On the 15^th of February 2012, the Russian Duma has ratified the amending Protocol to the Cyprus-Russia Double Tax Treaty of 1998, signed on the 7^th of October 2010. Cyprus has also ratified this Protocol earlier in August 2011. The application of this ratifying Protocol on 1^st of January 2013 will finally remove Cyprus from the so called Russian “black list”, in which Cyprus was included since the 1^st of January 2008.

CIPA (Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency) has welcomed this positive ratification of the amending Protocol which confirms the excellent and strong political and economic relationship between Cyprus and Russia which keeps developing. As CIPA’s representative commented, the Cypriot economy will benefit for two main reasons; “firstly from the new Russian investments and secondly by the further strengthening of the security provided to the Russian investors.”

In addition, he noted that due to the fact that Russia is the leading investing country in Cyprus, “this agreement will also contribute to the upgrading of Cyprus as a country with a very good infrastructure for establishing cooperations with international companies.”

Cypriot Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Cyprus Company Formation Multilysis Services Limited

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that important perspectives will occur through the cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in the hydrocarbon sector, during the joint press conference with President of Cyprus, Mr Demetris Christofias.

Mr. Netanyahu emphasized the need of cooperation, stating that this can be very helpful in the future because, as he pointed out, the research and the cooperation on multiple sectors at once is much more useful and efficient than working and investigating one sector at a time. He also pointed out that the outlook of this cooperation can positively affect the welfare of Cyprus and of the wider region as well.

In addition, Mr. Netanyahu noted that despite the fact that the flight from Israel to Cyprus takes only 45 minutes, “it took 63 years for an Israeli Prime talked about the strong bonds and Minister to visit the island.” He also talked about the strong bonds and relationship between the people of the two countries and how this relationship has developed during the last few years. He emphasized the need and importance of continuing and extending this cooperation in other areas as well as the energy sector.

Mr. Netanyahu thanked President Demetris Christofias for the hospitality and he expressed the hope that he will be able to fill in, in the future the gap of the 63 years which took for an Israeli Prime Minister to visit Cyprus.

On the other hand, President Demetris Christofias said that both Cyprus and Israel will work effectively aiming to use the hydrocarbon reserves which have been officially confirmed within the Exclusive Economic Zones of the two countries, aiming at the welfare of both the people of Cyprus and Israel.

The President of Cyprus noted that “contacts are already in progress in order to discuss the perspective plans” which he wished to “lead in the near future to concrete suggestions for promoting the bilateral agreements between the two countries.”

Referring to the first visit of an Israeli Prime Minister in Cyprus, President Christofias said that such a visit confirms the strong and high-level relationship between the two countries.

In relation to the signing of a bilateral agreement regarding the sectors of research and rescue services, President Christofias said that it is a tangible confirmation of the increased level of cooperation and development of this cooperation level with Israel.

Cyprus Company Formation Multilysis Services Limited

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Multilysis’ staff had the chance to attend the Forum which was held on the 10^th of February 2012 at Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol.

The conference was organized successfully by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the Cyprus-Russian Business Association and the Business Council for Cooperation with Cyprus.

Addressing the Russia-Cyprus Business and Investment Forum, in Limassol yesterday, the Russian Ambassador said that in the last 20 years, ‘the gross investment volume between our countries reached one hundred billion dollars and this is a very impressive figure’, adding, ‘Trade and economic volume cooperation for the last year reached about $1.3 billion’.

Mr. Shumskiy said that ‘In trade and economic cooperation, we have reached the pre-crisis level…..We have managed within a short period of time to overcome economic and financial difficulties and we have good potentials’.

Also speaking at the Forum, President Demetris Christofias said that Cyprus was a “safe and reliable partner” for Russian businesses looking to implement their international strategic plans “in a period of political instability and uncertainty” for the region.

He noted that foreign direct investment into Cyprus from Russia has exponentially increased in recent years, showing that Cyprus is an international business hub for Russian business people. Mr. Christofias emphasized how Russia’s economy has traditionally played a significant role on the island, ‘acting as a catalyst of growth for the Cyprus economy’.

