SIMERINI: “Arrest in the occupied areas”. Two Greek Cypriots were arrested in the occupied north on Saturday after Turkish soldiers found 34 cartridges in their car. The two 31-year-olds from Ayia Napa crossed the Strovilia checkpoint and were stopped and searched by the Turks. When the latter found the cartridges the men were arrested and released on bail set at £150. In order to ensure the driver of the car reappeared in ‘court’ for his trial yesterday, the occupying forces impounded his car.
PHILELEFTHEROS: “Children suffer from pneumonia due to bad weather”. The Makarios hospital’s paediatrics ward is overflowing with children suffering from pneumonia and respiratory infections. The increase in the number of pre-school age patients afflicted with various lung infections is due to colder weather conditions than normal, explained doctors who said their patients were treated using antibiotics, and in more severe cases by use of intravenous antibiotics. Symptoms include high fever, severe cough, joint pain and general discomfort.
ALITHIA: “Paphos Bishop’s brother released”. Paphos Bishop Chrysostomos’ brother, Antonis Demetriou from Emba, was released on Monday morning after being charged in writing with illegally possessing antiquities. Demetriou claimed his children had found the clay vessels in a nearby field years ago and he had kept them. But the Bishop said his brother should have informed the authorities of his findings and that no one who broke the law should be exempt from the facing the consequences.
MACHI: “Consumers to go without liquid gas”. Liquid gas distributors warned they would stand by their decision not to distribute liquid gas today if petrol companies do not increase their commission. Distributors have complained that over the past ten years the price of liquid gas per cylinder has increased by £1.35 and yet their commission has remained steadfast at 10 cents per cylinder. Meanwhile small and medium sized business who also distribute gas have also complained for the same reason.
POLITIS: “Romanian stole £4,000 from cabaret”. Police have launched a manhunt for a Romanian cabaret artiste who is believed to have stolen £4,000 in cash from the Ayia Napa cabaret where she worked. The incident was reported to police on Monday and an arrest warrant has been issued in her name. She has also been placed on the stop list at all ports and airports after fears were expressed that she might try to leave the island.
HARAVGHI: “Competition to bring about cheaper phone rates”. Telecommunications and Postal Services Regulator Vassos Pyrgos was optimistic that healthy telecommunication competition would result in phone rates dropping. He said the licence granted to Telepassport would also create new jobs, as well as dropping rates and upgrading existing services. Pyrgos added CyTA, who has up until now monopolised the market, would also be regulated so as to ensure it did not offer packages below cost price.
