London Greek Radio

AEK of Larnaca achieved a great away victory on Sunday against Apollon of Limassol with 1-0 in the framework of match day 4 of the Cyprus League.

At the same time, the leader of the table APOEL beat Derynia with 2-0 in GSP Stadium and on Saturday Omonia defeated away Ethnicos Achnas with 2-1.

Match day 4 concludes on Monday with the match between Karmiotissa and AEL of Limassol. The results of match day 4: Apollon-AEK 0-1, APOEL-Anagennisi Deryneia 2-0, Doxa-Ermis Aradippou 1-2, Nea Salamina-Aris 0-0, Ethnicos Achnas – Omonia 1-2, Anorthosis-AEZ 2-2.

Standings: APOEL 9, AEK 9, Omonia 8, Apollon 7, AEL 7, Ermis 6, Anorthosis 5, Aris 3, Karmiotissa 2, Nea Salamina 2, Doxa 1, Anagennisi Deryneia 1, Ethnicos Achnas 1.

Unless substantive progress is achieved on pending issues, no multilateral conference can take place, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has stressed.

President Anastasiades (L) – UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide (M) – Turkish Cypriot Leader Mustafa Akinci (R)

In statements on Wednesday, returning to the Presidential Palace after the last meeting he held with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in the framework of one more intensified round of Cyprus talks, the President said that at the Cyprus talks, significant convergences have been achieved in cores issues, but there are still important differences on other matters.
He also expressed the conviction that if the Turkish Cypriot side acts like the Greek Cypriot side and demonstrates understanding as regards the Greek Cypriot side`s concerns, there is prospect to succeed.

Asked about the meeting he will hold in New York with the UNSG and the Turkish Cypriot leader, on the 25th of September, he said that the UNSG will be briefed on the progress achieved so far, the pending differences at the negotiating table as well as `on the more active involvement of all in an intensified effort so that to achieve as soon as possible those convergences that could lead us to a solution, acceptable by all parties`.

As far as the next steps is concerned, the President said that most probably, the leaders will continue their intensified talks.

“As mentioned in the joint statement, our intention is to take advantage of the coming months to succeed. As ambitious as it may seem it can become possible, if there is mutual understanding about the concerns of both communities, especially on sensitive issues that concern the Greek Cypriot side, “he said.

Replying to a question whether he is more optimistic after the conclusion of the latest round of intensified talks, the President said that this will depend on the differences that still remain.

He explained that if the Turkish Cypriot side acts like the Greek Cypriot side and demonstrates understanding as regards the Greek Cypriot side`s concerns, there is prospect to succeed.

Asked if there is a road map and if pressure is exerted by the international community, he said that there is no pressure and no intention to exert pressure, and added that if no substantive progress is achieved on the outstanding issues – which are many – so to justify a multilateral conference, this will not happen, no matter who intervenes or who wants to exert pressure, noting that there is no such intention so far.

As regards the press release issued earlier today in which there is reference to a more active role of the UNSG, the President stressed that this reference does not imply any arbitration role on behalf of the UNSG. The President pointed out that the press release notes that the Cyprus talks is a procedure led by the leaders of the two communities of Cyprus.

The content of the press release, he said, reflects the reality at the Cyprus talks, adding that significant convergences have been achieved in cores issues, but there are still important differences on other matters.

Asked if he feels strong enough `given the climate of division in the domestic front`, he said that he does not share the view that there is division in the domestic front, adding that `I am interested in the unity that must prevail between us` and noted that he needs the responsible stance of the political leaders in the next phase of the Cyprus talks.

He also said that when he returns from the US he will give a press conference to inform the people of Cyprus about the latest developments.

Finally, replying to questions he said that US Vice President Joe Biden will be among the officials he is scheduled will meet in New York.

President Anastasiades will brief this afternoon the National Council, the top advisory body to the President as regards the Cyprus issue, on the latest developments at the Cyprus talks.