He thanked Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his personal contribution to making the two countries’ sustain the very strong and historical ties, mutually beneficial in political, economic and business relations.

Mr. Christofias highlighted that the Forum provided an “excellent opportunity” to strengthen relations with Russia, making specific reference to potential investment in the energy sector, following from the recent gas finds in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

‘Naturally, we are expecting that Russian companies focusing on energy, today, will show interest in examining the investment opportunities now present in this sector in Cyprus,” said Mr. Christofias.

Vice-president of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Georgy Petrov said that 2011 was the year of economic revival for Russia, with GDP growth of 4.5%, adding that 2012 will be ‘even more successful’.  Mr. Petrov called for the ratification, by Duma, of the Double Taxation protocol, signed between Christofias and Medvedev during the latter’s visit to Cyprus in 2011.

At the conference, it was stressed by various speakers that one of the main goals of the Cyprus Government is to maintain its advantages and further improve the competitiveness of the economy. In this respect, the ongoing measures include, among others:

· simplification of the regulatory framework and the reduction of the administrative burden for business;

· continuous upgrading of the infrastructure in transport, energy and communications;

· promotion of research and innovation; and

· the further development of human capital.

Furthermore, all of the speakers highlighted the fact that Cyprus’ economy has proven its capability of successfully confronting challenges and that Cyprus offers considerable comparative advantages to foreign investors who are seeking a place to conduct business and that the Cyprus – Russia Business Association can and will play a vital role.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Cyprus Company Formation Multilysis Services Limited

Lawyers in Cyprus – review – Internet advertising – Completed on 13^th February 2012.

It is all about social networks, business networking, building web links etc etc. The old paper advertising has long gone and we for one are taking full advantage of these free networks that puts our name out there to the world.

We would like everybody to join on the social and business networks below to take part in our discussions and let us know your thoughts and comments while also advertising your and our business to friends and the world in general.

Everyday we will post our thoughts or maybe an article we have written or have read and feel is important for the public to view.

This is the only way forward in getting our business and profiles out there. You can contact us also on instant chat for any queries you may have which saves on telephone calls and having to wait for email replies.

Feel free to join us on the below networks and also have your business or profile on view to all of our friends

You can find us on the following networks, add us as friends, or just follow our activity.

TWITTER – CyprusLawyer – www.lawfirm@cytanet.com.cy

FACEBOOK – Cyprus Lawyers G Kouzalis

LINKEDIN – GIOVANIS KOUZALIS

MSN – GIOVANNI KOUZALIS – agkouzali@hotmail.com

We also highly recommend and promote video conferencing via OOVOO or SKYPE to save on direct visits to the office and long telephones calls

If you would like further information regarding our social and business networks or video conferencing contact us where a member of staff is always at your service.

Lawyers in Cyprus – review – World Charity – Completed on 5^th February 2012

We in Cyprus are continually complaining about our economy, the lack of jobs, cut in benefits, the cost of living etc etc.  But let us just for a few minutes of our troubled lives take time and think about those that really are a lot less fortunate than us.

Reality is we are having it hard at the moment but that is because we are actually very spoilt. Look around you…there are no homeless people, there are no starving people, crime is still very low. We have the ocean we have the weather and we are surrounded by beauty.

No matter how we are doing it we are surviving and without stealing from our neighbours. So we may not be able to have those luxury nights out we are used to or those new pair of jeans that look so good in the shop window, or our nails repaired and looking good.  But we are eating and we have a roof over our heads and times will get better this is just a rough patch that many are experiencing.

We however, forget that there are many who do not have water, food, clothes and a roof over their heads.  Most of us look outside our window and see a nice communal pool or even the ocean.  There are many that do not even have a window to look out of, there are many that do not have enough clothes to cover their bodies and there are many that have to walk miles to find sanitized water or a bowl of rice.

There are many that live in fear of being raped, assaulted even murdered and many that work 20 hours a day for a bowl of rice and bit of water. There are children from a very young age working as many hours and sometimes dying from exhaustion and lack of nourishment.  There are sick people with no medical care.  There are thousands upon thousands dying every minute of the day.

