Maria Ángela Olguín Cueyar, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus, has postponed her visit to Cyprus due to personal reasons. Official announcements from the UN regarding the postponement are expected. Initially, she was scheduled to have separate meetings with the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders. Additionally, meetings with representatives and members of various committees were planned. A new date for the visit has not been announced yet.
A plan for the post-war Gaza Strip is outlined, involving the temporary relocation of its inhabitants and the reconstruction into a tourist resort under U.S. administration. Each Palestinian who leaves will receive $5,000, rent subsidies for four years, and food for one year. This plan was developed by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation with support from the U.S. and Israel. Reactions are intense as the number of casualties in Gaza has drastically increased due to ongoing conflicts. Trump appears to align with the desire for U.S. intervention in the area.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis announced that the electrical interconnection between Greece and Cyprus will proceed despite Turkey's reactions. He emphasized that the Cyprus issue is a top national priority and expressed satisfaction over the resumption of discussions that had been stalled for seven years. He also mentioned the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations and the need for a fair solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN Resolutions. The Greek Foreign Ministry asserts that the country is not affected by Turkish theories and is actively working to improve its position in the region. Furthermore, they are seeking a date for the next meeting of the Supreme Cooperation Council.
A Cypriot and a Spanish drug dealer set up a network in Mykonos, serving clients including Hollywood stars. They organized their operation like a business, with one handling contacts and the other managing supplies and finances. Their activities were uncovered when tourists were caught with drugs on the beach. The police conducted a raid and found significant quantities of drugs and cash at their residence. This represents a serious blow to drug networks operating in Mykonos.
The grave of little Lampros was vandalized for the second time, this time with red spray paint. His parents feel anger and pain but are not seeking accountability, only protection measures. They emphasize that Lampros is in God's glory and that such acts hurt them. They ask for better security and lighting for the memorial. Their faith in God supports them during this trial.
Three months after the death of their son, Giannis Lambitssis, his parents addressed an open letter to President Christodoulides seeking justice and answers. They allege serious shortcomings in the management of their son's health by public and private hospitals. The parents are concerned about a potential cover-up and emphasize that the silence of the authorities creates painful suspicions. They urge the President to issue directives for the results of the investigation to be revealed. Their letter expresses the anguish and concern of parents in a tragic situation.
A heated confrontation occurred between Geadis Geadis and Hulusi Akar at the conference on European foreign policy. Akar claimed that Turkey brought peace to Cyprus in 1974 and advocated for dialogue to resolve issues. Geadis countered that the Turkish invasion was illegal and stated that Turkey has no place in the EU due to its occupation of Cyprus. He also questioned if the concepts of democracy and Europe align with Turkey's past. In response, Akar accused Geadis of hate speech, but Geadis argued that threats from states undermine European unity.
A 25-year-old woman in Greece reported her 23-year-old partner for abuse and exploitation. She claimed he kept her locked in their home and forced her into prostitution against her will. Together with a 33-year-old man, he pressured her to open an account on a website featuring adult content. The woman managed to seek help, leading to their arrests by the authorities. The 23-year-old is currently in custody, while the 33-year-old was released under strict conditions.
The director of the Department of Agriculture discusses the impact of the recent fire in the mountainous Limassol region, emphasizing the need for support for the local economy. He highlights the significance of the new Common Agricultural Policy in addressing challenges posed by climate change and drought. Prolonged drought and wildfires threaten agriculture and environmental sustainability. Antonides urges those affected to take advantage of revitalization programs to support rural areas. The upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the EU is expected to play a critical role in advancing these programs.
The Israeli Prime Minister announced that the body of hostage Idan Stivi was recovered. The mother of another hostage warned Netanyahu that she would press murder charges if her son does not return alive. Over 200 individuals were kidnapped during the Hamas attack. Demonstrators are demanding the release of hostages and an end to the war. Hamas accepted a proposal for a ceasefire, but Israel has not yet responded.
Nicosia is undergoing a significant transformation as the municipality promotes initiatives that will change the city's face. The arrival of the Kapodistrian University is boosting investments and creating new student dormitories and hotels. Over 250 dormitories are under construction, with renovation projects planned. It's expected to attract around 2,000 students to the Old City, positively impacting the economy. The revitalization of Ledra and other central areas is also expected to enhance the area's vitality.
Alexandra Galanou shares her memories of Makarios' speech at the Security Council in 1974, during a critical time for Cyprus. Her testimony counters false narratives surrounding the then-President. She describes Makarios' anxiety and Cyprus' efforts for support. Galanou, daughter of the Cypriot ambassador, had typed the speech, providing an authentic perspective. Her experience highlights the importance of personal testimonies in understanding history.
As of the first quarter of 2025, total national debt in Europe reaches €15.2 trillion, with France, Italy, and Germany accounting for nearly two-thirds of this amount. Cyprus stands out by recording the largest debt reduction, projected to drop to 57% by the end of 2025. In contrast to countries like Greece, which has the highest debt-to-GDP ratio, Cyprus has made significant progress. The analysis highlights extensive inequalities in Europe regarding debt, with Estonia experiencing the largest increase over the past decade. Overall, the situation of public debt in Europe is multifaceted and complex.
The strategic investor for the privatization of the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) must meet specific quality criteria set by the Ministry of Finance. Following concerns expressed by parliament members, the legislation has been revised to ensure the investor selection process is open and transparent. This process will involve a call for expressions of interest and an assessment of candidates to safeguard the public interest. Additionally, amendments have been made regarding the labor rights of CSE employees. However, some union concerns remain unaddressed.
Chrysis Pantelidis, a member of parliament from DIKO, stresses the need for collaborations with centrist parties and DISY. He highlights the importance of strengthening the centrist space to prevent extreme politics and demagoguery. He discusses the significance of cooperation on key issues affecting Cypriot public life and economy. He emphasizes commitment to the European Union and strengthening ties with neighboring countries. He believes that ethical values like honesty and responsibility are crucial in politics.
The government is moving forward with the construction of the highway connecting Nicosia to Evrychou, aiming for the tendering process to be completed by March 2026. Transportation Minister Alexis Vafeades points out that any change in the route would require new studies, leading to increased costs and delays. Connectivity is crucial for regional development, improving quality of life, and supporting the economy. The government will continue to engage with local communities to address their concerns. Good road infrastructure is considered strategically important for Cyprus.
The fire in Limassol in July 2025 led to a significant political crisis. The government struggled to respond effectively, while the opposition aimed to exploit the situation for political gains. Experts confirmed the cause of the fire, yet there were doubts about the competence of the authorities involved. Public demand for ministerial resignations brought the issue of government reshuffling to the forefront. This situation created intense pressure on the President of the Republic.