Cyprus Pride march marks 10 years
Fact: Hundreds of people attended Nicosia’s pride parade on Saturday, marking 10 years since it was first held. Diplomats also participated under the Diplomats for Equality banner.
diplomats
China, ’s Li, Japan’s Kishida in South Korea for first trilateral talks in four years
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Seoul for a trilateral summit with their South Korean counterpart, their first three-way talks in over four years.
What happens after ICC prosecutor seeks warrants in Israel-Gaza conflict?
The International Criminal Court prosecutor’s office has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence chief, as well as three Hamas leaders, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. The request will be reviewed by a pre-trial chamber composed of three magistrates, who will decide whether to issue the arrest warrants. If issued, the individuals could be arrested if they travel to an ICC signatory state, but the court itself has no means to enforce an arrest. The application for warrants may indirectly influence other court cases and legal challenges related to Gaza.
Cyprus High Commission owes , €1.7m in London congestion charges
The Cypriot High Commission in London owes Transport for London almost €1.7 million in outstanding congestion charge fees.
Diplomats urge LGBT rights progress in Cyprus
– Diplomatic missions in Cyprus issued a joint statement in support of human rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
– The statement praised Cyprus for progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQI+ rights, including legislation criminalizing conversion therapies.
– Encouraged Cyprus to consider removing legislative exclusion of same-sex couples in civil union from adoption and to make progress on legal gender identity recognition and recognition of same-sex marriages conducted abroad.
– Highlighted the need for continued work towards a reality where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation.
Russia to practice tactical nuclear weapon scenario to deter West – defense ministry
Russia is holding a military exercise that includes practice for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to what they perceive as provocative threats from Western officials. The exercise, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, aims to test the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces and will involve missile formations in the Southern Military District and naval forces. The goal is to ensure Russia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This comes after Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has caused a breakdown in relations between Russia and the West.
Foreign interests working against Greece is a myth
Fact: Jacques Delors recounted an exchange at a meeting of the Council of the EEC where the French president argued in favor of Greece’s full membership by highlighting its historical significance as the homeland of Aristotle.
Tales from the Coffeeshop: Our greatest victory of the post invasion era
– The first ever Coffeeshop appeared in 1991 on April 21.
– The rejection of the Annan plan by 76% of the Greek Cypriot population was celebrated as a victory.
– The audit report on the foreign ministry for the 2021-22 period revealed a diplomat unlawfully collecting an overseas posting allowance.
– Deputies in Cyprus receive various perks and privileges, including multiple pensions.
– The chairman of Hellenic Bank accepted a mediation proposal by the labor minister regarding the renewal of the collective agreement.
– President Nikos Christodoulides received a stipend of €4,128.45 monthly for three months while stationed in Cyprus, despite being originally stationed in Brussels.
– The stipend was not officially approved by the foreign minister, but by the permanent secretary.
– Rent amounting to €45,000 was paid to a diplomat living in his own flat abroad from 2018 to 2021, which was not recovered by the foreign ministry.