In today’s episode, a deal regarding the delivery of the floating storage and re-gasification unit (Fsru) that is part of the liquefied natural gas project at Vasiliko has been reached by the Cyprus government and the Chinese CPP-Metron Consortium, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou announced. Elsewhere, more than 20 actions worth over €30 million for the Troodos mountain countryside were presented by President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday night. Also, a father from Larnaca on Tuesday claimed that school bullying is the cause behind his son having been hospitalised last week. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the police control systems at airports and checkpoints have been restored after the country was targeted by six cyber attacks. Meanwhile, Disy called for a "holistic" approach to tackling the problem of affordable housing. Elsewhere, MEP Fidias Panayiotou called for a protest against the government's ban of mobile phones from schools. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou will be travelling to Apia, Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting taking place between 21 and 26 October, an announcement said on Sunday. Elsewhere, Cyprus' government portal was the victim of a cyberattack Sunday but the authorities coped with the incident successfully, the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy said in a statement. Also, Firefighters rescued three people stuck in their car at the Larnaca Salt Lake, fire services spokesman Andreas Kettis said on Sunday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by The Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, all eyes are fixed on whether the two leaders in Cyprus will be willing and able to engage sufficiently to allow an informal five-party meeting with the three guarantor powers to take place in the coming months. Meanwhile, two new cases involving assaults and robberies against food delivery workers were reported during Tuesday night in Limassol, amid ongoing investigations by the police into similar incidents. Elsewhere, Labour MP Bambos Charalambous has been elected as the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Cyprus in London, following the group’s first general assembly of the new parliamentary term. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the informal tripartite dinner meeting with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in New York was described “very good” by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Elsewhere, marketing fresh fruit and vegetables is still “seriously problematic”, with exorbitant retail prices and profits of up to 342 per cent, the Cyprus Consumers Association said on Tuesday. Also, the state-run company in charge of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal denied on Tuesday claims that the jetty is at risk due to corrosion, and hinted that ulterior motives might be behind the reports. All this and much more in todays Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are on the “same page” regarding the solution of the Cyprus problem, that there cannot be a solution outside the agreed framework. Meanwhile, MPs have criticised the transfer of human trafficking oversight to the deputy ministry of migration, arguing that this issue, which encompasses both foreign and local nationals, should be managed by the justice ministry due to its links to organised crime. Elsewhere, Paphos Mayor Phedonas Phedonos criticized state welfare services for their chronic inadequacy and illegal operations following a fire at a minor accommodation center. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus’ first natural gas extraction will most likely be from the Kronos reservoir in block 6, which may be in 2027, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Sunday. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides is travelling to London on Monday after an invitation by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Elsewhere, a delivery driver in Limassol reported getting ambushed by three individuals who attacked him and stole his phone and wallet, police said on Sunday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos announced on Thursday that measures to tackle the high cost of living will be reintroduced, including zero VAT on diapers, baby milk, female hygiene products, and fruits and vegetables Elsewhere, Newly appointed auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou expressed confidence on Thursday that any disagreements with the Law Office would be resolved through dialogue, emphasising the importance of the Audit Office's independence and access to data. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a scientist of Cypriot origin has been awarded the 2024 Nobel peace price for chemistry. Meanwhile, Cyprus was elected to a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council for the first time. Elsewhere, more than 2,000 people from 20 different countries have arrived in Cyprus from Lebanon as part of facilitated departures amid the deteriorating political situation in the country. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Republic of Cyprus was told on Tuesday to pay around €50,000 in damages to two asylum seekers for degrading treatment and pushback as they sought refuge in Cyprus from Lebanon, in a European Court of Human Rights ruling. Meanwhile, the first West Nile virus case seen in Cyprus this year has been detected in an elderly man from Mammari village. Elsewhere, a total of 1,550 people, primarily from third countries, had left Lebanon via Cyprus by Tuesday since the start of assisted departures on September 27. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides is in a “position of strength” ahead of his informal dinner with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday. Meanwhile, ongoing and unacceptable dangers faced by their staff are a grave issue, nurses’ union Pasyno said, laying the blame with the ministries of labour and justice as well as the police and state health services. Elsewhere, a school facility in Larnaca intended to be used as temporary accommodation for foreign nationals fleeing from Lebanon was hit by racist vandals. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a European Court of Justice ruling has scuppered Cyprus' plans to declare parts of Syria as safe, with a view to returning migrants to those parts of Syria. Meanwhile, Mehmet Tulek, whose daughter Asya was one of the 24 Cypriot children who were killed when the Isias hotel in the southeastern Turkish city of Adiyaman collapsed during last year's earthquakes, expressed fears over the ongoing court case regarding the hotel's collapse. Elsewhere, Cyprus became a full member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a Lockheed C-130 aircraft provided by the Greek Defence Ministry arrived at Larnaca airport on Thursday, facilitating the evacuation of Cypriot citizens from Lebanon. Elsewhere, the European Commission has sued Cyprus for failing to implement an EU directive mandating a global minimum corporate tax rate. Also, two-thirds of swimming pools in Cyprus operate without proper licenses, according to MPs during a discussion at the House interior committee on Thursday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government on Wednesday was bracing for heightened security measures as an all-out war in Middle East loomed, prompting diplomats to flee Beirut in boats docking in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Cyprus was the likely launchpad for the military support offered by the United Kingdom to defend Israel from a volley of Iranian missiles launched on Tuesday evening. Elsewhere, after months of wrangling, three Osiou Avakoum monks were defrocked by the Holy Synod, a decision the clerics decried as unfair and said they would sue. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides fired his police chief. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators lined up outside the Akrotiri base to protest the ongoing killing in Gaza. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government on Wednesday said it was at its highest level of preparedness for evacuations from the region, as Britain announced 700 troops were being deployed to Cyprus to help UK nationals leave Lebanon. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, focusing on Cyprus’ role in promoting peace in the Eastern Mediterranean, condemning ongoing conflicts, and highlighting the persistent division of Cyprus. Elsewhere, members of the House ethics committee heard that four cases related to revenue from money laundering are currently before the criminal court. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides appointed Andreas Papaconstantinou as the new auditor-general. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the federal model for a solution to the Cyprus problem has "completely lost its validity". Elsewhere, Christodoulides' favourability ratings are now lower than those of late President Demetris Christofias in the immediate aftermath of the Mari disaster, according to a new poll. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Diko MP Zacharias Koulias’ plan to appoint a new auditor-general as acting president was thwarted by House President Annita Demetriou, who cancelled her overseas trip to prevent his move. Meanwhile, the number of migrants arriving in Cyprus through irregular means has significantly dropped in 2024, with just over 5,000 arrivals compared to nearly 11,000 last year. Elsewhere, heavy rain caused traffic chaos in Nicosia on Monday afternoon, stranding cars in Strovolos and Engomi due to flash floods. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, thousands of people gathered on Sunday to protest former Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides’ dismissal by the Supreme Constitutional Court. Elsewhere, ten suspects were charged on Sunday for rioting outside Alphamega stadium in Limassol ahead of a scheduled Ael-Apollon match. Also, port police rescued a British couple in Limassol from the sea on Sunday, after the pair fought. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, legal experts have labelled the dismissal of Odysseas Michaelides as auditor-general a landmark case in Cypriot justice. Lawyer Achilleas Emilianides called the ruling harsh, portraying Michaelides as one of the worst officials ever, despite his ten years of service. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed their commitment to the electricity interconnector project during a meeting in Athens. Also, Cyprus' first national cybersecurity exercise, CyberCyprus 2024, was hailed as a success, marking a key step in bolstering the country's defenses against cyber threats. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Attorney-General Odysseas Michaelides was fired. Outside court, he said the system has "successfully beheaded me", and claimed there had been a coordinated effort by Cyprus' establishment to have him removed from his position. Elsewhere, the now-infamous Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University in Morphou was paying invoices to a student recruitment agency for students who did not exist, according to witness testimony in court. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government greenlit Cyprus' participation in the Great Sea Interconnector. Meanwhile, revenue generated from gambling in 2023 exceeded €1 billion. Elsewhere, the British bases' environmental experts recorded a total of 382 sea turtles on their beaches this year. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday said the Cyprus Football Association (CFA) should take responsibility over the violence which unfolded ahead of an Ael-Apollon match on Sunday and not try to hide behind their powers allowing them to run their own house. Meanwhile, intense discussions are set to take place on Tuesday regarding the Cyprus-Greece electricity interconnector, with the Council of Ministers set to meet at 11.30am ahead of a crucial meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis on Thursday Elsewhere, the cause of death of 43-year-old Alkis Michael, who died early on Sunday morning while driving away from the Limassol general hospital, has been preliminarily identified as a heart attack, pending final histopathological results. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, “exemplary” punishment will be meted out to four men who were arrested after serious incidents of football violence at the Ael-Apollo match in Limassol, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis said on Monday. Meanwhile, Cyprus ‘had no other choice’ but to bring in US experts to help with corruption-related investigations, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, as he announced a designated budget would go towards rebranding the country’s image abroad. Elsewhere, dozens of blood transfusions to thalassemia patients were postponed due to low reserves in Cyprus’ blood bank. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Turkey condemned this week's signing of a roadmap to boost two-way defence cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides spoke of "progress" between Cyprus and Greece regarding the Great Sea Interconnector. Elsewhere, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said dangerous buildings are "a thorn in the government's side". All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, United States sanctions imposed on entities and individuals on Cyprus are not targeting the country but oligarchs and arms traders who enable Russia to continued to waging its war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the supreme constitutional court rejected an appeal filed by a Syrian businessman against the revocation of his Cypriot citizenship after his name appeared on a European Union list of financiers of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, in between performing the largest concerts the island has ever seen, music superstar Ed Sheeran visited the British base of Dhekelia where he met forces personnelle and every gave an intimate performance on a beach there. Meanwhile, MPs were apparently shocked to hear the government’s proposal that currently serving state officials would be allowed to continue to get a pension while still drawing a salary. Elsewhere, Limassol general hospital is set for a €23 million facelift, which will see its A&E department expanded, new units set up and its overall space renovated. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the eagerly-awaited meeting, which will help the government decided whether to give the green light to the Great Sea Interconnector project, will be held at the presidential palace today. Elsewhere, parties and deputies tabled 11 different bills at the House finance committee on Monday, all aimed at regulating the payment of multiple pensions to some state officials. Also, the deputy ministry of research, innovation and digital policy violated the law in the way it ‘appointed’ companies to implement the ‘e-wallet’ service, an audit office report said on Monday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides is to meet with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on September 23, according to reports. Meanwhile, television series Famagusta’s director Andreas Georgiou said the message the series was intended to convey was “to love each other”. Elsewhere, villagers from the Limassol district on Saturday staged a protest against motorcyclists speeding along the road between the villages of Trimiklini and Ayia Eirini. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the auditor-general's office currently cannot determine the full extent of Covid-19 benefit funds given to ineligible applicants. Meanwhile, the government postponed its decision on the regulatory framework for the Great Sea Interconnector project to next Tuesday. Elsewhere, the Immovable Property Commission has settled a total of 1,840 cases so far, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, cabinet’s final decision over the regulatory framework of the leg of the Great Sea Interconnector project which runs between Crete and Cyprus was delayed for another day, with an extraordinary cabinet meeting now scheduled for Thursday. Meanwhile, pharmacies across Cyprus are threatening to close on holidays and nights starting October 1 due to disputes over working hours. The issue arises from a court’s interim order allowing Elsewhere, a two-year-old girl in Limassol remains intubated at Makario hospital with a brain haemorrhage after being hit by a car on Makarios Avenue. