The Commission confirmed the shipment of 529,000 vaccine doses to Cyprus to combat foot-and-mouth disease. Exports of sensitive animals and unprocessed products are temporarily suspended, with exceptions possible for products like halloumi. Cyprus has already taken control measures in accordance with EU legislation. An EU expert group will visit Cyprus to support authorities in managing the crisis. The Commission emphasizes the importance of timely responses to such outbreaks.
President Christodoulides addressed a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, responding to allegations regarding negotiations for the Cyprus issue. He assures that the Cypriot EU Presidency and the elections will not affect the commitment to resume talks. He reaffirms the parameters for a solution and requests a meeting to discuss the next steps. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of the EU's involvement in the process. In the letter, he expresses gratitude for the Secretary-General's efforts to restart negotiations.
In Cyprus, 14 disinfection points have been established for foot-and-mouth disease, with plans for 5 more. No new cases have been reported, and all examined samples have tested negative so far. Animal culls have taken place, with a proposal for compensation to be submitted to the Cabinet. Vaccinations have begun, and discussions with experts are expected. The police are investigating the case, focusing on hay samples.
The government has decided to prohibit hunting in specific areas to reduce the risk of foot-and-mouth disease transmission. The Game and Wildlife Service has published a map showing the affected areas experiencing the virus. In addition to the hunting ban, training for hunting dogs will be implemented. These measures aim to protect livestock farms. The map includes all the affected regions.
The parliamentary Agriculture Committee meeting unfolded in a tense atmosphere filled with accusations. Lawmakers criticized the director of the Veterinary Services, Christodoulos Pipis, for delayed actions regarding the foot-and-mouth disease. Pipis defended his department's handling, blaming the producers for the lack of communication. There was also significant mention of a virus presence that had not been detected earlier. The confrontation between Pipis and lawmaker Pasiourtidis was particularly heated.
A former DJ was convicted for orchestrating a global fraud worth £40 million involving counterfeit aircraft parts. José Alejandro Zamora Irala admitted to forging over 60,000 authenticity certificates between 2019 and 2023. His actions caused millions in damages to airlines and led to safety warnings being issued. The fraud came to light in 2023 when an airline verified the authenticity of a part. Zamora was sentenced to nearly five years in prison.
The Paralympic Committee of Cyprus issued a statement regarding a video by Fidia Panagiotou that uses its logo without permission. The Committee emphasizes that this use creates incorrect impressions of collaboration and demands the immediate withdrawal of the logo. It states that any collaboration or public reference requires official approval. This irregularity is deemed unacceptable, and the Committee is exploring its legal rights. It will announce its next steps in future communications.
The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture is discussing the critical situation in the livestock sector due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Farmers express their despair about their economic losses. George Dimitriou, a farmer, describes how a lifetime of hard work has been destroyed in just a few days. Representatives are demanding immediate and fair compensation, highlighting bureaucracy as a major hurdle. There is strong anger towards the Veterinary Services for their inaction.
The meeting between President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Erhürman has concluded. The two leaders spoke for about 1.5 hours and discussed substantial issues. They agreed to provide guidelines for the negotiators. Among the topics discussed were Confidence Building Measures. Christodoulides stated that talks will continue soon, although no joint statement will be issued.
Veterinary Services assure that halloumi is safe for export despite the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in certain areas. Key international markets like the UK, Canada, and Australia are not imposing trade restrictions on the product. Halloumi is deemed safe due to the high temperatures involved in its production, which destroy the virus. Meanwhile, the UK is implementing strict measures only for other categories of animals and meat. Orders for halloumi continue normally, reinforcing its market presence.
Today, a meeting was held to address foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus. Cases have been identified in 11 livestock farms, affecting approximately 14,000 animals. Procedures for culling and burying infected animals have already begun, while strict biosecurity measures are implemented. The European Union is expected to provide technical support and assist in the vaccination process. A national plan is being activated for managing the situation under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Nikolas Sykas has filed a civil lawsuit against the Democratic Rally due to his removal from the electoral list ahead of the May elections. His lawyer, Christos Purgouridis, claimed that the removal was illegal and made without examining related complaints. He argued that the party's board violated the statutes and that proper procedures were not followed. He seeks to overturn the decision, labeling the political office's action as unacceptable. The Democratic Rally's lawyer, Maria Yatrou, countered that the process was correctly followed.
