Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 03-07-06

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

Sunday, July 6, 2003

CONTENTS

[01] Government anger as Greek singer goes north

[02] Soaring temperatures prompt increased sales of air conditioners

[03] Thousands cross for peace concert

[01] Government anger as Greek singer goes north

GOVERNMENT Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides yesterday expressed the government’s disappointment at the news that Greek singer Lefteris Pantazis was planning to give a concert in the occupied north. The popular singer passed through the Ledra Palace checkpoint yesterday morning on his way to the north, where he is believed to be performing at a hotel belonging to Greek Cypriots before the invasion.

“Regarding Lefteris Pantazis’ arrival for a concert in occupied Cyprus, I would like to note that it distresses us that a well-known Greek artist appears to be ignoring the political realities that exist (on the island),” the spokesman told journalists at a news conference yesterday lunchtime.

Chrysostomides stressed that the occupation of Cyprus was still a reality, adding that, “the partial easing of restrictions on movement does not constitute a solution to the Cyprus Problem.”

He said Pantazis had been informed by police officers of the government’s policy regarding crossings to the north, “particularly in relation to the fact that overnight stays in the occupied areas of Cyprus are forbidden.”

“Greek artists cannot be seen causing cracks in this policy,” he added.

Asked whether Pantazis had been informed that his performance at a hotel formerly belonging to Greek Cypriots might constitute a crime, the spokesman reiterated that the singer had been “well informed of the government’s position and of the possible repercussions (of his actions).”

“I am certain that Mr Pantazis will demonstrate the necessary sensitivity,” he added.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003

Sunday, July 6, 2003

[02] Soaring temperatures prompt increased sales of air conditioners

SOARING temperatures in recent years have led to an increase in Cypriots’ demand for air-conditioner units, with the Statistics Department reporting yesterday that in the past three years alone, over 300,000 units had been imported to the island.

In 2000, 120,676 air-conditioners were imported, followed by 109,230 in 2001 and 97,911 last year. In 1995, only 34,500 units were imported.

But retailers’ views on the increase in demand were mixed. Although some noted a steady increase in air-conditioner sales, others called them a ‘saturated’ product that most people already had. Some even blamed lower sales this year on an increase in retailers and greater competition.

Domestica Ltd co-owner, Andis Hadjioannou, said the air-con boom took off four or five years ago, but that it had started to decline this year.

“There was a sudden boom, but now the market has stabilised and could even be said to be down compared to other years,” he said. This was mainly because air-conditioners were a “saturated product”; in the sense the majority of homes already had them. “The most people do is add another one to a different room or buy new ones when they’re moving into a new home,” he explained.

Nevertheless, due to the onset of a fierce heat wave, S.P.O. Ltd manager, Andreas Christoforides said the demand for air-conditioners in the past few days had steeply increased. “These days, people are continuously buying them,” he said. Before that sales were not as impressive. This was because this year there was a lot of competition from other outlets and so the increase in sales was more dispersed than other years, he said.

“A lot of people have started importing and selling air-conditioners this year. Therefore, because the market is more spread out, the increase in sales is not as evident at specific stores,” said Christoforides. Overall, however, he said there was a definite increase, particularly in the last three years due to rising temperatures.

Only Fysair Ltd general manager, Savvas Dionysiou, said his company had noted an annual increase in sales. By the end of June, it had sold 3,800 units. And “we expect to exceed 6,500 by the end of the year”. Last year, Fysair Ltd sold 6,000 units.

“Sales cannot go up a lot every year unless there is a big tourist complex project. However, we have still noted a slight increase this year.”

Dionysiou said weather conditions were the main factor in product sales and could vary from year to year according to heat and humidity levels. For instance, two years ago demand had been lower because it was a more temperate summer.

As for this year, he said: “In June the demand was not so high because of the rain and the fact that temperatures were more bearable. Now in July, with the threat of a heat wave and an increase in humidity, they are greatly in demand.”

He added there was still people who were only starting to fit air- conditioners into older homes now. “I see apartment blocks and old house that don’t have units yet and have started installing them.”

Dionysiou added: “I believe there will be even more of an increase over the next five years because the weather is getting worse yearly, both in the summer and winter. In fact, more people are turning to split units now because, if used correctly, they are more economical compared to central heating, which is getting too expensive because of the increasing price of fuel.”

Meanwhile, reports yesterday warned that although there had been a surge in air-conditioning units there had not been an equivalent increase in electricity output supply. The next power increase is expected by the end of 2004, following the completion of the third phase of the electricity authority’s Vasiliko plant. However, consumers fear that that could mean serious power cuts this summer when consumption is at its highest during July and August.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003

Sunday, July 6, 2003

[03] Thousands cross for peace concert

THOUSANDS of Turkish Cypriots crossed over to the free areas on Friday night to attend a bi-communal open-air concert held at the foot of the capital’s ancient walls.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots joined voices at the “We sing for Cyprus” concert at the D' Avila Bastion, where Greek singer Maria Farandouri and Turkish singer and composer Zulfu Livaneli sang for peace in Cyprus.

The open air concert, which was free to the public, was organised jointly by AKEL, the Cultural Movement and the bi-communal choir.

“Today we dedicate our songs to all Cypriots and especially to the youth, to Cyprus of Europe, to a united Cyprus, to the Cyprus of tomorrow,” Farandouri told the crowd.

The concert was broadcast live in the north and south and covered by the Greek and Turkish press.

By midnight on Friday, 5,800 Turkish Cypriots had returned to the north after the concert through Nicosia’s Ledra Palace checkpoint, within walking distance of the concert venue.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2003

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