arrivals

Migrants stranded in Cyprus buffer zone as asylum applications suspended

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Migrants stranded in Cyprus buffer zone as asylum applications suspended

Fourteen migrants are stranded in the buffer zone near the University of Cyprus campus in Aglantzia, unable to enter government-controlled areas due to the temporary suspension of asylum applications by the Republic of Cyprus. The group includes women and children from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran, with assistance being provided by the UNFICYP and UNHCR. Patrols have been increased along the buffer zone to deter migrant arrivals, resulting in a 95% decrease in arrivals by boat from Syria. Pushbacks in Lebanese waters have contributed to this decrease, but the Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants. The U.N. human rights office has reported gross human rights violations faced by Syrian refugees returning to Syria, including torture, abduction, sexual harassment, and violence. Pushbacks are measures used by states to force refugees and migrants out of their territory, circumventing international protection safeguards.

Let the Poles in-Cyprus looking to attract more than half a million tourists, as Warsaw warms up to closer relations

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Let the Poles in-Cyprus looking to attract more than half a million tourists, as Warsaw warms up to closer relations

Tourist diplomacy is important for bilateral relationships between countries, with Poland and Cyprus increasing their ties in recent years. Poland is becoming a significant market for Cyprus, with a growing number of Polish tourists visiting the island. The President of Poland highlighted the welcoming and safe environment in Cyprus, attracting more visitors. Brexit has decreased British tourists to Cyprus, making room for Poland to potentially become the second top tourist market. Polish investments are also increasing in Cyprus, with Polish companies setting up headquarters on the island. Additionally, Poland has a long-standing archaeological mission in Paphos, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries.

CCLEI: Negative growth trend continues

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CCLEI: Negative growth trend continues

The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) remained negative for the third consecutive month in April, with a year-over-year decrease of 0.6%. This was driven by a slowdown in tourist arrivals and an increase in crude oil prices.

Man admits to cannabis charges in Paphos court

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Man admits to cannabis charges in Paphos court

A 29-year-old man admitted to charges of importing and possession with intent to supply 28 kilograms of cannabis, as well as money laundering from illegal activities. He was arrested at Paphos airport on January 31 after police found the drugs in his bags. The state lab confirmed the seized packages contained cannabis. The man has been in custody since his arrest. The case will resume on June 20, and the court has ordered that he remains in custody until then.

Irregular migrant arrivals drop

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Irregular migrant arrivals drop

The number of irregular migrant arrivals in Cyprus has significantly decreased following the suspension of asylum applications for Syrian nationals.

North clamps down on foreigners buying property

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North clamps down on foreigners buying property

The fact described in the text is that the north’s ‘parliament’ passed a law clamping down on foreigners buying property, limiting them to one house or apartment on less than 2,500 square meters of land.

Swarmed with tourists, Japan town blocks off viral view of Mt. Fuji

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Swarmed with tourists, Japan town blocks off viral view of Mt. Fuji

Fact: Officials in Japan have erected a barrier to obstruct a popular photo spot of Mt. Fuji due to safety concerns and issues with visitors not obeying rules on littering and parking.

Ignorance about the movement of illicit money

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Ignorance about the movement of illicit money

The Cypriot State lacks absolute control over private funds and assets transferred to the country, which may be linked to illegal activities. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos recently failed to provide clear information on the amounts of liquid assets carried by travelers using private flights to and from Cyprus, despite being questioned by a Member of Parliament. This issue has been highlighted amidst concerns about money laundering in the country.

Cyprus was inhabited earlier than previously thought

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Cyprus was inhabited earlier than previously thought

Fact: The study suggests that large groups of hundreds or thousands of people arrived in Cyprus in two or three main migration events across the span of less than 100 years.

Eight arrested after climate activists breach German airport

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Eight arrested after climate activists breach German airport

Fact: German police arrested eight climate activists who breached the grounds of Munich airport, causing it to briefly close during a busy holiday weekend.