meetings

Drug warehouse roof issues known since 2019

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Drug warehouse roof issues known since 2019

The Ministry of Health’s drug warehouse has had roof problems since 2019, as noted by the pharmaceutical services following an inspection. This included cracks that allowed rainwater to enter the warehouse. Additionally, there were issues with a lack of temperature monitoring system, disorder, unprotected areas, and uncontrolled access points. Thousands of medications were destroyed in a storm on March 18, as no further inspections were carried out since 2019 due to lack of invitation from the competent Authority. During the pandemic, Health Ministers visited the warehouses and held meetings to discuss vaccines.

Labour Minister seeks compromise on foreign workers

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Labour Minister seeks compromise on foreign workers

Labour Minister Giannis Panagiotou has proposed a collaborative approach to licensing foreign workers to bridge the gap between trade unions and employer organisations. The proposal includes upgrading the Monitoring Committee to involve all stakeholders, providing real-time updates to social partners, and retaining the Ministry of Labour’s authority to approve or reject applications. Trade unions have been critical of the current strategy and are expected to react to the proposal early next week, which will determine if an agreement can be reached.

Updates expected on St Habakkuk scandal investigations

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Updates expected on St Habakkuk scandal investigations

The Attorney-General has convened two meetings this week with police investigators for important cases. The first meeting is about the scandal of granting citizenship to foreign investors, the second is regarding the scandal at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery. Another meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss possible violations of US sanctions against Russian oligarchs in Cyprus. The investigations at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery are progressing, with updates expected after a meeting with investigators. Additionally, there will be a meeting with the Financial Crime Unit to discuss cases related to golden passports. Decisions are pending on a major case involving citizenship grants. Investigations into sanctions on Russians by the US, specifically involving Alexey Mordashov divesting shares through an organization in Cyprus, are nearing completion.

King Charles greets well-wishers after Easter Sunday service

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King Charles greets well-wishers after Easter Sunday service

King Charles greeted well-wishers in an impromptu walkabout after an Easter church service in Windsor, his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis in February.

King Charles attends Easter Sunday service

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King Charles attends Easter Sunday service

King Charles of Britain attended the annual Easter church service in Windsor on Sunday, his first public royal event since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February.

Britain, ’s King Charles attends Easter Sunday service

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Britain, ’s King Charles attends Easter Sunday service

Fact: Britain’s King Charles attended the annual Easter church service in Windsor, his first public royal event since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February.

Guterres invites Tatar to New York meeting

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Guterres invites Tatar to New York meeting

Fact: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invited Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to meet him in New York on April 5. Tatar was unable to travel to Brussels for a meeting, so the New York meeting was scheduled instead. Tatar will inform Guterres that he does not accept a federal solution to the Cyprus problem.

President urges swift progress on tax reform

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President urges swift progress on tax reform

President Nikos Christodoulides met with the advisory committee on tax reform and asked for progress to be accelerated in order to reap benefits at the earliest opportunity. The tax reform aims to encourage entrepreneurship, relieve households, have a strong social character, and contribute to the fair distribution of income. The reform also aims to address tax evasion and avoidance and be fiscally neutral. The University of Cyprus has been asked to intensify the pace of work on the tax reform. The green transition and green taxation are part of the tax report, with compensatory measures under consideration. The committee assesses proposals from various groups to form a comprehensive opinion. Tax reform is not just about tax collection but aims to improve the finances of households and businesses and keep the economy competitive.