HARAVGHI: “Widespread condemnation of bomb attack on Talat” There was strong condemnation of the bomb attack on the residence of Turkish Cypriot ‘Prime Minister’ Mehmet Ali Talat from all quarters yesterday. Officials from across the spectrum condemned the attack, from the EU Commissioner to the President of the Republic, House President and smallest Greek Cypriot parties. The bomb went off near his residence in occupied Kyrenia just a few hours before talks began.
PHILELEFTHEROS: “US begins Yes and No count” The Americans, through US Ambassador Michael Klosson, have begun probing parties on the island to find out their intentions regarding the latest developments on the Annan plan. The US diplomat is reportedly asking Greek Cypriot parties how far they are willing to discuss the bullet points set out by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and what stand they will take on the referendum.
POLITIS: “Hot start to talks” Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash started the latest round of negotiations with tough demands, adding strength to the belief that the real give and take will only happen when the motherlands join in. Denktash went as far as saying the return of land should start six years after the signing of an agreement. President Tassos Papadopoulos responded by saying Denktash’s demands went beyond the spirit of the Annan plan.
MACHI: “New evidence on bribery of doctors” A representative of the Pancyprian Association of Heart Patients gave evidence to the Health Minister on Paphos Hospital doctors who allegedly took bribes from patients. The Association presented the information to Health Minister Dina Akkelidou on Thursday after receiving a number of complaints from patients. The minister told reporters that if the charges proved correct, the doctors would not go unpunished.
SIMERINI: “Illegal use of coloured fuel” The Customs Authority arrested three people in connection with the illegal use of huge quantities of coloured fuel. Customs conducted a search operation of the Famagusta district on Thursday, uncovering huge quantities of the fuel, which is only meant to be used for agricultural purposes. The officials, acting on a tip off, searched the houses, land and cars of the three when they discovered the coloured fuel.
ALITHIA: “Tragedy: 12-year-old dead on pitch” Tragedy hit Limassol on Thursday when a 12-year-old boy died while training at the Apollonas Football Academy. The young goalkeeper, Christoforos Georgiou, tragically lost his life during a training session at the Episkopi Community Stadium after fainting on the pitch. His coach rushed to his aid, helping him regain consciousness. But two minutes later he lost it again and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
