Day: June 14, 2024

Turkish occupation remains a painful reality the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos said addressing an event organised by the Permanent Mission of Cyprus to the United Nations, to mark the 60th anniversary since the UN peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) was established in Cyprus in 1964. The event took place at the international organisation's headquarters in New York. The Foreign Minister stressed that the Republic of Cyprus, as one of the few UN members states that is both a host country and a troop contributor, can attest to the necessity of sustaining and supporting UN peacekeeping. Particularly, in the face of ever-evolving challenges. 'Today, the Republic of Cyprus is hosting one of the longest-running peacekeeping operations in the world. Members of the Force served the UN and Cypriots with courage, some giving their lives during their service. Their sacrifice is not forgotten. And the Republic of Cyprus remains grateful. The conflict is not frozen. Turkish occupation remains a painful real ity, an ongoing violation of Public International Law, a constant reminder that a member state of this Organisation faces, on a daily basis, the existential threat of the aggressor,' he noted. Kombos underlined that the attacks against members of the Peacekeeping Force last August which the international community has condemned in the strongest possible terms, as well as the recent forward movements of the occupying forces, are manifestations of the current challenges. 'The UN cannot be selective. The UN cannot be threatened. The UN cannot water down the principles for which servicemen and women have sacrificed their lives. An invasion took place. There is a victim and an aggressor. There is a state that is member of the UN and an illegal entity, the product of an aggression. The median line, or the landing zone of equal distance, is dangerous. And it should not be associated with the UN,' Kombos stressed. He further said also that Cyprus recognizes the vital role of UN peacekeeping worldwide. 'UN peaceke epers, around the world, have helped countries to navigate the difficult path: from conflict to peace; from instability to resilient security' he said. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) condemned the assaults against UN peacekeepers and damage to UN vehicles by personnel from the Turkish Cypriot side this morning. In August 2023 an incident took place inside the buffer zone near Pyla/Pile as UN peacekeepers blocked unauthorized construction work in the area by the Turkish Cypriot side. UN peacekeepers were attacked and UN vehicles were damaged by personnel from the Turkish Cypriot side. Members of the Security Council condemned the incidents in the buffer zone, in the village of Pyla, in Larnaca district, with assaults against UN peacekeepers, reiterating their full support for UNFICYP and their commitment to an enduring, comprehensive and just settlement in accordance with the wishes of the people of Cyprus and based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in relevant Security Council resolutions. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Guterres last January appointed Holguin as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue. Source: Cyprus News Agency

