The Larnaca district electoral conference of AKEL elected six candidates for the elections in the region. The process involved a secret ballot with 191 participants. The candidates are Xiourouppa Panikkos, Pasiourtidis Andreas, Styliannou Marios, Tzionis Eleni, Charalambous Fotini, and Christodoulou Polina. These candidates will need to be approved by the Party's Central Committee at the end of the month.
The agreement on ATA is uncertain due to its rejection by employer organizations, OEB and KEBE. The employers explained their reasons for rejecting the government's proposal, citing specific provisions that are unacceptable to them. On the other hand, the trade unions insist on the agreement without changes. They hope that employers will also show a willingness to cooperate. The next steps from the government are awaited.
Employers have rejected the government's plan for a permanent agreement regarding the ATAL. In a joint statement, OEB and KEVE stated that the draft is unsatisfactory on significant issues. They emphasize the importance of covering low wages while also highlighting the need for safeguards to ensure competitiveness. The last-minute addition from the government, asking employers to authorize ministers to extend ATAL, triggered reactions. Nevertheless, the employers remain open to dialogue.
A Bulgarian man was recovered deceased from the sea in the Cape Greco area. The search and rescue operation was initiated by the Search and Rescue Coordination Center, involving a speeding boat, ground patrols, and ambulances. The man was picked up and taken to Famagusta General Hospital, where his death was confirmed. The rescue operation began in the early afternoon. The causes of his death are not specified.
Next week, Cyprus is expected to see rain and thunderstorms due to a low-pressure system. The director of the Meteorological Department, Philippos Tymbios, mentioned that October was particularly dry, but the upcoming disturbance may bring some moisture. The La Niña phenomenon returns this year, which is associated with cold winters in Europe, although its impact on Cyprus remains uncertain. Despite the hopeful outlook for rain, the data is generally disappointing regarding moisture levels. However, a storm could still change this situation.
Achille Polonara, an international forward diagnosed with leukemia, is fighting a critical battle but has managed to recover after a serious bone marrow transplant. Despite high risks, his health has improved, and he has been discharged from the hospital. The support from his family and friends in the basketball community has been crucial for his recovery process. The fact that he woke up from a coma after 10 days is a true victory for his family. Polonara is now focusing on his recovery and celebrating his daughter's birthday.
The Pancyprian Pharmaceutical Association supports the implementation of alcohol self-tests in pharmacies. These tests will allow citizens to check their blood alcohol levels before driving. This process has already been applied in Greece with positive results. The tests are easy to use and cost between 5 and 7 euros. Some European countries have similar systems where drivers are required to have alcohol tests in their vehicles.
In Paphos, a 27-year-old woman reported that she was raped by a 28-year-old man. They met at a nightclub, and later the man followed her to her home where he assaulted her. The police conducted investigations and arrested the 28-year-old. He is currently in custody for eight days. Investigations are ongoing, and the woman underwent medical examinations.
An international credit card fraud ring has been dismantled, resulting in the arrest of 18 suspects. The perpetrators created fake online subscriptions, defrauding millions and stealing significant amounts of money. Those arrested include senior executives from German payment service providers. Investigations revealed that the fraudulent activities were staged through companies in Cyprus and the UK. The estimated total value of the illegal transactions exceeds 300 million euros.
Four young individuals were seriously injured in a motorcycle collision on Kavo Greko Avenue in Ayia Napa. The police investigations are attempting to clarify the circumstances surrounding the collision, which involves two motorcycles. The 19-year-old Greek Cypriot, who was not wearing a helmet, is in critical condition due to a brain hemorrhage. Other injured include a 17-year-old, a 22-year-old, and a 33-year-old driver. The police are calling on anyone with information about the accident to come forward.
The issue of drugs in Paphos, particularly among teenagers, is on the rise. Two students aged 16 and 17 were arrested with drugs as they entered their school. The police had been monitoring them and confiscated cannabis that they had discarded under their car. Many parents and educators are reporting an increase in unusual behaviors at schools without notifying the authorities. There is a fear of 'staining' the school's reputation, leading to a lack of proper assistance for involved students.
Two suspects in the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous have been released by the court. A former football player and a 51-year-old of Greek descent were freed because the evidence was insufficient for their continued detention. The police continue their complex investigation, but the evidence does not indicate the direct involvement of the two. The court emphasized that just having DNA on an item is not enough to justify their detention. The investigation will proceed.
The 14 students and their 4 supervisors who were stranded in Tanzania during a volunteer trip have returned to Cyprus. Their return followed efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and collaboration with the EU. The group traveled to assist in building schools and playgrounds in the Kilwa area. They had set off on their mission on October 22 and were supposed to return on November 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns Cypriot citizens to be cautious in countries experiencing crises.
Iris Hsieh, a model on OnlyFans, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Kuala Lumpur. Authorities are investigating her death as a potential murder. The 42-year-old rapper Namewee, with whom she met, has been arrested for drug possession, and authorities are seeking him regarding the case. The police are considering his involvement after the case has been upgraded to murder. Namewee stated that he denies the drug charges and expressed his sorrow over Iris's death.
The investigation into the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous has progressed significantly with new evidence such as surveillance material and telecommunications data. Two Georgian suspects are considered key in the case, and the 31-year-old previously detained is being re-arrested. Investigators are seeking further evidence linking the suspects to the crime. Court proceedings are expected to determine whether their detention should be extended. There are objections from the suspects' lawyers regarding the legality of their detention.
Zohrahn Mamdani has been elected as the new mayor of New York City, securing 60.2% of the votes. He is the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the city and advocates for radical policies. His victory signals a shift within the Democratic Party amid political polarization. Analysts believe his success may also influence national elections. The election campaign was marked by intense rivalry, including interventions from Donald Trump.
The Cyprus Retail Association warned of potential millions in losses due to the truckers' strike at the Limassol port. If the strike continues, there is a risk for fresh products being imported daily, such as fruits and meats, which cannot be returned. The timing is critical as the Christmas holidays and Black Friday are approaching. The association calls for cooperation to normalize the supply chain and prevent issues. Consumers may be affected due to delays in product deliveries.
As of October 2, Cypriot citizens can request reimbursement from the General Health System for healthcare services received in other EU member states. The procedures for this cross-border healthcare are managed by the Health Insurance Organization and the Ministry of Health. Citizens wishing to receive services abroad must submit a reimbursement request after their treatment, with the required documentation. If the cost in the other country exceeds the reimbursement by the HIO, the citizen must cover the difference. The necessity for the service must be proven with appropriate certificates.
Tufan Erhurman, the new leader of the Turkish Cypriots, chooses to blame President Christodoulides instead of engaging in dialogue. The silence from Ankara and the lack of an invitation for a meeting are drawing attention. Erhurman is trying to gain favor from Turkish leadership and questions Christodoulides' approach to energy issues. His request for negotiations is still pending without an official invitation from Turkey. Tensions surrounding the Cyprus issue persist, with challenges to the agreements of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Chief of Police is planning changes in the policing of checkpoints and airports for more effective controls. Recently, 23 new hourly employees were hired to assist at checkpoints. There is a proposal to place airport security under the Ministry of Defense. The Chief acknowledged technological shortcomings and requested the hiring of specialists to address them. Additionally, he addressed issues of corruption and ongoing investigations into current crimes.
Nikos Anastasiadis discussed recent developments and his relationships with politicians such as Annita Demetriou and Christos Stylianidis. He spoke about parliamentary and presidential elections and commented on the handling of the Cyprus issue. His relationship with Stylianidis has been strained since 2017, mainly due to critical remarks made by the latter. Anastasiadis believes that Stylianidis should assess whether he has the qualifications to lead the country. His interview raised more questions than answers.
A 58-year-old police sergeant is facing charges of neglecting his duties in connection with the death of 15-year-old Stylianos. The charges stem from events in 2019 when Stylianos attempted suicide. Despite being informed about the teenager's situation, the sergeant failed to take appropriate action. There are also charges against 11 others related to the boy's suicide. The case is scheduled for further examination on December 18.
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey hinted at potential economic and energy cooperation between Turkey and Israel. His remarks sparked backlash in Turkey, with Erdoğan's ally dismissing them as delusional. The Ambassador suggested that if the ceasefire in Gaza holds, the two countries may cooperate in a way that stretches from the Caspian to the Mediterranean. The idea of energy interconnection between Turkey and Israel has been in discussion for at least a decade. This plan includes transporting natural gas via a pipeline from the Leviathan field.