Up-to-Date Petrol Prices      15/02/2012

Unleaded Petrol 95----------- Euros 1.295 / ltr

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Diesel -----------------------------Euros 1.320 / ltr

Tourism on the increase with Russians the biggest spenders

By Jacqueline Agathocleous Published on July 5, 2011

AN INCREASE in arrivals from the UK has put a smile back on the face of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), after recent years saw the island’s main source of tourism steadily - and worryingly - diminish.

According to the CTO’s deputy chairman Lefkos Fylaktides, the steady reduction in British tourists that has been noted over the past few years has ended for the time being. In fact, he said increased arrivals from the UK – as well as Russia and Central Europe – had led to an 11 per cent increase in arrivals over the first five months of this year compared to 2010.

“The tourist flow from the United Kingdom, which continues to be our most important tourist market by far, remains somewhat stale and problematic,” he admitted. “We closed 2010 with quite a painful reduction in arrivals.”

But he added, “This image has been reversed. Of course, we don’t have dramatic increases, but at least there is an end to the diminishing course and we expect to end the year with positive signs from the British market.”

Arrivals from Russia and the central European region are doing very well, said Fylaktides. “This is possibly one of the main reasons why we have registered increased income for the first five months of the year, compared to the corresponding increase in arrivals,” he added. “The composition of the tourist flow is changing; we have a much larger share of markets such as Russia, where the per capital spending abilities are clearly higher.”

Fylaktides said Cyprus had inevitably benefited from the political instability of neighboring countries, such as Egypt, but not to that much of an extent.

“Yes, there were benefits for tourism, but Cyprus as a destination is different to North Africa and Egypt, and attracts tourist flow from different parts of the market,” he explained.

Fylaktides said as a whole, Cyprus offered a good quality of tourism. He did admit, however, there were some “open wounds” that led to complaints from visitors, such as the intense noise pollution in resorts such as Agia Napa and Protaras.

“A tourist destination should above all offer peace and quiet; and of course all the necessary amenities,” he said. “Noise pollution and even the harassment of tourists in certain areas, definitely does not comply with the image we are trying to build for Cyprus, as a qualitative, European, Mediterranean destination.”

This is a problem that has been preoccupying the local authorities and police, said Fylaktides, leading to them taking action.

“The course of time will show if these problems have improved compared to previous years,” he said.

Regarding Paphos, Fylaktides said reservations were on the up, according to recent figures. “Tourist flow is improved compared to last year, maybe not as positive as in our eastern resorts, but we have ahead of us a summer season with much more positive forecasts.”

As for Cypriot tourists, Fylaktides said Greece and the Greek islands were the favorite choice of destination, “for many and varied reasons”.

President: Expected progress at Cyprus talks, not achieved so far

FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE
• TUE, Jul 05, 2011

The progress we have been expecting at the Cyprus negotiations has unfortunately not been achieved so far, President Christofias has stressed.
Speaking Monday in the Ukraine capital at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych, President Christofias noted that he looks forward to his forthcoming meeting with the UN Secretary General and the Turkish Cypriot leader, that will take place in Geneva on the 8th of July, and expressed hope that the Turkish side would show the necessary flexibility.
President Christofias, who is paying Ukraine an official visit, described his visit as historic, saying that it is the first official visit of a Cypriot President in the country and it underlines the friendship and solidarity, which exist between the two countries, their governments and their peoples.
The statements were made after the conclusion of a signing ceremony of a series of agreements between the two countries, which were followed by official talks between the Cypriot and Ukrainian delegations in Kiev.
The two countries have signed a series of agreements and memoranda in the fields of economy, defence, transports and EU issues.
The agreements, President Christofias said, signalize a new beginning in the relations of the two countries and underline their willingness to further enhance their cooperation.
The Cypriot President expressed Cyprus’ readiness to enlarge its financial and commercial relations with Ukraine by signing an agreement on double taxation avoidance. He also said that soon, the negotiations for the conclusion of an agreement for the promotion of investments will be concluded.
Moreover, he congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart for the assumption of the OSCE presidency for 2013, noting that Cyprus has supported Ukraine’s candidacy.
Referring to the Cyprus issue, he said he informed his counterpart about the recent developments regarding the UN – led Cyprus talks, saying that “the reunification of Cyprus was and remains our goal”.
He explained that the Cyprus talks are being carried out on the agreed basis between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, noting that the basis provides for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined in the relevant UN resolutions, for one state with one and only sovereignty, a single international personality and citizenship.
“We have agreed with the UNSG that the procedure is of Cypriot ownership without any arbitration or timeframes”, he went on to say.
The Cypriot President stressed that “unfortunately the progress we have expected has not been achieved due to Ankara’s stance and the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side”.
“We look forward to our forthcoming meeting with the UNSG in Geneva, with the hope that the Turkish side will show the necessary flexibility so that we can go forward”, he underlined.
President Christofias expressed his gratitude for Ukraine’s support to Cyprus and especially as regards the Cyprus issue.
Replying to questions, he said that Cyprus supports the signing of any Ukraine – EU agreements, noting that Cyprus “is a good ambassador of the Ukraine in the EU”.
Concluding, he said he extended an invitation to the Ukrainian President to visit Cyprus, an invitation that has been accepted.
The Ukrainian President described President Christofias’ visit as very important, saying that bilateral relations are now entering a new era.
He also thanked the Cypriot President for his full support towards Ukraine’s European course and expressed hope that this support continues during Cyprus’ EU Presidency in the second half of 2012.
Yanukovych said that the two sides agreed to further develop their cooperation on bilateral, regional and international level.
Referring to bilateral relations, he said that businesspeople from Ukraine are interested in investing in Cyprus and urged Cypriot businesspeople to invest in Ukraine.
President Christofias will later on inaugurate the premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in the Ukraine. A Cyprus – Ukraine business forum will also take place.  — (KYPE)