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a massive volume of evidence has been gathered by investigators looking into the suspicious naturalisation of foreign investors, with the fourth case alone – involving former Transport Minister Marios Demetriades – filling 200 box files. Elsewhere, the Committee on Missing Persons has identified 52 per cent of the remains of those missing, Turkish Cypriot member of the committee Hakki Muftuzade said on Tuesday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, former Transport Minister in the Anastasiades government Marios Demetriades has been charged in the golden passports scandal, for offences related to corruption, bribery and money laundering. Meanwhile, Health Minister Michael Damianos on Monday hailed the finding of eight kidney cross-transplant pairs between Cyprus and Israel. Elsewhere, Netflix’s decision to air the series Famagusta led to a spat between Turkey and Greece, with high-ranking government figures from both countries expressing their views. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, stakeholders in the Aphrodite natural gas field submitted to the government a new development plan for the field. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar was outraged over streaming service Netflix's decision to show the television series 'Famagusta'. Elsewhere, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said this school year will "certainly be better than previous ones because the government is implementing its goals". All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, cabinet approved a bill which will create the role of a "patient advocate". Meanwhile, Cyprus expressed satisfaction with the outcome of informal discussions between European Union foreign ministers and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Elsewhere, a pitbull which mauled its owner was shot dead by its owner's neighbour. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus’ authorities “have not seen” the financing plan for the Great Sea Interconnector project, the finance ministry’s permanent secretary George Panteli said. Elsewhere, Police announced the arrest for sexual crimes of the 64-year-old man involved in the Limassol investigation, which had started off last week with the man reporting to authorities that he had been robbed by teens. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a total of 184 deaths in Cyprus have been attributed to drug overdoses since 2004, data released by the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC) shows. Meanwhile, around 20,000 hunters went out on Sunday, the first day of the pheasant hunting season, game fund spokesman Petros Anayiotos said on Tuesday. Elsewhere, the police force said it is seeking to purchase two additional water cannon vehicles to strengthen the force’s anti-riot capacity during incidents of football fan brawls outside stadiums and other violent group altercations. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus has seen the second largest drop in the number of firefighters within its ranks across 12 European Union member states. Meanwhile, 94 people have been arrested so far this year in connection with human smuggling offences. Elsewhere, over 100 British medical personnel have been deployed to the British bases in Cyprus as the United Kingdom prepares for possible evacuations from Lebanon. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Green Party said it had written to Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides, calling on him to investigate a property accused of breaching environmental regulations. Meanwhile, the reference point for the Cyprus problem is now the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said. Elsewhere, a 10-year-old British girl who was found unconscious in a hotel swimming pool is in a critical condition. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a private construction project by a well-connected Greek Cypriot architect has sparked protests after appropriating a waterfall on Kryos Potamos, a Troodos river known for the Caledonian and Millomeri falls. Meanwhile, the government has urged the Electricity Authority to implement immediate measures to reduce the risk of fires caused by faulty equipment or power cables. Elsewhere, since April, the British bases have issued €8,700 in fines for the illegal use of hunting dogs in game reserve areas, emphasising a strict zero-tolerance policy. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Cyprus government and the Turkish Cypriot leadership are in a furious row over a decision by tour operator Tui to stop daytrips to the north, with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar gearing up to open hotels in Varosha in retaliation. Meanwhile, Limassol police are investigating an assault and theft involving a 64-year-old man who was allegedly lured to the scene by a young girl. Elsewhere, Cyprus will be participating in Junior Eurovision 2024 with 11-year-old Maria Pissarides. The contest will be taking place in Madrid on November 16, 2024. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, up to 100,000 people could be evacuated from Lebanon through Cyprus, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said. Meanwhile, the number of migrants stranded in the buffer zone has reached 86. Elsewhere, Turkish Cypriots have reacted angrily to a reported deal struck between the Republic of Cyprus and tour operators to cut the number of overseas tourists visiting the north while on holiday in Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government will nominate Costas Kadis to be European Commissioner. Meanwhile, Greek doctors are seeking work in Cyprus' Gesy. Elsewhere, a man was fined €23,500 after being found trying to trap mouflon in snares with the aim of selling them on. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a teenager currently being held on remand for a double murder in Limassol last month has reportedly admitted to the killing, Limassol District Court heard on Sunday. Elsewhere, bread sold as wholemeal may not be, chairman of the House environment committee Charalambos Theopemptou has said. Also, with its political and economic tools, the EU can help break the deadlock on Cyprus talks, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said on Sunday.

In today’s episode, Ahmet Tugcu, the leader of the north's electricity authority Kib-Tek's employees' trade union El-Sen, was arrested and then released as chaos ensued over late-night attempts to fix faulty machinery at the Teknecik power station near Kyrenia. Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Israeli national appeared in court over an ongoing investigation into alleged misuse of Greek Cypriot property in the north. Elsewhere, police in Kyrenia arrested two would-be hitmen, with the pair having allegedly travelled to the north to kill a "businessman". All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the 64-officer mission set to fly to Greece in the early hours of Tuesday has been called off. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the Greek government has changed its request to the EU civil protection mechanism and now is asking for land and air support. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar pilloried Nicosia for actions he said put the entire island's security at risk amid rising tensions in the Middle East, even accusing President Nikos Christodoulides of "placing his personal reputation" above all else. Elsewhere, a group of around 60 delivery drivers from different companies gathered near Limassol’s old port on Monday to protest against the recent wave of violence against them. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a series of events and memorial services were held to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the deaths of Tasos Isaac and Solomos Solomou, who were killed during demonstrations in the buffer zone in 1996, as well as the Helios air disaster, which occurred in 2005. Meanwhile, Cyprus "has a duty to help" in the evacuation of European Union and third countries' citizens from crisis areas in the region, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said. Elsewhere, the Cypriot foreign ministry said it was "appalled" by the Israeli bombing of the Tabeen school in Gaza City. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, people living in the buffer zone called the fence stretching across the Green Line "useless". Meanwhile, Cyprus will respond to the European Commission's request to be refunded the €69m in grants for the LNG project by the first week of September. Elsewhere, a six-year-old child was left alone on a bus for around an hour after falling asleep on a school trip. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cypriot dinghy sailor Pavlos Kontides won a silver medal at the Olympic Games on Wednesday, finishing second in the medal race in the French city of Marseille to secure overall second place behind Australian Matt Wearn. Meanwhile, the government is being sued for migrant pushbacks over the dozens of asylum seekers still stranded in the buffer zone. Elsewhere, the state health services organisation and doctors failed to reach an agreement after a mammoth meeting on Wednesday to discuss pay incentives for state hospital doctors. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a police officer facing trial for rape and domestic violence has won an appeal that means he will be released from custody on bail. Elsewhere, Germany was preparing to evacuate thousands of its nationals from Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East via Cyprus, amid concerns over an escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran. Also, three men were found guilty on Tuesday of 17 charges each in relation to the murder of Turkish Cypriot businessman Halil Falyali and his chauffeur Murat Demirtas in February 2022. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides was not “invited” to a tripartite meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on August 13 but “sounded out” over such a meeting, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday. Meanwhile, far-right British fugitive Tommy Robinson is currently on holiday in Cyprus, staying at a holiday village near Cape Greco. He is the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant in the UK after failing to attend court in relation to a previous case against him. Elsewhere, dogs are to be stationed in the departure lounge at Larnaca airport with the aim of both calming nervous flyers and encouraging adoptions from dog shelters. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides was not "invited" to a tripartite meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on August 13 but "sounded out" over such a meeting, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. Meanwhile, police arrested the mother of a three-month-old baby who died of malnourishment and neglect last week. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides said there would be "no coverup" in the ongoing investigations related to the failure of the project to build a liquefied natural gas terminal at Vasiliko. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus is continuing pushbacks, it emerged on Thursday, even attempting to send migrants who arrived by sea into the buffer zone. Meanwhile, a European arrest warrant has been issued for the mother of a three-month-old infant who died in horrific conditions, infested with insect bites and severely malnourished. Elsewhere, 43 per cent of Cypriots believe the rise of Elam is “dangerous for democracy” while 58 per cent said there was a need for new parties, according to a survey conducted by consultancy group Cypronetwork. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the three-month of child who died in the Nicosia general hospital appears to have been "left to its fate" and was in a terrible state. Meanwhile, murder seems to be the most likely scenario in the case of the two burned bodies found in a burning car. Elsewhere, prices of fruit and vegetables at Cyprus' supermarkets are "unfair both on producers and consumers", Cyprus Consumers' Association chairman Marios Drousiotis said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, there are over 14,000 pending asylum-seeker applications from Syrian nationals waiting to be assessed, the UNHCR confirmed on Tuesday as the EU Commission said any efforts to return Syrians to their home country must be done under the watch of the UN. Meanwhile, police on Tuesday were investigating an incident during which hooded men climbed up traffic cameras in Limassol and spray painted their lense. Elsewhere, the presidential palace coughed up almost €60,000 on catering and restaurants in 2023. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government is ready to help with a possible impending evacuation of Lebanon, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Monday. Elsewhere, the government has managed to buy time to offer explanations to the EU commission over the LNG project fiasco, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Monday. Also, the Cyprus Consumers Association has reported a significant increase in retail prices for fresh fruit and vegetables compared to producer prices with retailers the big winners. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a 36-year-old was remanded in custody after he was found with a 40-kilogram stash of cannabis. Meanwhile, a 32-year-old man was arrested while sitting at a supermarket cafe with a knife which appeared to have spots of blood on it. Elsewhere, hospitals are on standby to deal with cases of Covid-19. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the European public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into Cyprus' Vasiliko liquefied natural gas import terminal over potential procurement fraud, misappropriation of European Union funds, and corruption. Meanwhile, Cyprus is "interested" in the role of a European Commissioner for the Mediterranean. Elsewhere, a sex tape was "illegally" shot at the ancient theatre of Kourion. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the hearing for a judicial review filed by former state pathologist Panicos Stavrianos at the Supreme Court began with accusations of conflict of interest against the state legal services, over the death inquiry which ruled that guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou was murdered. Meanwhile, Sigma TV chief executive officer Chrysanthos Tsouroullis briefly had his X account locked after “doxing” a well-known parody account on the platform which goes by the name “Jho Low”. Elsewhere, the K-Cineplex cinema at the Mall of Cyprus closed for good. The cinema had been open for 17 years. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, passenger complaints about poor treatment by airlines are at an all-time high, the Cyprus consumers association said on Tuesday. Elsewhere, plain clothes officers are patrolling the island’s beaches as dozens of thefts have been reported by beachgoers, police spokesman Christos Andreou said on Tuesday. Also, football’s governing body in Cyprus unveiled on Tuesday tougher sanctions on clubs found guilty of fan disturbance or violence for the 2024-2025 season, when supporters will again be allowed to attend away games. All this and so much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Chinese CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) should never have been awarded the Vasiliko liquified natural gas (LNG) project President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday, as damning statements of blame continued over the sunken deal. Elsewhere, a 50-year struggle to see stolen antiquities returned to the island has finally come to a close, the director of the antiquities department said on Monday at a ceremony to open an exhibition of some of the items. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the construction of the liquefied natural gas terminal in Vasilikos will proceed and be completed despite the withdrawal of the Chinese consortium of companies from the project, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou assured on Sunday. Meanwhile, Cyprus “will likely take crucial and bold decisions” in the coming months, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday night speaking before an event at the presidential palace to mark 50 years since the Turkish invasion. Elsewhere, as the hot summer continues unabated in Cyprus, the Water Department said the islands dams are only 36.8 per cent full, a result also of slow inflow during a dry winter. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, after endless wrangling, the Vasiliko liquified natural gas (LNG) project was pronounced dead on Thursday by the Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC). Elsewhere, the government on Thursday signed an agreement granting all workers in the central government and the broader public sector a 1.5 per cent rise on their base salary – the first such across-the-board increase since 2009. Also, the number of British tourists travelling to the north has halved since 2023, according to reports published on Wednesday.

