PHILELEFTHEROS: “UK putting pressure on Russia over ‘TRNC’ status” In its lead story, the paper said the British government was promoting to the UN Security Council a draft proposal for measures upgrading the breakaway regime’s status, particularly as far as trade is concerned. According to sources, British diplomats want to get a Security Council resolution similar to the recent decision by the European Commission on direct trade with the north. To this end, British diplomacy is trying to ensure Moscow does not oppose the proposal when it is submitted.
ALITHIA: “Ready for a solution” A bi-communal fiesta in occupied Morphou turned out to be a huge success, with the turnout double that initially predicted. Some 5,000 people attended the event, showing that Cypriots on both sides still hunger for a solution, the paper said. Meanwhile former presidents Glafcos Clerides and George Vassiliou were not allowed to cross over to the north.
SIMERINI: “Shock report on heroin use” Two government ministers have warned of the alarming extent of heroin use among youths, following the latest deaths of two people in Paphos, caused by drug overdose. A Health Ministry report recently submitted to the Cabinet conceded that the use of narcotics on the island was increasing dangerously, and more and more people were shooting up heroin intravenously. For his part, Justice Minister Doros Theodorou has warned that the situation may worsen if drastic measures are not taken immediately.
HARAVGHI: “What’s next” The National Council will be convening today to discuss the current situation with the Cyprus problem, the communist party mouthpiece led. At the session the President is set to brief political leaders on his recent meetings abroad, and discussion will then turn to the EU’s decision for direct trade with the northern breakaway regime. Also on the agenda will be the government’s planned measures for economic assistance to Turkish Cypriots.
POLITIS: “President in the know about Matsakis case” Following up on its investigation into Marios Matsakis, the paper claimed it had confirmation that the MEP was implicated in a ring that smuggled stolen items from the north. Specifically, police reportedly have evidence that Matsakis would receive old chests (of which the original owners were Greek Cypriots) and sell them in the south. The DIKO deputy has said he will sue the paper over its new allegations.
THARROS: “Murders, burglaries and rapes” The paper focused on the spate of serious crime over the weekend, including a homicide, an attempted murder and two rapes. The most heinous crime was committed in Limassol, where a Ukrainian woman was found lying dead on her bed. She was apparently beaten to death, while police suspect she may also have been raped.
