Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 02-11-12

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

Tuesday, November 12, 2002

CONTENTS

[01] A blueprint for a new Cyprus

[02] UN plan unlikely to please either side

[03] Pyla minefield cleared

[04] Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

[05] Overseas experts in secret visit to Archbishop

[06] British NCOs arrested after customs find 300 cigarette cartons in luggage

[07] Ministry promises clampdown on misleading food labels

[08] Wannabe a pop star?

[09] A nation of couch potatoes

[01] A blueprint for a new Cyprus

1. The Treaty of Establishment, the Treaty of Guarantee and the Treaty of alliance remain in force but new treaties will also be signed with Greece, Turkey and Britain on matters related to the new state of affairs in Cyprus.

2. Cyprus shall sign and ratify the Treaty of Accession to the European Union.

3. Cyprus shall maintain special ties of friendship with Greece and Turkey and shall support Turkey's accession to the EU.

4. Any unilateral change in the state of affairs, in particular union of Cyprus or part of Cyprus with any other country or any form of partition or secession is prohibited.

5. The status and relationship of the State of Cyprus its 'common state' government and its 'component' state is modelled on the status and relationship of Switzerland, its federal government and its cantons.

6. The new Cyprus will be composed of one common state and two component states with political equality.

7. The common state will be the voice of one Cyprus internationally and fulfil the island's obligations to the EU.

8. The component states, of equal status, within the limits of the constitution, sovereignly exercise all powers not vested by the constitution in the 'common state' government, organising themselves freely under their own constitution.

9. The component states shall co-operate with each other through co- operation agreements and constitutional laws, and they will not infringe upon the powers and functions of each other.

10. There will be a single Cyprus citizenship and special majority 'common state' law shall regulate eligibility for Cypriot citizenship.

11. All Cypriots will enjoy internal 'component state' citizenship status, which will complement and not replace Cypriot citizenship.

12. Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots residing in specified villages in the other 'component state' shall enjoy cultural and educational rights and shall be represented in the 'component state' legislature.

13. The 'common state' parliament will be composed of two chambers, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

14. Each chamber shall have 48 members. The Senate will be 50-50 and the Chamber in proportion to the population, provided that each 'component state' received no less than 25 per cent of the seats.

15. Decisions of parliament will require the approval of both chambers by simple majority.

16. The Presidential Council shall consist of six members elected on a single list by special majority in the Senate and approved by majority in the Chamber of Deputies.

17. The offices of President and Vice President shall rotate every ten months among members of the Council. No more than two consecutive presidents may come from the same 'component state'.

18. The Treaty of Alliance shall permit Greek and Turkish contingents not exceeding an unspecified four-digit figure and a UN peacekeeping operation shall monitor the agreement along with a monitoring committee from the guarantor powers.

19. The supply of arms to Cyprus shall be prohibited and all Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot forces including reserve units will be dissolved and their arms removed from the island in phases along with the redeployment of Greek and Turkish forces.

20. Cyprus shall not put it territory at the disposal of international military operations other than with the consent of Greece and Turkey.

21. The Supreme Court shall comprise nine judges, three Greek Cypriots, three Turkish Cypriots and three non-Cypriots, which will resolve disputes between the component states.

22. On entry into force of the agreement the leaders of the two sides shall become co-presidents of Cyprus for three years.

23. Areas subject to territorial adjustment which are legally part of the Greek Cypriot component state upon entry into force of this agreement shall be administered during an interim period no longer than three years by the Turkish Cypriot component state. Administration shall be transferred under the supervision of the UN to the Greek Cypriots in agreed phases 90 days after entry into force of this agreement.

24. In areas subject to territorial adjustment, properties shall be reinstated to dispossessed owners but in areas not subject to territorial adjustments the arrangements will be on the basis of compensation.

25. Dispossessed owners who opt for compensation or whose properties are not reinstated shall receive full and effective compensation on the basis of the value at the time of dispossession plus inflation.

The executive summary does not go into details of specific territorial adjustments, but makes reference to a map, which forms part of the proposal.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[02] UN plan unlikely to please either side

ONE thing is certain about the Cyprus plan put forward by the UN yesterday and that is that neither side the Greek Cypriot nor the Turkish Cypriot sides will get what it wants.