The Audit Office highlights concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the 'Digital Citizen' application awarded to the Deputy Ministry of Innovation. There are significant worries about the direct award of the project and how costs are managed. Moreover, it is noted that work commenced prior to the official signing of the agreement with Greece. The lack of transparency in the contract costs is also crucial. The report calls for greater oversight and transparency in public contracts.
Cyprus is in a state of emergency due to the emergence of foot-and-mouth disease cases. A meeting is taking place in Larnaca led by the Minister of Justice, involving relevant authorities and ministers. Strict measures are being discussed to prevent a potential agricultural disaster. This includes restrictions on the movement of live animals and livestock products. The government is taking action for public safety and health.
On Tuesday, there was a traffic accident on the Ayia Napa – Larnaca highway. The collision involved three vehicles and occurred near the Oroklini exit heading towards Larnaca. Initially, both lanes were closed, but later only the left lane remained closed. Two individuals were injured and were taken to the hospital. Their condition was not reported.
The police arrested two individuals for speeding on the Limassol – Nicosia highway. A 25-year-old was driving at 200 km/h, while a 31-year-old was at 195 km/h, both exceeding the permitted limit of 100 km/h. The incidents occurred early this morning and last night. Both individuals are set to appear before the Nicosia District Court. These arrests were part of increased policing measures aimed at preventing serious road accidents.
An unstable air mass will affect the island, with cold temperatures expected from Thursday. Today, the weather is mostly clear, with possible local rain in the afternoon. Winds will be mainly southwesterly, and the sea will be slightly disturbed. On Wednesday, we expect mostly cloudy weather with local rains. Additionally, there is a chance of snowfall in the higher peaks of Troodos on Thursday.
The Greek language has a rich history spanning 4,000 years, characterized by its timelessness and universality. Professor Georgios Xenis analyzes five key historical periods that influenced the Greek language, including antiquity and the Hellenistic era. The language played a significant role in the survival of the nation, connecting various cultures. UNESCO has established February 9 as World Greek Language Day in honor of the national poet Dionysios Solomos. This initiative strengthens the position of the Greek language in the global cultural landscape.
Mr. Andreas Lamprou, at 93 years old, is the oldest winter swimmer in Cyprus. He was born in Derinya and now lives in Larnaca, where he established a union pharmacy. He has been swimming daily since 1996 and attributes his youthful appearance to exercise and a balanced diet. He possesses wisdom and a positive outlook on life, believing in love, peace, and friendship. His story serves as an inspiration for everyone.
President Nikos Christodoulides will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman today to discuss the challenges faced by the trapped residents of Karpassia, particularly the functioning of the Rizokarpaso school. Christodoulides is expected to request Erhurman to take simple actions to facilitate the support for the school and the trapped population. The agenda will also include Confidence-Building Measures and the opening of new crossing points, though expectations for significant progress are low. Ongoing negotiations remain stalled, and there are concerns about Erhurman's increasing alignment with Ankara's positions. The main goal is to clarify Erhurman's intentions regarding the next steps in the negotiations.
The operation to counter the foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus is underway, with 13,000 animals being culled. The police are investigating a smuggling network of fodder from the occupied territories, focusing on a specific livestock trader. The virus was reportedly active for at least two weeks before being officially reported, raising suspicions of neglect among livestock farmers. An investigative team from the Larnaca CID has been established to look into the situation. Authorities are focusing on any criminal responsibilities arising from the current crisis.
Cyprus continues to face challenges in recycling electrical and electronic devices. Despite purchasing 14.20 kilograms of equipment per person in 2023, only 3.8 kilograms are returned for recycling. Many old devices are stored at home or illegally disposed of. New towers with modern electrical systems reduce the available quantities for recycling. Measures are being planned to enhance awareness and recycling efforts.
Banks are preparing new business plans for the next three years, focusing on creating value for shareholders. Bank of Cyprus announced a dividend of €305 million for 2025, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This reflects healthy financial results and confidence in the bank's sustainability. Greek banks are also set to present their strategies, with hopes for increased dividends. These developments are crucial for enhancing financial stability in the region.
A significant effort to improve the agricultural supply chain is underway, revealing numerous violations through inspections. The 2025 report highlights that payment delays are the biggest issue for producers. There were 53 inspections nationwide, resulting in 18 administrative fines totaling €34,100. Nicosia had the highest number of inspections, while the Ministry of Agriculture aims to ensure compliance with payment deadlines. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector.