citizens

Turkish Cypriots will shape the result and the political landscape

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Turkish Cypriots will shape the result and the political landscape

The European Parliament elections in Cyprus allow Turkish Cypriots to participate as equal citizens, influencing the post-election political scene within the Greek Cypriot community. Turkish Cypriots have a significant privilege in electing six members of the European Parliament, potentially impacting the outcome. AKEL, with the support of leftist Turkish Cypriot parties, aims to leverage this advantage in the upcoming elections, while DISY faces the risk of a significant defeat if it cannot attract Turkish Cypriot voters. DISY’s strategy is to mobilize dissatisfied and disengaged voters to avoid an internal party crisis.

What is the solution for low-cost housing?

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What is the solution for low-cost housing?

The cost of buying houses or apartments in Cyprus has become a big issue, especially in recent years. The level of residential rents has increased by around 20% in the last 2 years. Various proposals have been made to alleviate the problem, including increasing area ratio, abolishing minimum areas, and creating low-cost units. Immediate measures are needed to address the housing crisis, such as tax reductions for landlords who rent out apartments and implementing summary eviction procedures. Colleges and universities could also play a role in providing housing for students. The Housing Finance Corporation and Land Development Agency may not be able to effectively address the issue.

Ministry of Health issues heat warning for hospitals, care homes

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Ministry of Health issues heat warning for hospitals, care homes

The Ministry of Health is warning citizens to take protective measures as temperatures are predicted to soar throughout the week. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, infants, and chronic patients, should take extra precautions. State hospitals are on alert and prepared to receive any citizens experiencing problems due to the heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Caught in the trap of Cyprus, ’ migration system

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Caught in the trap of Cyprus, ’ migration system

Antreas Fernando was born in Cyprus in 2004 to Sri Lankan parents and has remained a third country national in the country of his birth. He became stateless when he turned 18 and lost his legal status in Cyprus. Despite efforts to secure citizenship or legal status, he has been unable to do so. Antreas has never visited Sri Lanka and does not speak Sinhalese. The interior ministry assures that individuals in similar situations will not face prejudice for living without legal status since turning 18.

Nearly one hundred million voters preparing to elect the first female president in Mexico

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Nearly one hundred million voters preparing to elect the first female president in Mexico

Nearly one hundred million voters in Mexico are preparing to elect the first female president in the country’s history. The UN reports nine to ten femicides per day in Mexico. 25 candidates have been murdered in the pre-election campaign, showcasing the violence from drug cartels in the country. The favorite in the election is Claudia Seinbaum of the center-left coalition, with a 17-point lead in the polls. The election will be the largest ever organized in Mexico, with 99 million registered voters. Over 20,000 positions are at stake in the elections, including the president, governors, and local representatives. Strict security measures, including 27,000 military personnel and National Guard members, will be enforced on election day.

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

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Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.

It will need courage and willingness of all parties to restart the talks, says German Ambassador

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It will need courage and willingness of all parties to restart the talks, says German Ambassador

Germany and Europe are preparing for two significant events: the European Parliament elections and the UEFA EURO 2024 football tournament in Germany. The German Ambassador to Cyprus expressed concern about the rise of right-wing parties in the elections and emphasized Germany’s support for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions. Germany aims to host EURO 2024 as a symbol of cohesion in Europe, promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Germany also advocates for a strong and united EU, despite facing challenges like Putin’s war in Ukraine. The 2004 enlargement of the EU serves as a lesson on the importance of unity and speaking with one voice in foreign policy. Germany’s proposals for EU decision-making reform aim to ensure the Union remains capable of action. Germany is committed to supporting Cyprus in finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing the importance of confidence-building between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities.

Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

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Mediators call on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement

Countries mediating ceasefire negotiations, including Qatar, the USA, and Egypt, called on Israel and Hamas to finalize an agreement based on a plan presented by US President Joe Biden. The plan includes a three-phase approach to achieve a permanent ceasefire, with conditions such as the release of hostages and the withdrawal of troops. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his government’s conditions for a ceasefire, including the destruction of Hamas and the release of all hostages. Hamas responded cautiously, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops before agreeing to a ceasefire. Netanyahu faces pressure from both right-wing ministers and Israeli citizens demanding the return of hostages.

Performance evokes serial killings in Cyprus

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Performance evokes serial killings in Cyprus

The play “The Only Thing You Need to Know About Derrida” is a theatrical performance written in response to crimes against foreign women in Cyprus. It aims to serve as an x-ray of modern social reality in Cyprus and is set in the red lake of the mines in Sia. The performance includes Filipino amateurs speaking in their native language and will be presented at the Cyprus International Theatre Festival from June 14-16, with additional performances until June 30.