Kition Ocean Holdings’ investment project for Larnaca’s port and marina has been officially terminated by the Cypriot government due to Kition’s refusal to renew the guarantee for the port, which was considered a breach of contract.
The government is currently dealing with disputes with big project contractors, including the potential termination of contracts for the Larnaca port/marina and Vassilikos gas terminal projects. These disputes have arisen due to major disagreements over costs, with some projects heading for costly legal battles. The government has also faced challenges with road construction projects, with disagreements over costs and delays. The government has inherited these issues from the previous administration and may be facing significant financial consequences as a result.
The Cat Protection and Welfare Association (P.A.W.S.) is urging authorities to take action against an individual accused of neglecting cats held in cages for months in Strovolos. P.A.W.S. president Dinos Agiomamitis alleges that the cats, including three who gave birth in captivity, are suffering due to prolonged confinement, with stress causing the mothers to kill and eat their kittens. Despite repeated complaints, relevant bodies like the police and veterinary services have failed to intervene. The cats endured poor conditions, including exposure to harsh weather that led to flooding in the cages. P.A.W.S. is requesting the Attorney General prosecute the individual for animal cruelty, while Strovolos Municipality has already filed charges against the owner for illegal structures housing the cats. The accused reportedly lives away from the location and feeds the cats wet bread twice a week.
Fact: Officials in Japan have erected a barrier to obstruct a popular photo spot of Mt. Fuji due to safety concerns and issues with visitors not obeying rules on littering and parking.
– Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) called for a meeting with a “decision maker” appointed by the Cypriot government in a “neutral territory” such as Dubai.
– The situation at the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko has reached a crisis point.
– CMC has offered a comprehensive solution to de-escalate the situation and save the project.
– Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao to discuss the impasse.
– Etyfa has persistently breached payment obligations under the contract for the Vasiliko LNG facility.
– CMC suspended work in January as an “absolute last resort” due to payment issues but lifted the suspension in March on assurances from Etyfa.
– Etyfa has made changes to the project and has refused to pay for them, including refusing to take delivery of the completed FSRU.
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.
Fact: The Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) has accused Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (Etyfa) of persistently failing to make milestone payments for the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko.
CMC, a Chinese state-owned company, has accused ETYFA of making significant changes to their agreement to build the Vasilikos LNG pier project in Cyprus. The company claims that ETYFA demanded the construction of an LNG export facility instead of the originally agreed-upon LNG reception and regasification facility. This change has led to technical and cost issues, making the project unsustainable for CMC. Despite working hard to meet ETYFA’s new demands, CMC insists that they should be compensated for the extra labor and materials required.
The Legal Service questioned the timing of the anti-corruption authority’s announcement regarding former drug squad chief Michalis Katsounotos.
The Auditor General has objected to the Attorney General’s request for his removal on grounds of misconduct, leading to a legal battle. The objection, submitted on the final day possible, disputes all points raised by the Attorney General. A hearing is scheduled for May 23, where the Council of the Supreme Constitutional Court will convene to hear the case. The dispute arose from the Attorney General’s refusal to press charges against a police officer who did not comply with questioning by the Independent Authority Against Corruption. The Auditor General’s legal team plans to raise two preliminary objections at the first hearing in May.