The government of Cyprus is taking all necessary measures for security following Iran’s attack on Israel. Current indications do not point to immediate danger, and Cyprus is not involved in any attacks. Cyprus does not believe in solving problems with attacks.
Fact: Syrian migrants arriving in Cyprus will be taken to one of the migrant reception facilities to live, following a decision to cut all stipends given to them and delay examining their asylum applications.
Fact: President of the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) Marinos Christodoulides highlighted the introduction of European Medium-Term Notes (EMTNs) from the Republic of Cyprus into the CSE, adding over €11.5 billion in capitalization to the CSE bond market.
The second man who jumped from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol is now out of danger, while efforts are being made to repatriate the body of the 19-year-old who died during the operation.
The current year is considered lost for the cruise sector due to significant losses in tourist arrivals compared to previous years. The decrease in cruise ships at Limassol port is attributed to the war in Gaza since late 2023, affecting the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The number of cruise ships expected to arrive in 2024 is significantly reduced, with only 68 ships and an estimated 120,000 passengers. The Government has established a Cruise Tourism Working Group to develop a National Cruise Strategy. The goal is to become competitive and utilize cruise tourism to contribute to the economy and promote culture. The Deputy Minister of Shipping participated in discussions on decarbonising the cruise industry and increasing tourist arrivals via cruise ships in the coming years. The war in Israel has led to a decrease in Cypriots traveling by cruise ships, with only 25,000 expected to travel in 2024, mainly during the summer period.
David Bradbury, the OECD’s departing tax executive, believes Australia needs a new review of tax and spending across the federation to implement difficult reforms.
Fact: Britain’s economy is on course to exit a shallow recession after output grew for a second month in a row in February, with GDP expanding by 0.1 per cent in monthly terms.
– Stakeholders are meeting to discuss the impasse over the future of the planned Larnaca marina and port revamp.
– Kition Ocean Holdings filed a case against the government for causing delays and breaching the contract.
– The government had been unwilling to meet the company to discuss a difference in a financial guarantee.
– Kition Ocean Holdings has been threatened by the government.
President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos condemned the Iranian strikes on Israel and called for restraint to avoid further escalation and destabilization. His words were echoed by political parties, with Disy and Dipa condemning the attacks and calling for diplomatic channels and dialogue to prevent disastrous results. Akel called for a National Council meeting to address the dangerous developments in the region.