Day: May 5, 2022

It is a matter of time to achieve the Greek national record in long jump, perhaps in Cyprus, during the 1st Cyprus International Athletics Meeting, Greek track and field champion, Miltos Tentoglou, has told CNA.

Tentoglou is in Cyprus to compete in the 1st Cyprus International Athletics Meeting, which is part of the World Federation’s challenger series, and which is to take place on May 10, at the Tsirio Stadium in Limassol.

The Olympic Games Gold medalist in long jump invited people to attend the event as it will be an opportunity to see him but also many good athletes compete.

He said that the long jump will be a very strong and “impressive” race, and invited everyone to go and watch the games, adding that he intends to jump over 8 metres.

He said children especially will like it and invited them to go to the event because they may like track and field sports and decide to take up a sport.

Regarding his next goals, Tentoglou said that his next steps are events that start in the coming period such as the World Cup and the European Championship, both this summer.

He said his goal is to achieve the Greek national record which is six centimeters above what he has achieved.

“It is 8.66m. I have achieved 8.60m, and I believe I will succeed. It’s a matter of time, just to find the right conditions and why not, to do it here in Cyprus,” he added.

Tentoglou also said he feels like he is at home in Limassol and thanked the city and its mayor.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

History converses with art through the documentary “The Wedding Dress of Argyro: Three Readings”, which was screened on Wednesday in Nicosia. The documentary is a production of Aglantzia High School, within the framework of the programme of the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute (CPI) “We record Memory: production of documentaries by students”.

The documentary presents the story of Argyro Christoforou, who was preparing to marry her fiancé, Kyriakos Christou, on July 21, 1974, in her village, Peristeronopigi, Famagusta. However, the wedding was postponed due to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and Kyriakos was called to fight in Pentadaktylos mountain to repel the invaders. When it became clear that the Turkish army was approaching Peristeronopigi, Argyro left her house. The wedding dress she would wear at her wedding was left behind, hung on a hanger at home.

Argyro’s personal experience became the means for the creation of the documentary, in which history converses with art in three different readings. The first reading is an artistic creation, which is the work of the visual artists Andriana Nicolaidou and Marianna Constanti, the second is the poem of the philologist and poet Panagiotis Nicolaides, while the third is the documentary prepared by the students of Aglantzia High School.

The high school students said that they got acquainted with all the stages of producing a documentary and the virtues of teamwork, and that they worked on the production of the documentary during the summer months. They added that they learnt about the story of Argyro from the poem of their teacher, Panagiotis Nicolaides. In the course of their research, they learnt about the wedding dress exhibition that was held at the Leventis Municipal Museum as well as the wedding dress made by artists Andriana Nicolaidou and Marianna Constanti.

On their part, Adriana Nicolaidou and Marianna Constanti stressed that the personal experience of Argyro became a collective one through a work of art, which evokes specific memories. They added that their creation, which was based on a sketch sent to them by Argyro, was intended to make the viewers think and that they tried to marry two emotionally charged, but different events, war and marriage. They also focused on the importance of recalling the history of our country, the power of art to transmit experiences, memories and emotions, as well as its healing properties.

Philologist and poet Panagiotis Nicolaides emphasised the “shocking” -as he put it- depiction of historical experience in a work of art, especially in Cyprus, where “the hidden winds of history have been blowing for centuries.” The way we capture history determines our identity and our survival, he pointed out, adding that art begets art. “Only through creative and innovative efforts can we keep memory alive,” he concluded.

Argyro Christoforou-Christou, whose story was the inspiration for the production of the documentary, said that her experience, which she had buried deep inside her, became known thanks to Demetra Bakirtzi, Director of the Leventis Municipal Museum and a personal friend of hers, and Panagiotis Nicolaides. “The documentary reminded me of the wounds that we had been trying to bury for 47 years, because the problems we had to deal with were great,” she added. “Young people need to see the present and the future. We must set an example from the past,” she pointed out.

