5 Minute News

Many passengers wonder which seat is the safest on a plane in the event of an accident. Statistical analyses reveal that middle seats in the rear of the aircraft have the lowest mortality rate. Seats near emergency exits significantly increase survival chances. Despite these statistics, experts emphasize that air travel remains extremely safe.

The Cypriot Parliament has voted to amend the VAT law in line with a European directive concerning small businesses. The new regulation allows small businesses based in other member states to be exempt from VAT if they meet specific turnover thresholds. This is expected to facilitate the operations of SMEs and reduce their administrative burden. It emphasizes the importance of equal treatment for all businesses in the internal market.

The government has accepted the withdrawal of the bill concerning the taxation of the one-time payment for state officials. The Minister of Finance indicated that a decision from the Cabinet is required due to additional expenses. A request for a unified calculation of the payment was also considered but ultimately rejected. This suggests that the government prefers not to impose a tax on this one-time payment.

Andriana Nikolaou, mother of the murdered Thanassis, claims that the killers were amateurs, while those covering up the crime are professionals. She expresses her dissatisfaction with the legal system's failure to deliver justice and stresses that corruption persists in serious cases. The family is considering legal action against the decision of the Legal Service. She hopes that society will rise up to bring about change.

The family of 19-year-old Styliana is expressing their anger for the second time due to a message regarding the replacement of the fatal Takata airbag. The message requests €150 from her father for the airbag replacement in a vehicle that has been immobilized since her death. The father contacted MP Kostas Kostas, who condemned the situation, calling for respect for grieving families. This incident highlights the inappropriate behavior that continues to affect the families of accident victims.

Deutsche Bank is considering returning to the Cypriot market after leaving in 2016 due to the economic crisis. The president of the Cyprus Banks Association, Aristidis Vourakis, stated that the bank is interested due to improvements in the regulatory framework and ongoing merger initiatives. Cypriot banks are also advancing their ESG compliance goals. This will create new opportunities for local businesses and individuals.

The police warns about scams involving individuals posing as government officials. These scammers contact citizens via phone and request sensitive banking information. Citizens are advised to be cautious and not disclose personal data. It is also recommended to verify the identity of callers through official channels.

The letter from Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelidis overturns previous assessments regarding the murder case of Thanasis Nikolaou. It indicates that there is insufficient testimony to support the charge of deliberate neglect of duty. Additionally, it questions the change in testimony from two key witnesses after 20 years, highlighting serious doubts about their credibility. Despite acknowledging earlier investigation shortcomings, it states that it cannot be proven that these were intentional.

A 15-year-old Greek-Cypriot has been detained for eight days in connection with a bakery robbery in Limassol. Witness testimonies identified the minor as matching the suspect recorded on security cameras. The investigation continues for the second accomplice and the stolen property. During the robbery, another minor customer was also threatened.

The Legal Service rejected the request of Thanasios Nikolaou's family for criminal charges against police officers, military personnel, and forensic expert Panikos Stavrianos. The Attorney General stated that no new evidence emerges to change the previous decision. Witnesses cannot be relied upon in court as they have changed their testimonies. Therefore, no criminal charges will be filed, even by private lawyers.

A discussion in Parliament revealed serious issues regarding water management in Cyprus, such as aging infrastructure and reports of theft. Significant water losses were reported, reaching up to 40% in some areas, primarily due to outdated systems and poor monitoring. Local development organizations emphasized the need for investment and upgrades to the networks to address the situation. Proposed measures include the installation of smart meters for consumption monitoring.

The president of DISY, Annita Demetriou, intervenes in the public dispute between the Mayor of Paphos and members of the Monitoring Council. She emphasizes the need for substantiated complaints and points out that public confrontations are unhelpful. She stresses that it is more important to focus on the citizens' issues. Democracy and responsibility are crucial for the smooth functioning of the state.

An incident occurred in free Famagusta involving a chase of a boat carrying irregular migrants early in the morning. The boat, with about 20 individuals, attempted to flee and rammed a police vessel. After the chase, it ran aground, and the passengers swam to shore. So far, 15 Syrian men have been located, and investigations are ongoing to find other individuals and the traffickers.

European and American governments are expressing concern as Israel appears to be preparing for a military operation against Iran, while Tehran has capabilities to produce nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu is pressuring President Trump due to disappointing negotiations. The U.S. has already evacuated diplomats from Iraq, indicating a shift in the regional strategic landscape. Analysts also worry about possible Iranian retaliation.

The situation in the Middle East is escalating, with the U.S. withdrawing staff from its embassy in Baghdad due to rising tensions with Iran. Donald Trump expresses doubts about the possibility of reaching a deal regarding Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing that military action is not off the table. This uncertainty has led to a surge in oil prices, which have surpassed $69 a barrel. Diplomacy appears to be at a standstill as Tehran rejects proposals for an agreement.

Anita Dimitriou is under pressure due to internal party challenges and growing difficulties in her leadership of DISY. She faces issues and rumors of sabotage, especially with upcoming elections. Additionally, public disputes with Paphos mayor Phaedon Phaedonos intensify the situation. These developments create uncertainty for the party's future.

The plan to widen Stauroo Avenue in Nicosia has sparked reactions from residents and shopkeepers. The 'Stavrou Initiative Group' is collecting signatures to stop the project, claiming it does not benefit the locals. The mayor of Strovolos stated that he will assess the public's opposition before proceeding with the project. Residents believe that the widening will harm the area and their daily lives.

Three months after the delivery of the report on the death of Thanasis Nikolaou, the Legal Service has not yet made a decision. The team of legal officials has completed their report and is expected to submit it to the Attorney General soon. The new report suggests criminal prosecution for seven individuals, but there are no new testimonies that would change the Legal Service's position. If no criminal charges are brought, the family will proceed with private criminal charges.

Odysseas Michailidis, the former General Auditor, is set to testify as a suspect for the offense of contempt of court next week. This testimony will take place at the Criminal Investigation Department, and Michailidis will have the right to legal representation. The proceedings were scheduled at his request, and details regarding his testimony and the developments are anticipated. His lawyer argues that there is no legal basis for the case against him.

The parliamentary Control Committee is analyzing the report from the Audit Office regarding the management of water resources in Cyprus, highlighting systemic issues and delays. Despite the presence of dams and desalination units, the water balance remains fragile with significant losses from the network. Infrastructure and adaptation to climate change are being examined, along with questions about the utilization of recycled water. The situation, coupled with criticism regarding pricing policy, makes action and improvement urgent.

Electricity supply in Cyprus appears to be at a critical level, with concerns over potential issues in June and July. Maximum demand is nearing production levels, and ongoing maintenance on power units may worsen the situation. Even during slight surplus periods, the Transmission System Operator should have declared an alarm to prevent shortages. Technicians warn of the risk of power outages unless urgent energy savings measures are implemented.

Elderly individuals and seriously ill patients in Cyprus are facing significant challenges in receiving nursing care. Many do not qualify for support due to financial criteria, and some nursing services are limited due to understaffing. Organizations emphasize the need for immediate action and political will to address the issues and improve care services. The concerns highlight the reality of the situation, as warned by the relevant authorities.