ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME IN LAKE SOROS

 Filenews 2 October 2020 -  by Angelos Nikolaou

The ongoing environmental crime of poaching protected birds has no end. In recent days hundreds of dead birds have been found in the hunting area of Lake Soros in Meneou, near the residential area and the Tower of Rigaina. The slaughter of protected birds was committed by poachers. After the initial discovery of two dead swallows and 72 dead beekeepers, as well as two injured beekeepers, by the BirdLife Association of Cyprus on Saturday 26 September, the teams of the Committee Against the Slaughter of Birds (CABS) continued to monitor the area over the last three days, and witnessed poachers once again shooting any species of bird flying in front of their weapons.

So far, there have been another 100 dead bee-eaters, half a dozen swallows, a rare craga, a sloppy, a kitsis and a night crow. The total number of beekeepers killed is much higher than those discovered, as it is common for poachers to collect the birds once they are killed.

"Up to 50 hunters gather in the area every day, mainly at the weekend," says Bostjan Debersek, CABS's head of research, "and they do not deny at all that they kill bee-eaters and other protected species. Even more so, they seem entitled to break the law. Although we collected video and other evidence of these crimes, the police station in Kitty refused to further investigate our complaint, or to attend the area."

CABS notes that this is not the first time police have not fulfilled their legal duties for similar allegations of illegal hunting. In the fall of 2019, dozens of poachers were seen using illegal electronic motorbikes to hunt for trasiels, and when they realized they were being monitored by CABS volunteers, they began threatening activists with death threats. Police were called to the area, but instead of collecting evidence of illegal hunting and threats, they shouted at the activists, demanding that they delete all evidence.

"It is clear that this attitude does not honour either Cypriot or European law and reflects the common sense of some authorities, that no one should disrupt hunting, whether it is legal or not," adds Alex Heyd, director of CABS. "If hunters so fearlessly break the law, it is obvious that no one has ever applied the law. This is the complete failure of the supposed successes of the amendments to the Hunting Act made in July 2017," he points out.

CABS observes that so far during the autumn of 2020, illegal hunting is completely out of control in Famagusta and Larnaca. A total of 70 cases of illegal hunting were confirmed by the organisation's volunteers. Although, he notes, we are grateful for the quick response from the Hunting and Wildlife Service to the reported cases, only 4 cases resulted in prosecution and fines. CABS therefore calls on the government to take immediate action by suspending the hunting season in this area which is far less than 500 metres from residential areas and less than 300 metres from the lake. The agency also calls for the establishment of a permanent police presence in the area for adequate monitoring and to ensure proper implementation of the law.

 

Read More

DANI RODGERS aka Lady Gaga - Kathikas Square Gin Bar - 8 October

 

DANI RODGERS, AKA LADY GAGA

Kathikas Square Gin Bar, Kathikas

Thursday 8 October - 6.30pm

Spare Ribs dinner special €8pp.  Reservations essential - call 70009696

Read More

LEBANON ASKS INTERPOL TO ARREST RUSSIAN SHIP CAPTAIN, OWNER OVER PORT EXPLOSION

 Cyprus Mail 2 October 2020 - by Reuters News Service

Lebanon has asked Interpol to issue arrest warrants for the Russian captain and owner of the ship that brought the explosive material that detonated at Beirut port in August, killing nearly 200 people, state media reported late on Thursday.

About two months after the explosion that injured thousands and ravaged the Lebanese capital, questions remain about why and how the cargo was abandoned in Beirut.

Authorities have blamed it on the huge stockpile of ammonium nitrate, used for fertiliser but also for explosives, going up in flames after being stored in poor conditions at the port for years.

There have also been accusations of negligence against Lebanese authorities. Nearly 20 people have been detained in Lebanon after the blast including port and customs officials.

Lebanon’s public prosecution asked Interpol to issue warrants to detain the owner and captain, state news agency NNA said on Thursday, without naming them.

Boris Prokoshev was captain of the Rhosus ship when it arrived in Beirut in 2013, and he had identified Igor Grechushkin, a Russian businessman in Cyprus, as the owner. A security source and a judicial source said they were the two for whom Lebanon asked for arrest warrants on Thursday.

Russia’s national Interpol bureau declined to comment.

Grechushkin, 43, was questioned in Cyprus in August.

