|
|
|
Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 03-02-11
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
CONTENTS
[01] Who is the greenest of them all?By George PsyllidesSIXTY per cent of
Cypriots think the government's environmental policy is not satisfactory, a
survey commissioned by the Greens has found.The poll, carried out on behalf
of the Green party, which backs the opposition candidacy of Tassos
Papadopoulos, found that 78.7 per cent of the sample thought the
environment was a very important issue, with Paphos residents ranking top -
85.4 per cent -- in environmental sensitivity.In the district of Nicosia,
82.8 per cent consider the environment a very important matter, with 76.4
per cent in Limassol, and 71.6 per cent in Larnaca and Famagusta.The survey
found that 59.7 per cent of the 600 people questioned were not very or not
at all satisfied with the government's policy on the environment, while 38
per cent were very or fairly satisfied with the policy.The sample also
slammed the government on four specific environmental issues.With 10 being
the top mark, the government received 3.5 on its handling of the British
bases aerial in Akrotiri, 5.2 on the Akamas peninsula, 5.3 on traffic
problems, and 4.8 concerning the use of pesticides on foodstuffs.The poll
came up with some interesting results concerning the politicians' perceived
sensitivity to the environment.DISY chief Nicos Anastassiades hit rock
bottom, emerging as the least sensitive with 23.2 per cent, DIKO leader
Tassos Papadopoulos got 37.2 per cent, while KISOS chairman Yiannakis
Omirou chalked up 37 per cent.AKEL leader and House president Demetris
Christofias ranked top with a 50.8 per cent approval rate.Green Party
deputy George Perdikis used the results of the survey to criticise the
government on its environmental record, suggesting that anyone with an
environmental conscience could not vote for the current government
again.Perdikis said Papadopoulos was the only candidate who had submitted a
comprehensive programme for the environment, adding that the most anti-
environmental politician was Anastassiades.The poll was carried out between
February 5 and 7 by Insights Market Research Ltd.
[02] Talks move to Denktash documentBy George PsyllidesTALKS on the Cyprus
problem yesterday dealt with the substance of issues that Turkish Cypriot
leader Rauf Denktash submitted last Saturday, Government Spokesman Michalis
Papapetrou said yesterday.“Discussion on the substance started on issues
Mr. Denktash submitted in a document last Saturday as important matters he
wants to be discussed,” Papapetrou said.The meeting between President
Glafcos Clerides and Denktash lasted for two hours.Papapetrou said the two
men yesterday discussed all those aspects that Denktash had tabled.Asked if
the Greek Cypriot side has replied to Denktash's positions, the spokesman
said answers had been given and the two sides yesterday discussed all those
matters.He declined to disclose any further details of yesterday's
meeting.Papapetrou added he had no information concerning the submission of
a third plan by the UN, noting that no one had encouraged such a move.He
stressed, however, that efforts for a solution must continue and that the
Greek Cypriot side should be ready to face any potential developments.Papapetrou
added the Turkish Cypriot leader had discussed substance in yesterday's
meeting.But after the talks, Denktash said there was no give and take
between the two sides.“We did not get anything from the Greek Cypriot side;
consequently nothing was done concerning give and take in today's meeting,”
he said.The Turkish Cypriot leader said he told the Greek Cypriot side that
it was wrong to carry on negotiations in the middle of an election
campaign.“I tabled the issue in the meeting, but the Greek Cypriot side
remained silent, the UN did not say anything; they were taking notes,”
Denktash said.But in his message to mark the Greater Bayram holiday,
Denktash stuck to well-worn formulas.“Values like state and sovereignty
cannot be won back if they are lost,” he said.He said his duty was to reach
a compromise with the Greek Cypriots “if possible under equal conditions
and to form a good partnership without giving up our rights”.The Turkish
Cypriot leader repeated that he could not accept the UN plan as it was,
adding that he was trying to change certain aspects.“Implementing the plan
as it stands would mean moving 50-60,000 people out of their houses.“It
would mean that the bizonal structure would be undermined by the Greek
Cypriots, who would come and settle with us.“The document provides for a
mixed life; we say that we can't agree to all this,” Denktash said.He
reiterated his claims that the planned solution would weaken Turkey's
guarantees on the island.“There won't be any Turkish soldiers left to
protect our borders after an agreement; it would be natural that 700,000
Greek Cypriots would return to our land,” Denktash said.Attorney-general
Alecos Markides yesterday charged that no real negotiation had taken place
and that Denktash's positions deviated from the UN plan.
