Message from ERT (Hellenic Radio and Television)

The Embassy of Greece has forwarded the following e-mail from ERT to the readers of our website:

Click here to see the same text in PDF format

Αγαπητή φίλη,
Αγαπητέ φίλε,

Με το τέλος της τηλεοπτικής σεζόν θα θέλαμε να σ’ ευχαριστήσουμε για τη συνεχή συμπαράσταση και υποστήριξή σου στο ανανεωμένο πρόγραμμα της δορυφορικής τηλεόρασης της ΕΡΤ.

Σήμερα, όσο ποτέ άλλοτε στο παρελθόν η ΕΡΤ έχει εκσυγχρονίσει και επεκτείνει το εκπεμπόμενο δορυφορικό της σήμα, ώστε να καλύπτει με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο και την τελευταία «ελληνική γωνιά». Παράλληλα, ανασυντάσσει και ενισχύει το δυναμικό της, στο πλαίσιο της νέας φιλοσοφίας του προγράμματος που είναι η ενίσχυση της επικοινωνίας του Απόδημου Ελληνισμού με το «Εθνικό Κέντρο», και ταυτόχρονα, η ανάδειξη της σύγχρονης Ελληνικής ταυτότητας στην παγκόσμια πολυπολιτισμική κοινότητα».

Ο σχεδιασμός του νέου προγράμματος, αναπτύσσεται στην διετία 2006-2007 και περιλαμβάνει σειρά νέων τηλεοπτικών παραγωγών με στόχο τον εμπλουτισμό του σημερινού προγράμματος (ανανεωμένου και βελτιωμένου ήδη από την πρόσφατη ποιοτική αναβάθμιση των προγραμμάτων ΝΕΤ, ΕΤ1 και ΕΡΤ3) της ERT WORLD.

Η πορεία αναβάθμισης και ανανέωσης αναπτύσσεται σε δύο φάσεις: Η πρώτη άρχισε μέσα στον Δεκέμβριο του 2005 και ολοκληρώνεται στο τέλος του Ιουνίου 2006 και η δεύτερη ξεκινάει το Φθινόπωρο του 2006 και ολοκληρώνεται μέχρι το τέλος του 2007. Σύμφωνα με την πρώτη φάση προβλήθηκαν με μεγάλη επιτυχία και απήχηση από το κοινό της ομογένειας δύο νέες, εβδομαδιαίες, ενημερωτικές εκπομπές, η «Οδύσσεια» και το «Ελληνικό Πανόραμα» και ακολούθησε και μια τρίτη, δεκαπενθήμερη, πολιτιστικού περιεχομένου με τον τίτλο: «Εννέα Συν Μια (Μούσες)».

Η δεύτερη φάση της προετοιμασίας και υλοποίησης του νέου προγράμματος περιλαμβάνει μεταξύ άλλων:

1. Την σχεδίαση ειδικών ζωνών, καθημερινού και εβδομαδιαίου προγράμματος, που θα περιλαμβάνουν νέες ενημερωτικές, πολιτιστικές και χρηστικές εκπομπές, όπως επίσης και νέες μορφές ψυχαγωγίας και επικοινωνίας, στο τοπικό πρόγραμμα της Αμερικής.

2. Το «πέρασμα» σε τρεις διαφορετικές ροές δορυφορικού προγράμματος, που αξιοποιώντας τις νέες σημαντικές δυνατότητες επένδυσης της ΕΡΤ στην ψηφιακή τεχνολογία, θα δώσει τη δυνατότητα εκπομπής ξεχωριστά σε προγράμματα για Ευρώπη-Αφρική, Αμερική-Καναδά, Αυστραλία-Ασία.

Για την δημιουργία ενός όσο γίνεται πιο εμπλουτισμένου προγράμματος, θα θέλαμε να έχουμε και τη δική σας γνώμη, ώστε να αφουγκραστούμε ακόμη περισσότερο τις ανάγκες σας της ανάγκες της Ομογένειας. Η Διοίκηση της ΕΡΤ θα μελετήσει τα αιτήματα και τις προτάσεις που θα δεχθούμε και θα ανταποκριθεί άμεσα. Προτεραιότητά μας παραμένει η παροχή ποιοτικού προγράμματος και όραμά μας να αποτελέσουμε την τηλεοπτική γέφυρα επικοινωνίας του απανταχού Ελληνισμού μέσα από μία αμφίδρομη επικοινωνία. Σκοπός μας είναι η ΕΡΤ να είναι ο πρώτος ελληνικός σταθμός που θα αποκτήσει τη φυσιογνωμία μιας Εθνικής Δορυφορικής Τηλεόρασης.

Με την ελπίδα ότι σύντομα θα έχουμε και τη δική σας πρόταση, σας εύχομαι καλές διακοπές.

Με τιμή,

Νικόλαος Κούρτης
Γεν. Διευθυντής ΕΡΤ SAT
June 2006

Our Newsletter

This year (2006) we started to broadcast a newsletter to all the members of
the Emirates Greek Group.

The newsletter deals with different topics (social, national, economic,
educational, etc).

It is a good source of information for Greeks living in the GCC countries.

Below are the online samples of the four newsletters that have been
distributed until today:

http://www.azad-hye.net/emiratesgreeks/newsletter/issue-001.htm
http://www.azad-hye.net/emiratesgreeks/newsletter/issue-002.htm
http://www.azad-hye.net/emiratesgreeks/newsletter/issue-003.htm
http://www.azad-hye.net/emiratesgreeks/newsletter/issue-004.htm

If you are interested to receive the upcoming issues of this newsletter
please send an e-mail to the moderator at: hrach@emirates.net.ae

You can write to the moderator also if you would like to be a sponsor for a
certain period of time. We have a special offer of only 25 Euros for each
issue of the newsletter (8-10 issues are prepared annually). It is a unique
tool to reach your potential clients.

Information on the Greek Business Mission (Dubai, 22-23 May 2006)

A Greek Business Mission will be in Dubai on the 22 and 23 of May 2006
covering two different sectors:

a - Foodstuffs products
b - Construction materials

For more details please click here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emiratesgreeks/message/1149

You can download the list of the Greek Business Mission here:
http://www.azad-hye.net/emiratesgreeks/greek-business-mission-may-2006.xls

Cypriot connection

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos talks to Abdel-Azim Darwish about prospects of deepening friendship and fruitful collaboration between Egypt and the Mediterranean island nation, which is now a fully-fledged and prosperous European Union member-state

Al Ahram Weekly
Cairo, Egypt
27 April - 3 May 2006
Issue No. 792

Egypt and Cyprus are closely linked by geographical proximity and by strong historical ties and have traditionally maintained excellent bilateral relations. The diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Egypt reestablished at the time of our two late presidents, Archbishop Makarios and Gamal Abdel-Nasser, have gradually developed into deep, cordial and exceptionally strong bonds of friendship and cooperation. Both counties had to struggle to gain their freedom. In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, Below are excerpts of the interview.

ON BILATERAL ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONS:

Cyprus and Egypt have signed and implemented 19 agreements and protocols covering areas of cooperation as diverse as trade, tourism, investments and health. Our aim is to expand our close cooperation on issues such as energy and merchant shipping as well as to collaborate further on issues of search and rescue, of culture and education, science and technology, information, technology and services.

ON CYPRIOT-ARAB RELATIONS:

Cyprus has long been a trusted friend of the Arab countries and especially of Egypt. We enjoy the mutual respect for each others' history, religion, culture and tradition. These relations have been an integral part of our foreign policy. Our cooperation in the United Nations and other international fora and previously within the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77, have crated coherent bonds that endure in time.

The accession of Cyprus to the European Union does not mean moving away from our traditional relationships. On the contrary, we aspire to work for the further improvement of the relationship between our traditional friends in the Arab world and the European Union.

ON THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION:

The people of Cyprus have close to their heart the plight of the Palestinian people. Cyprus has welcomed and encouraged the peace process in the Middle East. We follow the developments on the situation of the Palestinian question with deep concern and our long held position has been entirely consistent and in line with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions, namely 242 and 338.

