In Kyiv, sirens and explosions were heard following Vladimir Putin's announcement of a 30-day halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Authorities urged residents to seek shelter due to the risk of a Russian airstrike. Although a truce regarding energy infrastructure was proposed, there was no agreement for a complete ceasefire. The situation remains tense with the possibility of further attacks.
A fire in the Limassol district remains uncontrolled, spreading between Vassas and Omodos. Strong winds hinder firefighting efforts, and access for ground forces is challenging due to the terrain. Additional firefighting vehicles have been deployed, and efforts are underway to create firebreaks. The situation is critical as the behavior of the fire resembles that of summer wildfires.
Vladimir Putin has ordered a halt to attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities for 30 days following a phone call with Donald Trump. The two leaders also agreed on a prisoner exchange and emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Kremlin highlighted that a complete stop to foreign military aid to Kyiv is necessary to de-escalate tensions. Negotiations for the peace agreement will begin immediately.
Authorities are working to identify the seven bodies recovered from the sea near Cyprus, with deaths confirmed as due to drowning. Relatives of Syrians who departed from Tripoli are providing DNA samples for comparison with the victims. The situation remains unclear regarding which boat is linked to the wreck, and hopes of finding survivors are dwindling. Search efforts continue for any additional victims.
The phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin has concluded, focusing primarily on the war in Ukraine. The two leaders discussed the next steps toward a potential ceasefire. Initial reactions are positive, with a Kremlin representative stating the world is safer under their leadership. Official updates from both sides are awaited to clarify the outcome of the conversation.
A serious incident occurred in the Kolossi area where a 19-year-old national guard was attacked by a group of individuals, with one shooting him with an air gun. The attack was reportedly linked to a misunderstanding regarding his involvement in a traditional bonfire celebration. One young man has been arrested, and eight others are being sought. The national guard sustained minor injuries and reported the incident to the police.
A new state-of-the-art hospital named 'Hadassah' is set to be built in Lakatamia, with an estimated investment of €150 million. The project will include mixed-use developments such as a healthcare facility, a university, and biotechnology offices. This development is expected to contribute to educational and economic growth in the area. The public consultation for the environmental study will close on April 12, 2025.
The project for the creation of bus lanes and bike paths in Larnaca is in disarray due to a mistake by the Tenders Review Authority. The bidding process was canceled because the decision was made in separate sessions by the majority and minority. This decision led the applicants to file a hierarchical appeal. The Court confirmed that the procedures were not properly followed.
The Bank of Cyprus, in collaboration with ETYK, is exploring the acquisition of the subsidiaries of National Insurance in Cyprus. ETYK closely monitors the developments and seeks assurances for job security. This move aims to enhance the bank's non-interest income. If the acquisition is completed, the Bank of Cyprus will strengthen its position in the insurance market.
Two Syrian survivors of a shipwreck provided conflicting testimonies about their departure date from Syria. The boat, carrying 20 people, capsized around 12 hours after leaving due to rough seas. There are disagreements regarding their intended destination. The situation is further complicated by differing accounts from their relatives in Cyprus.
Former Health Minister George Pamboridis criticized Health Minister Michalis Damianos for his statements regarding the possibility of introducing a multi-insurance system to the existing healthcare framework. He claimed that the government has failed to address issues within the current system, asserting that the General Health System (GeSY) is fundamentally a single-payer system. Pamboridis accused Damianos of misunderstanding or rejecting the philosophy behind GeSY and warned against considering a shift to a multi-insurance model. He urged the government to focus on health system problems and strengthen the existing framework instead of undermining it.
Consumers will need to bear the cost of installing special equipment for their home photovoltaic systems to avoid disconnection from electricity supply. The bill proposed by MP Kyriakos Hadjiyannis was discussed in the Energy Committee and aims to ensure energy self-consumption from renewable sources. The installation of the system may become optional, with estimated costs ranging from €800 to €1000. The bill is expected to proceed to the Plenary of the Parliament in April.
In Turin, Italian authorities arrested a Moroccan couple for illegally transporting a newborn girl in a plastic bag with the intent to sell her. The infant endured dangerous conditions during the journey from Morocco. Investigations are underway to uncover a possible baby trafficking ring, and two more accomplices have been arrested. Police are working to locate the child's biological mother.