Leaders want to see UN SG becoming even more directly involved, says Eide 

UN Secretary General`s Special Adviser on Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has said the two leaders, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci, want to see that UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon becomes even more directly involved in the Cyprus reunification process in the coming months.

Eide who was replying to journalists` questions after the last meeting the two leaders held on Wednesday in the context of an intensified round of talks also said that in a meeting with Ban Ki-moon on September 25, in New York, all aspects of a Cyprus settlement would be discussed including financing. He did not wish to comment further however on what the framework of such financing could be.

Replying to a question on the possibility of reaching a solution by the end of 2016 he said that “it`s ambitions but possible” and did not wish to comment further, referring to the joint statement to the press issued by the two leaders he had read moments ago.

Asked what will happen in New York on September 25, he said that there will be a meeting with the SG Ban Ki-moon, the two leaders, myself and the core teams from all sides and we will discuss exactly what was said in the statement, which is the state of play and the way ahead.”

Asked in what ways could Ban Ki-moon intensify his support he said “by becoming even more directly engaged in the coming months.”

Replying to a question whether there will be multilateral meeting in the agenda of the meeting, Espen Barth Eide said that “what we will discuss with the SG will become known to the Secretary General when the meeting is being held and then maybe we can say something after that.”

But the commitment, he added, “is to have a serious meeting, well prepared from all three sides, the two sides here and the UN, to discuss where we are in this process.”

He spoke of how committed Ban Ki-moon is to the process, pointing out that “he is very committed, very supportive, as you saw in his statement only a few days ago when he mentioned that there are two signs of hope in the world, Colombia and Cyprus, in the same sentence.”

He is committed, he said, adding that the leaders “want to see that he becomes even more directly involved in the coming months.”

Asked whether they will also discuss the financial aspect of the solution he replied “absolutely.”

Replying to an additional question about a possible donors meeting Eide said “we will definitely discuss everything which includes of course the financing and that obviously also means that we have to discuss the modalities by which we ensure economic support”. In what kind of form, meeting or framework I have no comment, he concluded.

Article written by CNA

Joint Statement to the Press on behalf of the Greek Cypriot leader Mr. Nicos Anastasiades and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr. Mustafa Akıncı
Wednesday, 14th September 2016

Turkish Cypriot Leader Mustafa Akinci (L) – President Anastasiades (R)

Today, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Mustafa Akınci, and the Greek Cypriot leader, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, completed an intensive phase of eight meetings.

In addition to holding substantive discussions on a number of issues, the leaders today took stock of the process after sixteen months of negotiations, into which a very significant amount of work, time and effort have been invested.

1. The leaders reiterated that they remain determined to do their utmost to reach a comprehensive settlement as described in the joint statement of 11th February 2014.

2. All chapters are being discussed interdependently.

3. Significant progress has been achieved on many of the outstanding issues on the Chapters of Governance and Power-Sharing, Economy, the EU matters and Property. However, certain substantial divergences still remain.

The two leaders also exchanged views and positions, in a brainstorming manner, on the Chapters of Security and Guarantees, as well as Territory. Although these initial exchanges have demonstrated that the respective views remain apart, there is a strong determination to resolve them in a mutually acceptable manner.

Cognizant of the remaining challenges, the two leaders are committed to continuing and intensifying their efforts in these leader-led negotiations in the coming months with the aim of reaching a comprehensive settlement agreement within 2016.

For this purpose, the two leaders will hold a joint meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 25th September, in New York. They will take stock of the state of play in the negotiations, inform him of their achievements to date as well as of the challenges ahead. They will exchange views with him and will request him to intensify his personal engagement in the process in the months to come.

London Cypriot singer Kyriacos Georgiou was in Sofia filming his music video of his new hit song, collaborating with Jackpot and Bulgarian singer Maria on the track ‘Sto Poto Mou Rixse Staxti‘. In Bulgarian it’s called ‘Ayde Chao’, and since it was released has notched up a pretty huge number of YouTube hits.

