The Cyprus Institute (CyI) won a Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Award for its research and educational activities addressing the climate crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region.
The Livingston Chamber of Commerce opposes a proposed 2.5 percent tax hike on high-earning businesses in New Jersey, which would fund NJ Transit.
The Environmental Movement of Cyprus is calling for those responsible for the destruction of Akamas to be held accountable for their actions. They are demanding the immediate publication of the latest investigation into illegal interventions in Akamas and are urging President Nikos Christodoulides to make the findings public and name those responsible.
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.
The Republic of Cyprus is facing a dilemma due to illegal operation of EAC power plants, risking sanctions from the European Commission. The Environment Department has prepared a report for criminal action against EAC. The revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive may allow a derogation for compliance by 2030. The European Commission has requested information on Cyprus’s intent to apply for a derogation. A meeting with relevant stakeholders will decide on the submission of a request and preparation of an action plan for compliance by 2030.
Israeli forces engaged in fierce battles with Hamas fighters in Jabalia, Gaza, while militants attacked tanks in Rafah. The U.S. military started delivering humanitarian aid in Gaza. Residents reported destruction in Jabalia, with homes and shops being demolished. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed to have killed over 60 militants in recent days. The conflict has led to widespread hunger and a collapsed medical system in Gaza. Over 630,000 people have been displaced in Rafah since the military offensive started. Israel is facing accusations of violating the Genocide Convention in Gaza.
A group of Western nations, including G7 countries, signed a letter urging Israel to comply with international law in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis. The letter expressed opposition to a full-scale military operation in Rafah and called for increased humanitarian aid to reach the population. Israel denied blocking aid and said it needs to eliminate Hamas for its own protection. The Western nations also called for a sustainable ceasefire and the resumption of essential services in Gaza.
Akel deputy Christos Christofides has written to the auditor-general asking him to examine the data of the Independent Social Support Agency, which is under the authority of the president’s wife, Philippa Karsera. The agency had been set up in 2013 to provide financial support to university students who were unable to complete their studies due to lack of funds.
The Legal Service has no intention to challenge the court verdict on Thanasis Nicolaou that ruled he was strangled.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump have accepted CNN’s invitation to face off in the first 2024 debate on June 27.