5 Minute News

Turkey was unable to resolve the issue of Greek Cypriot properties in a recent vote at the Council of Europe. The proposal to end the supervision did not receive enough votes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus expressed satisfaction with the decision that keeps the supervision open. Cyprus continues to assert that the illegal exploitation of properties is increasing and violates the decisions of the European Court. This development reaffirms Turkey's non-compliance with its obligations.

The European Broadcasting Union decided that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026 following a vote. Despite objections and boycotts from some countries like Spain and the Netherlands, Israel will compete in Austria. The decision was made with a majority of 738 votes in favor and 264 against. Four countries announced their withdrawal due to this decision. New rules have been established to prevent governmental interference and ensure a fair voting process.

A new law has been passed that accelerates the deportation of asylum seekers who break the law. The law targets individuals whose applications for international protection are either rejected or who have committed serious crimes. The process for accepting or rejecting applications will be expedited, with specific powers transferred to the Cabinet. An ELAM MP stated that his party's proposals for the deportation of criminals were implemented. He also emphasized the need for safer communities in Cyprus.

The investigations into the murder of Alexandros Antoniou have been completed, and the case is being referred to the Criminal Court. A 58-year-old suspect, currently in custody, is charged with murder. The Legal Service has approved the direct trial in court. The investigative team will seek to set the trial date today. There are indications that the charge is premeditated murder.

AKEL is proposing six tax changes aimed at improving the economic condition of households. These include a VAT reduction to 5% for electricity and zero VAT on certain basic goods. Additionally, a tiered fee for companies based on their property value is suggested. The goal is to reduce the tax burden for households and restore imbalances in the current system. AKEL seeks to create a fairer and more effective tax framework.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance announced that pensions and benefits will be paid out before Christmas. Pensions from the Social Insurance Fund and the 13th payment will be deposited on December 15, 2025. Additionally, special monthly pensions from the Relief Fund for Victims will also be paid on the same day. Beneficiaries will see the funds in their accounts before the holidays. Arrangements have been made in advance to assist citizens during the festive season.

The Minister of Justice, Marios Harchiotis, announced the establishment of the Department for Combating Organized Crime in Cyprus, similar to that in Greece. The announcement was made during a visit by the Greek Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, to Cyprus. The new department is expected to operate as the Cypriot FBI and aims to combat organized crime. Both ministers also discussed topics related to the European Union and collaboration between the two countries. The establishment of the Department is part of a broader effort to strengthen Cyprus-Greece relations.

Elizabeth Tsourkov, an Israeli-Russian academic, was held captive in Iraq for 903 days, during which she suffered severe abuse. She describes the horrific conditions she endured, including electric shocks and sexual assault. Her kidnapping occurred while conducting research for her PhD, and her identity was uncovered by her captors. She claims her release was secured through U.S. intervention. Now recovering in Israel, she aims to continue her studies.

The parliament has approved the redistribution of parliamentary seats, increasing Paphos' seats while decreasing Nicosia's. Starting in 2026, Paphos will have five representatives, and Nicosia will have 19. These changes are based on the latest voter registration, which totals 561,253. Political representatives expressed excitement over Paphos' recognition, calling it a historic day. They also emphasize the need for a unanimous vote to finalize the law.

The National Guard presented new Cypriot UAVs H-10 Poseidon, which will enhance surveillance and reconnaissance. The H-10 has advanced systems and is ideal for adverse weather conditions. Swarmly Aero has completed training for operators and also delivered a Command and Control station. Additionally, the National Guard plans to hire five non-commissioned officers for managing the UAVs. These developments provide new advantages for the National Guard's strategic operations.

A new earthquake occurred in Cyprus this morning, measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located 36 kilometers west of Limassol. This follows a previous tremor of 3.9 on the Richter scale recorded the previous afternoon in the same area. There have also been smaller aftershocks registered since then. The Geological Survey Department is monitoring the activity. The tremors were primarily felt in the Paphos and Limassol districts.

Michalis Giakoumis announced his departure from DIKO, confirming rumors about his move to DIKO. This decision had a significant impact on the leadership of DIKO, leading to strong reactions from them. The vice president of DIKO, Marinos Kleanthous, attacked DIKO's president, Nikolas Papadopoulos, emphasizing the need for unity in the centrist space. Giakoumis, in his letter, highlighted the importance of dialogue and responsibility towards the political space. His decision represents a political statement of conscience and responsibility.

A 6-year-old girl was taken to Makarios Hospital after a drowning incident in a pool during a training session of the Sports for All program. The instructors reacted promptly, rescuing her from the pool and providing First Aid. The girl is in good condition and is being monitored as a precaution. The Cyprus Sports Organization acknowledged the effective response of the staff and confirmed that proper procedures were followed. Instructors receive ongoing training in First Aid.

Iceland remains the safest country in the world for 2025 according to the Global Peace Index. Cyprus is ranked 68th, while Greece is 45th. The index shows an increase in the number of state conflicts and militarization globally. Countries like Ireland and New Zealand follow Iceland in safety. The need to pursue peace is highlighted as crucial in this tense international environment.

The estate of Archbishop Kyprianos, who was hanged by the Turks in 1821, amounts to 423,730 grosia. Residents of Strovolos are concerned about the construction of a new road that will affect the reservoir that belonged to the Archbishop. Despite their objections, representatives from the Department of Public Works argue that there are no alternative solutions. The Mayor of Strovolos supported the road construction while hoping to preserve the reservoir. The project costs 18 million euros, plus 6 million for land expropriations.

