HAD Spain copied its rival Cyprus in cuddling up to Russia we might be talking Marbellagrad. There is a strong and welcome Russian presence on the Costa del Sol. However, the holiday island has attracted proportionately far more Russian investors. Tens of thousands have set up their holiday homes and businesses. The small attractive port of Limassol has been dubbed ‘Limassolgrad’. It boasts a Russian-language newspaper, two Russian schools and a radio station. Russians flock to Debenhams. The famous strip features stores selling fur coats, kefir, a sour yoghurt drink, and Baltika; a favourite beer. Natalia Kardash, editor of Russian weekly Vestnik Kipra, told Britain’s The Guardian: "Cyprus is very comfortable. Put yourself in the position of a Russian businessman who wants to work here. He brings his family. His wife can go shopping. She doesn't need to know English. Everyone speaks Russian. There are dozens of Russian hair salons and nail parlours." She added: "Cyprus has always lived with foreigners. They don't treat foreigners here like foreigners. Russians feel very welcome. Even the mayor of Limassol speaks our language. In eastern Europe they don't like Russians very much – although they do like our money." There have been sour grapes with accusations that the Cyprus government and Putin’s Russia are too cosy. It has been called ‘embarrassing subservience.’ To me it sounds more like real politik diplomacy. The Spanish government’s embarrassing subservience to EU diktat in snubbing Russia, and restricting home purchase to Russians deprives the Costas of investment and jobs. But, of course it is never the politicians’ salaries and jobs.
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