A passenger was fined €3,500 for being found with approximately 39 kg of duty-free tobacco in their luggage at Larnaca Airport. The untaxed products were illegally transported from the north to the government-controlled areas with the intention of exporting and selling them in the UK.
The Limassol District Town Planning Department is dealing with a backlog of roughly 3,500 applications as the deadline for transferring planning authority to the Limassol District Self-Government Organisation approaches. The surge in applications is driven by public anxiety and the desire to secure approvals before the transition. Despite the increased workload, the department is prioritizing clearing existing applications and preparing for the transition on June 10. An additional 1,000 applications are pending with the Limassol Municipality, which is also experiencing a similar surge.
Stacy Gilbert, a U.S. State Department official, resigned in protest after a report to Congress falsely claimed that Israel was not blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. Gilbert, who worked in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, stated that the report’s conclusions were incorrect. The report was submitted in accordance with a new National Security Memorandum issued by President Joe Biden. Gilbert’s resignation came after she disagreed with the final version of the report, which she believed did not accurately reflect the situation in Gaza.
The implementation rate of development expenses from the state budget stood at 13 per cent at the end of April, slightly higher than the ten-year average of 12 per cent for the same period.
The CFA Society Cyprus organized an annual economic forum where the main topics of discussion were the financial outlook for the global economy and markets, as well as the key principles of financial forecasting. President Andreas Cleanthous highlighted the importance of financial forecasting in the investment process during the event.
Workers at the Larnaca port staged a protest against former port operator Kition Ocean Holdings over fears regarding their pay after Kition’s contract was terminated by the government. The government reached a deal with the workers to ensure their continued employment while searching for a new operator. Qatar has shown interest in taking over the port’s running. President Christodoulides wants the issue to be handled immediately.
The permanence of appointments to certain positions such as auditor-general, attorney-general, and deputy attorney-general in Cyprus is being questioned. The idea of permanence was to safeguard independence and objectivity, but it could lead to complacency and lack of motivation. It is suggested that non-renewable contracts with an eight-year term would be more suitable to prevent long-term stays in these positions. The constitution may need to be amended to allow for fixed-term contracts instead of permanent appointments.
The Cabinet has approved a law amendment that will allow foreign universities to establish fully operational institutions in Cyprus, awarding degrees from their countries of origin.
The Investment Corporation of Dubai reported a 68% increase in net profit in 2023, reaching a record high of 60.8 billion dirhams.
Slovenia’s government approved the recognition of an independent Palestinian state, following Spain, Ireland, and Norway. Other EU countries have also recognized Palestine, with some considering it, while Germany and the US emphasize a two-state solution through dialogue. Israel has been in conflict with Hamas in Gaza, resulting in casualties on both sides.