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Archive for the ‘Cyprus’ Category

Lawyers in Paralimni – Review – Island Life on 1^st February 2010.

Continuing our review on Island life, Health Care is another excellent attribute that Cyprus has to offer.  Health Care is a priority and therefore, standards are very high.  The Health Care System in Cyprus consists of Public Hospitals, Private Hospitals and various other medical institutes.  Majority of the medical staff have trained in England or in other foreign countries and both local and foreign nationals have complete trust in the Cyprus Health Care System.

Public hospitals offer free or inexpensive medical care for overseas nationals.  This can be obtained by visiting the emergency (if urgent) or providing your EU card, otherwise a minimal payment is required of €20 and your passport will be required.  Local residents can receive free medical care if they are deemed to be on a low income.  The public hospitals offer an excellent and very professional service. 

There are many private hospitals throughout Cyprus and all of a high quality standard and mostly with UK trained practitioners. Low medical Insurance can be obtained for this type of medical care and it is advised for ongoing illnesses. It is also advised to research potential insurance companies and coverage they offer.

Cyprus takes great steps in continually improving health issues. Water and food are consistently monitored, sewage and sanitation are top of the list and there is no industrial pollution to pollute the air. Preventative Medicines are greatly promoted and the average life span is very high.

Cyprus is on par with some of the best medical systems in Europe and health care is a very important factor when thinking of moving or investing abroad.  We are very proud of our health care system and to be apart of the Island Life here in sunny Cyprus.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 1^st FEBRUARY 2010.

Agia Napa Lawyers – Review – flights companies and landing charges completed on 7^th January 2009.

RYANAIR-GOODMOVE FOR OUR ISLAND SAYS LAWYERS IN AGIA NAPA CYPRUS

We recently studied the issue of Ryanair flying to Cyprus, and found that Ryanair could potentially bring in to Cyprus approximately 60,000 holiday makers every year from all European destinations.  This has not been the case due to high landing charges applied at Cyprus airports and therefore Ryanair have been reluctant to fly here.

It has been advised that Ryanair feel they must be able to make a profit and it is not possible with such high landing charges. They also feel Cyprus needs Ryanair more than Ryanair needs Cyprus.

Initially it was reported that Cyprus had not asked for their carrier services, but was later came to light that Cyprus travel officials did actually contact Ryanair but a decision could not be reached on the issue.

60,000 holiday makers a year could see a substantial boost in the property market along with a substantial amount of revenue for our island.

The Cyprus government are granting funds to lower aircraft charges, including lowing VAT on hotels also.

Ryanair would definitely be a good move for Cyprus.  Our island has so much to offer and with more to come over the next 2 years.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON … JANUARY 2010.

Lawyers in Cyprus – Analyzies – Cyprus no smoking ban – on 2^nd january 2010.

CYPRUS PROPERTY LAWYERS ANALYZE NO SMOKING BAN

Although we at A&G Kouzali Legal Firm in Cyprus are in favour of the NO SMOKING BAN, we still have to review all issues to this controversial subject.  

Tensions are rising as Cyprus now abides by the no smoking ban, of which has actually already been introduced in Cyprus but has never officially been forced. However, that has now changed as from 1st of January 2010 if anyone is caught smoking in an enclosed public place, they  will be fined up to €2,000.

The no smoking ban was planned to commence at midnight on New Years Eve, but later became conscious to authorities that this could quite possibly cause major rebellion for smokers whilst under the influence of alcohol celebrating the new year and therefore came in to affect on news years day.

Cypriots are commonly known for social smoking and it has always been allowed in places of business and pleasure, it has never really been judged as a prejudicial issue, more of a social habit and therefore this is not a concept that Cypriot Nationals are in favour of.

A no smoking ban, although you would not believe, can actually have a negative affect on the economy. For example the no smoking ban in England has physically changed the face of night time activity. Bars and clubs are no longer busy because individuals like to smoke while consuming alcohol.  While day time life proceeds as normal night time life is diminishing.

Many of our seaside towns gain major revenue from the island nightlife.  Agia Napa for example situated in the Famagusta region of Cyprus consists of many bars and clubs accommodating the younger visitors to the island, this is one of the main revenues in the tourist season.  After review, we found many individuals would rather not go out and drink if they can not smoke.  

Therefore, what will happen to the business owner who relies on the night time tourist trade and is this really a good time when Cyprus is already trying to revive its economy? We will endeavour to answer these questions in the New Year when this ban comes into effect.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 2^nd JANUARY 2010.

Lawyers in Famagusta –  Studies – Hotel & Spa Resorts in Cyprus on 29^th January 2010.

FAMAGUSTA LAWYERS REVIEW LE MERIRDIEN HOTEL & SPA RESORT IN CYPRUS

Le Meridien Hotel & Spa Resort in Limassol has now been operating 20 years. The hotel was originally built in 1989 and today it is one of the most luxurious hotels on the Island of Cyprus. Up until 1997 the hotel catered for mostly business guest offering comfortable rooms and quality facilities.