On August 6th he was there for the shooting of his video and worked with Maria to convey the desert-like backdrop to his song. The video has the stamp of the famous Bulgarian director and producer Luydmil Illarionov-Liusu who has been working with Nikos Vertis for the last 5 years.

The project came about by Kyriaco himself after being approached straight after a concert with Despina Vandi in Sofia, in January. He was asked about the possibility of releasing his music in Bulgaria and co-working with one of the country’s big producers and artists. They were asked to make a half Greek-half Bulgarian version of his song, which was already a big hit there, with one of their top singers Maria, who has previously done two duets with the well known Azis and Stan!

The 23 year-old singer previously worked with Jackpot in Posidonio two years ago, striking up a really good friendship; and they liked the idea of doing a song together.

Kyriacos told lgr.co.uk ‘My manager Vaggelis Papadopulos has been beside me for the last two years and we have managed to do some great projects together and he has opened up a huge market for me in Bulgaria as well as in Greece. I thank him loads for that as you always need a good team and co-ordinator by your side!’

Kyriacos revealed exclusively to us that he is currently in the studio recording a new single that will be released at the end of September by Spin Records.

He is in talks at the moment about the likely venue and place he will be performing this winter.

If you have yet to check out the music video for ‘Sto Poto Mou Rixse Staxti (Ayde Chao)’ then stop everything and watch this:

The monastery of Apostle Andreas, in the Turkish occupied Karpass peninsula, will be delivered to the pilgrims next month.

Greek Cypriot co-chairman of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, Takis Hadzidemetriou told CNA on Monday that the first phase of the restoration of the once derelict monastery is near completion and the monastery will be handed over to the Committee chairmen on 20th October, during a grand ceremony. The saint`s feast day is celebrated on 30th November.

The icons were thoroughly cleaned and the inside of the church and the pulpit have been completed, said Hadzidemetriou and the project will be handed over to the Committee during a ceremony on 20th October at the monastery courtyard.

On 17 September 2013 UNDP-PFF signed two contribution agreements worth € 2.5 million euro each, respectively with the Church of Cyprus and the Evkaf Administration (responsible for Turkish Cypriot properties) for the Restoration of the Apostolos Andreas Monastery.

The restoration of the monastery, according to UNDP, intends to contribute to the on-going confidence building process between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots within the context of cultural heritage preservation and protection. The overall restoration of the Monastery will take place in four phases.

The icons were kept at a temporary hall which was turned into a chapel for pilgrims and is under the watchful eye of Father Zacharias Georgiou, who has been looking after the monastery, to the extent that he could, since the 1974 Turkish occupation.

The Monastery is situated on the north-eastern point of the island, bears the name of Apostle Andreas. A landmark for the faithful Greek Cypriots who would often travel for up to two days to reach this holy site, the monastery was the victim of neglect since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the island`s northern third.

Hadzidemetriou described the completion of the first phase of the project as an extraordinary event and said the people are welcome to attend.

Work on the first phase began in autumn 2014.

Apollon of Limassol achieved on Sunday a great victory against AEZ Zakakiou with 4-0 for matchday 3 of the Cyprus League.

At the same time, Anorthosis defeated Aris with 2-1 in Limassol and Ermis of Aradippou defeated Anagenisi Deryneias with 1-0.

On Saturday, APOEL achieved an away victory against Nea Salamina with 4-0, AEK defeated Karmiotissa with 3-0, while the match between Omonia and Doxa in GSP Stadium ended in a 1-1 tie.

Match day 3 concludes on Monday with the match between AEL of Limassol and Ethnicos Achnas.

Standings: Apollon 7, APOEL 6, AEL 6, Omonia 5, Anorthosis 4, AEZ Zakakiou 4, AEK 3, Ermis 3, Karmiotissa 2, Aris 2, Doxa 1, Nea Salamina 1, Anagennisi Deryneia 1, Ethnicos Achnas 0.

Michael Georgiou leaves the ‘Great British Bake Off‘ but not before giving us a very Cypriot baking twist to this year’s popular television programme on BBC1 on Wednesday night.

