coast Archives - Page 13 of 18

Police arrest 13 after 761 migrants arrive in Cyprus in four days

4 April 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Immigration authorities in Famagusta and Larnaca arrested 13 people suspected of facilitating illegal entry into the Republic after 761 Syrian nationals arrived on the island aboard 13 vessels. The alleged navigators of the boats, all reportedly Syrian nationals, are in custody. Radar detected three new boats on Tuesday evening, with one carrying 27 people intercepted southeast of Cape Greco, another dinghy with 236 migrants found overloaded, and a third carrying 22 individuals directed to a fishing shelter. Several individuals involved in these incidents have been arrested, with the Interior Minister warning that Cyprus may not be able to cope with increased migration flows. Cyprus is demanding practical solidarity from other EU member states in dealing with the situation.

‘Point of contention overcome’ for Aphrodite gas field

3 April 2024 by Cyprus Mail

The point of contention regarding the development of the Aphrodite gas field off the coast of Cyprus has been overcome, according to Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. The plan for extraction of gas from the Aphrodite field will continue based on the agreed development and production plan from 2019. The government wants to respond as soon as possible to start planning the joint venture with Chevron. Discussions on the matter have been exhausted, and Chevron understands that gas extraction will be based on the 2019 plan. There is an ongoing dispute with Israel over “plot 12” connected to the Aphrodite field, but the Energy Minister believes the differences should be closed in the next three months. The CEO of Italian company Eni has requested a visit to Cyprus this month to discuss the development and production plan for the Kronos I and Kronos II fields.

Today, ’s weather: Warm and hazy

3 April 2024 by Cyprus Mail

Fact: Wednesday will be warm and hazy due to dust in the air, with temperatures rising to 34C inland, 29C on the south, east, and north coasts, 24C on the west coast, and 23C in the higher mountains.

Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

2 April 2024 by Financial Mirror

World Central Kitchen suspended its operations in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an IDF strike. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the maritime aid corridor will remain open despite the suspension.

Pournara Reception Centre population rises to 1,182 after recent arrivals

2 April 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

The Pournara First Reception Centre is currently dealing with high pressure due to a recent influx of migrants, with the population now at 1,182, the highest occupancy since last year. The Cypriot asylum services are granting temporary protection to Syrian nationals, allowing them to reside in Cyprus without the obligation of providing housing. Efforts are being made to urge the EU to provide financial aid to Lebanon to contain Syrian refugees within its borders, while also working on reclassifying certain regions in Syria as ‘safe’ for potential repatriation. Diplomatic efforts with Lebanon have not yet yielded significant progress, as an increasing number of Syrians are leaving Lebanon amidst the Gaza conflict.

Three migrant boats seen approaching Cyprus

1 April 2024 by PhileNews (Cyprus)

Coast Guard and Marine Police are on high alert after three more migrant-carrying boats were detected off the coast of Cape Greco. The number of people on board the new boats is unknown, but authorities are expecting a significant number. Patrol boats are on their way to escort the boats to shore. Cyprus is a popular destination for migrants due to its location. The government has been criticized for its handling of the migrant crisis.

Blue Limassol Forum 2024 to focus on climate-neutral cities

1 April 2024 by Cyprus Mail

Limassol Municipality and Frederick University’s Department of Maritime and Commerce are collaboratively organizing the Blue Limassol Forum 2024, which is focused on the EU Mission for climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. Limassol was honored with the “EU Mission Label” by the European Commission, marking a significant milestone towards the city’s transition to climate neutrality. Limassol aims to become a green and smart city by 2030, ahead of most European cities. The forum serves as a platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on key issues related to the Blue Economy and Coastal Sustainability. Limassol is one of the 100 EU cities participating in the Cities Mission, with Frederick University acting as a scientific advisor for the “Coastal and Port” thematic area. The event will feature discussions on the transformative potential and benefits for coastal communities and marine ecosystems under the EU Mission for Climate Neutral Cities.