[03] Doctors warn: anorexia can killBy Alex MitaDOCTORS in Cyprus are
concerned at an increase in cases of anorexia -- an eating disorder they
say is the most serious psychological illness in adolescents and
women.Paediatrician Charalambos Hadjigeorgiou said the Child's Health
Foundation was currently carrying out a study on the disorder and the
preliminary results were expected this summer.Hadjigeorgiou said 500
children between the ages of 10 and 18 had so far been examined.“The study
aims to determine the frequency of clinical forms of anorexia on children
and adolescents,” Hadjigeorgiou said. Psychologist Stavros Stavrou said
anorexia was a very dangerous disorder that could result in death if not
treated in time. “Anorexia nervosa is a type of obsession against food in
order not to lose weight,” he said.“This form of disorder appears not only
in young women and adolescents but also in older people, including men.
“This problem is psychogenic, meaning there is a psychological cause behind
this behaviour. In general, appetite is affected by psychological factors
that bring happiness or sadness. In cases of serious anxiety and depression
or distress, a person's appetite can be affected in two ways, either by
eating too much (bulimia nervosa), or by not eating (anorexia nervosa).”But
Stavrou added an important factor often leading to anorexia in women was
body shape. “Women want to mould their bodies into the same shape they see
on supermodels on the catwalk,” he said.“The message from the women on the
catwalk is that if you are overweight you are ugly. Supermodels represent a
tiny minority of women's shapes; women taller than 1.70m are a minority,
wafer thin women are a minority. In the west, women are mainly
chubby.“Those suffering from anorexia become so obsessed that they could be
45 kilos and think they are fat.”According to Stavrou, the western world's
obsession with the female figure only increases the problem.“The problem
becomes more serious because a woman who is not thin, or curvy can have an
inferiority complex, and these inferiority complexes are imposed by society,
” Stavrou said. “Hundreds of women die from anorexia around the world each
year simply because the stomach shrinks so much from the lack of food that
it stops functioning. The organism becomes disorganised and the result is
death.”Stavrou said he treated many cases of anorexia in Cyprus in young
and older patients. “Last month, I had three cases of women coming in with
anorexia; they weighed no more than 45 kilos,” Stavrou said, adding there
were also children who suffered from anorexia. “Younger children don't
necessarily become anorexic for cosmetic reasons,” he said.“I had a case
with a girl from Limassol who would not eat because her parents were
fighting. That was her way of dealing with the issue. In those cases, the
dangers are very high.”Stavrou said the best way to fight anorexia was
prevention.“The best way to prevent children from becoming anorexic is to
make sure they grow around a healthy family environment,” Stavrou
said.“Parents should not force their children to eat or not to eat. If
their daughter for example gains weight, they shouldn't tell her to go on a
diet but to exercise more. And the reason children don't exercise is
because their parents don't give them enough time to play.“But apart from
that, young women must understand one simple thing. Anorexia could mean
death. It is not a joke and it is not something that will guarantee a great
figure.”