Furthermore, Cyprus has welcomed and encouraged the peace process since its inception. We look forward to the day when an independent Palestinian state will exist in peace and prosperity side by side with the state of Israel. We have supported the efforts of the Quartet and full implementation of the Quartet Roadmap. We continue to convey to both parties, the Palestinian Authority and the government of Israel, that the principles of the Roadmap are the main principles for a final settlement. We hope that a peaceful and negotiated solution will be found in the Middle East that will lead to the establishment of a viable and economically sustainable Palestinian state.

ON CULTURAL DIALOGUE:

Cyprus has been concerned for many years about the growth of religious intolerance and the absence of interfaith dialogue. The recent crisis, sparked by the publication of drawings depicting the Prophet Mohamed further underlines the need for an enhanced and continued dialogue for a better understanding of the historical, religious and cultural expressions among people of different faiths.

The Republic of Cyprus has hosted during the last decade several activities relating to interfaith and intercultural awareness and understanding and we will continue to work towards this direction, supporting the mechanisms that promote these objectives. The Anna Lindh Foundation which your country is hosting in Alexandria, is a primary example of such an initiative and its reinforcement and empowerment have much to offer towards this direction. We thus support its mission strongly.

Cyprus, in its efforts to contribute effectively to the enhancement of dialogue between religions for better understanding and mutual respect, is hosting next July, in collaboration with Malaysia, the Second Session of "Interfaith Dialogue" of the Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM). The meeting will discuss potential ways of achieving interfaith understanding, the ever topical subject of the media, and the role of religion in multi-ethnic societies. I am certain that this event will make a positive contribution to the global efforts to build solid and sustainable interfaith and intercultural bridges within the world community.

ON INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM:

International terrorism has indeed emerged as a phenomenon which cuts across the political, social and ideological realms. The government of the Republic of Cyprus, like Egypt, has included the fight against terrorism in its foreign policy priorities and is fully committed to joining forces with other governments to eradicate this scourge in all its manifestations and forms. To do this we are taking all the necessary practical measures, in close cooperation with our European partners and the international community in general. Cyprus considers that the countering of terrorism should naturally be conducted on the basis of respect of fundamental human rights and personal freedoms. Let me say that we welcome the proposal of President Mubarak. This proposal was discussed during the Euro-Med meeting of November 2005 in Barcelona, and an agreement was reached that it would take place after the international community reaches an agreement on the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention against International Convention. I would also like to underline that the Republic of Cyprus is a contracting party to all 12 conventions and protocols on terrorism, and is also a signatory to the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

ON THE CYPRIOT ECONOMY:

The Cyprus economy is based on fundamentally sound features. It exhibits macroeconomic stability, satisfactory growth and employment performance as well as social cohesion.

In 2005 the Cyprus economy fulfilled all the criteria of the Mastricht Treaty, which constitute a necessary precondition for entering the Euro zone on the targeted date, namely the 1 January 2008.

In more concrete terms, Cyprus enjoys a relatively high per capital income which amounts to 84 per cent of the EU average and it is now $20,000 per capital. In 2005, the economy has grown at a high level in terms of economic growth and the growth rate is projected to reach four per cent while further acceleration is expected for 2006.

The inflation rate is expected to remain at low level this year (about 2.2 per cent), reflecting preservation of conditions of macroeconomic stability.

The Cyprus economy succeeded in maintaining conditions of near full employment in 2005. In 2006, unemployment is expected to fall mainly due to acceleration of economic growth.

Public finances during the last two years were significantly improved. The fiscal deficit (2.5 per cent in 2005) and the public debt (71 per cent of GNP in 2005), were reduced as a result of the implementation of the Convergence Programme of the Republic of Cyprus, covering the period 2004-2008. The improvement of the fiscal situation is mainly due to the containment of public expenditure and to the improvement of tax efficiency, without an increase of the taxation rate.

The next expected landmark for Cyprus economy is the adoption of the euro at the targeted date of 1 January 2008.

ON THE CYPRIOT DIVIDE:

The Cyprus problem is not of a religious nature. It is the result of the illegal invasion by Turkey and the continuing military occupation, since 1974, of almost 37 per cent of the territory of the sovereign Republic of Cyprus, in blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and numerous UN resolutions. Turkey continues to promote its strategic objective of exercising control over Cyprus, through the illegal presence of its occupation forces.

It must be borne in mind that the population of Cyprus is composed of 82 per cent Greek-Cypriots and only 18 per cent Turkish Cypriot. The privately owned land as to 88 per cent belongs to Greek-Cypriots and as to 12 per cent to Turkish-Cypriots. The Turkish troops occupy 37 per cent of the territory of Cyprus at the invasion and by force of arms evicted the Greek- Cypriots, who were the majority population in the area, from their homes and properties.

In spite of our untiring effort to reach a settlement, Turkey in contravention of the aforementioned resolutions and international law, and by keeping 43,000 troops, tries to consolidate the unacceptable status quo and legitimise the illegal secessionist regime in the occupied part of Cyprus.

My government remains firmly committed to ending the forcible division of our country and our people, by reaching, through peaceful negotiations, a comprehensive settlement, based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state, with a single sovereignty and international personality. The solution must truly reunite the country its territory, society, economy and institutions and be beneficial for both communities on the island. To this end, I assure you that we will spare no effort.

The first commitment is demonstrated by the positive result of my recent meeting, in Paris, with the Secretary-General of the UN Kofi Annan. In the context of the meeting, it was commonly agreed that resumption of the negotiating process should be timely and based on careful preparation. It has always been my firm conviction that in order for a new initiative to have good prospects of success, we should spare no effort to prepare the ground sufficiently. A new failure would indeed be catastrophic.

During my meeting with the secretary-general, we expressed the common hope that bi-communal discussions at technical level would help restore trust and prepare the ground, in a substantive way for the resumption of the negotiating process. It was also agreed that it would greatly improve the atmosphere for further talks, if progress would be achieved on confidence building measures and on issues like de-mining, disengagement, demilitarisation and the return of the occupied city of Famagusta which remains totally deserted from its lawful owners and inhabitants who before the invasion was totally Greek-Cypriots. It is our expectation and indeed hopes that the Turkish side will respond positively to the outcome of the Paris meeting in order to enable discussions to commence, thus leading to more effective and qualitative negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

Moreover, the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have so far issued Cyprus Republic passports, identity cards and other certificates to several thousand Turkish Cypriots, who are thus enabled to enjoy full benefits as European Union citizens.

Al-Ahram Weekly Online : Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2006/792/in1.htm

Treasure myth inspires Cypriots to dig into past

Khaleej Times
Today’s Features

(Reuters)

14 April 2006

TSERI, Cyprus - Residents of a Cypriot village, intrigued for decades by a tale of buried treasure and an underground flight of steps leading nowhere, have decided to get to the bottom of the mystery.

More than half a century after British colonial rulers forced them to abandon their last attempt to explore the site, residents of Tseri village in central Cyprus have begun excavating the 1,500-year-old tunnel and stairway.

Antiquities officials say the stone structure is part of an ancient irrigation network.

Residents romanticise, half jokingly, that it may lead to ”Aphrodite’s Golden Carriage” -- a euphemism for a hidden treasure dating from Roman times, between 58 BC and AD 330.

They speak of a little-known legend that the rulers of Cyprus would move treasures to the centre of the island and hide them from raiders who plundered the coast in ancient times.

“It is a myth. We don’t know if it is true. A myth is a myth. But without knowing, you cannot totally rule something out either,” said Alkis Constantinou, community leader of Tseri, a community of 6,000 people 15 km (9.3 miles) from the capital, Nicosia.

“It most likely leads to an underground reservoir, but it’s unique for around here,” said Constantinou as he stood above a gaping hole in the middle of an olive grove, exposing an arch of yellow sandstone, walls and a few steps.

The community intended to buy the field to pursue their explorations and ensure the site was properly preserved, he said.
Hoards of wealth

Tales of hoards of great wealth are heard in other communities across the guitar-shaped island, where the first signs of civilisation date from 9,000 BC. It has been in thrall to a series of rulers from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra -- a gift from her lover Mark Antony -- and the Romans.
The most common myth is one of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite who, according to mythology, was born from the sea-foam in the west of the island.
Another legend concerns a pot of gold hidden in the mountains on the western coast, which Tseri residents believe was moved farther inland and buried in their lower-lying cornfields.

It says finders of the treasure will enjoy seven years of prosperity and will not need to work.

