COMMERCE Minister George Lillikas yesterday announced a raft of price changes caused by Cyprus’ accession to the EU a week ago.

Down come the price of imported alcoholic beverages, but up go local drinks, cigarettes, books, children’s clothes and new homes, to name but a few.

CHEAPER imported lamb and beef is now on the market with EU accession, putting pressure on local farmers to cut their costs if they want to remain in competition, Consumers’ Association President Petros Markou said yesterday.

IMPOSING five per cent VAT on homes places a huge economic burden on Cypriot families, DISY deputy Maria Kyriacou said yesterday.

In accordance with EU directives, the government ought to have imposed 15 per cent VAT on new buildings applying for permit after May 1.

PRESIDENT Tassos Papadopoulos yesterday welcomed what he called a “correction” to statements made by top US officials on Wednesday, which he had referred to as “hostile”

“The correction made to all unacceptable statements on behalf of the US is welcome,” President Papadopoulos told reporters.

CYPRIOTS have shown little interest in foreign currency accounts since restrictions were lifted as of May 1, sources in the two main banks said yesterday.

Since last Saturday, Cypriots have the right to open accounts or convert their Cyprus pound accounts into any currency they wish at varying interest rates below those given for Cyprus pound deposits.

JUSTICE Minister Doros Theodorou said yesterday the results of forensic examination on shrapnel from a grenade used in an attack against DISY leader Nicos Anastassiades’ home on Tuesday, were expected to be ready later in the day.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail yesterday, Theodorou said the media had made a mistake in quoting him as saying DNA had been found on the shrapnel.

HEALTH Minister Dina Akkelidou said yesterday a strategic plan approved by the plenum would help combat the growing drug problem on the island by collecting data and working closely with the EU.

THE momentous occasion of Cyprus’ EU accession could well be a cause for celebration in the Central Prison, for guards and convicts alike.

According to reports, the Justice Ministry has requested a mass reduction of sentences for inmates in light of EU accession.

A 40-YEAR-old London Cypriot is already eight days into his 600-kilometre charity walk across the Troodos mountain range.

FOUR men questioned in connection with the attempted murder of an American resident in Cyprus last week will face trial on September 30 on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime.