Seven years after the collapse at Crans-Montana, a new opportunity arises for the Cyprus issue with an informal dinner in New York. The UN Secretary-General, President Christodoulides, and leader Tatar will discuss the Guterres proposal for resuming dialogue. The Greek Cypriot side hopes for a constructive discussion based on international law. After the dinner, Christodoulides will brief the media on the outcome of the meeting.
The possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran is being considered, focusing on military and nuclear targets in response to recent aggression from Tehran. The list of potential targets includes missile launch facilities and military bases, while the U.S. has warned Israel to avoid strikes on nuclear sites. Despite commitments for limited attacks, the situation remains tense, and Israel's military leadership is preparing for various outcomes.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar will meet with the Greek Cypriot leader at an informal dinner to emphasize the necessity of confirming sovereign equality. He plans to discuss direct flights, trade, and efforts to overcome embargoes. Tatar will also express his willingness to collaborate on issues such as energy and cultural heritage. He is expected to make statements to the press after the dinner.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is set to present a proposal for reinvigorating the Cyprus negotiations during his meeting with Nicos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar. The proposal includes two-phase discussions focusing on internal governance matters followed by issues of security and guarantees. There is hope that Britain will actively participate in the process, rejecting Turkey's proposal for limited involvement. The outcome of these discussions hinges on the upcoming meeting.
Hezbollah has announced the launch of rockets at Israel, targeting military installations and tanks. The attacks have intensified, resulting in over 1,315 deaths in the past year. Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General stated that the organization will continue its attacks if there is no ceasefire. Israel, in turn, has escalated airstrikes in Lebanon.
Investigations into the roof collapse at the Superhome Center in Paphos are ongoing. Three people sustained minor injuries but have recovered and been discharged. Authorities are examining possible construction faults as a cause of the collapse. The damaged section of the store remains closed off due to the ongoing investigations.
A fire broke out in the center of Paphos in the afternoon, across from the municipal building. Firefighting vehicles are on-site to extinguish the flames. The causes of the fire are still unknown. More information is expected shortly.
Superhome Center expresses deep sadness over the collapse of part of the roof at Neon Mall of Pafos, which injured three people. Authorities were activated immediately, and the company has suspended operations at the store. The health of the injured individuals is not in danger, and the company is collaborating with relevant authorities to investigate the incident. Customer and staff safety remains a priority for the company.
To address water shortages, four mobile desalination units are planned for the districts of Limassol and Paphos. Additionally, two permanent units and the expansion of existing ones are being proposed. Authorities express concern about the potential lack of drinking water in the summer if there is no rainfall. The plan includes measures to increase water production and reduce demand.
President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in New York today to attend a dinner with the UN Secretary-General and the leader of the Turkish Cypriots. The aim of the meeting is to explore the possibility of resuming negotiations. The President seeks a constructive discussion in line with international law and the UN framework. After the meeting, he will address the media.
In the Permanent Criminal Court of Limassol, witness testimony regarding the murder of Michalis Michail, known as Milla, was presented, which occurred in June 2023. The eyewitness detailed the moments of the attack, and a video recording from surveillance was shown in court. The two defendants face serious charges, including premeditated murder. The trial continues with questioning and cross-examination by the defense lawyers.
Part of the ceiling in a department store in Paphos collapsed, causing minor injuries to three people. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident, with teams from the Fire Service, Police, and Labor Inspection Department responding to the scene. It is not yet clear whether the collapse is related to ongoing construction work in the building. Investigations are ongoing.
29-year-old Ioannis-Junelle Bebanco has been stranded in the Philippines for 9 months and is anxiously waiting to return to Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides has instructed for his situation to be resolved promptly to facilitate his return. Ioannis expresses his gratitude and hopes for communication with the Ministry of Migration. This ordeal has significantly changed his life.
Thanasis Tsokos, the general director of RIK, has been found innocent of all charges in an investigative report. The report has been submitted to the Minister of Interior and will be reviewed by the legal advisor of the Foundation. The accusations were related to various issues concerning the work environment and financial processes. A disciplinary investigation is set to commence in April 2024.
The Tamassos Metropolitan is investigating allegations of sexual offenses involving monks from the Monastery of Saint Abbacum. The reports have come from former monks who were defrocked, and the investigation is being conducted in cooperation with the Church of Cyprus. Some monks are seen as potentially acting out of revenge. The situation is being closely monitored to prevent the issues from escalating abroad.
In August, banks in Cyprus showed changes in deposit and loan interest rates, according to the Central Bank data. Competition in the market is high, allowing consumers to better compare bank offers. This publication is a step towards enhancing transparency and pressuring banks to keep lending rates reasonable. Specifically, the interest rates varied among different banks, with increases and decreases compared to previous months.
The European Central Bank is set to announce its third interest rate cut since June, aiming to provide relief to borrowers. Although the 0.25% reduction is expected to bring limited benefits, those with fixed interest rates will not enjoy this change. However, borrowers with variable rates may see some positive impact on their payments. Overall expectations suggest that the total reduction will be felt more significantly in the future.
Everyone is hopeful that the smoke rising from the United Nations building will be white, signaling the start of a new process for the Cyprus issue. President Christodoulides is returning from London to New York, feeling satisfied with his meetings. Both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides are waiting for information regarding the Olguin report during the scheduled dinner. The President emphasizes his aim for a resumption of substantive talks to resolve the Cyprus issue.
In Pindarou, efforts are underway to move past the influence of former leaders Nikos Anastasiades and Averof Neofytou, who still impact the political scene. Recently, the two met and seem to have agreed to leave the past behind. This private meeting is noteworthy for their future relationship and could affect DISY. The discussion about the need for unity and collaboration amidst the challenges of the Cyprus issue remains relevant.
Recent complaints from patients in Cyprus highlight issues of inadequate care and mistreatment predominantly in private healthcare facilities. The complaints involve cases of potential medical negligence and poor treatment that have led to serious consequences for patients. Examples include instances of abuse towards the elderly and errors in medical procedures. Authorities are urged to investigate these serious allegations.
A 34-year-old patient has accused a surgeon of medical negligence, claiming he suffered permanent damage during a hernia operation. The doctor allegedly caused intraoperative injury to the right iliac artery, resulting in severe mobility issues. Additionally, the patient asserts that the scheduled surgery was never completed, despite the doctor's payment. After 18 days of hospitalization, other doctors reported that he did not have a hernia or varicocele and that no mesh was placed.
The case of Thanasis Nikolaou, who died under unclear circumstances 19 years ago, is now with the Supreme Court. Forensic expert Panikos Stavrianou is seeking to annul the coroner's report, which concluded a criminal act. The court's decision will determine whether a new inquiry will take place or if the case will be closed. The proceedings are described as delicate, and developments are awaited.
At the Vasilikos site, contractors are warning about urgent maintenance needs for the jetty due to serious equipment corrosion. Hill International, which advises DEFA-ETYFA, emphasizes the necessity for immediate action to prevent further damage. Despite the expiration of their contract, the company continues to work on restoring the situation. Faster and cheaper project completion is anticipated if certain subcontractors take over.