Fact: President Nikos Christodoulides mentioned that the Greek Cypriot side has a specific plan for creating positive conditions for a Cyprus solution and hopes this effort will result in a resumption of talks.
Karolina Pelendritou won the 50m freestyle at the European Para-swimming European Open Championships in Madeira with a time of 29.72, close to her personal record of 29.71.
President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his satisfaction that his objective of linking EU-Turkey relations with the Cyprus issue was achieved at the special meeting of the European Council.
The European Council conclusions provide an opportunity for Turkey to make gestures on the Cyprus issue, which will have an effect on Euro-Turkish relations. The upcoming visits of various leaders to Turkey are seen as opportunities to convey messages regarding both the Euro-Turkish and Cyprus issues. Ankara is expected to comply with some obligations, including those related to Cyprus, despite wanting the Borel report to be adopted without conditions. The Republic of Cyprus and the European Union have sent a positive message to Turkey about potential progress on issues of mutual interest, as long as progress is made on the Cyprus problem.
The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, will visit Cyprus in early May to discuss the next steps in negotiations with President Christodoulides. Before arriving in Cyprus, she will travel to Berlin, Paris, and Brussels. The government spokesman emphasized Cyprus’ commitment to resuming negotiations based on UN Security Council resolutions and the agreed framework. The EU summit’s conclusions reflect the goal of linking EU-Turkey relations with progress on the Cyprus issue, sending a message to the Turkish side about the potential for progress on issues of interest if there is corresponding progress on Cyprus.
The 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival will conclude with the screening of the new film “Africa Star” by Cypriot director Adonis Florides. The closing ceremony, curated by Lia Haraki, will also include the presentation of top prizes, including awards for films in the Glocal Images International Competition and Cypriot Films Competition sections. The ceremony will be followed by a closing party on Heroes’ Square with music by DJ Bon Bon.
The closing ceremony of the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Limassol’s Rialto Theatre.
Fact: The Cyprus International Theatre Festival will feature a performance by world-renowned American actor John Malkovich.
Human rights lawyers filed a lawsuit against the German government’s approval of exporting 3,000 anti-tank weapons to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The lawsuit was supported by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights and Palestinian human rights organizations. The lawyers called for a suspension of the export licenses as a provisional legal protection measure. Germany has defended its arms export policy, considering factors such as human rights and humanitarian law. In the past, German lawyers have filed complaints against officials for aiding genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has denied accusations of genocide or violations of humanitarian law, stating that they are fighting against Hamas.
Germany denied allegations of aiding genocide in Gaza by selling arms to Israel, with a lawsuit filed by Nicaragua at the U.N. court. Germany is a major arms supplier to Israel but claims its exports are scrutinized for adherence to international law. The country emphasizes its responsibility to both Israeli and Palestinian people, with a focus on Israel’s security due to historical reasons. An ICJ ruling on Nicaragua’s case is expected in weeks, but enforcing it may take years.