Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York. Christodoulides emphasized Nicosia's readiness to resume talks regarding the Cyprus issue. The meeting acknowledged the importance of Cyprus's humanitarian aid to Gaza. The President stated he is available for cooperation with the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Turkish delegation.
A 28-year-old nanny from Colombia will receive $2.78 million in damages from her former employer who secretly recorded her with a hidden camera. She discovered the camera in a smoke detector three weeks after starting her job. The court ruled that her employer must pay $780,000 for emotional distress and an additional $2 million on his own. The case raises concerns about privacy in the workplace.
Israeli airstrikes are expanding into Lebanon, causing casualties and destruction in Beirut. The U.S. is preparing to strengthen its military presence in the region. Over 100,000 people have fled their homes due to the attacks. The Lebanese Minister denounces the airstrikes as atrocities.
In Southern Lebanon, 274 people have lost their lives and over 1,000 have been injured due to Israeli attacks. Residents are being urged to stay away from Hezbollah buildings, while the Israeli Prime Minister warns of tough days ahead. The situation is described as dramatic, with hospitals calling for help and services trying to meet the needs of the displaced. The Lebanese Prime Minister condemned an Israeli plan of destruction for the country.
An aircraft from Middle East Airlines flying over Cyprus caused concerns due to a loss of signal. The company denied rumors that the plane had 'vanished', explaining that GPS interference has affected online flight information. This phenomenon, which has been known from previous incidents, does not affect conventional air traffic radar. Authorities assured that they are capable of managing such situations without issues.
RAEK and RAAEY approved recoverable expenses of approximately €550 million for ADMIE, allowing the restart of its collaboration with Nexans for the Cyprus-Greece cable project. Full cost recovery will take 35 years, with initial repayments from Cyprus expected by the end of 2025. Greece will cover 37% of the costs through consumer charges. Attention now turns to when ADMIE will issue the full notice to proceed to Nexans.
The Court of Appeals reduced the prison sentence of a British man convicted of sexual offenses involving a minor, acknowledging that the minor misled him about her age. The original three-year sentence was halved and its execution was suspended. The court considered the issue of mens rea and whether the related statute violates the right to privacy. The matter was referred to the Supreme Constitutional Court for an opinion.
The Dekelia power plant is causing serious environmental issues for the surrounding communities, with residents complaining about pollution and noise that have persisted for 15 years. The Electricity Authority of Cyprus acknowledges that no improvements can be made while the government pays large fines for pollution. The proposal from AKEL seeks constitutional protection for a healthy environment. Residents' testimony highlights the negative impact of the plant's operation on their quality of life.
Zacharias Koulas has proposed Stelios Platis for the position of General Auditor, succeeding Odysseas Michaelides. Stelios Platis confirmed his interest in taking on the role, stating that he is independent and not affiliated with any party. He mentioned that the new General Auditor should be brave and cautious in executing their duties, as mistakes can be costly. The situation indicates a ready candidate for a significant position.
Haris Georgiades discusses the Great Sea Interconnector, examining its history and geopolitical implications. He analyzes the risks, benefits, and political handling of the situation. The discussion is set to take place live on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This is an important topic regarding energy and international relations.
Archbishop George disagrees with the dismissal of Odysseas Michailidis, emphasizing that he acted in the public interest. He believes the issue could have been resolved differently for the country's benefit. He prioritizes good governance and has insisted on investigating significant matters. His position is crucial as it relates to the Church of Cyprus's cases.
Annita Dimitriou has postponed her trip to Malta to remain as the acting President of the Republic. Her decision aims to prevent a political crisis and ensure the stability of the country. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious and functioning political climate. Haris Georgiades will represent the country at the 17th Conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Small European States.
This morning in Nicosia, a fatal road accident occurred, resulting in the death of 60-year-old Lambros Mavrommatis. The collision took place around 5:55 AM in the Atsa area, when his car was struck by a vehicle driven by a 20-year-old. Lambros was trapped in his vehicle and, despite efforts by the Fire Service, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The three passengers in the other vehicle were taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.
MP Zacharias Koulias insists on appointing a General Auditor while serving as Acting President. Deputy Government Spokesman Giannis Antoniou emphasized that the Acting President cannot replace the President and must consult with them first. Koulias stated he would proceed with the appointment if it is not made promptly, criticizing the President of the House. The government's response expresses sadness that such a discussion is taking place.
Since last May, illegal migrant arrivals in Cyprus have dramatically decreased, while returns and deportations have significantly increased. The situation is now manageable, with the government focusing on border control at sea and monitoring the green line. The migration flow in previous years was excessive, but recent policy decisions have limited arrivals. Currently, conditions at the First Reception Center have improved.
Cypriots rank among the top in Europe for airplane use, with 23.2% of passenger kilometers attributed to air travel. Compared to other EU member states, Cyprus has a higher share of air transport, although car travel remains dominant. These figures were published by Eurostat in conjunction with European Mobility Week, which promotes sustainable transportation modes. The aim is to raise awareness among citizens about public transport and safe mobility.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is seeking two positive responses to convene a tripartite meeting regarding Cyprus. President Christodoulides is ready to participate, while the Turkish Cypriot side, led by Ersin Tatar, remains negative. The opposing positions of both sides limit the prospects for resuming talks. Meetings in New York will determine the future course of efforts for Cyprus.
The sustainable urban mobility plan for Nicosia aims to transform the city into a '15-minute city' by 2030. The goal is for residents to meet their daily needs within 15 minutes on foot or by bicycle. Measures will be promoted to reduce vehicle speed and enhance public transportation. Significant developments are planned to facilitate access to work and services.
Angelios Chatziharalampous discusses the challenges faced by the Larnaca District Authority. There is an intention to adjust fees for the benefit of citizens and to undertake major projects. The organization struggles with a lack of staff, especially in the Licensing and Water Supply sectors, and has received many calls regarding water leaks. Despite these challenges, the president assures that the reform of Local Government will proceed successfully.
The flu season and other seasonal infections are approaching, and authorities are preparing for winter. The national committee will announce a vaccination program that includes vaccines for the flu, coronavirus, and pneumococcus. Vaccination is crucial, especially for vulnerable groups. New vaccines for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will also be available this year.
The ADMHE has received positive responses for nearly all its requests from the governments of Cyprus and Greece, but has yet to finalize its commitment with the cable manufacturer. It seeks immediate approval for its recoverable costs for 2024 and 2025 in order to proceed with construction. There are objections from regulatory authorities, with decisions anticipated during a video conference. The situation is critical for the project's completion and the disbursement of necessary funds.
This week, the dialogue begins for changes in the teacher evaluation system, which is considered outdated and problematic. Minister of Education, Athina Michailidou, aims to improve the quality of education and teaching outcomes. The new system will focus on measurable criteria and self-evaluation of school units. The government is prepared to face any opposition that may arise from these changes.