PHILELEFTHEROS “Snail’s pace concerns the UN” Mediators are concerned that negotiations are moving slowly. A diplomatic source revealed to the paper that the negotiations are moving at snail’s pace which is cause for concern given the time frame to reach a referendum before May 1. Papadopoulos said changes must be made in the Annan plan for them to agree to a referendum. Despite Ankara insisting that negotiations will proceed, Denktash remains firm on his opinions.
POLITIS “Dirty laundry in the public sector” Offers have been made by private companies to take over the New Nicosia General Hospital laundry rooms, but now the Cabinet has decided to put everything on hold and study whether it would be in the best interest of the state to continue having control of the laundry department. Another matter is the hours spent by workers in the laundry room, costing the government many thousands of pounds.
HARAVGHI “National Strategy against drugs” Important steps have been taken regarding the use and distribution of drugs in Cyprus. Health Minister Dina Akkelidou analysed the details of the National Strategy against drug abuse and stated the future steps of the programme. One important point was the implementation of a rehabilitation programme. The Strategy will be brought before Parliament, while in mid-March the plan will be completed.
MACHI “Fatal danger for children” Many children are rushed to hospital after swallowing foreign objects. A doctor was commenting on the case of an 18-month-old girl died just before undergoing surgery to remove nuts from her lungs. He said the intake of foreign objects usually occured in children of nursery school age, when they are playing with things and often place them in their mouth or ears.
ALITHIA “Potato farmers begin today” Potato farmers are beginning to move their tractors today in response to the government’s failure to meet their demands. They decided they would lead their tractors to Ormidhia and on Monday they are expected to block roads. Potato farmers will be taking part in the demonstration with 500 tractors. Agriculture Minister Timis Efthimou has refused to meet their demands as they do not meet with EU directives.
SIMERINI “New plans by the Defence Ministry” The Defence Ministry has decided to change the overnight leave time for soldiers. National Guardsmen will leave the army at 4pm and be expected to return by 3pm the next day. Overnight leave will be given once a week and if possible twice. The Ministry said the reason for this was to avoid car accidents when soldiers are rushing to get back to camp by 7am. Soldiers will also be able to make arrangements and have more free time to deal with personal matters.