Whether fact or fiction, residents want to know what lies at the end of the narrow tunnel, propped up by interlocking sandstone blocks and sloping at an angle of 45 degrees.

Archaeologists date the structure to AD 500, which, by default, effectively debunks the Roman-era treasure theory.

“Its just a cistern,” says Pavlos Flourentzos, director of Cyprus’s Department of Antiquities. “It is not as important as some are alluding to. But I am hearing stories about golden chariots and the like,” he said, with obvious exasperation.

With its entrance now blocked by hard-packed earth, it is rekindling the legend of buried treasure.

“My father would relate a story about a treasure being buried between the sycamore and the terachia, which is where we are,” said Christos Kallitsis, using the Cypriot word to refer to the carob tree.

“When I was a child out with the flock I saw men removing items from the area a couple of times,” the 82 year-old shepherd told Reuters.
Second time lucky

It is not the first time residents have tried to discover what lies at the end of the corridor.

A farmer discovered the tunnel in 1943 and by 1949 many in the community were taking turns digging in secret, convinced they had hit the jackpot.

“The whole village had turned out for it, wanting a cut of the treasure. But we were a British colony, and somebody told on us, so we had to cover it up. The British didn’t joke about these things,” said Kallitsis.

Flourentzos said it was covered up again simply because it was not considered important enough. He said archaeologists complied with a new request from village authorities to re-open the site, exposing a small area.

The island’s antiquities department has declared the scene a monument of secondary importance, but has shown little interest in the tales of treasure.

“It’s an underground tunnel leading to a water supply. Cyprus is full of them. In this case the stairway is slightly deeper, which is probably because people may have not found water at higher levels,” said Flourentzos.

Tseri’s Constantinou says excavations should continue and the tunnel preserved as part of the history of the area. “This is part of our heritage,” he said.

URL: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Displayarticle.asp?section=todaysfeatures&xfile=data/todaysfeatures/2006/april/todaysfeatures_april27.xml

Dubai Financial eyes Greece's Marfin

ATHENS (Greece) - Dubai Financial (DF), a unit of Dubai Investments, has
expressed its intention to buy a significant stake in Greece's Marfin
Financial Group for slightly more than $507 million, Marfin said yesterday.
The deal would give Dubai Financial (DF) a 31.55 per cent stake in one of
Greece's most dynamic financial groups.

Marfin said Dubai Financial, a unit of Dubai Investments, has already signed
purchase and sale agreements with minority shareholders that declare Dubai
Financial's intention to become a strategic investor in Marfin.

Dubai Financial will pay $30.17 a share for the stake, subject to certain
conditions being met, Marfin said yesterday in a filing to the Athens Stock
Exchange. Yesterday, Marfin shares went down $0.70 or 2.2 per cent after
closing 8.5 per cent higher at $32.22 a share on Thursday on rumours of the
stake purchase.

Marfin said Dubai Financial will conclude its purchase agreements with
minority shareholders within the next two months on completion of three
preconditions. The three preconditions are: satisfactory financial and legal
due-diligence of Marfin, receiving regulatory approval, and the signing of a
share agreement between Dubai Financial and Marfin's Vice-Chairman Andreas
Vgenopoulos.

According to the share agreement, Marfin vice-chairman Andreas Vgenopoulos
would retain his 6.75 per cent stake in the bank and continue to oversee the
company's business plan. Dubai Financial said Deutsche Bank AG acted as
adviser for the purchase.

Marfin Financial Group has a market capitalisation of slightly more than
$1.51 billion. Its main subsidiaries are its 100 per cent-owned units Marfin
Bank and Investment Bank of Greece. It is also the largest shareholder in
Cyprus Popular Bank with a 10 per cent stake, it holds 50.1 per cent of
Estonia's SBM Bank and has a 14 per cent stake in Greece's Egnatia Bank.

The deal is seen as giving the Athens-based lender an investor with the
funds to help finance acquisitions. Marfin raised 400 million euros last
year to finance growth. Dubai Investment has investments in banking,
industry communications and hotels, according to the Marfin statement. "It
seems that Marfin is looking for bigger acquisition targets in Greece and
abroad now and needed a strong financial partner like Dubai Financial to do
this," Natasha Roumantzi, an analyst at Piraeus Sigma-Devletoglou, said
yesterday.

Marfin shares declined as much as 94 cents, or 3.5 per cent, to 25.76 euros
and traded at 25.84 euros at 12:15pm in Athens. The stock has more than
doubled over the past 12 months, valuing the lender at 1.3 billion euros.

Source: "Khaleej Times" English speaking daily of Dubai (from Agencies)
18 March 2006

Reminder for the National Day of Greece (+ Doxologia)

REMINDER

On Saturday , March 25 , 2006 , H.E the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic Dr. Panayotis Theodoracopoulos , will host the reception on the occasion of the National Day ( 25 MAPTIOY 1821 ) at the “Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi” , Abu Dhabi , Khalifa Street, from 7.30 – 9.30 P.M.

ALL GREEKS AND SPOUSES ARE INVITED .THIS IS AN OPEN INVITATION.

One day earlier, on Friday, March 24, 2006, at 19.30, and immediately after XAIPETISMOUS, the Doxology for our National Day will take place at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox church in Abu Dhabi .

FROM THE EMBASSY.
SPREAD THE NEWS .

Press release regarding measures to be taken due to the ongoing demonstrations

EMBASSY OF REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS - DOHA
P.O. Box No: 24482
DOHA
QATAR
Tel.: (974) 4934390/1
Fax: (974) 4933087
E-mail: kyprosdoha@qatar.net.qa

11 February 2006

PRESS RELEASE FOR ALL CYPRIOTS AND GREEKS IN QATAR

The demonstrations in countries in the Middle East and North Africa over the
publication of caricatures of key figures of the Islamic faith may continue.
You are advised to take particular care at this time and avoid any large
gatherings or demonstrations.

A suicide-bomb attack occurred on 19 March 2005, outside a theatre in Doha.
One British national was killed ad at least 12 other people were injured.
Al Qaeda issues statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf
region, including residential, military and business targets.
All Cypriot and Greek citizens should continue taking sensible precautions
for personal safety and avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations.
You should review your security arrangements carefully to remain vigilant,
especially in public places. The following is a personal security checklist
for your use:

- Do you vary your times and routes to and from work?
- Do you keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle)?
- Do you check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting
into your vehicle?
- Do you maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws
attention to yourself?
- Do you identify and report to the appropriate officials vehicles or
persons possibly involved in surveillance of your activities?
- Are you alert to what is going on around you?
- Are your colleagues and family aware of your daily plans and do they know
how to reach you?

Practices
- Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable.
- Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Report all suspicious activity to the appropriate security/police
officials.
- In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver.
- If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the
nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police.
Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
- Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands, and
personal needs.
- Be careful in giving out your personal information such as family member
and household staff names, addresses, telephone numbers in an open setting.

Please share this information with friends and family. Cypriot and Greek
citizens with any questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at
4934390. In case of an emergency outside business hours, you may reach the
Embassy duty officer by calling 5866820.

Make sure to register with the Embassy if you have not done so. Contact
Marios Kyriakides at 4934391 for a registration form.

From Fiscardo, Kefalonia to Dubai

Dear All,

Nicholas James de Fay and his spouse, British nationals who have been settled for a long time in Kefalonia, Greece, are now in Dubai.

We welcome Nicholas (Nick) and Abigail (Abi) in Dubai and wish them good contacts with the Greek and Greek Cypriot Communities in the UAE.

Nick has the following website dedicated to Fiscardo, Kefalonia: http://www.fiscardo.com/

The website introduces the picturesque village and provides links to information and services.

Contact e-mail: agrilias@gmail.com

Regards,
Moderator

Dubai-based publishing house has joined forces with Options Cassoulides Group / Cyprus

Dubai-based Nicholas Publishing International (NPI) has joined forces with Options Cassoulides Group (OCG), a public limited company based in Cyprus, following the conclusion of a Share Purchase Agreement in late December 2005.

Details of the agreement have been made public through an announcement to the Cyprus Stock Exchange however NPI will continue to operate as a family-run business benefiting from the advantage of being part of a global corporation.