“In 1974, the social and economic fabric of Cyprus was dissolved”, said Demetra Bakirtzi, who curated the wedding dress exhibition at the Leventis Municipal Museum. In addition, she stated that the exhibition should have ended in 1974. In this context, she said, she had discussions with Argyro and the artists who created the wedding dress, which is hovering as a reminder of the life that the refugees left behind in Turkish occupied Cyprus.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The awarded American photographer Glen Allison, who has travelled around the world, taking iconic pictures for Getty Images in the 90s, will be in Paphos for the inauguration of his exhibition “Continuum” at the Cotton Contemporary Art Gallery on May 6, at 18:00.

During a press conference today, at Alexander The Great hotel, he spoke of his life experiences and his travels, that allowed him to create his work. He managed to visit many countries and, as he said, he had taken 100 flights within 365 days. His pictures have been published more than 100.000 times in top travel publications, including the National Geographic and the Conde Nast Traveler.

Laura Somma, the organizer of the exhibition in Paphos, presented the event by quoting the Italian President, Sergio Mattarella, saying that “art and culture are bridges that bond people” and added that there is no “moment in the recent history when needed more unity and harmony”.

Speaking of Glen Allison, she said that he is an American artist, architect and photographer, whose work indicated that there are no barriers or differences, but only people who express beauty and grace. She also added that the images in “Continuum” represent the continuous flow and artistic progress of the artist.

Glen Alison explained that, after the internet made billions of pictures available to everyone, his job as a photographer was no longer profitable and he had to switch to other alternatives, which led him to fine art. He said his work in this exhibition features many textures, like steam, train wheels, mirrors, hand drawing and more.

During the last decade, his creative efforts have focused in developing a series of pieces of art that will be featured in the exhibition, including a series of body paints. His next stations will be Lithuania, Mecca and Philippines, but he also promised to return to Cyprus and Paphos to take pictures of its history and culture. He also invited people to travel and take as much as possible in. The exhibition will be open until May 21.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

A decrease in interest rates on deposits and consumer loans and a marginal increase in the interest rate on mortgages can be seen in the data published on Thursday by the Central Bank of Cyprus for March 2022.

The interest rate on deposits from households with an agreed maturity of up to one year recorded a decrease to 0.05%, compared with 0.07% in the previous month, while the corresponding interest rate on deposits from non-financial corporations registered a decrease to -0.01%, compared with 0.00% in the previous month.

On lending rates, the interest rate on consumer credit fell to 3.06%, compared with 3.19% in the previous month, while the interest rate on loans for house purchase increased to 2.16%, compared with 2.14% in the previous month.

The interest rate on loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to €1 million fell to 3.14%, compared with 3.24% in the previous month. The interest rate on loans to non-financial corporations for amounts over €1 million registered an increase to 3.28%, compared with 3.16% in the previous month.

Moreover, total new loans recorded an increase to €506.7 million in March 2022, compared with €437.4 million in February.

In particular, new loans for consumption increased to €14.1 million, compared with €12.2 million in the previous month, while new loans for house purchase recorded an increase to €205.1 million, compared with €150.4 million in the previous month.

New loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to €1 million rose to €79.3 million, compared with €43.7 million in the previous month and new loans to non-financial corporations for amounts over €1 million registered a decrease to €199.9 million, compared with €224.9 million in February.

These statistics are included in the April 2022 edition of Monetary and Financial Statistics.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Minister of Agriculture Costas Kadis said on Thursday that he will protect and promote Cyprus’ halloumi, a traditional cheese registered as protected designation of origin. He described the product as Cyprus’ precious wealth that has lived on for generations.

Addressing an event organised by Larnaka chamber of commerce and Larnaka tourism board Kadis said that halloumi’s exports are around 250 million euro annually and come second in value following the sector of medicines. He spoke of the importance of its registration as PDO and added that it could have its place and importance in the menus of restaurants in Cyprus and abroad.

Larnaka Chamber of commerce chair Stavros Stavrou and Larnaka Tourism Board head Dinos Lefkaritis also addressed the event and noted the importance of the halloumi product for the promotion of Cyprus and its gastronomy.

Higher Hotel Institute Head Dr Evi Soteriou said that we must promote the many gastronomical possibilities of halloumi.

Head of Cheese producers’ association George Petrou said that halloumi is one of the European cheeses with the biggest promotion and development the last years. He said that the exports in 2021 amounted to almost 40,000 tonnes.

