government

CMC call for meeting on , ‘neutral territory’ in Vasiliko spat

by
CMC call for meeting on , ‘neutral territory’ in Vasiliko spat

– Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) called for a meeting with a “decision maker” appointed by the Cypriot government in a “neutral territory” such as Dubai.
– The situation at the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko has reached a crisis point.
– CMC has offered a comprehensive solution to de-escalate the situation and save the project.
– Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao to discuss the impasse.
– Etyfa has persistently breached payment obligations under the contract for the Vasiliko LNG facility.
– CMC suspended work in January as an “absolute last resort” due to payment issues but lifted the suspension in March on assurances from Etyfa.
– Etyfa has made changes to the project and has refused to pay for them, including refusing to take delivery of the completed FSRU.

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

by
Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

Fact: A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France to help control the riots and unrest on the Pacific island.

Iranian President Raisi feared dead as helicopter wreckage found

by
Iranian President Raisi feared dead as helicopter wreckage found

The fact described in the text is that hopes are fading that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister have survived a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, as search teams located the wreckage and all passengers are feared dead.

US election will have big impact on global economy

by
US election will have big impact on global economy

The US presidential elections are scheduled for November 2024 and are considered instrumental for the global economy due to the size of the US economy, the central role of the US dollar, and the country’s vast energy reserves and geopolitical importance.

Schools in Cyprus to mark Pontian Greek genocide

by
Schools in Cyprus to mark Pontian Greek genocide

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.

CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

by
CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

The Cyprus-China relations are being tested due to a dispute over a gas regasification terminal project in Vasilikos. The Chinese state-owned company CPP is reluctant to complete the project, demanding additional financial compensation of EUR 200 million. The Cypriot side argues that CPP’s objections to the contract terms are either in bad faith or due to financial inability. The collapse of cooperation with CPP would result in significant financial costs for Cyprus and delay the introduction of natural gas for cheaper electricity generation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a floating gas regasification unit remains in Shanghai due to berthing modifications required by Lloyd’s Register. If the terminal project is frozen, Cyprus may face significant financial consequences, with responsibility shared between the Cypriot government and the Chinese state-owned company CPP.

Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

by
Israel pushes further into parts of north Gaza; new cracks in Netanyahu coalition

Israeli troops and tanks entered parts of the northern Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. The Israeli forces also took over ground in Rafah, a city by the Egyptian border. Benny Gantz threatened to resign if Netanyahu does not agree to a post-war plan for Gaza by June 8. The recovery of the body of a hostage taken by Hamas triggered the latest incursions. Israeli forces have continued operations in Gaza, conducting precise operations against terrorists and infrastructure. Netanyahu has faced criticism for failing to articulate an endgame in the war. Gantz proposed a six-point plan for Gaza’s civil administration. The strain on Israel’s coalition has increased, with demands for clarity on post-war plans. Armed groups attacked Israeli forces in Jabalia and Rafah, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel’s military reported 281 soldiers killed in fighting, while over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. UNRWA stated that nearly 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah since the ground operation began. Israel aims to capture Rafah to destroy Hamas and ensure security.

Democratic Republic of Congo army says it stopped attempted coup

by
Democratic Republic of Congo army says it stopped attempted coup

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s armed forces successfully repelled an attempted coup d’etat involving both Congolese and foreign fighters. The coup attempt was put down, with the attackers, including their leader, being neutralized. The presidential palace was attacked, but the army regained control. Two guards and an assailant were killed in an attack on the home of Vital Kamerhe, a potential speaker of parliament. The United States embassy issued a security alert due to ongoing security activity in the area. Christian Malanga, allegedly based in the United States, posted a video claiming responsibility for the attack, expressing dissatisfaction with the current government. President Felix Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term, but has yet to name a government, causing political tensions.

Rescue teams searching for helicopter carrying Iran’s President Raisi after ‘rough landing’ (update 2)

by
Rescue teams searching for helicopter carrying Iran’s President Raisi after ‘rough landing’ (update 2)

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed in heavy fog on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan. The lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were at risk. Rescue efforts were complicated by bad weather. State TV showed prayers being held for Raisi and live coverage of rescue teams searching the mountainous area. Raisi, who was elected president in 2021, has been involved in tightening morality laws, cracking down on protests, and nuclear talks with world powers. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has endorsed Raisi’s policies and many see him as a strong contender to succeed Khamenei. Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi stated that one of the helicopters in a group of three had crashed, and further details were awaited. Raisi had been at the Azerbaijani border to inaugurate a joint project.

Slovak PM Fico out of danger but condition serious, deputy says

by
Slovak PM Fico out of danger but condition serious, deputy says

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is in serious condition but no longer in immediate danger after an assassination attempt. The suspect, a 71-year-old former security guard, has been charged with attempted murder. The attack has raised concerns about the polarized state of politics in Slovakia. The government’s Ukraine policy and reforms have been cited as possible motives for the suspect’s actions. Calls for unity and toning down of rhetoric have been made across Slovakia’s political spectrum in the aftermath of the incident.