicosia: Finance Assistant: This position will provide support to the financial management and reporting of the Regional office, ensuring good stewardship, transparency and accountability.

Ensure timely and accurate processing of inter-office charges, expense reports, payments, reconciliations.

Assist in reviewing, updating and implementing financial policies and procedures.

Qualified candidate must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, which may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, and on-the-job training: CAT or BA qualifications 3 years’ experience in accounting.

Fluent English and Greek.

The position requires interacting with a large and diverse group of stakeholders on a regular basis. The ability to be organized and detailed is essential.

This position requires a self-starter who is willing to take ownership of an assignment and drive it to completion with minimal supervision.

Must have level of independence, show initiative and be highly motivated.

Candidates must be compatible with World Vision’s Christian ethos and core values. Visit our website for more information at www.meero.worldvision.org.

To be considered, please submit your application electronically to meero_recruit@wvi.org by the 30 November 2012.

th

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Currencies USD GBP CHF JPY AUD CAD SEK

23-Nov-2012

1.2852 0.8057 1.1996 105.60 1.2271 1.2732 8.5198

1.2929 0.8105 1.2092 106.44 1.2516 1.2987 8.6902

16-Nov-2012

1.2731 0.8028 1.1997 103.02 1.2249 1.2655 8.5552

1.2807 0.8076 1.2093 103.84 1.2494 1.2908 8.7263

Job Vacancy & Call for Offers for IT / Technical Services The inter-communal, non-governmental, Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) seek to recruit an Administrative Officer for his ongoing projects and programmes.

The AHDR also seeks to engage support for its information technology and technical needs. The Consultancy Company will be required to provide ongoing support on an as-needed basis, whilst also overseeing IT and technical needs related to the Home for Cooperation (H4C)

Fluency in English AND Turkish is essential.

.

Application Deadline: Friday 30 November 2012 Please visit the AHDR’s website for a complete Terms of Reference and further information regarding application procedures: www.ahdr.info For additional information, please email: ahdr.mide@gmail.com and/or telephone: +357 22445740 / +90 542 8506681

09-Nov-2012

1.2740 0.7961 1.2009 101.19 1.2130 1.2634 8.4237

1.2816 0.8009 1.2105 102.00 1.2373 1.2887 8.5922

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

USD 0.18 0.21 0.26 0.31 0.53 0.86

EUR 0.02 0.06 0.09 0.13 0.25 0.50

GBP 0.49 0.50 0.51 0.52 0.69 1.04

CHF 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.03 0.12 0.31

JPY 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.19 0.30 0.51

LIBOR RATES (London Interbank Borrowing Rates) AS AT 19/11/2012

CAD 1.00 1.06 1.15 1.23 1.52 1.95

AUD 3.24 3.31 3.37 3.45 3.60 3.94

25 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Business & Jobs

An energy policy for Cyprus A plan meeting the island’s specific energy needs, EU duties required Figures from 2011 show that RES made up only 6 per cent of Cyprus’ energy balance, but are now developing rapidly

Comment Costas Apostolides t this point in time, it has become clear Cyprus needs a comprehensive energy policy, based on natural gas and renewable energy sources (RES), that meets the island’s needs and is consistent with European Union law and policy.

In exploring the subject, it is clear small states such as Cyprus face exceptional problems with respect to the energy sector, which are either unique to them, or considerably accentuated by their size.

A

SMALL STATES The main problems experienced in Cyprus due to size are as follows: (a) Transport by ship is relatively slow and increases costs; (b) Cyprus is isolated from the EU single energy market; (c) Environmental concerns make the location of power plants, and even RES, difficult; (d) Economies of scale are lacking and lumpiness of investments raises costs; (e) Electricity and energy costs are generally higher than in larger countries; (f) The development of RES for electricity production creates problems for the stability of the transmission network, accentuated by isolation (g) Monopolistic and oligopolistic practices occur more easily.

Over and above these factors, the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus and lack of progress on the Cyprus problem also add to the challenges, with regards security of facilities and of supplies.

PRESENT SITUATION At present, the most important points to keep in mind are the low thermal efficiency of power plants and much lower energy taxes in Cyprus, combined with high energy intensity.

A simplified energy balance of Cyprus for 2011 is shown in the table (inset) in terms of tonnes of oil equivalents and divided into fossil fuels and RES. We see here that 94 per cent of the gross final consumption was in fossil fuels, of which the most important are conventional fuels for electricity power stations, unleaded 95 for vehicles, diesel and aviation fuel, all in roughly similar proportions.

RES are only 6 per cent of the total, but are now developing rapidly and have more than doubled from 2005 to 2011.

EU ENERGY POLICY Cyprus applies EU energy policies and law. The three pillars of EU energy policy are Security of Supply, Competitiveness and Sustainability.

Within the context of these three pillars, the current focus is on the following: (a) promotion of RES with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing climate change and achieving EU environment objectives, but also attaining security of supply by

reducing imports. The EU target is for RES to contribute 20 per cent of total energy consumption by 2020, but the specific targets set for member states vary and are mandatory; (b) In transport the 2020 target refers to bio-fuels, and is set at 10 per cent; (c) Improvement of energy use

SIMPLIFIED ENERGY BALANCE 2011 CATEGORY

T.O.E.

%

A

Fossil Fuels

1,798,892

94

B

Renewables

114,175

6

Solar Thermal

62,991

Biomass

23,269

Biofuels

16,012

Wind-Electricity

9,831

Geothermal

1,045

Photovoltaic

1,027

Total

1,913,067

by reducing demand to the target of 20 per cent by 2020; (d) The creation of an internal energy market in the EU; (e) The policy on Trans European Infrastructure refers to the target to complete the energy interconnections between member states by 2014.

Under EU mandatory policy Cyprus has to achieve 13 per cent penetration into total energy consumption by 2020, while the EU as a whole is set to achieve 20 per cent. For most countries, including Cyprus, the 2020 targets were to increase penetration by about 10 per cent of the 2005 level.

The EU is currently discussing policy on RES for the post 2020 period - for 2030, 2040 and 2050 - and key decisions will be taken by the European Council on December 3.

Within this context, and given the natural gas finds, the following ideas are offered for a Comprehensive Energy Policy: (1) An Energy Council to coordinate all the various state agencies should be set up; (2) A multidisciplinary team should be established to prepare a Comprehensive Energy policy and Action Plan; (3) The Cyprus government should propose that future planning for RES after 2020 should build on the success of current policy, and set mandatory targets calling for a further 10 per cent research to 30 per cent by 2030; (4) Indicative targets for RES in the EU should be set for 2050, but plans should be made at 10-year intervals, because of the unpredictable nature of change; (5) Cyprus should adopt an energy policy based on the parallel development of natural gas and RES, primarily solar energy.

Costas Apostolides is chairman of EMS Economic Management Ltd (costas.a@highwaycommunications.com)

Deutsche Bank seeks older women to change culture DEUTSCHE Bank is on the lookout for mature, techsavvy women who it thinks will be better team players to help change its corporate culture and rebuild its reputation in the wake of the financial crisis.

The bank is being forced to rethink the way it does business after short-term bonus incentives led to risky deals which hurt profits. Deutsche is also being probed by regulators over possible rigging of the Libor benchmark international lending rate and for the way it sold toxic assets to investors.

“You could say having trustworthy bankers is enough to rebuild trust in the banking industry,” said Stephan Leithner, Head of Human Resources and Compliance at Germany’s flagship lender. “It is not enough.

In future you need to have other qualities.”

“Let me be provocative: The banker of the future will be more female, more international, older, more team oriented and more mobile, and needs to enjoy working with technology,” Leithner told a seminar for young high-potential bankers in Frankfurt on Wednesday.

By 2018, Deutsche Bank said in September it wants to raise the proportion of female staff in senior leadership positions to 25 per cent from around 17 per cent in 2011. It is also seeking to raise the proportion of women in overall leadership positions to 35 per cent by 2018 from around 29.7 per cent in 2011.

“In many situations, female staff contribute toward team orientation, partnership and long-term sustainability,” Leithner, a former co-head of corporate finance said.

26 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Property LEGAL ISSUES WITH GEORGE COUCOUNIS

Construction of a wall in a neighbouring property

Troika representatives on the island this week

Troika measures and the real estate market

Proposals could see house prices falling even further

By Antonis Loizou FRICS WE READ and hear what the Troika’s measures will be and the Government’s stand on these. Here are some of the reported measures and their effects on the real estate market.

Banks are in trouble with very limited liquidity. There will come a period of three to four years of limited finance to would-be buyers. This will make a sale difficult and buyers must sort out their finances on their own. If the banks are to be recapitalised by troika, the situation will get better but not immediately. It will need one to two years for the market to feel the availability of finance.

The existing over supply coupled with the lack of finance will cause prices to continue their downward trend, which might reach an average reduction of 30 to 40 per cent since their 2008 high, over the period up to 2014.

The recession is expected to become stable/recovery start end 2014/2015 but this is an expectation. From the 2011 prices, 2012 will show a reduction of 15 per cent, 2013 a reduction of 10 per cent and 2014 five per cent.

It is notable to say that the above refers to routine housing units directed primarily for holiday home/retirement.

Units with particular characteristics and location, eg beach units, Limassol vis-à-vis Paphos, marina projects, golf units etc are not expected to have the same reduction (less). In fact the sales are on an increase especially for the top end of €1-€2m buys.

Property taxes are expected to increase be it not much, but the tax exemptions of €170,000 is expected to be reduced to €40,000 taxed at 3‰+ pa increasing to 12‰ for expensive properties. Values are based as at 1.1.1980.

It will have an impact on large holdings and especially on struggling developers making their situation worse and increasing the risks to its buyers.

The present situation has created financial problems to developers and others and they will find difficulties in transfer of property especially for those which are mortgaged. The developers/ sellers problem may be their own doing and/or eminating from non payment of loans by existing buyers.

Everybody is after cash. See example of property taxes which although is the responsibility of the individual buyers to

WHAT YOU GET FOR

pay, no transfer of anyone (in a comprehensive project) is allowed by some authorities even for those who have paid.

Troika suggests forced sale procedure to take place within three years as opposed to the present of five to seven years. This will increase supply, causing a delay in the recovery of the market. It is difficult for us to grasp how these forced sales will be adopted if there are no titles. If we are to create the Bad Bank (see Ireland and Spain) where bad debts and their mortgages will be taken over by a bank who will undertake the sale of property, this could cause a sharp reduction of projects especially the non completed ones, whereas demolishing projects in order to recover the land will not be far away (see Spain and Ireland).

Non performing loans. Proposal to be classed as such even if security covers the debt. The proposal suggests that 90 days delay classes a loan as nonperforming. This is just crazy making no sense at all.

Antonis Loizou & Associates Ltd – Property Valuers & Property Consultants, www.aloizou.com.cy, ala-HQ@ aloizou.com.cy

€70,000

How much: €70,000 What you get: This one-bedroom apartment in Peyia in a complex with communal swimming pool and landscaped gardens within walking distance of the sea and buses.

From: www.buysellcyprus.com, Tel: 26 200000

AVOIDING disputes related to land is preferable than resolving them through court since such dispute is emotional and governed by the claim of ownership. Setting a boundary on a piece of land in the presence of the neighbour before constructing a house or a surrounding wall is a secure solution to avoid any friction which may be caused even by a bona fide mistake. Trespass cannot create ownership rights, because the law states that no estate, interest, right, privilege, liberty, easement or any other advantage whatsoever in, on or over any immovable property shall subsist or shall be created, acquired or transferred except under the provisions of the law. Therefore, only in exceptional cases, where it is unjust for the owner to be benefited by a situation which was acceptable both by him and the other party concerned, the proprietary estoppel is introduced to maintain the said situation.

The court has discretion in the case of deprivation of property to adjudicate damages.

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court analysed a case about a partition wall, part of which was constructed in the neighbour’s plot. The wall was constructed by the previous owner-developing company in 1999 when they built a two-storey house, which they sold thereafter. The purchaser was not aware of the trespass of 9m², which was ascertained after a local enquiry was conducted by the Land Registry to resolve a boundary dispute.

The issue was brought before the District Court where the owner of the house alleged he acted in good faith and he had no knowledge of the insignificant trespass, which appeared afterwards. An order for the demolition of the wall would have caused him disproportional damages compared to the loss of the neighbour who could be compensated financially,

something that the owner of the house was willing to do. The court, given the fact that the trespass was admitted, proceeded and issued an order for the demolition of the part of the wall built in the plot of the neighbour.

The Supreme Court did not agree with the District Court’s decision that the latter had no jurisdiction to adjudicate damages instead of a demolition order. The court stated the following principles govern the issue: (a) an injunction must be issued rarely and only when the plaintiff shows there is a great possibility for serious damage to be caused to him in the future if the injunction is not issued, (b) when the damage to be caused due to the refusal to issue the injunction cannot be remedied through the adjudication of damages, and (c) the injunction will be refused where the compliance of the defendant with it will be illegal.

It also added the following criteria: (a) if the damage of the plaintiff is small, (b) is such that can be monetarily ascertained and the plaintiff will be adequately compensated, and (c) if the case is such that the issue of the order would be oppressive to the defendant, the court can adjudicate damages instead of the order, taking into account the behaviour of the litigants, especially the defendant.

It concluded, however, that although the purchaser will suffer greater financial cost to demolish the wall, it does not find that the amount is such in order to deprive the neighbour of the part of his property covered by the wall. Therefore, it did not find the issue of the order oppressive for the purchaser and his appeal was dismissed.