[04] 4,000 children suffering from heart diseaseBy Stefanos Evripidou AS
MANY as 4,000 children suffer from heart-related diseases in Cyprus,
accounting for the biggest number of children suffering from congenital
diseases while making up 33 per cent of the total number of heart disease
patients.Health Minister Frixos Savvides revealed the figures as he was
announcing the completion of a children's intensive care unit at the
Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.Yesterday also marked the launch of Children
With Heart Disease Week.The unit will be opened on Friday to coincide with
World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on February 14. Over 95
hospitals and organisations throughout the world will participate in the
event, raising awareness of heart-related diseases. Highlighting the
significance of such a unit at the Makarios children's hospital, the
minister said: “The most important aspect of diagnosis, monitoring and
survival of newborns in the first few days or months is the opportunity for
intervention.” Savvides presented plaques for the three main sponsors that
provided the funds for the unit: Sandra Markou, McDonalds Family Restaurant
and Cans For Kids charity. He called on the public to use the can recycling
bins positioned at each hospital to raise money for the charity, which has
funded the building of the pre-intensive care unit at the Makarios
hospital. “There is still a lot to be done,” said Savvides, referring to
expansion plans to build an Emergency room at the children's hospital. “The
plans have been drawn up and it's already included in the state budget.”The
president of the Association of Parents and Friends of Children With Heart
Disease, Savvas Socratous, said the number of cases treated would rise each
year given the increased success rate of heart surgery on newborns and
minors. “Twenty years ago, most children suffering from heart defects,
especially those with more serious problems, died without the chance of
getting real help. Since 1980, heart defects in children are being tackled
in a more systematic way. Newborns and children are sent abroad for
complicated heart surgery when they have to, while medical care has
developed into a first rate service, resulting in an increased success rate,
” said Socratous.He stressed that prevention and awareness was a top
priority as therapy came at great costs, not just for the state, but the
patient too. International statistics have proved that regular awareness
campaigns and preventive measures help reduce heart disease by 70 per cent.
“Let's not forget that the first cause of death, not only in Cyprus but in
the rest of the world at 45-50 per cent, is heart disease,” said
Socratous.According to a study carried out by the Association between 1997
and 1999, heart-related disease was responsible for 12.6 per cent of
newborn mortalities, 5.1 per cent of infant deaths and 3.5 per cent of
child deaths. In total, heart-related diseases are recorded in between
eight and 10 per cent of all births. The battle against the disease has
brought the mortality rate for children with heart defects down to 3-5 per
cent, while, every year, 50-60 children are sent to the United Kingdom for
surgery. During the week, the Association will be promoting two books as
part of its fund-raising campaign: a collection of poems by the late
Louciana Markou entitled Journeys Without End and an illustrated book of
fairytales written by seven-year-old Natasha Tsolaki called A fairytale and
a cuddle.Natasha told reporters yesterday, “I did the book because I saw
kids on TV that were suffering. So I asked my mum to help me help the
children.” Natasha's mother illustrated the book while the tales were
conjured by Natasha when she was six. The book has sold 4,000 copies and
raised £12,000 to date.
[05] Parents slam ministry over poor school securityBy Sofia KannasPARENTS
yesterday accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises to
improve security in state schools, after a spate of vandalism in schools in
recent weeks.Dinos Ellinas, President of the Primary Schools Parents
Association was angry at the government's failure to tackle the
problem.“The government has been saying for years that it will remedy the
situation and yet every day we still see incidents of theft, vandalism and
promiscuity in our schools, both primary and secondary.“It's a serious
problem all over Cyprus and the Minister has not fulfilled his
promises.”Ellinas said special security features were necessary.“We propose
that security guards should be in place in schools, as well as special
lighting and security cameras in some cases.“At the moment our schools are
accessible who wants to enter them, in the afternoons especially. Security
men must be introduced, perhaps with a private security officer to inspect
buildings every half hour or so.“Ideally security cameras and lighting
would be desirable too, but of course such equipment is expensive, and in
any case, hooligans would probably vandalise those too,” he added.But
Education Minister Ouranios Ioannides defended the government's attempts to
prevent vandalism and delinquency.“Five months ago the Ministry took the
decision to implement measures in schools such as the installation of
cameras and security lighting, after a study was conducted with the help of
the police.“The changes are already being implemented. Schools have been
divided into five separate categories, ranging from high risk to low risk,
and changes will be made according to these distinctions.Ioannides also
dismissed suggestions that the problem was widespread, saying, “It's not a
big problem. Most schools were placed in the last category, which is for
schools that do not need extra security.“The problematic schools are
limited to the city centres and it's certainly not a widespread phenomenon,
” he added.Police yesterday arrested a 16-year-old on suspicion of arson,
following a fire in a school storage room at Lanitio Lyceum 'A' in Limassol
last Friday.The incident followed a suspected arson attack in the library
of a Nicosia primary school last Wednesday, which resulted in a great
number of books being destroyed.