'We have identified a number of publishing opportunities in the region and the support and back-up of a multi-national organisation will help us to realise our long-term targets in the shorter term,' said Managing Director, Robert Nicholas.

'NPI is known for its professionalism and the quality of its products, and Options Cassoulides Group will help to support and assist the company with its ambitious growth plans,' said Yiannos Cassoulides, Group CEO. 'As far as the operation of the company is concerned, there will be no changes, however as part of OCG, NPI will be able to utilize the resource of a company with offices in six European countries, its own printing press, the largest publishing house in Cyprus, along with the resources of Travel Trade Gazette Middle East and North Africa. We share the vision of NPI and will help the company to further develop an already highly successful growth plan.'

NPI publishes a range of guides for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and is the company behind Dubai's leading visitor publication, Concierge Magazine, currently distributed in-room at 56 hotels throughout Dubai.

Options Cassoulides Group is a public limited company with diverse interests, but mainly focused on the travel and tourism industry, with event management companies, a congress division, and the monthly Travel Trade Gazette publication for the Middle East and North Africa. This provides a natural synergy with NPI's MICE products and widens the opportunities for the company to diversify its involvement in regional events.

In 2006, NPI will be launching new publications both in the Gulf market and further afield, as well as opening offices in other destinations. The company was recently appointed to produce a Concierge Magazine for the Ryder Cup 2006, taking place in Ireland, with distribution to corporate guests in 80 hotels. This is the first time that a homegrown magazine concept from Dubai will be taken internationally.

URL: http://www.ameinfo.com/75111.html, 2nd January 2006

Win or lose, Baghdatis will be hailed in Cyprus

Associated Press, 28/1/2006

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Cypriot tennis player Marcos Baghdatis will be warmly
welcomed when he returns to his tiny Mediterranean island home, whether he
wins or loses the Australian Open final.

Baghdatis' triumphant streak in the tournament has sparked a wave of
celebrations in soccer-obsessed Cyprus and filled Greek Cypriots with pride.
"Marcos, pluck his feathers," read a large newspaper advertisement placed by
the owners of a chicken farm, referring to top-ranked Roger Federer of
Switzerland, Baghdatis' opponent in Sunday's final.

Other ads urged Marcos to "take the game into his hands."

The 20-year-old's picture has been splashed on the front pages of
newspapers, while his success has forced politics - usually the leading
issue in Cyprus - into the background.

His home town, Limassol, is already preparing a massive welcome for him. The
port city's council has announced it will name a street after him and
establish a Marcos Baghdatis prize for athletes who excel.

His brother, Petros, left for Australia on Friday to be at his side, bearing
gifts from friends and relatives, including a gold cross from Limassol
Bishop Athanasios.

Baghdatis' parents will not attend the final, despite the state offering an
all-expenses-paid trip.

They said they did not want to put an extra burden on their son.

Baghdatis' mother said they will be there in spirit - along with 700,000
Greek Cypriots watching the match on TV or jumbo screens.

Educational Conference in Greece

ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΠΑΤΡΩΝ
ΠΑΙΔΑΓΩΓΙΚΟ ΤΜΗΜΑ ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗΣ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ
ΚΕΝΤΡΟ ΔΙΑΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΜΙΚΗΣ ΕΚΠΑΙΔΕΥΣΗΣ

Αξιότιμοι κύριοι,

Το Κέντρο Διαπολιτισμικής Εκπαίδευσης διοργανώνει το 9ο Διεθνές Συνέδριο με θέμα «Διαπολιτισμική εκπαίδευση - Ελληνικά ως δεύτερη ή ξένη γλώσσα», που αποτελεί συνέχεια των οχτώ προηγούμενων επιτυχημένων Συνεδρίων.

Κύριος ΣΤΟΧΟΣ του Συνεδρίου είναι η διάδοση της ελληνικής γλώσσας και του ελληνικού πολιτισμού πέρα από τα όρια του ελλαδικού χώρου μέσα από μια ουσιαστική προσέγγιση θεμάτων της Διαπολιτισμικής Εκπαίδευσης και της διδασκαλίας της ελληνικής γλώσσας ως δεύτερης ή ξένης, με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην παρουσίαση ερευνητικών ανακοινώσεων.

Οι ΘΕΜΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΕΝΟΤΗΤΕΣ (αναλυτική παρουσίαση στην ιστοσελίδα: www.kedek.gr ) είναι οι εξής:
• Θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις στη Διαπολιτισμική Εκπαίδευση
• Ερευνητικές προσεγγίσεις στο χώρο της Διαπολιτισμικής Εκπαίδευσης
• Η διδασκαλία της ελληνικής σε αλλοδαπούς και παλιννοστούντες μαθητές στην Ελλάδα
• Θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις στη Διδακτική της ελληνικής ως δεύτερης ή ξένης γλώσσας
• Ερευνητικές προσεγγίσεις στη Διδακτική της ελληνικής ως δεύτερης ή ξένης γλώσσας
• Η ελληνόφωνη εκπαίδευση στο εξωτερικό – Ελληνόφωνες μονάδες, Στατιστικά δεδομένα
• Εκπαιδευτική πολιτική για την ελληνική γλώσσα και τη διάδοσή της στο εξωτερικό
• Υπογεννητικότητα στην Ελλάδα και Διαπολιτισμική Εκπαίδευση
• Διοίκηση σχολικών μονάδων και Διαπολιτισμική Εκπαίδευση
• Διαπολιτισμική Κοινωνική Ψυχολογία

Προσδοκούμε από τους εισηγητές και κυρίως τους εκπαιδευτικούς της αλλοδαπής και της ημεδαπής να ασχοληθούν με καινοτόμες ερευνητικές τεχνικές όπως μελέτη περίπτωσης και έρευνα-δράση, έτσι ώστε να γίνει ο Συνεδριακός θεσμός πιο ουσιαστικός όσο αναφορά την παροχή συγκεκριμένης γνώσης, πρακτικής εφαρμογής, μεθόδων και διαδικασιών.

Το ΣΥΝΕΔΡΙΟ ΑΠΕΥΘΥΝΕΤΑΙ σε πανεπιστημιακούς, προπτυχιακούς και μεταπτυχιακούς φοιτητές, στελέχη εκπαίδευσης, εκπαιδευτικούς Α’/θμιας και Β’/θμιας εκπαίδευσης από την Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό, ερευνητές, στελέχη τοπικής αυτοδιοίκησης και σε κάθε ενδιαφερόμενο.
Το ΚΟΣΤΟΣ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗΣ για τους ακροατές του συνεδρίου είναι 50 Ευρώ και για τους φοιτητές 30 Ευρώ.

ΠΡΟΤΑΣΕΙΣ ΓΙΑ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ: Οι ενδιαφερόμενοι θα πρέπει να στείλουν μέχρι τις 15 Μαΐου 2006: 1) έντυπο συμμετοχής, 2) ολόκληρο το κείμενο της ανακοίνωσής τους, έτοιμο προς δημοσίευση, σε ηλεκτρονική μορφή (δισκέτα ή e-mail), το οποίο δε θα ξεπερνά τις 8 σελίδες Α4 (μαζί με τη βιβλιογραφία) σε γραμματοσειρά: Times New Roman Greek, 12 pt. – διάστιχο μονό, 3) περίληψη στα αγγλικά 10-15 σειρές, 4) σύντομο βιογραφικό σημείωμα μέχρι 10 γραμμές.

Τα Πρακτικά θα διανεμηθούν τις ημέρες του Συνεδρίου σε όλους τους Συνέδρους σε ηλεκτρονική μορφή. Κείμενα ανακοινώσεων που θα παραδοθούν μόνο σε έντυπη μορφή δε θα γίνουν αποδεκτά Οι ανακοινώσεις θα πρέπει να είναι πρωτότυπες, δηλαδή να μην έχουν παρουσιαστεί ή δημοσιευτεί.

Όλες οι εργασίες θα κριθούν από την Επιστημονική Επιτροπή και οι εισηγητές θα ενημερωθούν εγκαίρως.

