WEEK OF May 25 THROUGH May 31st 2009

☼ The 21st Historic Car Rally kicks off this Sunday in Cyprus. The route is planned to cover a distance of approximately 600 km and starts in Nicosia. ☼ Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis said that the Cypriot economy copes relatively well with the current financial crisis and the economic recession, despite an unavoidable deceleration in its rate of growth, resulting from the particularly adverse external environment ☼ Cyprus residents are hoping that the heavy rain which fell across the island during the winter months will mean fewer water cuts this summer. WEEK OF May 18 THROUGH May 24th 2009

 

☼ Local singer Simon Barter is hoping to raise over €2000 for The Teddy Loving Care Appeal which provides Teddy Bears to distressed children in Larnaca and Paralimni Accident and Emergency Units .His hair will change colour weekly for the next month, ending with a grand headshave!...Good Luck! ☼ Greece confirmed its first case of H1N1 flu in a student who returned from the United States tested positive. ☼ Finance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis says he remains optimistic about the Cyprus economy, insisting that his aim to draw €1billion from investors to the island will be met. ☼ Cyprus’ teams, athletes as well as organizers of the XIII Games of the Small States of Europe CYPRUS continue preparations in earnest for the Games, to be held in Cyprus next month. ☼ Cypriot pop star Peter Andre will return to the UK this week for "showdown talks" with wife Katie Price over their stricken marriage. WEEK OF May 11 THROUGH May 17th 2009

☼ Cyprus failed to pass the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest last night to determine another ten countries of the 25 finalists to compete on Saturday night. ☼ Cyprus has agreed to cooperate with China on a new plan to boost tourism and increase the number of Chinese visitors to the island. ☼ President Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat meet  in the framework of the UN-led direct negotiations, currently underway with a view to reach a negotiated settlement. ☼ Commerce Minister Antonis Paschalides has listed "traditional Cypriot hospitality" and a "stable banking system" as selling points to foreign businesses wishing to invest in Cyprus ☼ Cypriot pop star Peter Andre�s older brothers were trying to perk up the distraught singer last night after he fled to his bolthole in Cyprus, reports the Sun. The star arrived just two days after announcing he had split from wife Katie Price. ☼The second semi-final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest will be held  in Moscow, with 19 countries singing for the last ten spots. Cyprus star Christina Mexta will be the seventh artist performing at the event.
You can vote for your favourite song up to 20 times.                  WEEK OF May 4 THROUGH May 10th 2009

           

☼Alice Cooper will play a one-night gig in Limassol on the 12th July. Cooper's career spans more than four decades and boats a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, boa constrictors and baby dolls. For ticket info call: 77772939 ☼ Cyprus will take part in a series of events to celebrate Europe Day on Saturday May 9, with live music and traditional and contemporary dances, filling the streets of the island's capital Nicosia. ☼ The Chairman of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Paul Badji, has commended Cyprus for being chosen to host the UN International Meeting in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace. ☼ Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday agreed to intensify talks aimed at a settlement of the Cyprus issue, during their 27th round of negotiations since last September. WEEK OF April 27 THROUGH May 3rd,  2009

☼ A new photography exhibition dedicated to the fenced-off town of Famagusta has opened at the European Parliament in Brussels. The return of the "ghost town" could be a confidence-building measure in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, and reiterated his proposal for a team of EU experts to visit the town in order to record the possibilities of a future reconstruction. ☼ The Cyprus government has produced an "action plan" to help prevent swine flu reaching the island and to cope with the threat of a possible flu epidemic. An official announcement, issued after a meeting of officials in Nicosia yesterday said it had been decided to issue a daily bulletin at 2pm each day, which will provide an update on the flu situation. ☼ A new deal between Cyprus and the Czech Republic to avoid double taxation will boost investment in the island, Finance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis said yesterday. ☼ Finance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis has said that a recession of the Cyprus economy is highly unlikely, though much will depend of the progress of the economy in the rest of the world. ☼ TWO major environmental awareness campaigns planned for next month aim to stop littering and encourage tourist establishments to implement waste management solutions. The Troodos Cleaning Campaign will take place on May 10 as a joint effort between the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI), the University of Nicosia, the Travel foundation, the CTO, Thomas Cook and other travel stakeholders to raise awareness over uncontrolled and unsightly rubbish dumping. ☼ The Ministry of Health is in continuous contact with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Commission and the World Health Organisation, following the swine influenza outbreak in Mexico and the US and is promoting proper prevention measures. WEEK OF April 20 THROUGH April 26th, 2009

 

☼ THE MAYOR of Paphos, Savvas Vergas, performed the civil wedding ceremony of the mayor of Sefton, Paul Tweed, at Paphos town hall. ☼ THE GREENS yesterday voiced their concern over the phenomenon of animal abandonment, with many abandoned puppies discovered in streets, fields and areas all over Cyprus following the Easter holidays. ☼ A TOTAL of 33 polling stations will be set up in 25 towns in different countries for Cypriot nationals to vote in the June 6 European Parliament elections. ☼ Turkish Cypriot nationalists have won the election in northern Cyprus that could hamper efforts to reunite the island. ☼ THE GOVERNMENT is preparing to launch a “love offensive” after Easter to attract further investment to Cyprus, the country’s double taxation agreement with Russia and the pledge by the latter to remove Cyprus from its tax “black list” as a “most positive development” ☼ With the easter break behind us its business as usual as most return back to work , while some extending their holiday a day or two . WEEK OF April 13 THROUGH April 19th, 2009

 

☼ Paphos councillor Polis Polydorou confirmed that the newly upgraded seafront road would be open to traffic throughout the year, with specified restrictions in place between the months of June to September. During this four month period traffic will be able to use the road until 6pm when it will be closed to vehicles until 3AM the following morning. In addition, the area will be closed to traffic on Sundays throughout the year. ☼  DOMESTIC water cuts will be reduced by 15 per cent, while farmers and animal grazers will be given 20 million cubic metres. ☼ The Ministry of Foreign Affairs οf Cyprus calls on all Cypriots wishing to visit Thailand to postpone their journey due to the tense situation prevailing in the country. ☼ Cyprus Airways is to increase flights to Dubai in the summer season to three times a week. ☼ THE STATE yesterday handed out another €90 million, this time in benefits for pensioners in the form of a one-off Easter bonus across the board and pension increases for those below the poverty line. WEEK OF April 6 THROUGH April 12th, 2009

 

☼ Cyprus will inject an additional liquidity of 1 billion euro in the banking system in a bid to stimulate the decline of interest rates and to refinance expiring public dept. ☼ Cyprus President Demetris Christofias said that a convergence of views has been achieved on many issues regarding European Union matters, in the context of the ongoing UN-led direct negotiations, while at the same time there are basic issues which are still open. ☼ Extra police patrols will be on the roads of Cyprus each day as part of a campaign to keep them fatality-free this Easter. ☼ Cyprus has the second lowest unemployment rate in Europe ☼ The concert for piano ``The three gates of Nicosia`` and the photograph exhibition ``Nicosia - The wall`` opened a series of events called ``Cyprus Spring`` on April 3 at the Gasteig Centre in Munich. ☼ President Christofias has arrived in Prague where he will participate to the EU – USA Summit. ☼Greek and Turkish Cyptiots joined an anti-NATO demonstratrion yesterday at the Dhekelia British base, demanding the dissolution of NATO. ☼ Lovely weather experienced throughout Cyprus recently , reminding us summer is on its way. WEEK OF March 30 THROUGH April 5th, 2009
 

☼ Head of the European Parliament's Office in Cyprus Tasos Georgiou has urged Cypriots to participate in the upcoming European Elections and elect the MEPs who can represent them best. ☼ Russia secured the first position at the Cyprus Grand Prix 2009 in trap, skeet and double trap, which took place at the Limassol International Shooting Range. ☼ A team of American doctors from the Shriners Hospital in Massachussets are in Cyprus to examine children and young people facing chronic orthopedic problems. ☼ Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis said President Christofias, the government and the ministers were doing much to limit the consequences of the global financial crisis, noting that figures spoke for themselves. WEEK OF March 23 THROUGH March 29th, 2009
 

☼ Cyprus water Dams are over 25% of capacity. ☼ Government of Cyprus is to spend €65 million to ensure that it meets EU guidelines on fuel storage this year ☼ The Central Bank of Cyprus board will review its mandate, agreeing to improve the corporate governance system within the institution ☼  There are 400 Cypriot students studying in the Czech republic where bilateral trade with Cyprus reached 47 million ☼ The Cyprus annual inflation rate decreased to 0.6% in February of this year, compared with 0.9% for January ☼ Frenchman Sebastien Loeb won his 50th victory in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Cyprus last week ☼ Cyprus's revenues from tourism fell 10.8 percent in February year-on-year ☼ U.K internet property searches overseas show Cyprus at 3.41% of overall searches behind Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Bulgaria
WEEK OF March 16th THROUGH March 22nd, 2009
 

☼ The webmaster of this site will enter a seo contest featuring key word "sulumits retsambew" stay tuned for more information. ☼ Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Stavros Zenios said the number of students reached 6.000 in 2009, compared to 5.600 in 2008 and 5.100 in 2007 ☼ Communication Minister Nicos Nicolaides announced that the government will distribute 6,000 child car seats as part of government road safety efforts ☼  The first charter flights of Iranian tourists are due to arrive around March 21 ☼ Cyprus and the Czech Republic trade reaches Euro 47 million ☼ The Financial Mirror reported that Iranians buying property in Cyprus in excess of Euro 350.000 will be eligible to obtain residency status ☼ Citroen Racing's Sebastien Loeb got the victory in the 2009 Cyprus Rally ☼ Plans for an international tennis academy in Liopetri village by Russian investors are being looked at by the town planning bureau ☼ Total earnings of companies quoted on the Cyprus Stock Exchange tumbled to 667.7 million Euros in 2008, down 59% or 966 million Euros on the year ☼ Property Action Group will conduct a seminar concerning title deeds at the Elysium hotel on March 26 at 3  pm
WEEK OF March 9th THROUGH March 15th, 2009
 

☼Cyprus Statistical Service announced a decrease of 19.3% Arrivals of tourists reached 56.626 in February 2009 compared to 70.140 in February 2008

