Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels

Tatar knocking on doors in Brussels

Ersin Tatar, the representative of occupying Turkey, is seeking “equal international status” with a European stamp for the breakaway regime in Cyprus. He wants meetings and visits abroad to be at the same level as those of President Christodoulides, aiming for full equality with the Republic of Cyprus. Despite efforts mainly in Brussels, Tatar has not been successful in getting the desired level of recognition. However, the Turkish side is finding more support in Turkish-speaking countries like Azerbaijan. The policy of recognizing two states in Cyprus is causing tension, with Ankara potentially resorting to blackmail if faced with an impasse. Turkey is not expected to make any moves before July and will likely wait until after the completion of the UN Special envoy’s mission.

Three bodies retrieved from Papua New Guinea landslide, UN says

Three bodies retrieved from Papua New Guinea landslide, UN says

Three bodies were found in the aftermath of a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, with the death toll expected to rise. Over 300 people were buried in the landslide, impacting multiple villages. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in the mountainous area, with many still missing. The terrain remains unstable, posing a risk for more homes if the landslide continues.

After World Court ruling, Palestinians want action, not words

After World Court ruling, Palestinians want action, not words

Salwa al-Masri, displaced by Israel’s offensive in Gaza, doubts that the UN’s ruling to halt the offensive in Rafah will help. The World Court ordered Israel to stop the offensive, but Israel stated it will continue the war against Hamas. The conflict has caused a high number of casualties and a new wave of displacement. Palestinians are calling for immediate action to end the war.

UN envoy to brief Guterres on Cyprus issue in June

UN envoy to brief Guterres on Cyprus issue in June

UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, Maria Holguin, is set to brief Antonio Guterres on the Cyprus issue, probably in the first half of June. President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for dialogue. There has been no response from the Turkish Cypriot side so far. The most recent contact with the Turkish side was after a meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Christodoulides stated that if there is a genuine interest in the resumption of talks, he should not say more, especially in public.

Small island states secure historic,  climate win at international ocean court

Small island states secure historic,  climate win at international ocean court

A group of small island states, including Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas, secured a win on climate change in an international court. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) stated that greenhouse gas emissions absorbed by the ocean are considered marine pollution, and countries are obligated to protect marine environments beyond the requirements of the Paris climate agreement. The opinion is not legally binding but can guide countries in their climate policy and serve as legal precedent in other cases.

In a boiling world, chief heat officers battle , ‘silent killer’

In a boiling world, chief heat officers battle , ‘silent killer’

Fact: Seven chief heat officers, all women, are working in cities like Miami, Melbourne, Dhaka, Freetown, and Athens to cool urban heat traps and prevent deaths caused by extreme heatwaves.

Hellenic Bank champions green transition at Nicosia summit

Hellenic Bank champions green transition at Nicosia summit

The Green Agenda Cyprus Summit highlighted the vision and actions necessary for the green transition of the Cypriot economy. Hellenic Bank is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has set clear goals and indicators to reduce its environmental footprint. The bank offers specialized green products to combat climate change and improve energy efficiency. Cyprus Agriculture Minister introduced a pilot program for green roofs, and the Energy Minister expressed caution regarding hydrogen usage. European Commissioner for Climate Action emphasized Cyprus’ potential in renewable energy and the importance of investments in sustainable transport. European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety highlighted the health impacts of the climate crisis, including heatwaves and air pollution.

No US pier aid to UN in Gaza for two days after truck incident

No US pier aid to UN in Gaza for two days after truck incident

The United Nations has not received any aid from a U.S.-built pier in Gaza for the past two days after an incident on Saturday in which food was taken from 11 out of 16 trucks before they reached a U.N. warehouse.

Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

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.

Establishing fate of missing , ‘top priority’ for govt

Establishing fate of missing , ‘top priority’ for govt

Fact: There are still 758 Greek Cypriots missing out of 1,510, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.