Cyprus police spokesman Christos Andreou said, regarding an Interpol request on Thursday: “We have not received such a request.”

Prokoshev, who is in Russia, said he had not heard anything about it and that he has not been contacted by investigators before.

He has told Reuters that 2,750 tonnes of the chemicals ended up in Beirut after the ship’s owner told him to divert to Beirut to pick up extra cargo in 2013. He has also said Lebanese authorities paid little attention to the ammonium nitrate, which had been stacked in the hull in large sacks.

The Rhosus had loaded ammonium nitrate in Georgia, shipping records show, before making the unscheduled stop in Lebanon.

But it never left, becoming tangled in a legal dispute over unpaid port fees and ship defects.

Beirut port authorities impounded the vessel after it arrived in late 2013 due to outstanding debts, according to a state security report which Reuters revealed in August. In 2014, the ship was deemed unseaworthy and its cargo was unloaded in October and warehoused in what was known as Hangar 12, the epicentre of the explosion.

The ship sank near the port’s breakwater in February 2018, the report said.

Read More

ASTRAZENECA'S JAPANESE COVID-19 VACCINE TRIAL BACK UP, US STILL POISED

 in-cyprus 2 October 2020 - by Josephine Koumettou

Clinical trials of AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s experimental COVID-19 vaccine have resumed in Japan, almost a month after being put on hold due to an illness of a British volunteer, while discussions with U.S. authorities continue.

The British drugmaker said on Friday the early-to-mid-stage trial for the vaccine against the novel coronavirus resumed in Japan after consultations with the national health regulator, the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency.

Global trials of the vaccine, called AZD1222 or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, were put on hold on Sept. 6 after a study participant fell ill with what was believed to be a rare spinal inflammatory disorder called transverse myelitis.

Trials in the UK, Brazil, South Africa and India had already restarted, but U.S. trials remain paused as regulators widened their probe, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

AstraZeneca has called the halt a standard review procedure, and a document posted online by Oxford university last month stated the illness may not have been associated with the vaccine.

However, the incident has drawn focus on the safety of candidates being developed in the race for a successful vaccine against the illness caused by the novel coronavirus which has claimed more than a million lives globally.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) broadened its investigation of the illness in the volunteer, and would look at data from earlier trials of similar vaccines developed by the same scientists, three sources told Reuters.

In Friday’s statement, AstraZeneca stressed that safety of the participants was of “paramount importance” and that it was applying the highest standards of conduct in trials.

Sources had told Reuters that the data requested by the FDA for one of the most advanced COVID-19 vaccine candidates in development was expected this week.

(Reuters)

Read More

CYPRUS' FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION TO SAFEGUARD WOMEN'S RIGHTS

 in-cyprus 2 October 2020 - by Josephine Koumettou

Cyprus` Foreign Minister, Nikos Christodoulides, called for concrete and collective actions, that will bring transformative change in safeguarding women`s rights.

Addressing on Thursday the High Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women “Accelerating the Realization of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of all Women and Girls” Christodoulides said that women’s rights are a priority for the government of Cyprus.

“We are determined to tackle the challenges and to address the implementation gaps” Minister Christodoulides said in a video message. To this effect, he went on, a number of National Action Plans have been adopted, new laws have been enacted and bodies promoting and ensuring equality have been established. “New policies have been formulated targeting all 12 critical areas of concern of the Beijing Platform for Action including combating violence against women, access to violence against women, access to employment, improved education and health” he said.

More specifically, the Foreign Minister said that Cyprus ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and is drafting a comprehensive legislation criminalising violence against women.

The country also implemented positive action measures in the area of employment and vocational training, and is finalising the first National Action Plan for the implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, he went on.

With regard to Cyprus’ foreign policy, Christodoulides said that a framework of action dedicated to women’s rights has been put in place. “It is based on a holistic approach aimed at strengthening the collaboration with women’s rights organisations” he explained.

According to the Foreign Minister, Cyprus is actively broadening and deepening its actions at the international level, attaching greater importance to cooperation in its region for the substantial advancement of women’s rights.

“It’s high time to move from words to concrete, collective actions that will bring transformative change in safeguarding women`s rights.  It is the time for more solidarity, more cooperation and a greater commitment to justice, equality and the promotion of women’s rights. Today’s commemoration offers a great opportunity to reaffirm our strong support and commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration as we move decisively ahead” he concluded.