Inflation up in Cyprus in May

JUNE 21ST 2011
Annual harmonised inflation in Cyprus in May rose to 4.1%, compared to 3.5% in April, according to figures released by Eurostat.

Euro area annual inflation was 2.7% in May 2011, down from 2.8% in April. A year earlier the rate was 1.7%.

EU annual inflation was 3.2% in May 2011, down from 3.3% in April. A year earlier the rate was 2.1%. Monthly inflation was 0.1% in May 2011.

In May 2011, the lowest annual rates were observed in Ireland (1.2%), Sweden (1.7%) and the Czech Republic (2.0%), and the highest in Romania (8.5%), Estonia (5.5%) and Lithuania (5.0%). Compared with April 2011, annual inflation rose in fourteen member states, remained stable in four and fell in nine.

The lowest 12-month averages up to May 2011 were registered in Ireland (-0.2%), Sweden (1.5%) and the Netherlands (1.6%), and the highest in Romania (7.5%), Greece (4.8%) and Estonia (4.5%).

Interior Minister: Cyprus improving in research sector

21 June, 2011
Minister of the Interior Neoclis Sylikiotis said on Friday that, ''although the level of research activity in Cyprus continues to be low, compared to more developed economies or countries with a similar level of economic growth, we cannot ignore the fact that over the past few years we have made progress in this sector.''

Addressing a seminar titled ''Environmental Policy Support Tool for Recycling in Islands'', Sylikiotis said that ''this development led to a significant increase in the number of persons involved in the implementation of research activities and the funds available for research,'' adding that since the European Commission's LIFE programme was launched in Cyprus in 1992, a total of 26 programmes have been funded, covering innovation, nature preservation, and skill development, with an investment of 20.4 million EUR, of which 11.6 million EUR were granted by the EU.

Sylikiotis said his Ministry welcomes and promotes the implementation or research programmes, and referred to the various projects supported by the Government, including measures against pollution, waste management, and recycling.

He said that a programme has been carried out for the calculation and comparison of the cost of implementing European Directives on the management of waste packaging and electric and electronic equipment in islands, which are detached from mainland Europe, and to develop a model electronic instrument to support the policy, which could assist those drafting policies in island countries in decision making and alternative options among management methods.

The 30-month programme was launched in January 2009 with a total budget of 878,272 EUR, co-funded by the EU programme LIFE.

Sylikiotis said the Ministry hoped the results of the project would spur future debates and negotiations of Cyprus and the other island areas of Europe with the EU in choosing relative policies.

He also assured that the Ministry of the Interior was ready to participate in the team for the continuation of the programme or other significant proposals.

