It has been announced that 33 Israeli hostages, including women and children, will be released by Hamas, with the first wave of releases expected soon. Among them is a two-year-old boy. Israeli authorities also published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners who will be released. The status of many hostages remains uncertain, as it is unknown if all are still alive.
The British Parliament has decided to close a bar following allegations of drink spiking involving a woman. The police have initiated an investigation into the incident that occurred in January. The Prime Minister's spokesperson described the information as extremely concerning, emphasizing that women should feel safe. The safety of everyone in Parliament remains a priority.
Costis Konstantinou analyzes the situation in Gaza, where the ceasefire appears uncertain. Netanyahu seeks to finalize the agreement, but Hamas lacks credibility due to past failures. Uncertainty prevails as both sides continue to suffer casualties. Despite hopes for a peaceful resolution, statements from Hamas leaders increase concern.
Tomorrow, the 39-year-old Cameroonian, who is detained for attempted murder of police officers and illegal trafficking of migrants, will be interrogated. Investigators have already gathered results from scientific tests and hope to better understand the events that occurred in Potamia. They are also seeking an independent forensic expert for the case. The lawyer for the forensic expert intends to request an apology from the Minister of Health regarding statements about the autopsy.
A 49-year-old Greek man has been sentenced to 6 years in prison for possession and importation of 5 kilograms of cannabis in Cyprus. The defendant admitted his guilt, stating he was promised 1,000 euros to collect the drugs. The court imposed a 2-year sentence for possession and 6 years for importation, with a second defendant's case still pending. The sentencing took into account the defendant's personal and financial circumstances.
Eirini Charalambidou criticizes the Minister of Education over the lease of school land to private individuals for padel courts. She argues that this practice violates laws protecting educational purposes and claims to have evidence of misconduct. The focus is on the need for transparency and accountability from the Ministry, as well as the importance of public interest. She highlights the responsibilities of school boards and the requirements for leasing public property.
The 49-year-old Swedish businessman agreed to be extradited to Sweden, where he is wanted for fraud. The extradition process will be postponed until the escape case is resolved. His lawyer and a police officer have been referred for trial and are seeking their release. The trial is expected to start in February.
The authorities of the Republic requested the extradition of four Turkish Cypriots allegedly involved in the Potamia incident. A request was made for 62-year-old Halil Alasan and his two sons, while a new request was submitted for Mehmet Ali Ulucay. Ulucay has confessed involvement and faces charges in a Turkish-Cypriot court. It is estimated that the Alasan family will not be extradited due to their connections with the pseudo-state.
A 35-year-old from Pakistan has been remanded in Cyprus on charges of defrauding a company in Larnaca. His arrest followed a European warrant due to allegations of siphoning €30,678 from the company through false representations. He faces a range of crimes including conspiracy to commit a felony and computer fraud. The offenses date back to 2016 and involve the purchase of 8 cars with the stolen money.
The situation in the emergency departments is critical, with many patients waiting for admission to overcrowded beds. The head of the nursing staff indicates that the implemented measures have not resolved the issue, as patient pressure continues due to seasonal infections. There is an urgent need to reassess bed management, as concerns about infection transmission remain. Some patients are waiting for hours, and the situation seems to be worsening.
Eurobank completed the sale of 8.58% of Demetra Holdings to Logicom Services for approximately €27 million. This sale also includes the acquisition of a 24.66% stake in the Hellenic Bank. The completion of this deal is expected by February 2025, subject to necessary regulatory approvals. This transaction is part of a strategic partnership aimed at restructuring the investments of the parties involved.
In the last week, 271 individuals who were residing illegally in Cyprus were repatriated, with 170 returning in one day. Authorities are making intensive efforts to return third-country nationals through voluntary and forced repatriation programs. In 2024, a total of 10,098 individuals were repatriated. Efforts will continue on a daily basis.
The temporary management of Larnaca Marina has been assigned to the Cyprus Institute of the Sea and Maritime (CMMI). An operational plan has been established, with agreements expected by 2025. The Minister of Transport and the Mayor of Larnaca confirmed the progress of discussions and the need for groundwork before management begins. The establishment of key parameters for the agreement paves the way for the implementation of development plans for the marina.
The first project at Larnaca marina has officially started and involves dredging and renovation work. The government approved a budget of €1.5 million for these necessary operations to ensure the safe functioning of the marina. The Minister of Transport emphasized that the project would be completed in six months, with bidding procedures starting soon. Additional projects at the marina are also planned by the Larnaca municipality.
The operating hours of the emergency clinics of the General Health System are being extended due to the rise in seasonal infections, such as the flu, RSV, and Covid-19. The Health Insurance Organization has decided to open these clinics on Saturdays and Sundays to assist citizens. The new operating hours will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and will remain in effect for as long as necessary to address the situation.
The Cypriot company 'Agrótes' is opening its second store in Nicosia with a multi-million euro investment. The new store will cater to both retail and wholesale clients and is expected to start operations in February. With this investment, the company, which has over 70 years of experience, will create new jobs. The new space will be nearly twice the size of the company's first store.
The police arrested a 19-year-old in Nicosia for stealing a bag worth 10,000 euros from an office. The bag's owner spotted the thief and alerted the police. They found 5,100 euros in his possession, and he also confessed to another burglary. The young man is being held for the investigation.
In the next Joker draw, at least €13,800,000 will be shared among the winners of the first category. This follows a jackpot that occurred in the latest draw. Additionally, there is a lucky ticket in the second category that wins €100,000. The draw will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Banks showed changes in deposit and loan interest rates in November, according to the Central Bank's statistics. This publication aims to help consumers compare the offers from different banks. Although the changes do not solve the problems faced by depositors and borrowers, it serves as a form of pressure on banks to keep rates stable. Notably, there were increases in deposit interest rates from several banks.
The U.S. President's decision to grant the Republic of Cyprus access to American weapons is viewed by DISY, DIKO, and DIPA as a significant development in strengthening its role as a strategic partner for the U.S. Conversely, AKEL expresses concerns and requests more information. This development opens new prospects for Cyprus, enhancing its position in the region. It is seen as an opportunity for strategic alliances and bolstering national defense.
Cyprus and the US are advancing in defense cooperation, with Ministers Konstantinos Kombos and Marco Rubio playing key roles. Nicosia recognizes its strategic importance and is preparing a list of needs for the US. The Foreign Minister emphasized that steps are being taken to benefit both countries despite the upcoming change in the US administration. The cooperation will include military exercises and interaction between the defense systems.
The Audit Office expresses pessimism regarding the financial recovery efforts of OKYPY, warning of possible accountability if the action plan is not followed. Despite ongoing efforts, the deficit remains high and there is a significant decrease in patients choosing the public sector. The director general of the Ministry of Health expresses concerns about the sustainability of the Organization. Unions are providing their responses and explanations regarding the deterioration of public health services.
The Environmental Authority has approved the construction of a 19-story building in Limassol, which will reach a height of 90.8 meters and cost €45 million. The building will include parking spaces, shops, office, and residential areas, along with photovoltaic panels for renewable energy production. The development will cover an area of 4,061 square meters, with 30% occupied by the building and its infrastructure. The construction is expected to attract a significant number of people and activities to the 'Ariel' area.
A Turkish Cypriot was arrested in the occupied territories following a serious incident in Potamia, where a 24-year-old Pakistani succumbed to a gunshot wound. The 39-year-old admitted to transporting the Pakistani, who had paid for his transfer. Authorities are continuing their investigations as it emerges that the Pakistani had rented the vehicle and was shot by a police officer. The circumstances of his death and those involved in the case are still being explored.
Football clubs are pushing for a political intervention from Finance Minister Makis Keravnos to settle their tax debts amounting to €35.5 million. There are efforts to reach an agreement to avoid legal troubles and consequences from UEFA. The government emphasizes that no immunity will be granted and compliance with obligations is required. Discussions also involve the Ministry of Social Insurance regarding delayed contributions.