Greek Press

ALITHIA: “Mammoth incomes from properties”. The daily writes that the state received a first-of-its-kind increase in Capital Gain Tax during 2007, mainly due to the activity that took place in the property sector in view of the pending VAT on land purchases. In the first 11 months of 2007 the state received £422.3 million in taxes. The paper also reports on former President Glafcos Clerides expressing his support for presidential candidate Ioannis Kasoulides.

TO THARROS: “A clear message from NEDISY”. The right-wing daily writes that the NEDISY Pancyprian conference that took place on Saturday sent out a message of victory for presidential candidate Ioannis Kasoulides, in a meeting that was reminiscent of DISY’s youth at the end of the 1970s which was led by Manolis Christofides. The paper also reported on Archbishop Chrysostomos’ wishes for the Epiphany to be celebrated in a free Kyrenia next year.

POLITIS: “The Cyprus problem is back on the chessboard”. The daily writes that Turkish President Abdullah Gul has departed for a formal visit to the US with a proposal to begin resolution negotiations for the Cyprus problem in spring, straight after the presidential elections. The paper also reports on the Epiphany celebrations that took place in Limassol on Sunday in the presence of Archbishop Chrysostomos and President Tassos Papadopoulos.

SIMERINI: “We are burning at $100 for oil”. The paper warns consumers to be prepared for steep increases in fuel prices over the next few days, after international prices reached $100 a barrel; 2008 is set to form a huge dent in consumers’ pockets. The daily also reports on the death of former Foreign Minister and House President Alekos Michaelides, who passed away at the age of 75 in Paphos Hospital on Sunday.

PHILELEFTHEROS: “Old wounds are being scratched”. The daily writes that old “forgotten” conflicts between the political powers came with the beginning of the New Year, with the last few days seeing the beginning of demonstrations at the British Bases in Akrotiri. The paper also writes that policemen will take to the streets on Saturday indefinitely following the collapse of negotiations with the government.

HARAVGHI: “Regressions”. The left-wing daily writes that questions have been raised over President Tassos Papadopoulos’ intentions for the Cyprus problem, following recent statements, with which he seemed to regress in positions and aims, resulting in the Greek Cypriot side losing credibility abroad and in the UN, at a time when there is new movement from the Turkish side.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.