government

Limassol university partnership aims to boost maritime innovation

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Limassol university partnership aims to boost maritime innovation

The University of Limassol (UoL) announced a new partnership with the Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications Executives of Maritime Companies (AMMITEC), a non-profit organization focused on digital transformation and cybersecurity in the maritime sector. This collaboration aims to exchange knowledge and expertise between academia and industry professionals, creating innovative solutions for the maritime industry. Ioannis Filippopoulos, co-director of the MSc Shipping and Operations Management at UoL, and Themistoklis Sardis, President of AMMITEC, both expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. AMMITEC offers membership opportunities to ICT managers, staff, and individuals interested in maritime ICT, aiming to advance maritime technology and foster a professional community.

Zeki Celer elected new TDP leader

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Zeki Celer elected new TDP leader

Zeki Celer was elected as the leader of the TDP, a north opposition political party, unopposed, replacing Mine Atli. He emphasized the party’s commitment to “clean politics” and noted that the TDP has never held the position of prime minister. Celer called for an early parliamentary election and defended the party’s support for a federal solution to the Cyprus problem. The TDP, which lost all its seats in the last parliamentary election in January 2022, has reunited with the TKP-YG party. Zeki Celer previously served as labour minister when the TDP was part of a four-party coalition government. Parliamentary elections in the north are required by February 2027.

New Larnaca park unveiled

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New Larnaca park unveiled

Larnaca’s Mediterranean Artists’ Park, aimed at hosting outdoor art installations and cultural events, was recently introduced by the Larnaca municipality. Located in the Turkish Cypriot neighbourhood of Scala, near Piale Pasha, the park is part of an area known for its art workshops and has undergone facade restoration and improvement. The project, costing €994,440, received funding from both the European Union and the government.

On This Day: For the first time, two black film stars won the awards for Best Actor and Actress in 2002

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On This Day: For the first time, two black film stars won the awards for Best Actor and Actress in 2002

– 1935: Grand Prix took place in Pau.
– 1946: Juan Peron was elected as president of Argentina.
– 2000: Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted, causing thousands to flee their homes around Legazpi.
– 2002: Denzel Washington and Halle Berry won the Oscars for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, marking the first time two black film stars won these awards in the same year.
– 2002: The Salt Lake Winter Olympics’ closing ceremony was held in the United States.
– 2004: An earthquake in Morocco resulted in at least 220 fatalities.
– 2006: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared a state of emergency.
– 2007: A Virgin train crashed at high speed in northern Britain.
– 2008: Raul Castro was named president of Cuba, succeeding his brother Fidel Castro.
– 2010: Anti-government protests occurred in Athens.
– 2015: A Metrolink train in California derailed after colliding with a tractor-trailer on the tracks during the morning rush hour.

Three Cyprus-registered companies and one person in fresh anti-Russia sanctions list

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Three Cyprus-registered companies and one person in fresh anti-Russia sanctions list

– Cyprus is affected by the latest wave of sanctions imposed by the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada against Russia.
– Three shipping companies registered in Cyprus and a holder of a Cypriot passport are included in the American and British sanctions.
– Canada has imposed restrictions on entities registered in Cyprus.
– The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against three Cypriot-registered companies: AZORIA SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED, GLORINA SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED, and ELIXON SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED, all sharing the same administrative structure and linked to Vladimir Oskirko, with CYPROSERVUS CO. LIMITED as secretary.
– The UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) imposed sanctions on Yulia Andreevna Guryeva-Motlokhova, a Russian holding a Cypriot passport, for her association with Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev.
– Canada’s new sanctions target individuals and entities providing financial and accounting support to Russian entities, facilitating the circumvention of sanctions, and supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, including companies registered in Cyprus.
– The European Union approved the 13th package of sanctions against Putin’s regime, targeting individuals and companies involved in the transfer of weapons from North Korea to Russia, the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine, and companies from third countries, including a Turkish company, believed to contribute to sanctions evasion. The EU imposed restrictive measures on an additional 106 individuals and 88 entities.

Microsoft to expand its AI infrastructure in Spain with $2.1 billion investment

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Microsoft to expand its AI infrastructure in Spain with $2.1 billion investment

Microsoft plans to invest .1 billion in Spain over the next two years to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure, as announced by the company’s Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. This follows a recent announcement of a €3.2 billion (.45 billion) investment in Germany for AI-focused initiatives. The investment in Spain is part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the country, emphasizing support for its security, development, and the digital transformation of its government, businesses, and citizens.

Limassol Chamber of Commerce discusses labour shortages with minister

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Limassol Chamber of Commerce discusses labour shortages with minister

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and the business community for economic development, advocating for rational and balanced policies to promote growth and reduce unemployment. He met with the Limassol Chamber of Commerce (Evel) to exchange information and discuss challenges faced by businesses, including worker shortages and slow public service processes. Panayiotou stressed the need for effective public administration and dialogue to find mutually beneficial solutions for economic growth. He acknowledged the necessity of employing workers from abroad due to the economy growing beyond demographic capacities but also highlighted the importance of utilizing local human resources to ensure satisfactory growth in 2024.

The Greek debt crisis and its misconceptions

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The Greek debt crisis and its misconceptions

The text discusses the Greek debt crisis, highlighting inaccuracies and misconceptions in public debate. It references Nikos Garganas’ book, which outlines the crisis’s causes, including the misuse of fiscal space and increased government spending leading to significant debt. The crisis was exacerbated by the global financial crisis and Greece’s inability to find investors. The European Union initially refused a bailout, citing the ‘no bailout’ clause, but eventually provided a €110 billion Memorandum to prevent bankruptcy and potential contagion. The IMF participated despite concerns over debt sustainability. A debt restructuring, including a 53.5% bond haircut, was implemented in 2012, which, despite criticisms, was deemed necessary and led to improved debt sustainability. The text also refutes myths about the crisis, emphasizing that memoranda were a response to, not a cause of, the crisis and that debt relief alone would not have ended austerity. It concludes that understanding the crisis’s causes and implementing structural reforms are crucial for preventing future crises.

140kgs of beef from Republic seized in north

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140kgs of beef from Republic seized in north

140 kilograms of beef smuggled from the Republic were seized by police in the north, with two arrests made. Meat prices in the north are typically higher than those in the Republic, driving Turkish Cypriot consumers to buy meat products south of the Green Line and, occasionally, illegally take it back to the north.

“I feel pity for you,” Christodoulou says after Stylianides remarks on Turkish Cyprus

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“I feel pity for you,” Christodoulou says after Stylianides remarks on Turkish Cyprus

Businessman John Christodoulou criticized Cypriot Minister of Shipping Christos Stylianides for his remarks about Cyprus, stating that Cyprus needs to stay strong and expressing disappointment in Stylianides’ statement. Christodoulou also questioned Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis if Greece wants to be represented by Stylianides, referring to his words as poisoned. The controversy arose from Stylianides’ speech in the Greek Parliament where he mentioned, “Half of Cyprus is already Turkish,” and argued for prudent battles to safeguard Cypriot Hellenism, acknowledging the power dynamics. Following backlash, Stylianides clarified his position, stating his commitment to Cyprus and explaining that his statement had been expressed previously in the Cypriot Parliament without inciting reactions.