A second case of meningitis has been identified in Cyprus, this time involving an infant in Paphos who is hospitalized. Another case was reported the previous day involving a high school student in Limassol. The Director of Medical Services confirmed the incidents, but they do not appear to be related. More information will be provided later.
The charges against former Archimandrites Nektarios and Porphyrios were modified, with the property possession charge reduced by €133,000. The court also granted a suspension of the theft charge against Nektarios. Their lawyer stated that his clients are innocent, and this will be proven in court. The two monks face serious charges, with the next hearing scheduled for April 10.
There is increased interest in various activities at the old GSP, which is being transformed into a new urban park in Nicosia. Proposals include a playground, kiosk, and car wash. The tender for the exploitation of the spaces will be announced in April, allowing bids to be submitted either as a whole or separately for each space. The renovation will also support the activities of the Cyprus Theatre Organization.
Rula Pispirigkou was found unanimously guilty by the Mixed Jury Court of Athens for the murders of her two children, Irida and Malena. The decision followed a lengthy trial with around 50 witnesses testifying. The accused denied the charges, claiming she could never harm her children. However, evidence showed that the children died from asphyxiation caused by their mother.
Search efforts for the shipwreck off Cape Greco are ongoing but have yielded no results as rescue teams look for at least 11 missing individuals who were on the boat. Two survivors have been found, but their information is unclear. Authorities assure that all possible efforts are being made to locate survivors, while ministers reject allegations of pushbacks. Today is considered crucial due to the conditions at sea.
The ceasefire in Gaza is collapsing as Israel conducts air strikes resulting in at least 200 deaths, mostly women and children. These attacks are occurring despite a ceasefire agreement that had been in place for almost three months. The Israeli military has been instructed to act aggressively against Hamas, with the Defense Minister stating that the situation will worsen if the hostages are not released. Israeli armed forces have assured they will continue the assaults as long as necessary.
The European Union has sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the start of the informal conference on Cyprus. They emphasize their support for a solution that is compatible with EU legislation and based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. They also express their commitment to collaborating with the United Nations for a sustainable solution. The EU indicates its readiness to play an active role in the negotiations.
Efforts to locate survivors from the shipwreck off the coast of Cyprus are ongoing without interruption. So far, two individuals have been rescued and seven bodies have been recovered. The rescue operations include aerial support. The shipwreck occurred approximately 25 nautical miles southeast of Cape Greco.
The article highlights the difficulties faced by patients in the General Health System of Cyprus. It mentions cases of patients who suffered inconveniences due to administrative processes and the limitations of care provided. The hospital lacks adequate structures for supporting patients after completing their treatments. Complaints to the Patients' Observatory are rising, indicating serious deficiencies in the system.
The decision to allow headscarves in schools in the occupied territories has sparked strong reactions within the Turkish Cypriot community. The amendment permits girls under 18 to wear headscarves, altering the disciplinary regulations quietly. Many express concern that this move is part of the Islamization of society and enforces religious values in education. Educational unions state they will continue to oppose this political change.
The report from the criminal investigators highlights the terrible conditions that Thanasis Nikolaou experienced in his military unit, where there were reports of drug use. It suggests that preventing Thanasis from speaking about the situation was crucial, as he feared repercussions from superiors. The report proposes potential prosecution of two military members and raises suspicions of Thanasis's murder to silence him. Additionally, there are indications that he may have been tortured before his death.
The bill to amend the GHS law is currently under legal review. Its aim is to address ambiguities about the prescription of medications by doctors outside the GHS. There are concerns that allowing prescriptions from these doctors could lead to parallel healthcare systems. Public debate is ongoing, with increasing protests from various groups.
The Parliament is stuck in a deadlock over the elimination of multiple pensions for state officials. Lawmakers have not reached a constitutionally and politically suitable solution, with discussions being repeatedly postponed. There is an urgent need to reform the pension system, but disagreements among parties complicate reaching a common agreement. This situation may have implications for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
A serious issue has arisen regarding the use of an expired synthetic implant in a young person. The implant, which was placed in a private hospital, was found to have an expiration date of summer 2024 and went unnoticed by the medical staff. Following the surgery, the individual experienced complications and is now hospitalized in a public facility. The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation and is ready to provide assistance.