Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed an agreement for military cooperation in 2026. The meeting took place in Cyprus, involving officials from all three countries. The plans include joint military exercises, training, and strategic dialogue. This cooperation aims to enhance stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. It represents a new step towards deeper military collaboration among the three nations.
The person found charred in Nicosia died from inhalation of soot, according to an autopsy. The body was discovered after a fire in a storage area of an apartment building on Christmas. For identification, forensic experts are awaiting results from laboratory tests. There are difficulties in locating the victim's family members. The causes of the fire remain unclear.
Panikos Nikolaou, the CEO of the Bank of Cyprus, emphasizes the importance of profitability for the economy. He argues that a lack of profits could negatively affect lending and investor confidence. He discusses the proposed AKEL legislation for a solidarity tax on credit institutions, highlighting the need for objective discussion. Additionally, he addresses the impact of Artificial Intelligence on banking services. Nikolaou notes that innovation in the sector will require new skills from employees.
Brigitte Bardot, a legendary figure in French cinema, passed away at the age of 91, leaving the world in mourning. She was known for her four marriages and numerous relationships, marking her life with a tumultuous personal story. Though her health had deteriorated recently, she remained resilient. Her son, Nicolas-Zach, represented a challenging aspect of her life, filled with tensions. Despite the difficulties, Bardot showed that the quest for passion was a common thread throughout her life.
The weather is affected by low pressure, leading to cloudiness and possible rain. Thunderstorms and hail are expected, mainly in the western part of the island, along with snow in the higher mountains. Winds will be moderate to strong, and temperatures will range from 6 to 16 degrees. Rain will continue over the coming days, particularly in the west. On New Year's Day, the weather will be partly cloudy.
In Scotland, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital mistakenly handed over the wrong body to a family, who cremated it without knowing. This mistake was only discovered after the funeral, causing serious reactions within the local community. Health authorities labeled it a human error and have placed those responsible on leave. The affected family is devastated, while another family is deprived of their relative's body. The Scottish government expressed deep concern over the incident.
Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides discusses the strategy to enhance the Republic of Cyprus and the importance of regional partnerships for security. He emphasizes that Cyprus is not alone and there are no indications of U.S. interference in the Cyprus issue. He points out that Turkey's behavior excludes it from partnerships until the Cyprus issue is resolved. Erhurman believes the diplomatic actions of Cyprus do not contribute to the resumption of negotiations, a claim Christodoulides refutes. The Republic of Cyprus remains ready to start negotiations at any time.
Somaliland is gaining international recognition with Israel's decision to recognize it as an independent state. This move has geopolitical implications as the UAE is investing in the region and establishing a strategic base. Somaliland plays a key role at the entrance to the Red Sea and has agreements with Ethiopia. By this recognition, Israel gains access to critical maritime routes and sees an impact on Turkish influence. This situation is creating new dynamics in the region.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump are meeting today in Florida to discuss the future of Ukraine and create a plan to end the war. The talks are held amidst ongoing Russian attacks causing significant damage and power outages. Russia demands the full surrender of Donbas from Ukraine, while Zelensky hopes for a ceasefire to conduct a referendum. There are doubts about whether Putin will accept the proposals discussed. The meeting follows weeks of diplomatic efforts and is crucial in shaping post-war security guarantees.
The establishment of a 9.6-kilometer security zone around Prince William and Kate's home in Windsor has sparked strong reactions from local residents. They believe the security measures are excessive and were implemented without consultation. The exclusion zone includes fences, cameras, and signs that restrict free access to Windsor Great Park. Many residents are upset that their access to the park, for which they pay, has been severely limited. This situation could potentially impact the future of public spaces in the area.
The arrival of baby Lara in the village of Pagliara dei Marsi in Italy marks the first birth in 30 years, bringing new life to the quiet community. The baby has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across Italy. Her mother mentions that Lara is now famous throughout the country. This situation highlights both hope and the serious demographic crisis facing Italy. Birth rates have reached a historic low, indicating a critical need for changes in population policy.
The weather is expected to worsen in the coming days, with a significant increase in wind intensity and possible storms. Today, there will be partly cloudy skies with local rain, especially in the west. Starting tomorrow, rain and storms will become more frequent, with a chance of hail and snow in mountainous areas. Temperatures will drop significantly, reaching around 0 degrees in the higher elevations. The weather conditions will remain challenging until New Year's Eve.
The year 2025 was filled with challenges for Cyprus, with the Christodoulides administration facing criticism for its decisions. Significant progress was made in the Cyprus issue with international negotiations and the involvement of key UN figures. In terms of the economy, Cyprus showed growth, but citizens faced rising living costs and stagnant wages. Reforms were implemented, but their impact on daily life has been limited. The challenges of 2025 will determine the government's next moves.
Developments are expected regarding the prosecution of usurpers of Greek-Cypriot properties in the occupied areas. Many cases are being evaluated by the relevant authorities of the Republic of Cyprus. Some usurpers have already been identified, and arrests are being planned. This issue continually preoccupies the government and all involved parties. The policy against usurpers is supported by 70% of citizens according to a recent poll.
In an interview, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus discusses the challenges facing the Church, such as radical zealotry and the need for reforms in the Statute. He voices concerns about external influences on church affairs and suggests that the election of Archbishops should be conducted by the Holy Synod. He also announces plans for establishing palliative care units and the potential creation of a school. Regarding the Cyprus issue, he expresses worries about external political pressures. He emphasizes the Church's responsibility towards society and the environment.
Nikolas Kozyas reveals that Aide's notes from the dinner in Crans-Montana distort the reality of the negotiations. He emphasizes the intense confrontation between Cavusoglu and the UN Secretary-General, which led to the negotiation's halt. Aide appears to absolve Turkey from the responsibility for the talks' failure, omitting important details. The analysis also highlights Turkey's desire to maintain its occupying forces and intervention rights. Overall, it sheds light on the political pressures and relationships during the negotiations.
Political parties have unanimously decided not to impose a 15% tax on the investment activities of pension funds, raising concerns from the Competition Protection Commission. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos believes the European Commission will intervene in this decision. Trade unions express satisfaction with the decision, arguing that the investments of pension funds benefit their members. However, the Competition Protection Commission warns of potential ambiguities if entities engage in economic activities. The issue remains open and will be addressed by the Government.
President Nikos Christodoulides asserts that his government is center-right and operates based on social liberalism. He states that it is the parties and their choices that are judged in elections, not the government itself. Despite discrepancies with coalition parties, he highlights that the government secures strong majorities. He addresses criticisms regarding ties to the far-right E.L.A.M., noting differences in voting on key reforms. He emphasizes that his support comes from a diverse political spectrum.
President Nikos Christodoulides is developing a strategy to enhance Cyprus's international standing, focusing on energy and water issues. He emphasizes the importance of recent agreements with countries like the UAE and France, aimed at strengthening the country. The EU is increasingly recognizing the significance of the region, which is expected to improve citizens' daily lives. This strategy is anticipated to lead to specific projects that will benefit Cyprus and its people.