A PROTECTED colony of rare fruit bats in Cyprus has almost been wiped out by unidentified gunmen using them for target practice, conservation groups and authorities said yesterday.

EUROPEAN Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou yesterday announced the European Commission’s decision to lift some of the restrictive measures imposed after the recent foot and mouth outbreak.

As of Monday, the EC will allow the export of pork meat from Cyprus, the slaughter of animals from within the 10km exclusion zone and the production of milk from animals in the 3km zone.

PRESIDENT Tassos Papadopoulos yesterday defended his trade minister from accusations that he disputed on the Auditor-general’s authority over her probe into the natural gas affair.

THE FREEZE in relations between Turkey and Cyprus could endanger European security forces in Kosovo by preventing closer cooperation between the EU and NATO missions there, a top EU official said yesterday.

CARREFOUR is the cheapest place to shop in most towns for milk, pork and olive oil, a survey by the Commerce Ministry revealed yesterday.

As part of its monthly price monitoring, the Ministry surveyed supermarkets in all towns checking a list of 33 items.

MAJOR DELAYS at the Registrar of Companies is costing the state millions in foreign investment, said DISY deputy Maria Kyriacou yesterday.

A PAPHOS estate agent is wanted by the police after being accused of stealing an £80,000 deposit from a British couple before disappearing.

Paphos CID believe the 49-year-old man may have already fled the country after closing down his offices and have issued a warrant for his arrest. Interpol has also been notified.

EU study says Cypriots love their mobile phones

CYPRIOTS talk more on their mobile phones than any of their European counterparts.

THE NEW Paphos International Airport has less than a year until it becomes a reality, according to an announcement by operator Hermes yesterday.

A press release sent out yesterday said works for the completion of the new Paphos terminal continue at a rapid pace. The company anticipates the new airport will significantly assist the development of the country.