The Greek Cypriot side has been pushing for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in line with UN resolutions on Cyprus, while the Turkish Cypriot side wants a loose confederation of two separate states.

According to speculation on what is contained in the 150-page plan submitted yesterday, the blueprint includes elements from both visions and covers the four core issues of the Cyprus problem -- governance, territory, property and security.

The plan is understood to provide for a central sovereign government and international Cyprus identity, with each side looking after its own internal affairs.

Under the new constitution, Cyprus would have a rotating presidency and prime ministership to guarantee that when one was a Greek Cypriot and the other a Turkish Cypriot.

Parliament would consist of an upper and lower House with 50-50 representation in the upper house and 60-40 in the lower house in favour of the Greek Cypriot majority.

In addition a court made up of three members from each community and three neutral members not from any of the guarantor countries, Greece, Turkey and Britain, would sort out any governance disputes within a 10-day period.

Cyprus would have one international Cypriot nationality under the plan, while each constituent state would also hand out its own Greek or Turkish Cypriot identity.

Concerning territory, the Turkish Cypriots, who now hold 37 per cent of the island, would reduce their share to between 36.5 and 30.5 per cent. This would include the return to Greek Cypriot administration of the ghost town of Famagusta, as well as Morphou and possibly some villages in the greater Nicosia district. According to some reports, the maps drafted by the UN envisage that the line dividing the two administrative areas will run through the northern mountaintops of Morphou. In addition, while Famagusta would come under Greek Cypriot control, its port would not.

The plan reportedly allows for around half of the 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees to return to their homes, while some Turkish settlers would be granted Cypriot citizenship, depending on how long they have lived in the north. The UN's aim is for the arrangements to involve as little population transfers as possible.

Plans for security provide for the gradual demilitarisation of the island and the deployment of a multinational force under the UN.

The new Cyprus would have a new constitution, flag and national anthem, while Greek and Turkish would be compulsory in all schools.

The two sides will have 30 days to come up with an initial agreement, preferably before December 12, to tie in with the EU summit in Copenhagen. The final deadline for the take-it-or-leave-it plan is February 28, the date of the 2003 presidential elections, with a referendum to be held by the end of March.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[03] Pyla minefield cleared

The detonation took place 10 minutes before 11am, while soldiers sealed off the surrounding area and directed traffic towards other roads.

A fire engine and ambulance were kept nearby in case of emergency.

The former minefield will be handed over to the community after the National Guard has completed all the necessary safety checks.

The Defence Ministry Spokesman was not available for comment yesterday.

The government pledged early last year to clear three minefields around the village by the end of 2001.

According to the 2001 Landmine Monitor report, the buffer zone dividing the island since the Turkish invasion in 1974 contains an estimated 17,000 antipersonnel and antitank mines, "described as equivalent to one every ten strides along its 180-kilometre length".

UNFICYP estimated that the total number of minefields in the buffer zone was 48, with additional mined areas on either side of the zone.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[04] Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

The ship, Kyrenia Liberty, a replica of the ancient vessel that sank off the Cyprus coast around 2,300 years ago was launched on Sunday in a ceremony wrapped in excitement, nostalgia and anticipation.

In the run up to the Athens 2004 Olympics and with the backdrop of intense efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, officials took the opportunity to remind people of the symbolic nature of the launch.

The ship is a third replica of the Kyrenia ship, an ancient Greek merchant vessel that sank off the northern coast around the 4th century BC near the port of Kyrenia.

The wreck was accidentally discovered in 1967 by Greek Cypriot diver, Andreas Kariolou, and is believed to be the best-preserved ship of the Classical period ever found. The ship and its cargo now lie on display in Kyrenia castle under the protection of UNESCO, the UN cultural organisation.

"The ship Kyrenia Liberty sends a message of optimism and hope and is a symbol of our will to continue our efforts until Cyprus is reunited through a just and workable solution for all," said President Glafkos Clerides at the launch in Limassol port.

The replica was launched on Sunday, carrying in its hull a donation of Cypriot copper which will be used to make bronze medals for the 2004 Olympic Games.