[06] Unions call for substantial increase in minimum wageBy Sofia
KannasTRADE unions yesterday called for an increase in the national minimum
wage in anticipation of Cyprus' EU accession, a move strongly opposed by
employers' organisations.Unions PEO, SEK and DEOK were united in their
proposal to increase the minimum wage in Cyprus to 50 per cent of the
average national wage, in line with European practice.The current minimum
wage, which stands at £292 per month and applies only to employees who are
not unionised, would be increased to £380 per month if the proposal was to
become a reality.Panicos Theodorou, General Secretary of PEO's Commerce
Department said the proposed increase was necessary.“As we are shortly
entering the EU, we believe the minimum wage should be increased to half of
£760, which is the estimated average monthly national wage.“In most EU
countries, the minimum wage rests between 50 and 60 per cent of the average
national wage.“The current minimum wage in Cyprus is very, very low,” he
added.But Michael Antoniou, Director of Industrial Relations and Labour
Legislation at the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV), yesterday
dismissed the unions' proposal.“We strongly oppose such a development. The
proposal would turn everything upside down and make things unnecessarily
complicated.“If the increase were to go ahead as the unions suggest, the
minimum wage would be well above what the collective agreements between
employers and employees ask for in most cases. “The union's argument is
also misleading. There is no EU acquis communautaire relating to this issue,
and therefore no legally binding directive -- it's not even a
recommendation.”Antoniou said such an increase would ruin many
businesses.“If there were to be a 50 per cent increase in the minimum wage
the consequences for the Cyprus economy would be disastrous. There would be
a lot of people ruined, especially for groups such as small shopkeepers and
private kindergartens, but also for large and medium businesses.”Antoniou
said a better move would be the abolition of the decree setting the minimum
wage.“We don't favour the statutory fixing of the minimum wage. This isn't
a valid way of setting the minimum wage -- it's an outdated law from
colonial times. “The trade union movement in very strong in Cyprus, with 75-
80 per cent unionisation, so we don't need the government to fix wages.
Only countries with low union membership, like the UK and France, need such
legislation.”Emilios Michael, Director of the Industrial Relations at the
Chamber of Commerce (KEVE) warned that if implemented the proposal would
adversely affect employment rates.“If we raise the minimum wage,
unemployment will surely increase. Our companies cannot afford to pay out
higher wages.“The minimum wage goes up every year anyway depending on
increases in cost of living allowances and the average wage raises in the
private sector. We believe these wages are very satisfactory.“As long as
the minimum wage is close to what is asked in the collective agreement,
there is no problem,” he added.“The unions should moderate their demands
and put an end to this proposal which would result in the bankruptcy of our
companies.”
[07] Eleven arrested after hooligans riot in NicosiaBy George
PsyllidesPOLICE have detained 11 people between the ages of 15 and 33 after
clashes that broke out after the end of a Nicosia football match on
Sunday.Nine officers were injured during the fracas, while a police car, a
bus and another vehicle were damaged.The officers were treated in hospital
and subsequently released, a police statement said.The trouble started
after Sunday's derby between Nicosia teams APOEL and Olympiakos. The game
ended in a 1-1 draw.APOEL supporters, unhappy with the result, first pelted
the referee with anything they could get their hands on, then clashed with
police outside the GSP stadium.The angry fans hurled stones, forcing police
to use teargas to disperse them.But strong winds also carried the gas into
the stadium's closed areas causing many people, including children, to
suffer from breathing problems. Police detained 11 people including two
pupils aged 15 and 16.The pupils were charged and released. The others were
yesterday still being held.But Nicosia was not the only scene of football-
related violence at the weekend.On Saturday, Larnaca police charged a 15-
year-old who allegedly hurled a plastic seat at rival supporters during an
evening game between Omonia of Nicosia and AEK Larnaca.The boy was arrested
and released after he was charged in writing.Earlier on, a footballer told
police he was attacked while coming off the pitch at the end of the match
between Anorthosis of Famagusta and AEP of Paphos.The game was held at the
Antonis Papadopoulos stadium, home of Anorthosis, in Larnaca.
