Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.
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.
The “All eyes on Rafah” campaign is gaining traction in Western Europe, Australia, and India, aiming to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,171 Palestinians. Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Rafah, prompting global attention and support for the residents seeking refuge from the violence. Social media, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has seen a massive outpouring of support with millions of users sharing the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The campaign has coincided with international condemnation of Israel following airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli military operations in Rafah have continued despite the heightened scrutiny and criticism.
The International Monetary Fund praised Cyprus for its strong economic performance, commending the country for its substantial primary surpluses, efforts to reduce public debt, quick recovery from the pandemic, and resilience in dealing with external shocks. The IMF recommended measures to further strengthen the economy, including phasing out electricity subsidies and VAT exemptions, and advised against further cost-of-living adjustments to wages. Other recommendations included reforms to the justice system, labor markets, and vigilance regarding systemic risks in the real estate market.
Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 counts related to falsifying documents to hide hush money payments to a porn star.
![Agios Sylas fire front improving, authorities say [PHOTOS+VIDEO]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/agios-sylas-fire-front-improving-authorities-say-photosvideo.jpg)
A fire broke out in the Agios Sylas area of Limassol, prompting a large operation by the Fire Service and other services to contain it. Efforts are ongoing for complete containment, with the situation having significantly improved. Civil Defence evacuated residences, businesses, and livestock farms in the Polemidia area. Three aircraft and multiple firefighting teams were deployed to combat the blaze, with ground forces creating firebreaks despite strong winds. The Minister of Justice and Public Order oversaw operations at the forward command centre, and the Limassol-Troodos Road has been reopened. Drivers are urged to exercise caution in the area.
Donald Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records and plans to appeal the verdict after his sentencing on July 11. The charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, but Trump’s public criticism during the trial could lead to a tougher penalty. Despite the conviction, Trump is still running for president in the 2024 election and faces three other criminal prosecutions. The guilty verdict prompted him to intensify deliberations on selecting a woman as his vice presidential running mate. National opinion polls show a tight race between Trump and Joe Biden, with some Republican voters expressing continued support for Trump while others are considering voting for Democrats. The verdict led to an increase in campaign donations for Trump, and some major Republican donors plan to continue supporting his campaign. The jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business documents based on explicit testimony from Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen. If elected, Trump could potentially shut down federal cases against him related to overturning the 2020 election loss and mishandling classified documents.
President Joe Biden criticized Donald Trump and other Republicans for questioning the integrity of the guilty verdict in Trump’s hush money jury trial. Biden emphasized that Trump had the opportunity to defend himself, the case was brought by the state, and the verdict was delivered by a jury of 12 citizens. Biden condemned attempts to undermine the U.S. justice system with false allegations and called it reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible. Trump, on the other hand, claimed the trial was politically motivated and suggested that no American was safe from prosecution. The guilty verdict in Trump’s trial has implications for the upcoming presidential election where Trump will try to win back the White House from Biden.
Donald Trump became the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime on Thursday when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to cover up a payment to silence a porn star ahead of the 2016 election.
Russia’s Finance Ministry has proposed amendments to the tax code, including raising corporate income taxes and introducing a progressive personal income tax scale. The changes are expected to be passed by the State Duma before autumn 2024 and come into force in 2025. The proposed changes include raising corporate income tax to 25%, reintroducing a 5% income tax rate for IT companies, and setting thresholds for the progressive personal income tax scale. The reforms are estimated to increase consolidated budget revenues by RUB2.6 trillion in 2025. Despite the changes, Russia’s progressive personal income tax remains modest compared to other BRICS countries. The implementation of a progressive income tax could have negative impacts on economic growth and macroeconomic indicators.