Updated 12/5/2011

I'm a Member of The Parliament - I'm Above the Law

Invasion of German tourists expected this summer

Good news for the Cyprus tourist industry – an increasing interest from German tourists. The head of the Cyprus Tourism Office in Germany, Andreas Sakkas stated that so far their efforts to bring more German tourists to Cyprus have been successful beyond their expectations. For the first three months of 2011 the number of tourist arrivals from Germany increased by 27% (a total of 30 thousand tourists) while greater increases are expected as the summer approaches. In 2010 Cyprus was the destination of choice for 140000 German tourists who seem to be mainly interested in the Ayia Napa and Protaras areas.

updated  01/05/2011

PRESIDENT - CYPRUS ISSUE

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has expressed the wish that Turkey will change its positions on the Cyprus problem and become more flexible to enable the achievement of a solution.

In statements on the sidelines of an event co-organized by the Pancyprian Federation of Labor (PEO) and the Turkish Cypriot DEVIS trade union, to mark the International Workers Day, President Christofias expressed the wish and expectation that after the Turkish elections in June, Turkey will change its stance and respect UN resolutions on Cyprus and High Level Agreements of 1977 and 1979, so that the countdown for the solution of the Cyprus problem begins.

Replying to questions, he pledged to continue working for the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the UN Security Council resolutions, noting that UN officials are obliged to respect them.

I want to tell people that we will continue defending principles, he said, underlining the importance of the UN Security Council resolutions for Cyprus.

He pointed out that the UN Secretary General and his assistants here in Cyprus are obliged to respect and follow those resolutions.

Referring on the International Workers Day, he reassured that workers were, are and will remain in the center of our attention.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. UN backed talks are currently underway between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu, to find a negotiated settlement that will reunite the country.

AEROPHOBIA - SEMINAR

Tackling aerophobia (fear of flying) is of great importance especially for Cyprus, which as an island is connected with the rest of the world by air transportation, Minister of Communications and Works Erato Kozakou - Markoulli has said addressing a seminar on tackling aerophobia.

The seminar, which took place this weekend in Nicosia, was organised by Cyprus Airways and the Pancyprian Pilots Union (PASYPI). Markoulli said that 20% of people worldwide are aerophobic, adding that the Cypriot state has always been supporting initiatives as this seminar.

She said that despite the world economic crisis, air transport records an upward trend, noting that in 2010 around 10 million flights took place in the European area.

The aim of the seminar was to provide the knowledge and psychological support to persons who are afraid of planes, so that by the end of the two-day meeting they will be able to travel without any fear and enjoy the flight experience.

Speakers at the seminar included distinguished professionals such as pilots and other skilled staff members of CY, specialist psychologists and others.

Updated 22/4/2011   PRESIDENT CHRISTOFIAS – TURKEY

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias confirmed on Thursday that he has sent letters to the UN Secretary General and the Presidents of the European Council, Commission and Parliament, denouncing the arrogance with which Turkish officials are behaving towards Cyprus. President Christofias said he would not be revealing the content of the letters but noted that they refer to ``the arrogance and cynicism with which the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and other Turkish officials behave towards Cyprus.`` Replying to questions after a ceremony at the Presidential Palace to wish Happy Easter to the staff, President Christofias said that the Republic of Cyprus is closely following the intentions of Turkey to carry out explorations in Cyprus` exclusive economic zone, and is in close contact with the EU and Greece. ``The situation is being closely monitored by the Republic of Cyprus. We are also in contact with the EU and with Greece, of course, because this is an issue that is of direct concern to Greece, and we are coordinating efforts in order to tackle any possible interventions and/or threats on behalf of Turkey in our exclusive economic zone.`` During the ceremony, addressing the Presidential Palace staff, President Christofias said the Turkish side was displaying record arrogance and arbitrariness, noting that, ``while our side is continuously trying to submit constructive and bridging proposals at the talks, the other side, due to the attention it is given by various sides, is unjustly appearing He also pointed out that the Turkish occupation force was not respecting the Turkish Cypriots and that the Greek Cypriot side`s message was that the Turkish Cypriots are Cypriots and must be respected as equal citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. President Christofias furthermore sent a message of optimism, love, respect and hope for the future to the refugees, the enclaved and the families of missing persons. He also referred to the economy and unemployment, assuring that the Government was making every possible effort to solve the problems. Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Talks are currently underway between the two communities to reunify the island.

Cyprus: Parliamentary elections in May

Preparations by the Interior Ministry are underway in earnest in view of the parliamentary elections to take place on May 22, Head of the Election Service Demetris Demetriou has told CNA.

In an interview with CNA, Demetriou said that on April 14 a decision will be taken on the dissolution of the House of Representatives and one day later the Interior Minister will issue a decree announcing officially the elections, while the Chief Returning Officer and the District Returning officers and their deputies will be appointed.

