A Cypriot company, J-Profit Operations, is accused of being linked to a dating site that deceives users in Belgium. Users pay to communicate with alleged women who often use stolen photos. One user reported losing €1,000 in three months, while another over €5,000 in 10 months. Authorities warn citizens to be cautious as this scam targets vulnerable individuals. The Belgian Minister of Consumer Protection urges victims to report to the police.
The meeting between Nikos Christodoulides and Friedrich Merz in Germany focused on European-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. Christodoulides emphasized Germany's role in restarting negotiations for Cyprus. Proposed ideas included the liberalization of entry visas for Turkish businessmen and inviting the Turkish Foreign Minister to a European council meeting. Merz highlighted the need for closer cooperation with Turkey, while Christodoulides reminded the importance of a solution based on federal principles. The outcomes of this cooperation are expected to influence the upcoming Cypriot EU presidency.
The poll examines the attitudes of the Cypriot public regarding the coup and the Turkish invasion of 1974. The results show that citizens feel anger and disappointment, with 41% attributing responsibility to the Junta and 34% to EOKA B’. There is a strong belief that major powers favored the invasion, and young people express a lack of knowledge about the events. The majority believes that the response could have been more effective.
The company STEPHANIS has announced the construction of a new, modern store in Larnaca. The store will cover a total area of 3,500 sq.m., featuring exhibition spaces, a warehouse, and parking. Construction has already begun, with the opening planned for 2027. The store will offer a variety of technology products. This move is part of the company's growth strategy in Cyprus.
The Ermoú street in Larnaca has undergone a significant transformation, with renovation works completed ahead of schedule. The Mayor of Larnaca announced that the commercial street will reopen to vehicles next Wednesday, providing relief to shop owners. Despite some opposition regarding the opening of part of the new square, the upgrades are seen as a positive development for the area. There is hope that these improvements will attract more visitors and help rent out empty shops. The entire project is expected to be completed by spring 2027.
A new earthquake shook Cyprus early in the morning, shortly after 3:00 AM, causing disturbance among residents. The seismic event had a magnitude of 3 on the Richter scale, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. Its epicenter was located 14 kilometers from Paphos and 49 kilometers from Limassol, with a focal depth of 17 kilometers. Citizens were awakened by the tremor, but no serious damage has been reported. It was a minor event in terms of seismic activity.
The recent earthquakes in Cyprus have prompted schools to implement safety protocols. The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines to school administrators to protect students and teachers. School directors have been informed about the necessary evacuation and gathering procedures in the event of further seismic activity. Staff and students are expected to stay in a safe location until appropriate instructions are provided. The immediate response of the schools so far has been positively noted.
The proceedings are examining the roles of the defendants in the murder of Stavros Dimosthenous. The case involves 104 witnesses, and the charges may expand with DNA evidence linked to the 31-year-old Georgian. There are concerns about potential flight risks and witness tampering. The trial is scheduled to begin in January 2026. The case is considered serious, with authorities highlighting the risks associated with the defendants.
The story of a 10-year-old girl in Britain is shocking, as she was a victim of abuse by her father and stepmother. Sarah Sharif had visible signs of violence, but the authorities failed to act and protect her. This is a tragic case highlighting the shortcomings of the social welfare system and the police's neglect. The father's history is filled with violence, yet he was never charged. The failure of these services ultimately led to Sarah's death.
A candidate in the UK has failed their driving theory test 128 times, spending around €3,300 so far. The test includes 50 multiple-choice questions and is known for its difficulty, with only 44.9% of candidates passing. Even after so many failures, candidates have no limits on the number of attempts they can make. There have been cases of others passing after many tries, but this 128 failures is an unofficial record in the UK. The persistence displayed by this candidate is notable.
Social partners have signed a preliminary agreement regarding the ATΑ after months of discussions. The compromise satisfies both employers and unions partially, without fully meeting the government's expectations. The new agreement outlines the gradual restoration of the Cost of Living Allowance and its connection to the National Minimum Wage. The final ratifications from social partners are expected in the coming days. The agreement allows for the inclusion of 55,000 low-wage workers, providing some benefits.
In Limassol, a 36-year-old worker suffered a serious occupational accident after falling from a height of 6 meters. The incident occurred while he was performing painting work on an apartment building. The man was found with multiple fractures and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. The Fire Service responded promptly for his rescue and transported him to the ambulance service. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Russia has submitted its own draft resolution to the UN Security Council regarding the Gaza Strip. The Russian plan suggests a balanced approach for achieving sustainable peace, omitting the Trump-led peace committee. Concerns are raised that divisive tactics may adversely affect the Palestinians. The US emphasizes the importance of Council unity in securing peace. The situation in Gaza remains fragile and needs careful attention.
Today, rain, thunderstorms, and potential hail are expected in various areas of the island. The weather conditions will be unstable, with local increased cloudiness and winds. However, starting Saturday, the weather will be mainly clear, with isolated rain in certain areas. Temperatures will hover around 23 degrees in the interior and coastal regions. A slight drop in temperature is expected on Saturday, followed by a gradual increase on Monday.
Banks have expressed their disagreement with a proposed law that would allow businesses with a turnover of up to €900,000 to have a simple review of their financial statements instead of a full audit. They believe that the timely submission of audited financial statements is crucial for their business activities. Raising the review limit could lead to problems, as many businesses do not submit the necessary statements on time. The Banks' Association requests stricter regulations to ensure compliance by businesses. They emphasize the importance of compliance for combating money laundering activities.
Today's meeting between President Christodoulides and German Chancellor Merz is significant for Cyprus as it presents an opportunity to discuss issues of European security and political cohesion. Key agenda topics include the Cypriot Presidency of the EU and the Multiannual Financial Framework. Relations between Cyprus and Germany have strengthened significantly in recent years. In the defense sector, there is cooperation through signed bilateral agreements. Christodoulides is expected to highlight Turkey's role in bypassing sanctions against Russia.
The Commissioner of Administration expressed concern about the bias some teachers show towards children who are substance users and undergo treatment. This observation came from visits to therapeutic communities in Agia Skepi and Latsia. These communities host vulnerable individuals, including adolescents. The success rates of the treatment programs are impressive, exceeding 70%. The therapeutic community aims to create supportive environments for both adults and teenagers.
The government is ready to expedite processes to address issues in the Central Prisons. The Minister of Justice has planned measures to tackle the crisis of overcrowding and allegations of mistreatment of inmates. The position of the prison director will soon be announced, which is expected to offer long-term solutions. However, the situation remains challenging with many open wounds, such as the lack of staff and unsafe facilities. These conditions seem to affect the operations of the prisons and the safety of the staff.
Tufan Erhurman visited Ankara and reaffirmed his commitment to the two-state line in Cyprus, as his predecessor did. Erdogan stated that the resolution of the Cyprus issue has not been achieved due to the Greek Cypriot side's refusal to accept equality. Erhurman emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot community is one of the two equal partners on the island and that political equality is non-negotiable. He also highlighted the importance of dialogue and negotiations in solving problems. This stance strengthens the position of the Turkish Cypriots on security issues and other aspects of the island.