Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 01-08-29

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From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cyprus-mail.com/>

Wednesday, August 29, 2001

CONTENTS

[01] Nicosia and London agree that Akrotiri emissions are safe

[02] CTO and police deny lax security at Larnaca marina

[03] Limassol man faces trial for 'murder bid'

[04] Cool bank robber walks off with £5,000

[05] Hotels strike threat

[06] Police searching for businesswoman

[07] Limassol Wine Festival uncorked

[08] Zulu warriors go into action

[09] What happened:

[10] Asha villagers protest

[11] Bomb wrecks retired police inspector's car

[12] Police finds 1500 full army cartridges

[13] Cassoulides in Moscow talks

[14] Demo for peace

[15] 'Water-skiing' donkey owner faces charge

[16] 'Drugs inside teddy bear'

[17] Hotel hits back after newspaper kicks up a stink

[01] Nicosia and London agree that Akrotiri emissions are safe 'No health risk from antenna' By Martin Hellicar

Only an independent review of the potential ecological impact of the massive new installation now stands in the way of the resumption of work on the controversial mast, set to go up in 2003.

Britain has always insisted the mast poses no threat to man or beast, but Akrotiri residents fear electro-magnetic emissions from the antenna will give them cancer and the government has expressed concerns about the impact on the salt lake's abundant bird life.

The Green Party yesterday vowed to continue its battle against the new mast, but Britain would now appear to have won a debate that has grabbed headlines for weeks and sparked the worst anti-British violence in Cyprus since the days of the EOKA struggle.

"Experts from both governments have taken further measurements of the current electro-magnetic emissions at the site. It is clear from these measurements that emissions are and are expected to remain well within the EU parameters established as not posing a risk to health," a joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministry and the British High Commission stated yesterday.

The fresh measurements of emissions from existing salt lake masts were taken early last month after rioting at the mast site and at the bases police station at Episkopi stalled groundwork for the new antenna. Over 50 people, mostly SBA police officers, were injured as Greek Cypriot anti- bases protesters ran riot on July 3 after DIKO deputy Marios Matsakis was arrested by bases police when he tried to break into the mast site to protest against the new aerial.

The riots prompted Nicosia and London to intensify talks aimed at arriving at a consensus on the possible environmental impact of the mast.

On August 1 and 2, Cypriot and French experts, tailed by British experts, measured emissions from existing aerials at the salt lake mast site in a fresh bid to estimate the possible health impact of the new mast.

"From the analysis of the measurements it transpired that the exposure of the public to electro-magnetic radiation from the antenna is at least 76 times smaller than the limit defined in the relevant EU directive," the Communication Ministry announced yesterday. "The installation of the new antenna is not expected to result in significant increases in the levels of electro-magnetic radiation," the ministry stated.

Ministry experts took measurements at the mast site itself, at the salt lake, at Akrotiri village, 1 km away, at Asomatos and at Ladies Mile beach. Only at the mast site did the Cypriot experts find significant levels of electro-magnetic radiation, the ministry stated. But, even under the existing masts, emissions levels were only 41 per cent of EU defined safety levels.

The two governments reiterated their commitment to a long-term study of the health impact of the masts, but this is not expected to hold up work on the new mast.

"We now know that the electro-magnetic emissions do not pose a threat, but there will be a health study for the additional satisfaction of the concerns of the residents of Akrotiri," said Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides.

British High Commissioner Edward Cley said the conclusion of the antenna issue was "positive for all".

The only thing that could now halt erection of the 100-metre high mast, which will form part of an Anglo-American worldwide surveillance network, would be evidence of a serious ecological impact.

The two governments yesterday announced they had agreed there would be a review of a 1997 impact assessment for the new mast carried out by British consultants for the British Defence Ministry and of a Greek study of the same issue presented by the Agriculture Ministry. The review is to be conducted by "a respected, independent, transparent and international panel of reputable experts with relevant experience".

British High Commission spokesman Jonathan Allen said work on the new mast would resume soon unless the independent experts identified a significant ecological impact.

"The independent review of the impact assessments will be carried out as soon as possible and should not take long. If there are no significant new problems identified in there, then we will continue with our work as soon as possible," Allen said.

"Our impact assessment has been proved right on the health aspect, and we believe it will be proved right on the environment aspect also,' he added.

The main concern is that the mast, which will consist of massive metal towers with a wire mesh curtain slung between them, will act as a trap for the thousands of birds that use the salt lake as a wintering ground and migration staging post. The bases say no bird has ever been snared in existing masts.

London and Nicosia yesterday announced that a programme to monitor bird movements at the salt lake would be established.

