Strike action at state hospitals in Cyprus looms as doctors’ unions prepare to announce their next steps on Monday, raising concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare services. The Pancyprian Association of Government Doctors (PASYKI) and the Union of Cyprus Public Employees (PASYDY) are set to meet on Monday to finalise joint measures, including the timing … Read more
President Nikos Christodoulides has been briefed about the meeting of the UN secretary general with his personal envoy. The Turkish Minister of Defence, Yasar Guler, made a provocative statement regarding the Turkish troops’ “peace operation” in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot side is steadfast in requesting the resumption of talks, despite indications that negotiations may not be positive. The UNSG will also meet with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to convey specific messages on behalf of the Republic. Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar claimed that peace prevailed on the island in 1974 and that the Turkish Cypriots made significant gains. Turkish Cypriot MPs participated in discussions at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the issue of Varosha, claiming that the 1984 UN Security Council resolution is outdated.
Reflect Festival, Cyprus’ flagship tech and startup festival, returned to Limassol and welcomed 9,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts in a new venue. The event marked the biggest conference ever organized in Cyprus and the most international year of Reflect so far. Attendees from 70 countries participated, including 1,500 companies and 130 governmental representatives from 20 countries. The festival featured over 150 companies in the expo, with activities like holograms, augmented reality garments, and contests. The event also included parties, sports events, and side activities around Limassol. Reflect Festival announced the launch of The Doers Company as an umbrella organization behind the event and future activities.
UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin continues to engage with UN officials and will provide updates on her work. She will report to the Secretary-General and then provide information to the Security Council. Ms. Holguin will have a one-to-one meeting with the Secretary-General to discuss the facts and exchange views on the effort to resume talks. The government looks forward to an update from Ms. Holguin and wants an objective presentation of the facts, highlighting their commitment to the resumption of talks and alignment with agreed frameworks and resolutions.
Health Minister Michalis Damianou is working on legislation to set up university clinics, facing opposition from the University of Cyprus and the government doctors’ union Pasyki. The main disagreement is about who should run the clinics, with the University of Cyprus wanting academic doctors in charge, while Pasyki prefers experienced hospital doctors. Damianou believes in a gradual approach where academic doctors work alongside hospital doctors and eventually take over. He does not agree with the University of Cyprus’ stance and emphasizes the stability of the hospitals and public sector doctors.
President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated that the government’s sole goal is the liberation and reunification of Cyprus based on UN resolutions.
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.
Germany and Europe are preparing for two significant events: the European Parliament elections and the UEFA EURO 2024 football tournament in Germany. The German Ambassador to Cyprus expressed concern about the rise of right-wing parties in the elections and emphasized Germany’s support for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions. Germany aims to host EURO 2024 as a symbol of cohesion in Europe, promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Germany also advocates for a strong and united EU, despite facing challenges like Putin’s war in Ukraine. The 2004 enlargement of the EU serves as a lesson on the importance of unity and speaking with one voice in foreign policy. Germany’s proposals for EU decision-making reform aim to ensure the Union remains capable of action. Germany is committed to supporting Cyprus in finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing the importance of confidence-building between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities.
There are ongoing efforts to find a solution for the Vasiliko liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project, with no discussions of a “velvet divorce” with Chinese state-owned company CPP.
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