The investigating team of the Limassol CID is looking into the causes of the large fire in Mutagakka. There are reports of young people seen near the area where the fire started. The Fire Service managed to contain the blaze by Sunday evening through a significant operation. Cooperation with various agencies and volunteers helped protect nearby homes. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are considering the possibility of arson.
The fire in Mouttayaka, which broke out on Sunday, has now been contained and brought under control. The quick response of the Fire Department and other agencies helped prevent damage to homes. The Mayor of Amathus, Kyriakos Xydias, thanked the citizens who participated in the firefighting efforts. Although the danger has decreased, authorities remain on alert. The fire burned an area and caused concern among residents.
An alert has been raised at the Fire Department due to a fire that broke out in the Mouttayaka area of Limassol. The fire is burning near residences, and smoke is visible from the highway. Firefighting forces are operating in the area with support from the Department of Forests and volunteers. Two firefighting aircraft are involved in extinguishing the fire, with more water drops planned. Additional aircraft are expected to join the efforts soon.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the electrical interconnection between Cyprus and Crete will primarily benefit Cyprus, which is currently energy isolated. In a press conference in Thessaloniki, he mentioned that Greece has already supported the advancement of this project. He emphasized the need for cooperation from the Cypriot government to complete the project. Additionally, he noted that there are requirements concerning regulatory charges and other technical issues that need to be resolved. Despite the challenges, he believes the project will move forward.
Carlo Acutis, the first saint of the new millennium, is being canonized today by the Vatican. Known as the 'influencer of God,' he spread the message of Jesus through online platforms and websites. Before dying from leukemia in 2006, he attracted significant attention for his work, earning followers worldwide. Miracles have been reported after his death, and these have been recognized by the Catholic Church. The canonization ceremony will be attended by thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square and his hometown, Assisi.
Tonight, September 7, a total lunar eclipse will occur, visible from across Cyprus. The entry into the Earth's shadow begins at 19:26, and the total eclipse starts at 20:30. During the eclipse, the Moon will appear red because of the Earth's atmospheric scattering of sunlight. Additionally, there will be a full moon. The Faka Observatory is hosting a skywatching event with telescopes in Nicosia.
A cable connecting two gondolas of a funicular in Lisbon broke, leading to a tragedy with 16 fatalities. A visual inspection conducted hours earlier found no anomalies. However, the section of the cable where the disconnection occurred could not be visually inspected. The incident happened at a speed of 60 km/h and lasted only 50 seconds. Investigators are continuing to analyze the causes of the event.
The program 'Greening my School - Greening my Neighborhood' has been very successful, with 44 schools participating and 11,140 trees planted. It connects school education with environmental sustainability and promotes environmental awareness. The initiative aims to improve the local microclimate and enhance greenery. It is part of the Ministry of Education's policies for sustainable development and teaching approaches. Community participation and action on environmental issues are also recognized.
The elections in the Turkish-occupied areas on October 19 are critical for the future of Cyprus. The candidates Ersin Tatar and Tufan Erhurman propose opposing approaches to the resolution of the Cyprus issue. Erhurman promotes a loose federation and European prospects, while Tatar supports a two-state solution. Turkey plays a crucial role in the developments. The UN Secretary-General expects that after the elections, a more substantial discussion may be possible.
The pre-election process for the upcoming parliamentary elections has begun, with the Democratic Rally facing significant challenges. Annita Demetriou is in a critical position, as the success in the May elections will either strengthen or undermine her leadership. The party is trying to attract prominent candidates and strengthen its position against ELAM and internal party disputes. The strategy includes a mix of personal engagement and candidates that draw votes. This election battle is crucial for the party's future direction.
The Ministry of Agriculture has released a new Licensing Guide for agricultural and livestock constructions aimed at supporting investments in the sector. The Guide provides clear information on the required permits and procedures to facilitate application submissions. It highlights that bureaucracy and delays have been significant obstacles for farmers. The updated Guide is designed to simplify and accelerate the licensing process. This is the first time there is a comprehensive guide for the licensing procedure.
The occupying regime plans new arrests of Greek Cypriots, continuing the abduction of five individuals since July 19. They are gathering information on Greek Cypriots seeking documents regarding their properties. There is a targeting list, and Turkish Cypriots providing services to Greek Cypriots are also referenced. The arrest of the lawyer for the abducted emphasizes the regime's intentions. These actions raise concerns about the legal framework in the area.
Finance Minister Makis Keravnos presented his proposals for tax reform, aiming to ease concerns and reactions. He will withdraw the contentious provision regarding executive salaries and add safeguards to the legislation. The minister reassured that excessive powers for the Tax Commissioner would not be allowed and confirmed that the reform will be implemented in 2026. He emphasized that the tax-free allowance will increase and that this is not a policy favoring the rich. Lastly, he highlighted the importance of reducing taxes to support businesses and foreign investments.