5 Minute News

A permit has been issued for the construction of a monument dedicated to Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou in Paralimni. The municipality has secured all necessary approvals and will proceed with the construction of the monument. The mayor and family representatives expressed satisfaction with the initiative. The monument will help preserve the memory of the two heroes and raise awareness about the Cyprus issue.

The Political Bureau of EDEK has decided that Kostis Efstathiou is not a member of the party and therefore cannot be a candidate for the presidency. This development was anticipated following the party's previous announcement. Efstathiou had submitted his candidacy but has expressed his intention not to take any further action. The elections for the presidency of EDEK will take place on June 1st.

Donald Trump had a 'productive' conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as announced by Trump himself. They discussed the war in Ukraine and the situations in Syria and Gaza. Trump invited Erdoğan to visit Washington and expressed his eagerness to collaborate to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This communication indicates a desire for cooperation between the two leaders.

Last week, a Jordanian firefighting aircraft sustained serious damage while battling a forest fire in Cyprus. The pilot managed to control the aircraft and return safely to base despite the danger. The fire was reportedly started maliciously, according to the Forestry Department. The aircraft is currently out of operation, and repairs are expected to be completed soon.

Audrey Backberg, a woman missing for 63 years, was found alive and well in Wisconsin. Her disappearance was a personal choice and not due to criminal activity. She had suffered abuse from her husband, which led her to vanish. A detective located her through her sister's account on a genealogy platform.

The autopsy of Yiannis Argirou revealed that he died from hemorrhagic shock caused by 19 stab wounds to various parts of his body. The injuries were inflicted by a sharp object, and the severity of the assaults indicates fierce intent. The suspected perpetrator is 52 years old. This report sheds light on the serious nature and dangers of the situation.

The fungus Aspergillus, which causes severe lung infections, is expected to spread rapidly due to climate change. Rising temperatures create favorable conditions for its growth, putting 9 million people at risk in Europe. Aspergillus can also affect crops, producing carcinogenic substances that threaten food security. The lack of new treatments and the fungus's resistance amplify the threat to public health.

The funeral of Charalambos Zachariou, Larnaca Police Director, is being held amidst deep sorrow. Zachariou passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with cancer. The funeral service took place at the Church of Saint Phanourios, attended by political and police officials. His death left a significant sorrow within the Larnaca police community.

The Roman Catholic Church is preparing for the election of the new Pope, starting on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis. The 135 cardinal electors will vote twice daily, requiring a two-thirds majority for election. Candidates include Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Matteo Zuppi, each with varying election probabilities. This process is linked to broader geopolitical considerations and the needs of the Catholic Church.

The lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on the pensions of public officials, and discussions continue. There are various proposals to abolish multiple pensions and revise when they are paid. Some lawmakers are calling for new consultations with the Ministry of Finance to find a consensus solution. Negotiations are expected to conclude by June 1, 2026.

The preserved buildings of the Archdiocese have been renovated and now serve as a centerpiece for the old town. The renovation began in 2021 and is expected to be completed within a month, although there are still some pending tasks. The former Archbishop Chrysostomos II had demolished the buildings citing their age. The new Archbishop George's directives include improving the area and creating a small space for visitors to rest after church services.

A 52-year-old suspect confessed to killing Giannis Argyrou, while all three involved had used cocaine. The 47-year-old female suspect acknowledged her participation and expressed fears for her life. Both suspects are being remanded in custody for eight days. Investigators have significant evidence at their disposal.

Marios Channidis, Elias Myrianthous, and Morphakis Solomonidis have submitted their candidacies for the presidency of EDEK. Kostis Efstathiou's candidacy remains uncertain, and the validity of his nomination is under review. The outcome of these elections could impact the unity and future of the party ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. The candidates emphasize the importance of unity and renewal within the party.

Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar are meeting privately at Ledra Palace, without the presence of negotiators. This meeting was agreed upon following an initiative by Christodoulides, which he mentioned during their previous meeting in April. The two leaders are set to discuss agenda topics in the presence of the UN special representative. Prior to this meeting, they had met with members of the youth technical committee.

The trial for the abuse of five children by their father and mother started with a postponement. The accused exploited the children, forcing them to work in agricultural jobs and there were also reports of violence. Additionally, one child reported sexual exploitation. The family lived in poor conditions and the case has sparked significant reactions and investigations from the authorities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides agreed to sign an electricity cable that will connect the two countries, and eventually link Cyprus to Europe. They also discussed an agreement on the distribution of the 'Aphrodite-Gisah' gas field. These developments enhance energy security in the region. The signing of the agreement is expected to take place this year.

The brutal murder of 45-year-old Giannis Argyris is being investigated by the Limassol police, with personal disputes appearing to be the motive. Two suspects, a 52-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman, are in custody and are expected to appear in court. Giannis Argyris was found dead with multiple stab wounds in the closed garage of his residence. There are indications of drug use, and the 52-year-old reportedly admitted to the act.

In Paphos, agricultural areas suffered serious damage due to yesterday's hailstorm. The main crops affected were vineyards and fruit trees in the region of Statos Agios Photios and Koilinias. The president of EOA Paphos visited the affected areas and stated that evaluations of the situation will be conducted by the Department of Agriculture. The situation will be assessed promptly.

Gas cylinders in Engomi were safely relocated following a leak from cylinders at a restaurant. The mayor of Nicosia praised the authorities for their professionalism during the relocation process. The incident required evacuating neighboring buildings and closing roads for safety reasons. The roads have now been reopened to traffic.

The banking system has undergone significant changes in recent years, with branch closures and a shift towards digitization. Since 2013, the number of branches and ATMs has drastically decreased, alongside major bank mergers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these trends, resulting in further contraction of the banking network and staff reduction. Data from the Bank Association highlights this development with specific figures for 2024.

There is an increasing number of intentional fires in Cyprus, with 27% of the fires in 2024 being deliberately set. The government is planning to introduce more aerial resources for firefighting. The area affected in 2024 was smaller compared to the decade's average due to improved firefighting methods. Ongoing attention and investment in fire prevention are essential.

Cyprus is experiencing an aging population, with the percentage of individuals over 65 reaching 17.7% in 2023. The lack of organized care and transportation structures for the elderly is causing serious issues, leading to restrictions in their lives. Konstantinos Fellas, president of the National Bioethics Committee, warns of the urgent need for action to avoid further difficulties in the future. Society must address the choices concerning elderly drivers and their access to public transport.

In today's session of the Investigative Committee, the director of the Road Transport Department will respond to questions regarding the import and control processes of vehicles, especially concerning Takata airbags linked to serious accidents. The Committee is looking into complaints and demands for improved owner notification regarding recalls. New regulations require immediate notification from dealers and the Department of Transport, reducing the timeframe for dangerous airbags. Measures are also being considered for better control and compliance with European standards in vehicle imports.

The Central Bank of Cyprus has announced new guidelines aimed at combating money laundering and terrorism financing. These guidelines stress the importance for financial institutions to closely monitor transactions and identify suspicious activities. Special attention is given to clients who provide inadequate or misleading information, as well as unusual transactions that do not align with the client's economic profile. The guidelines will take effect on June 2, 2025.

Maria Angela Olguín Cueyar is returning to Cyprus as the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General to prepare the next steps regarding the Cyprus issue. Challenging negotiations are expected as the Turkish side opposes substantial discussions. There is hope from the Greek Cypriot side that this time better results can be achieved. However, Olguín will need to show more determination for the process to advance.