George Coucounis is a lawyer specialising in the Immovable Property Law, based in Larnaca, Tel: 24 818288, coucounis.law@ cytanet.com.cy, www.coucounislaw.com

compiled by Peter Stevenson

How much: €70,000 What you get: This one-bedroom ground-floor flat in Oroklini village on the outskirts of Larnaca comes with access to a communal pool, open plan kitchen, garden and parking.

From: www.cyprusdreamhomes.com, Tel: 24 828500/1

How much: €70,000 What you get: This second-floor two-bedroom penthouse in Paralimni comes with air conditioning and covered parking and is located in the centre of town.

From: www.cyprusprop.com Tel: 99 537985

27 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Property The only way is up: this is the British capital’s decade of residential towers with more than 100 under construction or in the planning pipeline, says David Spittles

T

OWERS create their own landscape, bringing a sense of modernity and financial dynamism. The growing popularity of high-rise homes has a lot to do with what they bring to the buyer - the expectation of portered, secure space where maintenance is taken care of by someone else, and busy lives catered for by a phone call to the reception desk. Increasingly, it’s a lifestyle affordable not just to the rich, but also to professionals on middleincome salaries.

More than 100 residential towers in London are either under construction or have planning consent, says a report launched this month. Soaring land values - up 20.3 per cent during the last year - and population demands have prompted a high-rise revival by developers who know that in a nervous economic climate a skyscraper is a machine for making land pay. But this time around they are hedging their bets and going for the mantra of mixed use. The better the mix of functions, the better the spread of the risk. If the offices and shops aren’t letting, then the apartments are being bought or rented - and it all means income.

UPSURGE The upsurge in planned construction is being driven by the British government’s 2016 deadline for all residential developments to be carbon-neutral. “This is London’s decade of towers,” says Stephen MilesBrown, director of property consultant Knight Frank, which has published the Tall Towers report. “There is a pressing need for more efficient use of land, and reaching for the sky can be the best housing solution.”

Towers lost their popularity after a backlash against the council-built concrete block disasters of the Sixties and Seventies. But council tower blocks had lost the plot. The European model of postwar towers were never meant for the low-income groups. And when they were built in the UK on a low budget, all their architectural “goodness” had been stripped away. What the people got was not pleasant.

Today’s towers are designed for luxury living, and architects now acknowledge their responsibility for the prominence of their creations, as well as the quality

The future is height: the Shard will offer ten apartments for sale next year

London becomes a vertical metropolis Altitude

The Heron

of the design. While giving the buyer a good view, the architect must also give the citizen a feel-good factor.

But not all approved towers are guaranteed to be built. Developers are struggling to obtain bank fund-

ing. Currently, 25 residential towers with more than 20 storeys are under way.

These include The Heron, The Tower at One St George Wharf, Altitude and Manhattan Loft Gardens at the Olympic Park Stratford.

Ontario Point

Ten vast apartments at the 72-storey Shard of Glass,London’s most potent high-rise symbol to date and Europe’s tallest building, are expected to be released early next year.

They are set to create a

fresh price record for high rise living in London, at up to £50 million each.

While skyscraper critics, including a powerful heritage lobby, regard towers as eyesores and vanity projects, planners continue

to embrace them. They favour clusters of towers such as those envisaged at Elephant & Castle, Nine Elms, Battersea and Greenwich.

The rationale is that clusters are more aesthetically pleasing than a tower in isolation, and they help areas become thriving zones.

“Tall towers work: they allow many thousands more people to live and be employed in the central zones near major transport hubs, and they have tremendous power to regenerate the area around them,” says Chris Brett of planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore.

The Mayor’s London Plan sets out clear criteria for assessing tall buildings: they must relate well to the existing urban grain, especially at ground level, and achieve high standards of ecology, design and construction.

Public-access viewing galleries and amenities such as restaurants are also encouraged, though the requirement for on-site affordable housing is being relaxed.

Tower supporters say high rise homes are crucial because of London’s demographic shifts. The drift to the suburbs has slowed and the British capital’s population is predicted to swell by 10 per cent by 2031.

SINGLETONS In particular, high-rise living appeals to London’s burgeoning number of singletons and childless couples, whereas families shun towers.

Several skyscrapers are scheduled for completion next year, when others will be starting to make their mark on the horizon.

The Tower, One St George Wharf, is a cylindrical-shaped, 49-storey skyscraper of 223 private flats overlooking the Thames.

Altitude in Alie Street, E1, is a 27-storey tower with 235 flats due for completion in 2014.

Ontario Point, Maple Quays, Canada Water, is a 24-storey tower with 144 apartments.

The Heron, on Silk Street, in the City, is a 36-storey black glass and stainlesssteel skyscraper with 284 apartments plus a roof garden and private club for residents.

Baltimore Wharf, on the Isle of Dogs, includes duplex penthouses - dramatic double-height spaces with spectacular Thames views and the glittering Canary Wharf skyline.

Put an end to damp, mould and humidity in your home IGNORING the problem is not an option. A healthy home with dry walls, unspoilt plaster and paint needs attention and carefully planned supervision.

There is absolutely no reason to become desperate. On the contrary, modern Swiss technology provides the ultimate answer.

Instead of wasting precious time on extensive research for lasting solutions, drilling holes into affected walls or tiles just to clog them again, you are better to trust in proven physical laws.

Peace of mind comes from this method. Proven Swiss technol-

ogy inverts electronically the adhesion between water and surrounding construction material.

The numerous ways the humidity has crept into your walls or floors will be the way out again. Why? Because similar poles repulse.

This is achieved by using sophisticated electronic equipment the size of a shoe box, no smell, no maintenance, soundless, but effectiveness guaranteed.

Necessary processing time depends on the degree of the problem. First results can be measured after four to six months, and final completion rarely needs

more than 18 months. Customer liaison and support is given by trained representatives, albeit that no continuous maintenance is required.

Your investment is safe because the Swiss manufacturer gives a money back confirmation in writing. In short no cure, no payment!

Plus free first survey and process surveillance once every two months.

For more information contact Home Dry Cyprus on 26 273717 or visit www.home-dry.com

28 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser

ADVERTISER helps you find what you’re looking for

Only

€14 (plus VAT)

a week for classifieds (up to 40 words)

Send your classified by fax or email and pay by credit card, cheque or cash. It couldn’t be simpler!

Nicosia - email: classified@cyprus-mail.com Limassol - email: limassol@cyprus-mail.com Paphos - email: paphos@cyprus-mail.com Thank you!

MISCELLANEOUS

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Nicosia - tel: 22 818583 fax: 22 676385 frid. *****************************

TIME FOR A CAREER CHANGE? Learn how to teach English! The London Teacher Training College is offering TEFL Certificate courses in Cyprus. For more information call now on 99839307.

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STAGE ONE THEATRE, Emba, Paphos, presents Tim Firth’s famous play CALENDAR GIRLS at 7.30 on 3-8 December. Directed by Peter Sandwith. Tickets €12.00, €6.00 children 12 and under.

Booking on 99967737 weekdays 10am – 1pm, email boxoffice@stageonetheatre. com. DESK CALENDAR profits will be donated to charity. *****************************

MR MIKIS THEOCHAROUS from Larnaca and MISS GEORGINA GEORGIOU from Vatily and now Larnaca announce their engagement *****************************

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - CYPRUS Is drink costing you more than just money? AA could be the answer.

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

Ayia Napa Monday 97798043 Larnaca Tuesday (Polish spk) 96616589 Thursday 24645523 / 99259264 Limassol Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday 25368265 / 99559322 Nicosia Wednesday/Sunday 99013596 Paphos Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday 99916331 / 99399240 Details of meetings are available on www.aa-europe. net

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CLINICAL PILATES. Personalised Clinical Pilates by Physiotherapists in Nicosia.

Individual assessment and supervision of exercises.

“Clinical pilates” is a modified form of therapeutic exercise used by physiotherapists to assist in the rehabilitation and prevention of musculoskeletal injury especially lower back pain, sacro-iliac pain and neck pain. More info on 22446988. *****************************

PERSONAL

“SANDRA”, a female dog, around 3 years old, has got a wonderful temperament.

She is very sweet natured dog. At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes !

To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact Elena on 99520511 monfrid. *****************************

AUSTRIAN INGENEUR, 50 years, searching for a nice women.

Mobile:004917365562 or 00491726293462

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DO YOU NEED A WEB-SITE BUT ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST? Web design & hosting at exceptionally low prices, experienced designer & programmer , your dream web-site is only a phone call away.

Don’t delay!!! Call Andros for a free quote or consultation on 99335078, info@ akalou.com, - islandwide CHIMNEY SWEEP, when did you last have your chimney swept or log burner cleaned?

Build-up of soot can cause respiratory problems and fires. All areas, call Dave, a professional sweep, now on 99819137. Also available for weddings. www.paphosluckychimneysweep.com

PETS

LOUISE is a Segugio Italiano cross and she is around 1 year old. She is not suitable for hunting. She will make a perfect pet as she loves cuddles, hugs and kisses. Very playful gentle girl, friendly with other dogs and loves kids! At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes !

To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact Elena on 99520511 mon-

SERVICES

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WHOEVER HAS UNWANTED CD/DVD, books, decorative items and homeware in good condition can donate it to the Hiv Cyprus Foundation so we can re-sell them at the Gynaikopazaro in Nicosia every first Saturday of the month in support of these families. We can even collect them from your house or if you dont live in Nicosia you can send them via Akis/ Travel Express and we can pay the fare. For further info please contact 99 55 95 94.

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KS3 to iGCSE, AS and A2 levels. 9 years experience in Cyprus; references available. Telephone 99318796 *****************************

HEALTH & FITNESS MR MICHALIS THEMISTOS from Nicosia and Miss Maria Yiannakou from Amochostos and now in Nicosia are pleased to announce their engagement.

Limassol - tel: 25 761117 fax: 25 761141

TIGER, a male dog, around 3 years old. Tiger is a loving dog who had bad luck to change many hands and inexperienced owners. Not suitable for homes with other dogs, other pets or homes with children. Available for immediate adoption to the right family! At the Nicosia Dog Shelter, many more dogs and puppies like this one are looking for forever homes ! To provide a temporary foster home or to adopt contact Elena on 99520511 mon-frid. *****************************

LESSONS

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DO YOU WANT A SHINY LOOKING FLOOR? Full repair & restoration of chipped, scratched, dull and stained, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone & Ceramic tiled floors and surfaces. Professional cleaning, repair & sealing of internal/external ceramic tiles & grout lines. For a free professional consultation & demonstration contact Mark at Premier on 70006766 or 96333961 All areas *****************************

K.D.FLYSCREENS LTD We manufacture top quality sliding screens, opening doors and roller systems. We also do repairs. For a FREE QUOTE please contact Phone: 99119582 Website: www.kdflyscreens.com

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PRIVATE TUITION Experienced, UK-qualified teacher offers full/part-time private home tuition in Maths, English, the Sciences, Geography, History, Business Studies and Economics, from

WE UNDERTAKE REFURBISHING of houses or holiday homes, construction of pergolas, undertaking of plumbing, house painting, garden work. For information call JIMMYS: 96587137,

Paphos - tel: 26 911383 fax: 26221049

Larnaca - tel: 24 652243 fax: 24 659982

MELIS: 96547879 *****************************

FOR SALE MISCELLANEOUS *****************************

CLOTHES STOCKS AND SHOP FITTINGS FOR SALE. Excellent women’s brands for sale including Italian, Spanish and French clothes and shoes. Also women’s dummies and modern wall fittings (clothes rails.) Selling at very low prices for clearance. Tel: 99168943 *****************************

FOR SALE BUSINESS/ PROPERTY/LAND *****************************

TIMI, PLOTS, a few selected available, seaview, near the 2 golf courses, Venus Rock and airport 60% building factor, €99.000. Half registration fees til the 31.12.12. Tel. 99621914 *****************************

LARNACA, ALETHRIKO, plots for sale, 525 sqm, 90% building factor, near highway Limassol-Larnaca, 5 min from airport, quiet residential area €109.000. Half registration fees till the 31.12.12. Tel. 99621914

classified contents Employment Opportunities pg 28 Employment Miscellaneous 28 Pets 28 Lessons 28 Health & Fitness 28 Personal 28 Services 28 For Sale Miscellaneous 28 For Sale Land/ Property Business 28 For Sale Motor vehicles 29 Wanted 29 To Let Nicosia 29 To Let Limassol 32 To Let Larnaca 32 To Let Paphos 32 To Let Protaras, Ayia Napa, Paralimni -To Let Athens -Land For Sale Bulgaria -For Sale Nicosia 34 For Sale Limassol 34 For Sale Larnaca -For Sale Paphos 34 For Sale Ayia Napa -For Sale Famagusta Protaras -For Sale Athens --

abbreviations

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SALE OF FIVE ADJACENT PLOTS in Paphos.Considered a significant investment opportunity because the plots are located in a central area of Paphos(very close to the central public market).

Sale of either all together or independently. Prices: €220000 – 250000 each.

Call 99494753 *****************************

TREMITHOUSA, plots for sale in a very quiet area, unobstructed sea and mountain views, 600 – 700 sqm, prices from €170.000 Tel: 99510420 *****************************

PRIME LAND IS AVAILABLE FOR LONG LEASE IN LIMASSOL. 40, 000 sq.m., zoning Ka7 (80% -45% - 3 stories). Regular amphitheatrical shape overlooking Ladies Mile. Close to New Limassol Hospital with direct access to Limassol – Paphos Highway. Water supply, electricity and telephones are

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

29 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

FOR SALE B.P./LAND readily available. Suitable for immediate development.

Ideal for various health facilities and resorts, holiday centres, commercial and shopping centres, entertainment enterprises etc. Information: Tel. 22 674338, 99621554 *****************************

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

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

SRI LANKAN LADY Married to Cypriot, is looking for a job cleaning houses, ironing, cooking, looking after old people.

