Greek Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis will participate in the meeting regarding the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Greece, which will also be attended by the President of the Republic of Cyprus. He noted delays with the Great Sea Interconnector and expressed the Greek government's annoyance over a recent decision by the presidential office. As a result, the Greek government indicated its readiness to participate in a meeting chaired by President Christodoulides. There is uncertainty about the hope for a solution to the issue.
The situation in the community of Pissouri is worsening due to landslides and earthquakes, with the possibility of relocating the community being considered. Stabilization work has been carried out, but issues persist. Experts are concerned about additional problems found during inspections and believe further development in the area should not be allowed. The decision on any potential relocation will depend on ongoing research.
The Ministry of Interior is moving forward with the redistribution of 503 Turkish Cypriot properties, which will be reclaimed due to violations of lease agreements. A year-long review has revealed that 14% of cases had violations. This is the first extensive review conducted, aiming to ensure transparency and meritocracy. The new legislation introduces procedures that limit discretion in managing Turkish Cypriot properties.
Boat owners at the Larnaca marina held a protest demanding a reduction in docking fees due to an increase imposed by Kition Ocean Holdings. During the protest, they symbolically blocked the road at Phinikoudes, causing traffic disruptions. They seek to have fees returned to previous levels, considering the current charges unjustifiably high. They argue that fees have increased by over 50%, and Kition has not undertaken any works to justify these hikes.
The Association of Recognized Private Schools is calling for the removal of MP Chrysanthos Savvidis from the Parliamentary Education Committee due to his derogatory remarks about college graduates. Savvidis's statements are viewed as unfounded and harmful to students and institutions. The Association notes that Savvidis has interests due to owning a tutoring center, which constitutes a conflict of interest. They expect his removal from the committee while reserving all legal rights.
Feeding stray cats in Cyprus primarily relies on volunteers, as municipalities do not take responsibility. Volunteers create feeding sites and perform sterilizations to control the cat population. The Voice for Animals in Cyprus expresses concern over the police's lack of cooperation and negligence from authorities. Consequently, the cats remain hungry, leading to conflicts among citizens.
Cyprus is starting a dialogue to align with the EU regarding adequate minimum wages, with the first meetings scheduled for September 10 and 17. The goal is to avoid delays and adopt the relevant Directive by the end of the year. The alignment may be achieved through new legislation or amendments to the existing law. At the same time, trade unions are calling for the strengthening of collective agreements, as the coverage rate is around 50%.
The U.S. ambassador to Cyprus called for immediate promotion of the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Europe, emphasizing the geopolitical importance of the project. She warned that if this opportunity is lost, Cyprus would remain isolated and dependent on fuel oil. However, she did not mention the potential intervention from Turkey that could threaten the project's completion. Stakeholders are calling for changes in the regulatory framework to ensure that the associated risks are borne only by consumers in Cyprus and Greece.
Joseph Kesidis won the gold medal at the U20 World Athletics Championship in Lima, Peru, setting a Cypriot record with a throw of 82.80 meters. His training takes place in unsuitable conditions on a gravel field, lacking essential safety measures. Despite these challenges, his dedication and talent helped him achieve success. The moment of victory was the culmination of his efforts and a realization of his dreams.
A 13-year-old girl reported being sexually abused by her mother's partner from the age of nine. Despite her initial disclosures to her mother, she was not believed. The suspect has been arrested, and the case is now under investigation by authorities. The minor finally found the courage to speak to the police and report her experiences.
The naturalization case involves former Transport Minister Mario Dimitriades and other defendants. The defendants face 59 charges and will decide their defense strategy by October 30. It is uncertain whether they will choose a lengthy process or seek immediate trial. Investigations began in 2021, and the defendants are now aware of the details of the charges against them.
The police report reveals serious issues in Cyprus's football stadiums, such as the inability to hear announcements and the poor condition of the roofs. Two stadiums, Makario and Tsirio, have the most significant problems and are no longer used for first division matches. Notably, suggestions are made for changing tin coverings of team benches and addressing inadequate lighting. The report emphasizes the need for immediate checks on the safety of fans and athletes.
The Minister of Justice has initiated discussions regarding two bills proposing significant changes to the Legal and Audit Services. These proposals have sparked reactions and have presidential support. The changes aim to improve these services and do not affect current heads, but rather future ones. An Audit Council will be established to ensure the appropriate functioning of the Audit Service.