(CNA)

Read More

LOCAL LOCKDOWN IN ACHNA IF RESIDENTS DO NOT COMPLY

 in-cyprus 2 October 2020 - by Gavriella

If the residents of Achna village do not comply with instructions and do not undergo a COVID-19 test, then the only thing left to do is to impose a local lockdown, Peter Karayiannis, Professor of Microbiology/Molecular Virology at the University of Nicosia Medical School, told CNA. 

The professor said that the situation in Achna is very dangerous because if the residents go to other areas there will possibly be a transmission chain. Currently we have new cases connected to Ethnikos Achnas football team cluster, he noted, adding that if we are not careful the cases will spread to other areas as well.

Read More

BRITISH SOLDIER IN SERIOUS CONDITION AT FAMAGUSTA GENERAL HOSPITAL

 in-cyprus 2 October 2020 - by Josephine Koumettou

A 27 year old British soldier serving in Dhekelia is being treated at the Famagusta General Hospital in serious condition following a possible stabbing incident in Ayia Napa on Friday, the CNA reports.

According to the police, the incident took place around 3.30 am on Friday when the Ayia Napa police were informed of an injured man in the Ayia Napa central square.

Members of the Ayia Napa police station then sped to the scene where they spotted the 27 year old with injuries in the abdomen, possibly caused by a knife.

The man was taken to the Famagusta General Hospital where he underwent surgery and doctors described his condition as serious.

Subsequent police investigations in the area revealed the man’s identity as an SBA Dhekelia soldier and that his injury was the result of a fight with other individuals.

The Famagusta CID also attended the scene and collected evidence to be sent for analysis.

The investigation is ongoing.

Read More

BREXIT - €200m PORT INFRASTRUCTURE FUND OPENS FOR BIDS

 

£200 million Port Infrastructure Fund opens for bids

The government is ramping up its preparations for the end of the transition period with the launch of a £200 million fund for ports to build new facilities.

Published 2 October 2020

From:

Cabinet Office, Department for Transport, The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP

• Government launches the Port Infrastructure Fund to build new facilities at the border.

• The scheme will provide up to £200 million funding in one-off grants to ports.

• Businesses and industry urged to accelerate preparations for the end of year.

Today (Friday 2 October 2020) the government is ramping up its preparations for the end of the transition period with the launch of a £200 million fund for ports to build new facilities.

New infrastructure at ports will be needed whether or not the UK secures a negotiated agreement with the EU as we are leaving the Customs Union and Single Market and new procedures will be coming into place.

The fund is targeted at those ports that have the space to build new border infrastructure on their current sites so that they are ready to handle new customs requirements under the new Border Operating Model. The funding can be used for a range of vital port infrastructure - from warehouses and control posts to traffic management systems.

The deadline for applications is midday on 30 October, with successful bids announced shortly after.

Where infrastructure is not best situated at ports, the government has allocated an additional £270 million to build inland customs facilities.

Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare, the UK has taken the decision to introduce new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021. This flexible and pragmatic approach will give industry extra time to make necessary arrangements. The stages are:

• From January 2021: Traders importing standard goods, covering everything from clothes to electronics, will need to prepare for basic customs requirements, such as keeping sufficient records of imported goods, and will have up to six months to complete customs declarations. While tariffs will need to be paid on all imports, payments can be deferred until the customs declaration has been made. There will be checks on controlled goods like alcohol and tobacco. Businesses will also need to consider how they account for VAT on imported goods. There will also be physical checks at the point of destination or other approved premises on all high risk live animals and plants.

• From April 2021: All products of animal origin (POAO) – for example meat, pet food, honey, milk or egg products – and all regulated plants and plant products will also require pre-notification and the relevant health documentation.

• From July 2021: Traders moving all goods will have to make declarations at the point of importation and pay relevant tariffs. Full Safety and Security declarations will be required, while for SPS commodities there will be an increase in physical checks and the taking of samples: checks for animals, plants and their products will now take place at GB Border Control Posts.

The opening of the fund has been welcomed by industry, and will see ports accelerate their preparations for the end of the year, as well as give industry confidence that all required infrastructure will be delivered on time.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, said:

With just 3 months to go until the end of the UK transition period, businesses need to prepare now for the new procedures that will come into place whether or not we reach a trade agreement with the EU, so that we can seize the significant opportunities that lie ahead.

