Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English, 03-10-10

Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation at <http://www.cybc.com.cy/>

CONTENTS

[01] Headlines

[02] Nikiforos

[03] Mavronikolas

[04] Chrysostomides

[05] Truckers

[06] Denktash

[07] Bakoyianni

[08] Beating

[09] Nobel

[10] Mideast

[11] Iraq

[12] weather FRIDAY 10/10/03

[01] Headlines

The cancellation of overlapping war games by Greece, Cyprus and Turkey was welcomed as a positive development,

The government said it's pleased as the island's businesses and industry breathed a sigh of relief after truck drivers suspended their strike,

The Athens Mayor pledged that security at the Athens Olympics next summer will be problem-free,

AND Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work defending human rights.

[02] Nikiforos

The cancellation of the war games was announced by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul on the sidelines of a Euromediterranean Forum in Antalia, Turkey.

Speaking on CyBC radio this morning, Mr. Beglitis said the decision was a joint initiative by Athens and Nicosia to reduce tensions in the region.

He said President Papadopoulos embraced the initiative and was instrumental in its realisation.

The Greek official denied suggestions that outside pressure was brought to bear on Athens and Nicosia to scrap the war games.

In another developement, Mr. Beglitis said violations of Greek airspace by Turkish war planes have diminished noticeably over the last four months.

Greek fighters scrambled yesterday to intercept four Turkish aircraft formations that entered Greek airspace in the northern and central Aegean.

Mr. Beglitis said Athens in monitoring the situation closely and is informing the European Commission on Turkish actions.

[03] Mavronikolas

Also speaking on CyBC radio, Mr. Mavronikolas said that approach shouldn't be restricted to military exercises, but applied by Ankara to formulate a different policy line on Cyprus.

Regarding reservists called up to take part in the annual exercise code-named Nikiforos, Mr. Mavronikolas said his Ministry is considering adopting the same procedure as last year when the war games were also cancelled.

He said reservists will have to present themselves to their units where they will undergo a firearms check and be issued their orders for their next appearance.

[04] Chrysostomides

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said the government showed good will and hopes that reason will prevail in ensuing talks to resolve the dispute.

He said everyone must be made aware that adoption of European law will affect many sectors, but compliance is unavoidable.

Mr. Chrysostomides said the government will seek out the most beneficial solutions in its talks with the truckers.

Truck drivers went on strike eight days ago to protest what they said were unfair European laws that threatened their livelihood.

The spokesman said in the past, many were left in the dark over what the new laws would mean.

[05] Truckers

The port will remain open tonight until eight o'clock and through the weekend so industry and businesses can take delivery of their goods.

Dock workers offered to work overtime hours over the weekend, but with no overtime pay.

Port Chief Pambos Vassiliou said his docks will be back to their usual work pace by the middle of next week.

He said more staff and hauling equipment has been brought in to help in the effort, adding that extra costs will be covered by the port and not businesses.

The scene is much the same at Larnaca port which open for business.

[06] Denktash

According to a statement, all of the Turkish Cypriot leader's visits abroad have been cancelled for the same reason.

In its report on the Cyprus issue last week, the Islamic Conference recognised the goverment of Cyprus and expressed support for its policy line.

Rauf Denktash reacted strongly and asked the Conference to withdraw the report which he said could only have been drafted at a panhellenic conference.

[07] Bakoyianni

This from Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni after a meeting this morning with President Papadopoulos who received a formal invitation to the Games.

Mrs. Bakoyianni said construction work is proceeding at a quickened pace so that Athens will be ready to host the Games.

The Athens Mayor said President Papadopoulos briefed her on where the Cyprus issue now stands.

Mrs. Bakoyianni is in Cyprus on an official two-day visit on the invitation of the Mayor of Limassol.

[08] Beating

Constantinos Glykis was found by a friend who took him to Nicosia General Hospital where he remains under observation.

Doctor said that Glykis suffered a cut lip and multiple bruises to his face, consistent with those of a possible beating.

Police said the victim was unable to give a statement.

[09] Nobel

The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Ebadi, one of Iran's first female judges before the Islamic revolution forced her to step down, for work focused on the rights of women and children.

She won from a record field of 165 candidates including Pope John Paul and former Czech President Vaclav Havel.

Ebadi, only the 11th woman to win since the prize was set up in 1901, said she would come to Oslo to receive the prize.

She said it was a surprise and she had had no time to consider what to do with the 1.32 million dollars in prize money.

[10] Mideast

Citing what it called plans by Palestinian militants to obtain anti-aircraft missiles, the army sent dozens of armoured vehicles and infantry into the Rafah camp on the Gaza-Egypt border to search for weapons-smuggling tunnels.

Palestinian medics said five Palestinians were killed, including two gunmen, and some 35 people were wounded during clashes between troops and militants.

On the stormy Palestinian political front, Mr. Qurie maintained his public silence in what appeared to be a dispute with President Yasser Arafat over security powers key to a revival of Middle East peacemaking.

Palestinian officials said Mr. Qurie threatened to resign after a session of parliament was cancelled amid opposition from a number of lawmakers to the idea of forming a crisis cabinet.

[11] Iraq

A spokeswoman said the 1st Armored Division soldiers were ambushed yesterday as they patrolled the streets of Sadr City.

Locals said at least two Iraqis had been killed in gunbattles with American troops.

Earlier, two suicide bombers crashed their car through the gates of a Sadr City police station and blew themselves up, killing at least eight other Iraqis and wounding dozens in the bloodiest attack in Baghdad for weeks.

Also yesterday, a Spanish diplomat was shot dead by gunmen in Baghdad and a U.S. soldier was killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack northeast of the capital.

[12] weather

Light to moderate westerly winds, for 3 to 4 are forecast later today, with generally slight to moderate seas.

Temperatures will reach 30 degrees inland, 28 on the south coast, 26 in the west and 20 in the highest mountains.

Fine tonight with light, westerly to northwesterly winds, force 2 to 3, and with slight seas.

Temperatures will drop to 16 degrees inland, 18 onthe coasts and 12 in the highest mountains.

A reminder that the fire hazard remains very high in all forest areas.

Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article