Has permit to work in Cyprus.

Only in Limassol.

Tel 97607606

Advertiser

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES

FOR SALE MOTOR VEHICLES FORD FOCUS GHIA (2006) diesel, 1600cc, 98000km, blue, automatic - tiptronic. dual zone climate control, power steering, electric windows, 6 airbags, central locking, cruise control, computer board, alloy wheels, and many extras. €7500.

Contact: 99022779 - Nicosia

PROPERTY TO LET NICOSIA *****************************

LUXURY 2 bedrooms apartment, 3 years old, first floor, €800 unfurnished, €1100 fur-

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

nished. Near American Embassy, many shops around.

Across Syrian restaurant.

Wooden floor, living room, kitchen, 2 bath-rooms/wc, (laundry machine, dishwasher, oven, refrigerator), 5 air-conditioners, central heating, covered area 93 sqm, veranda: 21 sqm, store: 5 sqm, 2 parking. Mob 99 205 718 *****************************

LUXURIOUS APARTMENT FOR RENT A luxurious one floor apartment situated in central Nicosia in an area of exceptional Beauty at 3 Museum Street, is available to let. It has been recently renovated and consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, big dining and sitting rooms, kitchen and a huge veranda. Approximate covered area 250 sqm. Monthly rent €1400.00 o.n.o. Tel: 99622370. *****************************

FLATS / HOUSES FOR RENT: studio Aglantzia €350, 1bdrm Ag. Andreas furnished €425, Hilton €400, Strovolos €350, Acropolis €380, Kennedy furnished €400, 2bdrm Ag. Dometios €400, Lykavitos €550, Kennedy €400, Acropolis rear house €300, 3bdrm m/ssa with garden €500, Str/los €400, Acropolis €550, 4 bdrm new house Dasoupolis €1,200, Acropolis g/f €800. 21 PROPERTY FINDER A.M. 627 A.A.108 / E 99474839, 99646822 *****************************

MODERN 2 BDRM, first floor flat in attractive building in Anthoupolis, very quiet area between the Grammar School and the European University, also very convenient for Pascal and Highgate Schools and the University of Nicosia. Large front veranda, all appliances, modern fittings, light and bright.

Furnished or unfurnished

TO LET NICOSIA €550p.m. Call 99900177.

TO LET NICOSIA quired). Tel: 97773358.

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FOR RENT 3 B/R apartment fully furnished close to Central Bank. 3 W.C., fully air-conditioned extra storeroom, owned covered parking. Excellent condition. Information: Tel. 99621554

LUXURY HOUSES: 1. 5 bedrs detached house, 550sq.m, built in 2 big plots of land, big garden with grass, big swimming pool with extra fence for children and big covered patio with bbq area, big reception areas with marble floor, fire place and bar, big kitchen with all electrical appliances and sitting room with fire place, maid’s room, floor heating, full a/c, blinds on the windows, master bedroom with en suite bathroom and shower, big bathroom for the other 3 bedrooms and extra shower in the 5th bedroom - Strovolos €2500 (H5ST10001-R), (photos in the website).

2. H3AR0004-R, 3 bedr luxury detached house with central heating, full a/c, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, parquet floor

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FOR RENT – three-bedroom flat in Lykavitos, Nicosia.

Open plan fully-equipped kitchen and living area, two bathrooms, air conditioning and central heating. Big veranda. Near the town centre and University of Cyprus.

Contact 99-721911 / 99454141 *****************************

3 BEDROOMS flat on second floor in a block of six flats, in a nice position at Strovolos area, fully a/c, c/h, covered parking place for one car, recently painted. Rent €650pm. (furnished if re-

English-Painter & Decorator

XMAS OFFER

SELEC Fencing & Decking Specialist

Fully Qualified 30 years’ Experience

UP TO 20/12/2012

For all your Garden and Security Fencing

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

Tel. Tony on 99176557

Enroll until the 20th of December 2012 And you get:

€15 discount for 1 child €30 discount for 2 children For all dance levels in: • Classical Ballet • Hip hop • Musical Theatre • Tap • Modern • Jazz • Belly dance 57, Αrtemidos Αvenue 6027, Larnaca-Cyprus Tel: 99 58 54 39, Fax: 24 63 43 39, Email: info@dda-cy.com, www.dda-cy.com

♦ Quality approved workmanship ♦ 15 years experience + guaranteed work ♦ English workers ♦ also garden gates ♦ sheds ♦ chain link fencing ♦ free estimates ♦ all types of fencing & decking

Tel. SELEC fencing 99176557

30 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

throughout the house, big sitting and dining area, big kitchen with family room opening onto the swimming pool which has big covered area with wooden deck, bbq area, covered parking, in a very quiet area behind Apoel football training ground - Archagelos - €1700 (photos in website).

3. 2 bedr fully renovated semi detached house 120 sq. m, a/c for hot and cold, small yard, FULLY FURNSIHED or not, double glazed windows with aluminum shutters, in a quiet area off Nikis behind Burger King - ACROPOLIS €650 (H2ACS0001-R), (photos in the website).

4. 3 bedr luxury semi-detached house with character, 200sq.m, central heating, full ac, sitting and dining room with fire place, big kitchen with cooker and oven, dishwasher and refrigerator, nice mature garden with flowers, trees and small garden with grass, covered parking, 3wc, 2 bathrooms in a quiet neighbourhood.

Available middle of January. Agios Andreas - €1200 - H3AAD0001-R (photos in website).

5. 4 bedr new luxury detached house, separate maid’s room, central heating, full Ac, 260sq.m, big kitchen with all the electrical appliances, blinds on all the

windows, 4wc, 2 showers, 1 bathroom, 2 covered parking, big garden with grass in a quiet neighbourhood in a dead end near French Ambassador house - Strovolos €1400 (H4ST10045-R), (photos in the website).

6. 3 bedr+big attic room with shower and wc luxury new house, 210sq.m, central heating, full a/c, 4wc, blinds on all windows, cooker and oven in the kitchen, small garden, covered parking near Alpha Mega supermarket - STROVOLOS €1200 (H4ST10007-R), (photos in the website).

7. 3 bedr detached ground floor house with big garden with grass and covered patio with bbq and bar, central heating, a/c, 230sq.m, FULLY FURNISHED or partially, covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighbourhood opposite Acropolis park. Acropolis - €1500 - H3ACS0004-R (photos in website).

8. H4LAK0002-R, 3 bedr + office space luxury detached house, built on a big plot, 350sq. m, big swimming pool with cover, garden with grass, big sitting and dining room, separate family room, central heating, a/c, curtains on all the windows, cooker, dishwasher and dryer, parquet floor throughout the house,3wc, 2 bathrooms,

2 covered parking in a quiet area on the borders of Strovolos with Lakatamia Lakatamia- €1600 (photos in website).

9. 3 bedr upstairs and 2 separate bedroom in the basement luxury detached house(all the bedrooms with en suite bathrooms/ shower), also separate kitchen and sitting room in the basement which has also separate entrance from the house, central heating, full a/c, solid parquet floor all the house, big sitting and dining room with fire place, big fully equipped kitchen with breakfast area and family room, big overfloor, swimming pool with covered patio area with fully equipped bar(bbq, fridge, freezer, cooker), mature garden around the house, 2 parking places, alarm system near the Cyprus Conference Centre- PLATY AGLANTZIAS €3500 (H5PAG0002-R), (photos in the website).

10. 4 bedr semi detached house with central heating, 4 a/c, 3 wc, 2 bathrooms, 180sq.m, electrical appliances, small yard, bbq area, off Kostantinoupoleos street near French ambassador residence.STROVOLOS €700 (H4ST10043-R), (photos in the website).

11. 4 bedr luxury semi detached house with good

size garden with grass, big covered patio with bbq area, central heating, a/c units, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, 2 covered parking, FULLY FURNISHED AND EQUIPPED, in a quiet area in a dead end close to all amenities and schools.

- ANTHOUPOLIS €1300 (H4ANT0002-R), (photos in the website).

12. H4AGZ0010-R, 3 bedr RENOVATED GROUND FLOOR HOUSE with big separate 1 bedroom flat with multi room, big sitting and dining room , separate tv room, big kitchen with family room and fitted cooker and oven, 3wc, 2 bathrooms, very big 5 X 6 bedrooms with solid parquet floor, central heating with petrol independent, a/c units, double glazed windows with shutters, big verandas around the house, in a very quiet neighbourhood 200metres from FRENCH school and near Athalassas park - Aglantzia - €1300 (photos in website).

13. 3 bedr ground floor house with big separate 80sq,m room with shower and wc for multi use, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, 2 shower,1 bathroom, fully furnished, small garden, bbq area, parking, in a small building in a very quiet area near Agios Vasilios church. Strovolos - €900

- H4ST10028-R (photos in website).

14. 4 bedrs new luxury detached house, all the bedrooms very big and all with big bathroom/shower, sitting room upstairs, attic room with shower and wc, office space/maid’ s room with shower and wc, central heating, full AC, 450sq.m, big sitting and dining areas, big kitchen with sitting area and fitted cooker and oven, 6 wc, 2 covered parking’s, big yard with tiles and garden with grass, bbq area in a very quiet neighbourhood near the CYBC ( RIK) station and near a neighbourhood park – Aglantzia €2000(H4AGZ0005-R), (photos in the website).

15. 4 bedr luxury detached house, separate maid’s room, 600 sq.m, central heating, full a/c, 6 wc, 4 bathrooms, big sitting and dining areas opening on to the garden, big kitchen with electrical appliances, built in 2 big plots of land with huge garden with grass, swimming pool, 2 covered parking, in a quiet neighbourhood close to Alpha Mega supermarket Engomi - €3000 (H4PA20005-R), (photos on the website).

For many more properties with photos visit our website at www.landtouristestates.com which is updated

TO LET NICOSIA daily. LANDTOURIST ESTATES LTD 22-422225/96422225/96422226, www.landtouristestates. com *****************************

LUXURY FLATS: 1. 2 bedr luxury spacious apartment, with central heating independent, 3a/c, big sitting and dining room, cooker and oven in the kitchen, blinds, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), big covered veranda, covered parking, storage room, near Ippokration private hospital. Available end of November – Engomi - € 550 - A2ENG0012-R (photos in website).

2. AINIC0006- R, 1 bedr., fully furnished and equipped apartment, 50sq.m, 2AC for hot and cold, covered verandah, covered parking, nice view, off Makarios avenue between Hilton and DEBENHAMS shop. Nicosia centre, € 450 (photos in website).

3. 1 bedr spacious apartment with separate kitchen, 2a/c for hot and cold, big bedroom, covered veranda, NICELY FURNISHED, in the centre behind Cleopatra hotel – Nicosia Centre - € 550 - A1NIC0020-R (photos in website).

4. A1DAS0010-R, 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with big sitting and dining room, big bathroom, big bedroom

31 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Advertiser

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

with shutters, covered veranda, storage heaters, 2a/c, cooker and oven in the kitchen, covered parking in a quiet area in a small modern building near Acropolis Park. Dasoupolis €400 (photos in website).

5. 2 bedr new luxury modern furnished apartment , central heating ind, 2 a/c, big covered veranda and covered parking in a quiet area behind the Municipal building – Agios Dometios - € 660 - A2ADO0004-R (photos in website).

6. 1 bedr new modern luxury apartment, 50sq.m, 2 a/c for hot and cold, nicely modern furnished, 3rd floor, covered parking, 6 year old in a quiet neighbourhood off Kantaras street. - STROVOLOS €370 (A1ST10009-R), (photos in the website).

7. 4 bedr luxury floor apartment,250sq.m, office, maid’s room, central heating ind, full hidden wall unit a/c,2 showers, 1 bathroom, 3wc, parquet floor, big kitchen with cooker and oven, bbq on the veranda in the kitchen, big sitting area, roller blinds on all the windows, alarm system, big veranda in a small building off Athalassas avenue near Alpha Mega supermarket and Areteion hospital – Dasoupolis - € 1100 - A4DAS0002-R (photos in website).

8. A1ACS0007- R, 1 bedr luxury spacious apartment with 2 a/c for hot and cold, electrical appliances in the kitchen, big bedroom, covered veranda, blinds, covered parking, in a quiet area near Acropolis park. NICELY FURNISHED. Acropolis €450 (photos in website).

9. 3 bedr new luxury finished PENTHOUSE apartment 150sq.m internal areas+120sq. verandas, solid parquet floor all the flat, big bedrooms, big sitting and dining room, big semi separate kitchen with electrical appliances, home cinema with big screen, LCD tv, covered parking in a quiet neighbourhood near CYTA, Laiki + Hellenic bank headquarters and French school.

CAN BE RENTED ALSO expensive MODERN furnished – Dasoupolis - €1200 - A3DAS0019-R (photos in website).

10. A2AOM0009-R 2 bedr luxury finished apartment in a small building with 4 flats only, central heating with petrol independent, full a/c, 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathroom/shower, separate guest wc, NICE MODERN EXPENSIVE FURNITURE, big covered veranda, covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighbourhood very close to Junior school and the park - Agioi

Omologites - € 800 (photos in website).

11. 3 bedr luxury spacious ground floor apartment with separate entrance, big verandas and garden, big sitting and dining room, central heating independent, full a/c, 2wc, very big master bedroom, electrical appliances in the kitchen, aluminum shutters on windows, parquet laminate floor all the flat, covered parking, storage room, in a very quiet neighbourhood in a dead end street, off Athalasas Avenue behind Stephanis near English School €720 (A3ST10030-R), (photos in the website).