The contribution of the Turkish occupied schools of Cyprus to education, tradition and the cultivation of national identity was highlighted on Friday by the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, who assured at the same time that the State will stand by the students who are currently studying at the Rizokarpaso school. Michaelidou addressed a conference on: "I know, I do not forget, I claim: Our Occupied Schools. Bright marches in time" which was held in a hall of POED, in Aglantzia and was under her auspices. There were also addresses by the Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios which was delivered on is behalf by Bishop Porphyrios of Neapolis and Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou. In her address, Michaelidou said that the conference is a tribute to memory and honour to the multi-dimensional contribution of the schools which are today in the Turkish occupied territories. "The contribution of our occupied schools to education, tradition and the culture of our country is invalu able," the Minister said, adding that they were a cradle of knowledge, while they contributed in various ways to the history of the island and the cultivation of a national identity. Michaelidou stressed that education should be an inalienable right of all children, adding that "our enclaved students continue to inspire us with their courage, patience and perseverance to guard Thermopylae on the edge of Cyprus. We assure them as a State that we will stand by them." She added that memory and knowledge are a valuable guarantee for facing the challenges, but also an antidote to the moral and values crisis of our time, noting that "it is our duty as the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, to continue dynamically cultivating our goal of 'I do not forget', I struggle, I claim". On her part, speaking about the role of the Deputy Ministry of Culture in preserving the memory of Turkish occupied Cyprus, Kassianidou said that "we study and record the monuments and findings from the occupied territories and prote ct them with all the means at our disposal." At the same time, she continued, "we closely monitor auctions and sales of antiquities and identify and repatriate objects stolen from churches, museums and archaeological sites in our occupied territories." She pointed out that through culture "we can find common ground and ways of cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots and work for the solution", noting that "culture and love for our country can become the bridge that will unite us". In his address, the Archbishop of Cyprus said that "we must keep the torch of asserting our rights lit in these critical times and pass on to the hearts of the young the light, principles and values of our ancestors." He pointed out that teachers have a key responsibility in this direction, adding that "the Church is always your companion". Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotia tions, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Guterres last January appointed Holguin as his personal envoy for Cyprus, to assume a Good Offices role on his behalf and search for common ground on the way forward in the Cyprus issue. Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Ministry of Defence will participate in the defence and security exhibition Eurosatory 2024, which will take place from June 17 to 21 in Paris. According to a press release by the Ministry, the exhibition is the largest European exhibition on defence and security with ground and air systems. It adds that the Ministry of Defence, supporting the initiative of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry to participate in the exhibition, has placed under its auspices the first national pavilion, in which seven Cypriot companies are participating, which are members of the Chamber and the Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Companies. The Minister of Defence, the Chief of the National Guard and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, will visit the exhibition. Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus recorded one of the largest reductions of the employment rate (-0.5 percentage points) among the member states of the EU in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the fourth quarter of 2023, but remained above the EU average which itself saw an increase of 0.2 pp, according to data on the labour market released by Eurostat. The employment rate of people aged 20 - 64 in Cyprus stood at 78.3% (75.7% in the EU) in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 78.8% in the fourth quarter of 2023 (75.5% in the EU). Labour market slack - encompassing those with unmet employment needs, a large part of which includes unemployed individuals - amounted to 11.2% of the extended labour force aged 20-64 in the first quarter of 2024 (stable compared with the fourth quarter of 2023). In Cyprus, the labour market slack stood at 10.2%, having increased slightly by 0.1 pp compared to the previous quarter (10.1%). Between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the employment rate increased more in Croat ia (+1.8 pp), Slovenia (+1.3 pp) and Bulgaria and Greece (both +0.9 pp). Employment rose in a total of 15 EU countries in this period. The employment rate remained stable in Italy and Latvia and decreased in 10 EU countries, with the biggest decreases recorded in Cyprus, Estonia and Lithuania (all -0.5 pp). Source: Cyprus News Agency

The risk of explosion and expansion of forest fires will remain on "red alert", on Saturday, the Department of Forests says in a press release. It notes that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and that it constitutes an offense which, according to the Forestry Law of 2012, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to pound 50,000.00 or both penalties together and according to the Fire Prevention in the Countryside Law of 1988 up to 5 years or with a fine of up to pound 20,000 or both penalties together. The lighting of a fire, for preparing food, is only allowed in the grills of the picnic areas. The Department also strongly appealed to the public to be especially careful during their outings, completely avoiding actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat, sparks or flame, such as emery, welding and electric welding. People who notice smoke or fire are urged to call 1407 (Department of Fore sts) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately. Source: Cyprus News Agency