ΔΗΛΩΣΕΙΣ ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΗΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΚΡΟΑΤΕΣ: Οι δηλώσεις συμμετοχής για τους ακροατές θα γίνονται αποδεκτές μέχρι τις 30 Ιουνίου 2006

ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΕΣ στο πλήρες κείμενο της ανακοίνωσης στην ιστοσελίδα μας (www.kedek.gr)

Ο Πρόεδρος της Οργανωτικής Επιτροπής
Παντελής Γεωργογιάννης - Καθηγητής

Further information at: http://kedek.ip-gr.com/patra.php

List of Exhibitors in the Cyprus Pavilion at the Gulf Food Exhibition in Dubai (19-22 February 2006)

A. FOOD & DRINKS
1. LISKO FOODSTUFF LTD
P.O.Box 42106,
6531 Larnaca-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-24-530611
Fax: 00357-24-530704
E-mail: mail@lisko.com.cy
Web Site: http://www.lisko.com.cy/
Representative: Mr. Kyriacos Mbiros
Bulgur wheat, Frozen pasta filled with Halloumi cheese, Puff pastry snacks with different fillings, Pastry flake, kunafa, catering snacks etc.

2. M.G. CHRISTODOULOU LTD. – FINO FOODS
P.O.Box 20008
1600 Nicosia-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-22-456150
Fax: 00357-22-678800
E-mail: info@mgc.com.cy
Web Site: www.mgc.com.cy
Representatives: Mr. Marios Christodoulou
Foodstuffs: Halloumi cheese, Anari cheese, Yoghurt, Pastry leaves, Kounafa, Jams and Marmelades.

3. FAMAGUSTA MACARONI FACTORY (1977) LTD
P.O.Box 54455,
3724 Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-724798
Fax: 00357-25-725661
E-mail: famafa77@logosnet.com.cy
Representative: Mr. George Hadjitheodosiou
Pasta products, flour retail pack.

4. CHRISTIS DAIRIES LTD.,
P.O.Box 51148
3502 Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-726280
Fax: 00357-25-726260
E-mail: exports@christis.com.cy
Web Site: http://www.christis.com.cy/
Representative: Mr. Stefanos Aloneftis
Cheese and dairy products.

5. NEW SEVEGEP LTD
P.O.Box 24851,
1304 Nicosia-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-22-821121
Fax: 00357-22-823442
E-mail: sevegep@spidernet.com.cy
Web Site: http://www.new-sevegep.com.cy/
Representative: Mr. Demetris Thoma
Fruit Juices packed in tetra-pack, concentrates and facilities for private label.

6. CHR. & C. MITSIDES LTD
P.O.Box 21778,
1513 Nicosia-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-22-572020
Fax: 00357-22-610222
E-mail: info@mitsidesgroup.com
Web Site: http://www.mitsidesgroup.com/
Representative: Mr. Dinos Mitsides
Pasta, Flour, Pasta Sauces, Canned tomatoes, Noodles, Oil, etc.

7. S.M. TRYFON MANUFACTURING LTD
P.O.Box 24591
1301 Nicosia-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-22-677272
Fax: 00357-22-680498
E-mail: sales@tryfon.com.cy
Web Site: http://www.tryfon.com.cy/
Representative: Mr. Marcos Tryfon
“Jango” Drink Powder (Fruit), “Coral” Jelly, Cream Caramel, Cream Topping, Dumpling Mix etc.

8. ALION VEGETABLES & FRUIT CO LTD
P.O.Box 11008
2540 Dali – Cyprus
Tel.: 22-870644, 99-623751
Fax: 22-524188
E-mail: av7cl@spidernet.com.cy
Web Site: http://www.alionveg.com/
Representative: Mr. Philip Philippou
Spinach, Coriander, Methi, Mint, Parsley, Greens Rocca, Dill, Basil, Chives, Marjoram, Rosemary, Tarragon, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Roccola, Chervil, Melissa and Chillies.

9. ΚΕΑΝ SOFT DRINKS LTD
P.O.Box 50300
3603 Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-883100
Fax: 00357-25-324477
E-mail: andreas@keanltd.com.cy
Web Site: www.kean.com.cy
Representative: Mr. Andreas Ergatoudes
Juices, Drinks and Nectars.

10. M & T MAMAS KETTLE LTD
P.O.Box 36556
5523 Dasos Achnas-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-24-824700, 99-320199
Fax: 00357-24-824702
E-mail: info@mamaschips.com
Representative: Mr. Theodosis Vassiliou
Hand cooked potatoes crisps, other extruded snacks.

11. COYIO LTD
P.O. Box 59513
4010 Limassol-Cyprus
Tel.: 00357-25-713025
Fax: 00357-25-399801
E-mail: coyio@zenon.logos.cy.net
Web Site: http://www.coyio.com/
Representative: Mr. Andreas Papanisiforou
Peanuts brittle (pasteli), Muffins, Swissrolls, Mash mallow, Coconut bars, Coconut covered with cocoa.

12. PRESTOS CONFECTIONERY LTD
P.O.Box 60755
8107 Paphos-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-26-933355
Fax: 00357-26-952250
Representative: Mrs. Androulla Hadjialexandrou
Frozen Fyllo Pastry
Kateifi and Puff Pastry.

13. AVGOUSTINOS FOOD INDUSTRY LTD
P.O. Box: 57379
3315 Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-870919, 25-780080
Fax: 00357-780081
Representative: Mr. Avgoustis Avgousti
Ravioli, Tortellini, burgers, Cheese pie, Sausages pie, Olive pie, Croisant, Pizzas (difference sizes and flavour)

14. GEORGINA LTD – PASTRY MANUFACTURERS
5380 Dherynia
Tel.: 00357-23-824140
Fax: 00357-23-827240
E-mail: georginapastry@cytanet.com.cy
Representative: Mr Andreas Panayi
Puff pastry products (olive rolls, cheese rolls, sausage rolls), Ravioli, tortellini, Pizzas, Croissant long life.

15. PETROU BROS DAIRY PRODUCTS LTD
P.O.Box 40260,
6303 Larnaca-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-24-661210
Fax: 00357-24-662557
E-mail: petroubros@cytanet.com.cy
Representative: Mr. George Petrou
Halloumi, Fetta, Anari

16. PITTAS DAIRY INDUSTRIES LTD
P.O.Box 21600
1511 Nicosia-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-22-664200
Fax: 00357-22-661247
E-mail: info@pittas.com
Web site: http://www.pittas.com/
Representative: Mr. John Pittas
Halloumi, anari, fetta, kefalotyri, Yogurt.

17. CONFYTASTY LTD
P.O.Box 33506
5315 Paralimni – Cyprus
Tel.: 00357-23-731333
Fax: 00357-23-731334
E-mail: confytasty@cytanet.com.cy
Representative: Mr. Panayiotis Christodoulou
Frozen foodstuff.

18. CHOCOKING MANUFACTURING & TRADING LTD
P.O. Box 36054
5380 Dherynia
Tel: 00357-23-820840
Fax: 00357-23-820397
Representative: Mr. Stavros Soteriou
Shaped filled chocolates (bulk & packed), Couverture blocks, Chocolate spreads.

19. OSCAR SPICES & HERBS LTD
P.O. Box 70141
4151 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-821250
Fax: 00357-25-821251
E-mail: oscarsp@cytanet.com.cy
Representative: Mr. George Nicolaou
Herbs, Spices, Confectionery materials, Legumes, Tea bags, Rice.

20. PHILIPPOS A. TRICOMITIS & SONS LTD
Poseidonos 3, Ay. Sylas Industrial Zone
4180 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-394765
Fax: 00357-25-390618
Representative: Mr. Philippos Tricomitis
Dairy products, Halloumi.

21. NICOS E. KLAPPIS & SONS LTD
Paphos Street No. 34
3051 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-572088
Fax: 00357-25-5723933
E-mail: clappis@cytanet.com.cy
Web Site: www.klappis.com
Representative: Mr. Pambos Klappis
Beef burger, chicken burger, chicken nuggets, beef and chicken schnitzel beef and chicken cordon bleu.

22. APOLLO PASTRIES LTD
P.O. Box 54373
3723 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-724208
Fax: 00357-25-727488
Representative: Mr. Haris Charalambides
Fillo pastry leaves, Kunnafah (kataifi)

23. TAMASOS QUAILS LTD
P.O.Box 23881
1687 Nicosia
Tel.: 00357-22-465600
Fax: 00357-22-622990
E-mail: mintikkis@mintikkis.com.cy
Representative: Mr. Y. Petrides
EUREKA LTD
P.O.BOX 50470
3605 Limassol-Cyprus
Tel.00357-25-831000
Fax. 00357-25-831020
E-mail: eureka@ eureka.com.cy
Web site: http://www.eureka.com.cy/
Representative: Mr. George Lunghis
Frozen quails, pickled quails eggs, fresh quail eggs. Jelly,cream caramel,rice pudding and cream topping.