Secretary General of Chefs Association Michalis Michaelides said that halloumi must be upgraded.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

In April 2022, inflation was 8.8% in Cyprus. The Consumer Price Index increased by 2.58 units and reached 110.36 units compared to 107.78 units in March 2022, according to data published by Cyprus Statistical Service on Thursday.

For the period January-April 2022, the CPI increased by 7% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

As regards the economic origin, the largest changes when compared to the index of April 2021 were recorded in Electricity (39%), in Petroleum Products (32%) and in Agricultural Goods (18.3%). In comparison to the index of the previous month, the largest change was monitored in Electricity (16.4%).

Compared to April 2021, the largest changes were monitored in the categories Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (21.1%), Transport (18%) and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (11%).

In comparison to the CPI of the previous month, the largest change was noted in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (7%).

For the period January – April 2022, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, the largest changes were recorded in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (16.3%), Transport (15.1%) and Food and non-Alcoholic Beverages (8%).

Compared to the Index of April 2021, the categories Transport (2.71), Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (2.58) and Food and non-Alcoholic Beverages (2.09) had the largest effect on the change of the CPI.

The categories Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (0.97) and Transport (0.78) had the largest effect on the change of the CPI compared to the previous month.

Petroleum Products (2.54), Electricity (1.40) and Fresh Vegetables (0.70) had the most notable effect on the change of the CPI of April 2022 compared to April 2021.

Finally, Electricity (0.70) and Petroleum Products (0.61) had the largest positive effect on the change of the CPI of April 2022 compared to the previous month.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel pays Cyprus a visit Thursday and Friday to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Forum for the Democracy in Cyprus, in the framework of the European Year of Youth.

A press release by the EC says that the Forum will discuss the challenges faced currently in democracy and it is organized by Cyprus Presidency and the Cyprus parliament. It will take place Friday at the Filoxenia conference center in Nicosia.

During her visit the Commissioner will meet with Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Minister Prodromos Prodromou and will pay a visit to Innovation Center. She will also exchange views with various innovation entities which are engaged in cultural and creative media sectors.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus and Luxembourg share common values and can further deepen their relations within the European Union in the fields of energy and space, Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said on Thursday after his meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades.

Bettel also expressed his government’s support for the resolution to renew the UNFICYP mission, praised the efforts of the Cypriot government to resolve the Cyprus problem and bring peace to the island, and wished future generations of Cypriots to be able to live in the knowledge that there is no longer any danger.

As part of his official visit to Cyprus, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg was received on Thursday morning at the Presidential Palace, where he held talks with President Nicos Anastasiades.

In his remarks after the meeting, President Anastasiades thanked Bettel for his cooperation in the European Council meetings and for the support he has offered to Cyprus throughout his term as Prime Minister.

He stressed that Luxembourg is a model small state, demonstrating admirable political, economic and social stability, and expressed the conviction that Bettel’s visit marks a new chapter in the already excellent relations between the two countries.

Referring to the events in Ukraine, the President of the Republic said that maintaining unity at the European level “remains imperative in the endeavours to exert considerable pressure, both economic and political, on Russia to put an end this to war, a war which can only be resolved through a meaningful dialogue and effective diplomatic means.”

“The war in Ukraine has also highlighted the urgent need for Europe to move towards energy independence in this rapidly changing geopolitical environment,” he added, noting that in this context “can significantly contribute towards our goal to strengthen the Union’s energy security by diversifying the sources and routes of our energy supply, with the prospect of a corridor from the Eastern Mediterranean region to Europe gaining a new momentum in recent months.”

Regarding the bilateral relations between Cyprus and Luxembourg, President Anastasiades highlighted new areas of further cooperation, such as education, tourism, the financial sector, research and innovation, while he did not fail to mention the renewable energy sector, in the framework of the European Green Agreement. Other areas of common interest include, according to the President of the Republic, migration, climate change, the energy crisis, defence and security, as well as digital transition.