[01] Who is the greenest of them all?By George PsyllidesSIXTY per cent of
Cypriots think the government's environmental policy is not satisfactory, a
survey commissioned by the Greens has found.The poll, carried out on behalf
of the Green party, which backs the opposition candidacy of Tassos
Papadopoulos, found that 78.7 per cent of the sample thought the
environment was a very important issue, with Paphos residents ranking top -
85.4 per cent -- in environmental sensitivity.In the district of Nicosia,
82.8 per cent consider the environment a very important matter, with 76.4
per cent in Limassol, and 71.6 per cent in Larnaca and Famagusta.The survey
found that 59.7 per cent of the 600 people questioned were not very or not
at all satisfied with the government's policy on the environment, while 38
per cent were very or fairly satisfied with the policy.The sample also
slammed the government on four specific environmental issues.With 10 being
the top mark, the government received 3.5 on its handling of the British
bases aerial in Akrotiri, 5.2 on the Akamas peninsula, 5.3 on traffic
problems, and 4.8 concerning the use of pesticides on foodstuffs.The poll
came up with some interesting results concerning the politicians' perceived
sensitivity to the environment.DISY chief Nicos Anastassiades hit rock
bottom, emerging as the least sensitive with 23.2 per cent, DIKO leader
Tassos Papadopoulos got 37.2 per cent, while KISOS chairman Yiannakis
Omirou chalked up 37 per cent.AKEL leader and House president Demetris
Christofias ranked top with a 50.8 per cent approval rate.Green Party
deputy George Perdikis used the results of the survey to criticise the
government on its environmental record, suggesting that anyone with an
environmental conscience could not vote for the current government
again.Perdikis said Papadopoulos was the only candidate who had submitted a
comprehensive programme for the environment, adding that the most anti-
environmental politician was Anastassiades.The poll was carried out between
February 5 and 7 by Insights Market Research Ltd.
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
[02] Talks move to Denktash documentBy George PsyllidesTALKS on the Cyprus
problem yesterday dealt with the substance of issues that Turkish Cypriot
leader Rauf Denktash submitted last Saturday, Government Spokesman Michalis
Papapetrou said yesterday.“Discussion on the substance started on issues
Mr. Denktash submitted in a document last Saturday as important matters he
wants to be discussed,” Papapetrou said.The meeting between President
Glafcos Clerides and Denktash lasted for two hours.Papapetrou said the two
men yesterday discussed all those aspects that Denktash had tabled.Asked if
the Greek Cypriot side has replied to Denktash's positions, the spokesman
said answers had been given and the two sides yesterday discussed all those
matters.He declined to disclose any further details of yesterday's
meeting.Papapetrou added he had no information concerning the submission of
a third plan by the UN, noting that no one had encouraged such a move.He
stressed, however, that efforts for a solution must continue and that the
Greek Cypriot side should be ready to face any potential developments.Papapetrou
added the Turkish Cypriot leader had discussed substance in yesterday's
meeting.But after the talks, Denktash said there was no give and take
between the two sides.“We did not get anything from the Greek Cypriot side;
consequently nothing was done concerning give and take in today's meeting,”
he said.The Turkish Cypriot leader said he told the Greek Cypriot side that
it was wrong to carry on negotiations in the middle of an election
campaign.“I tabled the issue in the meeting, but the Greek Cypriot side
remained silent, the UN did not say anything; they were taking notes,”
Denktash said.But in his message to mark the Greater Bayram holiday,
Denktash stuck to well-worn formulas.“Values like state and sovereignty
cannot be won back if they are lost,” he said.He said his duty was to reach
a compromise with the Greek Cypriots “if possible under equal conditions
and to form a good partnership without giving up our rights”.The Turkish
Cypriot leader repeated that he could not accept the UN plan as it was,
adding that he was trying to change certain aspects.“Implementing the plan
as it stands would mean moving 50-60,000 people out of their houses.“It
would mean that the bizonal structure would be undermined by the Greek
Cypriots, who would come and settle with us.“The document provides for a
mixed life; we say that we can't agree to all this,” Denktash said.He
reiterated his claims that the planned solution would weaken Turkey's
guarantees on the island.“There won't be any Turkish soldiers left to
protect our borders after an agreement; it would be natural that 700,000
Greek Cypriots would return to our land,” Denktash said.Attorney-general
Alecos Markides yesterday charged that no real negotiation had taken place
and that Denktash's positions deviated from the UN plan.
