The head of Lower Pyrgos Tylliria, Nikos Cleanthous, expresses hope for the opening of the Kokkinos crossing following recent developments in New York. He argues that the TC side's justification of it being a military area is unfounded, as movement in the region is uncontrolled. Cleanthous emphasizes the need to prioritize the Kokkinos opening and warns of strong measures if this demand is not met. Local residents are prepared to respond if no progress is made.
The Israeli army confirmed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an operation in the Gaza Strip. His death has elicited positive reactions internationally, with officials suggesting it could lead to significant changes in Gaza. Important figures, such as NATO's Secretary General, expressed satisfaction with this development. Sinwar was known as a key architect of attacks against Israel and had been the leader of Hamas since 2017.
The Parliament has approved the Ministry of Education's regulations banning the use of mobile phones in schools. Students will not be allowed to use their phones even during breaks. This decision aims to reduce disruptions to the educational process. The ban is effective throughout the school year.
The Parliament approved a bill for a 1.5% increase in salaries and pensions for government employees, effective from October 1, 2024. The decision saw disagreements among parties, particularly from DISY, which raised concerns about the sustainability of the public wage system. Criticism focused on the across-the-board nature of the increases without differentiation based on productivity. Nevertheless, the majority of lawmakers supported the bill.
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, was confirmed killed by Israeli soldiers during a random check in Rafah. Alongside him, two others, including his brother, were also killed. The news was confirmed by Israeli media and DNA collected on-site. Sinwar had a career filled with conflicts with Israel and was known for narrowly escaping death multiple times.
The Saudi Arabian football transfer market has slowed in 2024, with expenditures of only $524 million on transfers. Nevertheless, Saudi players remain among the highest-paid in the world, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the list earning $220 million this year. Lionel Messi follows with earnings of $135 million, while the Premier League and La Liga still hold spots in the top. UEFA regulations have impacted the market and team spending.
The trial for the double murder in Ypsonas is ongoing, with witnesses testifying. Chief Constable Theodosis Theodosiou describes the footage capturing the murder of 52-year-old Milla and the movements of the perpetrators. Findings show that Milla had a serious knife wound to his neck. The trial is unfolding with significant details regarding the case.
Cyprus is considered the weakest military country in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to a study by the Cyprus Center for Strategic Studies. Despite having a high per capita income, its defense spending is very low, and its arsenal is small and outdated. Turkey stands out for its strong military presence in the region, suggesting it can dynamically influence many areas, while Iran emerges as a significant military power with modern weapons. This situation raises concerns about the security of Cyprus and its neighboring countries.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has been killed in an Israeli strike in Central Gaza. Sinwar is a key figure known for his role in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas. If confirmed, his death could have significant implications for developments in the region. More information is expected soon.
The Metamax case resurfaces involving a 78-year-old and his family, linked to arsons and threatening messages. Two young suspects have been arrested, with one sending threatening messages and the other allegedly setting fire to the elderly man's vehicle. The 78-year-old's daughter continues to receive threats related to the Metamax investment fraud. Authorities are investigating the matter and have taken steps to gather evidence.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced its key interest rate for the third time in 2024 as inflation in the Eurozone fell below the 2% target. Recent data shows that inflation in September was 1.7%, lower than expected. This marks the first consecutive reduction in interest rates in 13 years, reflecting the ECB's support for the economy. The bank has revised its growth forecasts, indicating a smaller GDP increase in 2024.
The cybersecurity team from Odyssey warns about attacks from Arab hackers targeting infrastructure in Cyprus due to its support for Israel. The hackers focus on critical infrastructure such as electric and water supply entities, as well as airports and ports. Experts indicate that the threats come from groups operating on the dark web. Two such groups are 'LulzSec Black' and 'Moroccan Soldiers.'
Cyprus has already met the national goal of reducing child poverty set for 2030, with the number of children at risk of poverty decreasing to 29,000 in 2023. Despite this progress, there are still serious issues for children growing up in conditions of poverty and social exclusion. The policies being implemented align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Cyprus is showing a steady decrease in the poverty risk rate for children under 18 years old.
On October 17, 2024, a diving accident occurred in the waters of the wreck 'ZENOBIA'. A diver showed mild symptoms of decompression sickness, prompting immediate action from the Coast Guard. The diver was picked up by a speedboat and taken to Larnaca General Hospital for medical care. His condition appears to be stable.
Vasso Papandreou, a former PASOK minister, has passed away at the age of 80. She had been suffering from serious health problems in recent years. Her passing has caused sadness among many. More details will follow.
The OSCE warns of the dangers posed by the criminalization of fake news, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression in a democracy. The organization's legal opinion highlights that proposed amendments could conflict with international human rights. It also recommends strengthening civil remedies for defamation instead of criminal sanctions. Any proposed restrictions must comply with strict international standards.
The relationship between banks and borrowers is complex, and LegalMatters' new podcast series aims to educate citizens about their rights. In the first episode, economist Mario Ieropoulos discusses housing issues, loan payments, and income with Christoforos Christofi. The goal is to enhance financial literacy. The podcast will be broadcast live today at 18:00.
The Minister of Finance is set to meet with party representatives to discuss measures against rising costs in Cyprus. Over 40 proposals have been put forward to reduce living expenses and support vulnerable groups. The goal is to complete the evaluation of these proposals by Monday, so that representatives of organizations can be informed. The government is looking into specific measures to tackle energy costs, such as reducing VAT on electricity bills.
Liam Payne, a former member of the band One Direction, has died at the age of 31 in Argentina. His death resulted from a fall from the third floor of a hotel in Palermo, Buenos Aires. Circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated, and reports suggest he may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Just recently, Payne attended a concert by his former bandmate, Niall Horan.
The application for the licensing of an aluminum factory in the Idali area is progressing, with environmental approval expected soon. Local residents expressed concerns during a meeting of the parliamentary Environment Committee. Although ministry representatives state that the factory's emissions are limited, there are worries about wastewater management and air quality. The proximity of industries to residential areas is also a significant concern.
In Limassol, delivery workers are facing increasing violence and racist attacks, creating a climate of fear and insecurity within their community. Authorities have started to enhance security with more patrols in the areas where they operate. The attacks, which coincide with robbery incidents, have led to serious injuries, and in some cases, the perpetrators act in an organized manner. Concerned, delivery workers are considering staging a protest against this situation.
The Parliament will discuss amendments proposing a ban on students using mobile phones during school hours. The Ministry of Education's proposal requires that phones remain switched off, even during breaks. The AKEL amendment suggests restrictions only for middle school students, while DISY seeks an evaluation of the ban's impact on delinquency and learning outcomes. The decision will depend on the vote of the Parliament.
Rosemary DiCarlo is taking the lead again to advance dialogues regarding Cyprus. The United Nations aims to maintain momentum through informal meetings with the two communities and the three guarantor powers. The opening of new crossing points is seen as a sign of progress, but it can also be viewed as movement without real outcome. The current situation requires preparation for substantial negotiations.
The lawyer for Giannis Giannakis bases his defense on the suspension of former Auditor General Odysseas Michailidis. He argues that Michailidis's initial involvement in the case of the forgery of academic titles is illegal. The defense claims that the evidence collected by the prosecution is tainted because it resulted from an unlawful process. The next court session is scheduled for October 31, when the prosecution will present its position on the matter.
A consultation process is starting for the development of the port and marina in Larnaca to gather opinions from potential investors. This process is expected to last until 2025 and is important for the direction of state infrastructure. The Minister of Transport, Alexios Vafeadis, highlights the significance of collaborating with experts to identify Cyprus's port needs. Expressions of interest from investors are expected gradually starting in November.