resolution

UN committee unable to agree on Palestinian bid for full membership

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UN committee unable to agree on Palestinian bid for full membership

The United Nations Security Council committee did not reach a unanimous recommendation on the Palestinian Authority’s application to become a full U.N. member. The Palestinian Authority is expected to push for a vote on the draft resolution recommending its full membership. This move would effectively recognize a Palestinian state, which is currently a non-member observer state. The U.S. has stated that an independent Palestinian state should be established through direct negotiations, not at the United Nations. The Security Council committee was unable to agree on whether the Palestinian application met all the criteria for membership.

Italy’s Turin orders outdoor smokers to keep their distance

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Italy’s Turin orders outdoor smokers to keep their distance

Turin has banned outdoor smoking unless people are at least five meters away, with a fine of 100 euros for those who do not comply. The ban covers various smoking products and prohibits smoking near children and pregnant women. Milan also has similar restrictions on outdoor smoking, but enforcement of the laws is limited.

Larnaca port project back on track, company announces

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Larnaca port project back on track, company announces

Kition Ocean Holdings had a positive meeting with President Christodoulides regarding the Larnaca port project. As a result of the President’s intervention, initial differences were bridged, leading to an agreement for KOH to place a €4.2 million guarantee. This cooperation is expected to resolve outstanding issues and allow for the prompt commencement of construction works.

Larnaca port and marina developer renewing financial guarantee

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Larnaca port and marina developer renewing financial guarantee

Kition Ocean Holdings has agreed to renew their financial guarantee for the development of Larnaca’s port and marina. The amount of the financial guarantee under the contract is €10 million, but the consortium has currently placed €4.2 million. The guarantee is expected to be deposited in the coming days to allow the project to continue according to the contract terms. President Nikos Christodoulides chaired the meeting where this agreement was reached.

The European Parliament’s achievements through the eyes of the Cypriot MEPs

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The European Parliament’s achievements through the eyes of the Cypriot MEPs

The European Parliament has been instrumental in enacting reforms to enhance the lives of people in Europe, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic by endorsing the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism and contributing to the NextGenerationEU financial plan. Key achievements also include advancements in Green and Digital Transitions, implementing measures for health, welfare, and daily experiences of EU citizens, and supporting young people through initiatives like the European Year of Skills.

Limassol Court dismisses depositor claims over 2013 haircut

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Limassol Court dismisses depositor claims over 2013 haircut

The Limassol District Court dismissed lawsuits filed by depositors against Cyprus Popular Bank, the Central Bank of Cyprus, and the Republic of Cyprus regarding the 2013 haircut. The Court ruled that the defendants did not act negligently or breach any duty, and the resolution measures did not put depositors in a worse position than a bank liquidation scenario. The claims of constitutionality and human rights violations were deemed non-essential and unsubstantiated.

In search of a solution for the Larnaca marina billion project

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In search of a solution for the Larnaca marina billion project

A €1.2 billion investment in the development of a port and marina in Larnaca is facing challenges as the state and Kition Ocean Holdings try to prevent a potential fiasco. The President of the Republic is involved in resolving the deadlock, with tensions rising after Kition refused to renew a port guarantee and made accusations against the government. Efforts are being made to find a resolution, with the President meeting with Kition officials and the Larnaca Development Committee convening to address the issues. The project is expected to start in June, and the Audit Service is monitoring the situation closely.

PEO calls for wage increases amidst economic growth

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PEO calls for wage increases amidst economic growth

The General Secretary of PEO emphasized that the organization’s priority is to seek increases in Collective Employment Agreements to improve real wages, particularly focusing on starting salaries. She criticized the government for not taxing windfall profits and called for deeper social policy measures in response to ongoing inflation and new green taxes. She proposed revisions to income criteria for allowances, extension of parental leave, creation of care infrastructure, expansion of all-day schools, multiplication of housing programs, increase in Minimum Guaranteed Income, and resolution of pension issues.

Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition

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Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is meeting with several EU counterparts to seek support for recognizing a Palestinian state. He aims to address the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and push for a two-state solution. Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia are working together towards Palestinian state recognition, despite Israel’s opposition. Sanchez will visit Oslo and Dublin to discuss this issue with Norway and Ireland’s leaders.

Services sector records strong growth in 2023

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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.