Who do we really trust in Cyprus?
Fact: In 2010, an EU study stated that just three in 10,000 Cypriots ‘had no relatives’.
peace
Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?
The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.
Slovenia to recognise Palestinian state by mid-June
The Slovenian government has initiated the procedure for the recognition of a Palestinian state as a way to help end the conflict in Gaza. This decision was made to encourage negotiations and speed up dialogue in the United Nations for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. Other European Union member states are also considering recognizing a Palestinian state, with Slovenia aiming to complete the recognition process by June 13 at the latest. Israel has criticized this move, calling it a “prize for terrorism” that could hinder peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Larnaca port: Strike cancelled as labour minister calls for dialogue
Discussions between the Minister of Labour, employer, and trade union representatives resulted in a commitment to engage in scheduled dialogues to resolve discrepancies and implement agreed-upon measures. The Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation among social partners to maintain stability in the country. The parties involved have agreed to participate constructively in the dialogue process with the aim of avoiding confrontations and achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.
Nicosia town hall and Eleftheria Square lit up for Europe Day
The Nicosia town hall and Eleftheria Square will be lit up on Europe Day, celebrated every year on May 9, to mark the beginning of the month-long countdown to the European elections scheduled from June 6 to 9.
Ukraine peace talks should include Russia, Chinese diplomat says
Beijing supports a peace conference on the Ukraine war with equal participation of all parties, aiming to achieve peace in Ukraine. Switzerland will host talks on June 15-16, but Moscow and Kyiv have expressed doubts about the summit. China had previously proposed a 12-point plan to end the war, which received a mixed reception. Despite the ongoing conflict, Beijing is willing to continue playing a role in finding a solution to the crisis.
Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah
Jordan’s King Abdullah warned U.S. President Joe Biden that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could lead to a new massacre of Palestinian civilians and urged urgent international action. Israel carried out airstrikes in Rafah, prompting concerns about a regional conflict. Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with a large-scale military offensive in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. The leaders discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Jordan and other Arab states have been critical of Israel’s actions and have been calling for a ceasefire.
Home for Cooperation celebrates 13th birthday
The Home for Cooperation marked 13 years since its opening on Monday. They transformed an empty space designed to keep people apart into a melting pot where first steps to come closer can be taken. They hope to continue walking together, transforming physical and mental barriers along the way towards the united Cyprus they dream of.
Ukraine may have talks eventually with Russia, intelligence officer says
Ukraine will eventually need to enter into talks with Russia to end their more than two-year-old war, according to Major-General Vadym Skibitsky. Both sides are preparing for potential negotiations, with the earliest possible start in the second half of 2025. Ukraine is planning a peace summit in Switzerland in June, with the goal of uniting countries before potentially including Russia in talks. Russian President Putin believes Ukraine is blocking a settlement, while Ukrainian President Zelenskiy sees the June meeting as a chance to begin restoring peace.
Democracy is not a given
The fact described in the text is that the European Union created a video featuring elderly survivors of tragedies in Europe to remind people of the importance of democracy. These survivors share stories of their experiences with dictatorships and wars, including World War II, concentration camps, and the Prague Spring. The European Union is urging people to vote in order to combat the rise of the far-right and protect hard-earned rights. Only 50.6% of eligible voters participated in the previous European elections in 2019.