OKYpY clarified that no agreement has been reached with the doctors. The Organization's position is that any solution for the doctors' incentives must be holistic and cover the years 2024-2027. There is a search for criteria that align with the goals of OKYpY. This announcement was made by the organization's spokesperson, Charalambos Charilaou.
A French court sentenced a 38-year-old man to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing his adopted daughter. He repeatedly raped her and offered her to strangers. The trial revealed his absolute influence and control over her since she was 13 years old. The prosecutor emphasized that the situation was about power and domination, not love.
The Association of Ready-Mix Concrete Producers has proposed a resolution to the ongoing negotiations, urging workers to return to their jobs. The proposal includes adopting the Collective Agreement of the Construction Industry and suspending the strike for three months. Kostas Kytheriotis, the association's president, calls on trade unions to consider the proposals positively. This initiative aims to restore the operation of the construction industry after three weeks of deadlock.
Father George Kourris from Platanistasa is facing complaints from residents regarding the church's operations and the bells. He is accused of negatively impacting the community and using loudspeakers. He responded by stating that he has contributed to the village's development and that the issues with the bells are exaggerated. Additionally, he mentioned an incident involving a drug user, stating he helped him because he had nowhere to go.
The Anti-Narcotics Unit arrested three individuals in Limassol after discovering approximately 10 kilograms of drugs in a hotel parking lot. Specifically, five kilograms of cocaine and five kilograms of cannabis were seized. The operation was conducted following tips received about the transportation of large quantities of drugs. Two of the arrested individuals are known to the authorities.
Today, a 17-year-old was arrested for the attempted murder of two individuals in a park in Nicosia. The 24-year-old is in serious condition, while the 16-year-old has lighter injuries and his health is stable. The two victims reportedly had disagreements with the minor, which led to a violent altercation. The police are waiting for medical evaluations to further investigate the case.
The Meteorological Service has issued a warning for strong thunderstorms expected from Saturday evening until Sunday morning. Additionally, winds are anticipated to strengthen from early Sunday until midnight the same day. Citizens are advised to be cautious during this period. This situation necessitates increased attention and preparedness.
Simon Mistirel Aikut is requesting to be released under strict conditions due to a tuberculosis outbreak in Central Prisons. His lawyer presented a medical certificate indicating health risks for the elderly defendant. The prosecution argued that all necessary measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. A decision will be made on November 25.
The government announced projects worth €128 million for the upgrade of public hospitals and health services by 2027. The projects include improvements to emergency departments and the establishment of a model pediatric oncology center. The works are expected to be completed by June 2026, with state funding and additional resources from the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The upgrades aim to enhance the quality of healthcare services across all regions.
The Police in Limassol responded swiftly to a report about the discovery of bullets in a hard-to-reach area in Vati. They found around 500 hidden 9 mm bullets, concealed in a bag and under the soil. Police forces are conducting on-site examinations and have taken the bullets for scientific analysis.
The Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, has appointed an investigative officer to look into vehicle recalls, particularly regarding the Takata airbag issues. The investigation will assess if there are any disciplinary breaches related to the Department of Road Transport's circular concerning vehicle recall processes. The investigative officer is expected to complete the investigation by January 8, 2025. The circular outlines necessary actions in cases of serious risks to road safety, public health, or the environment.
A new incident of violence occurred in a primary school in Nicosia, where a fourth-grade student hit four teachers. The President of the Teachers' Union, Myria Vasiliou, noted an increase in delinquent behavior among children. She emphasized the need for proper support mechanisms for students and the need to examine the legislation regarding the assessment of these children. Some incidents of violence are recorded almost every week, which requires a holistic approach.
A 16-year-old driver is charged with a fatal accident that occurred in Larnaca, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old. The teenager will remain in custody until the next hearing and faces serious charges, including causing death by negligence and driving without a license. Additionally, the 17-year-old passenger and the owner of the stolen vehicle will also face legal action. The incident occurred on November 13 when the vehicle deviated from its path and crashed into trees.
Health Minister Michalis Damianou emphasized that the issues in public hospitals are not due to doctors' salaries, but a holistic examination of funding is necessary. Following disagreements, doctors are planning a 48-hour strike, demanding additional funds for 2023. The minister warned that the requested amounts would ultimately burden taxpayers. He also stated that the ministry is open for dialogue and negotiations.
Doctors are closing the Accident and Emergency Departments (TAEP) for 48 hours during a strike, providing guidelines for patient care. Patients requiring pathology and surgical services will be transferred to private hospitals, and scheduled treatments and procedures will be postponed. Only urgent cases will be managed by emergency staff. Health authorities will coordinate the process to ensure patient safety.