☼Cyprus tennis team beat Portugal 3-2 in a tie for the first round of the Davis Cup's Europe/Africa Zone Group II - Marcos Baghdatis secured Cyprus' victory by defeating Frederico Gil with 3-0 (6-2, 7-5 and 6-2). ☼ Cyprus  jobless numbers rose to 16,383 in February to 3,103 higher than in February 2008. ☼ A tennis school and a four-star hotel are in the plans in seaside village of Liopetri by Russian developers. ☼ House prices in Nicosia have showed an increase of 3% despite the current market ☼ Construction of a second bypass road in Paphos, at a cost of €6.3million will be starting soon and is scheduled to be finished in 14 months. ☼ Communications Minister Nikos Nicolaides has said  €6.8million will be available to communities for local projects ☼ Eurobarometer report show that 77% of women in Cyprus and the EU27 believe that politics are male-dominated and 23% disagree. ☼ 558 property sales were registered at the Land Registry last month, in comparison to 1,581 for the same period last year. ☼ Minister of Foreign Affairs Markos Kyprianou said Cyprus will contribute the sum of one million dollars for the reconstruction of Gaza. ☼ Etihad Airlines will be flying from Abu Dhabi to Larnaca, Cyprus three days a week starting in June. ☼ Mar.12-15 2009 Cyprus Rally in Limassol ☼ Mar. 15, 2009 - 11am Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2009 #4 - World class mountain biking races Voroklini +357 22 449 870 ☼ Mar. 15, 2009 - Cyprus Marathon, Half Marathon and 10 k - Three races and lot of activities and awards-Paphos +357 22 370 396
WEEK OF March 2nd THROUGH March 8th, 2009
 

☼ Mar. 8, 2009 - 11am Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2009 #3 - World class mountain biking races Amathous-Ag.Tychon +357 22 449 870 ☼ A women's football tournament will take place from March 3 to 13 in Larnica between 8 countries. The teams will be Canada, England, France, Netherlands, Russia, Scotland, South Africa and New Zealand ☼ Piraeus Bank posts 315 million profit for 2008 ☼ Ermes ERME.CY which runs the Debenhams chain of stores posted a 7.4 percent increase in 2008 ☼ There are currently around 150 snail farms operating in Cyprus, the island’s climate make it ideal for this and is an industry that has much room for growth. ☼ In an effort to help first time property buyers in Cyprus, the finance minister approved the first 30 loans totaling Euro 4.2 million ☼ Happy Green Monday ☼ Cyprus Airways posted a net profit of €1.7million for the year ending December 31 2008 ☼ Water level in the Dams has reached over 20% according to officials
WEEK OF February 23rd THROUGH March 1st, 2009
 

☼ The financial Mirror will have a full report on March 4th about the 100 bed new hospital to be constructed in the Neapolis project in Paphos by the Leptos Group and managed by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) ☼ Dolphin Capital Investors delay development projects of new homes until the global crisis ends. Dolphin Capital Investors purchased 85% stake of Aristo Developers. ☼ Bank of Cyprus and Marfin Popular Bank lowered deposit rates on 3 and 6 month fixed deposit rate to 4.25% ☼ Limassol Grand Canival Parade is at 1:30 pm on March 1st. The parade will start at Ayios Nikoals round about and ends at Ayias Sofia's traffic lights ☼ Paphos Parade is on the 28th of February on Poseidonos Ave. ☼ Police sent out a message to all dog owners in Cyprus "It is a crime for a dog-owner to allow their dog to walk freely in a public area without a leash. They are to register their dogs, update their medical records and get their dogs micro-chipped. ☼ Residents of Cyprus were able to view the Comet Lulin making its first appearance to our solar system. ☼ Heavy rains this season has caused a dam near Argaka to overflow this week ☼ Konstantinos Christoforou at the Red Music Stage in Nicosia Every Friday - +357 22 76 77 11 ☼ The men and women winners in the first of three parts of the cross country cycling event "Cyprus Sunshine Cup" were Swedes Emil Lindgren and Alexandra Engen ☼ Investors from Russia are looking into estimates of building a theme park in Cyprus ☼ The Iranian ship that has been held in Cyprus is free to leave. The cargo will remain. ☼ Carrefour has opened it's first Express stores in Nicosia and plans to open many more throughout the island ☼ Building permits in Cyprus was down in 2008 by 6.6% ☼ Cyprus spent € 41.5 million in 2007on environmental protection activities related to industry. The figures were 12 million more than previous year ☼ Cyprus will begin providing digital TV services in 2010 with complete changeover by 2012 ☼ Aristo developers will not guarantee any mortgages. If you own an Aristo property you can't sell it to anyone who needs a mortgage. Only Cash Buyers! WOW ☼ A Palestinian girl has been awarded a full scholarship to study in Cyprus ☼ Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2009 #1 - World class mountain biking races - Euxenite at 11 am on Feb. 27 - +357 22 449 870
WEEK OF February 16th THROUGH February 22ND, 2009
 

☼ Application has been filed to place the entire Troodos Mountain region on the UNESCO World Heritage List ☼ More rain throughout this week brings supplies to over 12% and a higher level than previous year ☼ € 20 million will be spent on revamping of the Limassol port to begin this year ☼ V.A.T. on overnight hotel rates will be 5% from May 1st this year ☼ In an effort to improve tourism Cyprus Commerce, Indutry and Tourism Minister Antonis Paschalides announced plans for the opening of three more consulates in Russian. The cities are Samara, Krasnodar and Ekaterinenburg ☼ A revolutionary new breast cancer drug "Aremed" is now available and made in Cyprus by Remedica Holding, Ltd. that was founded by Taki Pattihis in 1980. The company currently exports pharmaceuticals to more than 100 countries.   ☼ Smoking in the teachers lounge and on school grounds is now prohibited in all schools in Cyprus. Government workers can smoke outside of the building they work in. ☼ The entire Troodos range may be placed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. ☼ The most favoured cars in Cyprus are Mercedes followed closely by BMW. ☼ Car sales plummet with saloon car sales down 26% from 4,512 to 3,342 compared to January '08. ☼ Vanity plates are now available and being auctioned by the Cyprus government. The highest amount was paid for 'KVE1' with 13 bidders and the price of 1,200 Euros achieved.  ☼ Two RAF pilots were hurt when they were forced to eject from their Harrier jet which then crashed at Akrotiri. ☼ Cyprus has launched an island wide campaign to promote the awareness of organ donation in order to save lives. In Cyprus there are 140 patients waiting for a transplant and 56,000 in the EU. Only 25,000 operations are performed every year.
WEEK OF February 9th THROUGH February 15th, 2009
 

☼ The village of Agros, situated in the Troodos mountain range,1,100 meters above sea level, has been selected by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) as the best national tourism destination ☼ Sixteen year old Christina Metaxa received 13,309 votes and was chosen to represent Cyprus in this year's 54th Eurovision song contest held in Moscow ☼ Bank of Cyprus has plans to offer Eur0 1.5 billion worth of loans in an effort to boost real estate and tourism sectors. 5% loans will be available for first time home buyers ☼ Christodoulos Angastiniotis president of Nicosia Chamber of Commerce wants to build another 5-star hotel and new conference centre in Nicosia along with public projects such as marinas, theme parks, golf courses and casinos to help the islands tourism ☼ A bible found in northern Cyprus during a police raid on smugglers. Written in Syriac, the native language of Jesus. Experts are not sure of date of manuscript. ☼ Cyprus Minister of Finance Charilaos Stavrakis and US Ambassador in Nicosia, Frank Urbancic, have signed an agreement of cooperation in the fields of science and technology ☼ 1,209,79 travelled from Cyprus to other destinations in 2008 compared with 1,080,512 in 2007. The largest visiting Greece and a distant second was the UK ☼ Cyprus artist Glafkos Koumides is at Municipal Arts Center, Nicosia ending Feb 15 - +357 22 432 577
WEEK OF February 2nd THROUGH February 8th, 2009
 

☼ Cyprus is among 10 EU countries failing to comply with airborne particles standards. Others are Estonia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and UK. ☼ An Iranian Arms ship flying Cyprus flags was forced to unload it's cargo in Limassol. The cargo is said to possibly be heading to Gaza. ☼  A 20 year old man and his 19 year old sister have been arrested for the robbery of a cooperative bank near Nicosia. They netted over 250 thousand Euros. ☼ Water shortage remain a concern despite rainfall over the past month. Capacity of reservoirs is well below minimum needed to solve the problem. ☼ Today - Feb.2 is World Wetland Day to remind us of the importance of these sites to nature and Cyprus which has two sites designated by the Ramsar Convention- The Aktouri and Larnaca Salt Lakes ☼ Tourism in Cyprus fell 3.5% in 2008 from Euro 1.85 billion to 1.79 billion. ☼ Plans to modernize the green line area in Nicosia which will run to 2011 is expected to cost over €24 million. ☼ Environmental conservation groups Terra Cypria and BirdLife Cyprus are asking authorities to end illegal quarrying in the Akamas ☼ Traffic fatalities were lowest in 30 years and the lowest traffic injuries in 44 years during 2008. ☼ Vehicle personalized license plates in Cyprus will be available for bids starting this year. ☼ The total registered vehicles in Cyprus in 2008 was 676,772 up 5.2 % over previous year WEEK OF January 26th THROUGH February 1st, 2009
 