In May, the aircraft arriving in Cyprus achieved an 85% occupancy rate, and this trend is on the rise, according to Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development and Communication at Hermes Airports. Kouroupi told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) on Friday that approximately 41,000 passengers arrive at or depart from Larnaka and Pafos airports daily. Kouroupi noted that the summer season has started much better than anticipated at the beginning of the year, when they faced a loss of air travel capacity primarily due to the war in Israel and issues with an airline that had to reduce its flights to Cyprus. However, she continued, "in recent months, thanks to various efforts and actions, we have managed to regain much of the lost seat availability." When asked about the market from Israel, Kouroupi responded that they are at about 90% of what the year would normally be, as a specific airline has added more seats, nearly restoring its flight schedule. She also said that there were increases from other airlines , either in the form of new routes or additional seats on existing routes. 'The summer season', she noted, 'is going very well'. May was 4% higher than last year, and overall, from the beginning of the year, they were 5% up from the previous year, with occupancy rates higher than last year. In response to a question, Kouroupi said that although Cypriots were also traveling, the majority of air traffic involves visitors to the island. When asked if there were new air routes this year, she confirmed and noted that among the new routes were Belfast in Ireland, Nantes in France, Tallinn in Estonia, Radom in Poland, and Liverpool in the UK. Additionally, she said that there were several seasonal routes from various regional airports in Scandinavian countries, and the availability of seats has increased from both the UK and Poland. In general, Kouroupi said that there's a strong dynamic from various countries, with approximately 41,000 departing and arriving passengers daily at both of Cyprus's airports. The oc cupancy rate in May was around 85%, and it has increased since then. Regarding the Russian market, Maria Kouroupi said that despite the lack of direct flights from Russia to Cyprus, there's still a steady flow of visitors from Russia to the island through other countries. Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus generated a fiscal surplus close to pound 600 million in the first quarter of 2024, marking an increase of 58% year on year, driven by the rise in state revenue which exceeded the rise in spending. According to the quarterly accounts of the General Government for the first quarter published on Friday by Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat), preliminary fiscal results showed a surplus of pound 598.3 mn for the period of January-March 2024, compared to a surplus of pound 376.4 mn in the respective period of last year. Revenue During the period of January-March 2024, total revenue increased 13.5% or by pound 389.9 mn and amounted to pound 3,282.5 mn, compared to pound 2,89.6 mn in the corresponding period 2023. Among other revenue, taxes on production and imports increased by pound 65,8 mn or 6.4%. and amounted to pound 1,090.7 mn, compared to pound 1,024.9 mn in the first quarter of 2023, of which net VAT revenue increased by pound 69.8 mn (+10,2%) and amounted to pound 752.5 mn, compared to pound 68 2.7 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Social contributions increased by pound 108.3 mn (+12.5%) and amounted to pound 977.9 mn, compared to pound 869.6 mn in the first quarter of 2023. Revenue from taxes on income and wealth increased by pound 135.7 mn (+17.4%) and amounted to pound 915.2 mn, compared to pound 779,5 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Expenditure During the period of January-March 2024, total expenditure increased by pound 168 mn (+6.7%) and amounted to pound 2,684.2 mn, from pound 2,516.3 mn in the corresponding period of 2023. Social transfers increased by pound 70.6 mn (+7.0%) and amounted to pound 1,083.7 mn, from pound 1,013.1 mn in the first quarter of 2023. Compensation of employees (including imputed social contributions and pensions of civil servants) increased by pound 113.9 mn (+14.4%) and amounted to pound 903.7mn, compared to pound 789.8 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Subsidies increased by pound 1.4 mn (+4.3%) and amounted to pound 33.9 mn, compared to pound 32.5 mn in the first quarter of 2023. Other current expenditure increased by pound 29.5 mn (+16.4%) and amounted to pound 209 mn, compared to pound 179.5 mn in the corresponding quarter of 2023. On the contrary, the capital account decreased by pound 61.2 mn (-34%) to pound 118.6 mn (pound 91.9 mn capital formation and pound 26.7 mn capital transfers), from pound 179.8 mn (pound 151 mn capital formation and pound 28.8 mn capital transfers) in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Property income payable decreased by pound 7.1 mn (-9.9%) to pound 65 mn, from pound 72.2 mn in the first quarter of 2023, CyStat said. Source: Cyprus News Agency

Both heavy and moderate work outdoors is prohibited between 11am and 5pm on Friday, according to the Labour Inspections Department, due to a red warning for extremely high temperature. Work involving the transport or delivery of products, such as food or mail, by two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles) or personal mobility devices (scooters and e-scooters), is also prohibited between 12 noon and 4pm. The red level warning for mandatory work stoppage, concerns inland areas (any areas with an altitude of less than 300 metres, which are more than 10 kilometres away from the coast), as well as the mountainous areas at an altitude of more than 1150 metres. In other cooler areas of the island, where the work stoppage order does not apply, the law still requires outdoor workers carrying out moderate to heavy work to implement appropriate health and safety measures to be facilitated by employers, and to monitor thermal load which is influenced by factors such as humidity. Source: Cyprus News Agency