On the Cyprus issue, President Anastasiades said that Cypriots fully understand what Ukrainians are experiencing today, as they have been victims of the Turkish invasion and occupation for decades, noting that he briefed the Luxembourg Prime Minister on the Government’s efforts to find a solution, as well as on his proposals for bold confidence-building measures.

“I reiterated my commitment to continue to work tirelessly for the reunification of Cyprus and its people within the framework of a functional, viable bizonal bicommunal federation based on UN Security Council resolutions and EU principles and values,” the President said.

He added that Turkey should immediately end its provocations and illegal actions on the territory and in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus in order to create the right climate for the resumption of dialogue, noting that the Cyprus problem is a European problem and Cyprus is the last divided country in the EU, while expressing thanks to the Prime Minister of Luxembourg for his country’s principled stance on the Cyprus problem.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg said that the two countries share common positions and values and that although they are not geographically close, they are members of the same family.

Referring to Ukraine, Bettel said that the Russian invasion is a challenge for the EU, and especially when witnessing what is happening in the country “it is not possible not to show solidarity as EU with Ukraine and take action against Russia. We know that sanctions have consequences, but we cannot put a price on sanctions.”

Furthermore, he said that every time he meets President Anastasiades in Brussels in the context of the European Councils, President Anastasiades conveys the feeling of what it is like to live in a divided country. “We don’t need to look thousands of kilometres away when around our table we have a country where people don’t know what can happen tomorrow,” he said.

Bettel also said that Luxembourg is in favour of finding alternative energy sources for Europe, stressing that the answer to the energy crisis “has to be European, we must be more independent as EU.”

Regarding bilateral relations, he said that the two countries can further deepen their cooperation within the EU and in areas beyond energy, such as space, where there are many opportunities.

Finally, referring to the Cyprus problem, the Luxembourg Prime Minister said that his country supports the efforts of President Anastasiades to solve the problem and welcomed the resolution to renew the mandate of UNFICYP.

“I wish the next generations of Cypriots to be able know that there is no danger,” he concluded.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus enjoys good health overall with one of the highest life expectancies in the EU, according to the 2021 Country Health Profile for Cyprus published as part of the State of Health in the EU collaboration between the European Observatory, the OECD and the European Commission.

During a webinar on Thursday where the report was presented, participants noted the implementation of the general health system at the time of the COVID-19 prevalence and the resilience of the system when it was tested to the extreme.

According to the findings presented by Erica Richardson, Research Fellow, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the life expectancy was well above the average for the EU in 2020. Gains in life expectancy, however, had slowed even before the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the gap in life expectancy by gender is narrower than the EU average.

Although the report notes that 78% of the Cypriot population consider themselves to be in good health, lung cancer has proved to be the leading cause of cancer mortality on the island, for 2020, reaching 4.5% (268 cases) and ischemic heart disease causing 633 fatalities, a 10.7%. Stroke was also high, (360 or 6.1%) and diabetes reaching 448 or 5.7%. In the same year, COVID-19 accounted for 131 deaths, a 2%.

Richardson said tobacco consumption and childhood obesity constitute major public health issues on the island, with 33% of men smoking daily in 2019 while only 14% of women did and obesity rates among children being the highest in the EU and the alcohol consumption below the EU average.

She also remarked that the report showed spending on health remains well below the EU average, representing 7.0% of GDP and out of pocket spending on health falling from 45% in 2018 to 30% in 2019 following reforms.

The report also indicated that fundamental reforms to the health system were successfully implemented despite extra pressure on the system from the COVID-19 pandemic. The relatively high vaccination rates have been a key factor in preventing COVID-19 deaths during the pandemic.

Panelist Irene Cotter, Senior Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health of Cyprus described the report as a very useful document that would help in shaping the policies in the future.

Petros Agathaggelou, President of the Pancyprian Medical Association referred to the absence of capacity planning and the shortages in nursing staff.

Andreas Papaconstantinou, Director of the Health Insurance Organization called for the need to protect the health system.

Marios Kouloumas, President of the Cyprus Federation of Patients’ Associations talked about investing in infrastructure and highlighted that the total spending in health is still low.

He also talked about a registry for people with chronic conditions as in Cyprus, 2 in 5 people have chronic diseases.

Source: Cyprus News Agency