☼ The combined total for losses by the 17 investment companies listed on the Cyprus Stock Exchange is €328 million in 2008 ☼ Six Czech football teams will complete their training in preparations for the coming season in Cyprus because of the great weather ☼ In the bid to open Casino's in Cyprus by the government to improve tourism. A pariliamentary committee gave the ministers one month to define it's policy  ☼ With all the rain we have had in Cyprus in the last couple of months, there should not be any water shortages for the rest of the year. ☼ The president of the polish parliament and other members of the polish government will be visiting Cyprus this week for talks with various members of the Cypriot goverment ☼ Despite the current global crisis, Cyprus cement production and sales rose by 2.2% in 2008 ☼ Armed bank robbers were able to steal €25,000 at the Hellenic Bank in Chloraka, near Paphos ☼  January 30-31- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Cyprus, the Cyprus International Institute of Management-CIIM business school and the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus will hold seminar to help the property industry- €768 without HRDA subsidy and €550 with HRDA subsidy-22462246 ☼ The Cypriot cat will be recognized as an official breed because of unique characteristics. ☼ Frenchman Adrien Chareyre, motorcycle champion, 2007 and 2008 Belgian ace Gerald Delepine was at Daytona kart track in Nicosia ☼ Cyprus will receive €300 million in 2009 for infrastructure projects from the European Investment Bank (EIB) ☼ Cypriot President Demetris Christofias laid the first stone for the state theatre of the Cyprus Theatrical Organisation expected for completion by 2011 ☼ The British government pledged €50,000 to help UN demining efforts. Another two million is needed for 2009 and five million to complete the whole job in the buffer zone between the north and south ☼ A Cyprus settlement is a priority for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barak Obama, according to State Department spokesman Robert Wood ☼ Cyprus will receive a €29 million in aid to help increase the competitiveness of the wine sector ☼  Until Jan 30, Margaret Paraskos Painting Exhibition- Art - Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaka +357 24 621 109 ☼ Jan. 27, 8:30 pm - Aikistis Protopsalti and Stefanos Korkolis in concert - Stovolos Municipal Theatre, Nicosia - € 30-  +357 22 313 010 ☼ Jan. 28, 8:30 pm - Mia Mavroudis, Anastasia Moutsatsou, Panagiotis Margaris and Manos Avarakis. Music - Rialto Theatre, Lemesos (Limassol) - € 15 - 10 - +357 25 343 900 ☼ Jan. 29 8:30 pm, Aikistis Protopsalti and Stefanos Korkolis in concert - Larnaca Municipal Theatre - € 25 - 10 - +357 24 665 795 WEEK OF January 19th THROUGH January 25th, 2009

☼ Property tax revenues fell 27% in the first of 2008 an indication of the slowing of the housing market. ☼ Jan. 25 2009 8:30 pm - Aikistis Protopsalti and Stefanos Korkolis are in concert at the Rialto Theatre Lemesos (Limassol) € 30 -24  +357 25 343 900 ☼  Jan 25 2009 at 9 am is the International half marathon in Nicosia. For information +357 22 312 704 ☼ 3 Cypriots and a Greek man are attempting to climb the highest peak "Aconcagua" of the Andes mountains in South America ☼ The 3 leopards at the Limassol Zoo are set to move to a new home in a more natural environment in Africa.  The 19 yr. old mother leopard and her two 10 yr. old sons have spent their whole lives in the zoo ☼ President Demetris Christofias congratulated US president Barack Obama. He hopes Obama will support efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and end Turkey’s military occupation of the island ☼ A meeting will be held April 6-7 in Brussels by the Center for European Policy Studies in regards to the Cyprus issue ☼ Marlain Angelidou will represents Cyprus in the Eurovision song contest with "Mr Do Right - One Night Stand"  she also represented Cyprus in 1999 ☼ Israeli's Infrastructure Minister reports that a US drilling company has discovered oil between Cyprus and Israel. ☼ There has been much optimism in the recent talks between the divided sides of the Cyprus issue. ☼ The bank of Cyprus is offering fixed rate on 3 year savings bonds at 4.34% WEEK OF January 12th THROUGH January 18th 2009

☼ Cyprus airports have had their best years in 2008 with 7, 238,000  passengers passing through both Larnaca and Paphos ☼ US deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Eurasian Affairs Mathew Bryza will meet President Christofias and others from both sides of Cyprus for update on the situation. ☼ Investors from Russia announced plans to build the worlds largest children's entertainment park in Pyla. Expected costs are €800million ☼ Church relics that were missing will be on display Makarios Foundation museum in Nicosia. ☼ The Cyprus Post office is encouraging customers to write the postcode when mailing and are offering a 25% savings for bulk mailers ☼ Prince Harry  was waiting to depart to Cyprus when he made the controversial remark: "Anybody else around here?... Ah, our little Paki friend, Ahmed." ☼ We at iheartcyprus.com would like to support the thousands of  Palestinian children, women and men that have lost love ones.  ☼ The Cyprus Football Association is attempting to reintegrate the Turkish Cypriot Football clubs ☼ Indirections Art Exhibit - Brazilian artist Nicolas Robbio’s exhibition Indirections at the Nicosia Pharos Centre will end Jan. 15 2009 8:30 pm +357 22 663 871 ☼ Cyprus offers to help as a sea corridor for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Cyprus is always showing support to the Palestinian people. ☼ Ski season is in full force on Mount. Olympus for all you ski lovers. ☼ The Cyprus inflation rate reached a high of 4.7% in 2008 compared to 2.7 % in 2007 ☼ The need to show prices in Euro and Cyprus pound no longer exists since January 1, 2009 ☼ Cyprus largest cement company announced price hikes of 15% starting January 19th WEEK OF January 5th THROUGH January 11th 2009

☼ Central Bank governor Athanasios Orphanides said Cyprus must prepare for worst case scenarios for the economy ☼ Cyprus first football All Star game will be played January 6th at 4 pm - GSP stadium in Nicosia ☼ The Cyprus consumer price inflation for 2008 went up to 4.7% according to Cyprus statistic department ☼  January 8: Greek music with the “Echochromata” music ensemble at the Agia Napa Town Hall-Municipality Dance Association. +357 23 816 300 ☼ 2,000 Peaceful protests turned violent in Nicosia near the Israeli embassy demonstrating the Gaza attacks on Israel ☼ Teachers from north and south Cyprus came together on the 4th of January in an attempt unite in an effort to bring the island together WEEK OF December 29nd THROUGH December 4th 2009

☼ On board the boat carrying supplies from Cyprus to help people in Gaza was former U.S. congress woman from Georgia Cynthia McKinney. The boat was struck by an Israeli gun boat and turned away. ☼ A  landmine clearing operation in Cyprus backed by the UN is in danger of folding next month for lack of funds. ☼ The Cyprus Stock Exchange finished 2009 with the worst year since the official exchange was established in 1996 ☼ The average monthly salary in Cyprus is reported to be Euro 1,742 males average Euro 1,900 and females around Euro 1500 ☼ Cyprus property sales contracts are down 27% during 2008 compared to 2007                    We wish everyone a happy 2009 WEEK OF December 22nd THROUGH December 28th 2008

☼ Northern Cyprus in an effort to privatize the Ercan airport has placed it for sale. ☼ Egypt asked Cyprus for help to develop a similar educational institution in Advanced Technology (E-CAT) and how it can be replicated using the Cyprus model in Egypt. ☼ Cyprus is looking to have 14 Golf courses in an effort to improve tourism said Minister of tourism Antonis Paschalides.                              MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ☼ Residents of south east Cyprus battened down the hatches  after a series of thunderstorms that rolled into coastal areas. More thunder ☼  Undersea cables in the Mediterranean were severed, possibly by a ship's anchor, disrupting telephone and internet links between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Egypt was hit worst, but some minor problems were reported in Cyprus. ☼ The enthronement of the new Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, Joseph Soueif, took place at the Maronite Church in Nicosia. WEEK OF December 15th THROUGH December 21st 2008

☼ The Petrolina petrol company has announced a four cent reduction of its diesel oil price, from 88.4 cents to 84.4 cents per litre. Heating oil price was reduced by 2.5 cents to 54.7 cents. The price of 98 octane and 95 octane petrol was lowered by 0.5 cents per litre. ☼ The Cyprus government has said it aims to maintain the "highest possible" growth rate and to minimise pressures on employment in 2009 amid the global financial crisis. ☼ Inflation in Cyprus reached in November 3,1% recording a decrease in comparison to October 2008 when it stood at 4,8%. ☼ Festive holidaymakers and expats who will be celebrating New Year's Eve in Paphos this year may get the chance to see, and even taste, the biggest doner kebab ever created. ☼ London Greek Radio, the popular voice for Greeks and Cypriots in London, has re-launched its website and now offers a selection of free services; including the facility to listen live anywhere in the world. ☼ People who bank online in Cyprus are again being warned to ignore emails from banks. A new spam email claiming to be from Laiki bank is circulating in Cyprus. The email, despite several spelling mistakes, looks genuine, and appears to come from an official bank email, but they are just part of a number of sophisticated scams designed to rip you off. ☼ Retail sales growth was still strong in September according to the latest figures from the Statistical Service. The total volume of retail sales rose by 8.1% compared with September 2007, faster than the 3.5% recorded in August. The fastest growing subcategory was pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries, which rose by 20.5% compared with the same month of 2007. WEEK OF December 8th THROUGH December 14th 2008

☼ Cypriot Finance Minister Charilaos Stavrakis has said he is cautiously confident about the prospects of the economy in 2009, as the global financial crisis continues. ☼ The Irish Agriculture Minister has announced that dioxins have been found in Irish beef as well as pork. He says there is no threat to public health. ☼  It looks like the extended summer is about to come to an end with the Cyprus Met Office forecasting snow on the mountains and a considerable drop in temperatures across the island over the next few days. ☼ Cyprus and the UK are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of scientific research and development later today. The memo will be signed at the Planning Bureau by Minister of Education and Culture Andreas Demetriou and British High Commissioner Peter Millett. WEEK OF December 1st THROUGH December 7th 2008

☼  A huge turnout is expected at Ayia Napa's central square  for the lighting of this year's Christmas decorations. ☼  The Republic of Cyprus continues its exploratory surveys for hydrocarbon reserves in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides has said. ☼  The rate of inflation in Cyprus dropped to 3.4% in November 2008, reaching its lowest level for the current year, from 5.2% in October 2008. ☼  Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus Chrysostomos II has expressed his deepest sorrow for the death of Patriarch Alexy ll of Moscow and All Russia. ☼ Green Dot Cyprus last year recycled 8000 tonnes of materials and is expected  to double that this year , the program is soon extending to Pafos and Famagusta . WEEK OF November 24th THROUGH November 30th 2008

