London Greek Radio

Those who imply that due to the elections in May there is supposedly a slowdown at the Cyprus talks, they do so to cover up their positions which strongly contradict the principles of law, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has stressed.

The President was invited on Friday to comment on statements made by Turkish President Tayip Erdogan that the Cyprus negotiations will resume in May and will be accelerated with the aim to reach a solution by the end of the year, implying that until the parliamentary elections in Cyprus in May there will be no developments at the Cyprus talks.

President Anastasiades replied that this will not happen due to the Greek Cypriot stance, and stressed that `those who invoke that due to the elections there is supposedly a slowdown, they do so to cover up their positions which strongly contradict the principles of law. “

The President was also asked about Cyprus` exit from its economic adjustment programme, that officially ended yesterday.

It is indeed a success, he said, but added that but there are no grounds for complacency and we must learn from the mistakes of the past.

In statements on the sidelines of the doxology on the occasion of the anniversary of the anti-colonial liberation struggle of 1955-1959, the President said that today we pay respect to those who fought for freedom and `allowed us, even if the ultimate goal was not achieved, to create a country with protection of human rights and with an internationally strong presence`.

To fully repay this debt, he pointed out, we have to restore the unity of our state, liberate ourselves from the Turkish occupation and create circumstances of a truly European state, with respect to the human rights of all its inhabitants.

The Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state since 2004, is divided by Turkish troops since the Turkish invasion in 1974. UN led talks, aiming at reunifying the island under a federal political system, resumed in May 2015. The next meetings between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus President Anastasiades and T/c leader Mustafa Akinci have been scheduled for April 18 and 25 and for May 9, 2016. The parliamentary elections in Cyprus will take place on the 22 May 2016.

Turkey still occupies 37% of Cyprus` territory and refuses to withdraw its troops despite numerous resolutions and decisions by international organisations and Courts.

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At one point the hijacking of EgyptAir flight diverted to Larnaca Airport in Cyprus, which went without any incident or threat, could have been likened to a ‘Cypriot farce’ or a script for Cypriot TV. The ‘love’ twist, giving the hijacker’s demands to see his ex-wife, a Cypriot, a woman named as Marina Paraschou, and a four-page letter in Arabic handed over to the authorities, thickens the plot further.

Thankfully, the hijacking of EgyptAir Flight MS181 passed without any serious injury to any hostages, passengers and crew.

The ‘twist’ was perhaps very-well crystallised by Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades who responded to a reporter’s question about whether the hijacker was motivated by romance, by laughing and saying: “Always there is a woman involved.”

The country’s leader also thanked all of the local emergency services, including the Cypriot soldiers, for their quick and efficient reaction to the incident.

EgyptAir Flight MS181 was taken over by a passenger claiming to be a suicide explosive belt.

EgyptAir said the Airbus A320 was carrying 56 passengers from Alexandria to Cairo, along with six crew and a security official.

The hijacker’s motives were said to by Cypriot authorities, plainly of a non-terrorist nature, and the belt was ‘fake’ despite it having wires sticking out to be give the pretence of genuine explosive.

The suspect had gradually released passengers and crew throughout the day, and the air-pilot was filmed climbing off the plane.

Cypriot’s RIK TV reported that the man, believed to be an Egyptian national, made a list of demands, including ‘to deliver a message’ to a woman who was identified as his ex-wife.

The Cypriot authorities described the man as ”mentally unstable” and will be brought before a local court, on Wednesday.

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It is unacceptable to shift the burden of responsibility for the migration crisis on the shoulders of the Republic of Cyprus, President Nicos Anastasiades stressed on Tuesday.

The President held a meeting in Nicosia with the President of the European Council Donald Tusk, who is preparing the ground for this week`s EU – Turkey Summit on the migration crisis.

“Ι conveyed to President Tusk our position that the Republic of Cyprus does not intend to consent to the opening of any chapters, if Turkey does not fulfill its obligations as described in the Negotiating Framework and the Ankara Protocol,” President Anastasiades said.

He underlined that he explained to President Tusk “it is unwarranted, counter-productive, not to mention unacceptable, not by President Tusk, to shift the burden of responsibility for the migration crisis on my shoulders or on the shoulders of the Republic of Cyprus.”

In his statements, Tusk said that he is not in Nicosia to exert pressure on Cyprus. “I am here to listen to your positions ahead of the EU Council this week,” he noted.

He stressed that when it comes to accession, “I want to make it clear that the rules have not changed. The same strict conditionality applies and moving forward will still require the agreement by all 28.”

