Calls for transparency on First Lady, ’s social support fund
Fact: MPs called for more transparency over the social support fund managed by the First Lady during a House ethics committee meeting.
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Cyprus inflation drops to 1.6 per cent in March, according to Eurostat
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Cyprus showed a yearly growth rate of 1.6 per cent in March, down from 2.1 per cent the previous month.
‘Point of contention overcome’ for Aphrodite gas field
The point of contention regarding the development of the Aphrodite gas field off the coast of Cyprus has been overcome, according to Energy Minister George Papanastasiou. The plan for extraction of gas from the Aphrodite field will continue based on the agreed development and production plan from 2019. The government wants to respond as soon as possible to start planning the joint venture with Chevron. Discussions on the matter have been exhausted, and Chevron understands that gas extraction will be based on the 2019 plan. There is an ongoing dispute with Israel over “plot 12” connected to the Aphrodite field, but the Energy Minister believes the differences should be closed in the next three months. The CEO of Italian company Eni has requested a visit to Cyprus this month to discuss the development and production plan for the Kronos I and Kronos II fields.
Legal Services to meet over monastery scandal
A meeting at the state Legal Services will be held this week on potential financial crimes and money laundering at the Osiou Avakoum monastery.
No change in policy on Cyprus issue, Tatar says
Ersin Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot leader, stated that negotiations will not begin without acceptance of sovereign equality and equal international status. He emphasized that talks will not start from where they left off in Crans Montana and clarified that reports of proposals from the UN Secretary-General do not correspond to reality. Tatar also mentioned consultations with Turkey and reiterated the need to lift isolation and embargoes imposed on Turkish Cypriots. He expressed opposition to resolution 186 of 1964 and emphasized the support of Turkey in their policy.
Updates expected on St Habakkuk scandal investigations
The Attorney-General has convened two meetings this week with police investigators for important cases. The first meeting is about the scandal of granting citizenship to foreign investors, the second is regarding the scandal at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery. Another meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss possible violations of US sanctions against Russian oligarchs in Cyprus. The investigations at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery are progressing, with updates expected after a meeting with investigators. Additionally, there will be a meeting with the Financial Crime Unit to discuss cases related to golden passports. Decisions are pending on a major case involving citizenship grants. Investigations into sanctions on Russians by the US, specifically involving Alexey Mordashov divesting shares through an organization in Cyprus, are nearing completion.
Attorney-General acknowledges long-standing friendship with former President
The Attorney-General, Giorgos Savvides, mentioned that there is an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding references in a book by Makarios Drousiotis about the governance of Nikos Anastasiades. He emphasized the respect for the Independent Authority against Corruption and the need to evaluate the issue thoroughly. Savvides also addressed questions about his personal relationship with the former President and the criminal prosecution against Katsounotos, stating that decisions will become known publicly and detailed explanations will be provided if necessary. Additionally, he mentioned that the issue of multiple pensions for officials is a political matter that concerns the state, the executive power, and the legislative, and emphasized the importance of careful legislative regulation to avoid unconstitutional provisions.
Turkey inflation hit 68.5% ahead of election blow to ruling party
Turkey’s annual inflation rate climbed to 68.5 per cent in March, leading to significant losses for President Tayyip Erdogan’s party in local elections.
Neocleous Tower: A paradigm of sustainable and innovative workspace in Limassol
The Neocleous Tower in Limassol is a sustainable office building that has attained LEED certification, making it the first commercial building in Cyprus to do so.
Valentina Georgiadou appointed as Finance Commissioner
Fact: Valentina Georgiadou has been appointed as the new Financial Commissioner, vacating her previous role as Deputy Financial Commissioner.