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
[03] Doctors warn: anorexia can killBy Alex MitaDOCTORS in Cyprus are
concerned at an increase in cases of anorexia -- an eating disorder they
say is the most serious psychological illness in adolescents and
women.Paediatrician Charalambos Hadjigeorgiou said the Child's Health
Foundation was currently carrying out a study on the disorder and the
preliminary results were expected this summer.Hadjigeorgiou said 500
children between the ages of 10 and 18 had so far been examined.“The study
aims to determine the frequency of clinical forms of anorexia on children
and adolescents,” Hadjigeorgiou said. Psychologist Stavros Stavrou said
anorexia was a very dangerous disorder that could result in death if not
treated in time. “Anorexia nervosa is a type of obsession against food in
order not to lose weight,” he said.“This form of disorder appears not only
in young women and adolescents but also in older people, including men.
“This problem is psychogenic, meaning there is a psychological cause behind
this behaviour. In general, appetite is affected by psychological factors
that bring happiness or sadness. In cases of serious anxiety and depression
or distress, a person's appetite can be affected in two ways, either by
eating too much (bulimia nervosa), or by not eating (anorexia nervosa).”But
Stavrou added an important factor often leading to anorexia in women was
body shape. “Women want to mould their bodies into the same shape they see
on supermodels on the catwalk,” he said.“The message from the women on the
catwalk is that if you are overweight you are ugly. Supermodels represent a
tiny minority of women's shapes; women taller than 1.70m are a minority,
wafer thin women are a minority. In the west, women are mainly
chubby.“Those suffering from anorexia become so obsessed that they could be
45 kilos and think they are fat.”According to Stavrou, the western world's
obsession with the female figure only increases the problem.“The problem
becomes more serious because a woman who is not thin, or curvy can have an
inferiority complex, and these inferiority complexes are imposed by society,
” Stavrou said. “Hundreds of women die from anorexia around the world each
year simply because the stomach shrinks so much from the lack of food that
it stops functioning. The organism becomes disorganised and the result is
death.”Stavrou said he treated many cases of anorexia in Cyprus in young
and older patients. “Last month, I had three cases of women coming in with
anorexia; they weighed no more than 45 kilos,” Stavrou said, adding there
were also children who suffered from anorexia. “Younger children don't
necessarily become anorexic for cosmetic reasons,” he said.“I had a case
with a girl from Limassol who would not eat because her parents were
fighting. That was her way of dealing with the issue. In those cases, the
dangers are very high.”Stavrou said the best way to fight anorexia was
prevention.“The best way to prevent children from becoming anorexic is to
make sure they grow around a healthy family environment,” Stavrou
said.“Parents should not force their children to eat or not to eat. If
their daughter for example gains weight, they shouldn't tell her to go on a
diet but to exercise more. And the reason children don't exercise is
because their parents don't give them enough time to play.“But apart from
that, young women must understand one simple thing. Anorexia could mean
death. It is not a joke and it is not something that will guarantee a great
figure.”
