Frank and Joan's news for 26 August 2006 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

Our adventures in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue....

Newsnight.

I have reported recently on the situation around Gary Robb and the arrest of his previous business partner and a few others. It is quite noticeable that very few of the other newspapers have even mentioned the story. Strange, because if this suggested massive fraud turns out to be true, then it is of major interest to anybody who has been highly critical of the serious problem of corruption which may be here on the island. The Cyprus Today has said that tenders have been invited to continue the work on Amaranta Valley for work to restart before the end of

the year. The only mention of the arrest they make is to suggest that Mr Soycan was preparing a legal case against newspapers that have published false stories of fraud. Mr Soycan's initial detention ends on Sunday, lets hope that he does not just skip the country.

The owner of Cyprus Paradise has issued a warning that his company faces severe financial problems due to the downturn in tourism in the TRNC. This on the back of the bankrupcy of TWI reported last week. Cyprus Paradise are asking the government for help, either by subsidy or bringing down flight costs to assist.

Weather reports suggest that August will finally be the hotest month on record for a number of years. The average temperature will be 38C compared with a normal 34C. Add to this a 20% increase in humidity and it can get quite uncomfortable. Add further to this the five power cuts we have had in the last week and things get quite frustrating, especially when you discover that the builders have used all your diesel for their cement mixer.

One bit of good news. Liverpool beat West Ham, 2.1 at home. Sorry George, but we both enjoyed the game.