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Cyprus News Agency: News in English, 12-05-07Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus News Agency at <http://www.cyna.org.cy>CONTENTS
[01] Aim of Cypriot presidency is a better EuropeEducation and Culture Minister George Demosthenous said that aim of the presidency of the European Council by the Republic of Cyprus, is to allow, through proposals, initiatives and suggestions, for Europe to become a better place. Addressing the opening ceremony in Nicosia of the events for Europe, organized within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the minister said that a number of meetings will be organised by the Cypriot presidency, as well as cultural events."We can say that in the six months of the presidency, the heart of Europe will be beating in Cyprus", the Minister added. He further said that the presidency has great significance for educationalists and students since it is a unique opportunity to further inform them on the structure and institutions of the EU. At the same time, he said, school will be promoted through various events, allowing the participation of educationalists and students in the social dialogue that will evolve. The Presidency, he added, allows for a more active involvement of students in decision-making and in formulating the positions on issues, which directly involve them, such as equality, respect of political, and human rights, literacy and providing quality education to all. "It provides a wonderful opportunity for the Cypriot culture and heritage to evolve at a European level", he added. Demosthenous urged the students to "see yourselves as the protagonists of European life", adding that a united Europe "gives us ample opportunities to travel and be educated". [02] Two additional units to operate in the summer, EAC chairman saysThe Electricity Authority of Cyprus is working round the clock to operate the units at Vasiliko Power Plant that were damaged last July, to meet the increasing power supply in the summer.EAC Chairman Haris Thrasou told CNA that the two units at Vasiliko power plant, which suffered major damage, following a blast at a naval base near the coastal city of Limassol last July, have a 300-megawatt capacity and will be ready to operate in June and July. The blast, which occurred in containers full of munitions confiscated from a vessel sailing from Iran to Syria in 2009, resulted in regular power cuts last summer. "We expect to start operating unit 5, which has a capacity of 220-230 mw and part of unit 4 which has a 70 mw capacity, totaling 300 mw and we are also planning to import 120 mw from overseas. We have already made the order," he pointed out. With these additional units, he said, "we believe that we can cover the gap that will be created with the high demand in the summer". Answering a question about the demand during the presidency of the European Council from July until the end of the year, Thrasou said that the EAC will make an effort to operate the old units at Moni and Dhekelia to meet demand. [03] Danish parliamentary delegation in Cyprus ahead of Cypriot presidencyA delegation of the European Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament will visit Cyprus, on 7 and 8 May, 2012, in view of the forthcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union which begins on July 1.The Danish Parliamentary delegation is composed by Eva Kjer Hansen, Chairperson of the Committee, and Committee Members Jens Joel Nielsen, Trine Bramsen, Jacob Bjerregaard, Lykke Friis, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, Erling Bonnesen, Lone Loklindt and Nikolaj Villumsen. During the visit, the delegation will be received by the President of the House of Representatives, Yiannakis Omirou and will have a meeting with the Chairman, Averof Neofytou and Members of the House Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs. The delegation will also meet with the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Andreas Mavroyiannis. [04] Prospects pessimistic for tourism this summer, hoteliers` sayProspects in the tourist industry this summer are pessimistic, according to the hoteliers, who see a drop in the number of tourists from Britain and Germany but an increase from Russia.General Director of the Cyprus Hotel Association Zacharias Ioannides has told CNA that the picture so far is negative as far as arrivals are concerned, compared to last year's figures. "The objective is to have as many tourists as last year in the summer season," he said. In statements to CNA, Ioannides said pre-bookings from the UK, Cyprus' largest tourist market, are 8-10% less than last year's figures. Preliminary bookings from the German market are also down by 15%. Central European countries have shown similar trends, he added. The Russian market is the only one which gives encouraging messages and it is expected to register a 15% increase on last year's numbers, he explaining, noting however that this rise is no match to the 50% increase of the past couple of years. Cyprus News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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