government

Government , ‘has no plan B’ over Vasiliko LNG terminal

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Government , ‘has no plan B’ over Vasiliko LNG terminal

The Vasiliko liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project in Cyprus is currently stalled, with no alternative plan (“plan B”) in place, as stated by Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. The project is facing delays due to arbitration proceedings between the Republic of Cyprus and the Chinese-led consortium responsible for building the LNG plant. Despite reservations about the consortium, the government aims to complete the project with the current contractor as the fastest solution, requiring the project to be delivered by July 2024. This deadline comes after two previous extensions, with the initial completion date set for September 2022. Papanastasiou remains optimistic about the project’s completion and is in discussions with the Chinese Ambassador Liu Yantao. Concerns about potential violations and the need for possible criminal investigations have been raised, with some suggesting the matter be referred to the Anti-Corruption Authority.

‘We should ask why there are so many medical schools’

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‘We should ask why there are so many medical schools’

Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar addressed the “fake diploma scandal” affecting the north’s higher education sector. He mentioned criticism regarding the excessive number of medical and dental schools relative to the population and suggested that the north’s higher education accreditation authority (Yodak) might have been negligent. Tatar had previously called for Yodak chairman Turgay Avci to resign due to allegations of bribery during the accreditation process of the Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU)’s medicine school. The north’s ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel stated the ‘government’ is actively addressing the issue to minimize negative impacts on the higher education sector and emphasized the importance of justice and maintaining the country’s reputation.

Keve reiterates support for intercommunal trade in meeting with UN envoy

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Keve reiterates support for intercommunal trade in meeting with UN envoy

Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou and members of the chamber’s executive committee met with UN Secretary-General’s envoy to Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, at the Keve headquarters in Nicosia. They discussed the regulation of green line trade, challenges, prospects for further trade development between the two communities, and how this could help resolve the Cyprus problem. Stavrou emphasized the chamber’s role as the state’s advisor on economic matters and its support for equal commercial and economic cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. He stated that such cooperation aids in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, aligning with UN Security Council resolutions and decisions. Stavrou also assured Cuellar of the chamber’s readiness to support government and UN efforts to resume negotiations.

Cyprus to open polling stations abroad for EU elections

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Cyprus to open polling stations abroad for EU elections

Cyprus will open polling stations in Greece, Belgium, and the United Kingdom for the European Parliament elections in June. Cypriots living in these countries can vote there if they register before April 2. A polling station will be established in any location where at least 50 voters submit a declaration requesting one. Voter registration for both local government and European Parliament elections is open until April 2, with the elections scheduled for June 9. In Cyprus, citizens of the Republic of Cyprus and EU citizens residing in Cyprus who are over 18 years old on election day (born on or after June 9, 2006) are eligible to vote. Voters aged 25 and over can register online, while paper applications are available at various local offices and can also be downloaded from the Electoral Service’s website.

Larnaca mayor attends event highlighting city, ’s real estate potential

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Larnaca mayor attends event highlighting city, ’s real estate potential

Shuna Group, an international investment company, hosted a three-day event in Larnaca to showcase opportunities in the city’s real estate sector. The event, supported by Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras, was named ‘Launching Larnaca Living’ and attracted over 200 guests, including potential clients and key stakeholders. Shuna Group aims to leverage Larnaca’s potential as Cyprus’ most up-and-coming coastal destination. The conference featured presentations of Shuna Group’s projects, speeches by Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras and Shuna Group founder Ori Huna, and highlighted Larnaca’s infrastructural evolution and future projects like the Land of Tomorrow and the new Marina. A panel discussion during the event focused on the advantages of investing in Larnaca’s real estate, emphasizing its strategic location, growing market, stable economy, tourism appeal, government initiatives, and quality of life.

UK will change law to ban foreign states from owning newspapers

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UK will change law to ban foreign states from owning newspapers

Britain’s government plans to prevent foreign states from owning newspapers, potentially blocking Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI’s bid to buy the Telegraph. The proposed legislation amendment aims to stop newspaper and periodical news magazine mergers involving foreign state ownership, influence, or control. This move is in response to concerns over the independence of the media and foreign investors acquiring politically influential assets. The Telegraph, known for its connections with the Conservative Party, is at the center of this political struggle for ownership. The government’s plan includes referring relevant media mergers to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for assessment of foreign state involvement, with the authority to block or unwind mergers based on the findings.

TikTok ban in US is unfair says Chinese foreign ministry

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TikTok ban in US is unfair says Chinese foreign ministry

A spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry criticized a U.S. bill aimed at forcing a TikTok divestiture or ban, arguing that using national security as a reason to reduce the competitive advantage of other countries lacks fairness. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, which would require TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance to divest the U.S. assets of the app within six months or face a ban. The spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, stated that such actions stand against the principles of fair competition and international trade rules. U.S. legislators have expressed concerns that TikTok’s U.S. user data could be shared with China’s government. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, has denied any sharing of U.S. user data with the Chinese government or receiving any requests to do so.

Split in Israel coalition points to return of politics as normal

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Split in Israel coalition points to return of politics as normal

– A centrist bloc in Israel’s unity government led by former defence minister Benny Gantz has dissolved.
– This development is increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the ongoing Gaza war, which has lasted for five months.
– Gideon Saar, a former justice minister and ex-member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, left the partnership with Gantz to form a separate centre-right bloc in parliament.
– The coalition shifts, including Saar’s move, are common in Israeli politics and are not expected to immediately affect the government’s stability.
– Analysts interpret the breakup as a sign of a return to the usual political dynamics in Israel, highlighting a growing divide between right-wing and center-left factions.
– Gantz, considered a strong candidate for Israel’s next prime minister, recently made unapproved visits to Washington and London, causing upset among right-wing and religious nationalist coalition partners.
– Gantz has called for unity in the government and suggested that elections should be held after the war to allow candidates to present their contributions to the country.
– A poll by Channel 12 showed increasing support for early elections, with 50% of right-wing voters in favor, and Gantz’s National Unity Party leading over Likud by a significant margin.

Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister

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Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister

Dutch politician Geert Wilders expressed his willingness to not pursue the position of prime minister to help establish a new right-wing government, following an election held on November 22, where his party received the most votes. Despite efforts and discussions with potential allies for over 100 days since the election, no successful coalition has been formed. Wilders emphasized his preference for a right-wing cabinet focused on reducing asylum and immigration, stating his love for his country and its voters surpasses his personal ambitions. The possibility of forming an “extra-parliamentary” cabinet, where leaders would not join the government but appoint external experts and politicians to government roles, has been considered.

EMERGE project successfully concludes

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EMERGE project successfully concludes

The EMERGE project, led by CARDET and Koumanto Stin Tsepi Sou, aimed at enhancing civic participation and active citizenship in Cyprus, has concluded successfully after two years. It developed learning resources, tools, workshops, webinars, and outreach events to connect with citizens and Cypriot civil society organizations (CSOs), focusing on civic participation issues. The project hosted public consultations on education, environment, youth participation, and gender rights. Its final conference discussed decision-making, youth participation, media, and the environment for CSOs, contributing to a more vibrant democracy in Cyprus.