Kypria International Festival 2007 opens September 3 June 22, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Arts EventsCyprus, Arts Festivals, Cyprus News.add a comment
The annual Kypria International festival will open from 3 September until 20 October in all towns of the free areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
Education and Culture Minister Akis Kleanthous said the festival, now in its 16th year is the most significant cultural event in Cyprus, noting it is necessary to develop the cultural conscience of the public and for this reason, “we are trying every year to provide the best possible, raising the standards of the peoples’ demands even higher because it deserves it”. He said a total of 16 different groups will participate to give 31 performances, adding that internationally acclaimed artists are promising a unique festival.
The festival, with a budget of about Cy£800.000 (EUR1.370.567) begins on September 3 with the Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra performance entitled “Giants of the North-Sibelius and Grieg” which will be conducted by Agis Ioannides.
Among the events which are highlighted are the performance “Complexions” of the New York Contemporary Dance Group, the “Barber of Seville” by the Moscow Helikon Opera, “40 years of musical creation” by Michalis Christodoulides with the participation of Marios Frangoulis, Jenny Drivala and Polyfonia Chamber Choir and the “Bejart Ballet Lausanne” with the performance “L’amour, La Danse”.
Ticket prices range from Cy£3-Cy£15 (EUR5-25).
Cypriots optimistic about EU’s future June 22, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Living.add a comment
Up to 70% of Cypriots are optimistic about the Future of the EU, according to the EU-wide Eurobarometer, carried out between April and May 2007 and which was made public in Brussels.
The Eurobarometer survey shows that Cypriots favour the further enlargement of the EU, while they are becoming more sensitive to climate change issues.
Regarding the future of the EU, 70% of Cypriots are optimistic while 20% expressed the opposite view. Cypriots supported by 69% the European constitution, whereas only 17% expressed opposition. 44% of Cypriots polled considered Cyprus EU membership as ”a good thing”, a 17% considered it as ”bad”, while 37% had a neutral view. Cypriots are divided regarding the question whether Cyprus’ accession was beneficial, since 44% gave an affirmative answer and 46% a negative one.
Regarding the Cypriots’ biggest concerns, crime came first with 51% and rising prices second with 28%. Furthermore, 87% of the Cypriots believe that climate change demands an urgent shift in EU policy so that carbon dioxide emissions should be reduced by 2020.
The EU’s image in Cyprus is good to very good by 53%, neutral by 29%, while 11% of the Cypriots said the EU’s image is negative to very negative. A 61% of the Cypriots trust the European Parliament and 58% the European Commission.
Regarding their assessment of the national economic situation, 11% of the Cypriots said that they consider Cyprus’ economic situation as very good, 66% rather good, whereas 3% very bad and 18% rather bad.
Greece’s Representation offices in Brussels inaugurated June 22, 2007
Posted by grhomeboy in Greece News.add a comment
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis inaugurated on Thursday the new offices of Greece’s Permanent Representation in Brussels, in the presence of Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos.
In his speech, Karamanlis said that Cyprus’ accession to the EU was an important development for the European future of Hellenism. He furthermore congratulated Cyprus and President Papadopoulos for Cyprus’ accession to the Eurozone, which will be announced officially later on Thursday.
Karamanlis noted that Greece was working for a future of safety, prosperity and development, and at the same time strengthening the Mediterranean aspect of the EU.
Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyianni said the Permanent Representation was the window of Greece to Europe and noted that it was the official point from which Greece’s voice was heard in the EU. She added that Greece was contributing to forming the future course of the EU and that the new offices of the Greek delegation were just the beginning of the upgrading of Greek missions abroad.
grhomeboy
