“Returning” from the front after 50 years
The remains of a missing person from 1974, Charalambos Sarlian from Keramoti, Kavala, a Greek national, have been identified. There are no close living relatives to receive and bury them.
Cyprus problem
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.
Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Karapaşaoğlu jailed for defying call-up
Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu was sentenced to three days in prison for refusing to pay a fine related to his mobilisation call. This is his second trial in the occupied north for defying the call-up, with his initial declaration of conscientious objection in 2013 leading to military court trials until 2019. Despite receiving a fine in 2019, his refusal to pay resulted in a 20-day prison sentence, later reduced to three nights and four days by a higher court. Critics, such as Murat Kanatlı, have condemned the ruling, pointing out the officials’ hypocrisy in advocating for human rights in European forums but failing to implement relevant ECHR decisions domestically. Karapaşaoğlu’s lawyer, Öncel Pili, has pledged to continue fighting for conscientious objector rights despite the imprisonment.
Qatar reportedly interested in Larnaca port project
The Emir of Qatar’s visit to the Presidential Palace focused on discussing concrete projects rather than indulging in rhetoric. During the meeting, both leaders emphasized specific references and tangible results, agreeing to establish a working committee to review progress every six months. Qatar expressed interest in energy, ports, the financial sector, and technology collaborations. They also discussed political issues such as the Cyprus problem and the situation in Gaza. The Emir’s visit marked a strategic step towards further developing strong bilateral ties between Qatar and Cyprus.
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.
Calls for north , ‘parliament’ to pass resolution for two-state solution
The fact described in the text is that the north’s ‘transport minister’ Erhan Arikli called for the north’s ‘parliament’ to pass a resolution calling for a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem.
Three MEPs headed for re-election
Three of the six outgoing Cyprus MEPs seem set for re-election, with incumbents Loucas Fourlas, Giorgos Georgiou, and Costas Mavrides expected to retain their seats. The far-right party ELAM could win its first European seat.
President working , ‘tirelessly’ to restart talks
Cyprus’ president is working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles posed by the Turkish side and create conditions for the resumption of talks to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. The current state of affairs is not an option for the Greek Cypriot side.
Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels
Ersin Tatar, the representative of occupying Turkey, is seeking “equal international status” with a European stamp for the breakaway regime in Cyprus. He wants meetings and visits abroad to be at the same level as those of President Christodoulides, aiming for full equality with the Republic of Cyprus. Despite efforts mainly in Brussels, Tatar has not been successful in getting the desired level of recognition. However, the Turkish side is finding more support in Turkish-speaking countries like Azerbaijan. The policy of recognizing two states in Cyprus is causing tension, with Ankara potentially resorting to blackmail if faced with an impasse. Turkey is not expected to make any moves before July and will likely wait until after the completion of the UN Special envoy’s mission.
Our View: Parties, ’ obsession with Elam has not yielded results
Elam, an extreme right nationalist party in Cyprus, has become a central focus in the election campaign for the European Parliament. Opinion polls suggest that Elam could finish third in the elections, leading other parties to turn against it due to its links with Greece’s neo-fascist Golden Dawn party. Migration has emerged as a major political issue in the campaign, with Elam being known for its xenophobic rhetoric and anti-migrant stance. Other parties, such as Diko and Edek, have directed attacks at Elam in an attempt to prevent losing votes to the far-right party. Despite efforts from various parties to discredit Elam, they have inadvertently given the party free publicity.