In today’s episode,hundreds of ‘trapped buyers’ of property may never receive title deeds, as their purchases are tied to developers’ mortgages on buildings ridden with irregularities. Elsewhere, disgraced United States Senator Bob Menendez is to be stripped of his honorary citizenship of Paphos, the town’s mayor Phedon Phedonos said on Wednesday. Also, the health ministry and the Health Insurance Organisation have prepared a plan to incentivise gynaecologists and obstetricians to perform natural births instead of caesarean sections. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, three party leaders announced they do not have any personal vehicles in their wealth declarations for 2024. Meanwhile, Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides said Attorney-General George Savvides has been "threatening [him] with dismissal for months". Elsewhere, the north's 'education ministry' reacted with "deep sorrow and concern" over images drawn by children depicting Turkey's invasion of the island in 1974. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Supreme Court ruled that former state pathologist Panicos Stavrianos may file a case to annul a court ruling which found national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou, who died in 2005, was strangled to death. Meanwhile, Cyprus spent a total of €44.4 million on hosting Ukrainian refugees in 2022 and 2023. Elsewhere, a drone illegally delivered two packages into the central prison. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, after three years of debate in committee, parliament on Thursday voted through tweaks to the legislation governing wealth declarations, of capital statements filed by state officials and Politically Exposed Persons. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides lamented “tragic mistakes” made by the state on the 13th anniversary of the Mari explosion, which killed 13, on Thursday. Energy Minister George Papanastasiou on Thursday took formal delivery of a cost-benefit analysis for the Great Sea Interconnector project – the mooted subsea electric cable linking Cyprus to Greece. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Cyprus Mail were granted access on Wednesday to the 37 asylum seekers (25 here, 12 more in Akaki) who’ve been stranded in the buffer zone for weeks – in some cases, since May 15. Elsewhere, the international community is inching closer towards giving up on hopes of solving the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, Disy leader Annita Demetriou said in a letter penned to President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the contract between the state Natural gas infrastructure company (Etyfa) and the CPP-Metron Consortium (CMC) is headed for termination. Meanwhile, Cyprus and the FBI are to work together on clearing Cyprus' name in relation to the citizenship by investment programme. Elsewhere, the electricity authority (EAC) must "change" to be a competitive organisation by the time the electricity market opens up, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, mixed reactions followed the open letter published over the weekend by United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin. Meanwhile, there has been a steep rise in domestic violence cases. Elsewhere, Cyprus will "wield its diplomatic tools" over the recent Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) meeting, to which Ersin Tatar was invited. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, police arrested a 49-year-old woman on Sunday, as a suspect for promoting property sales in the north on Greek Cypriot land. Meanwhile, an open letter by UN Secretary General personal envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin was seen as an encouraging message by Nicosia, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Elsewhere, the met office issued a yellow weather warning for Sunday night through Monday 5pm, due to high temperatures expected to affect the island. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his strong concerns over the "significant" militarisation of the buffer zone. Meanwhile, European Union funding to support the north has reached a total of €688 million since 2006. Elsewhere, vaping may be responsible for reduced IQs. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Italian energy giant Eni is reportedly considering divesting from specific projects, including Cyprus, but Nicosia on Wednesday said they had so far received no information. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy suffering from what turned out to be acute appendicitis was subjected to a nightmarish ordeal for over 24 hours, before finally getting the surgery he urgently needed. Elsewhere, an amended plan to address declining fertility was approved on Wednesday by the cabinet, including increased allowances and setting women’s upper age limit for aided reproduction at 53, from the previous 50. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said he remains hopeful United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin would continue her efforts despite her finding no common ground between Cyprus' two sides. Meanwhile, there will be "disastrous consequences" if the war in the Middle East spreads to Lebanon, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said. Elsewhere, a British Cypriot candidate in the United Kingdom's imminent general election has been accused of "defending Adolf Hitler" on social media. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the UN Special Representative for Cyprus and head of Unficyp Colin Stewart said on Monday that he is concerned over increased militarisation of the buffer zone, seemingly called by the stalled political process towards Cyprus talks. Elsewhere, the first planning permit was issued on Monday through the fresh district organisation umbrella system, which ushered in a new era for local administration. Also, the planned 48-hour strike by public hospital doctors scheduled to take place from Tuesday to Thursday has been called off following extensive discussions between the doctors’ unions, the state health services organisation (Okypy) and intervention from President Nikos Christodoulides. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a group of Cypriot students on a school trip to Switzerland have become stranded after heavy rainfall cut off the village they are staying in.Elsewhere, Britain has used RAF Akrotiri to send over 80 military transport planes to Beirut since the bombing of Gaza began, the Declassified UK website has reported. Also, the health minister has called on doctors set to strike this coming week to think of the consequences of their actions. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the European People’s Party has included the Cyprus problem in its list of top 10 priorities, President Nikos Christodoulides announced in Brussels on Thursday, amid a flurry of meetings linked to the Cyprus problem, top EU posts and the Middle East. Elsewhere, the council of ministers decided on the retraction of two more “golden passports” issued to Russian oligarchs, it emerged on Thursday. Also, the hearing for Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides’ dismissal was postponed on Thursday, as an expert witness from Intosai (International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions) was unable to attend the court session. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a ship was loaded with 2,000 pallets of humanitarian aid and expected to sail on Wednesday from Larnaca port to the US-built pier in Gaza, amid growing concerns for the project’s viability and a lawlessness on the ground which is hampering humanitarian efforts. Elsewhere, Hezbollah’s threats are not in touch with reality as Cyprus’ role in Gaza is strictly humanitarian, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos stressed on Wednesday in a press conference with US ambassador Julie Fisher. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday said he would not engage in a public debate with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan over allegations Cyprus is an “operation centre” for Israel’s war in Gaza. Elsewhere, three Cypriot newspapers, including the Cyprus Mail, featured on a list of EU media outlets that Russia’s foreign ministry on Tuesday said it was banning access to inside the Russian Federation. Also, a 32-year-old illegal resident was remanded for six days on Tuesday in connection with the fire that broke out on Monday in Anogyra, as authorities said children setting off fireworks caused the Trimiklini fire on the same day. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, police arrested a 32-year-old man for recording swimmers in Larnaca, it emerged on Monday. Elsewhere, flights to Larnaca airport were delayed due to a power outage in Manchester, which affected several flights on Monday. Also, an Israeli media outlet on Monday had listed four locations that Hezbollah could attack in Cyprus, should the country actively support Israeli military strikes in Gaza conflict. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s threat to consider Cyprus as a “part of the war” should it continue to allow Israel to use its airports and bases for military exercises garnered a generally muted reaction from leadership figures in the world and in Cyprus. In other news, the fire brigade’s budget for 2024 is €12 million higher than it was last year, Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis said on Thursday. Elsewhere, the fines for certain traffic violations, particularly for running a red light, have been substantially lowered under a bill passed by the House on Thursday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the head of Lebanon’s Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah threatened Cyprus for the first time on Wednesday, saying Hezbollah could consider it “a part of the war” if it continued to allow Israel to use its airports and bases for military exercises. Meanwhile, the Cypriot government is in the “final stage” of its quest to secure visa-free travel for its citizens to the United States. Elsewhere, Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides officially assumed his role with President Nikos Christodoulides highlighting that Ioannides is taking on one of Europe’s biggest challenges. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Archimandrite Nektarios, who has been embroiled in the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal, was remanded in custody for eight days. Meanwhile, Cyprus' final decision over whether to stump up the required €100m to partake in the Great Sea Interconnector project is still pending. Elsewhere, doctors at public hospitals decided to call off a strike they had planned for Thursday, saying they were willing to give their employer one last chance. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus and the US signed a strategic dialogue agreement on Monday, during a visit of Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to Washington DC, where he met the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou hit out against the UN peacekeeping force (Unficyp) over the dozens of migrants stranded in the buffer zone for weeks. Elsewhere, the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) warned that the absence of adequate infrastructure for elderly care could compromise the effective functioning of the healthcare system in Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the war in Ukraine “must end”, President Nikos Christodoulides said at the Ukraine peace summit at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the fire brigade and the electricity authority found themselves at odds with one another over the cause of a wildfire which broke out near the Nicosia district villages of Farmakas and Fikardou. Elsewhere, the amount invested in Cyprus’ green transition is estimated to reach €3.1 billion by 2030, the finance ministry said on Sunday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the cross examination of Attorney-General George Savvides became heated on Thursday before the Supreme Constitutional Court, as accusations of ineptitude and inappropriate conduct were flung about rampantly in raised tones. Meanwhile, close to two dozen homes were affected by the two days of wildfires in the Paphos area, with the blazes destroying five homes completely. Elsewhere, works are set to commence to replace potentially hazardous asbestos pipes in three sections of the critical Nicosia sewerage network known as ‘Trunk E’, the European Commission announced on Thursday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, immediate action from on-the-scene firefighters stopped a flare-up from spreading on Thursday morning in the Paphos district. A fire department spokesman told the Cyprus Mail that the flare-up was noticed at 9am on Thursday and was “put out very easily by 9.20am”.Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said Cyprus has a specific plan for the procurement of private aerial firefighting means to upgrade and ensure self-reliance.Elsewhere, Attorney-general George Savvides took the stand for close to five hours before the Supreme Constitutional Court on Wednesday , which is hearing the case calling for auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides’ dismissal on the grounds of inappropriate conduct.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, sixty Cypriot antiquities looted after the Turkish invasion of the island in 1974 are to be returned to the island following the signing of an agreement between Cyprus and German authorities, it was announced. Elsewhere, Cyprus is ready to contribute to the ‘herculean effort’ required to reconstruct Gaza if a ceasefire goes ahead, President Nikos Christodoulides said. President Nikos Christodoulides also met United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in Jordan, as they both attended a conference over the dire humanitarian conditions unfolding in Gaza for months. All this and much more in today’s Daily news Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, all the traditional political parties came out bruised from EU parliamentary elections on Sunday, while Cyprus echoed the EU generally by electing far-right nationalists Elam to a seat at the table in Strasbourg. Elsewhere, the election of social media influencer Fidias Panayiotou to the European parliament is something “we have never seen before”, according to elections expert Yiannis Mavris. Also, The five new governors will be meeting on Thursday, June 13 with Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, with actions already in place to make the transition to these new, larger local government areas smoother. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, 24-year-old influencer Fidias Panayiotou sent shockwaves through Cypriot and European politics in the European parliament elections, winning just shy of 20 per cent of the vote and a seat as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, Elam also won a seat at the European parliament for the first time, with former party spokesman Geadis Geadi being elected. Elsewhere, the loss of the only Turkish Cypriot MEP has been a major talking point overnight, with turnout among Turkish Cypriot voters only having reached around five per cent, compared to around 58 per cent among Greek Cypriot voters.. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus has topped the European chart for prison overcrowding, with a staggering 166 inmates per 100 places. Meanwhile, with temperatures in Cyprus reaching a record high for early June, main culprit El Niño is set to give its place to cooler La Niña in the Pacific, promising worldwide relief over the next few months. Elsewhere, since the beginning of the year nearly 4,900 people illegally residing in Cyprus have left the country either via deportation or the process of voluntary return. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis said the bankruptcy of German tourism group FTI is a negative development for Cyprus' tourism. Meanwhile, the owners of a hotel in the north on Tuesday denied rumours that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy owns the property.. Elsewhere, Nicosia’s municipal swimming pool will not be open to the public until next year. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Cyprus government ‘doesn’t have a leg to stand on’ by leaving migrants stranded in the UN buffer zone for close to a week, sources close to the matter told Cyprus Mail on Monday. Elsewhere, Greek Cypriots have received a total of €29.8 million worth of compensation from the Immovable Property Commission in the north so far in 2024, according to Turkish Cypriot newspaper Halkin Sesi. Also, the bankruptcy of Europe's third-largest tour operator FTI Group will adversely impact tourist bookings in Cyprus, hotel industry officials warned on Monday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said “there is light on the horizon” regarding the construction of the liquefied natural gas terminal at Vasiliko. Meanwhile, Another 14 migrants have arrived in the buffer zone, raising the number of people stuck there to 27. Elsewhere, The met office issued a yellow weather warning for Monday, as the temperature is expected to rise to 40 degrees Celsius. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government's decision to allow branches of foreign universities to operate in Cyprus could be a "game changer" for the island's tertiary education sector, officials said. Meanwhile, Qatar has shown an interest in taking on the running of the Larnaca port. Elsewhere, British newspaper the Independent claimed a total of 50 British politicians have penned a letter to the country’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron, urging him to allow direct flights between the United Kingdom and the north of Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government on Wednesday clinched a deal with Larnaca port and marina workers who were fired by Kition Ocean Holdings, ensuring they will not be left without a job. Meanwhile, the Supreme Constitutional Court is set to announce its decision on June 5 on whether attorney-general George Savvides is constitutionally allowed to initiate dismissal proceedings against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides. Elsewhere, the Cyprus-Greece ferry service resumed on Wednesday as the Cypriot-flagged Daleela left the DP World terminal at Limassol port at 1pm and is expected to arrive on Thursday night at the port of Piraeus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said Cyprus can be considered as Qatar's "ambassador in Brussels". Meanwhile, Makarios hospital paediatric department director Avraam Elias urged people to get their children vaccinated amid a rise in measles cases in Europe. Elsewhere, Cyprus ranked in first place in Europe in terms of the quality of its bathing waters in 2023. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government on Monday moved to terminate its agreement with Kition Ocean Holdings over the Larnaca port and marina project, leaving the future of the stalled €1.2 billion development up in the air yet again. Elsewhere, the ongoing drought and looming water crisis facing Cyprus this summer will be raised by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou during a meeting with her counterparts in Brussels. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, what is happening in the Osiou Avakoum monastery is within the statute of the Church and everything is legal, Archbishop Georgios said on Sunday, while noting that the trial will take place normally. Meanwhile, Cape Aspro and Petra tou Romiou could be included on the Unesco Cultural heritage list if a proposal by Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou and the communities of Pissouri and Kouklia is approved. Elsewhere, warnings have been painted on the road around the island at junctions that have fixed cameras on them. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, an "unprecedented mass claim" of Laiki Bank and Bank of Cyprus depositors and bondholders amounting to 600 million dollars was dismissed at the International Arbitral Tribunal of the World Bank. Meanwhile, the Legal Service has done nothing wrong in the way it has handled the case of Thanasis Nicolaou, attorney-general George Savvides said. Elsewhere, Conflicts of interest and an adjournment marked the beginning of the first court proceedings for the attorney-general’s motion to have the auditor-general removed from his post, citing inappropriate conduct. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, four ships travelled from Larnaca over the weekend with almost 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid for Gaza along the Amalthea corridor. Meanwhile, the Vasiliko liquified natural gas (LNG) project is “not shipwrecked” President Nikos Christodoulides said, after widespread speculation that the project’s future was looking increasingly dire. Elsewhere, two men were remanded in custody over what police described as possibly the largest cache of weapons and explosives ever found in Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides met Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao on Monday to discuss the increasingly fractious dispute over the liquefied natural gas terminal (LNG) being built in Vasiliko. Elsewhere, the rate of progress on the under-construction road between Paphos and Polis Chrysochous is “worrying”, Paphos chamber of commerce chairman George Mais said on Monday. Also, life expectancy in Cyprus is marginally above the EU average, with women living four years longer than men, according to a report released by Eurostat on Monday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government was in contact with Lebanese authorities on Tuesday over statements made by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who called on Lebanon to “open the sea” so that Syrian migrants can make their way to Cyprus. Elsewhere, the European Commission will reinforce Cyprus' firefighting fleet with two aircraft this summer, amid increased risks of forest fires, it announced on Tuesday. In other news, a horrific incident of cat killings and possible torture has been reported in Paphos in the Tombs of the Kings area. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during talks in Ankara on Monday that there were "no unsolvable problems" between their countries.  Elsewhere, UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Monday said she would be preparing a report after her visit and meet with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the coming days.  Also, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation on Monday announced a donation of €750,000 to Unicef for humanitarian support of children in Gaza.   All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by The Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday that the executive branch will move to examine why for 19 years the tragic case of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou was not properly handled. Meanwhile, respondig to Christodoulides’ statements later in the day, lawyer for the family Leto Cariolou said the attorney general should no longer be involved in the case. Elsewhere, hundreds of people protested in support of auditor general Odysseas Michaelides on Sunday. Gathering outside the legal service, they marched on to the presidential palace, calling for transparency and sound management of public funds. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus joined in the celebrations for Europe Day. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides said he "cannot understand" why Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar declined the chance of a tripartite meeting with himself and United Nations Envoy Maria Angela Holguin. Elsewhere, the latest aid ship to depart Cyprus for Gaza left the Larnaca port. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, hoteliers are furious with the police and the labour ministry over their raids on hunting down illegal workers in Cyprus. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said on Wednesday he rejected a UN proposal suggesting a trilateral meeting with UN secretary-general envoy Maria Angela Holguin and President Nikos Christodoulides. Elsewhere, a third of Cypriots are “financially fragile” and are unable to cover emergencies, the University of Cyprus’ Economics Research Centre (CypERC) revealed on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a total of nine people were remanded for eight days after being arrested in connection with an attempted murder committed in Lakatamia last month. Meanwhile, two port police boats have been sent from Cyprus to patrol off the coast of Lebanon for migrant boats after the arrival of two boats a day prior. Elsewhere, Cyprus participated in an international police operation that led to the arrest of nine people involved in the Juicyfields Ponzi scheme. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a police car was completely destroyed on Easter Saturday night in what Limassol police spokesman Lefteris Kyriakou called an “organised attack”. Elsewhere, a 30-year-old man from Limassol has died after being involved in a road traffic accident on the road between Kalo Chorio and Limassol on Easter Sunday. Also, two firefighting helicopters and a total of 18 crew members arrived in Cyprus from Jordan with the aim of boosting Cyprus’ firefighting capabilities ahead of the summer, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the EU has offered Lebanon a financial package of €1 billion, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, which includes efforts to tackle border control and smuggling. Meanwhile, a group of United States congressmen tabled a bill which would extend the waiver renewal period for the country’s arms embargo on Cyprus from one year to five years.Elsewhere, Cyprus welcomed a Moneyval report that said the country had improved measures in tackling money laundering and combating terrorism financing, though it identified existing shortcomings. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe will always stand by the side of the Republic of Cyprus to solve the Cyprus problem. Meanwhile, 15 migrants arrived in the Limnitis area. Elsewhere, a 26-year-old motorcyclist is in a critical condition. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the continuation of the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the Amalthea plan is dependent on "favourable circumstances". Meanwhile, the price of olive oil has gone up a whopping 105.9 per cent since last Easter. Elsewhere, the 82-year-old who was jailed for shooting a cable thief in March was handed a presidential pardon and is a free man. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, seven people were remanded for eight days in the attempted murder of a 34-year-old, while another three were released it emerged on Sunday. Elsewhere, hundreds of tonnes of aid for Gaza have reached the port of Ashdod in Israel after departing Larnaca two days ago, the United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry said on Sunday. Also, police scuffled with a group of protesters outside the Limassol station, it emerged on Sunday, after ten individuals were arrested and one officer ended up in hospital. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, over 3,000 people submitted their candidacies for the various roles which will be up for election when Cyprus goes to the polls for its local elections on June 9. Meanwhile, the trial of 11 people who are held responsible for the deaths of 24 Cypriot children and 11 of their teachers and coaches when the hotel in which they were staying collapsed is to resume on Friday. Elsewhere, a 50-year-old track and field coach was sentenced to eight years in jail for sexually abusing underage athletes. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a total of 63 candidacies were submitted at the Filoxenia conference centre in Nicosia on Wednesday for June’s European parliament elections. Meanwhile, the ‘war’ between the legal service and audit office is creating a climate of intimidation, the latter charged, as steps to remove auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides from his post are expected to be filed ‘imminently’. Elsewhere, the levels of dust in Cyprus’ atmosphere are not expected to reach the levels seen in Greece in recent days, the met office said on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the audit office said it is ready to deal with any steps from the legal service aimed at removing auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides from his post. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man was shot in the neck while riding a motorbike in broad daylight. Elsewhere, forensic doctors were working to determine the gender and age of a body discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Audit Office moved to report the Legal Service to the European Commission and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions amid allegations of threats, revenge, and efforts to remove the auditor-general from his post. Meanwhile, an earlier introduction of sex education in Cyprus’ schools “would have saved many children” from abuse, Volt MP Alexandra Attalides said. Elsewhere, the family of an eight-year-old girl who died at Makarios hospital have moved to report a case of medical negligence. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said that Cyprus “cannot accept any more Syrian refugees”. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides’ stance on the Cyprus problem has “not yielded any substantial results”, Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou said. Elsewhere, concerns were raised over the weekend over Cyprus’ burgeoning porn industry, with an investigation set to be launched by parliament. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to a bizonal bicommunal federal solution to the Cyprus problem. Meanwhile, the House interior committee called on the government to "urgently effectively manage the migration issue". Elsewhere, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said "it's a joke" to say the government is replacing multiple pensions for government officials with "tips". All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, two boats with migrants have been sent to Lebanon after they were in distress at sea on Wednesday trying to reach Cyprus. Amnesty sounded the alarm over reports of coastguard pushbacks while children were sick on board. Meanwhile, over 400 secondary school students were referred for drug treatment programmes over the past three years, MPs heard during a House education committee. Elsewhere, immigration and the economy are the biggest worries for around 40 per cent of Cypriots going into the EU elections while climate action, gender equality and diversity, and digitisation of the economy are bottom of the list of 13 potential concerns, the latest Eurobarometer revealed. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, experts sounded the alarm over the government’s decision to suspend asylum applications for Syrian nationals. Meanwhile, two port police boats have been sent from Cyprus to patrol off the coast of Lebanon for migrant boats after the arrival of two boats a day prior. Elsewhere, Cyprus participated in an international police operation that led to the arrest of nine people involved in the Juicyfields Ponzi scheme. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Syrian migrants arriving in Cyprus will from now on be taken to the Kofinou reception centre to live, following a decision to cut all stipends given to them and delay examining their asylum applications. Elsewhere, the government is taking all necessary measures for security following Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. Meanwhile, the government has categorically denied any involvement in a reported Israeli air exercise last week aimed at simulating a response to an Iranian airstrike. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the situation in Israel is “very difficult”, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday following a snap meeting of the National Security Council but stressed the island is not involved in any attacks. Meanwhile, in light of developments in the region, the foreign ministry on Sunday said that the Estia plan has been activated in case there was a need for evacuations but so far no formal request has been received. Elsewhere, due to the recent mass arrival of Syrian asylum seekers, and pending developments on the issue of the reassessment of Syria's status and the designation of safe areas, Cyprus has suspended the examination of asylum applications for all Syrians. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the redesign of the European Union's migration system is a "step in the right direction", Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said. Meanwhile, authorities collected over €700 million more in taxes last year than the year before. Elsewhere, two men have been injured after a fight broke out in Paphos over a "like" on social media. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a man fell to his death after jumping out of a fifth-floor apartment window to escape a police immigration raid. Meanwhile, state prosecutors said they cannot keep fighting organised crime only to get attacked in retaliation and left with no protection from the state. Elsewhere, the Cyprus-based web browser Aloha Browser saw a 250 per cent jump in users in March. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the appeals court on Tuesday reserved its decision over an 82-year-old grandfather jailed for shooting a man who was attempting to steal electricity cables. Elsewhere, the Amalthea plan, Cyprus’ humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, is to continue despite Israel’s “reprehensible attack” on aid workers, President Nikos Christodoulides said. Meanwhile, if the ongoing traffic issues in Limassol are not properly addressed, people’s quality of life “will deteriorate very quickly,” Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades warned. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed ways to improve the effective management of migratory flows from Lebanon to Cyprus. Elsewhere, Larnaca port’s over one-billion-euro investment project is cloaked in mystery, it emerged on Monday, as MPs called for transparency amid rising concerns over the grand scheme. Also, charges are to be introduced for people using park and ride services, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said.  All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, efforts are underway to develop the National Cancer Institute, as well as a legal framework to offer palliative care through Gesy, Health Minister Michael Damianos said on Sunday. In other news, President Nikos Christodoulides is departing for Beirut on Monday morning, where he will be received by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati upon his arrival. Elsewhere, Chirstodoulides discusses migration with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen during a meeting in Athens. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, €2.5 billion in taxes is owed to the state. Meanwhile, Cyprus is looking for "immediate solutions" to deal with the migration crisis, House President Annita Demetriou told Lebanese Ambassador Claude El Hajal. Elsewhere, a warehouse where medicines were being stored and which was recently flooded was unfit for purpose, and the authorities knew since at least 2019. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, three boats carrying a total of 285 irregular migrants have arrived in Cyprus since Tuesday. Meanwhile, the three ships which had carried humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza but then were forced to turn back as Israel bombed aid workers' vehicles arrived back in Cyprus. Elsewhere, MPs reiterated concerns about the influx of cash into Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Tuesday turned out “to be a very sad day,” President Nikos Christodoulides said after seven members of the World Central Kitchen NGO were killed in an Israeli attack but he pledged the humanitarian aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza would continue. Elsewhere, Cyprus is at a “breaking point” with the influx of migrants, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said after a snap National Security Council meeting was convened to address the issue. Meanwhile, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death a65-year-old man, who died after his car plunged into a ravine approximately 20 metres deep in the village of Gerakies. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a total of 137 irregular migrants arrived in Cyprus by sea on Monday, bringing the number of arrivals up to 408 in the space of 24 hours. Elsewhere, European Parliament president Roberta Metsola arrived in Cyprus on Monday evening, being received at the Presidential palace by President Nikos Christodoulides. Also, the two monks embroiled in a sex and cash scandal at Osiou Avakoum monastery may be called to testify before the church’s investigative committee, it was reported on Monday. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the electricity subsidy is to be extended until the end of June as part of the government’s latest package of measures aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living crisis. Elsewhere, Out-of-court fines for traffic violations will largely remain the same but offenders will have more time to pay them, according to tweaks to the legislation discussed in parliament on Thursday. Also, the results of a death inquiry into the 2005 death of national guardsmen Thanasis Nicolaou will happen after Easter it was decided on Thursday.   All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the electricity authority has been left in the lurch and smart meter installation has again fallen into a state of limbo, after the administrative court’s decision to forbid the telecommunications authority from being awarded the tender to install smart meters. Elsewhere, the Supreme Court rejected a request from two Helios orphans seeking compensation from the government over the plane crash that killed their parents. Meanwhile, Cyprus holds the third highest share of foreign-born residents in EU, Eurostat data revealed on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said green taxation will begin by the end of 2024 and not on April 1. Meanwhile, over 3,500 people will be elected in Cyprus on June 9. Elsewhere, justice officials from Cyprus and the US will cooperate to enhance Cypriot capabilities to counter illicit finance. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has some thoughts that could pave the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday. Elsewhere, the President also said that he is planning and discussing with the cabinet about new measures or extending measures in place already to deal with inflation. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos was received on Monday, during his official visit to Kazakhstan, by the country's President Qasym-Jomart Toquayev. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, dignitaries from 35 countries and representatives of various international organisations descended on Larnaca for a meeting over the Amalthea initiative – Cyprus' humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Elsewhere, the giant water bug, which has been found in Cyprus by scientists, does not bite human toes. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Cyprus Broadcasting Cooperation has had all its bank accounts frozen. Meanwhile, scientists have warned of a giant water bug known as the toe-biter along the shores of Cyprus. Elsewhere, the electricity authority (EAC) were handed a €28,000 fine following the conclusion of investigations into the death of a worker in 2018. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus could generate electricity from natural gas by the middle of 2025, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Tuesday. Elsewhere, preparations have been completed and the vessel Jennifer, loaded with around 500 tonnes of aid is ready to leave Cyprus’ shores as soon as weather conditions permit. Meanwhile, it is no longer necessary to present a negative Covid-19 test to visit hospitals and nursing homes, Health Minister Michael Damianos announced. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos announced on Monday that representatives from over 40 countries will meet in Cyprus on March 21 to discuss the operational coordination of the next steps regarding the aid corridor to the Gaza Strip. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides discussed with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the intention to schedule the next Cyprus-Egypt Intergovernmental Summit, as well as the next trilateral summit with Greece. Meanwhile, Tamasos Bishop Isaias called on the public do not be swayed by the news and the machinations of the enemies of the church, in light of the scandals that have rocked the Osiou Avakoum monastery in recent days. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government has a ‘Plan B’ for the stalled Vasiliko liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, though it has not yet worked out the timetable for that alternative, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Thursday. Elsewhere, scandal continued to rock the church, with a new video surfacing of a woman being beaten with a belt by a monk at the now notorious Osiou Avakoum monastery. Meanwhile, preparations were being made on Thursday for a second humanitarian aid ship to set off from Larnaca, with the first 200-tonne batch of items, including food and water, expected to arrive in Gaza by Friday morning. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, MPs raised the alarm over whether Cyprus is carrying out its duties on money laundering compliance. Meanwhile, a second shipment of aid will be sent from Larnaca to Gaza within the coming days, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said. Elsewhere, the European Commission referred Cyprus to the European Court of Justice due to its failure to fulfil obligations under the Habitats Directive. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the humanitarian aid ship Open arms finally set sail from Larnaca for Gaza. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides will meet the UN Secretary-general's personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Saturday. Elsewhere, a teenager has contracted measles and is in hospital. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy Maria Holguin said “a lot of ideas” had been raised at her meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. Elsewhere, the ecclesiastical court will convene within the week over the two monks involved in an alleged sex and cash scandal. Also, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos will be travelling to Lebanon on Tuesday to meet with his counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus was gearing to send around 150 tonnes of aid to Gaza on Sunday afternoon, after it received the final seal of approval from Israel. The vessel will set off on Monday morning. Elsewhere, over 2,000 people living in Cyprus illegally were deported or repatriated this year, police said. Meanwhile, the story surrounding the monks embroilled in an alleged sex and cash scandal, took a bizarre twist after their lawyers claimed this is a case of corruption between the police and church. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides warned of large increases in the price of motor fuel. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she is "so proud" of Christodoulides. Elsewhere, parliament said the state health services organisation (Okypy) needs to rein in its expenses. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to visit Cyprus to discuss the implementation of the maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Meanwhile, the energy regulator (Cera) ruled out a price increase on electricity bills. Elsewhere, the Austrian government threw its weight behind Cyprus' plan to declare parts of Syria safe to return migrants. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday evening highlighted the importance his government is putting on restarting Cyprus talks, despite the difficult stance of the Turkish side. Speaking during a televised speech on his first year as president, Christodoulides went over the initiatives his government has taken to “better the daily life of all Elsewhere, a 31-year-old Ukrainian woman arrested on suspicion of money laundering is not cooperating with authorities, police spokesman Christos Andreou has said. Meanwhile, diplomats past and present convened on Tuesday to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) and discuss prospects for peace in the future. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the search for the body of a six-year-old child reportedly thrown into the sea from a boat carrying irregular migrants to Cyprus was called off on Monday lunchtime. Elsewhere, the significant role of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) in efforts to “restore peace, stability, and international legality in Cyprus,” was hailed by President Nikos Christodoulides. Also, organised crime has grown to a 'worrying' scale, and all elements of society must come together to contain it, speakers said at a workshop. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Monday marks exactly 60 years since the passage of United Nations Security Council resolution 186, which, among other things, created the UN’s Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp). Elsewhere, a poll showed Nikos Christodoulides’ popularity to have been greatly diminished since his election as President a year ago. Meanwhile, one in three Cypriots is overweight, the Cyprus Association of Dietitians and Nutritionists said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, an investigator will face criminal charges for deliberately failing to properly investigate the road death of Andreas Loizou in 2012. Meanwhile, the Attorney-general ordered the trial of Turkish Cypriot lawyer Akan Kursat be suspended since the key witness in the case is dead. Elsewhere, parliament gave the nod to the establishment of a deputy ministry for migration and asylum. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus' entry for this year's Eurovision song contest was revealed to be Liar, which will be sung by Silia Kapsis. Meanwhile, MEP Niyazi Kizilyurek was slammed for campaigning in the north for re-election by Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar and the north's 'foreign minister' Tahsin Ertugruloglu. Elsewhere, Cyprus received one asylum application per 78 inhabitants last year. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the investigation into Thanasis Nicolaou’s death was negligent and irresponsible, the Limassol district court heard on Tuesday. “The omissions are so many, so great, that it crosses the boundaries of gross negligence and borders on a cover-up,” former investigator into the case Savvas Matsas told the court. Elsewhere, cabinet greenlighted the creation of an oversight body for service-sector companies, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said. Meanwhile, tThe price of olive oil has skyrocketed in Cyprus, as across the rest of Europe, in the past year, data published by Eurostat showed. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the inquest into the death of National Guard officer Thanasis Nicolaou, found dead in 2005, continued, with state prosecutor Xenia Xenophontos questioning forensic pathologist Dimitra Karayianni regarding her examination of Nicolaou’s hyoid bone. In other news, the solution to the Cyprus problem is of fundamental importance for the balance in the Mediterranean, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said before meeting President Nikos Christodoulides. Elsewhere, Cyprus is the second-worst country in the European Union regarding workplace gender equality, a study showed. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said he hoped UN Secretary-General personal envoy Maria Holguin would soon be able to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the Cyprus problem. Elsewhere, cabinet will shortly approve the new National Sanctions Implementation Unit, Christodoulides said, stressing that there can be no discussion when it comes to sanctions violation and the country’s image abroad. Meanwhile, police arrested a 28-year-old man in Nicosia, who is suspected of injuring a man and a woman with a knife in a break-in. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, legislators dubbed the commercial development done in a protected area in Ayia Napa "a classic crime". Meanwhile, the auditor-general will report the Cyprus Broadcasting Cooperation (CyBC) to the anti-corruption authority on suspicion of "abuse of power". Elsewhere, Morphou Bishop Neofytos said he "honours" Russian President Vladimir Putin "at every liturgy" and called Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis a "jew". All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, government subsidies on electricity and fuel tax will be extended into the spring. Meanwhile, a large fire that broke out in Limassol severely damaged an abandoned listed mansion. Elsewhere, a top court in the European Union rejected an attempt to drop the protected status of halloumi. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, two people were hospitalised following an explosion in the Nicosia suburb of Engomi. The explosion had occurred in a three-storey building, which suffered extensive damage. Elsewhere, although it made front page news in the north, police said they received no information that a group of eight young Turkish Cypriots said on Monday they had been attacked by Greek Cypriots during an excursion in the Troodos mountain range. Meanwhile, a children’s book in school sparked controversy and homophobic comments, which eventually led to the withdrawal of the book. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, only two out of eight anaesthesiologists at Makarios hospital are willing to participate in abortions, it emerged on Monday, following a complaint that a woman was forced to endure for five days what should have been a two-day procedure. Elsewhere, former President Nicos Anastasiades welcomed the appointment of Gabrielle Louise McIntyre, who is meant to investigate corruption claims against him. Meanwhile, one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, the Mediterranean monk seal, has been breeding steadily in Cyprus in recent years with two born in the latest season. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the status quo in Cyprus cannot be the island’s future, President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated on Sunday. The island is at a critical juncture in its history, he said. Elsewhere, a 29-year-old man was arrested on Sunday after he was believed to have been involved in an argument which saw him pull a gun out when he was involved in an incident with a group of youngsters. Also, nine people were arrested on Sunday as the police staged a special operation in Nicosia and Paphos to identify third country nationals living illegally on the island. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos will file a complaint to the police against both the Contractors Council and the Scientific and Technical Chamber where he’ll accuse of them of dereliction of duty, for having taken no disciplinary action against companies previously implicated in the Paphos sewerage board scandal. Elsewhere, the government pledged on Thursday it was working efficiently to quickly give compensation to over 150 people who saw their homes destroyed by severe weather in Limassol. Meanwhile, Cyprus has the youngest population of any of the European Union’s member states, according to the latest figures published by statistical institute Eurostat. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, intense weather resulted in scenes dubbed as "biblical destruction". Meanwhile, the European Commission has greenlighted the use of Casgevy gene therapy to treat beta thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Elsewhere, the "pay-as-you-throw" scheme is set to hit households in Cyprus in the pocket. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, intense weather overnight, including at least two tornados, resulted in scenes dubbed as “biblical destruction” in Limassol on Wednesday. Elsewhere, the row over local government reform continued on Tuesday, as Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the current law is not ideal and will create unequal benefits for citizens. Meanwhile, the government is handling the matter of a hotel in Varosha which allegedly belongs to King Charles of the United Kingdom “diplomatically”, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Monday that politics “has a duty to try the "impossible” as he evaluated the Cyprus problem. In other news, speculation was ongoing on Monday as to the fate of consumers regarding electricity costs as deliberations between the electricity authority (EAC) and the energy regulatory authority (Cera) continued. Elsewhere, opposition Akel shot down the government’s comments on local government reform, saying on Monday they were mistimed, unnecessary and damaging to the initiative. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, UN Envoy Maria Angela Holguin will be back in Cyprus in mid-March. Meanwhile, the government is working on plans to offer incentives to young families and couples to resettle Maronite villages in the north. Elsewhere, police were trying to track who may have written "Koumas, die" on a Makarios statue in Paphos. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, farmers protested in Nicosia and Paphos, following similar action from many of their European counterparts. Meanwhile, parliament will very soon hold hearings on what some have dubbed a "mega scandal". Elsewhere, Health Minister Michalis Damianos attended the inauguration of a supported living facility for people with mental health needs. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, “None of the above” was the most popular option selected by voters in an opinion poll of voting intention for the next parliamentary elections conducted by Red Wolf PR company.  Meanwhile, the United States does not support a two-state solution in Cyprus, the deputy assistant secretary of state Jushua Huck said.   Elsewhere, Investigations continued on Wednesday following the busting of a Europe-wide sham wedding ring last week.  All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government on Tuesday hinted it may extend some of the relief measures it introduced last November – such as subsidising electricity bills – beyond the end of the month. Meanwhile, British High Commissioner in Nicosia Irfan Siddiq was summoned to the foreign ministry to be served with a demarche, following comments made in a newspaper interview, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said. Elsewhere, Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the two devastating earthquakes which hit southeastern Turkey, with commemorations taking place in the north to remember the Cypriots who died. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Turkish Cypriot lawyer Akan Kursat, wanted for selling Greek Cypriot properties in the north, will be extradited to Cyprus from Italy next week. Meanwhile, the government may have to make "painful decisions" regarding the liquefied natural gas terminal at Vasiliko. Elsewhere, British High Commissioner Irfan Siddiq drew the ire of both sides of the island after making an intervention on the Cyprus problem. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus was once again the launchpad for British bombing raids in Yemen, as the United Kingdom, together with the United States, conducted its third round of strikes. Meanwhile, another pro-Palestine protest took place on Sunday, this time in Limassol. The protest took place on the Molos seafront promenade, with attention focused on the plight of the children in Gaza. Elsewhere, House President Annita Demetriou described the arrival of UN Envoy Maria Angela Holguin as a “positive first step” at an event held in honour of Eoka fighters. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Attorney-General George Savvides said he would be referring lawyer Efstathios Efstathiou to the Bar Association for potential disciplinary offences after the latter claimed the legal service was corrupt Meanwhile, the Health insurers' organisation has begun its comparison of doctors' salaries from 2022 and the second half of 2023 Elsewhere, Serdar Denktash said the 14-point package of measures prepared for the Turkish Cypriots by President Nikos Christodoulides are "an admission of guilt". All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou sought to ease concerns of a multi-million euro arbitration cost the government may be forced to pay out amid a halt in construction works at the liquefied natural gas terminal at Vasiliko. Meanwhile, a study found Cyprus to be in the top ten most xenophobic countries. Elsewhere, socioeconomic inequalities in Cyprus risk "further estrangement" between the two sides, the United Nations Security Council cautioned. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the most important thing is to listen, not just to leaders, but to society, the UN secretary general’s personal envoy to Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin said on Tuesday following her first meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. Meanwhile, December 2023, with an average islandwide temperature of 14.5C, was the second warmest December, the met office said. Elsewhere, a driver charged with causing a fatal accident has had his prison sentence increased to three years following a decision of the court of appeals made public on Tuesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides announced plans to create a “digital citizen” mobile application, on which people can access government services. Elsewhere, the cost of compensating every single Greek Cypriot for every single piece of land lost in 1974 may top £22.4 billion (€26.3bn), former Immovable Property Commission chairman Ayfer Said Erkmen has said.   In other news, anaesthesiologists working at Makarios hospital are refusing to participate in some abortions citing religious reasons, it emerged in parliament. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, UN Secretary-General Personal Envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin arrived in Cyprus on Sunday evening, according to the UN in Cyprus. Meanwhile, three men arrested under suspicion of rioting during the Ael-Apollon match last week, were remanded for four days by the Limassol district court on Sunday. Elsewhere, police conducted a raid on the central prisons on Sunday morning, to find information in relation to the case of prosecutor’s car set on fire. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, House Speaker Annita Demetriou said lifetime benefits for the President and the House speaker need to be abolished. Meanwhile, a child died at the Makarios hospital after having been rescued from a wooden boat off the coast of Cyprus. Elsewhere, Archbishop Georgios said gay marriage would negate the gospel. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides faced robust questioning following his speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Meanwhile, measures to tackle organised crime came under fire. Elsewhere, influencer and YouTuber Fidias Panayiotou announced he will stand in June's European Parliament elections. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, the project team for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko has recommended that Cyprus halt further payments to the Chinese-led contractor if the latter fails to conform to the contract, it transpired on Monday. In other news, police on Monday announced eight measures aimed at tackling organised crime and football violence. Elsewhere, following the discovery of a dead homeless woman in an abandoned house in Limassol, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare and Social Insurance Marilena Evangelou said on Monday that many efforts had been made to provide the woman with shelter. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a homeless woman was found dead in an abandoned home in Limassol over the weekend. An autopsy set to take place on Monday is expected to shed light on the cause of death. Meanwhile, a total of 190 migrants were rescued off the coast of Cape Greco in three separate boats, police said on Sunday. Elsewhere, a health ministry decision mandating all adult rape and sexual violence victims go to Nicosia’s Makario hospital for any examination, irrespective of which city they live in, has sparked a barrage of fury and concern. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, police chief Stelios Papatheodorou proposed the deployment of armed police on the streets. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot conscientious objector Mustafa Hurben was handed a small fine for his refusal to complete his military duties. Elsewhere, Antonis Antoniou of the Giovani Group plead not guilty to the charges he faces regarding the golden passports scandal. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Attorney-general George Savvides strongly condemned Tuesday night’s attack on a public prosecutor’s car, which also prompted her colleagues to go on a work stoppage on Wednesday. Meanwhile, police are continuing investigations into the shooting in Aglandjia, while the 49-year-old victim of the attempted murder, travelled abroad without giving a police statement. Elsewhere, a man who attempted to burgle a house before falling asleep drunk on his victim’s kitchen floor was sentenced to three and a half years in jail. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a Turkish Cypriot lawyer arrested in Italy over selling property in the north filed an objection to Cyprus’ extradition request on Tuesday, arguing the central prisons would not be safe for him.Meanwhile, investigations into the attempted murder on Monday afternoon in Aglandjia are progressing rapidly, police spokesperson Christos Andreou said.Elsewhere, following mounting complaints from the capital’s residents, municipalities in Nicosia are to confiscate electric scooters if they are left “abandoned” in public places.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, nothing untoward was found concerning the conduct of three senior members of the Olympic Committee, the Sports Ethics Committee said.  Meanwhile... a 50-point action plan for migrant integration is set to go for approval before cabinet at the beginning of March, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said.  Elsewhere, British citizens living outside their country, among whom over 40,000 are believed to live in Cyprus, are to be handed the vote in their country’s elections, following an announcement by the country’s ruling Conservative Party.     All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, hundreds marched on Akrotiri base on Sunday against the British Bases turning Cyprus into an “aggressive launch pad” for the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, with its eyes on upcoming elections, Disy has selected 90 per cent of its candidates for local government and MEPs, party leader Annita Demetriou said. Elsewhere, the most important thing for the real economy is to reduce non-performing loans as they have been in the banking sector so the economy can function without obstacles, according to Finance Minister Makis Keravnos.. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the United Kingdom is using its Akrotiri base in Cyprus to conduct bombing raids in Yemen. Meanwhile, state officials blatantly looked the other way to allow a Limassol fish farm to operate illegally for 15 years, MPs heard. Elsewhere, the ongoing clashes between Attorney-general George Savvides and Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides will be discussed at the parliamentary institutions committee. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, some of the outgoing ministers could not contain their dissatisfaction over the cabinet reshuffle during the handover ceremonies on Wednesday, ranging from pointedly not thanking the president, or by referencing the “sudden replacement” they were hit with.Meanwhile, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said on Wednesday that the possible introduction of English language undergraduate programmes at Cypriot public universities is “being discussed”.Elsewhere, police were investigating a racist rape comment against Volt MP Alexandra Attalides on Wednesday, as she called on the attorney-general to take a stand on whether it was hate speech.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis both exceeded the €1 million legal limit in their presidential election spending last year. In other news, new cabinet members "were appointed based on their ability to implement President Christodoulides' pre-election pledges" and not because of party allegiances, according to Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Elsewhere, Cyprus pressed the European Union to designate Syria, or at least parts of it, as a "safe country" to whence migrants can be repatriated.  All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, four new ministers are expected to take up their duties on Wednesday, following President Nikos Christodoulides partial and widely anticipated cabinet reshuffle. In other news, there is no disagreement between President Nikos Christodoulides and political party leaders on the Cyprus problem, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday. Elsewhere, hospitalisations of patients with Covid-19 have increased by almost in a third in the last week, Okypy spokesman Charalambos Charilaou said on Monday.   All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a meeting to discuss how to improve road safety in Cyprus, following a tragic New Year accident that killed four people from the same family, will be held later Monday. Meanwhile, party leaders from Diko, Edek, and Depa will meet President Nikos Christodoulides this week to discuss his intention on a cabinet reshuffle before his completes 18-months in office. Elsewhere, ahead of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar’s appointment, it emerged on Sunday that President Christodoulides requested the UN intervene on Cyprus’ behalf to stop Turkish violations in the buffer zone. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode,  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is disappointed over the lack of progress in resuming Cyprus talks and has called on both sides not to miss other opportunities for dialogue.Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides assured his ministers that he would personally inform them about the reshuffle, dispelling media reports suggesting the changes would be completed before the 18-month mark, which is when they would be eligible for ministerial pensions.Elsewhere, internationally acclaimed football star Cristiano Ronaldo has become an investor in UFL, a new free-to-play football video game, created by a company in Paphos.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, police on Wednesday confirmed reports that the arrest of a Turkish Cypriot lawyer in Rome was connected to the illegal sales of Greek Cypriot properties in the north. Meanwhile, negative Covid tests and mask use will be mandatory in nursing homes, hospitals, outpatient clinics, dentists, and facilities for vulnerable groups, the Covid-19 scientific advisory committee and Health Minister Popi Kanari agreed on Wednesday. Elsewhere, workers at the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) said they will ramp up industrial action this month, calling a 24-hour strike for January 16. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the first shipment of humanitarian aid from Cyprus and the United Kingdom for the people of Gaza arrived at Egypt's Port Said. Meanwhile, the driver of a pick-up truck which crashed into another vehicle, killing its four occupants, was remanded in custody for six days. Elsewhere, the military plans to beef up Cyprus' air defences. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, two grandparents and two grandchildren died after being involved in a road traffic collision. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides said in his New Year message there is "no magic wand" to tackle the myriad of challenges Cyprus faces. Elsewhere, Israel's outgoing Foreign minister said the country is prepared to let ships deliver aid to Gaza immediately. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the new EU asylum and migration deal was slammed by left-wing party Akel, which has charged that the pact will cement the problem of refugees getting stuck in southern Mediterranean states - Cyprus included.Meanwhile, security and logistical issues appeared to be at the forefront of ongoing delays in delivering the humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza, it emerged on Thursday, as the government continued to skirt providing clear answers over the matter.Elsewhere, A 33-year-old man was sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Paphos criminal court for smuggling over 26 kilogrammes of cannabis into Cyprus.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Deputy Shipping Minister Marina Hadjimanolis on Wednesday said that in light of recent attacks carried out by the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi militant group on ships in the Red Sea, the Cypriot government has taken temporary measures to protect Cypriot ships passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait between Yemen and northeast Africa. In other news, the paediatric ward at Makarios Hospital is 90 per cent full with children suffering with respiratory infections, the department chief Dr Avraam Elias said on Wednesday.  And this year, Cyprus recorded 33 fatalities in traffic accidents, police said on Wednesday, urging drivers to be cautious.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, opposition Akel hit out at Archbishop Georgios and the state broadcaster on Tuesday, after CyBC broadcast the prelate’s speech on Christmas instead of the president’s message. Elsewhere, the road from Arsos to Pyla has 550 metres left to complete the works, the Turkish Cypriot ‘mayor’ or Pergamos said on Tuesday. Also, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar is embroiled in a bribery scandal affecting former Turkish vice-president and Cyprus problem adviser in Turkey Fuat Oktay that link Oktay to Turkish Cypriot businessman Halil Falyali. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou unveiled “a grand plan” aimed at helping migrants integrate in Cyprus.   Elsewhere, there has been an increase in Syrian asylum applications, the interior ministry said on Thursday, while noting that the cases are difficult to deal with as the people concerned cannot be returned home due the fact their country is considered unsafe. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides said the Israeli government had not yet approved the docking of the ship initially identified as the British vessel RFA ‘Lyme Bay’, reported by various sources as the first humanitarian aid ship sent from Cyprus to Gaza. All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus wants to go tough on migrant smugglers and will set up a special unit on illegal migration within the police force, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the minimum wage will go up from €940 to €1,000 a month, Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou announced after a cabinet meeting, in a move that has left the island’s largest trade union dissatisfied. Elsewhere, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday for an official visit aimed at discussing the implementation plans of the ‘Amalthia’ initiative for humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a ship named as Lyme Bay, the first humanitarian aid ship sent from Cyprus to Gaza, was still waiting to dock on Tuesday, after it left Larnaca at the weekend, in a move heralded by the government as the start of the humanitarian maritime corridor, and amid continued visits with Israeli officials to hash out the details of where the aid will go. In other news, Cyprus actively supports the aviation sector, aiming to increase the nation’s air connectivity, President Christodoulides said on Tuesday during the naming ceremony of a SKY express plane called ‘Cyprus’.  And another 15 vultures have arrived in Cyprus from Spain as part of ongoing efforts to save the endangered Griffon Vulture species on the island, it was announced on Tuesday.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, after weeks of intensive discussions and preparations, Israel has given the green light for a humanitarian aid corridor to open between Cyprus and Gaza. Meanwhile, the transport ministry announced 40 intercity buses will undergo inspections, following revelations that problematic buses were reportedly put on the road. Elsewhere, the 2024 state budget looks set to pass the House after Annita Demetriou threw Disy's weight behind it. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, after weeks of intensive discussions and preparations, Israel has given the green light for a humanitarian aid corridor to open between Cyprus and Gaza.Meanwhile, from the first day of the new year a new UN envoy for Cyprus is expected to be in place, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday.Elsewhere, so many people visited the Christmas village in Fikardou on Sunday afternoon that police announced they had to change traffic arrangements.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said he would visit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan if he was invited. In other news, the government wants the European Union to consider declaring parts of Syria "safe". Elsewhere, Father Christmas visited the Makarios hospital. All these stories and more in today's Cyprus Beat.