We have listened to businesses and the border industry and will continue to work with them to deliver not just a fully operational border at the end of the transition period, but also the world’s most effective and secure border within the next five years. The launch of this £200 million fund will help us do just that.

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, said:

Our ports are a point of pride for the UK, contributing to our success as a global trading nation and helping bring vital goods into the country each and every day.

This investment will not only ensure our borders are fully operational at the end of the transition period, but will also support the UK’s fantastic businesses as they trade across Europe.

Tim Morris of the UK Major Ports Group, the trade association for the UK’s largest port operators, commented:

There is significant port capacity around the coast of the UK for handling freight flows to and from the EU. Today’s announcement is a welcome step in ensuring that this capacity can be maximised and UK supply chains can be more resilient.

Time is short and it is vital that UK businesses prepare for new border arrangements. We will work urgently with the Government on the all-important detail and related regulations.

Richard Ballantyne Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, which represents ports that facilitate 86% of our trade including all the UK’s main roll-on roll-off gateways, said:

We welcome this fund and the focus on preparing port infrastructure for what will need accommodate a significant change in our trading relationship with the EU. It’s clear that without support there would not be the capacity to deal the new customs and borders requirements. We therefore welcome this scheme which importantly will be open to all port operators across Great Britain.

Read More

BREXIT TRADE TALKS TO GO ON UNTIL MID-OCTOBER EU SUMMIT - SOURCES

 Reuters 2 October 2020

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Britain and the European Union will continue trade talks next week and until a summit of the bloc's leaders on Oct. 15-16, sources told Reuters.

© Reuters/DADO RUVIC Puzzle with printed EU and UK flags

This week's round of negotiations between the EU and London on a new trade agreement after Brexit, the last scheduled, failed to resolve all the outstanding issues, the sources said.

But more would follow, according to an EU diplomat and an official with the bloc, who both follow Brexit and spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity as negotiators Michel Barnier and David Frost wrapped up this week's talks.

With time running out to put a new trade agreement in place by the end of the year, the EU's 27 national leaders are due to next meet on Oct. 15-16 to assess progress on Brexit.

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Catherine Evans)

Read More

CITY OF LONDON WILL HAVE 'LESS FLUID' TRADE WITH EU, SAYS EU OFFICIAL

 Reuters 2 October 2020

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The flow of financial services between the European Union and Britain will be less fluid from January whatever happens in talks on a future free trade deal, the EU's financial services chief designate said on Friday.

© Reuters/YVES HERMAN European Parliament Vice President McGuinness attends her hearing as the new EU financial services commissioner, in Brussels

© Reuters/YVES HERMAN European Parliament Vice President McGuinness attends her hearing as the new EU financial services commissioner, in Brussels

Britain left the EU last January and unfettered access to the single market under transition arrangements ends on Dec. 31.

Brussels and London are in talks on a free trade agreement, though financial services are being handled separately.

"Under all circumstances, deal or no deal, trading in financial services will be different and less fluid as of the first of January next year," Mairead McGuinness told the European Parliament.

© Reuters/YVES HERMAN European Parliament Vice President McGuinness attends her hearing as the new EU financial services commissioner, in Brussels

If confirmed by the parliament, McGuinness will lead the European Commission's work that will decide how much EU access the City of London will have from January.

"We need to avoid being overly dependent on a third country for key financial services," she said in a confirmation hearing on her appointment as financial services commissioner.

© Reuters/YVES HERMAN European Parliament Vice President McGuinness attends her hearing as the new EU financial services commissioner, in Brussels

A veteran Irish member of the European Parliament and former journalist, McGuinness said it took investigative journalism to uncover the 1.9 billion euro ($2.23 billion) hole in the balance sheet of now collapsed German payments company Wirecard.

© Reuters/YVES HERMAN European Parliament Vice President McGuinness attends her hearing as the new EU financial services commissioner, in Brussels

"The Wirecard scandal is a shocking tale of fraud and failure of supervision," McGuinness said.

"We need to take a long hard look at what went wrong there and learn the lesson... It's such an enormous issue."

EU states have pushed back in the past on more common supervision in markets, fearful of losing more regulatory sovereignty. The Wirecard collapse has prompted the European Commission to revisit the question.

(Reporting by Huw Jones in London; Editing by Alison Williams and Tomasz Janowski)

Read More