A seismic tremor was recorded in Cyprus today by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. Citizens were invited to report if they felt it. The information is still preliminary and has not been seismically verified. More details will be released soon.
An extraordinary Holy Synod has been convened to address allegations against Metropolitan Tychikos of Paphos, accused of mismanagement. The complaints come from community and parish sources describing turmoil within the Paphos Metropolitan area. The Synod will review these allegations during a session scheduled for Thursday, May 22. Potential discussions may include issues related to appointments and the administration of the Church.
The new billing policy of OKYPY requires a €100 advance payment from non-GESY beneficiaries, mainly affecting foreigners and tourists. Patients seem to be leaving hospitals due to this charge, raising concerns about their healthcare. Daily, there are cases of individuals avoiding treatment due to financial constraints. OKYPY emphasizes that it will continue to provide services to those in need, regardless of their legal status.
The appointment of envoys by the UN Secretary-General and the European Commission creates new dynamics in European-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. Antonio Costa will meet with Erdogan to convey important messages regarding recent developments. The Cypriot President emphasizes that negotiations can progress, provided there is a response from Turkey. This meeting aims to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.
Attorney General Giorgos Savvides responded to statements regarding the Blue Ocean company, linked to Roman Abramovich, that failed to pay €14 million in VAT. He clarified that the Legal Service was only involved in the legal management of the appeal against the tax. He expressed regret for the atmosphere created in Parliament due to unfortunate statements from a representative of the Legal Service. The tax collection process falls under the Tax Department's authority.
A serious incident occurred on a Lufthansa flight when the co-pilot lost consciousness, leaving the aircraft without a pilot for about 10 minutes. The captain was unable to re-enter the cockpit immediately, but eventually the co-pilot recovered and opened the door. The flight was diverted to Madrid for landing, where it was determined that the co-pilot had suffered an epileptic seizure. Authorities are calling for a review of safety procedures regarding having only one pilot in the cockpit.
A four-month-old baby in Aigio was found to be addicted to drugs, likely due to breastfeeding from the mother, who is also believed to be addicted. The parents were arrested for drug trafficking, and the baby was taken to a hospital for medical examinations. Doctors confirmed the addiction, detecting heroin and cocaine in the baby's system. The parents are now in custody facing serious charges.
President Nikos Christodoulides met with Turkish President Erdoğan at the European Political Community summit. He emphasized the importance of dialogue regarding the Cyprus issue and EU-Turkish relations. Erdoğan expressed support for dialogue and interest in cooperation with the EU. The summit offers an opportunity for open discussions and the resumption of negotiations.
A significant rescue occurred at a restaurant in Paphos when a customer experienced a seizure. Paramedics arrived quickly and provided first aid, while a well-known doctor at a nearby restaurant also offered assistance. Rihanna Konstantinou praised the heroic efforts of these professionals, but also noted the outdated facilities they operate with. The patient is recovering and needs further care.
A team of doctors in the U.S. used gene editing to treat a baby with a rare genetic disorder known as carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency. The treatment helped the baby, K.J. Muldoon, begin to develop normally. Scientists are hopeful that this progress will enable the treatment of other rare disorders in the future. The baby's parents had concerns but now feel hopeful.
The European Parliament announced that there was no official delegation to Moscow, rejecting the claim of Cypriot MEP Feidias Panaigottou regarding his trip to Russia. Those who traveled there did so as private individuals and do not represent the Parliament in such cases. The Code of Ethics requires members to declare their participation in external events, especially if expenses are covered. Members bear full responsibility for the content of their declarations of private interests.
The talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Istanbul have been postponed again. Although the Kremlin initially scheduled the meeting for 10:00, it has now been moved to 12:30. There is uncertainty about the effectiveness of the negotiations since the leaders of both countries will not attend. Expectations for progress are low according to officials' statements.
Odysseas Michailidis announces the establishment of a new political movement. The announcement will take place at a press conference on May 19, 2025. He invites the citizens of Cyprus to participate. The event will be held at 26 Prodromou and Kolokotroni Street.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has withdrawn its request for electricity price increases following an intervention from the President of the Republic. The Regulatory Authority for Energy had proposed increases of 8-9%, but the EAC is concerned about its financial situation and upcoming investments. Both the organization and its staff express fears about the financial burden and the feasibility of essential projects. Several costly investments are funded from EAC's available resources, which could threaten its sustainability.
The Nicosia Municipal Council decided to open Makarios Avenue for all vehicles daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. From 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., only authorized vehicles will be allowed. The decision was approved by a majority, with some political groups opposing it and requiring approval from the Police Chief.
The United States and Turkey are mediating in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, aiming for a temporary ceasefire of 30 days. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Erdogan have communicated with both delegations and expect trilateral meetings in Istanbul. The Russian side is ready to return to negotiations, and the situation seems to be progressing. President Zelensky will not personally participate in the talks.
Nikolas Papadopoulos commented on President Christodoulides' statement about the need for cooperation among MEPs, interpreting it as pressure on the government ahead of elections. The Democratic Party has expectations of political benefits from its participation in the government and is poised to play a significant role in the upcoming electoral campaign. Christodoulides emphasized the need for cooperation among MEPs. The Democratic Party (DIPA) will hold its Political Congress next month.
Morfakis Solomonidis and Marios Channidis withdrew their candidacies for the presidency of EDEK, supporting Nikos Anastasiou as interim president. However, they both submitted candidacies for the position of deputy president, leading to conflict. Diomidis Diomidou also submitted a candidacy for the deputy position and expressed his intention to run for president later. Elections for leadership positions are scheduled for June 1.
The investigation into the defective Takata airbags is entering a critical phase, with today's session featuring testimonies from former and current directors of the Ministry of Transport. The Committee is examining delays in vehicle recalls in Cyprus since 2004. Special emphasis is placed on reasons for non-compliance with European regulations regarding recalls. The testimonies are expected to shed light on this situation.
Expansion projects at the Oncology Center and Makareio Hospital have started without the necessary environmental approvals. Authorities are now trying to expedite those approvals, but the ongoing work is causing difficulties for patients and staff. While upgrading the hospitals is essential, the lack of permits raises concerns. Significant improvements are needed for public health before the projects can be completed.
The parliamentary control committee investigated the €14 million debt of Blue Ocean, a company linked to Roman Abramovich, which has not been paid. There are suspicions of political interventions that may have influenced this situation. MP Alexandra Attalidou requested clarifications about any possible interventions and the process followed. The discussion will continue in 15 days with the involvement of the Attorney General.
The OEB responds to the statements made by the General Secretary of SEK regarding behind-the-scenes processes in the discussions for ATA. The General Director of OEB, Michalis Antoniou, emphasizes that the procedures are transparent and aim to create a new, fairer framework for ATA. He points out that adopting a new agreement requires the current system to be abolished, as it creates market distortions. OEB is expecting comprehensive and permanent regulations for ATA.
Johannes Hahn and Olguin are expected in Cyprus for a new round of consultations on the Cyprus issue. The Cypriot government hopes their presence will facilitate the process. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos highlights the importance of cooperation with Turkey, noting a change in situation compared to the past. The Turkish Foreign Ministry calls on the Greek Cypriot side to accept the realities of the situation.