In a public hospital, a 96-year-old man was discharged without having his intravenous catheter removed, which had been placed for medication after a stroke. The catheter was hidden in his sleeve and went unnoticed by his children upon his return home. This raised concerns for the elderly man's safety, as he could have been in serious danger. His family has reported the incident to hospital authorities and patient advocacy organizations.
Simon Mistirel Aykout is facing serious charges of land appropriation belonging to Greek Cypriots, with over 100 witnesses for the prosecution. His lawyer has raised objections against the proceedings and is seeking a stay on the case. The court has set dates to hear the objections. Aykout is linked to the construction project 'Caesar Project' in the occupied territories.
The new Salina Municipal Park in Larnaca opens to the public tomorrow. It is a significant addition to the city's greenery, featuring an artificial lake and various facilities for recreation and sports. The project was co-funded by the EU and aims to provide an improved environment for residents. The municipality invites everyone to visit the new park.
Emilia Kenevezou and Alpha Cyprus are at a critical point regarding their long-term collaboration. According to reliable sources, the developments are precarious and may affect the continuation of their partnership. This situation has raised concerns in the media sector. The outcome of their relationship remains uncertain.
The Parliament is discussing an increase in the tax on football betting to cover the tax debts of football clubs. There is a division among politicians regarding the bill, with some supporting it and others opposing it. Critics argue that taxpayers should not bear the costs of clubs failing to meet their obligations. The bill must be approved before the end of the year.
The Federation of Patient Associations of Cyprus opposes the use of patient health as leverage for economic claims. They emphasize that decisions related to strikes and the closure of Emergency Departments jeopardize people's lives. They call for collaboration to upgrade the public health sector and ensure quality patient care. The Federation states that while the right to strike is respected, it should not come at the expense of citizen safety.
An investigating officer is appointed to conduct an administrative inquiry regarding the recall of vehicles with faulty airbags. The inquiry will examine possible disciplinary violations and will be completed within 30 days. There are concerns about thousands of imported used cars on Cypriot roads that may have faulty airbags, without owners being aware of it. The Department of Road Transport's circular exempts distribution companies from the responsibility of informing owners of these vehicles.
Snowfall and a drop in temperatures are expected over the weekend. A cold air mass will begin to affect the area starting late Saturday night. On Sunday, temperatures will drop significantly, with possible snowfall in higher elevations and locally lower areas. Winds are expected to be strong to very strong.
Cyprus has failed to meet its waste recycling and reuse targets, as per the Commission. The recycling rate for municipal waste was only 16.8% in 2020, while for packaging waste it was 59.9%, whereas the EU targets are 55% and 65% respectively by 2025. Additionally, 67% of municipal waste in Cyprus is landfilled, instead of the 10% goal by 2035. Recommendations include enhancing public awareness and improving waste segregation.
Ersin Tatar announced a five-party conference at the end of January with the participation of the UK. However, Nicosia has not received official notification from the United Nations. Tatar also mentioned the opening of crossings and the need for a two-state solution. President Christodoulides emphasized the need for a new narrative regarding the Cyprus issue.
The dialogue between the Ministry of Education and educational organizations continues regarding the evaluation of teachers. They have progressed to thematic discussions about the period after teachers become permanent. While there are positive intentions for necessary changes in the evaluation system, the educational organizations are waiting for the costed text from the Ministry before expressing official positions. The dialogue began in September and is expected to conclude by the end of the year.
The construction sector is facing a serious crisis due to the ongoing workers' strike. Efforts by the Minister of Labor to negotiate have failed, and employers are concerned about the costs of paying workers who are not working. The situation is expected to have broader implications for the Cypriot economy. Workers in this sector remain among the highest paid in the country.
The Transport Committee session revealed that the cost of the first phase of the Paphos-Poleos road is expected to increase by at least 20 million euros. The General Accountant stated that the termination of public works contracts is due to technical reasons rather than political ones. The Minister of Transport confirmed the cost increase due to inflation, highlighting the need for effective management of public projects.
The Audit Office requested information regarding the salaries of public doctors for 2023 and their agreement with OΚΥπΥ. Doctors are demanding increased payments, while OΚΥπΥ offers €2.5 million instead of the requested €4.7 million. Concurrently, doctors threatened to strike if their demands are not met. The situation is tense, and the parliamentary committee is trying to mediate a resolution to the disagreement.
The Ministry of Commerce aims to launch the e-kalathi platform for the holidays, targeting readiness by December 20. The platform will provide price comparison capabilities for a limited number of products. Despite the intentions, there are challenges related to the supply and technical support of the platform. Nevertheless, it is hoped that necessary processes will be completed for it to operate before the holidays.