government

To put an end to the general formulations and to form a line with insight into the Cypriot issue, Evangelos Venizelos calls

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To put an end to the general formulations and to form a line with insight into the Cypriot issue, Evangelos Venizelos calls

The former Vice President of the Greek Government, Evangelos Venizelos, expressed the belief that a new momentum in Greek-Turkish relations could contribute to a better atmosphere in the Cyprus issue, which is an international issue of invasion and occupation. He emphasized the need for a national strategy and the importance of the political system and political parties in Cyprus to develop a strategy with the support of the Greek Republic and the entire nation. Venizelos also stated that the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations could potentially have a positive impact on the Cyprus issue. However, he reiterated that the Cyprus issue is an international problem and should not be discussed as a Greek-Turkish issue. The President of the Parliament, Annita Demetriou, expressed her pleasure in meeting with Venizelos and highlighted Greece's support in managing the issues faced by Cyprus. She also emphasized the importance of political choices, such as improving relations with Turkey, in helping to resolve the Cyprus issue and promote peace, security, and prosperity in Cyprus, Greece, and the wider region.

Pensions now paid within 30 days of retirement

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Pensions now paid within 30 days of retirement

The labour ministry of Cyprus announced the completion of measures to ensure retirees receive their first pension payment within 30 days of retirement. Since the government’s initiative in September, over 6,000 new pensioners have started receiving their payments within this timeframe. This policy was part of President Nikos Christodoulides’ “State of the Republic” speech. Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou stated that this timely payment is a sign of appreciation towards workers and is part of the government’s “human-centred” approach that aims to improve the lives of citizens.

Timely pensions implemented for new retirees

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Timely pensions implemented for new retirees

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance has successfully implemented the government’s plan for timely payment of statutory pensions for new retirees. This plan ensures that retirees receive their pensions within one month of reaching retirement age or from the date they choose to receive their pension. The first installment of the statutory pension was paid in September 2023 and the process was completed in January 2024. This has positively impacted over 6000 new retirees annually and has put an end to previous delays. The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance prioritizes the acceleration of payment for all benefits and allowances provided by the Social Insurance Services. This policy is part of the Governance Program and is being progressively implemented with specific results. Minister of Labor and Social Insurance, Mr. Yiannis Panayiotou, emphasizes that the timely payment of the statutory pension is a minimum appreciation that the state owes to workers who have consistently paid their contributions to the Social Insurance Fund. This human-centered government policy aims to improve the daily lives of citizens and address problems to enhance their quality of life.

Trade union president criticises draft law addressing hooliganism

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Trade union president criticises draft law addressing hooliganism

Nikos Loizides, president of the trade union Isotita, appeared before the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee to discuss proposed measures to combat violence in stadiums. He stated that if the measures are implemented, they will bring the problem to the streets. Loizides also mentioned that the only thing not assigned to the police is the VAR. He urged for cameras to be fixed in stadiums so that the police can do their job. Football clubs also disagree with the government’s positions on stadium closures and fan integration. The president of the Cyprus Football Association called for a dialogue with the government. The stance of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, regarding the release of fans who test positive in drug or alcohol tests, has caused controversy.

Fierce fighting in Gaza's Khan Younis: 'We are out in the cold, left to our own devices'

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Fierce fighting in Gaza's Khan Younis: 'We are out in the cold, left to our own devices'

The text describes the current situation in the city of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip, which is experiencing intense fighting and bombardment. The Israeli army is targeting Hamas fighters in the city. Hospitals are under attack and the population is fleeing. Witnesses report that the city is heavily damaged and there is a shortage of food. The United Nations is calling for continued assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip and for the protection of services for Palestinian refugees. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) is facing serious threats to its operations after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in attacks. Over half of the buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed. The US and EU have suspended funding to UNRWA pending an investigation into the allegations. The situation in the Gaza Strip is causing a humanitarian crisis, with 1.7 million people forced to leave their homes. The Israeli government views UNRWA as fundamentally compromised and accuses it of allowing Hamas to use its infrastructure for military activities. The US and other countries are calling for fundamental changes to UNRWA. Meanwhile, the US, Egypt, and Qatar are negotiating for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hamas has received a proposal for a ceasefire and is considering it. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will not withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip and will not release thousands of terrorists in exchange for hostages.

US court will not revisit ruling limiting voting rights lawsuits

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Civil rights activists failed to persuade the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a ruling that could limit lawsuits enforcing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act’s protections against racial discrimination. The court maintained that only the government, not private plaintiffs, can pursue such cases. This decision, originating from a November 2-1 panel ruling, is the first of its kind from a federal appeals court and affects seven states within the 8th Circuit’s jurisdiction. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit challenging an Arkansas State House of Representatives redistricting plan, which was alleged to diminish the voting power of Black residents. The plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, are considering further legal actions, potentially appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2022, U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky ruled that only the U.S. attorney general can file lawsuits under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits racially discriminatory voting rules. Three judges dissented from the decision not to rehear the case, with U.S. Circuit Judge Steven Colloton criticizing the November ruling as “flawed.”

Opposition slams president, ’s lack of vision

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Opposition slams president, ’s lack of vision

– President Nikos Christodoulides presented government goals for 2024, outlining a series of 80 points for action.
– Opposition parties responded critically to the presentation, with Akel suggesting the government has previously failed to meet its own standards and Disy accusing the president of repeating previously stated plans.
– Disy noted that the budget passed reflects the actions to be taken in 2024 and includes development projects and implementation of previously voted reforms.
– Disy was partially satisfied with the extension of maternity leave to 22 weeks from the first child, a proposal they supported.
– Disy has also proposed legislative changes to allow voting rights at 17, with proposals tabled since June 1, 2023.
– Finance Minister Makis Keravnos stated that the ministry is prepared to meet the goals set for 2024 and emphasized the importance of moving forward with goals for the benefit of Cyprus.
– The 2024 budget includes a significant primary surplus to support the announced goals and respond to the needs of the Cypriot people within the context of a modern, evolving European country.

Opposition slams president, ’s lack of vision

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Opposition slams president, ’s lack of vision

– President Nikos Christodoulides presented government goals for 2024, outlining a series of 80 points for action.
– Opposition party Akel criticized the government for not achieving previously set high standards and for not presenting anything new beyond the election campaign promises.
– Disy, another opposition party, labeled the president a “copycat” for repeating statements made by ministers during budget presentations and expressed skepticism about the creation of a new vision.
– Disy was pleased with the partial acceptance of their proposal to extend maternity leave to 22 weeks from the first child.
– Disy has submitted recommendations for the budget review, including further support for families with three or more children, and has tabled legislative proposals for voting rights at 17 since June 1, 2023.
– Finance Minister Makis Keravnos stated that his ministry is prepared to meet the goals set by Christodoulides for 2024 and emphasized the importance of moving forward with goals for the benefit of Cyprus.
– The 2024 budget includes a significant primary surplus to support the president’s goals and the country’s obligations as a European nation.

The UN Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of UNFICYP

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The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution today in New York to renew the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for another year, extending its term until January 31, 2025. The resolution was unanimously adopted by all 15 members of the Security Council. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the renewal of the UNFICYP mandate and expressed its full support for finding a sustainable and inclusive solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality. The Security Council also reiterated its position on the status of Varosha and called for the restoration of the pre-June 2000 status in the area of Strovilia. The Council expressed concern over repeated violations of the ceasefire line and the questioning of the status of the buffer zone by Turkish forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of taking actions to create a positive climate, reduce tensions, and build trust in view of the mission of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy. The Cypriot government remains fully committed to working constructively towards a substantive negotiation process under the auspices of the UN.