The Osiou Avakoum monastery has imported animals illegally, specifically deer, and kept them in a park in Lythrodontas without the necessary license. The issue has been reported to the police for investigation. The animals are reported to be in good condition, and the government spokesman will investigate the issue further.
The House audit committee will discuss issues between the government and Kition Ocean Holdings regarding the revamp of the Larnaca port and marina, which has stalled over a contractual dispute. Earlier, Kition Ocean Holdings filed a case against the government for causing delays and breaching the contract. The government has been unwilling to meet the company to discuss a difference in a financial guarantee.
The Bank of Cyprus celebrated its 125th anniversary, with the group chairman highlighting the bank’s resilience and commitment to innovation. The CEO emphasized the bank’s significant impact on Cyprus’ modern history and economic development. President Christodoulides urged the bank to continue supporting those in need and work closely with the government to achieve shared goals. The event marked the start of the celebrations for the bank’s anniversary, with leading politicians and businesspeople in attendance.
A €1.2 billion investment in the development of a port and marina in Larnaca is facing challenges as the state and Kition Ocean Holdings try to prevent a potential fiasco. The President of the Republic is involved in resolving the deadlock, with tensions rising after Kition refused to renew a port guarantee and made accusations against the government. Efforts are being made to find a resolution, with the President meeting with Kition officials and the Larnaca Development Committee convening to address the issues. The project is expected to start in June, and the Audit Service is monitoring the situation closely.
Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.
Finance Minister Makis Keravnos receives both a pension as a former Finance Minister and a salary as the incumbent, which is allowed by relevant legislation. He raised concerns about this arrangement but was told it was legal. Other officials like Marios Garoyian and Yannakis Omirou have chosen to waive their pensions in similar situations. The issue of multiple pensions for government officials remains a significant challenge for society and needs to be addressed urgently.
The FBI director is concerned about a potential organized attack in the United States similar to the recent concert hall massacre in Russia. The attack in Moscow was claimed by an ISIS branch, and U.S. officials fear a coordinated attack inspired by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. FBI Director Christopher Wray will urge lawmakers to renew a surveillance program that he deems essential for national security.
Fact: The Russian city of Orenburg battled rising water levels after major rivers across Russia and Kazakhstan burst their banks in the worst flooding seen in the areas in nearly a century.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that the redesign of the European Union’s migration system is a step in the right direction. The legislation includes provisions for solidarity between member states, screening of third country nationals upon entry to the EU, and faster processing of asylum claims. The pact also emphasizes the practical application of solidarity as a fundamental principle of the EU.
Bioland Energy Group has placed 34 artificial nests for barn owls in various locations across Cyprus to promote sustainable pest control.