☼ Food donations for a Limassol-based cat charity are now being accepted at Carrefour in Kato Polemidia. The new facility is being organised by the Cyprus Voice for Animals with a permanent collection container being placed in Carrefour for customers to donate tinned and dry cat food purchased from the store. Catsnip, a charity that spays and neuters Limassol’s stray and feral cats, will be regularly emptying the collection container and distributing the donated food to the feeders of the many cat colonies that they are involved with and support around Limassol. ☼ Cyprus petroleum company Petrolina is to drop petrol prices  with the rest the island's filling stations expected to follow suit. The price of unleaded 95 drops by 4.5 cents per litre, while unleaded 98 falls by 3.6 cents per litre. ☼ The annual Christmas pantomime, this year Treasure Island, staged by ACT takes place in Nicosia on November 28 and 29, and again on December 5, 6 and 7. For more information call 22 329293. ☼ An American company is believed to have made an agreement in principle with the Cyprus government to exploit oil and gas in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus. WEEK OF November 17th THROUGH November 23rd 2008

☼ Cyprus is the host of the Junior Eurovision song contest tonight Nov.22 at Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Lemesos ( Limassol ). ☼  Cyprus Airways is offering return tickets to London from €249 including all taxes and other charges. The offer will run until November 30. It is valid on all tickets to be used before December 11. ☼ The Municipality of Ayia Napa will present a show called "Burn the Floor" featuring tango, cha-cha, latin, belly, salsa, hip-hop and other dances. ☼ A Danish Air Force plane carrying the Foreign Minister of Demark Per Stig Moller had to make a forced landing at Paphos Airport . The airport in western Cyprus, which only opened two days ago, was put on a state of alert and the plane landed safely. ☼ School children in Cyprus will get free fruit and vegetables from next year. The decision comes as European Union agriculture ministers have decided to tackle the EU-wide problem of child obesity. EU countries will pay half the costs and Brussels will foot the other half of the bill. ☼ RAPEX, the EU rapid alert system for all dangerous consumer products, has sent out a warning to consumers about a product called “Magic Balloons”. The product poses a chemical risk because it contains seven to nine times the permitted amount of the chemical benzine. ☼ Officials from the Cyprus Health Service will conduct checks on an extensive range of products in order to guarantee the quality of food supplied to the public. ☼ Eighties pop combo Kajagoogoo are to play a one night gig in Cyprus next month. The British pop band, best known for their first single, Too Shy, which reached Number one in the UK Singles Chart, are to appear at Chillingtons Restaurant in Paphos. ☼ Cyprus Airways have announced  that they have reduced the price of return tickets by €8. The reduction in fuel costs and the weak dollar are being cited as the reason for the cuts. ☼ Paphos international airport is now officially open. The first flight was a Cyprus Airways plane bound for London. The first incoming flight arrived soon afterwards from Helsinki, bringing winter tourists. Around 1,800 people will work at the new airport. WEEK OF November 10th THROUGH November 16th 2008

☼ Huge sea walls are to be constructed along the south east coast of Cyprus to protect beaches from erosion. It is estimated that two metres of coastline is "eaten" by the sea every year at the Oroklini  village beach. ☼ Cyprus has commemorated the dead of the two World Wars, including some 600 Cypriots killed during the Second World War out of the 30,000 who served in the British regiment. ☼ The weather in Cyprus is set to take a turn for the worse, bringing to an end the glorious Indian Summer that has seen barely a single cloud in the sky throughout October and November. The Met office said yesterday that heavy rain would fall on Cyprus on Wednesday and Thursday with the possibility of isolated thunderstorms in some areas. ☼ A light earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale was recorded in south-east Cyprus on Sunday. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment announced that the quake occurred at 8.23pm just off the coast of Larnaca. Its epicentre was at sea, 40km south-east of the coastal town, with a focal depth of 50 km. ☼ Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah and his co-driver Chris Patterson have won the Cyprus Troodos Rally for the sixth consecutive year, securing the 2008 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC). ☼ Cyprus President Demetris Christofias has inaugurated the new Paphos Airport and has pledged his support to the island's tourist industry. The new Paphos Airport will serve 2.7 million passengers a year . ☼ Austrian Airlines now offers a daily flight to Vienna and Larnaca for the first time during in the airline’s 30 years of operating in Cyprus. WEEK OF November 3rd THROUGH November 9th 2008

☼ Some 60,000 counterfeit euro bills circulate in Europe every month, according to Eduard Lidgens, representative of the Bavarian Police. ☼ Details of the Cyprus Sunshine Cup 2009 mountain bike race have been announced . Four rounds will be held between 22 February and 15 March at Tochni, Oroklini and Afxentia, as well as a new race at Amathous. ☼ Cyprus will host the International Meeting for Peace “The Civilisation of Peace: Faiths and Cultures in Dialogue” to take place November 16-18. ☼  The second solidarity trip by the Free Gaza movement came off without a hitch, despite Israeli threats and provocations. ☼  The importing of poor quality meat to Cyprus has resulted in the retail price of lamb soaring to €10 per kilo. ☼  Two Cyprus police officers have been left red-faced after electronic equipment was stolen from their vehicle as they dined at a restaurant. ☼  A Syrian man who found a wallet containing €12,000 and immediately handed it to police has been praised for his honesty. Limassol police say they will officially honour Mr Mustafa for his honesty. ☼ Unseasonably warm conditions will linger across Cyprus for the next several days, according to the Weather Service. Residents in the south east woke up to sunshine and clear skies as temperatures remained at a stable 26C in what is being recorded as one of the mildest winters for years. Nighttimes also remain pleasant with coastal temperatures dipping to a comfortable 17C. WEEK OF October 27th THROUGH November 2nd 2008

☼  The Central Bank of Cyprus has announced the issue of a silver collector coin, in proof condition, with a nominal value of €5 and year of issue 2008. ☼  The University of Cyprus has acquired a Law Department, which has welcomed its first students this year. ☼  A popular brand of Cyprus bottled water has been removed from sale after floating particles were discovered in a number of bottles. The following products are affected: Kykkos spring water (all sizes) with a best before date prior to July 2009. ☼  An internet shop that ships British Food worldwide to British expats is proving to be a real winner in Cyprus. The British Corner Shop started in 2004 and has since seen a staggering level of interest and now receives over 100,000 unique visitors per month to their website. According to a shop spokesman, they have had some quirky orders, including the delivery of a parcel of British food to Saddam Hussein’s old presidential palace in Iraq. ☼ The fisheries department has been conducting inquiries since mid September to verify information on the presence of a crocodile at Kouris reservoir," Cyprus's department of fisheries said, adding the information could not be verified. ☼ Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women have gathered on National Women’s Action Day for Peace at the checkpoint in Ledra street to demand peace and the reunification of Cyprus. ☼ Mehmet Ali Talat and President Demetris Christofias will meet this week under extensive Cyprus negotiations launched on September 11 to find a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem. ☼ The European Commission has proposed to grant €7.6million in aid, from the EU Solidarity Fund, to help Cyprus meet emergency costs resulting from damage caused by an exceptionally severe drought. WEEK OF October 20th THROUGH October 26th 2008

☼ Heavy showers brought chaos to Nicosia  as a huge downpour left drivers stranded in their cars and countless homes and businesses in the capital flooded. ☼ A whopping €2.4million had been raised by the close of the 19th annual Radiomarathon last night, which raises money for Cyprus children with special needs. ☼ Cyprus plans to recycle batteries with plans of up to 2600 battery collection points in the new year . Mobile batteries, laptop batteries and the standard AAA type will be accepted at the battery bins. When batteries wind up in a landfill or rubbish dump, the heavy metals can leach into the ground and find their way into the water system. ☼ Cyprus is preparing to welcome the Middle East's Rallying elite for the Troodos Rally, the penultimate round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship to take place on November 7-9 in Geroroskipou. A press release issued today by the rally`s press office writes that the annual rally will enjoy a change of venue for 2008 as its base moves to the town of Geroskipou on the west coast. ☼ One of the biggest earth tremors in south–east Cyprus for years has shaken homes across large parts of the region. Luckily, the island is located in a less active sector of this zone, and it experiences earthquakes less frequently and of a lower magnitude than that of Greece and Turkey. WEEK OF October 13th THROUGH October 19th 2008

☼ The Cyprus Meteorologist Office has described last month as "one of the best of the century" for weather. ☼Turkish Cypriot Leader Mehmet Ali Talat said yesterday that solution of the Cyprus question was more possible today compared to the past.   ☼ International airline Emirates is to launch daily flights to Cyprus from Dubai starting from 1 December . ☼ Heavy showers brought chaos to Cyprus roads yesterday as a huge downpour left drivers stranded in their cars and several homes in the capital Nicosia flooded .Despite the heavy rain, Cyprus is still low on water supplies following a six month drought. WEEK OF October 6th THROUGH October 12th 2008

☼ According to a new report the population of Cyprus stands at 789.000 , an increase of 1.4 % . ☼ Stock markets around the world have suffered huge losses , the worst since the 1987 stock market crash. ☼ The 19th annual radiomarathon , which helps raise funds for Cyprus children with special needs , will take place on October 20th and 21st. ☼ Cyprus currently ranks first in the UEFA country ranking table for the new football season, with 5.666 points, following last week’s results in the Champions League. WEEK OF September 29th THROUGH October 5th 2008

☼ Cyprus tennis star Marcos Baghdatis has withdrawn  from his first-round match at the Metz Open ATP tournament yesterday due to what appeared to be a serious back injury. ☼ The Cyprus wine industry could be under serious threat following the worst drought in almost four decades. ☼ Cyprus become an independent state 48 years ago today 1st October. ☼ President Demetris Christofias has called for the abolition of annual military exercises. ☼ Cityscape Dubai 2008, real estate exhibition, will showcase Minthis Hills, residential resort in the Mediterranean. Situated in Tsada village, Cyprus. Minthis Hills is one of the most exciting residential developments ever seen in Cyprus, if not the whole Mediterranean. As part of the effort to harmonise with the environment 50000 indigenous trees and other plants will be planted in the area .  ☼ Owners at the popular Mall of Cyprus are celebrating a booming first year of operation .According to the company, 4.5 million people passed through the mall during the last 12 months. ☼ Greece's highest court has approved government plans to allow cremation, the move will be welcomed by many in Cyprus who are pushing for a similar move. ☼ The Cyprus Green Party is attempting to highlight the shocking amount of animals that are deliberately poisoned and killed every year in Cyprus. The party has declared a “week against animal poisonings” to take place from September 27th – October 5th. ☼ President Christofias has said that he has asked Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul to assist efforts for a political settlement in Cyprus. WEEK OF September 22nd THROUGH September 28th 2008