Greek-American congressman John Sarbanes was honoured with an award in the margins of the annual PSEKA Conference, in Washington DC, for continuing the work of his father, Paul Sarbanes, who advocated the cause for justice for Cyprus. Paul Sarbanes, a defender of Greek national issues in Congress, remained an MP until 1977 and together with John Brademas, led the campaign for Cyprus and for imposing an arms embargo on Turkey following the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. In 1977 he was elected Senator, representing Maryland for five terms, until 2007 when he retired. PSEKA honoured John Sarbanes, for continuing to defend Greek issues in Congress for 17 years with the same vigor as his father and who is now retiring from politics. The award was presented to John Sarbanis by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos. 'Late Senator Paul Sarbanes and Representative John Sarbanes, have championed the cause of Cyprus, upheld the principles of democracy, and the rule of law, and strengthened the bonds between Cyprus and the US. Their remarkable legacies not only inspire us but also remind us of the enduring power of commitment and integrity in shaping a better world' the Foreign Minister said. Kombos outlined that John Sarbanes as an active member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, has devoted valuable time and energy to promoting crucial legislative initiatives. 'In 2019, John, together with his colleagues in both the House and Senate, performed a miracle. They worked tirelessly to gain support for the Eastern Mediterranean Partnership Act, a landmark piece of legislation central to our bilateral relations and the valued 3+1 partnership. Though he will be sorely missed from next year onwards, having chosen to follow a new path, I am convinced that John Sarbanes will continue to be a true and genuine friend of Cyprus' Minister Kombos said. The 39th PSEKA Conference, which aimed at keeping the Cyprus issue actively on the US foreign policy agenda, wrapped up with the participation of top American legi slators, as well as new candidates for Congress. The President of PSEKA, Philip Christopher thanked the participants and pointed out that "he will continue to fight for Cyprus as he has been doing for 50 years, until he fulfills the promise to his father: To return to Keryneia". Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Yiannis Panayiotou conveyed the government's commitment for adequate wages and dignified pensions promoting more social justice in citizens' every-day life. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Labour, Panayiotou was addressing the Plenary of the ILO's Global Coalition for Social Justice held in Geneva, on Thursday. The Global Alliance was set up during the 2023 ILO Conference, aiming to promote social justice in the shaping of public policy and social dialogue between social partners, numbering more than 250 participants including governments, workers and employers' organisations and other international organisations. Cyprus was one of the first states responding to the invitation by ILO Director-General, the Ministry said. In his address, Panayiotou said universal and lasting peace can only be consolidated if it is based on social justice. 'This is what we are defending in this body for over a century and our commitment will continue to be in place for the years and generations to come,' he added. He stressed that the Cypriot government remains 'dedicated to safeguarding better wages and better pensions, adequate income for all those actively participating in the labour market so we could maximize the economy's capacity and to secure our citizens' welfare.' 'Our government is determined to actively participate in the Global Alliance because we believe in its cause and we want our Alliance to succeed,' he said. Source: Cyprus News Agency

President Nikos Christodoulides has appointed Nicholas Ioannides as the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, as announced in a written statement by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Friday. 'The creation of the Deputy Ministry marks an important milestone for the country in the effective management of migration issues,' says Letymbiotis. He adds that the government will maintain its focused approach with continued seriousness and determination, positioning the Deputy Ministry as the central authority for planning, coordinating, and overseeing related state services. 'The positive outcomes achieved through targeted measures over the past year will be further enhanced with the new Deputy Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Nicholas A. Ioannides," the Spokesperson notes. He conveyed President Christodoulides' heartfelt thanks to Minister of Interior Konstantinos Ioannou and his team for their significant efforts and successes in effectively managing migration. The Pr esident, he notes, is confident that they will continue to collaborate closely and support the new Deputy Minister, particularly during the critical initial phase of staffing the new Ministry. According to a brief CV, Ioannides holds a PhD in Public International Law from the University of Bristol (2017). During the 2017-2018 academic year, he was a Nippon Foundation Fellow at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Hamburg. He graduated from the Law School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and received a Master's degree (LLM) in Public International Law from the University of Bristol. Ioannides has taught Public International Law, International Humanitarian Law, and European Law at academic institutions in Cyprus and abroad. He has served as a legal advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on matters of public international and European law. Additionally, he has represented the Republic of Cyprus at the International Court of Justice in The Hague and in working groups of the Council of the European Union. Source: Cyprus News Agency

A fire that broke out a little before midnight on Thursday between the communities of Trachypedoula - Kelokedara in the Paphos district is manageable, Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis posted on platform X, on Friday morning. Kettis said that fire has been contained and the final extinction is under way with the use of firefighting aircraft. The fire has burned about one square kilometre. Kettis also said that the residents who earlier were instructed to evacuate their homes, have returned. He also noted that the communities are no longer in danger. The fire, he added, was initially detected by the Game and Fauna Service on patrol. Head of Kelokedara community council Marios Zachariades said that there was an overnight battle with the blaze, adding that that the Fire Service's intervention was prompt. He also said that there was no need to evacuate the village but some relatives of the residents came over to transport their families to Paphos. Police are carrying out an investigation to determin e how the fire started, said Paphos Assistant Police Director of Operations Michalis Nikolaou. Source: Cyprus News Agency