Hamas is currently leaderless following the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, with Khalil al-Hayya likely to take over. Al-Hayya, based in Qatar, is leading negotiations with Israel. This leadership change is expected to bring Hamas closer to Iran, which is closely monitoring the situation. Other potential successors include Khaled Mashal and Mohammad Darwish.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar claims that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres requested amnesty for Simon Aykut, a claim that is denied by sources. President Nikos Christodoulides made it clear that there can be no interference in justice regarding such matters. Additionally, a joint letter was discussed, seeking an end to the appropriation of Greek Cypriot properties to build trust towards a resolution of the Cyprus issue.
Israeli intelligence created and rigged bombs that severely damaged Hezbollah in Beirut. By designing a battery without metal components, they managed to evade Hezbollah's metal detectors. Collaboration with a Taiwanese company facilitated the procurement of these bombs. This operation demonstrates the methodical planning and foresight of Israeli intelligence services.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz addressed President Erdoğan, asking him to take responsibility for Sinwar following his death. Erdoğan has criticized Israel's expansionism and warned about the dangers it poses. His statements highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Palestinian issue. The two leaders continue to exchange accusations amidst rising tensions between their countries.
A 52-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison for drug possession, including over 4 kilograms of cannabis and 90 grams of cocaine. He acted as a transporter and custodian of the drugs, promising to deliver them to their 'owner' for a fee of €1,000. The court acknowledged his lack of previous offenses and his cooperation with the police during the investigation. He pleaded guilty to the charges and showed remorse.
The case of Simon Mistriel Aykut involves the usurpation of Greek-Cypriot land and highlights the political implications of the Turkish invasion in Cyprus. The defense questioned the jurisdiction of the Cypriot courts over crimes committed in occupied areas. Discussions in the courtroom were tense, despite the absence of outright confrontations. The court's decision regarding the objection will be announced on November 8.
The Parliament has decided to ban mobile phone use in schools, with the law taking effect as soon as the amendments are published. The Ministry of Education plans to provide a transitional period to inform students and avoid penalties initially. OELMEK supports the decision but is concerned about the burden on teachers and school administrations. In contrast, students are opposed to this ban.
The police have dismantled a sex trafficking ring that extends into the occupied territories. Two women were arrested for their roles in this operation, which is considered very serious. Investigators are looking into other potential arrests. The ring had been active from August 2022 to May 2023.
The lake of Athalassa is facing a disturbing sight as it is filled with dead fish, leading to ecological devastation. Authorities have been notified and are collecting samples from the dead fish for further analysis. This incident is not new, as a similar event occurred three years ago. We await water analysis results to identify the causes of this destruction.
Arab hackers attempted to target Larnaca International Airport, citing Cyprus's support for Israel in the Middle Eastern conflict. The attack was directed at the airport's website systems, but fortunately, air traffic and airport operations were not affected. Authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent potential cyberattacks in the future. Thankfully, the damage was swiftly repaired, leaving passengers unharmed.
Energy Minister George Papathanasiou indicated that there are alternative options for Cyprus's participation in the Great Sea Interconnector's share capital. He expressed concern over the disparity between the Cypriot and Greek operators regarding investment in electrical interconnections. The government is considering requesting an exemption from the EU for the Cypriot operator to be able to invest. The 'cohabitation' of the operator with the competitive entity may be the reason for this difference.
The Holy Metropolis of Tamassos announces that it has not approved any fundraising for the Monastery of Saint Abbacum and responds to misleading posts on social media. They urge anyone with evidence of immoral acts to report it to the church authorities. Metropolitan Isaiah has shown commitment to the cleansing of the Church. They express confidence that truth and justice will prevail once again.
Irene Charalambidou presented a bill for euthanasia in Cyprus, supported by 60% of citizens. The bill concerns patients in terminal conditions and falls under the umbrella of humane care. It will require medical panels and psychiatric evaluations to ensure the decision is appropriate. The discussion of the bill will soon take place in the Human Rights Committee.
The British Foreign Office announced that Michael Tatham will be the new High Commissioner for the UK in Cyprus, succeeding Irfan Siddiq. Tatham is expected to take up his duties in November 2024, bringing extensive experience from previous positions. He has served in significant roles in the diplomatic service, including in Bosnia and Washington. His tenure is anticipated to contribute positively to UK-Cyprus relations.
The electricity authority in Dhekelia is emitting pollutants at levels significantly higher than the permissible limits, raising concerns among local residents. Data shows that emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dust are particularly elevated. The situation is expected to remain serious in 2024, impacting the environment. Residents worry that the pollution affects all of Cyprus.
The Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that the detention of a terrorism suspect is lawful. This decision was based on sufficient evidence justifying detention for national security reasons. The suspect had applied for political asylum and arrived in the Republic illegally. The court dismissed all his claims against his detention.
The recent decision by the European Central Bank to lower interest rates by 0.25% aims to boost growth and prevent recession in the Eurozone. President Lagarde admitted that economic activity is weaker than expected, with decreased investments and consumption. Although inflationary pressures have eased, concerns about overall growth have emerged as a primary concern. Households have maintained high savings rates, contributing to a slowdown in consumption.
Authorities in Cyprus are closely monitoring a warning about a cyber attack from the group LulzSec Black. The attack appears to have political motivations related to Cyprus's relationship with Israel. State services have confirmed that no attack has occurred so far. The planned cyber attack is scheduled for October 17, 2024.
The Metamax investment fraud case is back in the spotlight following a vehicle arson and threatening messages. Two suspects, aged 28 and 21, were arrested, with the 28-year-old accused of sending threats to the 78-year-old owner's daughter. The 21-year-old was released due to insufficient evidence against him. Since July, the elderly man's daughter has been receiving threatening messages, leaving her family in a state of fear.
The trilateral meeting about the Cyprus issue in New York failed to keep the topic on the political agenda, as parties are focusing mainly on inflation and cost of living. DISY and AKEL are pressuring the government for specific measures against rising prices. Political leaders acknowledge the need for targeted interventions to support citizens. The priorities of the parties seem to have shifted, leaving the Cyprus issue in the background.
The European Union is expected to make new announcements regarding the Cyprus issue before the end of the year, following informal talks held in New York. President Christodoulides has met with significant European leaders and expressed optimism about the resumption of negotiations. Ursula von der Leyen appears to be positively inclined and is preparing to support the process. Despite the challenges, EU cooperation is crucial for advancing dialogue.
Public sector workers will receive salary increases starting October 1, ranging from €18.40 to €90 per month, following a government agreement with unions. The lowest-paid employees will see a 2.4% increase, which is the highest percentage increase. There are mixed opinions among lawmakers regarding the increases, with some worried about the growth of the public salary budget. Despite the concerns, these increases mark the first for eligible employees in 15 years.
The government has submitted six bills aimed at tightening penalties for fire-related offenses as part of a legal framework modernization. The new regulations include harsher penalties, such as up to 12 years in prison and fines up to 100,000 euros for forest fires. Additionally, offenses are categorized with varying penalties based on severity. The legislation also regulates the settlement amounts for fire-related offenses.
Citizens are choosing to undergo specialized medical tests without consulting their personal doctors. This has raised concern among doctors who feel they are evaluated solely based on the referrals they issue. Many patients request referrals without having even undergone preliminary examinations. This ongoing situation shows no improvement, despite the years of operation of the General Health System (GeSY).