Satellite images indicate an increase in military aircraft at a Saudi airbase used by the US. This rise, including KC-135 Stratotankers and E-3 Sentry planes, comes amid escalating tensions with Iran. Saudi Arabia has assured that it will not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Iran. The Omani foreign minister mentioned progress in US-Iran negotiations, but there are no clear signs of a ceasefire. The US military typically does not comment on its troop movements.
Kyriakoula Koutsavaki from Paphos was found dead on Timi beach after being reported missing early on February 27th. The police had discovered her car near Paphos airport during the search for her. She was a mother of three young children aged 5, 6, and 9. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of her death. Her passing has caused great sorrow in the community.
In recent hours, preparations for a potential military confrontation have been observed in both Israel and Iran. The mayor of Be'er Sheva ordered the activation of all public shelters in the area due to security concerns. China warned its citizens in Israel to be cautious and avoid traveling abroad. Additionally, the governments of Canada and China are urging their nationals to leave Iran as tensions in the region remain high.
Irene Charalambidou submitted two legislative proposals to the Parliament aimed at connecting the Independent Authority Against Corruption with the Tax Commissioner. The proposals aim to enable immediate tax audits in cases of corruption. The Authority will inform the Tax Commissioner when there are signs of corruption, allowing for checks on reported incomes and assets. The new regulations seek to enhance the state's effectiveness in combating corruption. The proposals are set to be reviewed by the relevant committee.
Two foreign nationals, an Azeri and his girlfriend, were arrested in Cyprus on charges of espionage and terrorism. They allegedly photographed properties of foreign interests, primarily linked to Israelis, in three cities. Their arrest followed information received by the authorities from foreign agencies. The duo has been placed in custody for five days as investigations are still in the preliminary stage. Additionally, protective measures are being implemented for various facilities due to heightened tensions with Iran.
Cyprus and Italy have enhanced their relations through the meeting of their leaders, Nikos Christodoulides and Giorgia Meloni, in Rome. They agreed to begin discussions for a strategic agreement covering areas such as energy and defense. Additionally, bilateral visits will be scheduled in the coming months to finalize the agreements. Italy recognizes Cyprus's importance in the EU and seeks collaboration that goes beyond the Cyprus issue. Both countries see opportunities for development and cooperation in various sectors.
No new cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been found in the infected area after sampling tests. Vaccinations for cows are ongoing, and vaccines for pigs are being ordered. Farmers have been informed about the vaccination program and protection measures. Movements of animals and people should be restricted in this area without special permission. The situation is stable and the euthanasia of animals continues as part of the disease control efforts.
The District Court of Limassol rejected Nikos Syka's request for an interim order concerning the DISY Political Bureau's decision to remove him from the ballot. The court reviewed whether the procedures and the party's statutes were followed. The main application for annulment of the decision will be examined later. Syka is seeking to suspend the decision until the main case is heard. This ruling is significant for his political standing.
A 39-year-old woman is hospitalized in critical condition due to severe bleeding after childbirth. The Blood Center has called for public assistance to meet urgent blood needs. Citizens are urged to visit the Blood Donation Stations in Geroskipou and Egkomi until 8 PM. Contact numbers are also provided for those interested in donating blood. Her condition is critical and requires immediate action.
The police in Paphos are conducting searches for a 41-year-old woman, Kyriakoula Koutsavaki, who has been reported missing since early morning. A helicopter has taken off to assist in locating her. Her vehicle was found near Paphos airport. Kyriakoula is the mother of three minor children and is described as slender. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus is continuing the installation of smart meters across all regions of Cyprus throughout March. The work will take place in specific neighborhoods in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, and Paphos. A temporary power outage, lasting no more than 20 minutes, is required for the safe replacement of the meters. The EAC apologizes for any inconvenience and asks the public to be understanding. This modernization is expected to improve the quality of electricity services.
Tomorrow's weather will mainly be clear, with possible local rain or light snowfall in the mountains. Winds will be weak to moderate, while the sea will be slightly disturbed. Temperatures will range from 2 degrees in the mountains to 15 degrees along the coast. The weekend will continue with clear weather, though isolated rain and snow are possible in the early afternoon. Temperatures are expected to gradually rise to near average climatic values by Monday.
The latest meeting between the U.S. and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program ended without an agreement. The United States demanded the destruction of three main nuclear facilities in Iran and the surrender of all enriched uranium. Iran rejected these proposals, insisting on its right to enrich uranium. Discussions are set to continue with a new round of negotiations in Vienna. The U.S. president has threatened military action if an agreement is not reached.
The Health Services Organization is claiming 60 million euros from the General Health System, citing unequal compensation compared to the private sector. The organization's directors mentioned that they are required to provide services regardless of costs, while private hospitals do not have the same obligations. They highlighted the distortions in the system, stressing the need to recognize the additional medical specialties they offer. They expressed concern about the availability of doctors in Accident and Emergency departments, emphasizing their responsibility to always be available. The financial situation and patient needs must be seriously considered during negotiations.
The Court of Appeal ruled that private conversations are confidential and cannot be disclosed to others, regardless of their content. This decision stemmed from a case involving a defendant charged with intercepting a conversation with members of the board of the Cyprus Tourism Organization. The defendant submitted an audio recording during a legal dispute over his dismissal. The Court rejected the notion that privacy only applies to personal matters. The ruling emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in professional conversations.
ATMs in Cyprus recorded withdrawals worth €2.5 billion in the first half of 2025, although the total volume of withdrawals decreased. The average withdrawal amount significantly increased to €372, and contactless transactions are prevalent. Each Cypriot holds an average of two payment cards, with debit cards being the most popular. VISA and Mastercard are the leading cards in the market. Online payments show a preference for higher values compared to physical payments.
The vice president of the Cyprus Medical Association, Chrysanthos Georgiou, highlighted the need to consider the working conditions of doctors during inspections in the Emergency Departments (ED). He emphasized the importance of ensuring that patients receive appropriate care, regardless of wait times. Georgiou criticized the targeting of doctors under the pressure of inspections. He also pointed out the needs of doctors during shifts, such as working conditions and food provision. This discussion stemmed from a report outlining issues in the EDs of Nicosia and Limassol.
The police and veterinary services are investigating the spread of foot-and-mouth disease through testimonies from farmers and veterinarians. The virus is believed to have originated from the occupied territories, as analyses indicate it first appeared in Oroklini. Cases have also been identified in Livadia, Aradippou, and Troulli. There are doubts about the accuracy of results in a livestock unit in Troulli, where the animals are asymptomatic. Investigations are ongoing, and new results from the veterinary services are awaited.
Veterinary Services in Cyprus have imposed strict restrictions on livestock farms due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. A total of 13,920 animals are being culled and 110 cases have been confirmed across 11 farms. The restrictions include banning the movement of animals, open grazing, and the transport of feed and medicines. Although there are signs of temporary relief, authorities warn that the situation remains critical. A compensation package of €4.5 million is expected for affected farmers.
Convicted murderer Doros Theophanous is seeking to have his case reopened regarding the murders of his girlfriend and her daughter, citing new testimony. His conviction in 2012 shocked Cypriot society. Theophanous, sentenced to life imprisonment, claims the new testimonies overturn the initial verdict. His application marks the first case submitted to the newly established Constitutional Court in 2023. The case will now be reviewed based on this new evidence.