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Summer delights: Tropical trees and flowers that beat the heat

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Summer delights: Tropical trees and flowers that beat the heat

The gardens are looking very summery with tropical trees and flowers starting to bloom. The jacarandas were the last trees to flower, and some trees may surprise with another flowering later in the year. Some favorite trees mentioned include Caesalpinia gilliesii, Leucophyllum frutescens, and Polygala myrtifolia. The text also discusses Tecoma stans, plumeria, and roses. The Plant of the Month is Oenothera speciosa, a ground-hugging plant with fragrant pink blooms loved by bees and butterflies.

Police still on the hunt for Limassol arsonists

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Police still on the hunt for Limassol arsonists

Police are still searching for arsonists who caused large fires in the Ayios Sylas and Ayios Therapontas areas of Limassol.

It will need courage and willingness of all parties to restart the talks, says German Ambassador

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It will need courage and willingness of all parties to restart the talks, says German Ambassador

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.

Turkish Cypriots and abstention will decide the outcome of the elections

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Turkish Cypriots and abstention will decide the outcome of the elections

The political landscape in Cyprus remains uncertain a week before the double election showdown. The top spot in the European elections is a close contest between DISY and AKEL, with DIKO and ELAM battling for third place. The percentages that DIKO and ELAM achieve are crucial, as their race could result in higher-than-expected percentages for both parties. The smaller parties are also uncertain about the support they will receive. A key factor in the upcoming elections is the turnout of Turkish Cypriot voters, with an estimated increase in participation expected. This increase could potentially influence the final results, especially in the battle between AKEL and DISY for the top spot. DISY’s level of voter consolidation will also play a critical role in the election outcome, as it could impact the percentages of other parties. Discontent and disagreements within DISY may lead to alternative votes going to parties like ELAM or independent candidate Phidias Panayiotou.

What, ’s going on with public contracts?

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What, ’s going on with public contracts?

The Cyprus government has scrapped a €1.2 billion concession for the development of the Larnaca marina and port, leading to questions about the financial viability of public contracts and the administration’s cash flow.

Real,  late show sinks Dortmund to secure 15th European Cup

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Real,  late show sinks Dortmund to secure 15th European Cup

Real Madrid won their 15th European Cup by defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final.

OpenAI sets up safety committee as it starts training new model

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OpenAI sets up safety committee as it starts training new model

OpenAI has formed a Safety and Security Committee led by CEO Sam Altman, directors Bret Taylor, Adam D’Angelo, and Nicole Seligman. Former Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike, leaders of OpenAI’s Superalignment team, left the firm. The committee will make recommendations on safety and security decisions for OpenAI’s projects and operations, evaluating and developing safety practices over the next 90 days.

Our View: Elections: too many candidates, not enough policy ideas

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Our View: Elections: too many candidates, not enough policy ideas

Two different elections will be held simultaneously in Cyprus on June 9, 2024, with voters having to choose between 61 candidates for the European Parliament and 3,232 candidates for various local government positions.

Could a convicted felon become US president?

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Could a convicted felon become US president?

Fact: Trump did not take the stand and be cross-examined in front of the jury during his trial for falsifying business records.

A week before vote, some reforms still unclear

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A week before vote, some reforms still unclear

The fact described in the text is that the interior minister is expected to issue decrees mandating that the final say on permits will rest with the technocrats in the district-level organizations, not the elected officials.