Clerides described Kyrenia Liberty as a "living ambassador" of Cyprus and its people which has attracted the interest of archaeologists and universities from around the world. Greek Minister of Commercial Shipping, George Anomeritis, representing the Greek government at the colourful event, highlighted that the joint ship registry of Greece and Cyprus, once the latter joins the European Union, will count for 52 per cent of the European ship registry, making reference to the two countries ancient roots and links with the sea.

The replica took almost a year to construct at the Christodoulos, Avgousti & Sons shipyard in Limassol. The design was done by computer, based on data collected on the construction of the previous versions. Lumber to build the Kyrenia Liberty was donated by the Cyprus Forestry Department. The idea to build a replica in Cyprus that would take over the role of its predecessor, Kyrenia II, came from the Kyrenia Nautical club, spearheaded Kyrenia Mayor, Dr Constantinos Orologas. The ship will set sail in May from the ancient port of Amathountas with a four-man crew, picking up on its way 10 tonnes of copper and amphorae for the Olympics and arriving in Greece sometime in June.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[05] Overseas experts in secret visit to Archbishop

The three doctors, who arrived from abroad in secrecy on Friday, examined the ailing archbishop and left the island immediately.

The doctors, understood to be specialists in three fields, will now draft their reports and forward them to Health Minister Frixos Savvides, who will in turn present them to the members of the Holy Synod.

The members of the synod would then study the reports and decide accordingly, Savvides said.

The minister said he had explained to the Archbishop's relatives that doctors of their choice could not have participated in the team in order to prevent the possibility of the reports being disputed.

Bishop Chrysostomos of Paphos hailed the procedure and the secrecy surrounding the Archbishop's examination, saying the doctors had to remain detached.

Chrysostomos said the Synod, meeting next Friday week, would have the reports before it in order to make final decisions for the future of the Church.

The Bishop of Paphos did not rule out starting procedures for elections to replace the Archbishop.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[06] British NCOs arrested after customs find 300 cigarette cartons in luggage

The two suspects, who serve at the Dhekelia bases, were taking a British Midland flight to the United Kingdom. They were immediately placed under arrest and detained.

Yesterday they were charged and remanded in custody for four days, pending their arraignment.

According to a British bases spokesman, such incidents among bases personnel were uncommon. He added that the two NCOs, both lance corporals, would be strictly disciplined if found guilty of the charges.

Customs is investigating the case, and it is believed the suspects had bought the cigarettes from the north, specifically from Pyla village.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[07] Ministry promises clampdown on misleading food labels

THE HEALTH Ministry yesterday vowed to clamp down on foodstuff labelling that makes misleading or unproven claims. In accordance with EU directives, the Ministry has stepped up its efforts in the light of an increase in the number of products that make unfounded claims.

"It is our obligation to carry out the EU directives (on food labelling)," said Sophocles Anthousis a senior officer at the Health Ministry.

The EU directive states that, "The principle function of food labelling is to inform consumers of the properties of pre-packaged foods. The fundamental rule of the labelling of foodstuffs is that consumers should not be misled."

A number of products have entered the market making therapeutic or medicinal claims, for instance to aid slimming or as a cure for headaches, a trend noted by the Ministry.

"These products are not necessarily dangerous, but some advertise that they possess certain (marketable) properties. These claims have to be proved, otherwise it is illegal to sell them," said Anthousis.

According to the directive, the responsibility for proving health claims lies with the manufacturer. "The fundamental rules regarding claims are that they must not be false or misleading to the consumer. Medical claims that a food has the property of treating, preventing or curing human disease are prohibited." Under certain conditions, the directives permit manufacturers to make some claims that their products are beneficial to health for specific groups of people, for instance for those with digestive disorders. But, all claims must be substantiated, backed up with documentation of the evidence.

"Through import inspections and surveying the market," Ministry officers will seek out these products and challenge manufacturers to substantiate their claims. "Products must have proper labelling that list all its characteristics, so that consumers can make an informed decision," said Anthousis.