12. A2LYK0006-R, 2 bedr penthouse apartment with big veranda 60sq.m, storage heaters, full a/c, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), big sitting room, big separate kitchen with cooker and oven, blinds, covered parking near Agios Antonios market CLOSE TO THE UNIVERSITY. Lykavitos €510 (photos in website).

13. A2ST10028- R, 2 bedr new luxury apartment on the 1st floor of a 2 storey building, with a/c for hot and cold, fully nicely modern furnished, big covered veranda, parking, in a quiet neighbourhood. (no common expenses). Strovolos €600 (photos in website).

14. 4 bedr new spacious lux-

TO LET NICOSIA ury 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, fire place, covered parking and big overfloor heated covered swimming pool on the ground floor, on a small 3 storey building in a quiet neighborhood near a playground and near Ippokration private hospital Engomi

TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET NICOSIA

- €2000 - A4ENG0003-R (photos in website).

15. 2 bedrs new luxury apartment, sitting room open plan with kitchen which includes cooker, oven, refrigerator and washing machine, 2 wc, central heating, full AC, blinds on the windows, very big covered verandas, covered parking and storage room in a dead end off Athalassas avenue near Laiki popular bank and

Hellenic bank headquarters. - DASOUPOLI €550 (A2DAS0006-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 22-422225 / 96-422225 / 96422226 www.landtouristestates. com

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32 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET NICOSIA

TO LET LIMASSOL

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GROUND FLOOR HOUSE, furnished renovated this year. Laminated parke floor, and big wardrobes in the 3 bedrooms. Rent €590.00 Tel 99497576 99886775

2 BDRM flat in the centre of Nicosia. Rent €450. For information call 99453663, 99663927. *****************************

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LIMASSOL

LARNACA

BEDROOM HOUSE IN EPISKOPI Split level 4-yearold house detached with central heating, a/c all over the house, lounge dinning room, separate kitchen, utility room, en-suite master bedroom, parking, three wcs. Price 800 euros (negotiable) 25337400

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3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN YPSONAS 3-year-old two storey detached house situated in a private area of Ypsonas with separate kitchen, lounge dinning room,garden, parking en-suite master bedroom a/c all over house. 25 337400 Price 700 euros

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TO LET: 22 Mesopotamias street off Larnaca - Dhekelia Road, (between Lenios Hotel and Galazio Kyma Restaurant) right on the beach. Contains two bedrooms, shower/toilet, large attic, kitchen and lounge on ground floor. Furnished. Tel 99608776 *****************************

FOR RENT spacious 3 bedroom apartment with balcony situated in centre of town, semi furnished. Please call 99311152 *****************************

2 BEDROOM COTTAGE FOR RENT IN LANIA VILLAGE in a quiet and peaceful area, fully furnished, storage heaters, a/c, rent €300 per month. Minimum contract 1 year. Info mob 99548855

FOR RENT 2 bed, 2 bath, new built apartment, in a quiet scenic location In Alethriko, Larnaca 5 min. to Larnaka, 5 min. to the beach Fully furnished, A/C, communal pool, under covered parking, Long term rent, €350.00 per month For more info pls call 99639378

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FOR RENT new ground floor terrace studios for rent in Kouka village (20 minutes from Limassol) in a quiet and peaceful area fully furnished €180 per month minimum contract 1 year. For info mob 99548855

PROTEA APTS LARNACA Residential and holiday apts for rent monthly or weekly Larnaca – Dhekelia road, close to Golden Bay Hotel 1 & 2 bedroom apts, furnished and with low rent with swimming pool, 2 minutes walk-

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ing distance from the beach, with a new pedestrian crossing in front of the building.

Contact us on 99672466, 99404522, and 99078590

TO LET LARNACA TENANT NO FEE! *****************************

PAPHOS

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FULLY FURNISHED one bedroom flat near Larco hotel Larnaca. Price €370. Tel: 99202543 *****************************

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4

TO LET LARNACA

1. K.S.L LETTINGS – APARTMENT FOR RENT Fully Furnished 1st floor 2 bedroom apartment. High quality furnishings throughout. 400 Euros per calendar month.

Pyla. Quote TLL1088. Tel. (00357) 24815104 2. K.S.L LETTINGS – Properties Required for waiting Long Term Tenants. We desperately require 2/3 & 4 bedroom villa’s with private swimming pools for waiting tenants in the Larnaca District. Please call us for a free valuation. Tel.(00357) 24815104 3. K.S.L LETTINGS – LARGEST RANGE OF PROPERTIES. OVER 200 RENTAL PROPERTIES IN THE LARNACA DISTRICT AT THE MOST COMPETITIVE RATES! FLEXIBLE CONTRACTS AVAILABLE. Tel. (00357) 24815104 4. www.KSLlettings.com – Villa For Rent Simply Stunning! Fully furnished 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom Villa with a good sized rear garden & private pool, located in the village of Oroklini. Call for further information quoting Ref. TLL1415. Tel. (00357) 24815104 CALL 24 815 104 TO ENQUIRE OR ARRANGE A VIEWING – NO OBLIGATION OR FEES. View our full range of over 200 properties by visiting www.KSLlettings.com updated daily.

LANDLORDS ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY FOR FREE AND GET WORLD WIDE ADVERTISING – NO

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1. UNIVERSAL – superb 2 bed furnished apartment for rent. Lovely quiet complex with pool, private parking, entry phone system & storage room. €350 per month.

2. UNIVERSAL – one bed furnished apartment on 2nd floor, small quiet well maintained complex with sea views. €300 per month.

3. UNIVERSAL – 2 two bed, 2 bath apartments on superb quiet complex, with 3 pools, gym, sauna, jaccuzi & bowling green. 1 apt furnished, 1 unfurnished from €400 per month.

4. TALA – 2 two bed, 2 bath villa style apts on stunning quiet complex with 4 pools, with off road and underground parking. 1 apt furnished 1 U/F from €360 per month.

PLEASE CALL 96203009 *****************************

FOR RENT A selection of 1 to 5 bedroom houses & apartments F/F & U/F Universal, Peyia, Tomb of the Kings, Tsada, Timi, Chlorakas & Kato Paphos Landlord & Owners please call 99329357 Or please view at are website www. cyprussands.com Fully Registered Company in Cyprus *****************************

1. MANDRIA, 2 bedroom apartment, fully furnished with modern furniture, separate kitchen, communal swimming pool, air conditioning throught, 2 balconies euro 375 p/m o.N.O 2. SEA CAVES, 3 bedroom bungalow, specially fitted for people with disabilities , stunning sea views, free

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

wi-fi, fully furnished with modern furniture, swimming pool, all bedrooms with ensute, utility room, air conditioning throughout, shutters, very green and secluded area euro 1100 p/m o.N.O 3. EMBA, 2 bedroom apartment, 2 bathroom, modern furnished, air conditioned throughout, communal swimming pool, covered parking, close to all amenities, euro 330 p/m 4. CHLORAKA, 3 bedroom furnished villa with pool, amazing views , master ensuite , in cul-de-sac, fully airconditioned with fireplace , euro 700 p/m PLEASE CALL : 99 387842

per month Universal 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ground floor apartment fully furnished, air conditioning, communal pool and private parking special rate €320.00 Tsada 5 bedroom villa with 4 bathrooms, fully furnished, double garage, very spacious with private swimming pool, fantastic views only €1.600.00 per month neg.

Peyia 3 bedroom villa with two bathrooms fully furnished, air conditioning throughout, communal swimming pool and parking. Nice location close to all amenities €500.00 per month Now available at DT property lettings Many other properties available. Please call : Tel 2683543 or 97675123

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FOR RENT: (a) € 290/mnth Acropolis Heights, Chlorakas (b) € 380/mnth Universal area and Both are 2-bed houses, beautiful locations, in Cul-de-sacs, 10 years old, 90 sq. mts, Furnished, Open-Plan Lounge/Kitchen, Front Car-port, Garden, (a) is Ground floor, 1 WC/bath. (b) is 2-Floors, 2 WCS/Bath and part air-conditioned.

Call 99-632388. *****************************

CHLORAKAS, 2 bedroom apartment, fully furnished, large veranda, very quiet location, communal pool, Euro 280 – o.n.o Please call : 99699019 /26910140 *****************************

KISSONERGA VILLAGE, St Kononas area, 3 bedroom flat with private parking, private roof garden with barbeque, elevator, full a/c & electrical appliances provided, beautiful sea and mountain views. €400 per month.

Call: 99 553741 *****************************

FOR RENT KATO PAPHOS spacious 2 bed F/F garden apartment. Enclosed garden with 2 covered patios next to green area, cul-de-sac setting. AC, SAT TV, comm. pool, bath/shower. Superb location with private covered parking and entrance.

Quiet yet close to all amenities. €400 p/m. Contact 26 911540 or 99955302. *****************************

DT PROPERTY LETTINGS PRESENTS : Chloraka 4 bed Villa fully furnished, 3 bathrooms, 2 lounges, air conditioning throughout, private garage, large garden only €700.00

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PEYIA, available now for rent in a most sought after location next to the municipal park, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments with magnificent sea and mountain views, furnished or unfurnished, off street parking, quiet area, for viewing, ring: 99 887251 / 99 025173 *****************************

A DELIGHTFUL AND SPACIOUS 2 bedroom apartment, F/F, top floor, new, located at a peaceful location just 500 from St. George hotel in Choraka, with breathtaking sea views. A+ quality apt, With walking distance to amenities, part of a beautiful building with swimming pool, list and other amenities. Only €350pm Other apts also available. Call 99403261, 26934650 *****************************

PAPHOS RENTALS SECTION TREMITHOUSA - Very sought after location, Modern 2 Bedroom, F/F, Town House, Lovely Communal Pool, Sea views, Early viewing highly recommended, 400 Euros PAPHOS - Very large 3 Bedroom Apt , Fully Furnished to a very high standard ,Would suit 3 Professionals sharing, Within close proximity to Hospital and Court, Central Heating, 2 Bathrooms, Laundry, 350 Euros.

TALA - Luxurious 4 Bedroom, F/F to a very high standard, 2 bathrooms, 2 en-suite, Swimming Pool, Landscaped Garden and Spectacular Views, 700 Euros.

33 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Advertiser

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

EMPA - Immaculate, Spacious 2 Bedroom, U/F, House, Large kitchen, Patio, Quiet location, Must be seen, 300 Euros WANTED - 2 bedroom furnished properties MORE PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 99862922

ANARITA A 3 bed villa offered furnished , with private pool, in nice quiet cul-de-sac, off street parking, AC. quality kitchen, 3 bedrooms upstairs. Ref 855 price 600 SECRET VALLEY A very large 3 bed modern furnished villa, with gardens, private pool, quiet location.

Property has large living areas, full Ac, central heating .

Modern style furniture not far from the Golf Area . Ref 1171 Price 900 Mandria A modern unfurnished 4 bed Villa with private pool. Downstairs bedroom with shower , sitting room with log burner, 3 bedrooms upstairs, master bed with en suite shower room.

Property has private fence and pets are welcome. Ref 1174 price 770 YEROSKIPOU 2 bed furnished apartment with communal pool, gym, under cover parking on modern new complex . Apartment is furnished, with bathroom, modern kitchen and blinds + AC Ref: 1164 price 350 EMBA A 4 bed fully furnished villa on its private grounds, with private pool, additional court yard, off street parking, electric garage, AC, nice location and views. Ref: 1010 Price 900 MANDRIA 3 bed private villa, with central heating, qual-

ity AC units, fire place, part furnished, spacious living areas, downstairs study area, a real with granite kitchen, double cooker feature white goods, nice furniture, very large master bedroom with on suite, family bathroom, off street parking and private pool. Property fully fenced off and gated. Ref 999 Price 950 Please call for a free viewing on Office 26600450 Mobile: 97614070 many more properties on our website at www.flowron. com - www.paphospropertycyprus.com LANDLORDS IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT, PLEASE CALL US!!!!!! Your Vision is our Mission

(00357) IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY TO RENT WE ARE THE RENTAL AGENCY TO CONTACT OFFERING FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & RENT COLLECTION SERVICE 1.SEA CAVES €500 we are delighted to offer this detached 2 bedroom villa situated on a corner plot in a quiet residential area offering sea views. Gated drive for off street parking. Fully enclosed good sized low maintenance garden with private pool offering privacy and shaded areas. Available unfurnished or part furnished. Pets allowed at owners discretion. website reference number: rtl_482 2.KISSONERGA €550 modern detached 3 bedroom villa situated in a quiet residential area. Master bedroom with ensuite, separate kitchen, downstairs guest wc. Enclosed garden offering private pool & off street parking. Available unfurnished though can include kitchen appliances. Pets allowed at owners discretion. website reference number: rtl_501 3.TALA €575 unfurnished modern 3 bedroom detached villa offering total privacy & breathtaking sea views. Includes underfloor heating plus real fire. Master with ensuite. storage room.

shutters & flyscreens. Covered veranda, garden with mature plants, private pool offering sea views. Off street parking. A beautiful home. website reference number: rtl_530 4. PEYIA €700 price includes pool cleaning. If you are looking for a villa with breathtaking views & privacy than this property is for you. this modern detached 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa is furnished with modern furniture, including satellite tv.

One bedroom & bathroom on ground floor. A spacious enclosed garden with private pool offering stunning views.

Off street parking. website reference number: rtl_401 5.MANDRIA €750 modern detached 4 bedroom villa, master with ensuite. Fully enclosed low maintenance garden offering private pool.

Available unfurnished to include white goods, blackout blinds, curtains, ceiling fans & log burner for those winter months. Immaculate condition. Pets allowed at owners discretion. website reference number: rtl_633 offers considered.

