5 Minute News

In the OPAP Joker draw held on September 24, lucky winners will share a total of €15.7 million. The winning numbers announced are: 23, 29, 38, 31, 34, and the Joker number is 18.

Turkish President Erdoğan met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the Cyprus and Palestinian issues. He emphasized the need for the international community to unite against Israel's actions and stated that Turkey will intervene regarding the genocide committed against Palestinians. Regarding Cyprus, Erdoğan highlighted the demand for recognition as a state by the Turkish Cypriot side for a viable solution. He also mentioned that alternative solutions beyond federation should be explored.

The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Unit (MOKAS) seized assets worth €870,000 from individuals accused of burglaries and thefts in Paphos. This unprecedented action reflects a new approach by the authorities, who are taking proactive measures. The seizure includes properties, valuables, and cash that could be confiscated if the accused are convicted. Furthermore, MOKAS plans to pursue similar actions for other crimes, including drug trafficking.

A serious case of violence occurred in an apartment in Limassol, where a roommate poured hot oil on the victim's face during an argument about rent. The victim was taken to the hospital with severe burns, while the accused was arrested and was expected to appear in the Criminal Court. Despite his initial admissions, he is now denying guilt. This case will unfold in court, as the accused remains in custody until the trial starts.

Erdogan reiterated his support for the recognition of the pseudostate and proposed the two-state solution for Cyprus. His speech at the UN General Assembly included criticism of the Israeli government for its attacks on Gaza. He called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean region.

The President's decision to appoint Andreas Papakonstantinou as Auditor General has caused changes within the Health Insurance Organization. The board convened an extraordinary meeting to select a new Deputy Director. Five departmental directors are potential candidates for the role. However, no specific direction has been announced regarding the deputy position yet.

Approximately 8,500 properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus are contested, with Kyrenia and Famagusta having the highest numbers. Additionally, there are about 91,200 properties that have never been declared by any owner. Refugees with disputed properties cannot benefit from funding programs. Clarification of ownership is crucial for addressing these issues.

At the General Hospital of Limassol, chemotherapy sessions are being postponed due to a lack of medications, causing concern among doctors and patients. Despite the Health Insurance Organization supplying new medication stock, the hospital did not receive the required quantities. Doctors express their worries about the situation and emphasize the need for immediate resolution. Delays in treatments have serious consequences for patients.

Minister of Education, Athena Michaeildou, addressed the issue of online gambling among students during breaks, emphasizing the need for mobile phones to be stored away. She highlighted the importance of students socializing and being productive during school hours. Additionally, she proposed the construction of student housing due to the serious accommodation issues facing students. In line with enhancing higher education, the minister announced measures to support TEPAK.

A violent fight at a cafe in Finikoudes has led to disturbances and allegations involving unaccompanied minor refugees from Syria. A waiter was seriously injured by a 17-year-old who is now hospitalized and expected to undergo surgery. Allegations state that police cannot make arrests due to the age of those involved. The cafe owner highlights that this group frequently causes issues in the area.

Anita Dimitriou plans to discuss the issue of permanent replacement for presidential positions at the upcoming leaders' meeting on Thursday. She believes it is necessary to ensure institutional stability, especially following recent public remarks regarding the appointment of a General Auditor. The discussion will focus on the process of replacing the President of the Republic and the Speaker of the House. Dimitriou emphasizes the need for a decision to ensure the smooth functioning of the institutions.

The situation in southern Lebanon is tense as residents flee northward in panic due to recent Israeli bombings targeting Hezbollah. While some are escaping out of fear of impending war, the southern Lebanese communities include Druze, Sunnis, and Christians who are less concerned about the Shiite organization. The consequences of this conflict are creating divisions within communities, as some groups support Hezbollah for practical reasons. The rising death toll further exacerbates the existing tensions.

The political parties express their support and expectations for the new Auditor General, Andreas Papaconstantinou. DISY emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to avoid institutional derailment, while AKEL highlights the need for the independence and accountability of the Audit Office. DIKO and EDEK look forward to transparency and good governance from the new Auditor General. Everyone has a role in the fight against corruption and restoring the credibility of the state.

