Cypriot and Greek authorities cooperate and break up an antiquities smuggling ring

Cyprus police announced Monday (25 January 2010) they had arrested a theft ring that was trying to sell four thousand years old artifacts.

More than 100 officers worked on the case in Cyprus, originally alerted by information coming from Greek police.

"By cooperating with the Greek authorities we were able to track and locate this smuggling ring," Cypriot Communications Minister Nikos Nikolaides told reporters.

The case can lead to further enquiry about the security measures in Cyprus around archaeological sites.

Police is also investigating whether the theft is part of an international smuggling network. Police spokesman said 10 Cypriots had been arrested so far and more arrests are expected.

This has been the largest antiquities theft attempt in the history of Cyprus.

According to officials the artifacts include copper and silver coins, terra-cotta urns and clay and limestone figurines from urns located in Lemesos and Pafos. It is suspected that some of the artifacts are from occupied territories of Cyprus or maybe from elsewhere.

Cyprus is known for its archaeological wealth as it has wittnessed successive waves of settlers starting from around 9000 BC.

Pafos for Bahrain and other GCC residents

Stan Szecowka, writes from Bahrain about his experiecne when he stayed in a semi-detached villa in Pafos, not far from the city center (Gulf Weekly, 20-26 January 2010)

Lordies Lodge is a new semi-detached villa on the impressive Regina Gardens complex, owned by property giant Leptos.

The article offers a solution for all exaptriates who live in Bahrain and the wider GCC countries and want to spend a nice time in the summer closer to the Middle East.

Stan writes about Pafos:

"Beaches and family attractions are easy to find and include a bird sanctuary, water park and go-kart arena to name but a few.

The restaurants are geared up for offering fine food and a variety of evening entertainment from Elvis impersonators to a full-on theatrical show between courses at the fabulous Fat Mamas.

The latter is particularly popular and it might be best to book a table in advance or you'll have to wait in the queue!

When you want to chill you can escape the seaside and set off for the marvellous mountains and even stop for a paddle under natural waterfalls for a relaxing day out".

Photo: Pafos castle.

Read more here at Gulf Weekly's website