☼ Three members of The Elders group, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi, will visit Cyprus next month to lend their support to the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities for their efforts to reunify the island. ☼ Huge crowds are expected at Ayia Napa's Sepheris Square as the 24th Ayia Napa Festival celebrations get underway. ☼ The European Commission has started a project to build a pilot solar power plant in northern Cyprus that will deliver electricity to the grid in 2009. ☼ Author : Martin Speight , Posted in  : Travel, wrote this article recently. Titled : CYPRUS VILLA HOMES - PURCHASING WITH A MORTGAGE -: Cyprus is a real goldmine if you are considering property investment. The most appealing of all is the all year round mild climate but you will also appreciate the relaxed way of life, the crystal blue seas, the healthy local dishes, the beautiful surroundings and of course the friendly local residents. There are daily flights from many UK airports to Cyprus so you will always be able to hop on a flight with little notice. Cyprus is a modern day European country with all the mod cons that you are accustomed to and most of all you can get Sky TV there so you will be able to keep up with whatever soap you are hooked to .                                                               ☼ The Republic of Cyprus is putting forward a new migration policy that incorporates a specific integration policy and aims at the realisation that integration does not, in any way, affect the rights of the local population, Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis has said. ☼ A 2,650,000 euro million winning Lotto ticket remained unclaimed, the Joker lottery operator said yesterday. The single Joker jackpot ticket, bought at a kiosk in Nicosia, cost just 4.50 euro but nobody has claimed the prize . ☼ Cyprus will be hosting the 30th International shooting Games Sporting for the first time. The event will be held at the Limmassol International Shooting Range from September 22 to 28. ☼ World leaders are queuing up to address the 63rd United Nations General Assembly ☼ Thunder and rain across much of Cyprus has lead to reports of power cuts and flooding on the south coasts. ☼ Isolated showers and storms are forecasted till Wednesday. WEEK OF September 15th THROUGH September 21st  2008

☼ A protest by taxi drivers in Paphos has caused traffic disruption and the immediate intervention of Mayor Savvas Vergas, who visited the drivers. The drivers blocked a main road causing a jam in a protest over taxi spaces. ☼ The Parliamentary system in Malta has worked fairly well since the island gained its Independence from Britain in 1964. Perhaps the time has come for Cyprus to consider the possibility of moving from a Presidential system to a parliamentary system. ☼ Repatriation flights are continuing to ferry passengers stranded in Cyprus back to the United Kingdom after the collapse of XL airways. ☼ British celebrities are jetting into Cyprus this weekend to film segments for a new primetime TV show. The show is called CelebAir and features a real plane, flying to real places, staffed by real celebrities. ☼ Much of Cyprus has been without a Cyta email service due to a server crashing, but the problem is now almost almost fixed. ☼ Joan Ryan has been sacked as Labour's vice chairman and Gordon Brown's envoy to Cyprus for calling for a leadership vote. ☼ Three sarcophaguses, dating from 500BC, found  by chance during construction work in the southern coastal town of Larnaca, have been transferred to the town’s District Archaeological Museum. ☼ The leaders of the two communities in Cyprus have expressed their commitment to work hard to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem, that would reunify the island. ☼ Hundreds of cyclists will take to the roads of Cyprus's capital city Nicosia  as part of a major event linked to European Mobility Week. ☼ The Cyprus employment rate increased by 3.2% in the 2nd quarter of 2008 compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data issued by Eurostat. ☼ Cyprus' top archeologist has said a chance dig has unearthed a "very rare" 2,500-year-old marble sarcophagus in the shape of a woman. WEEK OF September 8th THROUGH September 14th  2008

☼ Hundreds of British tourists have been stranded in Cyprus after the UK's third largest package holiday group XL Airways collapsed. ☼Water supply operations are up and running again  following three days of upgrade and repair work at the Larnaca desalination unit. ☼Cyprus athlete Antonis Aresti has qualified for the 400 metres final at the Beijing Paralympic Games. ☼ Cyprus athlete Antonis Aresti has won  silver medal at the Beijing Paralympic Games. The track and field athlete won silver medal in the 200 metres. ☼ A new theatre costing over €20m is to be built in the Cyprus capital Nicosia, The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2011 and has been described as "a unique architectural work" and a "jewel" for Cyprus. ☼ UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made personal phone calls to Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat to congratulate them on the start of negotiations to settle the Cyprus problem. ☼ DJ Tiësto, one of the most famous DJs in the world will now be playing live on September 21 at the Eleftheria Stadium in Nicosia from 6pm-midnight, and not in Limassol as previously advertised. ☼ Cyprus' Paralympic Swimmer Karolina Pelendritou won  gold medal in the 100 m breaststroke  in the Beijing Paralympic Games. ☼ Police are to intensify traffic checks across Cyprus after experts have revealed that the last four months of the year are high-risk for road accidents. ☼ Preparations are underway for the opening of the new Pafos  International airport  in November. ☼ Huge crowds are expected at Ayia Napa's Sepheris Square as the 24th Ayia Napa Festival celebrations get underway. This year, the festival is set to feature Greek stars, Marios Fragoulis, Steve Balsamo, Despoina Olympiou and Gerasimos Andreatos. The event kicks off on Friday September 26 with a performance by the Philharmonic Band of the Cyprus Police Force. ☼ UN Secretary General’s Special Adviser on Cyprus Alexander Downer and Australia’s envoy on Cyprus David Ritchie are to hold talks with Greek and Turkish government officials to discuss the Cyprus problem. WEEK OF September 1st THROUGH September 7th  2008

☼ The inflation rate in Cyprus will drop significantly in 2009, below 3%, Charilaos Stavrakis, Minister of Finance has said. ☼ The fire services have brought under control a large fire near the village of Pera Pedi which threatened a nearby state forest. ☼ THE VETERINARY Services will continue to screen milk and dairy products for elevated levels of the carcinogenic toxin aflatoxin until the problem has been eradicated. ☼ AS PART of an international campaign on climate change, Friends of the Earth Cyprus this weekend organised an event at Grigoris Afxentiou Square in Limassol, encouraging the public to join the debate. ☼ International protesters who defied Israel's blockade of Gaza to aid Palestinians sailed into Cyprus' Larnaca port , pledging to make a return voyage. ☼ No Mass will take place at the Christian Orthodox church of Saint Mamas in Turkish occupied Morphou, following the decision not to give permission to Greek Cypriots to pass through Limnitis crossing point to attend an organized pilgrimage to celebrate the Saint`s day on September 2. ☼ Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat has expressed his hope that new negotiations launched this week will end with an agreement. ☼ THE KATO Pyrgos Mukhtar has called on the Bishop and residents of Morphou to boycott tomorrow’s pilgrimage to Ayios Mamas, as an act of support to the residents of the Tylliria area. WEEK OF August 25th THROUGH August 31st  2008

☼ A heat wave is plaguing Cyprus with temperatures hitting 40.3C in Nicosia. ☼ Thousands of fans turned out to greet local football team Anorthosis Famagusta  as they returned from Athens to Larnaca after qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League. ☼ Madame Butterfly, one of Giacomo Puccini's masterpieces and one of the most popular operas of all times, will be presented this year at the Paphos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus. ☼ Many readers were shocked to discover that Cyprus is set to become one of Europe’s most densely populated nations within two generations. ☼ A mission of the Cyprus division of Doctors of the World is currently in Sri Lanka to hand over to the Sri Lankan authorities a series of projects that have already improved the standard of living of locals. ☼ The new airport shuttle bus service is said to be booming, with over 4,000 people taking advantage of the service everyday .Tickets cost just five euros for a one-way journey and the buses connect airports with Paphos, Nicosia and Limassol. ☼ The Limassol Wine Festival opens this coming Friday, offering visitors the opportunity to sample a wide range of domestic and foreign wines plus a range of cultural happenings.  ☼ Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Paschalides has decided not to set a government regulated ceiling on the retail price of fuel. The Minister said that Cyprus is among the cheapest EU countries for fuel prices, mainly due to low petrol tax. ☼ Ayia Napa has introduced the island's first legal beach exclusively for animals after complaints it was becoming a dog's life for man's best friend . WEEK OF August 18th THROUGH August 24th  2008

☼ TWO MONTHS of anticipation and anxiety have finally ended for Cypriot students who took British A-Level exams, following the official announcement of the results last week. Schools around the island confirmed  that the grades were very satisfying. ☼ MONTHS OF drought have brought the woes of the farming community to a head, with exasperated farmers preparing for battle with the government next week. ☼ THE NEW traffic camera system that will operate next year will have three times as many cameras as the system that worked two years ago.
  ☼  THE PROCESS of transporting drinking water from Greece is now running smoothly, the Executive President of Ocean Tankers, Michalis Ioannides, confirmed . ☼ JOSEPH HART came off the bench to score 14 points as England trounced Cyprus 78-48 in the third round of the Termosteps U16 European Championship Division B on Sunday afternoon in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina ☼  THE CYPRUS Cricket Association announced the scheduled for the upcoming Twenty20 tournament which will get under way on September 7 at the Happy Valley and Ayios Nicolaos cricket grounds. ☼ CYPRIOT tourism has seen a significant increase in outbound holiday travel over the past two years, especially evident during the summer months with crowded airports and increased spending bearing witness to the trend.
  ☼ EIGHTY Cypriot women applied to take part in a 500-mile ski trek across the Antarctic to the South Pole next year. The successful applicant will become the first Cypriot ever to ski to the South Pole. ☼ ANTIQUITIES of great value are reportedly buried in the Kourris Valley area of the Limassol district, and have been systematically plundered by tomb raiders and illicit antiquities traders over the last century, locals living in the area have warned. ☼ THOUSANDS of Cypriots abroad have been unable to contact their families back in Cyprus because of a fault at the telecommunications authority CyTA. ☼ ALEXANDROS Zenon, the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, has been named as the new Cyprus High Commissioner to Britain. Zenon is due to take up his new position in London on Monday. He will be the first Cypriot High Commissioner to Britain to serve under the new government of Demetris Christofias. ☼ Cypriot high-jumper Kyriacos Ioannou failed to qualify for the final in men’s high–jump in the Beijing Olympic Games ☼ Shooting athlete, Andri Eleftheriou, has secured the seventh position in the overall ranking of women skeet at the Beijing Olympic Games ☼ Turkey is to build a dam to carry fresh water to occupied northern Cyprus through an 80km submarine pipeline, which will be installed 120 metres beneath the Mediterranean Sea.  