President Christodoulides appointed Andreas Papakonstantinou as the new Auditor General, ending the unrest caused by Zacharias Koulias's statements. This decision followed intense discussions and internal political pressures. Papakonstantinou was chosen for his experience and commitment to reforming the Audit Office. The appointment surprised even the coalition parties, as they were not officially informed.

The Audit Office welcomes Andreas Papaconstantinou as the new Auditor General of the Republic. They express their willingness to collaborate harmoniously with him for the progress of their work. They wish him success in this important role. The staff of the Audit Office is ready to continue their significant work with a sense of responsibility towards the citizens.

The Israeli army announced it struck several Hezbollah positions in Lebanon following previous heavy bombardments that caused many casualties. In response, Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli military targets, including an explosives factory and a military airport. These developments are critical and highlight the increasing tension in the region. No human casualties have been reported from Hezbollah's recent attacks.

The Consumers' Association highlights significant discrepancies in fuel prices in Cyprus that cannot be explained. It has been found that the import prices in Cyprus are consistently higher than the EU average. Additionally, there are large discrepancies in retail prices across different regions of Cyprus, with Nicosia facing the most significant issues. The Association urges the relevant authorities to provide convincing answers for these anomalies.

Odysseas Michaelides congratulated the new General Auditor in a post on X. He mentioned that the new appointee has a challenging role but believes that the excellent staff of the Service can support him. He wished the new General Auditor every success for the benefit of the country.

A complaint of fraud amounting to €3 million has been filed by a group of Israeli investors against a Greek Cypriot businessman. The investors claim that the businessman misled them to obtain the money and did not complete the property purchase as agreed. The complaint has been forwarded to the Department for Combating Crime, where the case is being investigated with the assistance of various police departments. The charges include forgery and the use of false documents.

Andreas Papakonstantinou has been appointed as the new General Auditor of the Republic following the dismissal of Odysseas Michailidis. He holds degrees in accounting, finance, and management, along with experience in both private and public sectors. His role is crucial for ensuring transparency and combating corruption. The appointment will take place on October 2, 2024.

Minister of Labor Giannis Panayiotou will submit a written mediation proposal for the renewal of the collective agreement in the hotel industry. He is requesting responses from the unions and hotel associations by Monday. The aim is to avoid labor unrest and ensure peaceful coexistence in the sector. Negotiations are ongoing to reach an agreement among the involved parties.

In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 492 deaths and 1,645 injuries according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The IDF claims that many of the deceased were Hezbollah militants. This operation aims to destroy Hezbollah's weapons and infrastructure, with the Israeli Defense Minister stating that tens of thousands of rockets and munitions have been destroyed. The situation remains tense and ongoing.

The Ministry of Finance has sent a stern message to football clubs to pay debts amounting to €35.6 million accrued between 2007 and 2023. The clubs are urged to make their payments and submit tax declarations, with a deadline for clearing the debts. The government is also planning a bill to increase betting taxes to assist in these repayments, but the bill has faced opposition and is not currently being implemented. Compliance with the repayment plan is crucial to avoid exclusion from future participation in leagues.

The number of deaths in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks is continuously rising, reaching 492, including 35 children and 58 women. In Haifa, sirens sounded due to rockets fired by Hezbollah, with the Israeli Defense Minister stating that many of their rockets were destroyed. The situation is worsening as 100,000 people have fled their homes. The United States is preparing to increase its military presence in the region.

The investigation into the Monastery of Abakum continues, with police scrutinizing financial allegations and the bank accounts of involved individuals. Two archimandrites from the monastery will be summoned to respond to charges at the Nicosia Criminal Court. Various procedural actions are underway to investigate the source of funds and transactions. There is full collaboration between MOKAS and the police to clarify the information provided by the banks.

The trial of the former director of the Pattihio Theater, Vassos Argyridis, has started with charges of stealing €234,550 and money laundering. Witnesses have begun to testify, with the Municipal Secretary mentioning discrepancies in the theater's financial transactions. The accused denies the charges, and his defense lawyers are examining his responsibilities as director. The process involves extensive cross-examination of witnesses and detailed testimonies regarding the theater’s finances.

The Environmental Authority has approved the creation of a linear park along the Pedieos River, extending 5.6 kilometers with pedestrian and cycling paths. The project aims to enhance the ecological state of the area while providing public recreational opportunities. It includes flood protection measures and elevated pathways. Completion is expected within 18 months at a cost of approximately €895,503.