US is reimposing oil sanctions on Venezuela, officials say
The U.S. will not renew a license that eased Venezuela oil sanctions, imposing punitive measures due to President Nicolas Maduro’s failure to meet election commitments.
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On a Greek island, volunteers remake burial site for refugees lost at sea
A group of volunteers on the Greek island of Lesbos transformed an abandoned burial ground into a proper cemetery for asylum-seekers who died trying to reach Europe. They uncovered and counted graves, replacing the old mounds with cement graves topped with white pebbles. The project was led by Fabiola Velasquez, who wanted to create a place where those who lost their lives seeking refuge in Europe could be remembered. Lesbos was a key location during Europe’s refugee crisis in 2015, with many people drowning in the perilous sea crossing from Turkey. The team identified 197 graves, but the number is expected to increase as many of the dead have never been identified.
Migration: Difficult to reassess areas of Syria as safe, MEP says
Cyprus is suspending the processing of asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon. The country wants EU partners to reassess the safety of certain areas in Syria to block asylum applications. MEP Fabienne Keller expressed scepticism, highlighting the challenges posed by Syria’s unstable situation and authoritarian leadership. Keller emphasized the need for support for Cyprus, as it faces a high number of asylum applications per capita. Meanwhile, MEP Tomas Tobé called for EU member states to unite and address the migration crisis collectively, urging a common position on Syria. Cyprus wants EU partners to reconsider the status of Syria, as it believes certain areas are safe for returnees.
Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants
Cypriot authorities pushed back five boats carrying around 500 migrants who started from Lebanon, believed to be from Syria. The authorities provided blankets and food before forcing the boats to turn back. It is unclear if the boats will return to Lebanon or try to reach Cyprus again. The Lebanese authorities did not want to take them back, leaving the migrants stranded at sea. The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with over 3,000 deaths and disappearances recorded last year. The Cypriot operation was kept secret, with the Minister of the Interior declining to provide details. Nicosia suspended asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon, citing human rights violations in Syria. Pushbacks involve state measures to force refugees out without following legal procedures.
Barca destroyed themselves in defeat to PSG, says Gundogan
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said his side had no-one to blame but themselves after squandering a two-goal advantage and losing 4-1 to Paris St Germain in the Champions League.
Worrying figures over student drug abuse
Over the past three years, 420 secondary school students were referred for drug treatment programs.
Conference and workshop on Larnaca multimodal mobility
Fact: The pilot project Seamless Shared Urban Mobility (SUM) is set to run in Larnaca in June 2024 and concerns multimodal mobility.
Glittering eco-revolution of Limassol Carnival: A fest of colours and conscious cleanup!
Fact: The Limassol Carnival in Cyprus generated 5 tons and 160 kg of waste that was collected and sent to waste treatment facilities by volunteers from the “City Friends Club.”
RE:SOURCE exhibition: The environmental protection and resources of Cyprus
The second edition of the environmental art exhibition RE:SOURCE 2.0 will feature over 30 Cyprus and international artists selected from more than 100 open call applications. The exhibition aims to explore the artistic vision of the nature-human bond in response to trash pollution and promote direct actions to tackle the environmental emergency.
Elevating employee well-being: boosting productivity and happiness
Fact: The Women in Tech Global Conference 2024, supported by Adsterra, will convene a panel of speakers to discuss “Elevating Employee Well-Being: Boosting Productivity and Happiness” on April 24 at the Aleph office in Limassol.