“No third country can ever be more important to me than any of our member states,” Tusk pointed out. Furthermore he expressed his full support to the ongoing efforts for a settlement in Cyprus.

In his statements, Anastasiades expressed his absolute satisfaction for the objective stance he adopted both during the recent European Councils and during today`s meeting. “A stance that corresponds with the President`s institutional capacity as the guardian of the EU`s principles and values,” he added.

He said that during today’s meeting they had the opportunity to exchange some thoughts, ideas and concerns as regards the upcoming European Council and, among others, I informed the President of the position of Cyprus as regards Turkish requests.

He noted that Cyprus, “as Turkey’s EU closest neighbor, has always been a strong supporter of Turkey’s full accession to the EU, on the condition of course that Turkey fulfills its obligations, as described in the negotiating framework, including the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the Ankara Protocol.”

“At the same time, I conveyed that we fully understand the problems EU member states face as a result of the unprecedented flow of migrants, and in particular the serious problems faced by Greece following the closure of routes to Europe,” he said.

Anastasiades said that “in this regard – and despite the fact that the migration crisis is in no way connected with the discussion on the re-energisation of Turkey’s accession process -, Cyprus has maintained a very constructive stance”.

He recalled that Cyprus consented to the opening of Chapter 17, accepted Turkey’s participation in informal Summits
on migration and consented to the Action Plan.

He said that during their deliberations, he reminded to President Tusk the well-known fact that since 2004 Turkey has persistently refused to fulfill any of its obligations vis-à-vis the EU and its member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey’s refusal to implement fully the Additional Protocol vis-à-vis Cyprus is the reason the Council decided unanimously to freeze 8 negotiating chapters in December 2006 and that in addition to its refusal to implement the Additional Protocol towards Cyprus, Turkey has submitted letters, by which Cyprus is characterized as “defunct”. Further, most recently on 29 November 2015 the Turkish Prime Minister reiterated Turkey’s position that they do not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, he added.

To this end, he stressed, it must be understood by our EU partners that possible acceptance of the Turkish demands, without implementation of Turkey’s long pending obligations would in essence constitute – with my own consent – acceptance that the Republic of Cyprus is, indeed, “defunct”.

Anastasiades said that he underlined to President Tusk that “at this critical phase of the negotiations for a solution of the Cyprus problem such a proposal leads me – without my intention – to come to a confrontation with Turkey. In fact, any confrontation with the Turkish Government, particularly at this critical phase in the negotiations, is the last thing we are looking for.”

“In this regard, I explained to President Tusk that it is unwarranted, counter-productive and not to mention unacceptable to shift – not by President Tusk – the burden of responsibility for the migration crisis on my shoulders, or on the shoulders of the Republic of Cyprus,” he added.

“In view of what I have mentioned, I conveyed to President Tusk our position that the Republic of Cyprus does not intend to consent to the opening of any Chapters if Turkey does not fulfill its obligations as described in the negotiating framework and the Ankara Protocol,” he stressed.

On his part, Tusk said the main purpose of his visit to Cyprus today is to discuss further steps in the European Union`s cooperation with Turkey on how to handle the migration crisis. “I am not here to exert pressure on Cyprus. I am here to listen to your position ahead of the European Council this week,” he added.

He recalled that “at our EU summit last week, we discussed a further strengthening of our cooperation with Turkey,” noting that “this is an important pillar of our common and comprehensive European strategy. But it is never wise to build a plan on one pillar only. We should not, and we will not. The other pillars of our common European strategy consist of getting back to Schengen, ending the wave-through-policy, including along the Western Balkans route. And also massively stepping up humanitarian assistance to the most affected countries, not least Greece,” he noted.

“Last week I was mandated to prepare an agreement between Turkey and the European Union on further strengthening our cooperation in the migration crisis. I am now working on the details. This is why I am here today in Nicosia. And this is why I will continue to Ankara this evening,” Tusk went on.

He said that the Turkish proposal worked out together with Germany and the Netherlands still needs to be re-balanced so as to be accepted by all 28 Member States and the EU institutions. The objective is to conclude the negotiations Thursday and Friday this week but we are not there yet.

“One of the issues to be sorted out is the key question of legality. We need to ensure that any new large-scale return scheme between Greece and Turkey fully complies with EU law and our international commitments. This means that we must ensure that all get an individual assessment in Greece before a decision to return them to Turkey. And it also means that we must ensure that those in need of international protection receive appropriate protection in Turkey. Another issue to be addressed is that of possible alternative routes from Turkey to other EU countries such as Bulgaria. This also has to be factored in for the agreement to be effective,” he noted.