B.BON-FOOD PRODUCTS
24. LORDOS UNITED PLASTICS LTD
P.O.Box 51358
3504 Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-885555
Fax: 00357-25-885588
E-mail: lordos@lordosplastics.com
Web Site: http://www.lordosplastics.com/
Representative: Mr. Mike Chrysochos
Plastic Household and Packaging Items

25. PHIL. ANDREOU
P.O.Box 50352
3603 Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-865000
Fax: 00357-25-811111
E-mail: info@phil-andreou.com
Web Site: www.phil-andreou.com
Representative: Mr George Ellinas
Display Stands, POS materials.

26. THOMASON MACHINERY LTD
P.O. Box 51487
3506 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-391355
Fax: 00357-25-394124
E-mail: thomason@cytanet.com.cy
Web Site: www.thomason.com.cy
Representative: Mr. Chris Thomas
1. P PRINTWAYS C.B. LTD
P.O.BOX 51061
3501 Limassol-Cyprus
Tel.: 00357-25-577088
Fax: 00357-25-577099
E-mail:info@ printwayscb.com
Representative:Mr. George Ioannides
Filling, capping, labelling
Form/ Fill/ Seal for sachets,
Flow wrapping, induction cap seal, cans seamer, shrink wrapping, printing machines for food products.
Printing products for the catering and beverage industry (coasters,table mats e.t.c.), Self adhesive labels for the Food and Wine industry.

C. WINES & SPIRITS
27. LOEL LTD
P.O.Box 50139
Limassol-Cyprus.
Tel.: 00357-25-202020
Fax: 00357-25-564042
E-mail: loel@zenon.logos.cy.net
Web Site: http://www.loel.com.cy/
Representative: Mrs Anna Gonzalez
For the hall of (wines-spirits), wines, spirits, juices.

28. ETKO LTD
P.O. Box: 50261
3602 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-573391
Fax: 00357-25-877722
E-mail: exports@etkowines.com
Web Site: www.etkowines.com
Representative: Mrs. Olivia Hadjipavlou
Wines and Commandaria.

29. KEO DIMOSIA LTD
P.O. Box 50209
3602 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-3100
Fax: 00357-25-573429
E-mail: keo@keogroup.com
Representative: Mr. Phanos Loucaides
Wines, Juices, mineral water and spirits.

30. NICOLAIDES BROS WINERY LTD
Phidiou street 24,
3075 Limassol
Tel.: 00357-25-333821
Fax: 00357-25-221709
E-mail: winenic@spiderne.com.cy
Representative: Mr. Nicolaides Nicos
Wines.

31. AES AMBELIS WINERY LTD
P.O.Box 27322
1644 Nicosia
Tel.: 00357-99-651361/ 99-635469/99-651361
Fax: 00357-22-818057
E-mail: aesambelis@landmark.com.cy
Representative: Mr. George Tripatsas
Wines.

THERE ARE ANOTHER TWO COMPANIES TO BE VERIFIED.

LIST PROVIDED BY THE CYPRUS TRADE CENTRE IN DUBAI
Tel: 04-2282411
E-mail: cycentre@emirates.net.ae

Study on the perception of Europe by Emirati citizens

You may be interested to read the findings of the research by Nelli
Kostoulas-Makrakis, an esteemed member of our Hellenic-UAE Cultural Society.

It has been published in the International Education Journal, 2005, 6(4),
501-511

We believe that it is interesting to read how Europe is perceived by
non-Europeans. This image of Europe and Europeans is explored based on the
perceptions of 478 Emirati prospective teachers.

Should you wish to read more please click at:

http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/iej/articles/v6n4/kostoulas/paper.pdf

Have a good reading

Best Regards

Daphne Saccopoulos
Hellenic-UAE Cultural Society

Additional notes:
Title of the study: Emirati pre-service teachers' perceptions of Europe and
Europeans and their teaching implications

Contact details of the researcher:
Nelly Kostoulas-Makrakis
University of the Aegean, Greece
E-mail: kostoula@rhodes.aegean.gr

Summary of the Study:
In our increasingly globalised world, it is very important to see how Europe
is perceived by non-Europeans and especially from people who have for a long
time been considered the 'Other'. In the study reported here, the image of
Europe and Europeans is explored based on the perceptions of 478 Emirati
(United Arab Emirates citizens) prospective teachers. In general, the
results reveal that the respondents' perceptions of Europe and Europeans are
mainly negative, although there are also some positive and neutral
perceptions. Emirati perceptions of Europe and Europeans confer to one major
point that Europe represents economic, scientific and technological
development but Europeans lack moral values. The findings have to be
understood as reflecting the socio-cultural, political and historical milieu
to which the subjects of the present study have been exposed. Suggestions to
teaching methods, school curricula and study programs are made.

Link to International Education Journal: http://iej.cjb.net/

Symposium on Mysticism in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Philosophical Society presents a symposium on "Mysticism"
Introduction by eminent academic & Ambassador of Greece
Dr. Panayotis Theodoracopoulos
Followed by a presentation by PhD researcher in philosophy and open discussion

Date: 27th of January 2006 at 7:30 pm
Location: Kalispera Greek Caf?, Defense Rd., Abu Dhabi, UAE
(Behind Golden Motors Mobile store)

Please book by calling Rita at the Greek embassy on 02 4492550
For further enquiries call 050 33 59 695

Perspective: A Journey of Thought and Expression of 3 Contemporary Women Artists

8th to 22nd October 2005, "Hunar" Gallery, Rashidiya, Dubai, UAE (see detailed address below)

Ramadan Timings: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cyprus, India and South Africa three countries and three diverse perspectives! This is what three women from these countries are bringing forth in their exhibition.

Perspective is a journey Marina Emphietzi-Harris (Cyprus), Mazarine Memon (India) and Helena Fann (South Africa) have taken to prove that they have the ability to move away from their desired styles and venture into new avenues letting colors and forms take over.

While the work of neither artist is particularly ethnic, you can see subtle hints of their origins in their work, be it in style, color or subject.

Marina Emphietzi-Harris says: "For me Art is the freedom to express oneself freely with feelings that come from within. In my work, I capture elements of nature using natural earthy colors and compositions such as rocks, stones and water. I guess that is the islander in me".

The sea is a great source of inspiration, something wild, something wild. Her paintings encourage contemplation as there is a tension in the work, hard stone against liquid sea, they encapsulate both the artist's feelings of freedom and a deep sense of unresolved loss, something many of us share in one way or another…

Pat Southcombe of "Hunar" Gallery says: "Group exhibitions are in a sense a marriage of different personalities, styles and techniques, and in the case of these three artists, the marriage is even more interesting as they come from different backgrounds, different countries and cultures but remain bonded with the same passion of Art".

Over the past year they have met together and painted, drawing inspriation from each other, critiquing and encouraging each other onwards. With over 45 paintings, PERSPECTIVES ia a significant body of work. Their works hang in France, India, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Greece, UAE, USA and Indonesia.

Contact details of Marina Emphietzi-Harris:
P.O. Box 17000, Dubai, UAE
E-mail: charris95@hotmail.com

Photo: "Some things are Clear" by Marina Emphietzi-Harris (oil on canvas)

Special Event at "Hunar" Gallery:
Monday 17th October "Meet the Artists" from Perspectives Exhibition from 7 - 10pm.
All are welcome to attend.

For more information:
Pat Southcombe

Hunar Gallery
Green Coast Village, Street 49a, Villa 6, Rashidiya
Tel: 04-2862224, Fax: 04-2856249
E-mail: hunarart@eim.ae

P.O. Box 61628, Dubai, UAE

Cyprus Being Offered As a New Holiday Destination for the UAE Traveller

Dubai, UAE - The Cyprus Tourism Organisation regional office based in Dubai is excited to announce the creation of its newsletter. “Our aim is to inform travel professionals and potential vacationers about Cyprus and to keep them updated on what the island has to offer,” says Director Vassilis Theocharides. The newsletter will be circulated on a monthly basis, in both Arabic and English.

With the holiday season well under way, more and more Gulf and Middle East based travellers are searching for new destinations for their vacations. Traditional European cities and the Far East still dominate travel trends this year. However, a new destination is being offered as an alternative: the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

Situated in the south eastern Mediterranean basin, only 3 hours by plane from Dubai, Cyprus is now being offered as a new short-haul destination for the GCC. The island is already a favourite among European and Lebanese visitors, and has 2.5 million visitors per year, compared to its population of 800,000. “With breathtaking landscapes, sandy beaches, green pine covered mountains and a smiling populace, Cyprus is a fresh destination for GCC travellers. It’s a great alternative to long distance destinations for families, which can be tiring,” relates Theocharides, who heads the newly opened office of the Cyprus Tourism Organization in Dubai.

For travellers wishing to discover new destinations, Cyprus offers family-oriented holidays in the beauty of the Mediterranean. Cyprus is just a 3-hour flight away, through Cyprus Airways, Emirates and Gulf Air.

Gulf visitors can get a visa within two days at the Cyprus Trade Centre in Al Ghurair City in Dubai or at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Opera comes to Cyprus:
With a cultural heritage stretching back more than nine thousand years, cultural events like those taking place in front of the medieval castle of Kato Pafos look more than natural. Cyprus is littered with reminders of the
island's history. Relics from every era—Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th-century frescoes—influence the artists of today. Many villages specialize in a particular art form, and as you travel around Cyprus you'll
see pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and Lefkara's famous lacework.

Paphos, the westernmost city in Cyprus, is hosting once more one of the regions most awaited cultural events, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival. Every year, Europe’s leading philharmonic orchestras are brought to the scenic Paphos castle for an enchanting night at the opera. Casual holiday clothes are traded for smart threads, and the town falls into the charm of an opera night.

This year, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival is presenting its seventh operatic production with Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, performed by the National Opera of Poland, opening on the 3rd of September. The Festival brings opera to the island every September, inviting locals and visitors to a night of magic, lavish scenery and gifted vocal artists. Following the successful staging of Aida (1999), Carmen (2000), Nabucco and Zorba the Greek (2001), Turandot (2002) and Tosca (2003), the organisers are offering yet another
unique experience with Verdi’s Rigoletto. This year’s operatic presentation will be enhanced by the introduction of super titles translating the libretto into Greek and English above the stage.

Around 7,500 tickets are available for the three nights. Interested parties should call immediately for tickets, which range from 150-350 Dirhams.

For further details, please call 00357 26-822218 or the Cyprus Tourism Office in Dubai at 04-2277637. You can also email tourism@cyprusme.com or visit the official Paphos Aphrodite Festival www.pafc.com site.

FORUM

Name of event: 1st International Sport Tourism Forum
Dates: 27th - 28th September 2005
Venue: Hilton Park Hotel Nicosia, Cyprus

Athos Ltd. is organising the 1st International SPORT TOURISM FORUM taking place this year in Cyprus on September 27th & 28th, 2005, at the Hilton Park Hotel Nicosia.

The target is to create a new yearly institution that offers a dynamic international platform for Sport Tourism professionals and academics to exchange their experience in the growing sector of worldwide tourism
development, exchange experience and create new business contacts. The conference will give the opportunity to examine all positive effects of Sport Tourism in each country such as receiving tourists desiring to combine their holidays with physical activity and recreation, organising sport excursions and camps for schools, welcoming amateur and professional athletes for training purposes and hosting major sport events, thus attracting tourists from around the world, enhancing and extending the traditional local tourism season.

The forum dates coincide with World Tourism Day, highlighting the remarkable growth of Sport Tourism and its incredible potential.

For further details please contact the organizers of the forum:

Athos Ltd.
tel.: (+30) 210 6627981
fax: (+30) 210 6624282
e-mail: ecoq@otenet.gr, info@ecoq.gr
(source: www.traveldailynews.com)

Photo: UAE travel agents visiting Cyprus during a familiarisation trip in March 2005 (photo taken in front of the Center of Artcraft in the capital Lefkosia)

Book of condolences in the Embassy (Doha) and the Trade Centre (Dubai)

VERY URGENT

This is to inform that a condolences book will open at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus to commemorate the tragic loss of human life during the air crash of a Cyprus aircraft on 14 August 2005.

The Book of condolences will open on 16 August 2005 from 16:00 until 20:00 and on 17 August 2005 from 10:00 until 13:00 and from 16:00
until 20:00.

ΕΞΑΙΡΕΤΙΚΑ ΕΠΕΙΓΟΝ

Πληροφορούμε ότι στην Κυπριακή Πρεσβεία Ντόχας έχει ανοιχτεί βιβλίο συλλυπητηρίων για το τραγικό αεροπορικό δυστύχημα που συνέβη στις 14 Αυγούστου με μεγάλες ανθρώπινες απώλειες τόσο από Κύπρο όσο και από Ελλάδα.

Το βιβλίο θα είναι ανοιχτό στις 16 Αυγούστου 2005 από 16:00 μέχρι 20:00 και στις 17 Αυγούστου από 10:00 μέχρι 13:00 και 16:00 μέχρι 20.00.

Ο κατάλογος των θυμάτων βρίσκεται στην πρεσβεία όπου μπορείτε να απευθύνεστε για πληροφορίες.

16 August 2005

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS - DOHA
P.O. Box No: 24482
DOHA, QATAR
Tel.: (974) 4934390/1
Fax: (974) 4933087
E-mail: kyprosdoha@qatar.net.qa

From the Cyprus Trade Centre

VERY URGENT

This is to inform that a condolence book will open at the Cyprus Trade Centre (Al Ghurair Centre, Office Tower, Office 635, Deira - Dubai), to commemorate the tragic loss of human life during the air crash of aCyprus aircraft on 14 August 2005.

The Book of condolences will open on 16 August 2005 from 08:00 until16:00 and on 17 August 2005 from 10:00 until 16:0016 August 2005

Greek Valley Becomes a Hellish Scene

GRAMMATIKO, Greece (AP) - Charred bodies, tattered luggage and smoldering debris lay scattered among the pine trees in a scenic Greek valley Sunday after a Helios Airways flight slammed into a mountainside, killing everyone on board.

The plane - carrying 121 people, more than a third of them children - broke into at least three pieces. Acrid smoke filled the air. Still intact, the plane's tail section, emblazoned with an ancient Greek symbol of the sun,
rested on a dirt road.

Constantinos Michas, a resident of this town near the ancient city of Marathon, was one of the first people on the scene.

``I took my car and went straight to the mountain. ... I saw about 80 dead bodies, some were children,'' he said. ``There were some body parts but most were just as their mother made them.''

As police cordoned off part of the crash sites with bright orange tape, firefighting planes and helicopters swooped overhead to battle a brush fire started by the crash, which rekindled at the site throughout the day.

One witness described the instant the Boeing 737 smashed into the hillside, flanked by two F-16 fighter jets sent to intercept the passenger plane after it failed to respond to radio signals.

``We saw some fighter jets flying very low and after a few minutes we heard a very loud noise and saw pieces of the plane flying in the air,'' said Spyros Papachristou.

The crash occurred on the eve of a main religious holiday in Greece and Cyprus - a public holiday devoted to the Virgin Mary. A number of black-robed Greek Orthodox Christian were on the scene.

``There is wreckage everywhere,'' Grammatiko Mayor George Papageorgiou said. ``Things here are very difficult, they are indescribable.''

Ambulances relayed bodies to Grammatiko, 25 miles north of Athens. Crash scene investigators wearing surgical masks said most bodies appeared to be intact with some badly burnt.

In Cyprus, President Tassos Papadopoulos declared three days of official mourning. In Greece, Prime Minister Costas Caramanlis returned to Athens from a holiday on the Aegean island of Tinos.

Source:
Associated Press Writers Elena Becatoros and Derek Gatopoulos
14 August 2005
Photo by Associated Press

From beaches to basilicas of Cyprus

Cyprus is full of mystery, history and natural beauty, all just a
short hop from Bahrain, as REBECCA TORR discovered on a brief visit.