Le Meridien then went on to build the Penguin Village and more and more families started to visit the hotel as the penguin village was a child’s paradise.  More progression took place in 2000 when Le Meridien created Le Spar.  The whole hotel was given a face lift and upgraded creating a luxury 5* hotel & Spa Resort. 

The luxury indoor/outdoor spa offers different sea water pools and 34 treatment rooms.  Further expansion brought cabanas with private Jacuzzis and 18 superior spa rooms.  Adding to the luxury there is also Royal Suites with views of a fresh water grotto and sea water pool.

Following tremendous success and with revenue rising dramatically, Le Meridien Hotel & Spa Resort went on to create a paradise adding top quality restaurants, theatre, teens leisure land and many more top notch facilities.

We strongly recommend the Le Meridien 5* Hotel & Spa Resort to anyone looking for a luxurious, pampering and top quality holiday.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 29th JANUARY 2010.

 Lawyers in Cyprus – review – Folio Restaurant on 30^th January 2010.

CYPRUS LAWYERS RENOWNED FOR EXCELLLENT SERVICE AND ….DINING OUT!

All staff at A&G Kouzali Law Firm in Cyprus is renowned for dining out, also for recommending local and international businesses.  If we feel a business has done well and offers a good service and product we are happy to recommend them. This brings us to the Folio Restaurant, who we very happily would like to reccommed.

Folio Restaurant is a very new restaurant but it has to be said the food is absolutely delicious.  Folio restaurant is situated in the up and coming Kapparis area of Cyprus, and was established in order to offer diners something a little different.

The menu offers world-wide dishes ranging from Italian, Mexican, Chinese in fact better still,  name a country and the Folio will serve it we are very sure of this.

The Folio accommodates inside and outside dining and also offers a private room for private dinner parties and important occasions.

The restaurant is very modern and spotlessly clean. The service and food are excellent. The restaurant really does cater for everyone taste.

We applaud the Folio Restaurant for this unique and wonderful experience and we recommend Folio to all our website visitors.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 30th JANUARY 1020.

 Lawyers in Famagusta– Review – Island Life on 1^st February.

FAMAGUSTA LAWYERS STUDIES – WHAT MAKES CYPRUS SO SPECIAL

We previously looked at Flora and Fauna as part of our Island Life in Cyprus and now we want to enlighten you on other great aspects that constitute our Island being one of the finest in the Mediterranean.  Four of the most important aspects to look at when thinking of moving or investing abroad are Education, Healthcare, Crime and Economy.

Firstly, we will look at Education. This is an area we are very proud of as Cypriot Nationals.  The level of teaching and curriculum is of a very high standard.  Schools are open to all nationalities and although Greek is the main language, younger children pick this up very quickly. Discrimination of all social and ethnic background is forbidden in any level of schooling in Cyprus and no fees are required for public schools however, waiting lists are in place so it is advisable to apply to as soon as possible.

Pre-Primary Education has now become compulsory for all children of 3 years and over to attend pre-primary school.  The concept of pre-education is necessary to enhance their abilities and awareness and prepare them for future school life. 

From here it is on to Primary Education where children will attend for a 6 year period, securing a high level of relevant and necessary learning abilities preparing them for Secondary Education.

Secondary Education is compulsory for children aged 12-18 and consists of 3 years of lower school and 3 years of upper school secondary education.  Pupils are given a choice for their last 3 years in place of upper education to attend Technical and Vocational Studies allowing them to gain skills ready for work or further studies in areas of their choosing.

Lastly we have Public and Private Universities and also many State Higher Education Institutes. It is safe to say that the Universities in Cyprus offer excellent teaching facilities with a very high level of educational courses and students attending from countries worldwide.  Although reasonable and competitive, universities do charge fees, so it is wise to research this area of education.

Checkout our next article on Crime in Cyprus.  Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

Lawyers in Cyprus – Review- Greek Christmas on 2^nd January 2010.

CYPRUS LAWYERS CELEBRATE IN TRADITIONAL GREEK STYLE

Santa for Greek Nationals is ‘Agios Vasilis’.  Greek tradition saw children opening their presents on the 1^st January instead of the 25^th, as this was the day that ‘Agios Vasilis’ passed away.

In Greek Tradition on the 31^st December, mothers would place a ‘Vasilopitta’ Christmas cake with a penny baked inside it and a candle lit on top, along with a cup of wine under the Christmas tree. It is believed Agios Vasilis would come and bless them and place presents under the tree.

Agios Vasilis is the favourite Saint of all.  After many years of studying different subjects including Greek writers and the Bible, Agios Vasilis went on to become Bishop of Caesarea.   He gave greatly to many charities and to the poor.

Agios Vasilis went on to build hospitals, orphanage, housing, and schools and many more all for the poor he would visits reading the Bible. All this was possible due to ‘Vasiliada’ Agios Vasilis Charity Foundation. When he had no more to give he would preach to others to give.

This was his life until his deathbed on the 1^st January 379.

We Celebrated ‘Vasilopitta’ on the 30^th December 2009 as we do every year. We sat around the table with drinking wine and cutting the cake.  The staff that had the coin in their cake put the coin in their wallets to keep there for the whole year to bring them good luck for 2010.

