The government of Cyprus is taking all necessary measures for security following Iran’s attack on Israel. Current indications do not point to immediate danger, and Cyprus is not involved in any attacks. Cyprus does not believe in solving problems with attacks.
Fact: Finance Minister Makis Keravnos stated that there is no immediate threat to the Cypriot economy from developments in the Middle East, following a snap meeting with ministry officials.
The current year is considered lost for the cruise sector due to significant losses in tourist arrivals compared to previous years. The decrease in cruise ships at Limassol port is attributed to the war in Gaza since late 2023, affecting the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The number of cruise ships expected to arrive in 2024 is significantly reduced, with only 68 ships and an estimated 120,000 passengers. The Government has established a Cruise Tourism Working Group to develop a National Cruise Strategy. The goal is to become competitive and utilize cruise tourism to contribute to the economy and promote culture. The Deputy Minister of Shipping participated in discussions on decarbonising the cruise industry and increasing tourist arrivals via cruise ships in the coming years. The war in Israel has led to a decrease in Cypriots traveling by cruise ships, with only 25,000 expected to travel in 2024, mainly during the summer period.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is increasingly confident in winning the fight against inflation, making an interest rate cut in June very likely.
– Stakeholders are meeting to discuss the impasse over the future of the planned Larnaca marina and port revamp.
– Kition Ocean Holdings filed a case against the government for causing delays and breaching the contract.
– The government had been unwilling to meet the company to discuss a difference in a financial guarantee.
– Kition Ocean Holdings has been threatened by the government.
President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos condemned the Iranian strikes on Israel and called for restraint to avoid further escalation and destabilization. His words were echoed by political parties, with Disy and Dipa condemning the attacks and calling for diplomatic channels and dialogue to prevent disastrous results. Akel called for a National Council meeting to address the dangerous developments in the region.
Fact: The President of Cyprus and the President of the European Commission agreed to discuss the ever-increasing migratory flows of Syrians to Cyprus at the upcoming European Council meeting. They also agreed to provide enhanced financial support to Lebanon to address economic difficulties and manage migration. Additionally, they discussed a joint visit to Lebanon.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would achieve victory after the military successfully shot down almost all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The attacks by Tehran, in response to an Israeli air strike in Damascus that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict. Netanyahu posted on social media that “together we shall win,” and the Israeli military reported that over 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted. Israel is considering a significant response to the attack, which has escalated tensions in the region.
Parties and candidates are facing challenges in the upcoming double electoral showdown on June 9, with fears of confusion among voters leading to an increase in blank and invalid ballots. DISY has ruled out cooperation with AKEL and ELAM, opting for partnerships with DIPA and DIKO instead. DIPA has managed to secure support from DISY in various municipalities, including Strovolos. EDEK has shown support for different candidates in various municipalities. ELAM is running in Local Government elections for the first time, aiming to claim Famagusta and Larnaca municipalities.