US

Czech farmers dump manure on Prague streets in renewed protests [PHOTOS]

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Czech farmers dump manure on Prague streets in renewed protests [PHOTOS]

Czech farmers protested in front of the government’s office in Prague, demanding more support and a halt to cheap imports to the European Union. They blocked streets with tractors, dumped manure in front of government headquarters, and called for the removal of restrictions from the Green Deal plan and for customs duties on Ukrainian farm products to be reimposed. This protest is part of a wider movement across the EU, with similar actions in Poland and Brussels. The Czech farmers’ demands include subsidies matching 2022 levels, employment support programs, reduced property tax for farmland, and measures to tackle surplus in EU markets due to cheap imports. The government has refused to be pressured, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala calling it “blackmail” and Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny criticizing the manure dumping.

Netanyahu says Israel will push on with Gaza offensive, including in Rafah

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Netanyahu says Israel will push on with Gaza offensive, including in Rafah

Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will continue its offensive against Hamas, targeting the southern Gaza city of Rafah despite international calls for cessation. This decision follows a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 253 abductions as per Israeli reports. The ongoing conflict has led to over 30,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of unity in the face of increasing international pressure to end the conflict. He also stated that Israel aims to counteract efforts to blame it for Hamas’ actions and plans to operate throughout Gaza, including Rafah, described as the last Hamas stronghold.

Eroglu: North must , ‘embrace reality’

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Eroglu: North must , ‘embrace reality’

Former Turkish Cypriot Leader Dervish Eroglu stated that the Greek Cypriot side has never intended to accept the Turkish Cypriot side’s conditions for solving the Cyprus problem. He expressed skepticism about the success of United Nations Envoy Maria Angela Holguin’s efforts and highlighted that the Greek Cypriot leadership and church do not accept Turkey’s status as a guarantor power, nor do they accept the Turkish Cypriot’s participation in government, veto rights, or a rotating presidency. Eroglu criticized the international embargoes on the north, describing them as shameful and a failure to respect human rights. He mentioned that despite promises made before the 2004 referendum, there has been no easing of embargoes, with the EU and the world continuing to punish the Turkish Cypriots while rewarding the Greek Cypriots. Eroglu also reflected on the negotiation processes after the Annan plan, mentioning his own tenure and the negotiations with former President Demetris Christofias and Nicos Anastasiades, indicating a lack of progress towards a federal solution and attributing it to the Greek Cypriot side’s unwillingness to share the administration and wealth of the island.

After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defence – minister

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After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defence – minister

Greece hosts the headquarters of the EU operation “Aspides” aimed at protecting ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The operation was launched to guard vessels against Iranian-aligned Houthi militants supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel. Greece, controlling the world’s largest merchant fleet, has seen a significant increase in attacks against its vessels, leading to a 40% drop in trade at its largest port, Piraeus. The Greek frigate Hydra recently sailed for the Red Sea as Greece assumed command of the EU mission, with its headquarters in Larissa and Italy commanding the naval force. The EU’s Red Sea naval mission involves five warships from Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU aims to enhance its defense role. Greece is pursuing a defense reform and industry revamp, including a 10-year purchasing plan for new F-35 jets, French frigates, and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters. Greece also plans to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in discussions with the U.S. to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates.

Bitcoin bounces beyond $64,000 as records beckon

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Bitcoin bounces beyond $64,000 as records beckon

Bitcoin reached a two-year high of ,285 early in the Asian day, marking its highest point since late 2021. It was trading at ,850, up 2% for the session. Bitcoin’s record high is ,999.99, set in November 2021. The cryptocurrency has seen a 50% increase in value this year, with a significant portion of the rise occurring in the last few weeks, coinciding with a surge in trading volume for US-listed bitcoin funds. Spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were approved in the United States earlier in the year, attracting new large investors and boosting market enthusiasm. Ether, a smaller cryptocurrency, has also increased by 50% year-to-date, reaching ,490 on Monday, close to its two-year highs. This rally in cryptocurrencies has occurred alongside record highs in major stock indexes such as Japan’s Nikkei, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq, as well as lower volatility in equities and foreign exchange markets.

Wizz Air’s President: We want to continue building on our position as number one at Larnaca airport

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Wizz Air’s President: We want to continue building on our position as number one at Larnaca airport

– Wizz Air established a base at Larnaca Airport in 2020.
– Since its establishment, Wizz Air has doubled its capacity at Larnaca Airport.
– Wizz Air is now the leading airline in Larnaca and the second overall in Cyprus.
– In 2023, Wizz Air experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers in Cyprus compared to 2022.
– The increase in passengers was attributed to new destinations, Cyprus’s tourism strategy, and Wizz Air’s low fares.
– Wizz Air navigated challenges such as the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas by quickly reallocating capacity and was the first airline to return to pre-COVID levels by volume.
– Wizz Air operates at 160% of its pre-COVID capacity.
– The airline is focused on sustainability and is investing in new technology for the future, including the potential development of hydrogen aircraft.
– Cyprus aims to attract tourists from a wider range of countries and has been successful during the 2023 tourist season.
– Operational challenges in summer 2022 led Wizz Air to invest in schedule resilience.
– Wizz Air plans to continue growing, with potential new routes and increased frequencies to existing destinations.
– The airline carried 60 million passengers in 2023 and operates a fleet of around 180 aircraft, with plans to grow by 30 to 40 aircraft per year.

Nicosia exhibition honours Ukrainian women

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Nicosia exhibition honours Ukrainian women

The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, in collaboration with Sunseed Art and Resilient Ukraine, presents an art exhibit titled “The Womanly Face of War” in Nicosia to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s re-invasion of Ukraine. The exhibit, opened by the United States Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie D. Fisher, on February 28, 2024, at Eleftheria Square, showcases the roles, challenges, and resilience of Ukrainian women. After debuting in Limassol Old Port on February 22, the exhibit moved to Eleftheria Square where it will remain until March 4, before relocating to Castle Square in Larnaca until International Women’s Day on March 8.

Mitch McConnell to end long tenure as top US Senate Republican

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Mitch McConnell to end long tenure as top US Senate Republican

Top U.S. Senate Republican Mitch McConnell announced he will step down this year from his leadership role, ending a nearly 17-year tenure as a Senate party leader, the longest on record. McConnell has represented Kentucky in the Senate since 1985 and has been the Republican leader since 2007. He played a significant role in helping Donald Trump secure a 6-3 conservative majority in the Supreme Court. Despite his contributions, McConnell has faced opposition from hardline Republican opponents allied with Trump. He stated his intention not to run for Senate Republican leader in the upcoming November party elections, planning to serve out the rest of his term in the Senate, which extends through January 2027. Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and John Barrasso are expected to vie for the top party job. McConnell has also been vocal about his opposition to Trump’s conduct, particularly regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and has supported aid to Ukraine against some Republican opposition.

Navalny to be buried on Friday, wife fears possible arrests

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Navalny to be buried on Friday, wife fears possible arrests

Alexei Navalny’s funeral service and burial are scheduled to take place in Moscow on Friday, as announced by his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh. The service will be held at 2 p.m. (1100 GMT) in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in the Moscow district of Maryino, where Navalny used to live. Following the service, Navalny will be buried at the Borisovskoye cemetery, located on the opposite side of the Moskva River to the south. Navalny died at an Arctic penal colony on February 16, at the age of 47. His death certificate stated he died of natural causes, but his allies accuse President Vladimir Putin of having him murdered. The Kremlin has denied state involvement in his death. Navalny’s allies attempted to organize a larger event for his farewell but faced obstacles, including being refused a hall for the ceremony. They initially planned the farewell and funeral for February 29, but claimed they encountered resistance from authorities.

Rising cocoa price makes chocolate products dearer

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Rising cocoa price makes chocolate products dearer

Alkis H. Hadjikyriakos Public Ltd, the maker of Frou Frou brand biscuits, has announced an increase in the prices of its chocolate-containing products by 20 to 30 percent due to a 153.55 percent rise in cocoa costs over the last year. This price adjustment, effective from April 1, is a response to the significant increase in global raw material costs. The company will absorb a portion of the cost increase and reassess the situation in August. The price adjustments will not affect products without cocoa or chocolate, and prices of imported chocolate products will also increase. The company plans to adjust prices in response to future changes in international cocoa and chocolate prices.