There are many countries that are experiencing these problems as we speak Africa, Asia there are well over 40 countries that have the above issues … we don’t have any. No matter how much we think we are struggling we are actually not and even if it is only 5 Euro these countries need our help, these children need our help.

Take 5 minutes out let us stop the complaining  and send a prayer thanking God for the luxury life we do have and taking a look at what others do not have! Give a little and you will receive a lot in your heart!

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 5^TH FEBRUARY 2012

Lawyers in Cyprus – review – World Charity – Completed on 5^th February 2012

We in Cyprus are continually complaining about our economy, the lack of jobs, cut in benefits, the cost of living etc etc.  But let us just for a few minutes of our troubled lives take time and think about those that really are a lot less fortunate than us.

Reality is we are having it hard at the moment but that is because we are actually very spoilt. Look around you…there are no homeless people, there are no starving people, crime is still very low. We have the ocean we have the weather and we are surrounded by beauty.

No matter how we are doing it we are surviving and without stealing from our neighbours. So we may not be able to have those luxury nights out we are used to or those new pair of jeans that look so good in the shop window, or our nails repaired and looking good.  But we are eating and we have a roof over our heads and times will get better this is just a rough patch that many are experiencing.

We however, forget that there are many who do not have water, food, clothes and a roof over their heads.  Most of us look outside our window and see a nice communal pool or even the ocean.  There are many that do not even have a window to look out of, there are many that do not have enough clothes to cover their bodies and there are many that have to walk miles to find sanitized water or a bowl of rice.

There are many that live in fear of being raped, assaulted even murdered and many that work 20 hours a day for a bowl of rice and bit of water. There are children from a very young age working as many hours and sometimes dying from exhaustion and lack of nourishment.  There are sick people with no medical care.  There are thousands upon thousands dying every minute of the day.

There are many countries that are experiencing these problems as we speak Africa, Asia there are well over 40 countries that have the above issues … we don’t have any. No matter how much we think we are struggling we are actually not and even if it is only 5 Euro these countries need our help, these children need our help.

Take 5 minutes out let us stop the complaining  and send a prayer thanking God for the luxury life we do have and taking a look at what others do not have! Give a little and you will receive a lot in your heart!

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 5^TH FEBRUARY 2012

Immigration lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Work Permits – Completed on 6^th February 2012

We have definitely noticed a rise in queries for residency and work permits in Cyprus.  We have queries on a daily basis from all countries but sadly it is not easy for everybody in these struggling economic times.

Jobs are more likely to be given to locals than they are foreigners especially for unskilled workers and still more likely for skilled workers.

For EU citizens work permits are not needed since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004. However, you must register with the immigration and obtain your registration certificate known as a yellow slip.  It is still very much advised to first seek employment to avoid disappointment and unnecessary travel.

For Non – EU Citizens it is much more complicated. A work permit must be obtained and will only be granted for a 1 year period.  The work permit will also only be granted if employment has been offered and this must be due to the fact that no local Cypriot citizens or EU citizens are able to do the job.

It is advised to learn the local language to help your application.

We also believe having Russian, German, English, Hebrew and Arabic as an added language would be a great advantage but is not a legal requirement.

It is not just Cyprus that are looking to employ local individuals this is the same practice all over the world at the moment.  Only due to foreign investment and certain tourism markets are other speaking staff required but avoided if possible.

Truth of the matter is unless you have major funds to invest in the country of your choice obtaining residency or work permits is a hard battle all over the world. But this is why we are here to try and help every case individually.

Our immigration department can help in all areas of immigration contact for any queries you have either inside or outside of Cyprus.

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 6^TH FEBRUARY 2012.

Immigration lawyers in Cyprus – Review – Work Permits – Completed on 6^th February 2012

We have definitely noticed a rise in queries for residency and work permits in Cyprus.  We have queries on a daily basis from all countries but sadly it is not easy for everybody in these struggling economic times.

Jobs are more likely to be given to locals than they are foreigners especially for unskilled workers and still more likely for skilled workers.

