Larnaca

US Gaza pier coming to Cyprus as logistics vessel on its way from Virginia

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US Gaza pier coming to Cyprus as logistics vessel on its way from Virginia

The U.S. Army has dispatched the General Frank S. Besson from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia to Gaza, carrying equipment to establish a temporary pier for delivering humanitarian supplies. This action follows President Joe Biden’s announcement to provide humanitarian assistance by sea to Gaza, made during his State of the Union address. The announcement came after U.N. warnings of widespread famine in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli navy blockade since 2007. The plan involves using Cyprus for cargo screening, involving Israeli officials, to facilitate aid delivery without the need for security checks in Gaza.

Gaza humanitarian aid leaving Larnaca port this afternoon

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Gaza humanitarian aid leaving Larnaca port this afternoon

Cyprus will send 150 tonnes of humanitarian aid, mostly food, to Gaza from Larnaca port this afternoon. The departure time is not disclosed for security reasons. The aid is part of the Amaltheia maritime corridor initiative, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The shipment has received approval from Israel and will be loaded onto the ‘MMS ARIS’ floating platform due to Gaza’s lack of port infrastructure.

Ukrainian laundering suspect to face trial on April 17

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Ukrainian laundering suspect to face trial on April 17

A Ukrainian woman was arrested in Cyprus for attempting to stage a theft of €420,000, which led to the discovery of a money laundering ring. She had made 20 trips to Cyprus, bringing in about €8 million over six months for property purchases. The 31-year-old will face trial on April 17 and remains in custody. She faces 60 charges related to money laundering and other offenses. Her activities included declaring large sums of money at customs and claiming to invest in property. Further investigations will involve Europol and Interpol, focusing on her financial activities in Cyprus.

Aid ship heads to Gaza

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Aid ship heads to Gaza

The maritime corridor for humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza is likely to be launched on Sunday, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Larnaca after inspecting the port installations with President Nikos Christodoulides. The Amalthea Initiative, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza following five months of war, was led by Cyprus and supported by the EU, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the U.K. The first vessel, belonging to the Spanish NGO Open Arms, is anchored in Larnaca, ready to deliver food and supplies provided by the World Central Kitchens charity. The U.S. military plans to set up a temporary port off Gaza’s coast to support the initiative, as announced by President Joe Biden. The Cyprus maritime corridor intends to scale up aid by complementing other routes, including the Rafah crossing from Egypt and airdrops from Jordan. The UN Special Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The European Commission President emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for aid, mentioning Europe’s financing of a major humanitarian effort for Palestinians in Gaza and the region, amounting to €250 million this year. The EU has launched 41 flights carrying over 1,800 tonnes of aid and is considering all options, including airdrops. The EU naval force operation Aspides was launched to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea amid deteriorating maritime security. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of preparing for a viable two-state solution, calling for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, opposing forced displacement of Palestinians and the blockade of Gaza, and condemning Gaza as a safe haven for terrorists.

Citizens to protest redevelopment of Larnaca’s Pattichion Park over environmental concerns

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Citizens to protest redevelopment of Larnaca’s Pattichion Park over environmental concerns

The Cyprus Wetlands Conservation group has announced a protest event at Pattichion Park in Larnaca on March 16 at 2:30 p.m., demanding a halt to redevelopment works and an Environmental Impact Assessment. During a meeting with Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, it was revealed that the Game and Fauna Service had approved some works before June. The group is calling for an independent environmental impact study, a Special Ecological Assessment, and a revision of spatial planning. The mayor assured that all works would adhere to guidelines from the Game and Fauna Service, the Environmental Department, and the Forestry Department, specifically mentioning that the approved works near the Pattichion amphitheatre would not impact the park’s wildlife.

EC chief to inspect Gaza aid facilities

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EC chief to inspect Gaza aid facilities

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has the support of the European People’s Party for a second term, will inspect Larnaca port facilities prepared for the Gaza aid maritime corridor. She will be hosted by President Nikos Christodoulides in Cyprus, where they will visit the port to inspect facilities for the humanitarian corridor to Gaza, including the dock, storages, and an X-ray mobile scanning machine. They will also visit the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Larnaca. Von der Leyen discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza with Christodoulides, emphasizing the need for swift action and humanitarian aid access. The EU Commission supports Cyprus’ maritime corridor initiative, recognizing its value in delivering aid to Gaza. Cyprus has designed this corridor to deliver high volumes of aid to Gaza, with increased interest from regional states, EU member states, and institutions. The initiative aims solely at providing humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population, amidst a significant humanitarian crisis.