We love this time of year and we always do our best to keep Greek traditions alive no matter what time of the year, this is very important to the Greek Culture.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 4^TH JANUARY 2010.

Crime in Cyprus – Cyprus Lawyers – review – Island Life on 1^st February 2010.

We are bringing to you all aspects of Island Life in Cyprus and what makes our Island so unique. Crime in Cyprus is very low and compared to some countries none existent you could say.

For starters there are no homeless people on the streets, of which is a common problem in a lot of other countries.  Car thefts are very rare too as there is no possible way to hide them and not get caught and seen as we are a small island surrounded by water the opportunities are not at all available to car thieves.

House Burglaries are also very few and far between. Most commonly found is petty crime, this takes place mostly on the beaches and in tourist areas, especially in the peak tourist time. So to prevent opportunist, it is best to keep a watch on your belongings.

Drugs are a worldwide problem and although drugs are of a very low proportion by most standards, they are still present on our island with marijuana being the drugs of choice. It is very hard to stop the smuggling of this drug even though they are isolated incidents, but when caught the penalties are very harsh no matter of quantity. 

The fact that Cyprus has zero tolerance to drugs definitely helps control the situation.  People tend to think twice of the consequences and therefore, you will not find hard drugs in Cyprus or major drug crime like in other countries and we are very proud and thankful of this.

The Cyprus Police Force is very professional, very good at their jobs and response times are excellent. They are definitely on par with some of the best police forces in Europe.

In conclusion, you will find the Island of Cyprus is very safe all round. And we say this with tremendous pride, you can walk the streets at night and not worry that something will happen to you and in this day and age how many countries can truly say that.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 1st February 2010.

We at A&G Kouzali Lawyers in Famagusta Cyprus recently reviewed the issue of water shortage in Cyprus.  For all local residents of Cyprus it is a joyous day when the rain falls.  The holiday makers find this very strange, but we locals know the consequences when the dry weather continues.  2007-2008 drought saw some residential households receiving water only 3 days a week.  Water had to be transported from Greece but this was still insuffient to fulfil the requirements of the residents of Cyprus.  It is a nice thought to have 365 days of sunshine but realistically it is not practical living. 

We at A & G Kouzali Lawyers based in Protaras Cyprus, praise the Developers who are now planning their properties with this issue in mind.   Some developers are recycling and treating waste water to be used for toilets and exterior purposes.  Other developers are using methods such as, instant hot water taps and recycling facilities plus many resources.  This course of action is a genuinely good move and should be considered when buying property in Cyprus.

Steps are also being taken by developers to find solutions for the hard water Cyprus suffers from.  The water tends to corrode all metals from plumbing and heating elements down to normal kitchen utensils.   One developer has installed a solar powered device on a trial basis to see if it will do the job and he believes if this device works it will save on money and energy and will use at least a quarter less water than used presently.

The developers are confident that all efforts being made to find a solution to the water problem are not in any way compromising the environment. We advise all Cyprus residents to do their duty in conserving water.

Visit us at www.lawcyprus.org PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 12TH DECEMBER 2009.

We at A&G Kouzali Legal firm in Paralimni Cyprus would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the late Dr Ihsan Ali.  Dr Ali was a Turkish Cypriot who loved his birthplace of Cyprus and made continuous efforts in the fight for unity of the divided Island of Cyprus.

Dr. Ali was a valued physician to both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots and lived in the area of Paphos,  where he persisted in the struggle for better living conditions for the Cypriot people while Cyprus was ruled under the British Colonial Government. 

As time went on Dr Ali proceeded in becoming something of a political figure and went on to write articles in renowned magazines on matters of a medical and political nature in particular, condemning the Turkish Cypriot Leadership tactics of which he was actually a member of this party in his area of Paphos at that time.

However, this soon changed and Mr Ali’s acute knowledge of the political situation in Cyprus prohibited him from co-operating with the Turkish Cypriot Leadership. Dr Ali believed the British Colonial Power created a constitution (The Zurich & London Agreement) that encouraged the conflict between the two communities causing the ‘1963 bloody incidents’ inevitably resulting in the partition of the two communities and securing their own military bases on the island. 

Dr Ali would accept no part in this atrocious monstrosity and continued to defend his position on the matter.  Consequently, Dr Ali was classed as a traitor by his own nationals and seen as peculiar by the Greek Cypriots. 

Dr Ali went on to become political advisor to President Makarios in 1970 and in 1977 he attended the National Council Meeting and was a contributor to the creation of the Basic Principles that were adopted in hope of a solution to the Cyprus problem.

It was very hard for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots at the time to understand Dr Ihsan Ali’s morals and visions, but we feel after many years everyone is now in unison for unity in Cyprus and Dr. Ali’s memory has to be kept alive and his desire for a harmonious state to prevail must be forefront in our minds for Turkish and Greeks Cypriots to unite.

We give our sincere thanks and Praise to the late Honourable Dr. Ihsan Ali.

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON THE 12^TH DECEMBER 2009.