Demetriou said that candidacies will be submitted on May 3rd and on May 6th a decree will be issued listing the election centres.

On May 13 the allocation of voters to election centres will be published.

The Elections Service of the Ministry of the Interior has called on all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, aged 18 and over, who have been residing in Cyprus for the past six months, to submit their applications to register in the electoral list before April 2, in order to be able to vote in the parliamentary elections of May 22. Persons who will have their 18th birthday by May 22 will also be able to vote.

After the deadline of April 2, no registrations or amendments will be made to the electoral list.

Demetriou told CNA that about 25 polling stations will be set up abroad, in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, London and Manchester. He recalled that polling stations were set up successfully abroad once in the past, during the European elections for which Cyprus is considered one constituency.

''These polling stations will cover 80% of the voters abroad'', he added.

The number of polling stations to be set up in the southern government controlled areas of Cyprus is about 1.300.

According to data, on January 2, 2011, the total number of registered voters was 517,571. The Ministry of Interior estimates that in the next three months the total number of voters will be 530,000.

The distribution of seats, as things stand at present, in the six electoral districts is Nicosia 21, Limassol 12, Famagusta 11, Larnaka 5, Paphos 4 and Kyrenia 3.

Updated 15/4/2011

POLICE will be intensifying efforts to prevent road accidents before the Easter period with a campaign between April 11 and 17, targeting drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Drivers are urged to drive slowly, especially in residential areas, where there are schools, churches, inadequately lit areas or anywhere else where there may be pedestrians.

Commerce Minister presents Cyprus new tourism investment projects

updated   07/4/2011

updated   01/4/2011

Cyprus Airlines could go out of order unless....

The Finance Minister, Charilaos Stavrakis of Greek Cypriot declared that the Cyprus Airlines could go out of order by April unless some immediate monetary help is provided to it.

He said the government will try to provide the 20 million euro ($27million) to the Airlines. The minister further stated, "We have no choice,” and "If there is any delay in giving this amount the company will close at the end of April, with destructive consequences for tourism and the economy."

The Cyprus Airlines is 70 percent controlled by the government itself. The warning for financial crisis was already given in 2010. The Cyprus Airline Board will evaluate the initial financial results on February 25.

Tourism contributes 12 percent to the economy of Cyprus. The Cyprus Airline is having a major disadvantage of not entering in Turkey. The competitors of Cyprus Airlines can fly to Turkey so less fuel consumption and low prices for ticket.

INTERIOR MINISTER MIGRATION POLICY

Minister of the Interior Neoclis Sylikiotis pointed out on Wednesday that this was the first time that a comprehensive migration policy was being implemented in Cyprus, through the national action plan.

He noted that the Government has launched a dialogue on the issue with all parliamentary parties and that the policy so far has borne specific results and achievements regarding the regulation of legal immigration, illegal immigration and handling asylum.

Sylikiotis said that Cyprus plays a significant role within the EU in forming policy, especially concerning Mediterranean countries.

He added that the next meeting of Mediterranean countries will be hosted by Cyprus. ``We will analyse the situation in the region of Northern Africa and the Middle East and we will collectively see how we form suggestions in order to exert pressure, so that the EU can take even more specific measures in the direction of supporting the member states that are on the front line.``

Cyprus is expecting up to 4% increase in tourism

updated   24/3/2011

Paphos Flights

Cyprus Airways has buckled under pressure from Paphos officials and local MP’s and backed down on cutting the twice weekly Paphos to Heathrow flight for the time being. Although, the matter is to be discussed further.This move came after the airline cancelled another Paphos-UK flight, suspending the weekly Paphos–Birmingham route.Local MP Costas Costantinou said there was “continued provocation” by CY towards Paphos, and if they want to improve their economic situation, the airline should start from another point and not by cutting flights to and from Paphos airport.”

Meanwhile,hundreds of air passengers out of Paphos airport were affected when 12 flights were halted over a ground-handlers’ dispute that briefly spread to Larnaca airport.The strike began in Paphos when the two ground services’ companies made 33 employees redundant. The companies later revoked the 33 redundancy letters after the strike had spread to Larnaca airport. The employees had refused to accept a change in their employment terms.All 33 had formerly been government employed when airport operations were privatised in 2006 but had stayed on under the new management.

A big boost for Paphos looks set to get underway with the state giving green light on a number of construction projects. Mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas said he had left the meeting with the ministers of the interior and transport and works very satisfied.

