President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu, denouncing the expansionist Israeli policies in Gaza. He warned that if no action is taken against Israel, bloodshed will increase. He also condemned the international community's failure to speak out against the Israeli government's actions. Erdoğan emphasized the need for stability in the region and praised the Palestinians' resistance to occupation.
Israel is preparing to launch an attack on Iran due to recent missile strikes from Tehran. Military sources indicate that Israeli forces have received orders and are ready for the attack. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Iran is behind all attacks against Israel and that the country has the right to defend itself. The operation is expected to be coordinated with the U.S.
Cyprus ranks 10th in terms of residential electricity prices in Europe, and 4th when considering purchasing power. Germany has the highest price, followed by Ireland and Britain. Electricity prices in Cyprus are 29.9 cents per kilowatt-hour. Norway offers the cheapest electricity in Europe at 7.9 cents.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns that the country's response will be even harsher if Israel attacks Tehran. Iran is on high alert and is activating its defense systems, especially around its nuclear facilities. Analysts suggest a possible Israeli attack could occur in the coming hours. Relations between Iran and the US seem to be deteriorating, as communications have been cut off.
President Christodoulides announced three new cancer screening programs at the 'Walk with the Pink Figures' event. He emphasized the importance of prevention and the need to address workplace challenges. Cyprus has a General Health System that has improved service delivery. The aim is to make cancer treatable through these new initiatives.
Comic Con Cyprus is a major celebration of pop culture taking place in Nicosia. Visitors enjoy artists, cosplay, gaming tournaments, and various activities for children. With internationally renowned guests such as actors and comic artists, the event offers a unique experience for comic and video game fans. The event will conclude tomorrow, inviting even more visitors.
The recent power outage in the prisons had serious consequences, leading to new clashes among inmates. The prisoners are protesting against their food conditions and resorting to unacceptable solutions for personal hygiene. The atmosphere in the prisons is becoming increasingly tense due to these incidents. Conflicts between inmates and staff are becoming more frequent.
The 20th Walk of the Pink Figures gathered thousands in Nicosia, dedicated to women with metastatic breast cancer. The event features a symbolic placement of figures representing new cases of breast and gynecological cancer for 2023. These figures symbolize the stories and strength of women facing the disease, as well as the loss of those who did not succeed. The action is supported by AstroBank, a strategic partner for the 15th year.
As the anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, approaches, the Israeli military is increasing its readiness across multiple fronts. Preparations are underway for a counterattack against Iran following a recent missile strike. Meetings with neighboring countries are being held to share information and strategies. Military operations are also expanding in Gaza, with warnings issued to residents to evacuate dangerous areas.
Hashem Safieddine, the successor to Nasrallah in Hezbollah, was killed in an Israeli attack in Beirut. Iranian officers were also among the casualties. The operation confirmed Israeli intelligence that Safieddine was present in the area. Despite the success of the attack, there has been no official statement from Hezbollah regarding his death.
A 47-year-old woman is suspected of a bomb attack on the vehicle of a 78-year-old man. She received threatening messages through the pensioner's son, asking for money. The woman is accused of being linked to an investment scam that left her with significant losses. The police have ordered her detention for three days as they investigate the case.
The U.S. is seeking to create conditions for long-term calm in Lebanon by aiming to weaken Hezbollah. President Biden appears to be planning political moves for presidential elections and future government elections that would limit Hezbollah's influence. The plan also includes economic aid tied to political developments in Lebanon, aiming for stabilization in the region.
Odysseas Michailidis, in an interview, discusses the fight against corruption in Cyprus and the need for a clean state. While he previously ruled out entering politics, he states his intention to engage with public affairs in the future. He also confirms that he will appeal to the ECHR, seeing it as a duty to society. The appeal will focus on issues of fair trial, reputation, and freedom of expression.
Over 500 Australian citizens are returning from Lebanon via Cyprus using charter flights from Qantas. Australia has organized their transfer and accommodation in Cyprus, and other citizens are encouraged to book their flights. The Foreign Minister stated that priority will be given to vulnerable passengers. Additionally, there are arrangements for citizens from other countries such as Slovakia and China.
The great composer Mimis Plessas has passed away just before his 100th birthday. He composed music for 104 films and 70 theater productions, earning numerous Greek and international awards. He was married to Loukila Carrer, and they had one daughter, while his son is the composer Antonis Plessas. His legacy will live on through his music and the cherished memories of his loved ones.
The fence installed in 2020 in Nicosia to limit migrant flows was found to be ineffective, causing more problems for residents. After four years, the decision to remove it was made, as irregular migrant arrivals have significantly decreased in 2023. The presence of police and other factors contribute to this decline. Local residents from border areas voiced their objections from the start, and their reactions appear to have borne fruit.
The atmosphere in public hospitals remains tense as unions and the Organization of State Health Services are determined to engage in intense negotiations over collective agreements. The unions are requesting the participation of the Minister of Health in Monday's discussions, and work stoppages are still pending. The Organization of State Health Services seems unwilling to make further concessions, making negotiations difficult. Despite their disagreements, the unions acknowledge that there is a proposal on the table for discussion.
The projects in the Akamas National Forest Park are delayed due to the government's failure to meet deadlines, leading environmental organizations to seek updates. The lack of progress mainly concerns serious geological and ecological issues. These organizations are requesting specific timelines for necessary actions and innovations. The situation could have serious implications for the area.
Two women from Hungary are in custody for their involvement in the sale of properties in occupied territories that belong to Greek Cypriots. Authorities are working to combat the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties. One of the women admitted her involvement in such activities, while the other claims she was unaware of the illegal nature of her involvement. The value of the seized properties is estimated at over half a billion euros.
The Minister of Justice is reviewing the leave permits of inmates after a convict hairdresser escaped, having taken several leaves in previous years. A scientific center will convene to study crime-related issues and propose legislative changes. Additionally, the police will investigate the processes followed regarding the convict's leaves. The hairdresser had made two marriage promises with different women during his imprisonment.
Odysseas Michailidis expresses his disappointment with the Supreme Court's decision leading to his dismissal, blaming specific political figures for the outcome of his case. He mentions pressure from both the current and former President and comments on the court's proceedings. He emphasizes that citizens understand the real context surrounding his case and criticizes the General Attorney's conduct as problematic. Finally, he stresses the need for independence and transparency in auditing processes.