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Monday, 30 December 2024
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Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 01-12-18Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>CONTENTS
[01] Headlines lunchtimeThe National Council convened this morning to evaluate the latest developments in the Cyprus problem,British special representative for the Cyprus problem Lord David Hannay was accepted this morning by President of the Republic Glafkos Clerides, A fatal combination of an early cold snap, alcohol, poverty and old age has already pushed weather-related deaths in parts of eastern Europe above the total for the whole of last winter, The whereabouts of Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted man, remained a mystery as U.S. and Afghan forces hunted his routed fighters in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan and Canadian police, taking advantage of sweeping new anti-terrorism legislation, arrested Santa Claus on the grounds that he had a beard. [02] National CouncilThe National Council convened this morning to evaluate the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, in light of the upcoming direct talks between President Clerides and Turkish-cypriot leader Rauf Denktash scheduled for the sixteenth of January. The last session had been held on the fifth of December, right after the meeting between President Clerides and Rauf Denktash, in the presence of the UN chief's special advisor on the Cyprus problem Alvaro De Soto, and prior to the official dinner held in occupied Nicosia, with President Clerides attending. The specific content of the last meeting was not disclosed. The only details made public were that the overall political strategy was discussed, and particular decisions were reached.[03] Hannay contactsBritish special representative for the Cyprus problem Lord David Hannay was accepted this morning by President of the Republic Glafkos Clerides. They held a working breakfast. Responding to a question on whether his comments yesterday on a new partnership in Cyprus constitute a new British approach or simply a slip up, Lord Hannay referred to an informal document drawn up by the UN Secretary General, which spoke of a new partnership that will come out of the solution of the Cyprus problem and lead Cyprus to the European Union. At around eleven he crossed over to the occupied areas and met with Turkish-cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. He also met leaders of Turkish cypriot parties. During contacts with political leaders yesterday, the British diplomat had said that the talks will take place on a give and take basis and did not rule out the possibility of a solution within six months. Around three this afternoon, Hannay will hold a press conference at Ledra Palace near the buffer zone in Nicosia.[04] Turkish planAccording to the Turkish cypriot daily Kibris, considered to be pro-Denktash, in case the talks between President Clerides and Rauf Denktash talks continue, the United States will gradually implement a plan they have drawn up for a solution of the Cyprus problem. According to the paper, Washington have prepareda three dimensional map of Cyprus, outlining all the details of their plan.[05] Dhali infectionA technical glitch at the pump room of the waste processing plant in the Nicosia district village of Dhali, led to the flooding of the manhole, creating a serious infection risk for the Yialias torrent. The main waste viaduct as well as the pumproom are very near the torrent banks. Dhali mayor Nikos Nikolaou said that the problem has been temporarily dealt with, but there is a danger of the pipe breaking down, causing a major environmental spill. Nikolaou has asked the government to transfer the duct away from the Yialias banks. He said that the waste spill is small, so far, but microbiological checks will be carried out to make absolutely sure that the situation is under control.[06] Weather EuropeA fatal combination of an early cold snap, alcohol, poverty and old age has already pushed weather-related deaths in parts of eastern Europe above the total for the whole of last winter. The cold spell has taken its toll on the Mediterranean, too, with rare snowfalls south of the Alps, heavy storms and widespread flooding. As in previous years, the main cause of death in eastern Europe has been excessive drinking, with hundreds of victims succumbing to exposure in the open after failing to find their way home from binges. Russia's capital Moscow has already counted 221 dead this winter. Poland, has counted 135 weather-related deaths so far. In neighbouring Lithuania, over 20 people have died in the cold snap of recent weeks and 21 in Latvia, with alcohol again a major culprit. Heavy snow falls in southeastern France last week forced the closure of several motorways, causing heavy traffic congestion. In Italy, snow coated parts of the southern region of Naples for the first time in over 15 years and temperatures fell below zero on Sicily. Floods have also struck Turkey's Mediterranean coast, leaving five people dead. Snow storms, gale-force winds and heavy rain also swept across Greece, forcing the closure of all northern Greek airports, and all schools in northwestern Greece.[07] Afghan wrapThe whereabouts of Osama bin Laden, the world's most wanted man, remained a mystery as U.S. and Afghan forces hunted his routed fighters in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan. President Bush vowed to catch Islamic militant Osama bin Laden "when the dust clears" from a cloud of conflicting reports on his whereabouts. Pashtun forces are preparing to attack a mountain redoubt where Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar is believed to be hiding with 500 men, and want to hang him. On the diplomatic front, the man designated to head the interim government that will take power in Afghanistan this week met with the former Afghan king for talks to smooth the way for the exiled monarch's return. In London, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain would contribute up to one thousand five hundred men to an international peace force for Afghanistan and it was prepared in principle to lead such a force.[08] Drugs arrestsTwo people were arrested last night in Nicosia, for possession of cannabis. The two men were arrested around eleven, in possession of ten grams of cannabis. Early today, one of the suspects handed over another one and a half grams, that he had stashed away in his car.[09] Gambling arrestsAnother sixteen people were arrested for gambling last night in areas of Nicosia and Larnaca. Ten of them were arrested at the Olympiakos club in Nicosia. Police confiscated one thousand sixty five pounds and three hundred playing cards. Six people were arrested at the Larnaca district village of Pervolia. All sixteen were charged in writing and released.[10] Arson attemptArsonists targeted a car about an hour past midnight, in Larnaca. The car, owned by Loukas Sotiriou, 24, was parked outside the Medusa apartment building. The fire broke out at the front part of the vehicle, but was put out, before causing serious damage.[11] Weather lunchtimeIt will be cloudy this afternoon, with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms, while sleet or even snow is expected to fall on the highest reaches of the Troodos mountains. Winds will be moderate to strong, southeasterly to southwesterly, five to six beaufort, over moderate to rough seas. Tonight it will be cloudy with local showers and the possibility of sleet or snow falling on the highest reaches of the Troodos mountains. Winds will be moderate to strong, westerly to northwesterly, four to five beaufort, over moderate to rough seas. Temperatures will fall to six degrees inland, 10 on the coast and three on the mountains.Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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