DISY

Bane of Cyprus solution: too much power in one man

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Bane of Cyprus solution: too much power in one man

Leontios Ierodiakonou, in his analysis of the Cyprus problem, focuses on the Crans-Montana talks in 2017. Mustafa Akinci, elected Turkish Cypriot leader in April 2015, and Nicos Anastasiades, the Cyprus president, both showed a willingness for a settlement, leading to a positive climate and meetings in Mont Pelerin (2016) and Geneva (January 2017). The UN Secretary-General’s report from September 28, 2017, highlighted convergences on many issues, including the exchange of maps for the first time. The Crans-Montana conference on June 30, 2017, saw the introduction of the “Guterres framework,” which proposed the abolition of the Treaty of Guarantee and the unilateral right of intervention, and discussed the withdrawal of foreign troops. However, disagreements persisted, particularly regarding the role of Turkey in a future monitoring mechanism. Anastasiades’ behavior at the conference, questioning proposals and showing reluctance to negotiate, contributed to the talks’ collapse. Despite this, the Greek Cypriot side later expressed a willingness to resume negotiations from where they left off at Crans-Montana. Akinci’s proposal on April 30, 2018, for a “strategic agreement” based on the Guterres Framework was not responded to by the Greek Cypriot side. Ierodiakonou criticizes the decision-making process in Cyprus, suggesting a more collective approach to national issues.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: What is First Lady, ’s achievement?

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Tales from the Coffeeshop: What is First Lady, ’s achievement?

The IMH conference organizer is promoting its Women Leaders’ Forum at the Hilton Hotel, featuring the First Lady of Cyprus, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, as a speaker. The forum is titled ‘Achievement driven by women.’ Environment Commissioner Dr. Maria Panayiotou, who initiated a project involving biological oranges at the presidential palace, was later appointed minister of agriculture despite her lack of background in agriculture, largely due to her relationship with the First Lady. Agriculture Minister Dr. Panayiotou attended an event at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort, which raised concerns about environmental impacts on the Mediterranean Monk Seal’s habitat. Marios Pelekanos switched from the Disy party to Elam to run for the European Parliament, highlighting political opportunism. Yiannakis Nicolaou, the news boss of the state broadcaster, exhibited erratic behavior and dishonesty in his professional conduct. Archbishop Georgios criticized the exploitation of religious relics for financial gain and questioned the authenticity of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary’s visit to Cyprus, which was treated with state honors. Aristides Viketos revealed that the money found in the Avakoum monastery’s safe was more than reported, with allegations of misappropriation by Bishop Isaias.

Disy will be , ‘victorious’ in upcoming elections

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Disy will be , ‘victorious’ in upcoming elections

Political party Disy, led by Annita Demetriou, is expected to win in the local and EU elections on June 9, despite facing significant opposition. During a speech where Disy’s MEP candidates and local government candidates for Larnaca district were presented, Demetriou highlighted the challenges the party is facing from various directions aimed at undermining its achievements. She emphasized the party’s resilience and determination to defend its values and achievements against those underestimating or betraying it. Demetriou also mentioned the departure of former party vice-president Marios Pelekanos, who joined nationalist Elam for the EU elections. She described Disy as a reformist political force that played a crucial role in Cyprus’s integration into the European Union, honoring the party’s founder Glafcos Clerides. Demetriou expressed confidence in Disy’s victory in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of this win for representing the interests of the people, Cyprus, and Larnaca.

Our View: Centre-right Disy needs to rediscover its,   old core values

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Our View: Centre-right Disy needs to rediscover its,   old core values

Marios Pelekanos, the former vice president of Disy, resigned from his position a few weeks before defecting to Elam, where he will be a candidate. He justified his move by stating it aligned with his long-standing positions on issues important to Greek Cypriots, such as immigration, demographic concerns, and promoting economic policies for vulnerable groups. His defection was seen as a career move after realizing he would not secure a place on Disy’s ballot paper. Annita Demetriou, the leader of Disy, regarded Pelekanos’ departure as beneficial, highlighting it as a wake-up call for the party to rediscover its right-wing values, focusing on the free market, business, enterprise, and European values, rather than competing with Elam for votes.

DISY criticises Pelekanos-ELAM alliance

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DISY criticises Pelekanos-ELAM alliance

The Democratic Rally (DISY) criticized Marios Pelekanos for deciding to join the European Parliament ballot of ELAM, accusing him of using cheap tactics for vote fishing that they believe will benefit AKEL. They expressed disappointment in Pelekanos, noting his previous opposition to ELAM in the media, and announced his automatic removal from the party’s membership list due to his candidacy with another party.

ELAM leader welcomes Pelekanos to European election ballot

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ELAM leader welcomes Pelekanos to European election ballot

– Christos Christou, the president of ELAM, expressed satisfaction with Marios Pelekanos joining the party’s European election ballot.
– Christou sees Pelekanos’ inclusion as aligned with ELAM’s political positions and objectives for Cyprus.
– Pelekanos is joining ELAM not only for the European elections.
– Christou mentioned that Pelekanos shares similar views with ELAM on issues like immigration and demographics.
– According to Christou, Pelekanos has the political maturity and decision-making sharpness for his political future.
– ELAM invites anyone who agrees with its principles and goals to join the party.
– Christou denied that Pelekanos joined ELAM due to being excluded from DISY’s European election ballot, suggesting Pelekanos found his natural place in ELAM due to his personal opinions.

Former govt spokesman on Elam list for EU elections

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Former govt spokesman on Elam list for EU elections

Former government spokesman Marios Pelekanos has been included on Elam’s party list for the upcoming European elections in June. Elam aims to address challenges facing Cypriot Hellenism and promote Cyprus’s interests in Europe through the Party of European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). Pelekanos’s inclusion is based on his positions on immigration, demographics, and economic policies for vulnerable groups. He served as government spokesman under President Nicos Anastasiades from 2021 to 2023 and was vice chairman of Anastasiades’ party Disy before resigning in February after not being selected as a candidate for the European elections. Elam leader Christos Christou confirmed discussions about Pelekanos’s inclusion. A final decision on Elam’s candidates is pending, but an announcement is expected soon. If Pelekanos is included on Elam’s list, he will be automatically expelled from Disy, as stated by Disy MP Onoufrios Koulla. Pelekanos has requested to terminate his Disy membership. He is known for his right-wing views on immigration and LGBT rights and identifies with the “popular right,” a conservative wing of Disy.

Disy slams Pelekanos for joining forces with Elam

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Disy slams Pelekanos for joining forces with Elam

Disy criticized its former vice chairman, Marios Pelekanos, for defecting to Elam for the June European elections, accusing him of disappointing those who trusted him and criticizing Elam’s tactics as aimed at temporarily capturing votes, which they believe will ultimately strengthen Akel. Disy leader Annita Demetriou emphasized the party’s values of giving back rather than pursuing personal ambitions, warning against underestimating the intelligence and trust of party members and highlighting Disy’s opposition to anti-European populism.

Traffic camera fines generate , €9.3 million

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Traffic camera fines generate , €9.3 million

Revenues from fines issued for traffic violations caught by cameras from January 1, 2022, to March 14, 2024, amounted to €9,329,369. Within this period, 323,176 violations were detected, with fines issued for 320,447 of them. Of these, 147,188 fines have been paid, 149,094 are pending payment, and 24,165 are being contested in court. The majority of the fines, totaling 244,665, were for speeding, followed by 38,726 for traffic light violations. Fixed cameras recorded 137,838 violations, while mobile cameras recorded 202,172. Concerns were raised about the system being more focused on collecting fines than deterring traffic violations.

Cyta defends data centre plans in House committee meeting

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Cyta defends data centre plans in House committee meeting

Telecommunications company Cyta is conducting a study on establishing a new data centre, with interest from ten companies. Cyta aims to find a strategic partner for the project, holding a 51% stake. An initial feasibility study was conducted but withdrawn for further scrutiny. Cyta approached 39 companies, with eight initially showing interest. The project focuses on sustainable development, including renewable energy sources. The Auditor General described Cyta as a healthy organization but criticized the previous board and highlighted issues with a submarine data cable project involving political connections. Cyta withdrew from this project due to changed financing terms, denying any political influence.