6. CHLORAKA €770 modern detached 4 bedroom 3 bathroom villa with ground floor bedroom & bathroom.

Beautifully furnished with good quality modern furniture includes sky satellite, fly

screens & feature fireplace with modern gas fire. Private pool offering views of the sea. Off street parking.

Situated within walking distance of bus routes & shops. website reference number: rtl_611 7. KATO PAPHOS €800 large 4 bedroom detached villa situated in the sought after residential area of Limnaria. Walking distance to the beach and the many amenities of Kato Paphos. Spacious living accomodation offering an enclosed garden with c/pool. Fully furnished with modern furniture & solar panels. website reference number: rtl_442 8. TALA €900 a charming detached 4 bedroom villa with character, situated on a corner plot in a quiet residentIal area with breathtaking sea views. Spacious living rooms with central heating & real fireplace. Separate kitchen & dining room. Good sized garden offering private pool and stone built barbeque area. Undercover parking. website reference number rtl_638 TEL: 97790883 OFFICE: 26271858 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MANY MORE PROPERTIES www.mrrentpaphos.net Email: info@ mrrent-paphos.net

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FLOWRON PROPERTY RENTALS, YOUR NUMBER ONE CHOICE FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES. LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, CALL THE EXPERTS TODAY!!

TIMI 3 bed modern villa with wood burner, Ac, offered fully furnished. Spacious living areas with 2 sitting areas, big kitchen,3 upstairs bedrooms, master on suite shower, family bathroom, Small private pool, off street parking. Quite location not far from the village amenities. Paphos Town. Ref: 722 price 600 KISSONERGRA A bed luxury villa on its own private grounds, with fantastic views of the sea, private pool, Modern Furnishings, quality appliances, downstairs bedroom, large kitchen, upstairs bedroom with en suite, family bathroom. Ref 0000 Price 950

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PEYIA – 3 bedroom villa with modern quality furniture and finishes. Central heating, sky, alarm, infinity pool and stunnning sea and mountain views €700 per month, call: 99389426 *****************************

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

MR RENT PAPHOS, THE LEADING PROPERTY RENTAL AGENCY IN PAPHOS OFFICE: 26271858

***************************** RENTAL POINT - PAPHOS

34 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Advertiser TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

TO LET PAPHOS

PROPERTIES AVAILABLE TO RENT IN THE PAPHOS DISTRICT. JUST A SMALL SAMPLE OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL. CALL 97648440 FOR MORE INFORMATION. LANDLORDS CALL IF YOU HAVE A PROPERTY FOR RENT.!!!

1. MESA CHORIO – 2 bed 2 bath fully furnished ground floor apartment set on an elevated position on this prestigious development.

Open plan living area. Good sized kitchen. 2 double, bedrooms, master with ensuite shower room. Family bathroom. Large patio areas with enclosed gardens and

lovely sea views. Covered parking and security gates..

Comm swimming pool, and landscaped gardens. Euros 425.00 a month. 2 bed apartment same complex Euros 400.00 a month.

2 MESOGI 3 bed 3 bath furnished apartment in handy location close to the shopping areas. Large open plan living area and dining area..

Fully fitted dining/kitchen with appliances . Guest WC. Utilty room. 3 double bedrooms one with en-suite.

Family bathroom. Balcony & and parking. Euros 500.00 a month. Suit non-drivers!

3. TOMB OF THE KINGS – 3 bed fully furnished apartment in established block.

Own entrance via stairway.

Open plan living area. Dining kitchen. 3 bedrooms and family bathroom. A/C, sat TV. Internet available. Large balcony area. Parking. Euros 350.00 per month 4. KISSONEGA - 3 bed 2 bath unfurnished villa. Set in enclosed gardens the villa consists of open plan living area. Full itted kitchen.

Small utility area. Conservatory room. Ground floor bed room with en-suite. Stairs to two double bedrooms and family bathroom. Pool and off street parking. Euros 600.00 per month 5. STROUMBI – 2 bed fully furnished stone bungalow set in quiet location. Open plan living area with working fireplace. Spacious dining kitchen. 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom with corner bath. Landscaped gardens, swimming pool and covered parking. Realistically priced Euros 500.00 per month or close offers only 6. UNIVERSAL AREA. 2 bed fully furnished apartment.

Living area, fitted kitchen. 2 double bedrooms and family bathroom. A/C, Enclosed garden area, comm. Pool and parking. Euros 375.00 a month or offers. 1 & 2 bed apartments available on Universal starting at 250 euros per month.

7. CORAL BAY - 3 bed, 3.5 bath furnished/unfurnished villa situated very near to the centre and within easy walking of beaches and restaurants. Open plan living area with fully fitted kitchen.

Doors out to garden and pool. Ground floor bedroom with ensuite. Separate guest WC. Stairs to 2 double bedroom both with en-suite and balcony areas. Private pool, gardens, BBQ area and covered verandahs. Central location.Euros 650.00 per month or close offers.

8. STROUMBI– 3 bed 2.5 bath large unfurnished villa in quiet village area. Spacious open plan living area with feature fireplace and dining space Good sized fitted kitchen and breakfast area. Guest WC with storage area.3 double bedrooms.

Master with en-suite bathroom. Family bathroom.

Enclosed gardens, pool and off street parking. Realistically priced Euros 550.00 per month. OVNO FOR FULL LISTINGS OF A PA R T M E N T S / T O W N HOUSES AND VILLA PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS. ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR LONG TERM RENTAL LANDLORDS/OWNERS PLEASE CALL PLEASE CALL 97648440 or

FOR SALE Semi-detached house in Archangelos area split level on a hill, no houses in front, 3 big bedrooms, 2 big bathrooms and TV room big lounge & dining area, fireplace, fitted kitchen, 40 sq.m. store room, C/H, A/C, solar.

For information call: 99496541

TO LET PAPHOS email:com

inforentals@aol.

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REFURBISHED stone-built village house located in Kili Paphos. Consists of 3 large rooms 1 small. Traditional wood burnt fireplace, fully tiled secluded yard and garage. Tel: 99210610. *****************************

PROPERTY FOR SALE NICOSIA NICOSIA, FLAT FOR SALE: 2 bdrm flat with title deeds, 110 sq.m., fully renovated, best central area, 800m from the European University, excellent view, €99.000. Tel. 99621914. *****************************

FOR SALE PENTHOUSE between Armenias Str and Hilton Hotel. 3 bedroom, main bedroom with shower, c/h, fireplace, large verandas. For more information please call: 99467596.

PAPHOS KISSONERGA, 2 bedroom detached house, 250 sqm plot, two levels, almost fin-

CINDERELLA The ultimate Christmas pantomime – will be staged by ACT at the Russian Cultural Centre, Alasia Street, Nicosia on Saturday 1 December (3pm & 7.30pm), Sunday 2 December (3pm), Friday 7 December (7.30pm), Saturday 8 December (3pm & 7.30pm) and Sunday 9 December (3pm).

Tickets €12 adults (or €6 children aged 2-12 years on 1 & 2 December ONLY) available at the Russian Cultural Centre from 19 November between 4-6pm or from our Business Manager on 99 924363

U SEFUL PHONE NUMBERS POLICE DIVISION HQ

HOSPITALS ........ 1400

Nicosia ........................22 802 020 Limassol ......................25 805 050 Larnaca .......................24 804 040 Paphos ........................26 806 060 Famagusta ..................23 803 030

Nicosia General .............22-801400 Nicosia Makarios ...........22-405000 Limassol Old ................25-305333 Limassol New ................25-801100 Larnaca Old...................24-630312 Larnaca New .................24-630300 Paphos ..........................26-821800 Famagusta ....................23-821211

Drug Law Enforcement Unit ......................................... 1498 (Confidential Information) Rescue Co-ordination Centre ............................. 1441 (Immediate Response Service for Aeronautical or Maritime Accident & Incidents) Game Fund Service: (Wildlife and hunting) Central offices (Nicosia): 22867786, 22-867897 Nicosia: 22-664606, 99-445697 Limassol: 25-343800, 99-445728, Larnaca/Famagusta: 24-805128, 99-634325 Paphos: 26-306211, 99-445679 Forest Fires ..................... 1407

Narcotics Helpline ......... 1410 (Outside hours.............. 22-304160) AIDS Advisory Bureau ................................ 22-302826 Domestic Violence Centre .......................................... 1440 (Emergency Centre for Victims)

FOR SALE PAPHOS ished, quiet area but near town centre, large terrace, sea view euro 200.000 – No agents call: 96637054 *****************************

PROPERTY SALE BLOCK BUY INVESTMENT - House (detached) 3-Bed, 2 Bath, on ½ plot, Koloni, Paphos in cul-de-sac. Near amenities, highway and airport. 5 min from sea.

- Two Traditional stone village houses, large common courtyard in picturesque village of Lysos, Paphos.

10min from Latchi.

- 5017m2 Land with 10% building rights, in Lysos village on main road to Stavro Tis Psokas.

- 8362m2 Land with 10% building rights in Lysos village on boarder of housing zone which is to be extended.

QUICK SALE FOR SERIOUS OFFERS EURO 800,000 Tel : 99452241/99848757 *****************************

UNIVERSAL AREA, 3 bedroom detached villa, covered area 122 sqm, master bedroom en-suite, air conditioned throughout, all white goods, solar panels, garden irrigation, plot size 273 sqm, communal pool, euro 165.000 o.v.n.o. – title deeds available Call : 99682644no agents *****************************

AKOURSOS 2 bed/2 bath Detached bungalow, c/h, ac, fly screens, gardens and patios on three sides. In quiet culde-sac of 7 detached bungalows. Fantastic 360 degee sea and mountain views. €200.000 negotiable. Tel 26623256/99447925 *****************************

LOFOS – TALA, 3 bedroom bungalow for sale, living room, kitchen, bathroom, shower room, central heating, air con, private pool, landscaped gardens, lovely views. Call: 99342913 – no agents *****************************

1. PAPHOS, FLATS FOR SALE OR RENT: Kissonerga, 3 bdrm flat with title deeds, in a block of 4 flats only, fully renovated, 2 baths, 146 sq.m closed area, c/h, a/c, covered parking, excelent view of sea and mountains, half registration fees titll 31.12.12 reduced to €135.000 or rent €450 per month. Tel. 99621914. *****************************

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.

AYIA NAPA

Drug Info & Poison Control ............... 1401 Cyprus Samaritans ... 77777267 Police Duty Officer ......... 1499 (Confidential Information) Airports Larnaca ..........................77778833 Paphos ...........................77778833

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1.AYIA NAPA, Studio for sale, 38 sqm, furnished and fully renovated,. with title deed, in licensed complex, 5030m from Nissi Beach €49.000.

Tel. 99621914. LARNACA *****************************

35 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Compiled by Rosie Ogden

Toyota readies new technology for safer driving

Spectacular: the track-focused car will be strictly limited to a production run of no more than 30 cars and costs £375,000

McLaren confirms limited 12C GT Can-Am production FOLLOWING the successful premiere of the one-off design study at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance earlier this summer, McLaren GT has confirmed plans for a limited production run of the track-focused 12C GT Can-Am Edition.

The limited edition trackspecial pays tribute to Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, who successfully raced a series of McLaren models in the Can-Am series, claiming a string of championships between them for Bruce McLaren Racing.

McLaren GT, the race car manufacturing arm of the McLaren Group, will produce no more than 30 examples of the 12C GT Can-Am Edition. Billed as the ‘ultimate track car’, these will

Most powerful 12C will have up to 630hp not be subject to the usual racing regulations of the successful 12C GT3 racer on which it is based. Each will be fitted with an unrestricted version of the familiar 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a ‘unique’ engine calibration, and optimised cooling system to increase the power output of up to 630hp, making the 12C GT Can-Am Edition the most powerful 12C produced to date.

The dramatic appearance of the car is dominated by the large carbon fibre rear wing. This forms part of a unique high downforce aerodynamic package which

has been honed by McLaren Racing using Formula 1 technology and simulation, and offers an increase in downforce of 30 per cent.

Further carbon fibre components enhance the styling of the track car, differentiating it from the GT3 racing version. These include door mirror mounts and covers, engine cover vents, side radiator intake vanes, sill covers and badges.

Completing the exterior look, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition sits on black satinfinished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli racing tyres.

Sharing the same carbon

fibre MonoCell chassis as the groundbreaking 12C and 12C Spider, the 12C GT Can-Am Edition is also fitted with a full FIA-approved race-specification rollcage.

Inside the cockpit are two black race seats, complete with full six-point harnesses, and a unique McLaren GT steering wheel carried over from the 12C GT3 race car. The shape and grip of the steering wheel is derived from the McLaren MP4-24 Formula 1 car. An integrated motorsport air conditioning system is incorporated into the bespoke lightweight carbon fibre dashboard adding a touch of racer comfort.

Andrew Kirkaldy, Managing Director of McLaren GT explained: “The Can-Am name holds significant historical provenance for the McLaren brand, and those early racing cars of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme were truly incredible machines. To be able to produce this unshackled limited edition version of the 12C, I think is a fantastic way to resurrect a glorious chapter in the company’s past.”

The 12C GT Can-Am Edition will be strictly limited to a production run of no more than 30 cars, but if you want one in your Christmas stocking ... bear in mind that it will set you back a cool £375,000, and Santa will have to leave an IOU: production will start in March 2013.

Classic car rally LeJog to set off from Land’s End CONSIDERED by many as the toughest event of its kind in Europe, LeJog’s severe wintry weather conditions that usually hit the UK in December will see drivers battling it out on an epic 1,400 mile course between Land’s End and John O’Groats from December 1st to 4th.