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
[04] 4,000 children suffering from heart diseaseBy Stefanos Evripidou AS
MANY as 4,000 children suffer from heart-related diseases in Cyprus,
accounting for the biggest number of children suffering from congenital
diseases while making up 33 per cent of the total number of heart disease
patients.Health Minister Frixos Savvides revealed the figures as he was
announcing the completion of a children's intensive care unit at the
Makarios Hospital in Nicosia.Yesterday also marked the launch of Children
With Heart Disease Week.The unit will be opened on Friday to coincide with
World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on February 14. Over 95
hospitals and organisations throughout the world will participate in the
event, raising awareness of heart-related diseases. Highlighting the
significance of such a unit at the Makarios children's hospital, the
minister said: “The most important aspect of diagnosis, monitoring and
survival of newborns in the first few days or months is the opportunity for
intervention.” Savvides presented plaques for the three main sponsors that
provided the funds for the unit: Sandra Markou, McDonalds Family Restaurant
and Cans For Kids charity. He called on the public to use the can recycling
bins positioned at each hospital to raise money for the charity, which has
funded the building of the pre-intensive care unit at the Makarios
hospital. “There is still a lot to be done,” said Savvides, referring to
expansion plans to build an Emergency room at the children's hospital. “The
plans have been drawn up and it's already included in the state budget.”The
president of the Association of Parents and Friends of Children With Heart
Disease, Savvas Socratous, said the number of cases treated would rise each
year given the increased success rate of heart surgery on newborns and
minors. “Twenty years ago, most children suffering from heart defects,
especially those with more serious problems, died without the chance of
getting real help. Since 1980, heart defects in children are being tackled
in a more systematic way. Newborns and children are sent abroad for
complicated heart surgery when they have to, while medical care has
developed into a first rate service, resulting in an increased success rate,
” said Socratous.He stressed that prevention and awareness was a top
priority as therapy came at great costs, not just for the state, but the
patient too. International statistics have proved that regular awareness
campaigns and preventive measures help reduce heart disease by 70 per cent.
“Let's not forget that the first cause of death, not only in Cyprus but in
the rest of the world at 45-50 per cent, is heart disease,” said
Socratous.According to a study carried out by the Association between 1997
and 1999, heart-related disease was responsible for 12.6 per cent of
newborn mortalities, 5.1 per cent of infant deaths and 3.5 per cent of
child deaths. In total, heart-related diseases are recorded in between
eight and 10 per cent of all births. The battle against the disease has
brought the mortality rate for children with heart defects down to 3-5 per
cent, while, every year, 50-60 children are sent to the United Kingdom for
surgery. During the week, the Association will be promoting two books as
part of its fund-raising campaign: a collection of poems by the late
Louciana Markou entitled Journeys Without End and an illustrated book of
fairytales written by seven-year-old Natasha Tsolaki called A fairytale
and a cuddle.Natasha told reporters yesterday, “I did the book because I
saw kids on TV that were suffering. So I asked my mum to help me help the
children.” Natasha's mother illustrated the book while the tales were
conjured by Natasha when she was six. The book has sold 4,000 copies and
raised £12,000 to date.
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
[05] Parents slam ministry over poor school securityBy Sofia KannasPARENTS
yesterday accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises to
improve security in state schools, after a spate of vandalism in schools in
recent weeks.Dinos Ellinas, President of the Primary Schools Parents
Association was angry at the government's failure to tackle the
problem.“The government has been saying for years that it will remedy the
situation and yet every day we still see incidents of theft, vandalism and
promiscuity in our schools, both primary and secondary.“It's a serious
problem all over Cyprus and the Minister has not fulfilled his
promises.”Ellinas said special security features were necessary.“We propose
that security guards should be in place in schools, as well as special
lighting and security cameras in some cases.“At the moment our schools are
accessible who wants to enter them, in the afternoons especially. Security
men must be introduced, perhaps with a private security officer to inspect
buildings every half hour or so.“Ideally security cameras and lighting
would be desirable too, but of course such equipment is expensive, and in
any case, hooligans would probably vandalise those too,” he added.But
Education Minister Ouranios Ioannides defended the government's attempts to
prevent vandalism and delinquency.“Five months ago the Ministry took the
decision to implement measures in schools such as the installation of
cameras and security lighting, after a study was conducted with the help of
the police.“The changes are already being implemented. Schools have been
divided into five separate categories, ranging from high risk to low risk,
and changes will be made according to these distinctions.Ioannides also
dismissed suggestions that the problem was widespread, saying, “It's not a
big problem. Most schools were placed in the last category, which is for
schools that do not need extra security.“The problematic schools are
limited to the city centres and it's certainly not a widespread phenomenon,
” he added.Police yesterday arrested a 16-year-old on suspicion of arson,
following a fire in a school storage room at Lanitio Lyceum 'A' in Limassol
last Friday.The incident followed a suspected arson attack in the library
of a Nicosia primary school last Wednesday, which resulted in a great
number of books being destroyed.
