For the first time, the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Azerbaijan held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference. They discussed matters of mutual interest and differing approaches, especially in light of Cyprus's upcoming EU Council presidency. The government spokesman noted the importance of this contact due to the lack of official diplomatic relations. This meeting indicates a desire to foster dialogue between the two countries.
The company AKTOR has terminated the contract for the construction of the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road, seeking compensation exceeding 35 million euros. The CEO stated that progress on the project was hindered by various issues, such as inadequate materials and delays in property expropriations. He also noted that the behavior of the Cypriot government was perceived as hostile. Additionally, he highlighted the challenges they faced in managing excavation materials.
A 73-year-old man, X.G., admitted to participating in the conspiracy and destruction of evidence after the murder of Angelos Perikleous. His charges include arson and malicious damage, linked to the case. This confession was made at the Nicosia Criminal Court, where he faces penalties of up to 14 years. The elderly man assisted his nephew, Joshua Polosos Epifanios, in evading consequences.
A 16-year-old girl in Limassol lost consciousness after consuming alcohol and drugs and was taken to the hospital. Tests revealed traces of cocaine and cannabis in her system. A 22-year-old was arrested after the minor alleged he offered her drugs and attempted sexual exploitation. The court ultimately decided that the accused will remain in custody.
The Institutions Committee will consider the cancellation of awards for two journalists from the Cyprus Sports Journalists Association. The matter relates to issues of press freedom and possible intimidation from sports officials. The affected journalists are Fani Makridis and Michalis Papageorgiou. This issue has broader implications for the work of journalists in Cyprus.
An 85-year-old man in Limassol is facing charges for attacking his wife with a hammer after an argument. The incident occurred on Monday morning, and the woman is hospitalized with serious injuries. The elderly man admitted to the act and was brought before a court for detention. Authorities are investigating charges of grievous bodily harm and psychological abuse.
There is heavy traffic on the Larnaca – Nicosia highway due to a mechanical failure of a National Guard vehicle. The vehicle is immobilized in the left lane, and the police are working to move it off the road. Traffic is being redirected to the right lane. The situation is expected to be resolved soon.
The case of the murder of 60-year-old Dorotheos Demetriades appears to present evidence of guilt, according to the Nicosia Criminal Court. Dorotheos suffered severe beating in January 2023 in an apartment in Latsia and ultimately died from internal bleeding. Two defendants have been called to testify, while another has already admitted guilt for murder. The proceedings continue with testimonies and defenses.
Authorities in the Famagusta region conducted an operation to combat the illegal distribution of counterfeit goods. During searches of three premises, around 570 items, mostly clothing, were seized. The operation was coordinated by the Intellectual Property Crime Division and the Customs Department. The seized goods will undergo further investigation by Customs officials.
The Cyprus Sports Journalists Association suspended the award for Fani Makridis following an intervention from the Cyprus Football Association. Makridis, a journalist for Phileleftheros, commented on the decision, highlighting its significant impact on sports journalism. The situation appears to be causing unrest in the field. The journalist discusses the implications of this decision.
In the Court of Appeal, 46-year-old Joseph Joseph, referred to as 'Sifis,' is seeking to be released under conditions, challenging a previous decision by the Nicosia Criminal Court that held him as an accused. His lawyer argued for his innocence, claiming no connection to one of the co-accused. The proceedings will continue in the coming days, with the trial focusing on other defendants in the case. The prosecution has already convicted one individual to life imprisonment.
Israel is constructing a 7.5-kilometer wall along the Syrian border, funding and building roads to bolster its defense. Satellite images show progress on these projects, with Israeli forces reportedly violating the land border established in 2000. This construction aligns with Israel's military operations in Lebanon and Gaza. No official comments have been made yet by the Israeli government.
The mother of 24-year-old Kyriakos, who lost his life due to a faulty Takata airbag, is demanding immediate safety measures for citizens. The parliamentary Commerce Committee is examining legislative actions for informing the public about dangerous vehicles. She expresses her outrage at the lack of protection and information that can lead to serious consequences for others. She urges authorities to act quickly to prevent further tragedies.
The Parliament calls for the completion of the fishing shelter at the Liopetri River and criticizes the government for canceling the contract. Engineers and contractors are accused of incompetence, causing delays in the project. An investigation by the Audit Office regarding the actions of the Ministry of Interior is requested. There is an emphasis on the need to complete the project as soon as possible.
The Attorney General considers the sentence imposed on a 32-year-old Syrian for a serious traffic incident as inadequate. The accused injured an 80-year-old woman who was crossing at a pedestrian crossing, leaving her seriously wounded. Despite the court's decision including a fine and penalties, the Attorney General plans to file an appeal. The incident occurred on November 1 and was recorded by security cameras.
A survey by the Cyprus Consumers Association shows that catering establishments in Cyprus are trying to reduce costs, affecting the quality and quantity of food offered. However, there is improvement in services compared to 2023. Many observed issues could potentially be resolved without additional financial cost. Customers report incidents of poor service and inadequacies in facilities.