“But our cooperation with Turkey goes much beyond migration. The current dynamics offers an opportunity to re-energise the relations between the European Union and Turkey”, he said.

At the same time, he stressed that “the European Union is a Union of 28 Member States. Cyprus is as important as Germany, France, the Netherlands or any other Member State. No third country can ever be more important to me than any of our Member States. We should use this opportunity, and make sure that all benefit from this new dynamics, also Cyprus.”

Furthermore he noted that when it comes to accession, “I want to make it clear that the rules have not changed. The same strict conditionality applies and moving forward will still require the agreement of all 28.”

Tusk also said that they discussed the ongoing efforts in the Cyprus settlement negotiations, “which have my full support. I listened carefully to President Anastasiades and reassured him we fully understand that the negotiations are at an important juncture and that all EU actions are directed at facilitating these negotiations. A successful outcome, with support from both sides of the island, would give a fresh start not only to Cyprus, but to the whole of Europe and the wider region,” he noted.

Referring to Cyprus `s economic recovery, he noted that “only three years ago, you were standing on the brink of a financial abyss. Today you are standing on your own feet again, without having used all the resources made available to you by your eurozone partners and the IMF. This success is a result of your own efforts. It is a good sign for Cyprus, the euro zone and Europe.”

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Greek government puts into effect what Shipping and Island Policy Minister Theodoros Dritsas said on Sunday concerning Greece’s intention to equally distribute the refugees and immigrants throughout the country, if there is no European solution.

With 25,000 immigrants and refugees trapped in many places all over Greece, the government is looking for places to host them.

One of the solution announced on Monday morning is hosting a large group of refugees at Antonis Tritsis Park in Ilion, Athens.

As mayor Nikos Zenetos confirmed to protothema.gr, Greek army has started setting up tents for about 800 refugees and immigrants, while the army has been setting up tents since Sunday at former Greece’s airport at Elliniko and particularly at Baseball Centre, according to information.

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Pantelis Pandelidis passed away on the morning of Thursday 18th February following a fatal car accident. The 32-year-old singer lost control of his vehicle while driving on Vouliagmenis avenue in the area of Elliniko, Southern Athens.

Pantelis was driving a Jeep at high speed and crashed against some car barriers. There were two other passengers in the car with him and it was reported by the police that Pantelidis and the 30-year-old sitting next to him were not wearing seat belts however the young woman, 21, at the back was wearing one. The singer was rushed to hospital but it was too late; the two women he was with are both in critical conditions. A traffic police officer said, “Even a seat belt would not have rescued him, he was fatally injured by a piece of the crash barriers that had penetrated the Jeep”.

The beloved, self-taught singer and songwriter was buried on Saturday 20th February where tens of thousands of mourners including family, friends, fans and other singers attended.

The funeral service took place at Agios Spyridonas church in Nea Ionia. There was a band present playing Pantelidis’ songs and hundreds of flowers were brought for the young singer; so many in fact that they had to be loaded into three trucks. The singer was buried in Athens’ cemetery of the Transfiguration.

The coffin was covered with a Greek flag as he served as an officer in the Greek Navy for 10 years before perusing his career in music which launched him into fame in 2012.

An estimated 20,000 people attended the funeral.

Article written by Chantel Georgiou

Greek singer Pantelis Pantelidis died and two female passengers were seriously injured in a car crash early on Thursday.

According to media reports, the singer driving a Mercedes lost control of his vehicle and crashed against the crash barriers at around 8.30 am on Vouliagmenis Avenue, southern Athens.

Pantelidis was transferred to the nearest hospital, where he was pronounced dead. One of the two women on board was severely injured and has undergone surgery, while the other, according to local media outlets, is in critical condition.

Pantelidis, a self taught musician, was born in 1983 in Athens.

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EasyJet has opened a 25p store in Park Royal, North West London called the easyFoodstore. The store opened on the 1st February and sells everything from digestive biscuits to chickpeas and pasta.

Every item in store has been priced at 25p; this price will remain throughout February as an introductory offer. However, an easyJet spokesman has suggested that they may increase products to 50p thereafter.

The owner of EasyJet entrepreneur, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is hoping that this store he has launched will rival Aldi and Lidl who are also discount stores. Haji-Ioannou also added that “this is another way the ‘easy’ brand can serve the less well-off”.

