HARAVGHI: “Parliament gives red light to government” The House of Representatives put on the red light on Thursday after a government proposal to raise the price of fuel by 0.8 cents was rejected before it could even be debated. The House reviews fuel prices every six months based on international market prices. Based on this decision, the government is expected to bring back its proposals for price hikes in December. AKEL spokesman Andros Kyprianou said it was an example of the executive respecting the wishes of the legislature.
ALITHIA: “Distinction for Cyprus from Lions” The 49th Lions European Forum in Cyprus is a great event for the island, bringing together thousands of delegates from over 40 countries. During Thursday’s opening ceremony, President Tassos Papadopoulos thanked the Lions Club President Tae-Sup Lee for honouring him with a Merit of Distinction, which he described as an award for the Cypriot people for its significant achievements.
POLITIS: “Moment of truth” The Auditor-general was expected to hand over her report into allegations against the Paralimni municipality yesterday. The report launched after allegations of conflict of interest within the municipality’s decision-making process will be handed over to the Interior Minister who now has to decide what to do with the results. According to sources, the report is anything but favourable towards Paralimni mayor Nicos Vlittis, and will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting.
PHILELEFTHEROS: “Cyprus takes part in joint military exercises” Cyprus is taking part in the first joint crisis management operation between the EU and NATO. The exercise will take place in Brussels and in the capitals of member states from November 19 to 25. According to sources, the exercise will be on paper and the scenario includes a hypothetical crisis between two minorities on an imaginary island called Atlantia in the Atlantic Ocean. The aim of the joint forces is to restore order, peace and security.
SIMERINI: “Millions will be lost” EU Ambassador for Cyprus, Adriaan van der Meer, warned on Sigma that the country could lose millions of euros in aid if delays on creating the Paying Agency continue. Unless the administrative structures exist, the EU will hold onto the 153 million euros set aside for Cyprus between 2004 and 2006. According to the ambassador, Cyprus has just six weeks to get the Agency up and running before the January 1 deadline. And if the structures aren’t in place, the funds wont come. “That’s the rules of the game,” he added.
KYPROS SIMERA: “Charles victimised for following Orthodox faith” Prince Charles now faces new attacks from “dark circles”, the weekly paper claims. The establishment has launched a dirty attack against the heir, hinting at homosexual acts with members of his staff, because they do not want a man who believes in Orthodox Christianity and has close ties with Mount Athos to sit on the British throne.
