UNSG to meet with Tatar
Fact: The United Nations secretary general António Guterres will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Friday at the headquarters of the international organisation in New York.
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Doubts raised over development of Larnaca port
The company assigned to expand and restore Larnaca port, Kition Ocean Holdings, has not started any of the works on the €1.2 billion project two years after being assigned. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades expressed strong concern about the lack of progress and warned that if the company does not honor its contractual obligations, actions will be taken accordingly. The latest information suggests that work on the project may start in May or June.
Health minister discusses key Gesy issues with medical association
Health Minister Michael Damianos met with a delegation from the Pancyprian Medical Association to discuss key healthcare issues, including the need for comprehensive planning for the national health scheme Gesy, addressing the strengthening of the legislative framework, tackling abuses, covering non-prescription drugs for low-income pensioners, improving public hospitals, and regulating working conditions for employees of the Cyprus Oncology Centre.
Cyprus, Greece share common goals on Cyprus problem, says President
Cyprus and Greece share common goals and aspirations regarding the need to resume talks on the Cyprus problem.
Silver rises to $25.80 as US$ slips on steady job openings
The price of silver jumped to .80 after steady JOLTS job opening figures were reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tatar says will not be forced to accept UNSG proposals
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar rubbished reports that he will be forced to accept UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ proposals during their upcoming meeting in New York. Reports in Greek Cypriot media suggesting that he will have to accept proposals made to President Nikos Christodoulides are mere speculation and not based on reality.
House president, minister lock horns over double pensions
Fact: House President Annita Demetriou and the finance minister got into a verbal spat over the issue of pensions given to state officials.
Ten migrant boats arrive over three days
476 irregular migrants have been intercepted in the last 72 hours, with nine people arrested on suspicion of people smuggling.
Benefits of cable sought before investment decision made
The government of Cyprus has asked Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (Admie) to carry out a cost-benefit analysis for the Great Sea Interconnector project, which aims to link the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. The project, previously known as the EuroAsia Interconnector, is estimated to cost €1.9 billion. Cyprus is considering investing €100 million in the project and wants an updated analysis before making a final decision.
Pournara Reception Centre population rises to 1,182 after recent arrivals
The Pournara First Reception Centre is currently dealing with high pressure due to a recent influx of migrants, with the population now at 1,182, the highest occupancy since last year. The Cypriot asylum services are granting temporary protection to Syrian nationals, allowing them to reside in Cyprus without the obligation of providing housing. Efforts are being made to urge the EU to provide financial aid to Lebanon to contain Syrian refugees within its borders, while also working on reclassifying certain regions in Syria as ‘safe’ for potential repatriation. Diplomatic efforts with Lebanon have not yet yielded significant progress, as an increasing number of Syrians are leaving Lebanon amidst the Gaza conflict.