WEEK OF August 11th THROUGH August 17th  2008

☼ IT SEEMS inconceivable that with the water situation at its most critical, with households into their fifth month of rationing and reservoirs virtually bone dry, the government is still providing drinking water to irrigate the island’s three golf courses. ☼ HOTELS across the island are currently running at 95 per cent occupancy for the August holiday. ☼ THE GREEN Party yesterday called on the government to show its commitment to solar energy by adopting its proposal to install some 5,000 home photovoltaic systems free of charge ☼ AN AVERAGE of 24 passengers passed through Larnaca airport every minute the other day, in what was believed to be one of the busiest days of the year ☼ COOLER temperatures in comparison to last year have led to lower electricity consumption ☼ THE CYPRUS Tourism Organisation (CTO) will be ready by early next year to issue a request for tenders from airlines that could help boost traffic to the island from new destinations, officials said yesterday. ☼ SEVENTY-five per cent of people asked want Poseidonos Avenue in Kato Paphos to remain permanently closed to traffic. ☼ AYIA Napa can now boast a legal off-lead paradise beach exclusively for dogs. The new dog beach, believed to be the first in the south east, is located near the Axartis Restaurant, opposite the Waterworld Water Park in Ayia Thekla. ☼ CYPRUS was one of only three European countries showing a stable property market for the last financial quarter. ☼ HOTELIERS IN Paphos are fully booked for the busiest period of the year. The main holiday period in Cyprus is during the month of August, where local tourism boosts occupancy numbers. WEEK OF August 4th THROUGH August 10th  2008

☼ The general feeling from going around the island and speaking to people is that reunification of the island is near. ☼ The airport shuttle service is experiencing tremendous success. make sure you reserve your seats in advance by calling 77771477 ☼ THE residents of Palodia village in the Limassol district have had their water supply restored after having had to make do with bottled water when their boreholes were found to contain excessive levels of salt. ☼ AYIA Napa is not a den of drugs, sex and violence. There are no gang fights or daily drunken brawls. British tourists who frequent the area are not louts who attack passersby. The stories in the media are grossly exaggerated about what is going in Ayia Napa,” Rural Officer George Economou said ☼ THE CYPRUS National skydiving team is taking part in the world championships in France tomorrow. ☼ Around 40 volunteers and media representatives from 17 countries will set sail from Cyprus this week in two sailboats, the Free Gaza and Liberty, aiming to reach the shores of Gaza and open up a long-closed sea route between Gaza and the rest of the world. ☼ PEYIA Municipality is spending €50,000 to bring over two Greek music stars for the Municipality’s summer festival instead of repairing basic infrastructure, such as pavements, a Peyia councillor charged . ☼ THE GOVERNMENT is satisfied with the public’s response to water saving and is confident that the water problem will be resolved by the time the desalination plants are in operation ☼ A BUS service ferrying tourists from the capital to places of interest in the north is due to start operating later this month .Named the Love Buses, the aim is to bring the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities closer together, according to the man behind the scheme. ☼  The Cypriot Olympic track team members are:  Eleni Artymata (200m metres), Tsisiou Alexandra (Javelin), Anna Fitidou (Pole Vault), Kyriakos Ioannou (high jump), Alissa Kallinicou (400 metres) and Skevi Theodorou (Hammer Throw). ☼  Water is continuing to flow in from Greece along with water saving steps implemented are improving the situation in Cyprus ☼  Paphos Mall is doing great business so far. WEEK OF July 27th THROUGH August 3rd  2008

☼  A survey about how the government is handling the water crisis is here ☼ The first athletes from Cyprus arrived in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics ☼ August 2- 9pm - “Antigone” by Sophocles. 12th Festival of Greek Drama 12th Festival of Greek Drama - Limassol ☼ August 1- 9pm - Habimah National Theatre/ Cameri Theatre, Israel
“Antigone” by Sophocles - 12th Festival of Greek Drama 12th Festival of Greek Drama - Paphos Ancient Odeion ☼ July 31- 9pm - “Ajax” by Sophocles 12th Festival of Greek Drama 12th Festival of Greek Drama - Limmasol ☼ July 30  9pm - “Ajax” by Sophocles 12th Festival of Greek Drama 12th Festival of Greek Drama - Paphos Ancient Odeion ☼ July 28-9pm “Medea” by Euripides- 12th Festival of Greek Drama 12th Festival of Greek Drama - Makarios III Amphitheatre (School of Blind) Nicosia ☼ Statistics released reveal that of 2,500 children tested in Paphos and Strovolos, four out of ten primary school children were obese and two out of ten kindergarten children are overweight . ☼LOCAL director Yannis Economidis has been honoured with a top accolade by the Greek Ministry of Education and Culture, Economidis’ 2007 film Soul Kicking (Psihi Sto Stoma) was award for Best Film in 2007. ☼ THE MUCH anticipated Mall of Paphos was officially opened by House President Marios Garoyian . In addition to Orphanides, shops in the Mall include Eye Deal, Yermanos, Beautyline, Scholl, Bonbon, Kappa Kids, No Limits, Calzedonia and Charles & Keith. The Paphos Mall also has the seventh Costa Coffee in Cyprus; the first in Paphos . ☼ HUNDREDS OF pieces of state-owned art works are being stored in poor conditions and run the risk of being destroyed or lost, the Green Party has warned. From the approximately 2,700 works of art that the gallery has, only 135 are on display . WEEK OF July 21st THROUGH July 27th 2008

☼ July 25  9pm Paphos Ancient Odeion  Medea - by Euripides-12th Festival of Greek Drama 12th Festival of Greek Drama ☼ July 25, 26 and 27th 8pm Pomos - Paradise Place 9th Paradise Jazz Festival This year dedicated to Cypriot Musicians 26 342 537 ☼ July 26-- 9pm  Limissol Kourion Ancient Threatre  "Medea" by Euripides.  Part of series from the12th Festival of Greek Drama ☼ Open throughout July and August in Mesa Chorio Exhibition of paintings in a variety of media and styles by a group of Larnaca artists  Tel. 26654626 ☼ The Acropolis Lyceam research showed that 39% of high school students in Cyprus are driving without a license. ☼ The Acropolis Lyceam research showed that 33% of high school students under 16 in Cyprus are driving a motorcycles. ☼ Turkey is planning a water pipe line to northern Cyprus to help alleviate the water shortages. ☼ The fault preventing water to be transferred from the Greek tanker is expected to be fixed , and water should be flowing again this week .  ☼ The grand opening of The Paphos Mall is on Saturday , July 26th , at 11a.m. Brand shops  , a well known cafeteria , an elegant restaurant and an ultra-modern supermarket all under one roof . ☼ Wind power : a good idea but can we really afford it ? The situation for such an option is not as easy for Cyprus as it first appeared . ☼ Charalambos Pilacoutas Ltd has opened it's BMW showroom in Paphos on the Mesogi Avenue . WEEK OF July 14th THROUGH July 20th 2008

☼ Another broadband communication service should be available in the near future as government has granted OverHorizon a US and Sweden based company a second orbital spot ☼ EasyHotel a super budget hotel operator in many places around the world will open in the Larnaca area ☼ ESPN the North America Sports Network has signed a deal that will the platform to Cyprus through Cyta ☼ Airport shuttle service pleased with launch . Three different companies will be running the service in each of the cities of Nicosia , Limassol and Paphos. ☼ The Paphos Airport needs to have flights to the Middle East and Africa in order to help tourists that will not come here from Larnaca because of the long drive. ☼ UN spokesman in Cyprus has confirmed that plans are afoot to establish a telephone link between the offices of President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat ☼ Cypriot national skeet team clinches third gold medal. ☼ ' I am Makarios , I am alive,' the leaders famous words mark historic anniversary for Paphos radio station.  ☼ The Belgium Senate plenary approved a resolution , calling the two communities in Cyprus to reunify the island. ☼ Greek tanker water that was due to hit shore this week was found to be contaminated after sitting off Limassol's coast since the 30th of June. "It is un fit for human consumption" experts claim ☼ The EU Agriculture Commissioner warned that farmers must change irrigation practices, and should start investing in water saving techniques, without affecting production levels. ☼ The worlds first self styled " ecological night club " opened in London , the brainchild of a Cypriot property developer. ☼ Play staged by the Theatre Instabile Di Aosta of Italy , part of International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama  . July 16. Paphos Ancient Odeon. 9pm. Tel. 22-674920 .  ☼ Over 200 Passengers were stranded in Cyprus on Saturday after Failte Travel, an Irish tour operator announced it was going out of business. WEEK OF July 7th THROUGH July 13th 2008

☼ Beginning next week, Larnaca international airport will provide a bus service linking it with Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos. ☼ The price of goods will continue to be displayed in Cyprus pounds until the end of 2008. A legislation approved by parliament, a measure to help people who are having a hard time adjusting. ☼ Cyprus imports of energy in 2006 was the highest rate in the EU to a 102,5% ☼ The price of milk is set to rise again next week, a total increase of 10% since last September. ☼ After terminating the traffic cameras in the last year. There are plans to have them back up again by next year. ☼ July 11 to July 13- Classic Car Rally - One of the fastest growing motor sport is now a yearly event in Cyprus. Start in Nicosia and goes to Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos and back to Nicosia. ☼ July 11- 9pm "The Birds" by Aristophanes.  The first of a series from the12th Festival of Greek Drama- Makarios III Amphitheatre (School of Blind) Nicosia ☼ July 13 - 9pm "The Birds" by Aristophanes. 12th Festival of Greek Drama - Kourion Ancient Theatre Limissol ☼ Demitra Sergiou will represent Cyprus in this years Miss Universe Pagent being held in NHA TRANG, KHANH, VIETNAM Sunday, July 13 ☼ A number  of complaints have been made about the new , improved promenade along the sea front by Paphos harbor of which there is no boundary wall between the edge of the promenade and the waters edge. ☼ Open air cinemas are  thought to constitute an integral part of the Greek cultural identity , the experience being a direct extension of the tradition of ancient Greek drama , which was always staged in open theatres. ☼ Can Cyprus make it as a spa resort? Delegates to a recent seminar were told it could as long as innovation and local ingredients are brought into the mix.      WEEK OF June 30th THROUGH July 6th 2008

