occupied

Cyprus ready to offer aid to migrants stranded in buffer zone, President says

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Cyprus ready to offer aid to migrants stranded in buffer zone, President says

Cyprus is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants stranded in the buffer zone, with the Red Cross already offering aid. The country has obligations under the EU’s Green Line Regulation and is cautious about becoming a new route for illegal immigrants. Fourteen migrants from Afghanistan, Sudan, Cameroon, and Iran are stranded near a university campus in Aglantzia. The UN Peacekeeping Force and UNHCR are working to assist them, as Cyprus has temporarily suspended asylum applications and increased patrols along the buffer zone. Additionally, asylum applications for Syrian nationals have been suspended due to human rights violations in Syria.

Dozens of migrants stranded in buffer zone

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Dozens of migrants stranded in buffer zone

The Cyprus government has left migrants, including women, children, and unaccompanied minors, stranded in the UN buffer zone for close to a week. Initially, there were 13 migrants, but the number has now more than doubled to 27. The migrants are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon, and have reported themselves as asylum seekers. The government’s denial of entry violates national, EU, and international law, according to UN sources. The migrants have been stuck in tents in the buffer zone, some requiring hospital treatment. The UNHCR is making representations to the government to abide by their obligations towards asylum seekers. The government has not commented on the matter, citing that the migrants are in the buffer zone.

Cyprus has consistently alienated friendly countries

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Cyprus has consistently alienated friendly countries

The fact described in the text is that every time Cyprus faced isolated attempts for recognition of the illegal entity in the occupied part of Cyprus, the country always turned to the United States government for help, and the US always responded positively to avert the danger.

Migrants living in buffer zone reach 27, as more arrive

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Migrants living in buffer zone reach 27, as more arrive

Fourteen migrants have arrived in the buffer zone, bringing the total number of people stuck there to 27.

Just 385 families keep four villages in occupied areas alive

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Just 385 families keep four villages in occupied areas alive

There are only 385 families still living in the occupied villages of Kormakiti, Karpasia, Agia Triada, and Rizokarpaso, serving as pillars of Hellenism and the Maronite community. The Ministry of Social Welfare has revised the Resettlement Plan to provide financial support and incentives for families to return. The plan includes flexible conditions and offers facilitations such as allowing non-consecutive overnight stays and extending caregiving allowances. Interested parties must have permanent residence in the occupied villages and not be recipients of public assistance. The Ministry of Social Welfare manages and implements the plan, providing a monthly allowance to beneficiaries who meet the requirements and continue to reside permanently in their occupied village.

Some 27 migrants, including unaccompanied children, are in the buffer zone

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Some 27 migrants, including unaccompanied children, are in the buffer zone

Thirteen migrants, including unaccompanied children, are now stranded in the buffer zone between Aglantzia and Geri, in addition to the 14 who have been living in tents for the past two weeks. The total number of migrants is now 27. Despite expressing their desire to apply for asylum, the migrants remain trapped in the buffer zone. The UNHCR is providing food, water, hygiene products, and clothing, but the asylum seekers are living in tents and exposed to extreme weather conditions. The Republic of Cyprus is working with relevant ministries and the UN peacekeeping force to address the needs of the migrants.

Sea turtles are not being protected at Parasolia beach this year

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Sea turtles are not being protected at Parasolia beach this year

Female sea turtles at Parasolia beach in Kiti are facing challenges during the breeding season due to a thick layer of stones from winter storms covering more than half of their nesting area, as well as new sunbeds and umbrellas occupying the rest. The new sunbed renter is obstructing the identification and protection of nests. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) has been informed about the issue, but there has been no update. The writer has been marking nests with sticks and signs and working with experts to protect them. Local councils and sunbed renters have a negative attitude towards protecting the turtles, despite laws protecting sea turtles, their eggs, and hatchlings on every beach in Cyprus since 1971.

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

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Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.

Turkish Cypriots and abstention will decide the outcome of the elections

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Turkish Cypriots and abstention will decide the outcome of the elections

The political landscape in Cyprus remains uncertain a week before the double election showdown. The top spot in the European elections is a close contest between DISY and AKEL, with DIKO and ELAM battling for third place. The percentages that DIKO and ELAM achieve are crucial, as their race could result in higher-than-expected percentages for both parties. The smaller parties are also uncertain about the support they will receive. A key factor in the upcoming elections is the turnout of Turkish Cypriot voters, with an estimated increase in participation expected. This increase could potentially influence the final results, especially in the battle between AKEL and DISY for the top spot. DISY’s level of voter consolidation will also play a critical role in the election outcome, as it could impact the percentages of other parties. Discontent and disagreements within DISY may lead to alternative votes going to parties like ELAM or independent candidate Phidias Panayiotou.