meetings

Artists in Cyprus demand professional recognition and better working conditions

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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.

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.

More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

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More aid trucks expected to roll into Gaza

Israel allowed around 200 aid trucks into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the blocked Rafah crossing. The aid shipments were agreed upon between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Israel is facing pressure to provide more aid to Gaza after months of conflict causing destruction and hunger. The Rafah crossing has been closed for almost three weeks, with Egypt refusing to open its side. Israel has opened new crossing points and is cooperating with the United States to distribute supplies. Israeli strikes in Rafah have killed at least five Palestinians, with ongoing operations to root out Hamas fighters and rescue hostages. Efforts to agree on a ceasefire and return hostages have been ongoing, with some movement after meetings between Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and the prime minister of Qatar. Hamas demands the complete and permanent end of aggression in all of Gaza, not just Rafah. Israel insists the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated.

Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels

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Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels

Ersin Tatar, the representative of occupying Turkey, is seeking “equal international status” with a European stamp for the breakaway regime in Cyprus. He wants meetings and visits abroad to be at the same level as those of President Christodoulides, aiming for full equality with the Republic of Cyprus. Despite efforts mainly in Brussels, Tatar has not been successful in getting the desired level of recognition. However, the Turkish side is finding more support in Turkish-speaking countries like Azerbaijan. The policy of recognizing two states in Cyprus is causing tension, with Ankara potentially resorting to blackmail if faced with an impasse. Turkey is not expected to make any moves before July and will likely wait until after the completion of the UN Special envoy’s mission.

Our View: President acting as deus ex machina needs to end

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Our View: President acting as deus ex machina needs to end

Presidents of the Republic have historically acted as mediators in disputes, trying to find compromises and solutions. However, recent instances where the president intervened in disputes involving big companies from abroad, such as Kition Ocean Holdings and Chevron, did not yield positive results. This has raised questions about the president’s role in such matters and whether ministers should be left to handle them instead.

EPIC tax backers say petition effort cleared 38-county hurdle

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State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard is leading an effort to replace Nebraska’s income, property, and corporate taxes with a broader sales or consumption tax called the EPIC Option.

Tony Watson blew the whistle on Lendlease’s questionable tax practices. Now he has to sell his family home

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Tony Watson blew the whistle on Lendlease's questionable tax practices. Now he has to sell his family home

Lendlease is facing a big battle with major investors, with a showdown expected later this month.

EPIC tax backers say petition effort cleared 38-county hurdle • Nebraska Examiner

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EPIC tax backers say petition effort cleared 38-county hurdle • Nebraska Examiner

Supporters of the EPIC consumption tax in Nebraska have gathered signatures from 5% of registered voters in 38 counties, aiming to replace income, property, and corporate taxes with a broader sales tax. They need a total of 123,000 signatures by July 3 to place the issue on the fall ballot. Governor Jim Pillen opposes the EPIC tax, calling it unworkable and advocating for a balanced approach to property tax relief. Former State Sen. Brett Lindstrom and others criticize the EPIC tax for potentially increasing sales taxes on various items and eliminating local control. Supporters argue that drastic changes are needed in the state’s tax system and believe the EPIC tax is the only solution that prioritizes taxpayers.

Local government reform , ‘on schedule’

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Local government reform , ‘on schedule’

The implementation of local government reform in Cyprus is at an advanced stage and will be completed by the July 1 deadline, according to Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.

Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

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Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

Occupying Turkey is preparing moves following the end of the mission of the UN Secretary General’s envoy on the Cyprus problem. Ankara and its representative in the occupied territories are planning action if a deadlock is established. They aim to change the basis of the Cyprus problem, impose their agenda, and reach a “cooperation agreement” between the two entities. Turkey is pressuring the United Nations to negotiate a separate agreement, but the UN has deemed this illegal. The occupation forces are causing minor crises within the buffer zone to assert control over the area.