For EU citizens work permits are not needed since Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004. However, you must register with the immigration and obtain your registration certificate known as a yellow slip.  It is still very much advised to first seek employment to avoid disappointment and unnecessary travel.

For Non – EU Citizens it is much more complicated. A work permit must be obtained and will only be granted for a 1 year period.  The work permit will also only be granted if employment has been offered and this must be due to the fact that no local Cypriot citizens or EU citizens are able to do the job.

It is advised to learn the local language to help your application.

We also believe having Russian, German, English, Hebrew and Arabic as an added language would be a great advantage but is not a legal requirement.

It is not just Cyprus that are looking to employ local individuals this is the same practice all over the world at the moment.  Only due to foreign investment and certain tourism markets are other speaking staff required but avoided if possible.

Truth of the matter is unless you have major funds to invest in the country of your choice obtaining residency or work permits is a hard battle all over the world. But this is why we are here to try and help every case individually.

Our immigration department can help in all areas of immigration contact for any queries you have either inside or outside of Cyprus.

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 6^TH FEBRUARY 2012.

East Coast Cypriot lawyers – Review – Cyprus Football – Completed on 6^th February 2012.

Football has been under much scrutiny of late.  There have been investigations in to the fixing of matches and betting shops taking major amounts of bets when there is a ceiling limit.

The fact that clubs continue to bring in foreign players especially from Portugal, Brazil and Africa which deters Cyprus footballers from getting a chance to show their talent, thus, making them look for teams in other countries.

Plus football has also been affected by the financial crisis and many players are not getting paid and their contracts are being terminated.

It is safe to say that Cyprus football is now in a mess!

Recent reports also show which affects us on the East Coast of Cyprus that many of the international teams that come to Agia Napa to train in the winter are now being cancelled and are not coming.

The funding has not been so readily available to accommodate these international teams that come for a period of time to Agia Napa and make use of the excellent facilities we have to offer.

This means that the hotels who are able to stay open all year due to the football teams staying at their hotels will suffer, employment lines will increase, flights will not be in so much demand due to no Agia Napa winter sports and visitors who come for the sports will go to other holiday resorts in other countries for their winter sport treats.

It also could mean that if flights are not so much in demand those who come just to holiday will not have as much access to flights as previous years. Once again it is a roll on affect as is every issue we are dealing with in Cyprus at the moment.  Take away funding for this and it causes major issues all round.

The east Coast seems to suffer the worst when it comes to progression and development and now taking away our winter sports is just another added insult. Give us a break please and throw some incentives our way so we too can help our community survive!

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 6^TH FEBRUARY 2012.

East Coast Cypriot lawyers – Review – Cyprus Football – Completed on 6^th February 2012.

Football has been under much scrutiny of late.  There have been investigations in to the fixing of matches and betting shops taking major amounts of bets when there is a ceiling limit.

The fact that clubs continue to bring in foreign players especially from Portugal, Brazil and Africa which deters Cyprus footballers from getting a chance to show their talent, thus, making them look for teams in other countries.

Plus football has also been affected by the financial crisis and many players are not getting paid and their contracts are being terminated.

It is safe to say that Cyprus football is now in a mess!

Recent reports also show which affects us on the East Coast of Cyprus that many of the international teams that come to Agia Napa to train in the winter are now being cancelled and are not coming.

The funding has not been so readily available to accommodate these international teams that come for a period of time to Agia Napa and make use of the excellent facilities we have to offer.

This means that the hotels who are able to stay open all year due to the football teams staying at their hotels will suffer, employment lines will increase, flights will not be in so much demand due to no Agia Napa winter sports and visitors who come for the sports will go to other holiday resorts in other countries for their winter sport treats.

It also could mean that if flights are not so much in demand those who come just to holiday will not have as much access to flights as previous years. Once again it is a roll on affect as is every issue we are dealing with in Cyprus at the moment.  Take away funding for this and it causes major issues all round.

The east Coast seems to suffer the worst when it comes to progression and development and now taking away our winter sports is just another added insult. Give us a break please and throw some incentives our way so we too can help our community survive!

PUBLISHED BY A&G KOUZALI LAW OFFICE ON 6^TH FEBRUARY 2012.