meeting

Around 500 people reportedly stranded on boats off Cyprus

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Around 500 people reportedly stranded on boats off Cyprus

Cypriot authorities are monitoring five boats carrying around 500 migrants heading towards the island’s shores from Lebanon. Two boats were intercepted in international waters, negotiations are ongoing with Lebanon, and the fate of the remaining three boats is unknown. The operation involves Cypriot Marine Police and the National Guard, and the government has suspended the processing of asylum applications amid a sharp increase in the number of Syrians arriving from Lebanon.

Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

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Cyprus reportedly pushed back boats carrying 500 migrants

Cypriot authorities pushed back five boats carrying around 500 migrants who started from Lebanon, believed to be from Syria. The authorities provided blankets and food before forcing the boats to turn back. It is unclear if the boats will return to Lebanon or try to reach Cyprus again. The Lebanese authorities did not want to take them back, leaving the migrants stranded at sea. The Mediterranean crossing remains the deadliest route for migrants, with over 3,000 deaths and disappearances recorded last year. The Cypriot operation was kept secret, with the Minister of the Interior declining to provide details. Nicosia suspended asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon, citing human rights violations in Syria. Pushbacks involve state measures to force refugees out without following legal procedures.

Worrying figures over student drug abuse

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Worrying figures over student drug abuse

Over the past three years, 420 secondary school students were referred for drug treatment programs.

22nd , ‘Cyprus Film Days’ to close with Saturday awards event

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22nd , ‘Cyprus Film Days’ to close with Saturday awards event

The closing ceremony of the 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Limassol’s Rialto Theatre.

Interior minister declares war on suspicious voters

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Interior minister declares war on suspicious voters

Fact: More than 3,500 objections had been submitted regarding the registration of voters for the June local elections, with many voters registering themselves at new addresses or suspicious locations.

Cyprus and Greece pledge joint efforts for environmental sustainability

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Cyprus and Greece pledge joint efforts for environmental sustainability

– Cyprus and Greece are aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation on important environmental policies.
– Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and her Greek counterpart Theodoros Skylakakis discussed concrete joint actions on urban waste management and improving recycling systems.
– The importance of protecting Natura 2000 areas was also discussed, with an emphasis on institutionalizing decrees to define conservation objectives and integrated management of these areas.
– The ministers expressed their will to strengthen bilateral cooperation for implementing sustainable solutions to protect the environment.

UN committee unable to agree on Palestinian bid for full membership

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UN committee unable to agree on Palestinian bid for full membership

The United Nations Security Council committee did not reach a unanimous recommendation on the Palestinian Authority’s application to become a full U.N. member. The Palestinian Authority is expected to push for a vote on the draft resolution recommending its full membership. This move would effectively recognize a Palestinian state, which is currently a non-member observer state. The U.S. has stated that an independent Palestinian state should be established through direct negotiations, not at the United Nations. The Security Council committee was unable to agree on whether the Palestinian application met all the criteria for membership.

California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

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California university cancels Muslim valedictorian’s speech, citing safety concerns

The University of Southern California canceled the valedictorian speech of Muslim student Asna Tabassum due to safety concerns and tensions surrounding the Middle East conflict. USC Provost Andrew Guzman stated that the decision was made to protect campus security, as discussions about the valedictorian selection had become alarming. Tabassum challenged the university’s rationale, questioning if the decision was solely based on safety. USC faced opposition from groups like Trojans for Israel and We Are Tov, who called for Tabassum’s removal as commencement speaker, citing her social media profile and past views on Palestine and Israel. Tabassum’s invitation to speak was withdrawn without USC reviewing her speech, leading to criticism and calls for her reinstatement from groups like the Council on American Islamic Relations.

Christodoulides outlines Cyprus economic strategy in London

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Christodoulides outlines Cyprus economic strategy in London

President Nikos Christodoulides presented the government’s economic strategy to attract investments, which includes fiscal discipline, bold reforms, and a stable financial sector. He also emphasized efforts to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the Cypriot economy. Additionally, he attended a dinner celebrating 90 years since the founding of the ‘Greek Cypriot Brotherhood’ and was appointed as a patron of the organization.

Self restraint in Middle East is paramount, says Kombos

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Self restraint in Middle East is paramount, says Kombos

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos emphasized the importance of de-escalation and self-restraint in the Middle East during an informal teleconference of EU foreign ministers. The government is deeply concerned about recent developments and will continue discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday.