The government has reduced the compensation investors pay for the additional building coefficient, thereby promoting the construction of schools and educational facilities. The reduction from 50% or 70% to 20% allows investors to gain additional building coefficients. At the same time, requirements for parking spaces and sports facilities are being eased. These regulations are expected to facilitate the development of new school units.
The President of the Republic has arrived in Geneva for an important conference regarding the Cyprus issue. The Government Spokesman emphasized the need to resume negotiations that were interrupted in 2017. They focus on the hope for a reunified Cyprus and the respect of international law. This conference is a step towards resolving the issue.
Starting Wednesday, a change in the weather is expected as a cold air mass affects Cyprus. Temperatures will gradually drop, approaching climate averages. Until then, winds will remain mild and the sea relatively calm. Additionally, dust and partly cloudy weather are forecasted for the upcoming days.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had a phone call with Donald Trump, where he expressed full support for Turkey and the US cooperation. Erdoğan emphasized the need for increased consultations due to regional and global developments. He also requested the lifting of sanctions on Turkey and the progress of the F-16 aircraft procurement process. Additionally, he reiterated Turkey's stance on achieving a just and lasting peace regarding the Ukraine conflict.
President Nikos Christodoulides is departing for Geneva, accompanied by members of the National Council, ahead of an important conference on the Cyprus issue starting tomorrow. The delegation includes ministers and government advisors. This conference is expected to be crucial for resolving the matter. This mission highlights the importance of collaboration and communication at the national level.
Three individuals were transferred to the Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki with burns following a tragic fire at a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia. Unfortunately, 59 people lost their lives, and 155 were injured, with most victims being young individuals. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Offers of assistance have come from neighboring countries such as Bulgaria and Albania.
A 17-year-old is hospitalized in stable condition after being stabbed by his mother's 45-year-old partner in Limassol. The teenager underwent surgery due to injuries to his lung and heart. His mother sustained lighter injuries while trying to intervene. The suspect was arrested and is being investigated for causing serious bodily harm.
The death of 23-year-old Moldovan Anastasia Melega highlighted the ongoing issues of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women in Cyprus. Her death, ruled a suicide, sparked significant public debate, prompting calls from parties and organizations for the closure of nightclubs. Parallels were drawn with the case of Russian dancer Oxana Rantseva, emphasizing the need for better legislation and victim protection. Intercommunal cooperation is deemed essential in combating human trafficking.
61-year-old fisherman Napa Castro was found alive after 94 days at sea, having survived on insects and birds. He went missing while fishing near Santa Rosa Island, prompting his family to initiate a search. He was eventually located by an Ecuadorian fishing vessel and transported back to his homeland, where he reunited with his family. Napa stated that his faith helped him endure this ordeal.
The conference in Geneva focuses on the Cyprus issue, but expectations are low. Despite negative conditions, the UN Secretary-General hopes for positive outcomes. All participants are traveling with reduced expectations, yet there is a hidden hope. President Christodoulides mentioned that he expects constructive communication with the UN Secretary-General.
A renewable energy community is being developed in the Troodos mountains with support from the EU. The initiative aims to provide renewable energy to local communities, including the installation of a photovoltaic park. The goal is to serve approximately 100 households that lack equal access to cheaper energy. The program seeks a fair energy transition and the use of new technologies.
Nicholas Ioannidis, the first Deputy Minister of Immigration, faced challenges associated with irregular migration in Cyprus. The government adopted a new strategy to prevent arrivals and expedite asylum processes. By 2024, repatriations of migrants surpassed irregular arrivals for the first time, demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures. Cyprus is now considered an unattractive destination for migrants.
Political parties in Cyprus are facing significant challenges ahead of the parliamentary elections, as public opinion shows dissatisfaction with the political system. Recent surveys indicate possible major shifts and parties that may struggle to succeed. The political fluidity creates uncertainty, while parties' efforts to communicate with the public arise from both necessity and strategy. It is crucial that these initiatives are accepted by society.
An unofficial five-party conference on the Cyprus issue is convening in Geneva amid geopolitical tensions. No negotiations are expected to resume soon, but the United States and the United Nations are working to create a foundation through confidence-building meetings. Nicosia has rejected any mention of two separate entities and suggests cooperation in areas such as energy and relationship restoration. The situation remains uncertain with numerous challenges ahead.