Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 01-03-12

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From: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>

CONTENTS

[01] HEADLINES

[02] papandreou

[03] crime

[04] Spyros

[05] pourgourides

[06] Anastasiades

[07] Christofias

[08] Mideast

[09] Turkey

[10] Traffic

[11] WEATHER MONDAY 12 MARCH 2001

[01] HEADLINES

A report by British experts on restructuring the police force was at the centre of a meeting at the Presidential Palace this morning,

House President Spyros Kyprianou scoffed at criticism over his new limousine,

And, Disy President Nicos Anastasiades maintained that Akel is anti-European, while Akel chief Dimitris Christofias called the charge ludicrous.

[02] papandreou

Speaking after an hour-long meeting with President Clerides this morning, Mr. Papandreou said an in-depth discussion of the island's accession course following the EU summit in Nice was necessary because the road to membership has opened.

He added Cyprus' accession course can be looked on with considerable optimism given the island's revamped bargaining power and the government's achievements in negotiating accession chapters.

Mr. Papandreou said there are now two options, either for Cyprus to accede before a political settlement is reached, or the more preferable one of accession with a settlement.

Replying to questions on what Turkey will get in exchange for Cyprus' membership, Mr. Papandreou said Turkey must chose to either contribute to a settlement, or encourage the Turkish Cypriot community to participate in accession talks.

He stressed however, that if Cyprus accedes before a settlement, EU law will be enforced in areas under the Republic's control.

Asked if Europe is considering adopting a political model for Cyprus, such as the German one, Mr. Papandreou said EU Enlargement Commissioner, Guenter Ferheugen's initial thoughts were to recommend the island's accession once negotiations are completed.

He clarified, however, that each country has yet to reach its own conclusions on that matter.

[03] crime

Taking part in the meeting were the Ministers of Justice, the Interior and Finance, as well as the Attorney General and Police top brass.

Justice Minister Nicos Koshis said it the chief of police will appoint a a committee of senior police officers who, along with a Justice Ministry official, will evaluate the study and submit recommendations on restructuring the force.

He added that the Attorney General raised the issue of animal abuse, an accusation made by foreigners visiting the island.

Mr. Koshis said President Clerides ordered that measures be taken to counter the problem, while the issue will concern the Cabinet during its next meeting.

The Justice Minister stressed however, that the government has ascertained that crime is not on the rise, noting that crime levels on the island, when compared with other European countries, are much lower.

[04] Spyros

Mr. Kyprianou was commenting on a newspaper article in which he is reported to have ask for, and received a brand new limousine, which he will keep after he gives up the House presidency.

Speaking at Larnaca airport prior to his departure for Moscow, Mr. Kyprianou said he is allowed a car either as a former President of the Republic, or as House President.

Mr. Kyprianou insisted that the model and make of the car have no bearing in the issue and have nothing to do with his retirement from the office of House President.

Asked to comment on press reports and remarks over his a monetary award he received from a Russian foundations, Mr. Kyprianou said he has stated his case clearly in previous remarks and does not intend to add anything further.

[05] pourgourides

Mr. Pourgourides was commenting on the awarding of 25,000 US dollars to Mr. Kyprianou by a Russian Foundation.

Mr. Pourgourides said there are some questions that need to be raised from the fact that there was no mention of the monetary prize after it was announced that Mr. Kyprianou would receive such an award for his lifelong contributions.

Mr. Pourgourides said a probe should be launched into whether the Foundation which handed out the award is controlled by the Russian Government.

He added that although the issue will not be dealt with by the Audit Committee, it is an ethical matter which should be taken under serious consideration.

Mr. Pourgourides added that Mr. Kyprianou would have been better served if he had publicly disclosed the monetary award, so that no controversy would arise.

[06] Anastasiades

Speaking on CyBC radio this morning, Mr. Anastasiades said that it's not enough for someone to declare that he is pro-European, but has to prove that with deeds.

He added that Akel may declare its support for EU accession, but its actions prove otherwise.

Mr. Anastasiades said Akel's opposition to the passing of legislation relating to harmonisation efforts undermines the island's accession course.

[07] Christofias

Also speaking on CyBC radio this morning, Mr. Christofias repeated that Akel is in favour of the island's accession to the EU and accused the Disy President of trying to create an anti-European contingent and brand as anti-Cypriots all those who oppose the government and Disy.

The Akel leader said the accession choice for Cyprus is vital to a resolution of its political problem and that accession will bring peace and security to the island.

But he warned that the road to Europe is not strewn with rose petals, but is frought with problems that must be dealt with.

[08] Mideast

Convening his full cabinet for the first time since taking office last week, Sharon said his priority was to bring Israelis security, something which he has said they have been deprived of since the uprising erupted.

Sharon also said he would make sure the Palestinians would not use the violence to squeeze concessions out of Israel in peacemaking nor would he allow the conflict to become internationalised or spill over to neighbouring countries.

Sharon's final principle was to preserve at all times the possibility of renewing peace talks, but only after the violence ends.

[09] Turkey

Kemal Dervis, a former World Banker was summoned to Turkey from Washington to take over the reins of the economy after a devastating financial crisis.

As Dervis shuttled between the Treasury and the prime minister's office, financial markets opened in cautious mood, with stocks down over two percent and the lira losing ground against the dollar.

It was the first day when all markets were open in Istanbul after a week-long religious holiday. Money and forex markets were open on Friday and ended slightly firmer, but the stock market has been closed for the past week.

[10] Traffic

Four other young people were also injured in the accident.

Theocharous, who is being treated at the hospital's neurological unit was a passenger in a car driven by 20-year-old Dimitris Kettenis from Paliometocho.

The accident occurred near Pera Chorio Nisou when the car careered out of control and turned over, injuring all five passengers.

[11] WEATHER

Winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly moderate, 3 to 4 beaufort with slight to moderate seas.

Temperatures will reach 23 degrees inland and the southern coast, and 21 on the western coast.

Tonight will be mainly fine with some cloudy periods, as fog and low cloud will develop in some areas.

Winds will be northwesterly light,2 beaufort with slight seas.

Temperatures will drop to 8 degrees inland, 11 on the south coast, 9 on the west coast and 7 in the highest mountains.

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