Runners from 75 countries in Limassol marathon
Over 17,000 people from 75 countries participated in the Limassol Opap marathon, with more than 17,000 runners completing the six routes over the weekend.
Poland
Police arrest international gang in $686 mln medicinal cannabis scam
Spanish police led an international operation to arrest a gang that defrauded 645 million euros from victims in 35 countries in a scam involving medicinal cannabis plants. The gang convinced victims to invest in the system through marketing tactics at international cannabis fairs. Nine suspects were detained in various countries on suspicion of fraud. The gang promised victims profits of up to 168% per year by financing the cultivation of cannabis plants. Luxury cars, hotel parties, and music videos were used in an advertising campaign. Police seized properties worth 2.6 billion euros and recovered cash and crypto currencies.
Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: ‘Don’t’
U.S. President Joe Biden warned Iran not to attack Israel, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to defend Israel. Israel prepared for a possible attack by Iran or its proxies following an airstrike in Damascus that killed an Iranian commander. The U.S. rushed warships into position to protect Israel and American forces in the region amid concerns of a potential Iranian attack. Other countries warned their citizens against travel to the region, and the U.S. was monitoring the situation closely.
Despair makes young US men more conservative ahead of election
A global survey showed a surge in despair and disillusionment with established politics, particularly among young American men, who were the only U.S. population group to turn more conservative over the past decade.
Kombos: Cyprus ready for talks, Turkish side imposing conditions
Fact: Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stated that President Nikos Christodoulides is ready to start talks on the Cyprus problem immediately.
EU parliament approves migration system revamp
European lawmakers approved a new migration system to reduce irregular arrivals and increase returns to reduce unwanted immigration from the Middle East and Africa. The compromise aims to balance the obligations of arrival countries like Italy with help from rich destinations like Germany. The vote comes as the EU center faces pressure from the far right ahead of the parliamentary election in June. The EU has tightened borders and asylum laws since the 2015 refugee crisis. The new system, which requires implementation by member states, has faced criticism for limiting access to protection and potentially allowing large-scale internment. Poland has stated it will not accept an EU immigrant relocation scheme, but the majority of member states are expected to approve the revamp.
EU parliament approves migration system revamp ahead of bloc, ’s election
Fact: European lawmakers approved a revamped migration system aimed at reducing irregular arrivals and increasing returns to reduce unwanted immigration from the Middle East and Africa.
Famagusta appeals to Polish tourists
Fact: There was increased interest in organized trips from Poland to the Famagusta district during a roadshow in Poland by the Famagusta Tourism Board (Etap) and hoteliers of the district.
Wizz Air’s success story has a Cypriot flavour
Wizz Air is celebrating its 20th anniversary next month and has been a key player in Cyprus’ aviation industry since establishing a base at Larnaca International Airport in 2010. The airline has received awards for its environmental practices and sustainability efforts. In 2023, Wizz Air played a significant role in Cyprus’ record-breaking tourist season by transporting passengers from various key markets. The airline increased its seat capacity by 70% in 2023 and is estimated to have injected €200 million into the Cypriot economy. Wizz Air holds the leading position for passenger numbers at Larnaca Airport and is set to offer 1.3 million seats on 25 routes to 16 countries from Cyprus in 2024. The airline’s presence has created 130 direct jobs and is estimated to support an additional 5,500 jobs in related sectors.
Services sector records strong growth in 2023
– The services sector in Cyprus performed well in 2023, with significant improvements in various key areas.
– Accommodation and catering services saw an increase of 18.9%, administrative and support services grew by 15.5%, professional, scientific, and technical activities by 2.7%, and information and communication by 2%.
– Tourism sector showed improvement in 2023, with tourist arrivals reaching 3,845,652, approaching pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
– The UK had the most tourist arrivals in Cyprus in 2023, followed by Israel, Poland, and Germany.
– The Shipping sector transported 98% of raw materials and essential goods in Cyprus in 2023, contributing about 7% of GDP.
– Oev undertook various initiatives in 2023, including research on digital skills, Innovation Awards, and promoting digital skills and AI adoption.
– Oev also organized a Business Mission to Greece, Information Day on dispute resolution methods, and supported the newly established Tourism Promotion Agency.