An athletic president and an ungoverned state

An athletic president and an ungoverned state

The president has been criticized for not making tangible changes or addressing important issues in the country. Despite his stylish public appearances and activities, such as attending sports events with his child, the lack of visible progress in solving pressing problems like traffic congestion, education system inefficiencies, healthcare issues, and more, raises concerns about his leadership. The focus should be on addressing these issues rather than on his personal style and public appearances.

Sense of security a non-negotiable goal, says Justice Minister

Sense of security a non-negotiable goal, says Justice Minister

Fact: Cyprus is among the EU countries with the lowest performance in the time required to resolve civil cases.

‘, No greater concern than resolving the Cyprus issue’

‘, No greater concern than resolving the Cyprus issue’

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated that the state’s main concern is the resolution of the Cyprus problem. He mentioned that the UN Secretary General’s personal envoy for the Cyprus problem, Maria Angel Holguin, will have a one-to-one meeting with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss efforts to resume talks. Letymbiotis emphasized the commitment to the resumption of talks based on a bizonal bicommunal federation with political equality. The timeline for Holguin’s efforts is decided by the UN Secretary General, and Letymbiotis expressed that they will not allow a ‘gravestone’ to be placed on the Cyprus problem.

How impartial can the UN in Cyprus really be?

How impartial can the UN in Cyprus really be?

Turkish Cypriots have lost confidence in the UN and Unficyp and do not consent to their presence in northern Cyprus. The funding for Unficyp in Cyprus is paid for by Cyprus and Greece, raising concerns about the impartiality of the UN forces in Cyprus. The UN could have asked the UK, Greece, and Turkey to contribute to the funding to avoid a conflict of interest. Without confidence in the UN, any proposals from them will be rejected.

Glass half empty?

Glass half empty?

Climate change is impacting the Canadian wine industry, with recent events like a cold snap in the Okanagan Valley causing significant damage to grapevines. The industry must adapt to changing environmental conditions by embracing new production methods, technologies, and sustainable farming practices. Policymakers should support the transition to a more sustainable future for the wine industry. Additionally, changing consumer trends, such as a decrease in wine consumption and a preference for quality over quantity, are also affecting the industry. Despite these challenges, there is hope that adaptation strategies and agritech innovation can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and lead to a more sustainable and innovative viticulture sector.

Cypriot government and Chinese firm nearing settlement

Cypriot government and Chinese firm nearing settlement

The Cypriot Government and Chinese state-owned company CPP are working towards a velvet divorce, focusing on resolving the remaining works for the terminal at Vasilikos. The Chinese side has made financial demands for the delivery of the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) to its owner, ETYFA, which could amount to tens of millions of euros in addition to the funds already spent. Intensive consultations are expected to find a compromise exclusively for the FSRU, with legal advisors seeking a settlement based on the arbitrator’s decision. Once a settlement is reached for the FSRU, an agreement for the dissolution of cooperation regarding projects in Vasilikos is expected. Financial differences will be resolved through arbitration, with ETYFA seeking another contractor to complete the jetty and other projects on land.

Artists in Cyprus demand professional recognition and better working conditions

Artists in Cyprus demand professional recognition and better working conditions

Artists and arts professionals in Cyprus are demanding the government establish a ‘Status of the Artist’ to improve working conditions, including access to social security, medical care, and retirement benefits. The lack of a defined status has led to financial insecurity and a lack of healthcare for many in the arts sector. The Cypriot government plans to set a professional status for artists as a priority for 2024, following EU developments calling for improved living and working conditions for cultural and creative professionals.

UN envoy expresses hope for Cyprus resolution

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

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.

When darkness is normalised in politics

When darkness is normalised in politics

The far-right party ELAM has gained significant political space in Cyprus, attracting voters from various parties. This rise of the far-right is not just a Cypriot issue but a European and international phenomenon. The far-right thrives on crises and social inequalities, offering what seems like an attractive alternative to traditional parties. Despite some missteps, ELAM continues to influence public discussions and set the agenda, posing a potential nightmare for other parties and society as a whole. The focus should be on countering the far-right through effective policies and addressing pressing issues to prevent the normalization of fascism.