The 20-year-old British Cypriot, who studies politics and economics at Durham University, was born to Cypriot parents in London. His grandparents from his father’s side come from Leonarisso, Koma tou Yiallou and from his mother’s side from Kellaki in Limassol.

The very likeable contestant has every reason to be proud since he had beaten off 12,000 applicants who applied to be in front of our shows on the weekly show.

The first show aired on August 24th was when we met Michael in this year’s line-up of 12 amateur bakers.

Michael brought his Cypriot touch to his baking skills…

He baked and smiled throughout, clearly very pleased to be part of the very exciting, completely competitive, but extremely good spirited format.

He wrote on his twitter account moments after he left the show:

Thank you for the kind messages. Was an incredible experience and loved every moment of it #GBBO

Michael told viewers, ”The bake I went on meant a lot to me, it was quite sad I went on that… I’m going to be letting my mum know first, she’s been the one with me since the start, she’s still going to be proud of me, happy I got this far.”

Michael gave us a Cypriot treat by way of ‘Michael’s Cypriot Dove and Olive Branch Plaited Loaf with Houmous’ in the bread challenge, and we even got to see a Cypriot flag! Really making the point he is definitely Cypriot and is proud of his roots.

However it was Judge Paul Hollywood that was a little less keen on what he perceived as not enough use of coriander, in what is primarily an olive, coriander and onion based loaf.

Michael’s little alcohol enticement to get the judges on side gave us a stand-out moment in the series so far, very LOL!

Well, if you haven’t seen it yet, judge Hollywood literally spluttered after trying a shot of strong Cypriot liquor Zivania and he might not be trying it again any time… soon…

Hollywood gave the departing baker some strong words of encouragement.

”I would like to see Michael carry on doing what he’s doing, he’s a great baker actually, and he’s a nice lad as well.”

We wish Michael all the very best and definitely don’t stop baking…

A meeting between Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades , UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci will probably take place on September 26 in New York.

Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General Espen Barth Eide (Left), Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci (Middle), Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades (Right)

In statements to the press after his meeting on Tuesday with Akinci, in the framework of the UN-led negotiations on the Cyprus problem, and asked if his meeting with the UNSG and Akinci in New York has been arranged, President Anastasiades replied “not yet but deliberations are underway.” He said that the joint meeting of the two leaders with the SG will probably take place on September 26.

Anastasiades said that during his meeting with Akinci on Tuesday they discussed Cyprus problem chapters including those of the economy and EU affairs. Replying to a question, Anastasiades wished that the difficult issues they will face were as easy as these two chapters. Asked why these chapters have not closed yet and if significant differences are recorded, he replied negatively, noting that “there are however pending issues for which convergence is needed to close them once and for all.”

Invited to comment on information that a member of the Greek Cypriot negotiating team, Polis Polyviou expressed disagreement and resigned from the team, Anastasiades said that Polyviou did not quit adding that no one is prevented from having different opinions on legal issues.

He added that today he contacted Polyviou who did not express any intention to quit, adding that there was a disagreement between Polyviou and the Greek Cypriot negotiator which is legitimate and is not the only one.

He said that there were no disagreements among the negotiating team members that led to a conflict. On the contrary, “what I`ve been pursuing is to have a productive dialogue”, adding that each member of the team can express his concerns with a view to reach a final more positive view as to how issues are being addressed.

Anastasiades noted that in many occasions some of the lawyers participating in the negotiating team have different views and suggestions and this is something quite normal, adding that the required exchange of views takes place.

He added that this is why the team which supports that negotiator comprises nine members and this helps towards forming better positions to express during the negotiations.

Asked if the two sides will exchange proposals for example on the issue of territory or the issue of guarantees, the President said that they are exchanging thoughts and concerns and not proposals in writing.

He noted that he submitted proposals on the issue of guarantees and security, but this does mean that the other side is obliged to do so based on what has been agreed. Anastasiades added that dialogue and exchange of views will continue to see if they can reach arrangements based on the fact that the feeling of security of one community must not be a threat for the other.

