The illegal construction of a church in the Natura 2000 Network in Cape Greco, despite the reaction of relevant government departments, shows that the violation of environmental legislation is deeply rooted in corruption.
Fact: Cyprus will host an international meeting of interior ministers to discuss migration, with a focus on declaring parts of Syria safe for migrants to return.
The Minister of Interior rejected the hierarchical appeal against the construction of a monastery in a protected area in Cape Greco. The Bishopric of Constantia can either appeal to the judiciary or comply and demolish the building. The Minister offered to consider exchanging church land to relocate the monastery and protect the natural environment. If the Bishopric chooses to rectify the illegalities, it must follow the terms set by the Environmental Authority.
The interior ministry rejected an appeal by the Famagusta Constantia bishopric to build a monastery on environmentally protected land in Cape Greco.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis acknowledged that the Cypriot tourism sector is in need of foreign workers due to an increase in tourist arrivals, leading to labor shortages.
A 17-year-old boy was in critical condition at Nicosia general hospital after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Ayia Napa. The driver, an 18-year-old, was also injured and was being treated for broken ribs at a private hospital in the Famagusta area.
Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.
A 16-year-old was arrested as the navigator of a boat carrying 73 Syrian migrants that arrived in Larnaca. Another boat with 37 irregular migrants was also intercepted off Cape Greco.
Two migrant boats were spotted by Cyprus’ port police, one with 37 migrants off the coast of Cape Greco. The government has decided to no longer examine asylum applications from Syrian migrants.