Over 60 cars will leave Land’s End on a route across Britain that will see them travelling through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Wales, Shropshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Northumberland, East Lothian, West Lothian, North Lanarkshire, and across Scotland to John O’Groats over the four day period.

HERO’s Event Director and Clerk of the Course for LeJog, Peter Nedin, said: “LeJog is one of the toughest events of its kind in Europe, possibly the world, and we constantly strive to maintain this enviable reputation. We have no

All sorts of cars, all built before 1984, will be taking part in one of the world’s toughest events idea what the weather will bring but it certainly won’t stop the drivers who will do all they can to finish the course no matter what the conditions are.”

All sorts of cars, all built before 1984, will be taking part, including a 1957 MGA

coupe, a 1965 MercedesBenz 230 SL and a 1974 Datzun 240 Z; there will also be BMWs, Alfa Romeos, Triumphs and Porsches.

Patrick Burke, joint Managing Director of the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO),

Motoring

said: “This will be one of the most testing events that we have ever run. As in past editions, the event is attracting crews from all over Europe and beyond which is a testament to the event and all those who work so hard to make it happen.”

This year’s LeJog will break new ground with the route using roads and parts of the country that have never been used before on this iconic event.

Peter Nedin, Clerk of the Course said: “We realised that a few crews were not doing the best bits of the event simply because they hadn’t had time to plot them. This year we want all the trialists to have a go at all the sections in Wales, not just the experts.”

He added: “The other improvement we are making from last year is to have slightly fewer special tests but not only will they be more flowing and easier to follow but also, where possible, they’ll be longer to give drivers even more fun”.

The romantic adventure appeal of LeJog will still remain, with “controls in some of the UK’s best country pubs and road sections through the most beautiful scenery”.

AT Toyota’s annual Safety Seminar in Japan this week the company revealed details of new technology it has developed to help prevent collisions – both low-speed parking accidents and highspeed rear-end shunts.

It also announced the opening of a new proving ground for testing Integrated Transport Systems (ITS) that use radio communications between vehicles, road infrastructure and pedestrians to improve safety.

A surprisingly large number of collisions are caused by drivers hitting the wrong pedal or selecting the wrong gear - particularly when parking. Toyota has come up with two new systems which help to reduce the consequences when this happens.

The Intelligent Clearance Sonar is able to detect obstacles that are outside the driver’s line of sight and will automatically apply the brakes if there is a risk of a collision. Designed to be useful when negotiating a car park, it will sound an alarm, reduce engine power and apply the brakes.

Drive-Start Control recognises if the wrong gear has been selected when the driver is applying the throttle. It will flash up a warning and reduce engine output to limit a sudden start or acceleration.

This can help, for example, when a driver reacts to hitting an object while reversing by making a quick shift to a forward gear while still pressing the accelerator pedal.

Toyota is set to introduce both systems in future vehicles.

Toyota has also further developed its Pre-Crash Safety system with a collision avoidance function that can “help reduce the consequences of rear-end impacts, even at high speeds”.

This version of PCS – a technology already featured on a number of Toyota and Lexus models – uses a millimetrewave radar to monitor the risk of collision with a vehicle ahead. If it detects an impact risk, it triggers an alarm and warning display to alert the driver to apply the brakes.

When the brake pedal is pressed, the system will increase the braking force to up to twice the average level achieved by drivers. This can slow the vehicle down by up to 37mph (60km/h).

If the driver fails to step on the brakes, the system will automatically deliver deceleration of between nine and 19mph Toyota’s analysis of traffic accident data shows that more than 90 per cent of rear-end collisions happen when the difference in speed between two vehicles is within 37mph, so it set out to engineer a system based on this intelligence to deliver industryleading safety performance.

Already, the technology is being prepared for use in forthcoming models.

36 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport Decision to end life support for shot boxer THE mother of Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho said the shot former world champion boxer would be taken off life support yesterday.

Maria Matias said she made the decision to have doctors remove him from life support, but the 50-year-old boxer’s oldest son said he opposes that. Matias said three more of the boxer’s sons would arrive in Puerto Rico to see him for the last time.

She said her son “died three days ago and he’s only alive now because of a machine”.

Doctors say the fighter is clinically brain dead Camacho was shot in the face on Tuesday night in his home town of Bayamon as he and a friend sat in a Ford Mustang parked outside a bar. Police spokesman Alex Diaz said officers found nine small bags of cocaine in the friend’s pocket, and a 10th bag open inside the car.

Camacho’s friend, identified as 49-year-old Adrian Mojica Moreno, was killed in the attack.

Doctors had initially said Camacho was expected to survive, but his condition worsened and his heart stopped briefly overnight on Tuesday.

Camacho was born in Bayamon, a city within the San Juan metropolitan area, but he grew up mostly in New York’s Harlem neighbourhood, earning the nickname “the Harlem Heckler”.

He won super lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight world titles in the 1980s and fought high-profile bouts against Felix Trinidad, Julio Cesar Chavez and Sugar Ray Leonard.

IN BRIEF

Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho

Zalgiris Kaunas’ Darjus Lavrinovic (L) and Ibrahim Jaaber (R) vie for the ball with Caja Laboral Vitoria’s Thomas Heurtel (C) on Friday in Kaunas, Lithuania

Zalgiris and CSKA advance into Euroleague’s top 16

By Zoran Milosavljevic FORMER winners Zalgiris Kaunas and CSKA Moscow and Spanish upstarts Unicaja Malaga have reached the Euroleague competition’s second group stage with three games to spare after emphatic wins in their latest matches.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s progress remained on hold after an 89-87 defeat at Montepaschi Siena, while Barcelona, who booked their top 16 berth last week, made it seven wins out of seven as their guard Juan Carlos Navarro marked the 15th anniversary of his debut in grand style.

Zalgiris, who won Europe’s premier club basketball competition in 1999 but started this campaign as one of the dark horses, blew away the highly fancied Spanish side Caja Laboral Vitoria 82-45, which left the 2005 runners-up facing early elimination.

Croatian shooting guard Marko Popovic led the Lithuanian side with 19 points while former Chicago Bulls forward Andres Nocioni cut a forlorn

Upstarts Unicaja follow suit with 63-48 win against Asseco Prokom figure at the other end with 10, as Caja Laboral slumped to their sixth defeat in seven games.

“No one believed we could top this group at this stage and it’s not enough because this is only a build-up for the top 16,” Zalgiris coach Joan Plaza, told the competition’s official website (www.euroleague.net).

“The team’s character is epitomised

by Rimantas Kaukenas, who had surgery last Friday and played his heart out today,” added the 48-year old Spaniard.

Caja Laboral coach Zan Tabak said his team were a pale shadow of the side that won the 2010 Spanish league title after they reached four successive Euroleague Final Four tournaments from 2005-08.

“My team has two big problems, mental and physical,” the former

Croatia centre said.

Six-time winners and last season’s runners-up CSKA Moscow cruised to a 78-61 win over Partizan Belgrade while Unicaja booked their ticket with a 63-48 home win against Polish title holders Asseco Prokom Gdynia.

Besiktas Istanbul also progressed with an 83-72 home defeat of Germany’s Brose Baskets Bamberg after American guards Patrick Christopher and Curtis Jerrells combined for 37 points.

The 32-year old Navarro, who guided Barcelona to both their Euroleague titles and Spain to the 2006 world title as well as two successive European Championship gold medals, produced a game high 24 points in Barcelona’s 90-66 home win over Lietuvos Rytas on Thursday.

“I started to play in this building

when I was 15 years old and this game brought a lot of memories,” said Navarro.

Siena and Maccabi produced the most dramatic match of the round as the Italian side celebrated their fourth successive win after beginning with three defeats and stayed on course to advance from a tough preliminary pool.

The lead kept changing hands in a see-saw battle before centre Tomas Ress scored five unanswered points for the home side to put the game beyond Maccabi’s reach in the final minute.

Playmaker Bobby Brown led Siena with 16 points while American centre Shawn James kept the visitors afloat with an outstanding solo effort at the other end, hitting all his nine shots from the floor as he registered 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Holders Olympiakos Piraeus also notched a fourth consecutive victory and moved closer to the top 16 with a 75-53 home rout of Anadolu Efes Istanbul, while eight-time winners Real Madrid produced a strong second half to beat Khimki Moscow 104-81.

Bolt wants to compete in 2014 Glasgow games

Grizzlies maul Lakers 106-98 McIlroy and Donald line to continue their hot start up classic duel in desert

USAIN Bolt has revealed he wants to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Jamaican sprint star, who retained his 100, 200 and 4x100 metres titles at London 2012, does not have a Commonwealth gold medal, having missed the 2010 Games.

He told journalists in Barcelona: “That’s the only title I don’t have so I think it’s something I’d like to go for, even if I do just one event.”

Bolt also reiterated he would continue to concentrate on the 100m and 200m next year rather than trying out the long jump or 400m.

THE road troubles for the Los Angeles Lakers continued as they were beaten 106-98 by the Grizzlies in Memphis on Friday.

The Lakers dropped to 0-4 on the road and 6-7 on the season as the Grizzlies (9-2) continued their early season impressive form.

The Grizzlies, who are the top team in the Western Conference, were ruthless early and led 34-18 at the end of the first quarter, and then produced a team effort where all five starters scored double figure points. “They got a lot of points in the paint and we didn’t battle hard enough in stretches,” Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said.

WORLD number one Rory McIlroy and second-ranked Luke Donald set up a classic duel in the desert after the DP World Tour Championship third round yesterday.

The two Britons shot matching six-under-par 66s to sprint three strokes clear of their nearest rivals on 17-under 199 and will battle for the $1.33-million first prize today.

Donald did not drop a stroke to par for the third day running, while McIlroy was boosted by an inspired birdie-birdie-par-eagle burst from the 11th.

South African compatriots Louis Oosthuizen (68) and Charl Schwartzel (67) were in a tie for third place on 202.

37 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Sport Du Plessis enjoys the silence after ribbing

Cook, Pietersen boost England’s hopes on day two Century partnership puts tourists in strong position against hosts India in second Test

By David Clough ALASTAIR Cook and Kevin Pietersen’s unbroken century partnership put England in a position of great promise on day two of the second Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium.

Cook (87no) and Pietersen (62no) joined forces at a critical point in an intriguing contest, on this spinners’ pitch, after England had lost two wickets for as many runs to Pragyan Ojha.

From 68 for two shortly before tea, in reply to 327 all out, they then saw out the day to the tune of 178 without further loss - and England’s prospects of battling back here after their nine-wicket defeat in the first Test of four were significantly bolstered.

There was an England alltime record-equalling 22nd Test century on offer as extra motivation for each of the third-wicket pair.

But it was the opportunity to be associated with a famous victory here which had to be the principal guiding force.

England fared well almost throughout, save the setbacks of losing Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott in such quick succession.

After Monty Panesar completed his five-wicket haul, and Graeme Swann finally shifted Cheteshwar Pujara (135), openers Cook and

Compton shared an encouraging stand of 66.

Cook was less creasebound than in his heroic but vain 176 in Ahmedabad - and after the captain had twice hit Ojha over the top, once for six over long-on, Compton too was emboldened to use his feet against India’s three-strong specialist spin attack.

It was only when slow leftarmer Ojha returned for his second spell that Compton was undone, caught at slip off a full ball which turned enough to take the edge of his forward-defence.

STYLE CONTRAST Then Trott went fatally back, as he has tended to on this tour, and was stone-dead lbw for his second duck in three Test innings in India.

Ojha, Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh had conditions in their favour.

But Cook and Pietersen answered every question, in their contrasting styles, each needing a little luck as well as plenty of skill as edges were controlled short of slip and the line of the stumps protected when sharp turn often beat the bat.

Pietersen began with a cover-driven four off Harbhajan, and reached his 63-ball 50 with a back-foot stroke in the same direction for his eighth boundary off Ashwin.

Cook’s tempo was slower,

but his presence equally assured, taking more than twice as many deliveries to reach his half-century but hitting six fours and that six along the way.

Only when he escaped a sharp chance to Virender Sehwag, on 85, in the last over of the day from Harbhajan did he make a notable mistake.

Panesar and Swann had combined well too yesterday morning, to take India’s last four wickets for 61 runs. By the time Swann had Pujara stumped half an hour before lunch, the near immovable India number three had batted for almost 18 hours without being dismissed in the series since first taking guard at the Sardar Patel Stadium last week.

He underpinned a total which had appeared highly unlikely when the hosts stumbled to 119 for five yesterday, and his stand of 111 with Ashwin (68) was a source of particular frustration for England. Ashwin had hardly batted like a number eight, since his arrival at the crease Friday night.

But he was deceived by Panesar (five for 129), who followed a series of stock balls with one that hurried on to hit the back pad just on off-stump and win an lbw as Ashwin picked the wrong one to cut.

Harbhajan survived on one when an outside-edge off

English unlucky in South African defeat England 15 South Africa 16 ENGLAND’S autumn is beginning to look as bleak as the Twickenham weather after Willem Alberts’ fortunate try earned South Africa victory yesterday.

Stuart Lancaster’s men now head into next weekend’s appointment with world champions New Zealand on the back of narrow defeats at home to Australia and the Springboks.

England competed every step of the way with South Africa, matching the Springboks for intensity and desire and they battled back from 16-6 down with real heart.

They were the better team, particularly in the second half when Owen Farrell came on, but their undoing was a slice of bad luck just after the interval.

When Ben Youngs’ hacked

England’s flanker Chris Robshaw wins the ball in a line-out yesterday clearance rebounded off JP Pietersen, the ball fell to Alberts who scored rugby’s equivalent of an open goal.

Farrell added three penalties to the two struck by

Toby Flood as England battled all the way to the death.

Lancaster will be encouraged by those qualities.