Ask if they will discuss Akinci`s proposal on the issue of guarantees tomorrow, Anastasiades said that he did not tell anything about tomorrow, recalling that they will have three more meetings until September 14.

He noted that they will certainly continue to exchange views and make an effort to see how it is possible for everyone to understand that modern states, especially EU member states, do not need arrangements which may be considered as guardianship of one country over another.

Ask if these issues are linked with the territory issue, the President replied negatively, adding that they are completely different. He added that the territory issue is more linked with the property issue than with the security issue.

Asked about the dispute settlement mechanism and the issue of the foreign judge, the President noted that the negotiation is ongoing, adding that as regards the judicial authority there were concerns expressed by everyone participating in the negotiating team which he endorsed and conveyed to Akinci and which the Turkish Cypriot leaders` advisors also addressed in the same way. He added that justice is a very delicate issue.

Ask if a multilateral conference will take place, Anastasiades reiterated that if there is no adequate preparation or progress, there is no reason to have a multilateral conference “as it will not yield the results we are pursuing”.

On the contrary, he added, “it may lead to a wreckage even of the dialogue, which is currently on a good track.”

Asked if the results of the current phase of the negotiations will show if the Cyprus problem is close to a settlement, Anastasiades said it will depend from the outcome of the deliberations, adding that certainly this is a decisive phase.

He noted that given the will of both sides this phase is of decisive importance with a view to have a final outcome and achieve a settlement.

UK Cypriot’s Michael Georgiou creates nice batch of Jaffa cakes…

The new series of BBC One’s the Great British Bake Off aired on August 24th, with a young British Cypriot in this year’s line-up of 12 amateur bakers, he is Michael Georgiou.

The 20-year-old UK Cypriot, who studies politics and economics at Durham University, was born to Cypriot parents in London. His grandparents from his father’s side come from Leonarisso, Koma tou Yiallou and from his mother’s side from Kellaki in Limassol.

In the first show he rolled up his sleeves clearly aiming to rise to the top of his class, by impressing his slightly edgier culinary skills.

Straight after the first show was broadcast Michael had taken to twitter to write: ‘Wow that was amazing! Now to next week! Thanks for the support everyone.’

Michael was given the task to bake Jaffa cakes making an incredibly positive start by finishing 3rd place, in his first baking task in the series.

‘These have a nice shine, nice batch and very even’ judge Mary Berry had said.

Next was the first Show-stopper challenge, to come up with a mirror glaze cake, and we was presented by Michael’s Tea Chocolate glaze. Here Mary didn’t seem particularly hooked by the strong flavours (we think it was the ingredient of Mastichi… here…!!) we Cypriots on the other hand absolutely adore our flavours… but never mind that… it was clearly, a very solid start by Michael who clearly, seems to be embracing every single moment he is on…

Cobalt airlines, following an announcement by the Ministry of Transport that it will look into recent incidents involving Cobalt flights, apologised today to all its customers who have been inconvenienced because of the disruptions to its scheduled operations.

The disruptions, Cobalt said, were due to the unusual circumstances, with technical problems on two aircraft at the same time.

In a press release, the company says that ”we continued to operate our schedule and most passengers were flown to their destinations with delays.”

”Although our passengers have been looked after, under the circumstances there are still a few whose transportation is pending. We are already in the process of communicating with them to offer alternative transportation. Moreover, we shall be contacting all inconvenienced passengers to cover any incidental expenses and to offer compensation for their delayed flights in accordance with EU regulations”, the press release adds.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, said on Sunday that the Civil Aviation Department will assess all the incidents involving Cobalt, adding that these may possibly relate to safety matters.

”Regarding recent events, which may be related to safety, the Ministry wishes to clarify that it has asked the Civil Aviation Department to assess all recent incidents in order to determine whether it is necessary to take any additional appropriate measures”, the Ministry press release said.