The Cypriot government has proposed to Turkey the opening of a port for commercial ships under the Cypriot flag. This could lift the embargo that has been in place since 1987. However, Cyprus expresses reservations about Turkey's willingness to proceed with the proposal. Additionally, Cyprus is ready to make concessions regarding entry visas for Turkish businessmen in the EU.
Donald Trump criticized Russian President Putin and a New York Times journalist regarding the war in Ukraine. He claimed that the war has been lost from the start and accused Putin of not wanting to end the conflict. Additionally, he had a constructive conversation with Ukrainian President Zelensky before the funeral of Pope Francis. Trump emphasized that the situation is dangerous as many people are dying.
The funeral of Pope Francis was held at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A large crowd gathered to pray and bid farewell, filled with emotion. The body was placed in a simple wooden coffin, as per his wishes, and traditional religious rituals and music were featured during the service.
Following a shocking arrest for the sexual abuse of a minor in Paphos, a second case has emerged. This time, it involves a British tourist accused of abusing a nine-year-old girl at a hotel. The child's family reported the incident, leading to the suspect's arrest. A court ruling has determined that he will remain in custody until his trial.
Two men are hospitalized due to snake bites in separate incidents. The 74-year-old from Nicosia is in improved condition and is expected to be discharged soon. The 80-year-old from a village in Limassol is also in stable condition. The Health Services Organization warns the public to be cautious of any venomous snakes.
The police have arrested a 52-year-old man suspected of sexually harassing a five-year-old girl in a village in Paphos. The man denies the allegations, claiming he merely offered chocolate to the girl. The case is under investigation following reports from eyewitnesses and the collection of CCTV footage. The suspect is being brought before a court for a six-day detention.
Odysseas Michailidis has set up his new political office on Prodromou Avenue, preparing to announce his decisions. The office is located in a building called 'Evagein,' which is currently being arranged. In his interview tomorrow, he will reveal his political manifesto and main policy directions, focusing on issues like the Cyprus problem and corruption. He is also expected to announce his next moves in relation to the government.
Bus and truck drivers often exceed speed limits, putting their lives and others at risk. The maximum speed for trucks is 90 kilometers and for buses 100 kilometers, but many do not comply. The parliamentary Transport Committee is examining the issue and seeking ways to reduce illegal practices and traffic accidents. Citizens have lodged complaints about dangerous driving, and the discussion is being revived due to concerns about road safety.
The distortion concerning former special constables is being corrected, as the Ministry of Finance seems to be moving forward with solutions. Efforts have been made to recognize their prior service as qualifications, a matter that has caused complaints in the past. During a recent meeting, issues such as promotions and the retirement of police officers were also discussed. The Minister of Justice announced that a process to resolve the situation has been initiated.
Greek universities are planning to establish branches in Cyprus, having expressed interest in four schools. The official application has been submitted by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which includes schools of health, economics, education, and philosophy. Admission criteria are still pending, and there will be tuition fees for the programs. Other Greek universities are also showing interest in setting up their own branches in Cyprus.
Marinos Sizopoulos's decision to step down from the presidency of EDEK surprised many and sparked discussions about the reasons behind it. He cites principled reasons for his departure, while rumors suggest that pressure may have come from a report against him. The polls indicate a troubling situation for EDEK, prompting a move for renewal. Sizopoulos has stated that he will remain active in the party despite his resignation from the presidency.
The report from the criminal investigators highlights serious omissions and contradictions in the testimonies of those involved in the death of Thanasis Nikolaou. Particular attention is given to forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos, who is said to have provided different versions that raise doubts about his initial assessment. The investigators also note that not all possible scenarios were examined, and timely testimonies that could shed light on the case were not taken. The investigation is ongoing, and the investigators call for further inquiry.
Mihalis Anastasiades, president of the Pediatric Society of Cyprus, expressed concern about the trend of questioning the medical profession. He noted that pediatricians often yield to excessive demands from parents, leading to compromises in medical practice. Despite improvements in the situation with the General Health System, the mindset of the citizens remains an issue. There are campaigns underway to inform the public about the proper use of the healthcare system.
Fourteen mobile desalination units are set to be delivered from the UAE to Cyprus to boost drinking water production. Each unit will produce 1,140 cubic meters of drinking water daily, primarily focusing on the districts of Limassol and Paphos. The installation of these units is to be completed by June, addressing increased water demand during the summer months. Authorities are working to ensure the successful deployment of these units to prevent water supply cuts.
The discussion about the ATA is becoming increasingly urgent as the current agreement expires at the end of June. Social partners are trying to find a compromise, but the differences seem significant. The Minister of Labor is optimistic, but employers and unions have opposing views on the future of ATA. The most likely scenario is a definitive breakdown before the deadline if the two sides cannot reach an agreement.
Ayia Napa and Protaras are preparing for a record tourism year by collaborating to extend the tourist season. The two areas are joining forces and launching joint advertising campaigns to attract visitors. The campaign has already shown positive results from markets like the UK and Poland. Sporting events have also boosted the area's visitor numbers.