MPs on the House Health Committee yesterday considered ways to improve implementation of the ban on smoking in public places, which in many cases is little more than a dead letter.

Committee Chairman Eleni Theocharous of DISY said there was a significant difference of opinion during the meeting, both among deputies and other implicated bodies.

THE ROW between Nicosia hospital’s orthopaedic and radiography departments has reignited, with doctors threatening to boycott surgeries unless the problem is resolved.

Only three weeks into the truce, which was called after Health Minister Christos Patsallides was forced to step in to terminate the ongoing dispute, both sides are back at each other’s throats.

THE INTERNATIONAL Council of Alcohol and Addictions (ICAA) will organise an international conference in Limassol between November 2 and 7. The conference will be held under the auspices of President Demetris Christofias.

A MAJOR casino owner in the north has accused the Turkish Cypriot authorities of being “coy” over the $500 million made annually from the gaming industry, and has called on the administration to devise a clear and workable policy on casinos.

INCIDENTS of racist behaviour in schools may be isolated, but that doesn’t mean the state can rest assured that all is well, the Ombudswoman said yesterday.

According to Eliana Nicolaou’s report, which was yesterday presented to the Education Minister, two complaints were submitted to her Office in 2008 by foreign pupils claiming they had been discriminated against at school.

DRUG baron Lucas Siderenou yesterday pleaded guilty to all charges relating to his involvement in one of the island’s largest drug busts in 20 years.

The 60-year-old Famagusta district man pleaded guilty to seven charges, including possession and possession with intent to sell, and faces sentencing on November 19.

A UK hospital is demanding payment in the region of €100,000 for treating a Greek Cypriot heart patient, the Health Ministry confirmed yesterday.

LIMASSOL police are investigating an alleged armed robbery that took place last night in the Yermasoyeia area.

According to a kiosk employee, who notified the police of the incident, around 8.30 an unidentified man walked into the store and held her at knifepoint. Speaking English, the perpetrator ordered the employee to empty the cash register.

THE STREETS of Nicosia and Limassol will soon become awash with colour as people from Cyprus’ diverse array of nationalities celebrate their cultures.