buffer zone

Bicommunal solar park , ‘valuable for all Cypriots’

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Bicommunal solar park , ‘valuable for all Cypriots’

– A bicommunal photovoltaic power plant would increase cooperation in the energy field and build trust.
– The European Commission is ready to help find solutions if there are diverging views and concerns.
– The aid programme supported by the EU paves the way for reunification.
– The Commission would need to undertake a comprehensive assessment of alignment with EU standards.
– The Green Line trade has almost quadrupled in 20 years, reaching over €16 million in 2023.
– The biggest challenge faced by Mario Nava in Cyprus is often to start dialogue on various matters.

President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

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President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the UN peacekeeping force regarding 13 migrants reported to be living in the buffer zone near the university grounds. The migrants are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon and had come from the north after being denied entrance to the state-controlled areas. The UN peacekeeping force is working with UNCHR to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable migrants.

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.

Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

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Israel sends tanks into Rafah on raids amid Gaza-wide offensive

Israeli tanks continued to raid Rafah for a second day, defying the World Court’s order to end attacks on the city. The United States did not believe a major ground operation was underway, despite Israel’s incursion into Rafah. Residents reported Israeli tanks entering various areas before retreating towards the border with Egypt. The Palestinian health ministry called for immediate healthcare assistance in Rafah and northern Gaza, where hospitals had stopped functioning. UNRWA reported that around a million Palestinians had fled after Israeli evacuation orders. The Red Crescent Society evacuated medical teams due to ongoing bombardments. The World Court criticized Israel for not ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuees from Rafah. Israel proposed a ceasefire and hostage release to Qatar, but Hamas insisted talks were pointless unless Israel ended its offensive on Rafah. Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s Gaza offensive.

UN envoy expresses hope for Cyprus resolution

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UN envoy expresses hope for Cyprus resolution

The fact described in the text is that the monument ‘In The Service of Peace’ in Cyprus honors 150,000 uniformed personnel who have served in Cyprus, 187 of whom have died there.

Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

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Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

Occupying Turkey is preparing moves following the end of the mission of the UN Secretary General’s envoy on the Cyprus problem. Ankara and its representative in the occupied territories are planning action if a deadlock is established. They aim to change the basis of the Cyprus problem, impose their agenda, and reach a “cooperation agreement” between the two entities. Turkey is pressuring the United Nations to negotiate a separate agreement, but the UN has deemed this illegal. The occupation forces are causing minor crises within the buffer zone to assert control over the area.

Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

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Russia says Ukraine makes 60-drone attack on Russia, oil refinery halted

Ukraine launched a major attack on Crimea and Russian regions with missiles and drones, causing an oil refinery in southern Russia to halt operations. Russian air defenses shot down the missiles and drones. The Ukrainian-launched drones carried bigger charges than previous attacks, including steel balls. Russia has reported a rise in Ukrainian attacks on its territory, prompting President Putin to carve out a buffer zone in northeastern Ukraine. The White House reiterated its policy of not encouraging Ukraine to use U.S. weapons against Russian territory. Russia captured a village in Kharkiv region and considers Crimea and other regions part of Russia, while Ukraine and its allies reject this stance. President Zelenskiy is determined to eject all Russian troops from Ukraine and expects Russia to escalate its offensive. Ukraine lacks sufficient air defenses to defend itself, and the West is concerned about the outcome of a potential defeat for Russia.

Celebration planned in parliament for Cyprus, ’ EU anniversary

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Celebration planned in parliament for Cyprus, ’ EU anniversary

High-level guests will attend a celebration in the parliament on Friday during a special session of the House plenum to mark Cyprus’ 20th anniversary since joining the European Union. President Nikos Christodoulides, cabinet ministers, the diplomatic corps, and other officials of the Republic will be present. The event will conclude with an award ceremony for students of high schools and technical schools in the essay competition on “20 years since Cyprus’ accession to the EU.”

Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday

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Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday

The Home for Cooperation marked 13 years since its opening on Monday. They transformed an empty space designed to keep people apart into a melting pot where first steps to come closer can be taken. They hope to continue walking together, transforming physical and mental barriers along the way towards the united Cyprus they dream of.

‘Varosha should be free trade zone for both sides’

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‘Varosha should be free trade zone for both sides’

Fact: Serdar Denktash, son of late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, believes that Varosha should be transformed into a free trade zone and a common living area for both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.