SWINE FLU cases more than doubled in the last week, the health ministry said on Thursday. At the Makarios Hospital the number of children being seen per day had risen from 20-30 to 60-70 in the last week, while at the Nicosia General Hospital’s flu clinic the number of cases was up from 60 to 140.

The ministry’s decision to release figures about cases is aimed at persuading more people to have flu jabs. The government’s free vaccination programme started on Monday but very few people from the group covered by the first phase – healthcare personnel and people considered high-risk, between 15 and 45 years – showed up at the hospitals and flu clinics. Although the turn-out improved later in the week, it was still much lower than expected.

CONSULTATION on the draft legislation designed to ease the title deeds problem and ultimately create healthier conditions in the property market has now been completed “within an open, democratic and transparent process” aimed at creating the “broadest possible political and social consensus”, Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis said yesterday.

“For the first time and in a holistic manner faces up to a lingering problem, a Gordian Knot which has prevented thousands of Cypriot and foreign property-buyers from obtaining title deeds,” Sylikiotis said.

A 33-YEAR-OLD Argentinian UN soldier stationed in Cyprus was killed in a car accident off Anthoupoli roundabout yesterday, while a second peacekeeper was seriously wounded, police said.

In a tragic turn of events, the car driven by a 35-year-old Argentinian with the 33-year-old in the passenger seat crashed onto a vehicle that was parked on the emergency lane of the Kokkynotrymithia-Troodos road, by Anthoupoli roundabout. The parked car had engine problems and was abandoned by its driver the previous night.

“At 5.30am a small Subaru car making its way from Nicosia to Kokkynotrymithia at some point swerved left and violently crashed into a parked car on the left of the road,” said Alkis Kyriakou Nicosia traffic head.

TWO MEN were yesterday referred for trial before the criminal court in connection with the brutal beating of a 20-year-old that left him in critical condition. The man sustained critical head injuries around two weeks ago during clashes between rival football fans at a futsal facility Nicosia. The two suspects, aged 23 and 24, were yesterday referred for trial before the criminal court where they will face attempted murder charges, among others. They also face conspiracy to commit felony, actions aiming at causing grievous bodily harm and assault. Charges carry a maximum of life imprisonment. The pair were released on a €50,000 bail after handing over their travel documents. They are expected to be formally charged before the criminal court on December 3.

THE GOVERNMENT yesterday suggested calm and patience over a draft European Council report that makes no mention of possible sanctions against Turkey despite its failure to normalise relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

On Thursday the European Parliament approved the draft causing further dismay among certain parties in the domestic front.

Attempt by Cypriot MEPs to include in the draft a reference to sanctions were rejected.

The European Council will assess Turkey’s accession progress next month.

Government spokesman Stefanos Stefanou said discussion on the draft was just beginning “but some are in a hurry to prejudge the conclusion of the procedure and the stance the Republic of Cyprus would take on the issue.”

THE POSTAL Services has started offering an international money transfer service.

According to the Central Bank, in 2008 approximately €280 million was transferred from Cyprus to eastern Europe, China and south-east Asia through cash transfer firms.

“Cyprus post offices are focusing on trying to provide new services to satisfy the needs of the Cypriot public, including the large number of economic immigrants who live in our country.” said Andreas Grigoriou, Postal Director.

LUFTHANSA is offering special rates starting from €220 for European destinations for flights in February and March, but travellers have to book by tomorrow to get a seat. The German airline is offering a limited number of tickets starting from €220 and €230 for destinations like Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Birmingham, Lisbon, London, Manchester, Munich, Paris and Vienna. Prices include taxes, surcharges and ticket service fee. Those with an acute case of the travel bug must book by tomorrow and then sit tight until February or March when the ticket applies.