Our View: , ‘Ambassador’ comment an embarrassment for Cyprus

Our View: , ‘Ambassador’ comment an embarrassment for Cyprus

The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hammad Al Thani visited Cyprus for the first time, accompanied by a delegation of ministers to discuss economic, investment, and tourism cooperation between the two countries. President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed the Emir and emphasized the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations. However, the President made an inappropriate comment by suggesting that Cyprus could act as an ambassador for Qatar in Brussels, which was seen as a breach of diplomatic protocol and raised concerns about the credibility of the Republic.

Jury in,  Trump trial to hear closing arguments before deliberations

Jury in,  Trump trial to hear closing arguments before deliberations

Fact: New York prosecutors and Donald Trump’s lawyers made closing arguments at his hush money trial, where he faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

The ‘Fidias phenomenon’ in politics

The ‘Fidias phenomenon’ in politics

Fidias Panayiotou, a successful online personality, has entered the political arena during the dual elections of June 9. Despite his popularity and savvy marketing strategies, it remains unclear what his political positions are and which group he will align with in the European Parliament. He has claimed to have a 5% share of the votes in a survey, which could translate to over 10,000 votes. While he has gained recognition through his online presence, the question remains whether figures like him can bring about substantive change in a political system struggling with credibility.

Analysis: Israel’s allies grapple with bid for ICC warrant against Netanyahu

Analysis: Israel’s allies grapple with bid for ICC warrant against Netanyahu

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has requested an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, causing a diplomatic dilemma for key member states who must balance support for Israel with backing the ICC’s actions. Some capitals, such as Paris, London, and Berlin, were informed beforehand about the plans, but many have not disclosed how they will respond if warrants are issued. Germany, in particular, faces challenges due to its support for Israel’s security and the ICC prosecutor’s independence. U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have criticized the move, while European countries like Britain and Italy are divided over the issue. The ICC has jurisdiction over the conflict between Israel and Hamas since October 7, 2022, despite Israel not being a member of the court. The international community’s response to the arrest warrants will be crucial for the ICC’s credibility and the rule of law.

Stealing from Trump was , ‘self-help,’ Cohen testifies at hush money trial

Stealing from Trump was , ‘self-help,’ Cohen testifies at hush money trial

Fact: Michael Cohen testified that he stole money from Trump’s company as a form of “self-help” during Trump’s hush money trial.

Trump, ’s lawyers assail estranged fixer Michael Cohen’s credibility at hush money trial

Trump, ’s lawyers assail estranged fixer Michael Cohen’s credibility at hush money trial

Fact: Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former fixer, testified that Trump ordered him to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to stay quiet about an alleged 2006 sexual encounter, and then approved a plan to reimburse Cohen through bogus invoices.

Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a death toll of 34,844, with 21,058 counted from bodies arriving at morgues and 3,715 reported online by family members. The ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies are uncounted. The credibility of the death toll is supported by public health experts and the World Health Organization, although there are specific questions about certain casualties. Hamas does not control the figures, as the Health Ministry also answers to the Palestinian Authority ministry in the West Bank. Israeli officials have questioned the figures, but the military has acknowledged their reliability. Israel estimates that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the war. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 70% of the dead are women and children under 18, with children representing slightly over 40% of all those killed.

Trump lawyer questions Stormy Daniels, ’ account of sex with Trump

Trump lawyer questions Stormy Daniels, ’ account of sex with Trump

Donald Trump’s lawyer sought to undermine Stormy Daniels’ credibility as a witness in the first criminal trial of a sitting or former U.S. president by showing inconsistencies in her various tellings of a 2006 sexual encounter she had with Trump.