The joint communiqué also promised the two governments would work together to set up a management plan for the unique wildlife site. Britain has also promised to extend the implementation of the Berne Convention on wildlife and natural habitats and the Ramsar wetlands protection convention to the Akrotiri base territory, so that the salt lake is covered.

In an announcement later yesterday, the Green Party, which has led protests against the planed mast, condemned the joint statement, saying the government had "betrayed" the salt lake. "The stance of the Cyprus government leaves all Cypriot people exposed to the arrogance of the British," the party stated.

"The Green Party will continue the effort to block the British plans despite the 'stab in the back' that today's joint announcement constitutes, " the statements added.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[02] CTO and police deny lax security at Larnaca marina

PORT police yesterday said "all necessary measures" were being taken to ensure that Israelis using Larnaca marina were not at risk from possible attacks by Palestinian radicals as violence escalated in the Holy Land.

The assurance followed a claim by one regular user of the mooring facility that there was little or no visible evidence of security measures at a marina that has always been popular with Israeli yachtsmen.

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), which runs the marina, admitted the marina entrance might be left unmanned during holiday periods.

In a letter published in this week's Sunday Mail, a regular marina user said that absent security guards was the rule rather than the exception. "As a berth-holder coming and going through the marina gate I have watched as precautions have fallen into neglect," he wrote.

Ten years ago, Israelis were killed when Palestinian terrorists attacked a yacht moored at the marina. Strict passport checks were introduced at the gate to the marina in the wake of the attack in a bid to prevent a repeat of the bloodshed. But these measures would appear to have since lapsed, according to the letter - "now the gate is frequently left unmanned," the marina regular said.

Driving into the facility is easy, the writer said, with the result that "the marina is being used as a free parking zone by anyone visiting Larnaca".

"Anyone who wants to gain entry to the marina only has to walk down the old pier, which is open to the public, and jump down the few feet onto the southern floating pontoon."

Similar concerns have been echoed by other marina regulars, but both the port police and the CTO insisted there was nothing to worry about. "All measures are taken," port police chief Theodoros Stylianou told the Cyprus Mail. "Is it possible for us to publicise the measures we take?" Stylianou replied when asked to give further details.

He did not deny that it was possible to get into the marina from the old pier, but said this was not a cause for concern. "Look, the marina is not a concentration camp, but all necessary measure are taken by police," he said.

The director of the CTO, Phrini Michael, denied that checks at the marina gate were becoming lax, though she admitted the August holidays might have led to the gate guard-post being closed at some times. "We do, of course, have guards at the entrance who carry out checks, and no, the post is not left unmanned. I do not know if with the holidays there might maybe have been some absences, but normally the post is manned continuously," Michael said.

She added that a new gate security system would be in place by September 20. "We are going to put up a barrier where you will go in and out with a card, and we will give cards to those who have crafts or who have a job at the marina," the CTO chief said.

"General security is down to the port police and they do have an office there, plus our employees carry out some checks, keeping an eye on things."

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[03] Limassol man faces trial for 'murder bid'

A LIMASSOL man was yesterday sent for trial accused of the attempted murder of a London-based businessman.

Pavlos Hadjicostas, 29, alias Michalos, was arrested earlier this month after the alleged attempt on the life of Christakis Christoforou. He narrowly escaped death when a gunman fired two shots at him on the deserted Limassol to Platres road, near the Marotsi shooting range.

Police allege that Hadjicostas was paid to kill 51-year-old Christoforou who was apparently saved when the gun jammed.

Christoforou told police he went to the area after a phone call he received to meet someone regarding business deals. But instead he was met by two men one of whom fired at him from close range.

The businessman reported the incident to police and later allegedly identified the suspect as the man who pulled the trigger.

A Limassol businessman who was said to have fallen out with Christoforou was arrested in suspicion of having ordered the hit but was later released after police found no evidence linking him to the attempt.

Yesterday the prosecution requested the suspect should remain in custody until the trial begins on September 10. The defence argued that Hadjicostas could be released under certain conditions but the judge agreed with the prosecution and ordered the suspect to remain in custody until his trial.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[04] Cool bank robber walks off with £5,000

POLICE have questioned several people in connection with an armed bank robbery in Ayia Fyla, Limassol, yesterday where a lone thief calmly filled a bag with around £5,000 and left through the back door.

Police said the robber, who was bearded and wearing olive, drab shorts, a black T-shirt, cap and sunglasses entered the Ayia Fyla Co-operative bank on Ayias Fylaxeos Street at around 7.45am wielding a handgun.