Woman carrying €420,000 in handbag travelled twenty times to Cyprus transporting millions

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Woman carrying €420,000 in handbag travelled twenty times to Cyprus transporting millions

A 31-year-old woman is suspected of money laundering after traveling to Cyprus twenty times in eight months, transporting nearly eight million euros. She passed through Cypriot airports without issue, declaring the money as her own for real estate purchases. The case emerged when she reported a theft of €420,000 in Limassol. Investigations led to her arrest on money laundering suspicions. She frequently traveled from Poland to Athens to Cyprus, declaring over one million euros on multiple trips, including over two million euros within 20 days in February 2024.

Comedy nights in March

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Comedy nights in March

The text discusses the variety of comedy shows available in Cyprus this month, highlighting performances both in Greek and English. The local stand-up comedy scene has grown, attracting both local and international comedians. Costa Carastavrakis, a South African-Greek comedian, will perform his show “Desperately Seeking Souvlaki” in Cyprus for the first time, with shows in Nicosia and Limassol. Australian comedian Elena Gabrielle, known for her stories on dating, will return to the island, performing in Larnaca and Limassol alongside local comedian Peter Kypri. Additionally, the Cyprus Comedy Nights featuring Zacharias Zannettou, Hambis, and Pavlos Pavlides will tour various cities, presenting their comedy in Greek.

Cyprus inflation up 1.8% in February

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Cyprus inflation up 1.8% in February

The monthly Cyprus consumer price index (CPI) increased by 1.03 points to 114.93 in February, from 113.90 in January. The inflation rate rose by 1.8% from February last year. The CPI rate was up 0.9% from January and 1.75% higher for January-February compared to the same period last year. The largest change from February 2023 was in services (+3.7%), with the largest monthly change in agricultural goods (+5.6%) and the largest change compared to February 2023 in restaurants and hotels (+6.2%). The largest changes from January in the CPI for February were in clothing and footwear (+3.1%) and in food and non-alcoholic beverages (+2.7%). For January–February, compared to the same period last year, the largest changes were in restaurants and hotels (5.9%) and miscellaneous goods and services (3.7%). Year-on-year, February saw the biggest increases in restaurants and hotels (0.62) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.43). Catering services (0.60) had the most notable effect on the change of the February CPI compared to the same month last year, while the price of fresh vegetables (0.38) had the largest effect on the change of the February CPI compared to January this year. The CPI calculation includes a weight distribution for the four districts: Nicosia 42%, Limassol 30%, Larnaca 18%, and Paphos 10%. Prices of 805 goods and services are recorded monthly, except for some seasonal products, meat, and fuels, whose prices are collected weekly.

Revocation of termination of tenancy

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Revocation of termination of tenancy

Every tenancy, either contractual or statutory, creates rights and obligations for both the landlord and the tenant based on their agreement, which can be oral or written. Possession of the property is a significant factor that can create or restrict rights or obligations and may release a tenant from obligations if they give up possession. If a tenant terminates the tenancy agreement but fails to give up possession, it raises the question of whether retention of possession negates the termination. The notice of termination is a unilateral act by the tenant that does not require the landlord’s consent. If the tenant delivers possession of the property, the tenancy is terminated and the tenant is released from obligations, except for any outstanding obligations like rent arrears or property restoration. Retaining possession negates the notice of termination and can be a reason for eviction. A judgment by the Rent Control Court on a case where a tenant sent a notice of termination but kept possession found that the tenant’s termination was not justified based on the tenancy agreement terms, and the tenant remained a contractual tenant until receiving a lawful notice of termination from the landlord. The landlord’s termination of the tenancy was deemed lawful. The court held that the tenant and his guarantor had to pay rent until possession was delivered to the landlord and restore the property to its initial condition.