☼ Chinese ambassador is in Cyprus establishing stronger ties between the two countries and finding ways to working together. ☼ Firefighters in Cyprus are dealing with fires near Limassol. Tempreture reaching 38 and a very dry season are causes for many fires. ☼ Australia's former prime minister Alexander Downer will be the UN special envoy to the Cyprus peace process. ☼ Cypriot parliament have made Cyprus the 20th EU member to approve the Lisbon treaty aimed at streamlining decision making among members. ☼ Cyprus students with mobile phones can face suspension. A proposed legislation by the island's education ministry. Reuters ☼ The first tanker of water arrived in Limassol from Greece with 1.76 million cubic feet of water ☼ The Education Ministry figures for show that more than 50% of students failed test in the Greek language matriculation ☼ The EU commission signed a contract for €1,991,000 to support rural development in north Cyprus. ☼ The Greek and Turkish Cypriot government have agreed to jointly work on improving six programmes: Cutting of red tape, Ambulance services, Leaflets and information in Greek and Turkish languages( hopefully English too), Educational of cultural heritage, Human and animal disease control and standard of living. ☼ Over 71% of Cypriots polled say they trust the EU. A 16% increase over last year. ☼ MP George Perdikis made a proposal to strengthen the current non-smoking law, enforcing it in all public buildings including parliament. ☼ July 4 to August 2 - Paphos Ancient Odeon , Curium Ancient Theatre , Amphitheatre Makarios - 12th International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama 2008 , eight theatre companies from Cyprus , Greece , Romania , Italy , Israel and a multicultural productions from Malta , Cyprus , Greece , Albania , France and Italy ☼ July 4th- Cultural night at Temvria village in the Troodos mountains. Music and Art. ☼ July 5th to July 14th- Nicosia Olympia Shooting Range near Latsia-European Championship in shotgun- Trap, Skeet Double Trap. ☼  A London Cypriot couple who became an unlikely hit on YouTube making Greek meatballs may get to star in a feature length film. ☼  85 year old Michalakis Yiasemides is possibly the only self - taught musician in the world who knows how to play 30 instruments with great talent. He  has been nominated for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. ☼ Cyprus may get yet another mention in the Guinness Book of Records this week as local DJ George Papapetrou , also known as DJ Gee Papa plans on playing the longest set ever. WEEK OF June 23rd THROUGH June 29th 2008

☼ An archeological site has produced a 5000 year old workshop that made jewelry - reported the Cyprus Mail ☼ Bank of Cyprus, the leader in Cyprus banking has acquired 80% of the Russian Uniastrum Bank for $576 million ☼ Greece and Cyprus sign agreement to start shipping 8m cubic meters of water. ☼ A borehole in Stavrovouni , up in the mountains , could yield 5,000m3 of water a day . It has been described by officials from the Geological Survey Department as a phenomenon . ☼ Cyprus Rally regains WRC status for 2009 ☼ Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus goes through to third round of the Wimbledon  Championships. ☼ Final preparations to accept water from Greece are expected to be completed by the end of June. The water will arrive in tankers then unloaded first into an underwater pipe then into pipes on land  ☼ President Christofias said that Turkey should stop meddling between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities ☼ Cypriots are more indebt than ever before! latest central bank figures show an increase of 20% over last year in total debt. ☼ Nicosia and surrounding areas have all joined the green dot network in recycling of materials ☼ The owner of a store on Diagorou street in Nicosia is taking legal action against a number of government services for the long delays and the losses his store is experiencing due to the lack of clients and loss of income. WEEK OF June 16th THROUGH June 22nd 2008

☼ -June 21- James Blunt Live in Cyprus-First British music artist in the last 10 years to reach no. 1 in the US charts. 357 25 872 270 0r 357 25 733 336 ☼ Kataklysmos - Flood Festival - Greek Orthodox festival with pagan roots focusing on water. ☼ All beaches were at capacity with tourist and locals over the long weekend. ☼ Eurostat report food prices have increased 20% since last year. ☼ In the past decade the population of Cyprus has grown 17% second only to Ireland's 18%. In 1997, the population was 666,000 and grew by 113,000 to 799,000 by 2007.   ☼ As you travel throughout Europe remember to call 112 in case of any emergency. WEEK OF June 9th THROUGH June 15th 2008

☼ Kataklysmos - Flood Festival - Greek Orthodox festival with pagan roots focusing on water. ☼ Cyprus officials said that they will not send 2 US made helicopters to the US for maintenance because of fears that they would be confiscated. The added night vision equipment may be considered banned military applications. ☼ Kato Paphos and Paphos town water cuts will operate on alternate days throughout June, from 7:30am until 7:30 the following morning. ☼ Cyprus's finance ministry said that the Greek Orthodox Church owed the state over 490 million euros in unpaid taxes. ☼ Cyprus has the lowest suicide rate in the EU ☼ Almost all the islands coastal bathing waters found to be of high quality , a Brussels report revealed. ☼  Cyprus men's national volleyball team in final stage of the Small Countries Division Pool A.  WEEK OF June 2nd THROUGH June 8th 2008

☼  Concert: SIMPLY RED at Pafiako Stadium Paphos Monday   June 7 - 2008  7:00pm - €  92.26  € 128.14 ☼ Cypriot-RussianFestival June 7 - 8 2008 Limassol Sea front ☼ A crisis team has been set up by the government to find a solution to the current water shortage . ☼ Over 10,000 drivers have been cited for driving and using their cell phones, a penalty of  €85 and 2 points. ☼ Workers will get a 2% increase in pay to offset cost of living.   WEEK OF May 27th THROUGH June 1st 2008

☼ Cyprus has applied to the EU for state subsidies for those affected by the recent drought. ☼ Plans are all set for the transportation of water by shipping it from Greece  WEEK OF May 20th THROUGH May 26th 2008

☼ The Cyprus government has 12 million Euros set aside to promote winter tourism in Cyprus to bring it back to the level of 2001 which was the best year for winter tourism on the island.  ☼ All eyes and hearts and hopes of Cyprus will be on Evdokia Kadi in the Eurovision song contest unfortunately Russia took the prize.  ☼ The price of electricity in Cyprus will increase again this summer. The cost hike in international crude oil prices and Heavy Fuel Oil are the cause.  This will reflect in price increases of most goods and services, including food and petrol. ☼ Kyriacos Vassiliou is the new English school chairman and for the first time the new board of management includes a Turkish Cypriot- Izet Izcan- a resident of the occupied area ☼ The University of Cyprus has announced that they have announced openings for 35 Turkish Cypriot students for the coming year.  WEEK OF May 13th THROUGH May 19th 2008

☼ Limassol is getting ready for an overhaul costing 24 million Euro. 85% will be from EU funds, The work is due for completion by 2011. ☼ Eight Cypriots are included in this years's Sunday Times Rich List of the wealthiest 1,000 People in Britain. Easy Jet's Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family rank 94th.   ☼  The 8th International Pharos Chamber Music Festival takes places between May 29 - June 5 2008 in Kouklia, Paphos Cyprus. See www.thepharostrust.org for more info. ☼  The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Association & the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center plan to start a new palliative medical unit so that patients receive needed treatment on time. ☼  Cinema attendance increases in Cyprus by 5.1% since last year whereas in the rest of the 27 EU countries there was a 1.3% decrease.  ☼  Birdlife Cyprus wants the Oroklini marsh to be designated and protected under Cyprus's International obligations.  WEEK OF May 6th THROUGH May 12th 2008

☼ Bread prices are due to go up again in May ☼ A design competition was announced for the  re-designing of the northern entrance to Paphos from Limassol. Local and foreign civil engineers are welcomed to enter. ☼ Marios Tokas laid to rest after succumbing to cancer at the age of 54. Tokas was the best known and a much loved composer. ☼  As summer approaches Cyprus prepares for forest fires with three helicopters in service, extra firemen on hand and fire patrols increased. ☼ With dams in Cyprus at less than 9.5% capacity, the government is arranging to transport 8 million tons of water from Greece to Cyprus by sea.  ☼ On Tuesday 6th and Wed 7th May famed flamenco dancer Cristobal Reyes and his dance company will perform in Nicosia. ☼ Hunting is allowed for a 6-day period in May which outrages bird lovers and conservationists in Cyprus. The hunt will allow for crows and turtle doves  WEEK OF April 28thTHROUGH May 5th 2008

☼ An early Catholic Easter in March helped boost the arrivals 3.7% compared to same month last year.  ☼ Cypriot student organized UK fashion event, Katerina Gavrielidou founded KPK Entertainment Group with two other students for the event that raised money for Breast Cancer UK. ☼ May Day Celebrations, mini-golf, children's activities, stalls, mini spa treatments & more at Village Square at Aprhodite Hills, Paphos Resort Hostess: 26 828045 ☼ An Easter basket was sent via the UN from President Demetris Chrostofias to Turkish leader Mehmet Ali Talat in a show of goodwill. ☼  From July 2007 until April 2008, in the wake of the Euro adoption prices had not changed for 27.4% of goods and services. 2 in 5 outlets had rounded their prices down. Doctors, dentists, cinema tickets, haircuts & wheat related products are a few services and goods that have increased from 5.80% to 18%. WEEK OF April 21stTHROUGH April 27th 2008

☼ As Easter approaches police are threatening zero tolerance in a bid to keep Easter bonfires under control. ☼ On May 1, Cypriots will be offered free health checks at local pharmacies to measure sugar levels & blood pressure, a programme initiated by the Cyprus Chemists Association.    ☼ Minimum wage up to 789 Euro per month for lowest employment wage earners that are not protected or covered by a trade union. On July 1st, guardsmen and care providers will also get an increase. WEEK OF April 14thTHROUGH April 20th 2008

☼  The 4th Martial Arts event held in Limassol was such a great success indicating that Limassol has the potential to develop into a major sport tourism destination. ☼ Almost a quarter of a million chocolate eggs have been sold co far across Cyprus and that is only by Cadbury! WEEK OF April 7thTHROUGH April 13th 2008

