Famagusta appeals to Polish tourists
Fact: There was increased interest in organized trips from Poland to the Famagusta district during a roadshow in Poland by the Famagusta Tourism Board (Etap) and hoteliers of the district.
meetings
Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is meeting with several EU counterparts to seek support for recognizing a Palestinian state. He aims to address the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and push for a two-state solution. Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia are working together towards Palestinian state recognition, despite Israel’s opposition. Sanchez will visit Oslo and Dublin to discuss this issue with Norway and Ireland’s leaders.
Cyprus, Lebanon agree to tackle migrant crisis
Cyprus and Lebanon are cooperating to address the issue of growing migrant flows, particularly Syrian refugees coming from Lebanon. Cyprus has seen an increase in migrants arriving by sea, causing tension between the two countries. Lebanon hosts a large number of Syrian refugees, putting strain on its economy. Cyprus is seeking greater financial assistance from the European Commission to help Lebanon manage the situation. Both countries have agreed to coordinate actions and work with the EU to address the issue.
Services sector records strong growth in 2023
– The services sector in Cyprus performed well in 2023, with significant improvements in various key areas.
– Accommodation and catering services saw an increase of 18.9%, administrative and support services grew by 15.5%, professional, scientific, and technical activities by 2.7%, and information and communication by 2%.
– Tourism sector showed improvement in 2023, with tourist arrivals reaching 3,845,652, approaching pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
– The UK had the most tourist arrivals in Cyprus in 2023, followed by Israel, Poland, and Germany.
– The Shipping sector transported 98% of raw materials and essential goods in Cyprus in 2023, contributing about 7% of GDP.
– Oev undertook various initiatives in 2023, including research on digital skills, Innovation Awards, and promoting digital skills and AI adoption.
– Oev also organized a Business Mission to Greece, Information Day on dispute resolution methods, and supported the newly established Tourism Promotion Agency.
Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros
An Israeli former Hamas hostage from the October 7 attack spoke out about the sexual violence and torture she endured. A UN report confirmed Israel’s allegations of ongoing sexual violence by Hamas. The victims of the attack are in the process of healing and dealing with their trauma. The Israeli government developed programmes to help survivors of the attack. Feminist organizations worldwide did not provide sufficient support to Israeli women who were victims of sexual violence. Israeli women did not receive necessary international support due to antisemitism and ignorance. It is crucial for women to stand united and demand justice for sexual violence in wartime. The Israeli army has been accused of sexual assaults against Palestinian women, but there is no evidence to justify the allegations. Hostages still in Hamas’s hands are subjected to sexual assaults, isolation, and poor living conditions.
“Islamic State” in the occupied territories: Turkey’s plan for settlement and Islamization
Ankara aims to create a fully Turkish “Islamic region” in the occupied territories by strengthening the Turkish population and Islamizing the area. The transfer of settlers began in 1975 as part of this plan. The ongoing attempt to upgrade the pseudo-state with the goal of recognition is linked to the Islamization efforts. More mosques are being built than schools in the occupied territories, with imams mostly from Turkey. The Turkish plan also includes projects to transport water and electricity to the region. Erdogan has emphasized increasing the population of the occupied areas, with the goal of making Turkish presence the majority over Greek Cypriots through mass transfer and naturalization of settlers.
The Island Private School: a holistic learning environment
The Island Private School in Cyprus offers a holistic learning environment for students of diverse cultural backgrounds. The school integrates best practices from the International Baccalaureate, Waldorf, and Montessori educational systems, focusing on academic excellence and developing 21st-century skills. The school’s mission is to inspire a passion for learning and prepare students as confident, responsible global citizens who value diversity. The school offers three educational tracks grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, aiming for a sustainable and equitable future. The school has integrated ESG considerations into its curriculum through lessons on environmental sustainability, climate change, and conservation, as well as through various environmental initiatives and partnerships. The school engages with the local community, fosters inclusivity and diversity, and promotes social responsibility through various activities and events. The school plans to evolve its ESG initiatives by introducing composting bins, celebrating various faiths and cultures, and focusing on sustainability in its future campus. The school measures and reports on its progress towards ESG-related goals through key performance indicators, data collection, and stakeholder surveys. The school faces challenges in implementing eco-friendly practices due to financial constraints but is seeking funding opportunities through grants and partnerships. The school encourages student-led initiatives related to ESG and plans to use technology to further ESG education and initiatives. The school’s approach to ESG differentiates it from other educational institutions by integrating ESG into its organizational culture, decision-making processes, curriculum, and daily operations. The school envisions its role in the broader ESG landscape within the education sector in the next five to ten years by becoming an international education hub, supporting diverse educational tracks, expanding as a multicultural community, promoting ethical governance, strengthening environmental partnerships, contributing to rural development, developing a green campus, and promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
June elections are , ‘uncharted territory’
Fact: There will be as many as 20,000 candidates vying for the 3,500 public offices in the upcoming local and European elections.
Cyprus seeks cooperation with Lebanon to reduce migrant arrivals
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou plans to visit Lebanon to discuss strengthening the country’s coast guard and combating people-smuggling networks that are contributing to a rise in migrant arrivals.
‘, Cyprus could take decisions on migration issue that are not liked’
Fact: President Nikos Christodoulides stated that decisions on migration might be made that “are not liked” after Lebanon announced it would not be taking migrants back from Cyprus.