AFTER a long thaw, the war drums have sounded between traditional archrivals AKEL and DISY over the contentious issue of security guarantees in a reunited Cyprus.

The row was triggered by comments from DISY boss Nicos Anastassiades, who wondered why certain quarters were making such a fuss over the guarantees, which sooner or later would appear on the agenda of the ongoing talks.

A 48-YEAR-OLD Sri Lankan housemaid was raped in the Limassol district on Monday night, police said yesterday.

The woman was lying in her bed in a room adjacent to her employer’s home when an assailant came through her unlocked door.

When the 48-year-old put up a struggle her rapist punched her in the eye and told her to shut up. He then raped her and left.

THE FIRST meeting of a new group for the retired is proving that life goes on in your later years – and is just as much fun.

The Cyprus Third Age (C3A) held an open day yesterday at the Aeneas Hotel to attract members to its range of planned activities and groups for the Paralimni and Ayia Napa area.

ACTIVISTS from the Free Gaza Movement set sail for Gaza yesterday afternoon from the port of Larnaca – this after the Cyprus-based group decided to cancel last month’s planned trip that would have seen them arriving during the holy month of Ramadan.

THE HOTELIERS Association (PASYXE) on Monday submitted a list of proposals to the Finance Minister that would supposedly help boost tourist arrivals. The main proposal was the reduction of VAT on all tourism sector businesses from eight to five per cent, which would make hotel rates more attractive to tour operators and stimulate demand.

A REPORT into the causes of an air accident has again put the onus on the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

Back in May, 73-year-old David Armstrong, a permanent resident, died after his microlight smashed into a field in Paphos. The accident findings were released this weekend.