Concerns have arisen from the detection of unsafe levels of enterococci at Lady's Mile, prompting the British Bases to advise avoiding swimming. While sampling has been conducted and authorities are closely monitoring the situation, official results will be available tomorrow. The Department of Environment assures that the issue is being handled with seriousness and prioritizes public health. The public will be informed once the results are confirmed.
Donald Trump announced he will have a phone call with Vladimir Putin regarding the war in Ukraine. He also mentioned he would follow up with a conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian negotiators are requesting the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the claimed territories. The talks in Istanbul have not yet resulted in an agreement for a ceasefire.
The possibility of Celine Dion's appearance in the Eurovision 2025 final has sparked curiosity and speculation among the media and fans. Despite doubts about her attendance due to health issues, organizers confirmed they are in contact with her. Additionally, there have been reports suggesting she might participate after all. Celine Dion won Eurovision in 1988, launching her international career.
The British Bases are warning the public not to swim at Lady's Mile beach due to elevated levels of enterococci linked to sewage pollution. Analyses show that areas from The Snug beach to the Oasis restaurant do not meet necessary safety standards. Authorities are collaborating with experts to identify the source of the pollution and are committed to public health. New results are expected next week.
Russia has demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four regions as a condition for a ceasefire, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The Russian requirements include international recognition of Crimea and the contested areas as Russian territory, alongside Ukraine's neutrality. Talks in Istanbul did not lead to progress on the ceasefire but resulted in an agreement on prisoner exchanges. The Ukrainian official dismissed the Russian proposals as 'unviable' and expressed doubts about Moscow's intentions.
Turkey has launched a new tourism campaign for the occupied territories of Cyprus named "Island Cyprus", sparking reactions from the Republic of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar emphasized the growth of the tourism sector during the launch event in Istanbul. The campaign appears to have political implications and is linked to Ankara's efforts to legitimize the occupation. Opposing sides are concerned about the international acceptance of this tourism brand.
An Adidas drone advertisement featuring a sports shoe above the Acropolis sparked reactions and legal actions due to violations of archaeological laws. Although the event had obtained permits from the Civil Aviation Authority, the image of the shoe caused negative impressions. The Minister of Culture described the image as 'very bad.' This case is being compared to another drone event from 2023 that had the necessary permits and did not provoke any reactions.
Odysseas Michailidis is set to reveal his political movement in Strovolos. The movement will focus on centrist politics, aiming to bridge center-right and center-left forces. He has called on citizens to join his effort for a better Cyprus. The new movement intends to participate in the parliamentary elections in May 2026.
In a recent case at the Limassol District Court, Judge Doria Varosiotou refused to alter the findings of two death inquests that were requested by the court's President. The inquests concerned a death from a traffic accident and a death from a fall, with the deceased's families not wishing to participate. The judge emphasized that the President's directive could not be executed, clearly stating that the findings of death inquests cannot be altered. Legal circles highlight the significance of this ruling for the independence of judicial proceedings.
Cyprus plans to install new desalination units to meet the growing demand for drinking water. The mobile and permanent units will allow for greater independence from weather conditions. The goal is to increase daily water production from 235,000 to 510,000 cubic meters. The implementation of these measures is expected to ensure water supply for the coming decades.
This summer is expected to be challenging for the Health Insurance Organization (OAY) as it faces two major issues. One concerns the management of specialized medications, while the other relates to preparations for patient transfers abroad. The OAY's director stated that the roadmap for this process has been completed. Despite planned hires, understaffing remains a significant challenge.
Critical information infrastructures in Cyprus are on alert due to a planned cyber attack by a group of hackers from Tunisia. This attack is described as 'strong, massive, and extensive,' and is expected to utilize DDoS techniques to disrupt the functioning of government websites. The group responsible calls themselves the 'Tunisian Maskers Cyber Force' and has invited other hackers to join them. Analysts suggest that the attack may have political or religious motives.
The reopening of Makarios Avenue in Nicosia has raised concerns about potential consequences for Cyprus's credibility in the EU. The decision by the City Council may lead to financial repercussions and a reevaluation of future EU funding. There are fears that Cypriot taxpayers may need to cover repayments for the funds provided. The situation seems to favor certain private interests at the expense of the public good.
The Ministry of Finance and the Legal Service raise concerns regarding party proposals for the abolition of multiple pensions. They identify ambiguities and contradictions that may cause issues in implementing the proposals. These regulations are expected to be discussed in Parliament, with the possibility of being sent back if approved. The party proposals suggest changes to the pension rights of public officials starting from the age of 65.