“Gulf Daily News”, Bahrain English daily newspaper, 22 July 2005

THE beautiful island of Cyprus offers something for everyone, whether
you want to search out historical secrets, explore pine-clad mountains
or just relax on the beach, this country has it all and more.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and stands at
the crossroads of three continents, Asia, Africa and Europe.

It's one of the oldest civilisations in the world, with a rich
cultural heritage that can be traced back over 10,000 years to the
Neolithic age.

The first Greeks came to the island 3,000 years ago, but many other
civilisations passed through including the Egyptians, Assyrians,
Persians, Romans, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans and the British.

Visitors can still trace the country's diverse history by visiting its
ancient settlements, Greek temples, Byzantine churches and
monasteries, Roman theatres and early Christian basilicas.

Although Cyprus had been controlled by various countries throughout
the centuries, it finally won its independence in 1960 and became an
independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of
government.

In July 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus and since then it has held 37 per
cent of the island, in the north.

Cyprus continues to flourish as a popular tourist destination.
Probably one of the main reasons that tourists are so drawn to Cyprus
is because it has so much to offer.
Nature lovers come to explore the pine forests, citrus orchards,
vineyards, mountain peaks, as well as the island's rare plants and
beautiful wild flowers.
Bird watchers come to see the country's endemic bird species and the
hundreds of migrating birds it attracts every year.

Partygoers come to worship the sun by day and set their spirits free
on the dance floor by night.

It was during a three-day familiarisation trip with a group of nine
Bahrain travel agents that I had the opportunity to discover some of
the island's appeal.

The trip was organised by Cyprus Tourism Organisation in co-operation
with Cyprus Airways and headed by Cyprus Airways station manager
Joseph Jacob.

We were flown by Cyprus Airways from Bahrain to Larnaca International
Airport and chauffeured around the island by Nicosia-based tourist bus
service Hadjilikos and Sons Limited.

Our guide was Cyprus Tourism Organisation assistant tourist officer
Alexander Nikolaou.

We stayed at the Limassol Holiday Inn, situated on the beach
overlooking Limassol Bay and only two kilometres from the town centre.

The five-storey hotel boasts 144 guest rooms, a restaurant, a gym,
health club, sauna, whirlpool, open-air pool, indoor pool, tennis
courts and a variety of outdoor and indoor facilities.

It also has a jogging path, park area and nightlife all on its
doorstep, but other tourist attractions can also easily be accessed.

The Troodos Mountains are only about 90 minutes drive from Limassol
and they are well worth the effort.

If you love walking, skiing (during the winter), following nature
trails, or finding out more about the island's rich history, then I
highly recommend the trip.

The Troodos Mountains quickly became one of the favourite places in
Cyprus, mainly because they are so picturesque and have such a
tranquil atmosphere.

Just walking amidst these pine scented forests and varieties of wild
flowers and birds is pure pleasure.

The mountains reach almost 2,000 metres and offer beautiful
viewpoints. There are picnic areas, waterfalls and villages to
discover, as well as activities such as horse riding and bird watching.

If you are more interested in learning about the history of Cyprus
there are plenty of Byzantine churches and monasteries in the
mountains.

Ten of the Byzantine churches are included in the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World
Heritage List.

The location also provides visitors a welcomed escape from the heat of
the Cyprus summer, which can get as hot as 37C in August in some parts
of the island.
Five to 10 kilometres southwest of Limassol lie the Fasouri
plantations.

Many types of citrus fruit trees grow there including lemons, oranges
and grapefruit and if you have time it certainly deserves a visit.

Passing through the plantations we even had an invitation to pick our
own oranges right off the trees, which was certainly a first for me!

Back in Limassol a must-see attraction is the Time Elevator, a
simulated history ride spanning as far back as 10,000 years.

This ride gives you the opportunity to see, hear and feel the history
and culture of Cyprus (stationary seating is also available).

The multi-sensory ride integrates a custom-made film featuring key
episodes in local history including the creation of the island, the
first Greek settlers, the introduction of Christianity, times during
various rulers, the War of Independence and present day Cyprus.

For a more in-depth look into the history of the island tourists
should also visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia.

It holds sculptures, pottery, coins, bronzes and other items from the
Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, the Iron Age and the Graeco-
Roman period.
Some of the must-sees on show are: a marble statue of the legendary
goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite from Soloi dating back to the
first century BC; a fourth century BC marble head of the ancient Greek
mythical goddess discovered at Salamis; and a 12th century solid
bronze statue of a 'horned god' found in a shrine at Enkomi.
Our historical tour of Cyprus also took us to the Kourion ancient
site, Petra tou Romiou (The Rock of the Greek) - legendary birthplace
of Aphrodite (25 kilometres east of Paphos) and to visit the mosaics
at the Villa of Dionysos.
The Kourion site, located on the south-western coast between Limassol
and Paphos, dates back to the second century BC.

It has a spectacular second century BC Graeco-Roman theatre, which is
now completely restored and used to stage concerts and theatrical
events.

Just as impressive at the site is the House of Eustolios, which was
once a private Roman villa.

It consists of magnificent fifth century AD mosaic floors covering
several baths and rooms.

Other historical treasures at Kourion include the House of Gladiators,
House of Achilles, Early Christian Basilica and the Nymphaeum.

The House of Dionysos in Paphos is another magnificent ancient Roman
site to explore.
Dated around the late second century BC it displays spectacular
mosaics portraying many ancient Greek myths and legends, as well as
everyday scenes of village life.

In addition to its vast history the country is keen to preserve its
long traditions and culture and many of them have been kept alive
through the promotion of local handicrafts and folk art.

The Cyprus Handicraft Service based in Nicosia helps to preserve and
promote handicrafts through its Handicraft Centre.

The centre has experimental workshops for woodwork, pottery,
metalwork, general handicrafts, weaving, tapestry, leatherworks and
others.

Tourists are welcome to visit the workshops, archives and exhibition
hall free of charge.

In the centre there is also a souvenir shop where items made at the
workshops are sold. Similar centres and shops are also located in
various towns and there are several workshops in refugee camps and
villages.

On top of all its history and culture the country has amazing
authentic restaurants and local delicacies to die for.

There are a wide variety of Arabic, European and Asian restaurants to
choose from, but you really shouldn't visit the island without trying
its own delicious cuisine.
The local food is a combination of Greek and Oriental dishes and the
best way to try them is to opt for the meat, or seafood mezze, which
comprises 25 to 30 small dishes.
The dishes come with accompaniments including Greek specialities such
as moussaka (aubergine, minced lamb, tomato sauce and cheese bake),
taramosalata (fish egg salad) and Greek salad, as well as olives and
pickled vegetables. We had the opportunity to sample some of these
delights during dinner at the friendly Istoriko Restaurant, in
Limassol.

During our three-day trip we were also able to check out the food and
facilities at some of the country's top quality hotels.

We were invited to St Raphael Resort in Limassol for its international
buffet night and traditional live music, Le Meridien Limassol Spa and
Resort for its evening seafood buffet and live entertainment and to
the Elysium in Paphos for a specially created three course lunch.

The facilities offered in each hotel are impressive.

One of the highlights of the St Raphael Resort are its conference
facilities, which include a purpose built, pillar-free hall that can
accommodate up to 500 guests.

The hotel also has 37,000 square metres of landscaped property, a
health and fitness centre, and most impressive of all is the hotel's
marina, which can accommodate yachts up to 30 metres long.

The Elysium resort is a building like no other. Every part of it
evokes the country's rich history and culture.

It combines Byzantine architecture with choice elements from
Mediaeval, Venetian, Roman and Greek eras.

Even its name 'Elysium' conjures the spirit of the place, which in
Greek mythology refers to a place of delight and eternal bliss.

Most memorable is the entrance to the resort, which is complete with a
drawbridge and a mediaeval archway.

Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort is also beautiful. It is situated
on a 300-metre stretch beach and its design comprises stone arches,
waterfalls and mosaic-tiled pools.

There are also facilities and services to suit all tastes and ages
including Penguin Village for children, a nightclub, a spa, fitness
club, shopping arcade, sports activities and entertainment piazza.

It is also a resident-only resort and therefore offers guests complete
privacy.

The friendly island of Cyprus is a year round tourist destination that
clearly offers something for everyone.