Stop “Red Arrow’s” dangerous games….

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement is considering the “Red Arrows” RAF planes exhibition completely unacceptable to be held in the air space of Cyprus

These exhibitions have nothing to offer to our country except the dangers of a possible accident and of course the air and noise pollution to the people living in the involved areas.

We demand immediate action against the authorization of such exhibitions by the local authorities and Cyprus Government. We feel that it is about time to stop being the “good guys” for the British Army Forces based in Cyprus and to put an end to this ridiculous action, every now and then in the sky of our country.

The continuous visits of “Red Arrows” in Cyprus are, beside the dangers, affecting the reputation and the independence of the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Commission sends written warning to Cyprus on air quality

The European Commission is pursuing infringement proceedings against five member states, including Cyprus, for failing to comply with the EU's air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10.

These particles, emitted mainly by industry, traffic and domestic heating, can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. Slovenia and Sweden are being referred to the European Court of Justice, while final written warnings have been sent to Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. In a separate case, Bulgaria is receiving a final written warning over its failure to control concentration levels of sulphur dioxide.

The Commission's action follows the entry into force in June 2008 of the new EU Air Quality Directive, which allows member states to request, under certain conditions and for specific parts of the country, limited extra time to meet the PM10 standard which has been in force since 2005.

At the beginning of 2009, first warning letters were sent to member states that had by then not submitted notifications or had not notified the Commission about all air quality zones exceeding the limit values for PM10.

Following this warning, most of the member states involved submitted notifications for a time extension. Although Cyprus, Portugal and Spain did submit notifications for time extensions, the Commission rejected most of the notified air quality zones on the grounds that they did not meet all the conditions required by the Directive. The Commission has therefore decided to send a final written warning to the three member states.

EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik stated that ''air pollution is bad for our health'' and that ''member states must comply with EU air quality standards quickly and reduce emissions.''

''I am pleased to see that over recent years we have met PM10 limit values in a number of areas throughout Europe, but much more effort is still needed if we want full compliance,'' he added.

(Cyprus Weekly)

Minimum wage increased to €840

THE MINIMUM wage is being increased to €887 from €840 effective from Thursday, the Labour Advisory Committee announced yesterday.

Final approval for the 5.6 per cent increase, which will bring the minimum wage to 50 per cent of the average national wage, rests with the Cabinet.

“The minimum wage, I would like to underline, is a tool which affects the most susceptible sectors of the employed population, and one which we intend to utilise in a correct manner,” said Labour Minister Sotiroula Charalambous after the meeting.

The minimum wage, for employees who have been at their place of employment for over six months, is currently fixed at €840. This will go to €887.

The minimum wage for new employees, who have been working at their place of employment for less than six months, and which currently stands at €791, is set to be increased to €835.

The measure drew sharp criticism from employers’ organisations, who said it would “create market distortions” and impact negatively on industry.

(The Cyprus Mail)