Vergas confirmed that two projects, the creation of a new roundabout in the area of Viofos and a road connecting the airport with the tourist area of Kato Paphos would go to tender on October 30th.In addition, on November 5th, the declaration of tenders for the building of a bridge connecting the North circular road with the industrial are would be announced. Along side this tenders for the re-construction of the tourist Avenue, the Tombs of the Kings would also be offered. Vergas said that he had also received assurances that the construction of the West circular road, the revamping of the traditional trade centre of Paphos, which will occur in Phases, and the reconstruction of the central avenue Griva Digeni, would also go ahead.

British High Commissioner in Paphos

The British High Commissioner, Matthew Kidd, visited Paphos town hall and met with the mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas. Vergas said that he wanted the British High Commission and the ex pat community to support Paphos’ attempt to gain the nomination for the title of the ‘2017 cultural capital of Europe.’ The mayor, local officials and other interested parties are determined to secure the prestigious title for the historic town, believing that it will provide a much-needed boost to the flagging local economy.

The mayor added that, “the local authorities have close ties and contact with the British ex pat community, as well as the various organisations of Paphos.”
In the meantime, the High Commissioner said that due to a recent decision to move all British passport applications and renewals from Nicosia to the high commission in Madrid in Spain, his office would now have more time to dedicate to the community.

The Commissioner said that of next spring a programme of ‘road shows’ would get underway to highlight specific problems and give helpful advice to British ex-pats. Subjects, which will be covered, include the latest information on pensions, which is of particular concern to a number of British residents in Paphos, as they are retirees.

Police news

Turkish soldiers manning an enclave near Pyrgos fired shots at two fishermen.No one was injured during the incident.The two fishermen, 62-year-old Stathis Karsoumas and his son Michalis, 40, were fishing 800 metres off the Kokkina enclave at 5pm, when around 10 shots were fired from a Turkish guard post.Police said the shots were at a distance and no one was hit.

A 28- year- old and a 32- year- old, both from Romania were placed on an 8 day remand order suspected of theft.The 28- yea-r old man attempted to break into a 63- year- old Cypriot mans house in Yeroskipou - but cut his hand during the attempt.The home owner heard the intruder, who then fled the scene.Acting on a tip off police searched the suspects home, which he shared with his 32- year -old flatmate.Police discovered huge quantities of jewellery, shoes, clothes and old Cypriot pounds, all of which they believe to be stolen.The 28- year- old admitted to police that he had attempted to break and enter the Yeroskipou house.

According to a report in a British daily paper,a cat was thrown off a second floor balcony and a 64-year-old British woman was allegedly glassed in the face by British soldiers in an incident at a Paphos hotel.According to the paper, soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster Regiment were partying at a hotel in Paphos when one of them threw a cat off a second floor balcony. A group of tourists confronted the men and a woman was attacked with a glass.Spokesman for the British bases, Captain James Mansell said,“We are investigating an alleged incident which occurred in Paphos. We are taking this incident very seriously, however I cannot release any further information as we are still investigation.”

A 35- year- old Georgian man has been arrested on suspicion of setting a fire in a car belongong to a 47- year- old compatriot.The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle which was outside close to the area of Dipla Kaja at night.The fire was spotted and the fire brigade were contacted.Firemen manage to extinguish the blaze before the car was completely burnt out.Members of the police crime squad found a small tank inside the vehicle which officers believed to have been full of petrol and used to start the fire.A police spokeman said they had been given information that the 35- year- old had argued with the owner of the vehicle earlier in the day, over financial differences.

The Paphos fire services were called to blaze at 4am at a flat in Adamandios Korais street in Kato Paphos.Police examinig the scene, discovered that the fire had broken out simultaneously in four different places.Police said that the two English Cypriots who are renting the appartment were not present at the property at the time of the incident.The fire brigade extinguished the blaze while thecost of the damage has not yet been estimated.

A special constable serving at the Paphos road transport department was arrested on suspicion of obtaining money under false pretences. The 34-year-old handed himself in after police said that he was wanted for taking down payments for cars on auction at the Limassol port.He allegedly promised people he would buy the cars on their behalf but vanished after being given the money, then failed to answer their phone calls.In one case, the suspect allegedly received €5,500 from hopeful buyers.Limassol police said he had been suspened previously for his alleged involvement in similar cases in Nicosia and Paphos. Those cases are due in court.