According to the bank's two employees, the man, in broken Greek, demanded the cash from the tills but ignored the safe. He filled a plastic bag with £5,163 and ordered the two employees to go to the bank's loft, telling them to stay there until he was gone. He then left the bank via the back door.

Eyewitnesses said the robber left on foot, jumping the walls of surrounding dwellings. Several people from around the area were questioned, police said.

The robber was described as being around 1.8 metres tall, slimly built, sun- tanned and between 35 to 40 years old.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[05] Hotels strike threat

EMPLOYEES at three hotels in Limassol have threatened strike action in 10 days unless employers meet their demands for pay and improved working conditions, representatives from trade unions SEK and PEO said yesterday.

Employees at the Mediterranean, the Ajax and the Nirvana hotels yesterday told bosses they would stage a walkout unless their claims were taken seriously.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[06] Police searching for businesswoman

Police are searching for 33-year-old Limassol businesswoman Eleni Louka Ioannou, whom they want to question in connection with an alleged case of forgery and securing documents under false pretences. Ioannou is described as 1.60 metres tall, slim, with brown eyes and black, shoulder-length hair. Anyone with any relevant information is asked to contact their nearest police station.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[07] Limassol Wine Festival uncorked

THE government has made progress in its efforts to put an end to the over- production of wine, Commerce Minister Nicos Rolandis told guests at the opening of the Limassol Wine Festival yesterday.

"Since countries signed the World Trade Organisation agreement, wine industries in Cyprus and elsewhere found it more difficult to export their products because there was too much competition," Rolandis said. The minister said the government had made progress in its efforts to address the problem but did not elaborate.

"The answer to this problem is to upgrade wine production, improve the quality of wine and look for new markets," he said.

The Wine Festival, which is popular with tourists and locals alike, was established as an annual event in 1961. The festival lasts a week and offers varied entertainment, many stalls and free wine.

The symbol of the festival, which is held in Limassol gardens, is a giant statue of a traditionally dressed Cypriot man drinking wine. The festival's slogan is "Drink wine to have life."

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[08] Zulu warriors go into action

ZULU warrior dancers from South Africa are performing twice today, once at the Englezakis Ostrich Farm in Ayios Ioannis, just outside Nicosia, at 6pm and then at Skali in Agalandjia at 9pm.

The performances are arranged by the Department of Culture and the Cyprus High Commission in South Africa and spectators are promised a unique opportunity to see the group who danced at Nelson Mandela's inauguration ceremony as president in 1994.

Passed down from generation to generation, traditional Zulu warrior dances recount amazing tribal feats and battles with imaginary animals.

In times of war, the dances were obligatory before going into every battle or hunt - seen as much as a way of developing men's muscles as psyching them up to what lay ahead.

Accompanying shrieks from women folk were meant to incite their husbands, sons and brothers to be brave.

The Zulu songs re-tell great events in their past and present, affairs of the heart or stories about birds and animals.

The team of dancers, aged between 16 and 30 will also perform at the Ancient Odeon in Paphos tomorrow and on Saturday.

Charges for the performance at the Ostrich Park are £2 for adults and £1 for children and a bus will leave Eleftheria Square in Nicosia for the park at 5pm. The performance at Skali (9pm) costs £5.

For further information please call 02-345444.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[09] What happened: 40 years ago, Tuesday, August 29, 1961

30 years ago, Sunday, August 29, 1971

20 years ago, Saturday, August 29, 1981

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[10] Asha villagers protest

ASHA refugees yesterday staged their annual anti-occupation protest outside the US embassy in Nicosia.

The event aims especially at remembering the 82 Asha villagers who have been listed as missing since the 1974 invasion. Photos of many of these missing persons were arranged on chairs placed by the barbed wire in front of the embassy.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[11] Bomb wrecks retired police inspector's car

A BOMB blast yesterday rocked the Nicosia suburb of Aglanjia and destroyed a car belonging to a retired police inspector.

Police said the 4.20am explosion was caused by a high intensity, home-made device placed on the rear wheel of the £4,000 Mazda. The car was parked in the underground parking place of Andreas Sevmenidis' home on Demetras Street.

Sevmenides retired six years ago. He had served in the CID for many years and police believe the blast could be linked with his work.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[12] Police finds 1500 full army cartridges

POLICE found a stash of 1500 full army cartridges in an open space in the Cape Greco area near Paralimni yesterday.

The cartridges were in an excellent condition and submitted for analysis. Famagusta CID is investigating the case.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[13] Cassoulides in Moscow talks

FOREIGN Minister Ioannis Cassoulides flew to Moscow yesterday for five days of talks with the Kremlin to discuss efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and the latest tentative move towards peace.

