Firefighters were battling ‘continuous and intense’ flare-ups between the communities of Polemi and Kourdaka, fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis said on Wednesday afternoon.The fire that broke out on Tuesday near Polemi is estimated to have destroyed eight square kilometres of land, including houses and animal farms. “The flare ups are being dealt with. Ground forces … Read more
THE BIGGEST news story over last few days has been that it was very hot. As if anyone in Kyproulla had not felt the scorching heat and had to be informed about it by continuous reports and updates from the media.OK, it was the highest ever temperature recorded in early June, but what more is … Read more
President Nikos Christodoulides has been briefed about the meeting of the UN secretary general with his personal envoy. The Turkish Minister of Defence, Yasar Guler, made a provocative statement regarding the Turkish troops’ “peace operation” in Cyprus. The Greek Cypriot side is steadfast in requesting the resumption of talks, despite indications that negotiations may not be positive. The UNSG will also meet with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to convey specific messages on behalf of the Republic. Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar claimed that peace prevailed on the island in 1974 and that the Turkish Cypriots made significant gains. Turkish Cypriot MPs participated in discussions at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the issue of Varosha, claiming that the 1984 UN Security Council resolution is outdated.
Cyprus has rented six additional aircraft to help combat forest fires, with four planes coming from Australia and two from Latin America.
The bankruptcy of German travel giant FTI Group has caused a potential shortfall of 30,000 bookings for Cyprus’ tourism industry. Hoteliers are facing uncertainty as tens of thousands of future bookings are at risk due to FTI’s collapse. The German market, an important source for Cypriot tourism, is further impacted by this situation, which could also affect Austria and Switzerland where the group operated.
Options for Larnaca’s port and marina are being evaluated, with a commitment to inform the public about next steps soon. The Amalthea initiative at the port is currently not operating with cranes, but efforts are being made to increase output. Pay interruptions for employees are being handled by the labour ministry. Both a marina and a port will be the outcome of the project, with a re-evaluation of the types of cargo transported through Larnaca. The possibility of niche specialization for farmers and livestock operators is being considered. The project may involve breaking it down into smaller components and reducing its scale. The restart of the project may take time and changed circumstances must be taken into account. The state’s public works department may take on building roads and pumping stations to speed up the process.
Germany and Europe are preparing for two significant events: the European Parliament elections and the UEFA EURO 2024 football tournament in Germany. The German Ambassador to Cyprus expressed concern about the rise of right-wing parties in the elections and emphasized Germany’s support for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions. Germany aims to host EURO 2024 as a symbol of cohesion in Europe, promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. Germany also advocates for a strong and united EU, despite facing challenges like Putin’s war in Ukraine. The 2004 enlargement of the EU serves as a lesson on the importance of unity and speaking with one voice in foreign policy. Germany’s proposals for EU decision-making reform aim to ensure the Union remains capable of action. Germany is committed to supporting Cyprus in finding a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue, emphasizing the importance of confidence-building between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities.
Elam is edging out Diko in the MEP elections according to the latest CyBC poll.
The Daleela passenger and car ferry has resumed its sailings from Limassol to Piraeus for the third season, with increased ticket sales compared to last year. The ferry will operate exclusively from Limassol, with departures on Wednesdays and Sundays from Limassol and Tuesdays and Fridays from Piraeus. Ticket prices have slightly increased from last year, with the ferry receiving a €5.5 million annual subsidy. The ferry link between Cyprus and Greece was reinstated in 2022 after 20 years, supported by a state subsidy approved by the European Commission.
Disciplinary proceedings have begun at state broadcaster CyBC against director general Thanasis Tsokos for allegations of abuse of power and financial mismanagement. The board of CyBC is meeting to appoint a Deputy Director General to ensure normal operation. A decision for a disciplinary investigation into Tsokos was made by the cabinet on April 30, 2024, with Emmanuella Lambrianidou appointed as the investigating officer.