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
[06] Unions call for substantial increase in minimum wageBy Sofia
KannasTRADE unions yesterday called for an increase in the national minimum
wage in anticipation of Cyprus' EU accession, a move strongly opposed by
employers' organisations.Unions PEO, SEK and DEOK were united in their
proposal to increase the minimum wage in Cyprus to 50 per cent of the
average national wage, in line with European practice.The current minimum
wage, which stands at £292 per month and applies only to employees who are
not unionised, would be increased to £380 per month if the proposal was to
become a reality.Panicos Theodorou, General Secretary of PEO's Commerce
Department said the proposed increase was necessary.“As we are shortly
entering the EU, we believe the minimum wage should be increased to half of
£760, which is the estimated average monthly national wage.“In most EU
countries, the minimum wage rests between 50 and 60 per cent of the average
national wage.“The current minimum wage in Cyprus is very, very low,” he
added.But Michael Antoniou, Director of Industrial Relations and Labour
Legislation at the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV), yesterday
dismissed the unions' proposal.“We strongly oppose such a development. The
proposal would turn everything upside down and make things unnecessarily
complicated.“If the increase were to go ahead as the unions suggest, the
minimum wage would be well above what the collective agreements between
employers and employees ask for in most cases. “The union's argument is
also misleading. There is no EU acquis communautaire relating to this
issue, and therefore no legally binding directive -- it's not even a
recommendation.”Antoniou said such an increase would ruin many
businesses.“If there were to be a 50 per cent increase in the minimum wage
the consequences for the Cyprus economy would be disastrous. There would be
a lot of people ruined, especially for groups such as small shopkeepers and
private kindergartens, but also for large and medium businesses.”Antoniou
said a better move would be the abolition of the decree setting the minimum
wage.“We don't favour the statutory fixing of the minimum wage. This isn't
a valid way of setting the minimum wage -- it's an outdated law from
colonial times. “The trade union movement in very strong in Cyprus, with 75-
80 per cent unionisation, so we don't need the government to fix wages.
Only countries with low union membership, like the UK and France, need such
legislation.”Emilios Michael, Director of the Industrial Relations at the
Chamber of Commerce (KEVE) warned that if implemented the proposal would
adversely affect employment rates.“If we raise the minimum wage,
unemployment will surely increase. Our companies cannot afford to pay out
higher wages.“The minimum wage goes up every year anyway depending on
increases in cost of living allowances and the average wage raises in the
private sector. We believe these wages are very satisfactory.“As long as
the minimum wage is close to what is asked in the collective agreement,
there is no problem,” he added.“The unions should moderate their demands
and put an end to this proposal which would result in the bankruptcy of our
companies.”
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
Tuesday, February 11, 2003
[07] Eleven arrested after hooligans riot in NicosiaBy George
PsyllidesPOLICE have detained 11 people between the ages of 15 and 33 after
clashes that broke out after the end of a Nicosia football match on
Sunday.Nine officers were injured during the fracas, while a police car, a
bus and another vehicle were damaged.The officers were treated in hospital
and subsequently released, a police statement said.The trouble started
after Sunday's derby between Nicosia teams APOEL and Olympiakos. The game
ended in a 1-1 draw.APOEL supporters, unhappy with the result, first pelted
the referee with anything they could get their hands on, then clashed with
police outside the GSP stadium.The angry fans hurled stones, forcing police
to use teargas to disperse them.But strong winds also carried the gas into
the stadium's closed areas causing many people, including children, to
suffer from breathing problems. Police detained 11 people including two
pupils aged 15 and 16.The pupils were charged and released. The others were
yesterday still being held.But Nicosia was not the only scene of football-
related violence at the weekend.On Saturday, Larnaca police charged a 15-
year-old who allegedly hurled a plastic seat at rival supporters during an
evening game between Omonia of Nicosia and AEK Larnaca.The boy was arrested
and released after he was charged in writing.Earlier on, a footballer told
police he was attacked while coming off the pitch at the end of the match
between Anorthosis of Famagusta and AEP of Paphos.The game was held at the
Antonis Papadopoulos stadium, home of Anorthosis, in Larnaca.
Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003
|