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia has always advocated a solution to the island's division within the framework of UN resolutions.

Speaking at Larnaca airport before flying out, Cassoulides said he was convinced that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash would restart the talks following his meeting with UN Secretary-general Kofi Anan in Salzburg yesterday. The international community hopes that negotiations will begin again in New York on September 8 or 9.

Cassoulides said there would be "some cosmetic changes but no changes of substance in the peace process".

The UN resolutions commit participants to no preconditions, all issues on the table, full consideration of relevant resolutions and treaties and an honest approach to continuing the talks until a settlement is reached.

Reflecting the optimism that negotiations will begin again next month, UN Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto arrives today to initiate a series of contacts with Denktash and President Glafcos Clerides.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[14] Demo for peace

TURKISH Cypriots from the Platform of 41 organisations demonstrated for peace last night in a peaceful gathering in occupied Nicosia.

Although press reports of similar occasions in the past claim "thousands" came out in force, one observer yesterday told the Cyprus Mail that no more than 2,000 were likely to attend. The demonstrators met next to the bus terminal in the north of the city at 7.30pm to march to the central square at 8pm.

The rally was held to mark World Peace Day tomorrow.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[15] 'Water-skiing' donkey owner faces charge

A DONKEY owner who tied his unfortunate animal to a raft and had it towed behind a speedboat off Larnaca faces prosecution by the Veterinary Services, it was reported yesterday.

The unsavoury stunt was recorded by television cameras and splashed across TV screens on last Tuesday evening. The donkey had its four legs tethered to the makeshift raft while his grinning owner rode on his back across the waves.

The owner told reporters he wanted to get into the Guinness Book of Records with his stunt but, as Phileleftheros newspaper reported yesterday, he is now having the book thrown at him by the veterinary service.

A government vet said the animal had been ill-treated and could have drowned if it had ended up in the sea. The owner is expected to face charges of animal abuse.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[16] 'Drugs inside teddy bear'

A LIMASSOL man aged 23 was yesterday remanded in custody for eight days suspected of receiving by post a teddy bear stuffed with 360 grams of cannabis.

Graphic designer Christos Andreou claimed the drugs were for his own use, sent to him by a Yugoslavian female friend. But policeare treating the case as possession with intent to supply, as well as illegally importing drugs.

Police told the court that the drug squad had been tipped off that heavy drug trafficking was going on around Eleftherias Street. The area was put under surveillance and shortly afterwards police intercepted Andreou's car, which they thought looked suspicious.

The court heard that officers searched the vehicle and found a teddy bear wrapped in a plastic bag on the passenger seat. Inside, police allegedly found three plastic packets containing 360 grams of cannabis.

Police said the suspect admitted the drugs had been sent to him by a friend through the post. The court was told that police were trying to locate the woman who allegedly posted the drugs to Andreou.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

[17] Hotel hits back after newspaper kicks up a stink

THE Pendeli hotel in Platres yesterday threatened to take legal action against Politis newspaper for publishing a report suggesting the hotel was contaminating crops growing in the area by channelling its sewage into nearby fields through a pipeline.

The paper charged yesterday that the hotel "dumped" its swage in fields through a pipeline which it had connected to another pipeline watering crops in Platres, in the Limassol District.

The Politis report cited complaints allegedly made repeatedly by local residents about "a foul smell in the area of the hotel". According to Politis, one resident made a formal complaint last year to the then Limassol District Officer Christos Athanassiou. The resident had taken a water sample from the pipeline watering crops near the hotel and had had it tested at a. private laboratory, Politis said. "The water was found contaminated," the paper claimed.

Politis quoted Athanassiou as admitting that "we had this problem in 2000" but that "everything is sorted out now."

Yesterday Emily Panayides, one of the owners of the Pendeli hotel, slammed the newspaper report, charging that "Politis is just trying to make news."

"The test's results were issued back in 2000 so for us there is no issue," she told the Cyprus Mail. "The results don't point to our hotel. Some other hotel might be responsible for the situation," she argued. Panayides vowed to take legal action against Politis for defaming the Platres hotel to "sell copies". "Our guests have not made any complaints about foul smells," she insisted.

State sanitary inspector Costas Stylianou also dismissed the press report charging that "some of the hotel's competitors probably masterminded this campaign to defame Pendeli".

Stylianou said that he had investigated the allegations in 2000 and established that the hotel's overfilled swage system was what was causing the stink in the area. "We ordered the hotel to fix the problem and they did," the official added.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2001

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