MP Michalis Giakoumis announced his independence from DIPA in a letter, stating it is a conscious political decision. He expresses concern about the state of the centrist space in Cyprus and accuses the Political Bureau of DIPA of lacking dialogue regarding potential collaborations. He emphasizes the importance of unity and stability in a time of increasing apolitical attitudes. He concludes his letter by urging his fellow colleagues to keep the centrist space alive and united.

The Greek Police made a serious error in recording the place of birth on the new ID of a Greek woman of Cypriot descent. Instead of the proper nomenclature Trikomo, the Turkish name Iskele was given. DISY MP Nikos Georgiou claims that this can be seen as acceptance of the occupation. He is requesting immediate corrections and a review of the geographical terminology used. The case highlights the need for institutional intervention and proper representation of citizens.

A Roma family in Argos kidnapped a 16-year-old girl intending for their 19-year-old son to assault her. The mother and her two sons went to the girl's home, forcibly took her, and brought her to their house. There, the women in the family restrained her for the son to proceed. However, the girl managed to escape and informed her parents. The incident has been reported to the police, and a forensic examination is expected.

Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, voiced complaints about the Greek Cypriot administration, stating that the EU and Turkey cannot be held hostage by a small group of member states. He also stressed the need for progress in Turkey-EU relations and the resolution of key issues like the customs union and visa liberalization. Fidan highlighted the importance of cooperation on international matters such as the situation in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria. He noted that there is hope for progress in peace talks. Turkey's position emphasizes increased cooperation and dialogue.

The Health Insurance Organization (HIO) discovered that it was paying twice for the same biopsies, reimbursing both hospitals and laboratories conducting the tests. This led to fines being imposed on four hospitals found to have submitted incorrect claims. The HIO uncovered this double payment through an audit of the data in the GESY system. Additionally, a fifth hospital was also penalized for misclassifying outpatient services as inpatient. The HIO has initiated recovery of funds it had previously disbursed.

The bad weather named BYRON is expected to affect Cyprus starting from Friday evening. There will be local rains and thunderstorms across the island, with possible snow at higher altitudes. Temperatures will range from around 22 degrees inland to about 5 degrees in the mountains. Winds will be generally light to moderate, and the sea will be slightly rough. These weather conditions are forecasted to persist into Sunday.

A 25-year-old student at the University of Delaware was arrested for planning an armed attack aimed at killing many people. His car contained a stash of weapons, bulletproof vests, and notes outlining his intentions. The student, reportedly a refugee from Afghanistan, resisted arrest when approached by police. Officers randomly found him and took action promptly. This case raises concerns about safety in universities.

A 20-year-old foreigner was sentenced to 30 months in prison for sexually abusing an 8-year-old boy in Cyprus. The accused taught the Quran to children at a mosque and exploited his position. The child's father reported the incident to the police, and the young man admitted to his actions. The court emphasized the severity of the crimes, as they took place in a place of worship. His actions caused serious psychological harm to the child.

The agreement signed between Cyprus and Lebanon to delineate their exclusive economic zone cannot be overturned, according to government sources. Despite Turkish reactions, the agreement will be ratified by the Cypriot parliament. The process to achieve this agreement began in 2007 but was delayed due to Turkish interference. Cyprus seems to benefit from Lebanon's steadfast stance, which was previously influenced by Turkey. This recent agreement is considered significant for the economic cooperation between the two countries.

The mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, is calling on the President of the Republic to intervene regarding the renovation of the school building of Faneromeni. He disputes the estimates claiming the cost could soar to 25 million euros and argues that the actual cost will be around 13.5 million. He states that overturning the plan would be a setback for the area. In his letter, he highlights the collaboration between the government, municipality, and Archdiocese for the development of the area. Prountzos is urging that previous agreements be upheld.

Anita Dimitriou from the Democratic Party raised issues of internal strife within the party through her statements and discussions with Yiannis Karousos. The relationships between the leadership and former officials appear to remain tense. Despite existing tensions, references to internal issues had been calming down recently. However, questions arise regarding the motives behind the statements and whether they are linked to future electoral goals. The party leader admitted that there are problems that need to be addressed.

Today marks the beginning of the construction works for a third lane at the Ayios Dometeios checkpoint within the buffer zone. Local residents are voicing their frustrations over worsening traffic and noise pollution. This project was announced last year to alleviate daily traffic congestion in the area. The works are finally starting today, with completion expected in two to four months. Residents are concerned about the ongoing issues and are calling for immediate solutions.

The Education Committee has completed the discussion on the new teacher evaluation system. Among the changes, the scoring remains at 40, and the principal's participation in the evaluation has been reduced to 15%. The new system is expected to be implemented from 2028 instead of 2030. The position of the Senior Educator remains, with a possible extension of the tenure to 12 years. The Committee will meet again next Wednesday for further amendments.

The legislative body is planning to vote on a bill that limits the use of government vehicles by outgoing presidents of the Republic and the Parliament to five years. The proposal from the President of the Parliament is gaining traction and includes provisions for secretarial services for former officials only within that same timeframe. Discussions and amendments are ongoing to clarify the legislative proposals. Stasios Papadouris emphasized the need to find a solution to avoid excessive privileges. Skepticism was expressed by other political representatives regarding the proposals.