☼ Top judges call for total smoking ban. 650 people a year die as a result of smoking. Since the current laws are not strictly enforced the only solution is a complete ban. ☼  Due to severe water shortages, water has been cut in most homes around Cyprus including the issuance of hefty fines for washing cars, cleaning verandas or pavements and filling pools. Water must only be used for domestic purposes. WEEK OF March 31stTHROUGH April 6th 2008

 ☼ Cypriots were able to walk freely across the Ledra street without any barricades for the first time in decades.  ☼ Water shortages and restrictions will not effect hotels and disturb the tourist industry  ☼ Evdokia Kadi will perform her song "Femme Fatale" in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest on May 22nd - the second night of the semi-finals.  Finals are on May 24th.    ☼ Tourism arrivals up 11.2% in February with the biggest increase in arrivals from the UK, Greece and Germany.  ☼ Due to the continuing drought, water restrictions began in Nicosia this week with all other cities to follow with water cuts, fines and other water saving measures.  ☼ Cyprus has one of the lowest broadband rates in the EU.  ☼A study sponsored by the British High Commission says that tourism could gain about $300m on both sides of the island every year if a solution is found to unite the North and South.  ☼ Exhibition in Florence, Italy showcases ancient Cypriot perfumes. Exhibition ends April 13th and moves to Kyoto, Japan in near future. WEEK OF March 24thTHROUGH March 30th 2008

 ☼ The new government in Cyprus is sticking to pre-election promises of bonuses to 112,300 people on state pensions. The total amount will be € 33 million  ☼ The Bank of Cyprus was awarded the title "The Best Bank in Cyprus" for 2008 the second consecutive year.  ☼ Cypriots spent 41% more in the first 2 months this year than last year, a total of  Euro 315 million  ☼ The new SoEasy cards from CyTA are €-5,€-10,€-20 with € 2 freeand€ -35 with€ 6 free   ☼ University of Cyprus has achieved European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) WEEK OF March 17thTHROUGH March 23rd 2008

 ☼ If you have old books you want to get rid off and you are in Paphos or will be, bring the books to my friends " YE OLD ENGLISH BOOK SHOP" located 50 mts. from Paphos General Hospital or call 97672255  ☼ Under way in Nicosia is an exhibition of 50 wax and silicon figures by Russian artist Alexai Chuzhovthat. The show will run everyday from 10am to 5pm until September 21 prices are 1,2 and 5 Euro 

 ☼ Cyprus Tourism Organization (C.T.O.) optimistic about future of tourism  ☼ Hotelier's less optimistic than C.T.O.  ☼ Help support a local charity in building a hydrotherapy pool for children with special needs in Famagusta. Call Tony Dynamou 99 621968 or email him  [email protected]  ☼ A new and modern day state library will be relocated to the Faneromeni Library in Nicosia. Archbishop Chrysostomos II signed a contract for renovation estimated at over 2 million EURO  ☼ The possible opening of Ledra Street in Nicosia is hopeful for next month, the official announcement is Friday March 21  ☼ Sheep farmers attempted to block shipment of imported sheep from Bulgaria claiming that the sheep are above the maximum age limit allowed. Chrystakis Stylianou, A Paphos resident caught a 350 Kilo Shortfin Mako shark near the Polis Harbour WEEK OF March 10thTHROUGH March 16th 2008

 ☼ The University of Cyprus will host a Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence promoting understanding of Europe  ☼ Nicosia Municipality announced that electric operated vehicles are exempt from paying parking at municipal spaces.  ☼ EU study shows Cyprus as low in Child poverty  ☼ Newly elected president Demetris Christofias is ready to take on the islands problem and would like to me the leader of north Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat during the week of  March 17th to 24th  ☼ Happy Green Monday! Happy Flying! MORE CARNIVAL PICTURES'08  ☼ Salvador Dali: The myth of Surrealism- Now until March 25 The first time in Cyprus at the Laventis Municipal Museum in Nicosia 10am to 4:30pm except Mondays.  ☼ In 1995 there was 7 mobile phones per 100 inhabitants in Cyprus, in 2005 there was 104 per 100 WEEK OF March 3rdTHROUGH March 9th 2008

 ☼ A 5000 year old whistle was found in Limassol District at Pyrgos/Mavrorachi by Italian archaeological Maria Risaria Belgiorno and her team.  ☼ The health ministry announced that they will spend €100,000 on helping drug addicts to rehabilitate.  ☼ Cyprus Tourism in January was below the figures of 2007 by 2.3%  ☼  Facelift work around Larnaca is progressing steadily. Pavements, road networks, road widening, parking facilities and the 3 main squares will all undergo much needed improvements that will take about 2 years.  ☼ The CTO will help subsidize the marketing campaigns of Regional Tourist Development Organizations as part of a plan to promote Cyprus as a tourist destination.  ☼ The World Wide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut elected Dr. Christos Volaris a Cypriot as a member of the board. WEEK OF February 25th THROUGH March 2nd 2008

 ☼ Demetris Christofias is now the president of Cyprus  ☼ Cyprus Stock Exchange had the worst day in over 16 months losing 9.7% in one day.  ☼ Emergency EU number is "112" for Police, Fire and Ambulance  ☼ The new president for Cyprus is Demetris Christofias of the communist party, he begins the 5 year term on March 1, 2008  ☼ 1,080,512 is the number of citizens that traveled to other countries in 2007- 38% from the UK and 9.9% from Greece

WEEK OF February 18th THROUGH February 24th 2008

 ☼ Carnival begins on the 28th of Feb.  ☼ Feb. 23, 2008 6:30pm Paphos at the  Ambassador Restaurant Darts legend John Lowe will be playing to support local charities  € 20  ☼ Zorbas The island most successful bakery has signed a deal with McDonalds as a supplier. They also have plans of expanding to other countries  ☼ Nicosia Municpal Theatre Feb 21 2008 8:30 Compania Suite Espanola Dances Flamenco Performances combined with songs, costumes and music full of passion. Compania Suite Espanola Dances Flamenco Performances combined with songs, costumes and music full of passion.357- 22-797-000  ☼ Cyprus had 1.79 million credit card transaction in the month of january 2008 totaling €134.09 million  ☼ Poseidonos Road, the main road next to the Paphos sea side is being renovated and all work should be completed by the end of May of '08  ☼ Conservative Ioannis Kasoulides 33.51% and communist     Demetris Christofias 33.29% to a runoff vote. Current president Papadopoulaos will not be re-elected as he placed third with with 31.79%  ☼ The plans are set to incorporate a ring road system in Paphos at an estimated cost of EURO 8.5 million  ☼ 800 parking spaces are to be put in place in the Tombs of the Kings area and in the center of Paphos  ☼ The Paphos Carnival is scheduled to last 10 days this year WEEK OF February 11th THROUGH February 17th 2008

 ☼ Cyprus is tied for third place with Lithuania and behind Netherlands and Denmark for lowest unemployment rate in the EU with 3.9%.  ☼ Don't forget to pick up the new CyTA Yellow Pages now available in Greek and English.  ☼ Enjoy Valentines Day Weekend or next weekend at the Intercontinental Hotel in Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel - guaranteed to be a relaxing and romantic experience!  00 357 26829000  ☼ Inflation rises to 4.3% - it's highest levels in nearly five years.  ☼ In the property market from Jan. to Nov. 2007 there was a 2.7 decrease in building permits issued.  ☼ There is a 33%  increase of registered cars in Cyprus from 2006 to 2007. There were 48, 387 and now there are 64, 405 of which 34,069 are new vehicles.    ☼ The (CTO) Cyprus Tourism Organization has launched a new website on www.visitcyprus.com with more up to date information to help the public and tourists.  ☼ The Cyprus Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA) has found a new home in Nicosia after recently closing and trying to find homes for all its cats and dogs.   ☼ Andri Tsiouti, a Cypriot High School student won the Young Translators contest. A student from each of  the 27 EU member states has one winner. The contest supports multilingualism.   ☼ Schools are closed on Wednesday, 13th to mark the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.   ☼ Melios Michael, is one of a select number of students to win a £2,000 scholarship to University of Reading based on academic achievement.   ☼ Upgrade promised for ambulance service by 2010 with new ambulances and specialists manning them. WEEK OF February 4th THROUGH February 10th 2008  ☼  The Paphos government and the Cyprus Tourism Organization anounced the renovation and upgrading of the Paphos and Latchi harbours.  ☼  Limassol Marina - The contracts were signed for the construction of the Limassol marina with work due to begin later this year and completion in 3 years. The projected cost is EURO 170 Billion.   ☼ Cyprus industrial business must cut their CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020 and the whole island must increase it's renewable energy usage up to 13%.   ☼ The Donkey Sanctuary will be moving from the Vouni location to a undetermined site in the Limassol District. There are 123 donkeys in this sanctuary. WEEK OF January 28th THROUGH February 3rd 2008

 ☼ Proposals for a mascot at the University of Cyprus will be accepted until March 14, 2008. For more info call 22-894366 or www.ucy.ac.cy  ☼ Turkish Cypriots spent 9.28 million Cyprus pounds in the South in 2007 which was more than twice what Greek Cypriots spent in North ☼ Little Gems Montessori Nursery in Nicosia has organized a series of Early Years Professional Development seminars & workshops. They will be held on Saturdays in English. Call 22 351 319 or 99950070 for more info.   ☼ The Sunday Times reports the following as the top 5 retirement destinations for Britons as: #1 Cyprus, #2 Panama, #3 France, #4 Belize and in 5th place is Spain.   ☼ Jan. 30 to Feb. 10, 2008 Lefkosia Art Exhibition - A collection of the Peloponnesian Folk Art Foundation  ☼  Petrol prices fall 2 cents per litre this week.  ☼ A Cypriot group representing both Turkish and Greeks in Cyprus are in Brussels discussing  issues concerning disabled citizens and ways to improve the lives of the disabled.  ☼ Film Festival- Jan. 14 to Feb.6 sponsored by the US and Czech Embassies in honor of director Milo Forman's 75th birthday. Movies start at 6:30 pm and admission is free. The event is held at The American Center 33B Homer Ave. Nicosia.