The Cyprus Institute (CyI) won a Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Award for its research and educational activities addressing the climate crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region.
The Sicilian Inheritance is a historical murder mystery novel set in Sicily, featuring two women named Serafina across multiple generations. The story follows Sara, a butcher-turned-chef-turned-restaurateur from Philadelphia, as she embarks on a journey to her ancestral home in Sicily to solve a land deed dispute and uncover the mysterious death of her great-aunt’s mother, the original Serafina. The novel switches between first-person narration by the two Serafinas and between the 2020s and the 1910s, revealing interrelated events surrounding the land and death. The novel is praised for its historically interesting and engaging segments with Serafina, but criticized for weaker quality in the sections focusing on Sara. Ultimately, The Sicilian Inheritance is described as a fun read with a satisfying twist in the mystery’s resolution.
The International Criminal Court prosecutor’s office has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence chief, as well as three Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The request will be reviewed by a pre-trial chamber composed of three magistrates, who will decide whether to issue the arrest warrants. If issued, the individuals could be arrested if they travel to an ICC signatory state, but the court itself has no means to enforce an arrest. The application for warrants may indirectly influence other court cases and legal challenges related to Gaza.
The Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned about delays in the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road construction project, currently only 30% complete with a requested 33-month extension. The Chamber is urgently seeking a resolution to prevent further setbacks in this vital €75 million project. They are proposing to divide the second phase into two sections to expedite construction. The Minister of Transport has assured that all possibilities will be examined to keep the project moving forward.
Starting this academic year, schools across Cyprus will commemorate May 19 every year to pay respects to victims of the Pontian Greek genocide. The government has recognized the Pontian Genocide and condemned genocides and ethnic cleansing. The education ministry has officially informed schools about the genocide and May 19 will be established as an official day of honor for the victims. The government has also supported the Pontians in acquiring a building for cultural preservation.
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.
Fact: There are still 758 Greek Cypriots missing out of 1,510, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
The government is investing in the European Union to achieve a final resolution of the Cyprus problem. Cyprus’ accession to the EU in 2004 is considered the most significant achievement for the country since its establishment in 1960.
House Speaker Annita Demetriou met with a delegation from the Cyprus Shipowners’ Association to discuss problems and challenges facing the Cypriot shipping industry. Discussions included issues such as the policies of the European Union regarding pollutants, the future of shipping, and the necessity to bolster the Cypriot register. The meeting also explored the potential resolution of the Cyprus problem for the benefit of both communities.
Fact: The Deputy Ministry of Tourism in Cyprus recently revised the inventory of hotels and tourist accommodations, with the majority of them not meeting the necessary compliance criteria.