Consumers Association spokesperson Egli Hadjipaschali said, "We regularly receive a number of complaints about labelling." One recent concern has been regarding food labelling of genetically modified products. "The law for GMOs has been in effect since July 1, 2001, but as yet we have not seen it properly enforced," said Hadjipaschali.

The penalties for those who fail to adhere to the law include fines and imprisonment, and become more severe for repeat offenders.

"If found guilty, the penalties (for misleading or incorrect labelling) start at £500 or three months' imprisonment. For a second offence, the penalty rises to £1,000 and six months imprisonment and if a manufacturer commits the offence for the third time they face a year's imprisonment and/or a £5,000 fine," said Anthousis.

Compulsory labelling requirements include:

1. The name under which the product is sold

2. The list of ingredients

3. The quantity of certain ingredients

4. The net quantity

5. The date of minimum durability

6. Any special storage instructions or conditions of use

7. The name or business name and address of the manufacturer or packager, or of seller within the European Union

8. Place of origin of the foodstuff if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree

9. Instructions for use where necessary

10. Beverages with more than 1.2 per cent alcohol by volume must declare their actual alcoholic strength

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[08] Wannabe a pop star?

THE ALLURE of fame, public support and celebratory status is at our doorstep again as Mega Channel prepares for auditions for their new show, Popstars, to be aired in 2003. The show is a mirror of the UK Popstars, which churned out the short-lived but much-hyped pop group Hear'Say.

Makers of the show will audition pop star wannabes having a song and dance. A selected group will then go to Athens for the final round of auditions. The aim is to assemble six women over the age of 18 and transform them into a real pop group. Using a similar format to the UK version, viewers will be able to follow the entire process of creating the group from initial auditions through to rehearsals, concerts and recordings.

Mega, Freemantle Productions and Warner Music, along with the obligatory star-making kit-pack of voice-trainers, designers and choreographers, aspire to give the girls international fame.

In recent months, Greece has aspired, like the rest of the world, to give everyone the opportunity to clock in their 15 minutes of fame. The Greek version of Popstars comes on the trail of reality shows like Bar, Fame Story, The Farm, Gym Show and Couple of the Year.

Britain's Popstars produced pop band Hear'Say in a storm of public hysteria two years ago. The band sold 1.2 million copies of its first single, 'Pure and Simple', breaking chart records and going on to sell over 1 million albums. The hype began to simmer after one band member pulled out, followed by group infighting, which made more headlines then their singing. Eventually, the break-up was announced last month to an indifferent public already glued on the exploits of young stars Gareth Gates and Will Young from the latest manufacturing showpiece, Pop Idols.

Mega is bringing over representatives of Warner Music in Greece to judge the auditions, which will take place on December 7 at the Hilton Hotel in Nicosia, starting at midday. Mega representative, Costas Valanides, told the Cyprus Mail yesterday that any girl over the age of 18 who wishes to sing a song in any language is welcome to turn up on the day and audition. This is the second time that judges from Greece are coming to Cyprus as auditions were held last month where 10 girls were chosen for the finals in Greece.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

[09] A nation of couch potatoes

However, the full results of the survey, which, according to Telia and Pavla/BBDO advertising agency, was the first of its kind, were not available for the media because they were aimed in giving their clients the edge in targeting the market.

'The Mirror' survey was designed to reveal the profile of contemporary Cypriots and give answers concerning their needs, way of thinking, and consumer habits.

Until now, market segmentation was carried out according to age and sex, while the Mirror survey separated consumers according to their daily needs, habits, beliefs and values, the agency said.

The survey found that the Cypriots' favourite pastime was watching television, while spending time with their family was also a high priority.

Ninety-five per cent of the sample of 983 people said marriage was a sacred institution, though 19 per cent also said that it was not wrong to have extra-marital affairs.

On the political front, which focused more on ideology than party preferences, 27 per cent said they were left-wing, 34 per cent centre, and 31 per cent said they were right-wing.

The majority of the voters questioned said they always voted for the same party and 51 per cent said they could coexist in peace with the Turkish Cypriots.

The survey was carried out between September 18 and October 29 and included 938 interviews of people separated into six different groups according to their profiles.

Kyrenia Liberty takes to water

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002

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