But assistant coach Graham Rowntree himself said yesterday that he was sick of talking about lessons learned and England, despite Alberts’ fortunate try, could have won the game.

Flood missed two first-half penalties and again the spotlight will fall on a decision made by captain Chris Robshaw when England were awarded a kickable penalty with just over a minute remaining.

Last week, England were criticised for not taking their points. Yesterday, Robshaw changed his mind having initially told Farrell to kick for touch.

Farrell slotted the penalty, but England could not gather the restart and South Africa held on to extend their unbeaten run in this fixture to 11 matches, dating back to 2006.

Cook and Pietersen (above) joined forces at a crictical moment in an intriguing contest, after England had lost two wickets for as many runs to India’s Pragyan Ojoha Panesar flew between wicketkeeper and first slip for four, and clubbed the slow leftarmer for a six wide of longon before Swann (four for 70) ended his fun - lbw walking across his stumps.

England’s off-spinner then achieved what no one else had since this series started getting Pujara up the wicket and missing on the forwarddefence as an arm ball slid past the outside edge for Matt Prior to complete a rou-

tine stumping.

It was an underwhelming way for the new ‘Wall’ to fall at last, in an India innings which closed soon afterwards when Swann had Zaheer Khan caught at short-leg - off pad and shirt, on replay evidence, but to England’s relief nonetheless.

By close of play, thanks to Cook and Pietersen, the visitors’ dressing-room was doubtless an altogether more optimistic place.

CHEMISTS NICOSIA SUNDAY 25/11/2012 M. Kyriakoudes, 6B. C Pindarou St. Tel: 22344877, 22773127 (H) D. Sergiou, 18 Delfon St. Tel: 22775613, 22778449 (H) P. Aresti, 206 Strovolos Ave, Strovolos. Tel: 22420058, 22491533 (H) A. Hadjiapostolou, 36D K. Matsis Ave. Tel: 22311416, 22510679 (H) G.S. Charalambides, 64B Ayiou Eleftheriou St, Strovolos. Tel: 22371177, 22353584 (H) LIMASSOL P. Elpida, 7 Gr. Dighenis Ave. Tel: 25374924, 25746498 (H) N. Christoforou, 112 Makariou Ave., Tel: 25822838, 25333141 A. Christoforou 75C Omonia square Tel: 25661101, 25560395 (H) LARNACA M. Christodoulou, 2 Armenian Church Rd. Tel: 24652440, 24626763 (H) V. Christakis, 31A Papanicolis St. Tel: 24634390, 24663431 (H) PAPHOS G. Makariou, 20 Neapoleos, Ave. Tel: 26936989, 26938949 (H) PARALIMNI Ch. X. Alapai, 8 Gr. Dighenis Ave. Tel: 23742002, 23744155 (H)

NICOSIA MONDAY 26/11/2012 M. Antoniou, 21A Prodromou Ave. Tel: 22664442, 22436752 (H) K. Christodoulou, 25A Kapenisiou St. Tel: 22376960, 22378494 (H) M. Paranis, 28D Lycavitou St, Makedonitissa. Tel: 22355715, 22354282 (H) D. K. Kokkinou, 124 Limassol Ave. Tel: 22422470, 22428499 (H) E. A. Antoniades, corner Athalassa & 2A Hadjijoseph Ave, Acropolis. Tel: 22314634, 22491526 (H) LIMASSOL Nt. Georgiou 48B N. Pattichi Tel: 25338831, 25432167 (H) P. Michaelides, 117 Gr. Digheni Ave., Tel: 25587780, 25386449 (H) M. Stephanidou, 6 Bishop Laurentiou St. Tel: 25333726, 25382177 LARNACA M. Stavrou, corner Ermou & Evagorou St. Tel: 24628041, 24531731 (H) Kaloudi Christiana-Ekavi, 26 Ayion Anargiron Ave Tel: 24624555, 96473516 PAPHOS A. I. Loizidou, 47 Thermopilon St. Tel: 26934184, 26934343 (H) PARALIMNI G. Kayias, 6A Sotiras St. Tel: 23827020, 23744353 (H)

FAF du Plessis’s gallant 78 helped South Africa avoid the follow-on on day three of the second test against Australia yesterday, but the 28-year-old all-rounder admitted a nervous stumble on the stairs nearly put paid to his test debut at the crease.

Du Plessis had already shown an endearing penchant for slapstick when he made a horrible mess of a catch on Friday, spilling a simple chance at backward point.

“I was very nervous before I went out. Probably the more nervous I’ve been was making my one-day debut, for the first time playing for South Africa,” du Plessis told reporters.

“Then I had an absolute shocker going down the stairs. My boot clipped one of the stairs and my whole foot came out. I had to kneel in front of the whole crowd there, while they were abusing me from both sides.

“And my shoelaces were tied and my pad was in the way, so I couldn’t get my foot back in.

So I was thinking, ‘I’m going to get timed out here’.”

Thereafter, following a superb knock including 13 fours and a six, du Plessis was eventually dismissed by a sharp catch from Australia captain Michael Clarke, bringing South Africa’s innings to a close at 388.

Althought the tourists still trailed by 162 runs, the crowd was more subdued as he strode back to the changerooms.

“Yeah, they were much, much better,” said du Plessis, who enjoyed a 93-run partnership with injured veteran Jacques Kallis to ensure Australia would bat again.

South Africa’s pacemen rattled through Australia’s top order after tea to leave the hosts 111-5 at the close of the day, with a lead of 273 runs.

DOCTORS ON DUTY NICOSIA Pathologist: Costas Schizas, Tel: 22311077, 99606611 Antonis Ophthalmologist: Glikeriou, Tel: 70000171 Urologist: Achilleas Corellis, Tel: 70007773, 99562642 Gynaecologist: Aphrodite Elisseou, Tel: 99421050 Gynaecologist: Michalis Egglezakis, Tel: 99680371 Paediatric Surgeon: Giorgos Demetriades, Tel: 22442327, 99425445 Dentist: Ioanna Ioannou, Tel: 22720707, 99429514 LIMASSOL Pathologist: Savvas Ioannou, Tel.: 25372003, 99070777 Surgeon: Petrovits Elia, Tel.: 25343833, 99622077 Neuro-Surgeon: Michalakis Spirou, Tel: 99624939 Paediatric: Ntora Stephanou, Tel.: 25382933, 99525716 Paediatric Surgeon: Georgios Hadjiconstantas, Tel.: 25730055, 25723914 Doctor: Michalakis Charalambous, Tel: 99616436

38 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport Laudrup unconcerned by Williams-Suarez spat SWANSEA boss Michael Laudrup admits he does not know if Ashley Williams and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will shake hands today - but won’t be losing any sleep over the matter.

The pair will come face to face at the Liberty Stadium just days after the Wales captain accused Suarez of treating other players with contempt in his book My Premier League Diary.

Williams was also quoted as saying he wanted to “knock him out” due to the Uruguayan’s diving antics during the two meetings between the sides last season.

Liverpool manager, and former Swansea boss, Brendan Rodgers has attempted to calm the situation, and revealed Williams has spoken to both himself and Suarez over his comments.

But when asked if he thought the pair would shake hands prior to kick-off at the Liberty Stadium, Laudrup said: “I really don’t know.

“Fair play is important for me, but

if two persons do not want to shake hands then I don’t know.

“It’s nothing that will bother my sleep at night.

“What is important for me is that I know I’ve a player who even if he plays against a player he doesn’t like because of certain things I’m 100 per cent confident that he will do a great job on Sunday.”

On-form Suarez will pose a major threat to Williams and the rest of the Swansea backline at the Liberty Stadium, which will welcome back Rodgers and midfielder Joe Allen for the first time since their summer moves to Anfield.

Laudrup would not offer his opinion on Williams’ comments about Suarez, but was keen to praise the striker’s ability, although he believes the former Ajax man divides opinion because of the number of incidents he is caught up in.

Laudrup said: “I will keep my opinion

about Suarez to myself.

“I don’t want to say I’m for or against him, or that he’s a diver. I know he’s a great player.

“Why are a lot of people in the media, managers or players at other clubs discussing Suarez?

“Because he’s involved in a lot of things (incidents). When you are involved you are a debate and you have to accept that.

“Maybe after the game I will have some comments myself but I’m more focused on what we - our defenders and midfielders - will do against him as a player because he is the man to watch.”

He added: “The only thing I will say is he is one of the best forwards in the Premier League at the moment. He’s a great player.

“Most of Liverpool’s goals have his mark on. I think it’s 70 per cent or something like that. That’s the most important thing for me.”

Liverpool’s on-form Suarez poses a major threat to Williams and the rest of the Swansea backline today

‘West Ham fixtures are getting ever tougher’

What Mourinho says doesn’t interest me says Mancini

WEST Ham’s difficult run of fixtures is getting tougher due to the matches being scheduled closer together, according to manager Sam Allardyce.

The Hammers travel to local rivals Tottenham today before a midweek clash at Manchester United and another London derby with Chelsea next weekend.

The run follows fixtures against champions Manchester City, Newcastle and Stoke, with Allardyce’s side taking five points from those three games.

West Ham currently sit seventh in the Barclays Premier League but face all five teams directly above them before the turn of the year.

But it is the forthcoming week of matches that Allardyce reckons could prove to be a tough test for his squad.

“We played Manchester City and Newcastle recently and Stoke was also a tough game,” he said.

“I think that the games coming up are of a similar stature, but they also come within just six days. The fixtures are hard enough on an individual basis but to have them in such a short space of time makes it more difficult.

“We will certainly see what the players and the squad are made of by the end of next week.”

West Ham have not beaten Spurs at White Hart Lane in 13 years but Allardyce has done his homework on how the side are set up under Andre Villas-Boas.

He said: “I have read the scout reports and watched a few videos, but I definitely think the system has changed.

We very rarely saw Jermain Defoe employed as a lone striker when Harry was in charge, but we have seen it quite a lot under Andre.

“There has been a change in how they play and a little change in positions and selection. ... They have been going OK, but only time will tell whether it will be enough.”

City boss brushes off Champions League dig

Despite lacking some of the flair of last season, City have ground out results and remain unbeaten ahead of today’s trip to title rivals Chelsea

By Andy Hampson ROBERTO Mancini has brushed off apparent criticism from Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho following Manchester City’s Champions League exit.

Mourinho claimed he would not have been able to return to the Spanish capital had Real suffered the same European fate as Mancini’s Barclays Premier League champions.

Real ended City’s hopes of reaching the knockout phase of the elite competition after drawing 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

The pair have a perceived rivalry dating back to when Mourinho succeeded Mancini as Inter Milan boss in 2008.

Mancini said: “Mourinho is not my chairman, he is not my owner. What Mourinho said is not interesting.

“Mourinho wants to talk about everything and for me it is not important.”

Mourinho had spiced up the contest the night before by saying City would be eliminated regardless of the result and, given all their talent, that would hurt them greatly.

That was also interpreted in some quarters as an attack on Mancini as it could have suggested the manager was not making the most of the players at his disposal.

Mancini has tried to avoid a war of words but did suggest that such criticism from rival managers could be fuelled by jealousy over the huge financial backing the Italian has enjoyed at the Etihad Stadium.

“I don’t know - sometimes it could be,” Mancini said.

“I am here but I will not stay here for 20 years. Other managers will have time to come to Manchester City but in this moment I am here and we are working well.

“I don’t know why sometimes they talk about us.”

Mancini has faced speculation over his future this season due to City’s European struggles but his position ap-

pears to remain secure.

That has much to do with his success over the past two years and the now stronglooking start to their Barclays Premier League title defence.

Despite lacking some of the flair of last season, City have ground out results and remain unbeaten ahead of today’s trip to title rivals Chelsea.

That contrasts with the situation at Stamford Bridge,

where Roberto Di Matteo was this week sacked and replaced by Rafael Benitez.

Mancini said: “I don’t know their situation.

“I can say I am happy to work with my owners and my chairman. They are good men, they understand the situation. They know it is impossible to win every game and sometimes we lose.

“They are disappointed like me and the players.”

Newcastle goalkeeper Krul believes Magpies just need a change of luck GOALKEEPER Tim Krul is convinced Newcastle need a change of luck to get their season back on track.

The Magpies head for Southampton today with injuries and suspension once again severely limiting manager Alan Pardew’s options as they attempt to improve upon a run

of just one Barclays Premier League victory in seven attempts.

They will do so with dangerman Hatem Ben Arfa sitting at home alongside banned skipper Fabricio Coloccini after damaging a hamstring in Thursday night’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Maritimo.

Ben Arfa’s absence, coupled with

a return of precisely no points from winnable home games against West Ham and Swansea, has left a pall hanging over St James’ Park, although 24-year-old Holland international Krul is confident that situation can be remedied very quickly.

He said: “It’s just a bit of luck, I honestly think so. If we could just

nick that goal and go on, I think we will win games.

“It is a bit of a rough patch and we just have to take it as it comes. We have got Southampton on Sunday then Stoke on Wednesday night.

“They are going to be two hard games, but we need to get back to the spirit and just stick together.”

39 SUNDAY MAIL • November 25, 2012

Sport

Baggies climb to third place with victory over Black Cats

Benitez drops hint over Cole, Lampard

Sunderland hopes for successive win dashed

NEW Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has suggested that the established duo of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard could leave the club at the end of the season.

Neither of the England internationals have agreed extensions to their contracts with the Champions League winners and their futures have been the subject of some debate.

And, according to Benitez, who replaced Roberto Di Matteo at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday but does not expect to have a big influence on comings and goings after the season, stories linking them with a move are not far wide of the mark.

Sunderland 2 West Brom 4

By Damian Spellman SIMON Mignolet’s howler helped West Brom climb into third place in the Barclays Premier League table as Sunderland’s hopes of back-to-back victories were torn apart.

