phileleftheros

Terrorism court case at critical point

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Terrorism court case at critical point

The complex terrorism case involving 41-year-old Orkhan Asadov, accused of recruiting and organizing criminal activities against Israelis in Nicosia, reached a critical point. The trial within a trial process concluded with final arguments from both sides, and the judicial panel reserved its decision for July 5. The defense attorneys argued that the Police accessed the defendants’ mobile phones unlawfully, while the prosecuting authority defended the legality of the procedures. The case began after Asadov’s arrest in September 2021, and he denies charges related to terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.

Cyprus extends entertainment venue hours until early morning

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Cyprus extends entertainment venue hours until early morning

Clubs, music venues, and cabarets in Cyprus can now operate with extended hours, from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am on Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays, and until 5:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The extended hours were approved by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and will be in effect until September 30. The Cyprus Association of Entertainment Venue Owners has not yet commented on the new regulations, which only apply to specific categories of venues.

Limassol Town Planning races to process thousands of pending applications

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Limassol Town Planning races to process thousands of pending applications

The Limassol District Town Planning Department is dealing with a backlog of roughly 3,500 applications as the deadline for transferring planning authority to the Limassol District Self-Government Organisation approaches. The surge in applications is driven by public anxiety and the desire to secure approvals before the transition. Despite the increased workload, the department is prioritizing clearing existing applications and preparing for the transition on June 10. An additional 1,000 applications are pending with the Limassol Municipality, which is also experiencing a similar surge.

Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

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Clinics , ‘may suspend operations’ due to nurse shortage

Cyprus is facing a nursing shortage of between 450 and 500 nurses, which is impacting the operations of clinics and hospitals. The shortage is expected to increase as nurses retire. To address this issue, the employers’ and industrialists’ federation (Oev) is suggesting hiring nurses from third countries and utilizing third country nationals who study nursing in Cyprus. Private hospitals are already struggling to find staff to hire, and there are concerns about lowering the number of hours required to train nurses in Cyprus, which could impact patient safety.

Anastasiades corruption probe focuses on surveillance claims in “Mafia State”

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Anastasiades corruption probe focuses on surveillance claims in “Mafia State”

The investigation by the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) into Makarios Drousiotis’ book “Mafia State” intensified with a hearing focused on the chapter “A Spy in the Palm of My Hand.” Drousiotis presented evidence of being surveilled through electronic devices, raising questions about potential police involvement. The book details his experience of approaching the police with suspicions of being monitored through malware. The investigation also looks into the events surrounding Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev’s divorce in Cyprus, alleging involvement of a law firm with ties to the former president, questionable legislative amendments, favorable court rulings, and suspicious financial transactions. Former President Nicos Anastasiades has denied all allegations. Gabrielle Louise McIntyre is leading the IAAC inspection team, with witness testimonies ongoing. Sophie in ‘t Veld warned in 2023 that individuals in public life are at risk of surveillance, emphasizing the importance of accountability in democracy.

Qatar, other suitors interested in Larnaca marina

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Qatar, other suitors interested in Larnaca marina

Interest in Larnaca’s marina and port remains high despite the divorce between the Government and Kition Ocean Holdings. The Emir of Qatar has shown interest in the project, along with other suitors within the country. The proposal to separate the project and focus on the marina has gained ground, with the Government open to discussions and forming a working group to expedite the process. The Larnaca Municipality demands greater involvement in the project’s future, with plans for a committee to conduct a techno-economic study. The matter will be discussed in the House Transport Committee, and the Ministry of Transport will take over the management of the marina.

Qatar reportedly interested in Larnaca port project

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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.

Larnaca port and marina in flux as state replaces Kition

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Larnaca port and marina in flux as state replaces Kition

Larnaca’s port and marina are now under state control following the collapse of a major development project. The Port Authority has taken over operations, deploying additional staff and private machinery services. The future management of the marina is uncertain, with discussions on potentially separating the port and marina projects gaining traction. The fate of Kition Ocean Holdings’ employees remains unclear, with trade unions advocating for their rights. The government is re-evaluating the initial development plan and considering future steps for the projects.

Our View: Larnaca marina project was far too ambitious

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Our View: Larnaca marina project was far too ambitious

The termination of the contract for the development of the Larnaca port and marina was due to a loss of trust and breakdown in communication between the contractor Kition Ocean Holdings and the government. The government sought legal advice and decided to terminate the contract after the company refused to pay the guarantee amount. The Kition CEO blamed the government for the project’s failure, stating that changes were needed to make it viable. The government acknowledges mistakes were made and plans for the project were over-ambitious, making it unviable. If a new company takes on the project, plans need to be modified and scaled down.

LNG import blues

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LNG import blues

The LNG import project at Vasilikos in Cyprus has faced recurring problems and delays. The project, which aims to switch power generation from oil to natural gas, could reduce electricity prices by one-third, resulting in annual cost savings close to €300-€400 million. The project has faced issues due to a badly conducted tender, unclear terms of reference, and a contractor with no experience in such projects. The current contractor, CPP, has claimed additional costs and the project is not progressing as expected. The government is considering various options to complete the project, including finding a way to move forward with the present contractor, seeking independent expert advice, and exploring alternative plans if necessary.