Israel participates in European sports competitions despite being geographically located in Asia. This participation began with the establishment of the Israeli Football Association in 1948, but many Arab countries refused to compete against Israeli teams. In 1974, Israel was expelled from the Asian Football Confederation and joined UEFA in 1994. Similar challenges were faced in other sports as Israel encountered exclusions from various events.
Professor Leontios Kostrikis talked about his family's situation as his 15-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer and receives accusations regarding his Covid vaccination. He clarified that there is no connection between vaccines and reported deaths. While acknowledging the importance of statistics, he emphasized that incorrect correlations should not be drawn. Mr. Kostrikis highlighted the benefits of vaccines in preventing deaths.
The Municipality of Athienou and Larnaca Tourism Development Company have completed an artistic project at bus stops. The artworks highlight the local embroidery that is registered in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cyprus. Local artists created six unique compositions that showcase cultural heritage. Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy these outdoor artworks.
The Ministry of Interior has announced the termination of the contract with the contractor and engineer of the project 'Development of the Fishing Shelter and River at Liopetri'. The project has faced delays and slow progress despite extensions given. The ministry is exploring various solutions to complete the project as soon as possible and at lower costs. The goal is to find an alternative solution to proceed with the work.
The Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road has faced numerous delays since its initial promotion in 1997, mainly due to political influences and local factors. Studies and tenders have revealed the construction costs soaring to 867 million euros. The road does not seem to meet the needs of Paphos residents, as access is complicated. Experts have labeled the project economically unfeasible.
Businessman Vardis VardinoYANis passed away at the age of 91. He was born in Crete and had a significant history, having resisted the junta and been imprisoned. He was married to Marianna VardinoYANis, with their relationship starting from a young age. His family announced his death with deep sorrow.
President Nikos Christodoulides met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Their discussion focused on the Cyprus issue and efforts to restart negotiations. This meeting took place during the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. It continues the dialogues that were initiated in Budapest.
Workers in Cyprus prefer full-time employment over part-time work. In 2023, the percentage of part-time workers in Cyprus was 8%, significantly lower than the EU average. Women are more likely to work part-time compared to men, especially if they have children. However, the trend of part-time employment is more prevalent in other EU countries.
Marco Rubio is reportedly chosen for the position of Secretary of State in Trump’s administration. He has significant experience in foreign policy and has shown interest in cabinet positions. Meanwhile, Mike Waltz is selected as National Security Adviser, known for his tough stance against China.
Nicosia views Erdoğan's recent statements positively, seeing them as strengthening the potential for EU pressure on Turkey regarding the Cyprus issue. The Cypriot government links progress in EU-Turkey relations with necessary advancements in the Cyprus negotiations. The European Commission notes the EU's strategic interest in stability in the region. There is an emphasis on Turkey's need to engage cooperatively for a sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem within the UN framework.
A new bill for rehabilitation and recovery centers has been submitted to the Parliament and is expected to be discussed in December. The bill includes improvements to the functioning and requirements of these centers, along with a nine-year grace period for existing facilities to comply. Despite these proposals, disagreements among involved parties may delay its passage. The bill aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Public doctors are insisting on their claims for financial incentives promised for 2023, despite opposition from OKYpY. The unions require more details before attending a meeting scheduled for tomorrow, as disputes over the funding amount persist. OKYpY has stated it will not pay more than 2.5 million euros, while the doctors argue they are entitled to more. Upcoming developments will determine whether the scheduled meeting will take place.
Investigations into the naturalization of foreign investors in Limassol have resumed and are currently in full swing. Specifically, allegations concerning donations to the Democratic Party and Russian investors are being examined. The new inspectors have begun gathering further testimonies since September. The process initially started in the summer but was delayed due to complications.
The President of DISY, Annita Dimitriou, mentioned a planned meeting with President Christodoulides regarding the state budget. The meeting at the Presidential Palace will focus on DISY's proposals and its role in the budget vote. Relations between DISY and the Presidency appear to be improving compared to the past. DISY states it will support the budget but without giving a 'blank check.'
The Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOLDC) plans to provide 2,500 residential units over the next five years to support middle-class families struggling to secure housing. These units will be distributed through programs like 'Affordable Housing' and 'Renovate and Rent'. The main challenges include high housing prices and collaboration with the private sector. KOLDC's incentives aim to reduce prices by 30% compared to current market rates.
The situation at Cyprus' dams is particularly challenging following recent floods, as there was no significant increase in water reserves. However, the rains were beneficial for the land, and potential positive changes are anticipated in the coming months. Currently, dam capacity is very low, with many below 25%. Irrigation needs remain excessive compared to available water supplies.
New municipalities are required to submit their budgets by next week, although the exact amount of state funding for them in 2025 is unclear. The total funding for municipalities will reach 170 million euros and will be allocated based on criteria related to population and financial capabilities. The current geopolitical situation has led to economic uncertainty, impacting municipal revenues. Local authorities need to ensure that their proposed budgets are balanced.