True to this, the store motto is ‘No expensive brands, just food honestly priced’.

Richard Shackleton, communications director for easyGroup said that the reason for this store opening is to help people who are on low paid jobs or on benefits and can’t use food banks any more. If this store is successful then they are hoping to open another store inside the M25.

Article written by Chantel Georgiou

It has been confirmed that this year’s Eurovision Song Contest will see Greece and Cyprus facing the Eurovision’s first Semi-Final, which airs on Tuesday 10th May 2016.

The countries found out their fate at Eurovision’s Live Allocation Draw, on the 25th January at City Hall in Stockholm.

The way the semis are set-up, will mean only 10 qualifiers will make it out of each semi final and progress to the 14th of May Final, a few days later. 43 countries will be participating at this year’s Eurovision, of these 20 semi final qualifiers will make it to the final night. Hoping to clinch their place will be our Greek and Cypriot entry, competing among 18 countries, in the first sing-off.

The five direct finalists will be again, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Sweden who won the right to host after Måns Zelmerlöw winning entry, ‘Heroes’.

This is what we know so far: Cyprus entry have Minus One represent the nation with a song called ‘Alter Ego‘, which the boys co-write, with Swede composer Thomas G:son. The tune only recently recorded in Stockholm, amidst temperatures of only, in fact -1 °C, will be officially premiered for the first time on 22nd February, really soon it appears. The five piece band made up of vocalist, Francois Micheletto, will be assisted by fellow band members Harrys Pari, Costantinos Amerikanos, Antonis Loizides and Chris J, who will be collectively playing the drums and guitar.

The Greek entry is almost certain to be selected internally by the Greek State Television, or ERT. Sources have also suggested; the song will be of a Greek feel, or ethnic style, illustrating the nation’s incredible music to the rest of the fellow Eurovision nations.

At the Ceremony of drawing the semi-finalists, this year’s official Eurovision Slogan was revealed, ‘Come Together’, Martin Österdahl, Executive Producer of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is never about borders, politics or ideologies. It is about reaching across all the boundaries that separates us human beings from each other”.

The show producers will allocate definite running order of the songs of each semi, likely by the final week of March.

Article written by Tony Neophytou

In December 2015 the parliament in Athens had introduced relevant legislation to allow same-sex marriages in Greece.

Nearly 200 of a 300 seated parliament voted in favour for this legislation despite opposition from some political parties and the Orthodox Church. Other European countries such as Britain, Cyprus and Spain had already passed this legislation before Greece.

At noon on Monday 25th January 2016 the first same-sex civil partnership certificate was signed by the Mayor of Athens, Giorgos Kaminis. This was a symbolic day as it was an important day for ‘human rights’. It is known that Mr.Kaminis signed five civil partnership certificates in total on Monday. This is a positive step forward.

“Today is an important day for human rights” announced the Mayor of Athens Giorgos Kaminis. He also uploaded a picture onto his Twitter account, signing the first civil partnership certificate.

Article written by Chantel Georgiou

Entrepreneur Alex Loizou, age 28 is the first Cypriot to make it onto Forbes 30 under 30 list. Alex is originally from Nicosia and his hard work over the last three years in London has paid off. It has earned him a place in the ‘Technology’ category in the famous Forbes magazine.

After finding out about the news, Alex Loizou took to Facebook and Twitter, writing “Awesome to be selected in the Forbes 30 under 30 consumer tech list! Trouva ftw!”

Alex is the co-founder of StreetHub now called Trouva, which is a marketplace that brings independent shops together on the same platform giving them the right technology to fight back against larger chains in the industry. StreetHub got going in 2013 by helping independent fashion retailers find online buyers and drive them to physical stores.

Alex, who graduated from the University of Cologne and the London School of Economics, spoke to Sigma Live English about what this means to him and he explains what Trouva is and the philosophy behind it all.

The main aim is to help urban places in cities such as London to have a platform in selling their unique items. He found that individual shops in London have no real technology to sell their products globally and people can only buy their unique products from the shop itself as they are not well versed with technology and marketing.

‘Trouva.com’ enables these small individual companies to sell globally through this website. Alex says that technology is something these shops need in order to branch out and gain more customers. The Trouva website therefore helps independent boutiques stand out and sell their unique products to more people. “We make boutique shopping simple,” the Trouva website proclaims. “Shop 150 of the UK’s best independent boutiques. All in one place. All online.”

Article written by Chantel Georgiou