The Black Cats keeper gifted Shane Long the simplest of opportunities to fire into an empty net two minutes before the break when he allowed Chris Brunt’s pass to squirm from his grasp.

Steve Clarke’s men were already leading through Zoltan Gera’s superb strike on the half-hour, and although the home side launched a fightback when Craig Gardner’s 73rd-minute free-kick was deflected home, substitute Romelu Lukaku’s late penalty looked to have sealed a fourth successive win for the first time in the Premier League.

Stephane Sessegnon reduced the deficit from close range with three minutes remaining, but after Lukaku had hit the post deep into injury time, fellow substitute Marc-Antoine Fortune made sure at the death.

The Baggies arrived on Wearside brimming with confidence to meet a team which, having secured just its second Premier League win in 19 attempts, ran out determined to start climbing the table amid

West Brom’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring his side’s third goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light a run of what they considered to be winnable fixtures.

They did so knowing, however, that they would have to reach the heights they did in the second half of last weekend’s 3-1 win at Fulham if they were to emerge with a positive result, and the early signs were positive.

Striker Steven Fletcher glanced a header wide from Phil Bardsley’s right-wing cross and Sessegnon forced a less than convincing save from Boaz Myhill with a dipping volley after running on to Adam Johnson’s flick.

However, high-flying West Brom were making a game

of it, with midfielder Claudio Yacob earlier passing up an opportunity to head home Brunt’s right-wing corner at the far post.

Sessegnon called upon Myhill once again with 25 minutes gone when he met Sebastian Larsson’s free-kick with a downward header.

But any momentum Sunderland had established dissipated on the half-hour when the visitors took the lead in spectacular style.

Johnson could only take the pace off Gareth McAuley’s long ball out of defence and Gera took it in his stride, turned neatly and blasted a

Gomez hat-trick spares Al Habsi’s blushes Wigan 3 Reading 2 JORDI Gomez struck all three goals as Wigan left Reading still searching for their first away win of the season yesterday.

But it could have been so different had he not struck a last-minute winner.

For an Ali Al Habsi own goal looked to have spoiled the Wigan party after Gomez had struck twice in the second half. The Wigan keeper made a horrific blunder as he tried to gather a looping ball on his line with just 10 minutes left.

He only managed to knock the ball onto the crossbar and it rebounded off his hands into the net.

Sean Morrison had given Reading the lead, rising high-

Gomez (L) netted the winner for Wigan in the 90th minute

est to head home Nicky Shorey’s 35th-minute free-kick.

But Gomez levelled at the second attempt after seeing the initial shot from Franco di Santo spilled by Reading keeper Adam Federici just before the hour mark.

Gomez then dived to head

Wigan in front from Jean Beausejour’s superb cross, before Al Habsi’s blunder looked to have given the visitors a share of the spoils.

However, Gomez wasn’t done and he pounced again in the dying seconds to hand the hosts victory.

left-foot shot past Mignolet and inside the post.

The Black Cats might have been level within two minutes when the ball fell to John O’Shea inside the penalty area and he curled a right-foot effort just high and wide of the top corner.

Martin O’Neill’s men went close again two minutes before half-time when Sessegnon’s enterprising run ended with a deflected shot which Myhill fielded with little difficulty.

However, Mignolet, whose form this season has been a source of comfort for his manager, thereafter suffered a ca-

lamitous meltdown.

The Belgium international went down to collect Brunt’s harmless through-ball as Shane Long closed him down, but inexplicably fumbled it into the path of the astonished striker, who was left to tap into an empty net.

O’Shea, who had been booked for an early foul on Long and then held his breath as the striker went down a second time, only to be booked for diving, failed to re-appear after the break as winger James McClean got the nod.

However, the game might have been effectively over within four minutes of the restart when Long ran in on goal, only for Mignolet to partially redeem himself with a vital block.

Opposite number Myhill managed to beat Johnson’s long-range effort away three minutes later after it reared up at him.

The Baggies might have extended their lead with 61 minutes gone when Brunt was allowed time and space to drill the ball across the face of goal, where the sliding Long only just failed to make contact.

Peter Odemwingie blasted inches wide after cutting inside from the right with 21 minutes remaining, and thereafter he and Long made way for Fortune and Lukaku seconds later.

The Black Cats gave themselves hope when Gardner’s 73rd-minute free-kick clipped Fortune in the defensive wall and flew past the helpless Myhill, but Johnson’s trip on Liam Ridgewell handed Lukaku an 81st-minute chance from the penalty spot and he took it with aplomb.

Sessegnon pulled a second goal back from close range after Myhill had parried Fletcher’s 87th-minute header, but after Lukaku had hit the post, Fortune ended their hopes with a neat finish in the fifth minute of injury time.

Premier League standings Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Manchester City United Manchester United Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal West Brom City Manchester Everton Liverpool Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur West Ham Utd Everton Tottenham Stoke City Hotspur Fulham Bolton Wanderers Swansea West Brom Newcastle United Fulham Stoke City United Newcastle Liverpool Sunderland Wigan Athletic Aston Villa Norwich City Blackburn Rovers Sunderland Wolves Reading Birmingham Aston Villa Blackpool Southampton Wigan Athletic QPR West Ham United

P

W

D

L

F

12 37 11 36 12 36 12 36 12 36 12 36 11 37 12 36 11 37 12 37 12 36 11 36 11 37 11 36 11 37 10 37 11 36 12 37 12 36 12 36

8 22 9 21 7 19 7 19 5 17 5 14 5 12 5 13 4 12 4 12 3 10 2 11 2 11 3 10 2 10 1 11 1 8 2 10 2 7 0 7

4 11 0 7 3 10 2 8 5 7 4 14 3 15 2 7 4 10 4 10 5 15 6 11 6 11 2 12 5 10 6 7 6 15 3 9 2 15 4 12

0 4 2 8 2 7 3 9 2 12 3 8 3 10 5 16 3 15 4 15 4 11 3 14 3 15 6 14 4 17 3 19 4 13 7 18 8 14 8 17

25 74 29 67 24 69 19 55 22 59 23 51 14 50 20 46 24 52 18 53 13 45 9 51 14 42 12 45 8 43 7 44 14 36 10 53 18 36 9 41

A Pts 10 35 16 30 13 39 13 33 16 41 13 45 11 45 21 44 19 54 16 68 17 41 10 52 16 56 18 58 18 57 11 63 19 54 22 74 30 59 23 64

28 77 27 70 24 67 23 65 20 58 19 56 18 51 17 46 16 46 16 46 14 45 12 44 12 44 11 42 11 40 9 40 9 39 9 39 8 36 4 33

ASSUMPTION Asked if he thought the pair would be moving on in the summer, he said: “I think so. I don’t have all the information and it’s not fair to tell me I’m only here for seven months and then expect me to have an influence at the club over the next two or three years, but I think that’s the case at the moment.”

If Benitez’s assumption is a correct one it would mark the end of two distinguished Chelsea careers.

Lampard, 34, joined Chelsea from West Ham in 2001 and has gone on to become the club`s third all-time leading goalscorer with 189 goals.

He has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and a perhaps most famously a Champions League with the Blues. He has been linked with a move to the MLS in America.

Cole, 31, is also a title, FA Cup and Champions League winner, having joined the club from Arsenal in 2006.

Results Sunderland West Brom

2 4

Everton Norwich

1 1

Man United QPR

3 1

Stoke Fulham

1 0

Wigan Reading

3 2

Aston Villa Arsenal

L L

Playing Today Swansea v Liverpool 3.30pm So’ton v Newcastle 5pm Chelsea v Man City 6pm Tottenham v West Ham 6pm Playing Tuesday Sunderland v QPR 9.45pm Aston Villa v Reading 10pm

40 November 25, 2012 • SUNDAY MAIL

Sport

Cook, Pietersen boost England’s hopes on day two in India 37

Baggies climb to third place with victory over Black Cats 39

Buck stops with the players, says Redknapp NEW QPR manager Harry Redknapp has told the club’s players they are to blame for their current predicament.

The 65-year-old was yesterday morning given a two-and-a-half-year contract at Loftus Road, just 24 hours on from Mark Hughes’ sacking.

Redknapp inherits a squad without a Barclays Premier League win all season and one which is subsequently rooted to the bottom of the table and firmly entrenched in a relegation battle.

But the former Tottenham manager is not blaming Hughes for the problems and has told his new charges they need to look at themselves.

“The players have not performed to their potential,” he told Sky Sports News.

“They had a good manager in Mark Hughes, but for whatever reason it did not work out. We now have to produce in the last two thirds of the season to try and get out of trouble.”

Redknapp travelled to Old Trafford for yesterday’s meeting with Manchester United but will not take the team until Tuesday’s game at Sunderland.

“The players have to be at it. The buck stops with them,” said Redknapp. “I know Mark lost his job, but it’s down to the players. He could only do what he could do. The players have not performed to their potential.

“There are some good players here and they really need to step up and start performing. They are man enough to know they’re to blame for the position we are in.”

Redknapp is taking over a side in firm danger of returning to the Championship.

“We can’t get any lower,” he said. “We are rock bottom. We have to try and get up that table. I remember when I was at Portsmouth and we stayed up with a game to go at Wigan - it was the most fantastic feeling.”

All eyes will now be on the January transfer market to see who, if anyone, Redknapp opts to bring in to a club which had a high turnover of players under Hughes in the summer.

Michael Dawson, Redknapp’s former captain at Tottenham, has been mentioned, but Redknapp would only say: “I have not discussed the money (for players) situation.

“I didn’t say I wanted money to spend.

There are some good players here and we need to get them performing, so come January we might not need too much.”

Upon making the announcement, QPR owner Tony Fernandes, who has dismissed two managers in the last year, admitted he had got his primary target.

“Harry was our number one target, the unanimous choice of the board and we’re delighted we’ve been able to attract him to the club,” he said in a statement.

New QPR manager Harry Redknapp is taking over a side in firm danger of returning to the Championship

QPR suffering continues United swat aside rock bottom Rangers Man United 3 QPR 1

By Simon Stone

H

arry Redknapp left Old Trafford with plenty to ponder as Manchester United roared back yesterday to condemn QPR to the worst Premier League start any side has made after 13 games.

Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the table despite taking a second-half lead through Jamie Mackie.

Any hope Redknapp might have had of his new charges marking his installation as manager by recording their first win of the season evaporated with three United goals in a nine-minute burst.

Unlikely scoring hero Jonny Evans grabbed another to pull the hosts level before Darren Fletcher found the perfect way to mark his first Premier League start in a year.

Javier Hernandez bagged another to confirm United’s status as leaders ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Chelsea today.

Redknapp had seen enough, leaving four minutes from the end to contemplate what he has already admitted represents the biggest challenge of his managerial career.

By half-time, Redknapp would have at least been able to content himself that he had something to work with.

Rangers stuck to their de-

Overpowering: any hopes new QPR manager Harry Redknapp may have had of his charges recording their first win of the season evaporated with three United goals in a nine-minute burst yesterday fensive duties with diligence, even though they were assisted by the lacklustre nature of United’s display.

Stand-in manager Mark Bowen might even have had a goal to celebrate after Mackie converted an excellent cross from Djibril Cisse, only for the effort to be ruled out by a tight offside call going against him.

If Redknapp, stationed alongside chief executive Philip Beard in the directors’ box, could enjoy his break in positive mood, the notable United figures sat nearby, who had stayed on from yes-

terday’s Ferguson statue unveiling, would have been less happy.

After successive defeats at Norwich and Galatasaray, the hosts should have been ready to tear at weakened opponents.

Instead, they pawed around in virtual disinterest.

Danny Welbeck produced cut-backs from either flank for Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney but neither marksman could hit the target, and Ashley Young also sliced the ball into the side-netting.

You would not have needed

to be around as long as Redknapp to understand being goalless at half-time against a team managed by Ferguson counts for little.

On the previous 21 occasions United had been in such a position, 19 had ended in a home win.

Nevertheless, the confidence exuded by Julio Cesar to step inside a Rooney challenge deep inside the visitors’ box suggested a large degree of confidence, either than or insanity.

Yet, this season at least, as much a feature of United win-

ning has been their concession of the first goal.

It had happened in their previous four games so it was no surprise they should fall behind again.

Defensively, they were supposed to be getting stronger personnel wise. There was no evidence of it though as United failed to read a short corner and then failed to prevent Kieron Dyer getting down the by-line.

Then, after Anders Lindegaard had only been able to shove Dyer’s low cross away from his goal, Mackie fin-

ished off.

Within minutes, Adel Taarabt had curled a free-kick narrowly over.

Ferguson took immediate action, hauling off Paul Scholes and Young in favour of Anderson and Javier Hernandez.

The change took a little while to have any discernable effect, but eventually, United brought themselves level.

Rooney spoke only yesterday about not being bothered to relinquish some of the goalscoring responsibilities he has carried since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.

He cannot have expected Evans to have picked up the mantle.

Prior to this season, the Northern Irishman had only scored one United goal.

When he was on hand to turn home Welbeck’s header from Rooney’s corner, it was his third of the season.

If that goal was well received, the one Fletcher got to put the hosts ahead from another Rooney corner triggered an emotional reaction from the Scot.

It was Fletcher’s first Premier League goal since that derby-day mauling by Manchester City 13 months ago, most of the intervening period he spent battling against a chronic bowel complaint that threatened his career.

Hernandez was soon tucking home his ninth of the season as QPR showed their brittle side again, completing a disastrous nine-minute spell which underlined why they are in so much trouble.

Clint Hill had a header cleared off the line by Rafael before the end, although by then, Redknapp had gone anyway.