The Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of Health announced the withdrawal of cosmetic products, including perfumes and eye creams, from the European market. They advise the public to stop using these products and to contact them if they possess any. The investigation to locate these products in the Cypriot market is ongoing. There is currently no clear information regarding the countries of export.
Ali Sarikhani, a 29-year-old Iranian, is being sought by Limassol Police for stabbing his 26-year-old roommate during an argument. The stabbing resulted in minor injuries, and Sarikhani fled the scene. Police are requesting information to help locate him as they investigate charges of causing injury and illegal residency in Cyprus.
From July to September, 92 applications for building permits were submitted to the Ammochostos District Administration Organization. 63 of these have been completed, reaching a completion rate of 68.5%. President Giannis Karousos has committed to complete transparency in the process. Citizens can track the progress of their applications through the organization's website.
In Geroskipou, a chase occurred during which shots were fired. Authorities arrested a Syrian man wanted for the kidnapping of his ex-girlfriend. The man attempted to flee when signaled to stop. Two other passengers in the car were also arrested.
George Savvides expressed his concerns regarding the proposed separation of powers for the Attorney General, urging everyone to be careful. He emphasized the importance of forming an expert group to ensure constitutionality. He also highlighted the work of the Legal Service in handling corruption cases, with increased seizures of illicit revenues. Finally, he warned about delays within the Legal Service and the need for independence among legal officials.
The Court of Appeals increased the prison sentence for a man convicted of raping a minor in Paphos in 2019. The sentence for the charges of rape and sexual abuse was raised from six to nine years. The defendant claimed that everything was consensual, but the court rejected his appeal. The incident occurred when the minor was 14 years old while on vacation in Cyprus.
The Ministry of Interior has announced significant changes to the Housing Scheme and the Renovate-Rent Scheme, which will take effect from November 15, 2024. These changes aim to facilitate participation for young individuals and couples in the application process. For the Housing Scheme, applicants will be able to provide a signed reservation agreement for the property and submit the title deed at a later time. In the Renovate-Rent Scheme, the grant will be paid in two installments, making it easier for eligible property owners.
Antoni's Liatsos, the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, responded to criticism regarding the dismissal of Auditor General Odysseas Michailidis, emphasizing that judicial decisions should be assessed in a documented and scientific manner. He highlighted the necessity for respect towards the judiciary and the need for legislative changes to strengthen it. Additionally, the President of the Supreme Court mentioned the upcoming establishment of new courts and the need for staff recruitment. She stressed the importance of planning and effective case management in courts.
The Turkish nationalist opposition criticizes President Tayyip Erdoğan for his meeting with Nikos Christodoulides and Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Copenhagen, questioning the sincerity of the two-state solution. They noted that the presence of Erdoğan's translator implies the meeting was not coincidental. Experts suggest that recognition of the Turkish Cypriot administration is now more challenging, amid pressure from federation supporters. Some politicians urge Erdoğan to leverage the situation for recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state.
A brawl occurred among foreigners in a residence in the Mesa Geitonia area, where one individual used a knife to injure another. Police and an ambulance quickly arrived at the scene. The injured person does not appear to have serious injuries. The area has been cordoned off for investigations.
Justice Minister Marios Charcyotis suggested that citizens should not be imprisoned for small debts, such as VAT and minor fines. The ministry is also considering electronic monitoring and other measures to prevent imprisonment. A new witness protection plan and the establishment of an Operations Center for immediate response to citizen reports were also described. This new system is expected to be implemented in 2024 and 2025.
Despina Michaelidou, the Commissioner for Child Rights, calls for responsible media coverage of issues involving children after a student distributed €15,000 at school. She notes that some reports allow for identifying the school and contribute to stereotypes and racism against vulnerable children. The Commissioner urges media to consider how such information affects children’s lives and ongoing police investigations. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of ethical standards in journalism.
Journalist Soula Hatzikyriakou passed away after a long battle with cancer lasting 23 years. Her husband and son announced her death, reflecting on her life filled with struggles and achievements. She was an accomplished journalist who worked in prominent media outlets and highlighted important political and social issues. She leaves behind much love and cherished memories.
The Fire Service responded to 16 incidents due to recent storms that caused fallen trees and flooded roads in various areas. Additionally, a wounded hunter was rescued from a difficult location. There were also reports of a fire in a parked vehicle in Oroklini that caused extensive damage. Authorities will investigate the causes of the fires later today.
Two young men, aged 19 and 22, were arrested in Nicosia for multiple burglaries and thefts. They attempted to escape by pushing police officers during their arrest. They are being investigated in connection with ten thefts and burglaries committed from February to November 2024. They are expected to appear in court for a custody order.
Two projects are being planned for the Larnaca Marina, with an informal public consultation process for long-term investments already underway. The government has announced three projects costing €25-30 million, including a yacht club and the redevelopment of the marina. The Larnaca Municipality will coordinate the architectural competition, expected to be announced in 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, aiming to enhance the area's image.
The presence of Nikos Christodoulides and Konstantinos Ioannou at the memorial service for Glafcos Clerides signals a potential change in cooperation between the government and DISY. Despite doubts regarding political partnership, it appears both sides are ready to seek mutual benefits. Annita Dimitriou confirmed that DISY will remain in opposition and will not become a co-government, but they are open to collaboration. These developments indicate a new phase in the relations between Pindarou and the Presidential Office.
In Cyprus, the unemployment rate is similar across all education levels, unlike other countries where unemployment decreases with higher education levels. According to Eurostat data from 2023, the unemployment rate for those with a higher education level is 5%. Additionally, Cyprus shows new data regarding unemployment in relation to urbanization, with differences among regions. Greece has the highest long-term unemployment rates in the EU, while Cyprus's rates are close to the European average.
The strike actions in the ready-mix concrete sector are entering their second week, leading to delays in the construction industry. Unions have initiated a strike due to the failure to renew their collective agreement. The situation is critical, with the risk of construction site closures and loss of wages becoming evident. The Ministry of Labor is attempting to mediate, but so far, there have been no positive developments.
Today's weather will be partly cloudy, with local rain and possible thunderstorms primarily along the coast. Hail may occur during the storms. In the afternoon, the weather is expected to improve as the phenomena weaken. The temperature is anticipated to be around 23 degrees in the interior.
The relocation of the Health Services of OKYPY from the old Larnaca hospital to the new Town Hall has been delayed once again, with the new timeline set for January or February 2025. This situation has caused frustration within the Larnaca Municipality, as the delay affects planned projects. The mayor of Larnaca has requested clear commitments regarding the transfer of services. If the transfer does not occur, restoration work on the building cannot begin, with costs estimated at around €9 million.
From 2028, all new public buildings in the EU must be zero-emission, with the goal for all new buildings to follow suit by 2030. The European Union is planning increased energy upgrades and revising the directive on energy performance in buildings. Despite challenges like staffing shortages and funding issues, authorities are working towards compliance with new requirements. The aim is to achieve climate and energy neutrality by 2050.