The Ministry of Social Welfare has mandated that childcare centers must communicate with parents on the same day if a child is absent without prior notice. The aim of this regulation is to enhance child safety and prevent tragic incidents, such as the recent one in Nicosia. The Cyprus Association of Private Preschool Education has agreed to implement this measure immediately. The regulation will be discussed in the Parliamentary Education Committee.
In Syria, armed groups launched shocking attacks on Alawites, leading to the deaths of at least 200 individuals, according to eyewitness accounts. The assaults involved executions and looting, raising serious doubts about the interim government's assurances of protecting minorities. A video that circulated shows the horrors committed, with one assailant referencing 'ethnic cleansing.' The attacks occurred following an ambush on government forces supporting Bashar al-Assad.
A court case is underway regarding the extradition of a 63-year-old Serbian living in Cyprus, accused of a 1.1 million euro fraud. The fraud involves false powers of attorney and concerns a woman with disabilities. The defendant's lawyers are contesting both his detention and extradition. The court is expected to make decisions about the defendant's status in the next session.
The composition of the dinner with the UN Secretary-General provides an opportunity to discuss the Cyprus issue. President Christodoulides is expected to enter ready to address substantive matters. Guterres' remarks are anticipated to give insight into his intentions regarding the ongoing process. Preparations have been made to ensure the President can respond to any questions or proposals from other attendees.
A police officer was sentenced to two years in prison by the Nicosia District Court for aiding irregular migrants. He was arrested in 2022 for transporting six illegal Iranian migrants from the occupied areas to the free regions. Following his conviction, disciplinary proceedings against him will be initiated. The decision considered additional offenses related to the legalization of proceeds from illegal activities.
A case of bacterial meningitis has been confirmed in a high school student in Limassol, prompting action from the Medical and Public Health Services. The student was transferred to a hospital where the illness was confirmed. Her classmates and teachers have been given medication, and all health protocols have been followed. Authorities state there is no cause for alarm.
A boating accident occurred in international waters where authorities managed to rescue one individual. Unfortunately, two bodies were found during the search efforts. The survivor reported being with four others on a boat that sank. Search operations for the remaining passengers are ongoing.
President Christodoulides expresses his readiness to discuss substantive issues regarding the Cyprus problem during a dinner with the UN Secretary-General. He has informed the National Council about sending a letter to Guterres, acknowledging his efforts to restart negotiations. Additionally, the EU will be represented by Giulia Bertezzolo in Geneva. The Government Spokesperson commented that the discussion was productive.
The police will seek a court order to hand over the Pit Bull that attacked a woman to the Municipality of Limassol. The owner refuses to surrender the dog, which is deemed dangerous. The Mayor emphasized that if the animal is dangerous, legislation even allows for its euthanasia. The police continue investigations and will propose criminal charges against the owner.
North Macedonia is in mourning after a tragic fire at a nightclub claimed the lives of 59 people, including football player Andrej Lazarov. Lazarov died trying to rescue trapped individuals from the flames. The government has declared a week of mourning, and families are anxiously waiting outside hospitals. The situation is chaotic, with many young lives lost.
The appointment of Nikos Tsafos as Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy in Greece has triggered reactions due to his past statements referring to the occupied territories of Cyprus as the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.' Political figures like Costas Zachariadis and George Karameros have commented on the situation, with Karameros calling for Tsafos's dismissal. Tsafos's defense that these views were expressed while he was not working for the Greek government has been challenged. This situation raises serious concerns regarding the political stance and foreign policy of the country.
The Ministry of Finance is revising bills related to gratuities for state officials. These changes will affect 28 active officials, including the President. The goal is to ensure that these officials do not receive better terms than their predecessors. The amendments will be submitted for approval to the Cabinet.
The Supreme Court upheld a decision to grant €170,000 compensation to a woman due to medical negligence by a neurosurgeon. The patient faced severe health issues after a surgical procedure in 2007, as the doctor failed to provide proper postoperative care. The surgeon's appeal was dismissed, as he did not inform the patient of the risks associated with the surgery. The ruling emphasizes the importance of informing patients about potential risks before medical procedures.
From Wednesday to Friday, weather changes are expected in Cyprus, with a drop in temperature, rain, and strong winds. Temperatures will be 4-5°C lower than the seasonal average, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated on Wednesday. There is also a chance of sleet on the higher peaks of Troodos. Winds will be strong, with improvement expected by Friday.
The Metropolis of Kykkos is planning a major development in Engomi, covering an area of 331,450 square meters. The Holy Synod will meet urgently on March 24 to approve the plan, which includes a five-star hotel, residential, commercial, and medical facilities. The project is also noted for its potential impacts on local flora and fauna, with significant tree removal. The development aims to support the economic recovery of the Metropolis following the crisis.
The informal conference on the Cyprus issue in Geneva starts this evening with a working dinner. President Christodoulides and his team have been intensively preparing, reading and exchanging notes even during the flight. This morning, the President will inform the National Council about his contacts with the UN Secretary-General. Later in the evening, the National Council will meet again to discuss the outcomes of the dinner.
An unknown man set fire to a luxury car in the Embas area. The fire was quickly extinguished by a waste collection crew and neighbors before the fire department arrived. The perpetrator was captured on security camera, and authorities are working to identify him. A thorough investigation is anticipated to determine the motives behind the attack.
Property prices have returned to 2012 levels, just prior to the banking crisis, with the apartment price index reaching its highest historical point. The Central Bank reports a slowdown in price increases, with varying trends across provinces. Notably, in Limassol, prices have steadily risen since 2019, while areas like Nicosia and Larnaca show different trends. The apartment price index has reached significant levels but remains below 100 in some areas.
The application process for the 2025 Cypriot Entrance Exams has started, and the flow of candidates is satisfactory. Interested parties must submit their applications by March 19, with five additional days for modifications afterward. Applications must be accompanied by the payment of fees, which will take place from April 2 to April 11. Candidates exempt from fees need to submit the appropriate documents to their school.
A conversation has begun in the health sector regarding the ability for doctors outside the General Health System to issue prescriptions. The Administrative Court ruled in favor of a citizen who demanded access to medications through the system. The Minister of Health announced modifications to the legislative framework, while the Parliament is set to discuss the issue in the Health Committee. This public debate has been revisited multiple times in the past with varying outcomes.
First-grade students showed positive results in Greek and Mathematics assessments, with most achieving over 70%. However, there are areas where they struggle, such as punctuation. Girls tend to perform better in Greek, while boys excel in Mathematics. The program aims to evaluate the achievement of educational goals.
The Minister of Justice discusses the progress made in the Central Prisons over the past two years, assuring that problems have not been hidden. Emphasis is placed on the creation of a Children's Detention Center and the improvement of conditions for detained minors. Furthermore, police officers are being trained to manage juvenile delinquency, and support is being provided to young offenders. The regulatory framework for the operation of the Children's Detention Center has been submitted to Parliament for approval.
A significant conference for the Cyprus issue begins in Geneva, convened by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Participants hope for a minimum agreement that would allow the resumption of official negotiations. Guterres' role is critical, and his actions will affect the course of the conference. Participants are looking forward to getting an initial sense of his intentions during a working dinner.