In today’s episode, it was revealed that a fish farm has been operating illegally for years in a Limassol village, destroying the environment around the Kouris dam. In other news, four Cyprus-based companies and one individual were hit by United States sanctions for being complicit in furthering Russia's war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Cyprus joined 152 other countries voting in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. All these stories and more in today's Cyprus Beat.

In today’s episode, the government on Tuesday sought to downplay the notion that it supports spying on journalists, in relation to new EU legislation. In other news, Turkish Cypriot leaders have rejected Israeli allegations that the north was being used by Iran to harbour terrorists with the aim of attacking Israelis in Cyprus. And a total of 943,978 people are now registered on GESY, Health Minister Popi Kanari said on Tuesday.  All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides met the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday at an event a Ledra Palace hosted by the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus (Unficyp), in what is the two leaders’ first meeting since last July. Meanwhile, two Iranian nationals may face deportation after they were linked to a foiled terror attack against Israelis and Jews in Cyprus, police said. Elsewhere, former presidents of the Republic and former presidents of the House of Representatives stand to lose some lifelong perks - like the limo and a driver - if a bill tabled by MP Alexandra Attalides gets enacted into law. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Israel helped Cyprus foil an Iranian-ordered attack against Israelis and Jews on the island, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday, as Cypriot authorities remained tight-lipped citing national security issues. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Anna Procopiou said Cyprus is treating the upcoming holiday period as ‘high-risk’ in light of the war raging in the Middle East. She stressed the country was upping security measures amid fears of a ‘lone wolf attack'. Elsewhere, a 17-year-old is in critical condition after he was hit by a car in Limassol, and flew into a pavement due to the impact. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Greece and Turkey agreed to reboot their relations, establishing a roadmap designed to usher in a new era of closer ties. Meanwhile, buses will be running back to normal by Monday or Wednesday at the latest, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said.. Elsewhere, recent weeks have witnessed a surge of Covid-19 cases across Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cypriot children displayed below average competencies in the 2022 report of the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa). Meanwhile, the government gave its consent for the individual pegged by the UN secretary-general to be his envoy in Cyprus. Elsewhere, a 29-year-old woman was sentenced to two years in prison in the north on Wednesday for stealing 700TL (€22.41). All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the police investigated nearly 500 cases of domestic violence and issued 93 arrests during the months of September and October, statistics released on Tuesday showed. Meanwhile, around 500 of the 570 buses which were taken off the road on Monday are now back in service, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said. Elsewhere, Cyprus urgently needs to upgrade its electricity grid to enable further penetration of renewables, helping drive down the cost of power, the energy regulator advised. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, schools and commuters descended into chaos after more than 500 buses were taken out of service amid fears they were not safe for use.  In other news, a team of US experts from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has arrived in Cyprus to investigate sanctions violations, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed. And the government has confirmed having received a request by US energy giant Chevron seeking an extension to the completion of a key engineering study for the Aphrodite natural gas project.  All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday paid an impromptu visit to Ayios Dhometios, and specifically to the area of Maria’s House in the buffer zone inspect measures taken, following a Turkish incursion last week. Meanwhile, the government will announce when automatic fire extinguishing systems for buses will be acquired, following a school bus fire last week. Elsewhere, over a thousand people gathered in Nicosia on Sunday to march in support of a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israeli bombing continued. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the audit service and the presidential palace were sparring again on Thursday, after the former released a special report saying use of service vehicles to transport the president’s children by themselves was illegal, which then led to a further row over the renovations at the presidential palace. Meanwhile, government spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed the activation of diplomatic and military measures along the UN buffer zone, following incursions by the Turkish army over the past few days. Elsewhere, a Limassol court this week ruled in favour of a group of depositors with now-defunct Laiki (Popular) Bank who saw their savings wiped out in the March 2013 ‘haircut’, awarding them €5.7 million in compensation. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the audit service and the presidential palace got into a row on Wednesday after reports indicated that an announcement is due to be issued on President Nikos Christodoulides’ overtime hours and stipends paid to him from 2013 to 2018, when he was serving at the presidential palace on secondment from the foreign affairs ministry. In other news, during a blood donation event organised by the Palestinian embassy in Nicosia to commemorate the victims of the conflict in Gaza, Palestinian ambassador Abdallah Attari said the ultimate goal of his people “is to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.” And a group of 179 newly sworn police officers officially pledged their commitment to uphold the laws of the Republic at the Cyprus police academy on Wednesday.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the first humanitarian aid packages for Gaza will arrive in Cyprus on Wednesday and will be sent to the besieged strip within days, the government said on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou conceded that Cyprus cannot become an energy hub in the eastern Mediterranean, as it lacks the necessary infrastructures. Elsewhere, “all is calm” in the buffer zone around the Ayios Dhometios area, Unficyp spokesman Aleem Siddique said, after alleged Turkish Cypriot incursions in the area on Monday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, members of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) have been placed on alert after reports appeared late on Monday of a contingent of Turkish Cypriot soldiers who gathered in the buffer zone near the Ayios Dometios checkpoint in Nicosia, purportedly for construction work. Meanwhile, the interior ministry presented the House finance committee with a budget more than 10 per cent higher than the year before, with its main focuses on housing policies, dealing with the migration issue and local government reform. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides met with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Giorgos Perdikis has told Green Party members “for God’s sake come and talk to me about it” if they have a problem with how the party is being run under his leadership, after being re-elected as the party's leader. Meanwhile, Akel members have approved four changes to the party’s structure aimed at modernising the party. Elsewhere, people belonging to vulnerable groups should stay indoors, the Labour inspection department said on Sunday, as high concentrations of dust have been detected in Cyprus’ air. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, MPs heard that significant legal and staffing challenges are slowing down the creation of a deputy ministry for migration, which has been deemed an important move for Cyprus given the huge uptick in arrivals of asylum seekers over the past decade Meanwhile, the transport ministry on Thursday announced the purchase of 40 electric vehicles to be used for official government business. Elsewhere, the third Cyprus-Serbia intergovernmental cooperation summit led by the two countries’ presidents Nikos Christodoulides and Aleksandar Vucic took place on Thursday in Belgrade. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the attorney general dampened hopes for criminal convictions over sanctions evasion on Wednesday, after he told deputies those may be difficult to achieve but pledged there would be thorough investigation over the allegations which came to light through the ‘Cyprus Confidential’ publications last week. Meanwhile, contractor Cyfield announced that it would be stopping the road network in the Akamas peninsula as of Wednesday until all issues are settled, while the government was heavily criticised as “pathetic” for being unable to coordinate the works. Elsewhere, a thorough investigation is underway into reported cases of pharmacists practising with fake degrees, the pharmaceutical services said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou on Tuesday spoke of “cautious optimism” regarding talks with energy giant Chevron over development of the Aphrodite offshore gas field. Elsewhere, prison guards have been instructed to carry out thorough checks on inmates to find illicit mobile phones as the justice ministry is trying to clampdown on organised crime unfolding in the facility, Justice Minister Anna Procopiou said on Tuesday. In other news, apartments in new high-rise developments in Trikomo (Iskele) are selling for more than £200,000, newspaper Diyalog reported on Tuesday. All this and much more in today’s News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the ongoing back and forth between the government and Chevron continues, with the government expected to respond to Chevron's letter. Meanwhile, a total of 181 employees of the City of Dreams Mediterranean lost their jobs, with the casino's operator Melco citing "the ongoing conflict in Israel". Elsewhere, the European Union's One Stop Shop for Green Line trade has commenced its operations. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Palestinian ambassador to Cyprus Abdallah Attari said in an interview to the Sunday Mail that what is happening in Gaza 'is genocide'. Attari stressed that Hamas hostages should return to their homes but also the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners currently detained in Israel should return to their own homes, as well as the Israeli army officers in Gaza. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man is undergoing a three-day remand period imposed on him on Sunday, on suspicion of being involved in the violent clashes among football fans in Limassol last week. Elsewhere, Isotita trade union voiced its support for the announced 24-hour strike and protest organised by the hourly paid guards of the game fund outside the presidential palace on Sunday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, health authorities in the United Kingdom have approved a drug which aims to cure beta thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. The drug is called Casgevy and utilises a gene-editing tool as Crispr to manipulate the DNA of beta thalassaemia and sickle cell disease sufferers. Meanwhile, Parliament passed a new law on Thursday which sets out the rights and responsibilities of both employees who work remotely and their employers. Elsewhere, the forestry department in a written report has blamed the electricity authority (EAC) for the near catastrophic fires in Paphos forest, as well as that in Palaichori, this past summer. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government said on Wednesday that police were already investigating most of the cases in the ‘Cyprus Confidential’ report released a day earlier by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which claimed Russian oligarchs and billionaires had been laundering money through Cyprus ahead of the Ukraine invasion.Meanwhile, a 45-year-old prison guard, who was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the police in connection with a drug smuggling case at the central prisons, was apprehended on Wednesday morning.Elsewhere, Hundreds of students took to the streets across Cyprus, as celebrations to mark 40 years since the north unilaterally declared the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ began on Tuesday.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a global investigation on Tuesday claimed to show how Russian influence in Cyprus and on local service providers helped oligarchs and billionaires structure their wealth over the years preceding the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In other news, Cyprus has seen witnessed 26 fatal traffic accidents so far this year, resulting in 28 deaths, Justice Minister Anna Procopiou said. Of these, nine were attributed to careless and distracted driving. And Britain is considering using “air and maritime options” from its bases in Cyprus to get more aid into Gaza, it was reported on Tuesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the top EU official for crisis management said on Monday that there were practical issues with the logistics of creating a sea route, or humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, as proposed by Cyprus.Meanwhile, migrant arrivals from Syria have doubled in the last couple of months following the outbreak of war in Gaza, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said.Elsewhere, more than 20,000 tickets were sold in 24 hours for Ed Sheeran’s upcoming concerts in Larnaca, breaking a Cyprus box-office record.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus would be ready to discuss the issue of abolishing the need for unanimity in EU foreign policy, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, a day before leaving for Berlin to take part in working dinner of EU leaders. In other news, a fatal strain of cat Covid which has killed thousands of animals on the island has reached the UK, reports said on Sunday. And the vine-growing mountain village of Vouni is set to become the proud location of Cyprus’ first ever recognised Wine Sommelier School.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, a court decision awarding over €780,000 to a depositor who lost his Laiki Bank savings due to the 2013 'haircut' ignited a wave of reactions. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides outlined a proposal to open a maritime corridor to help to deliver more aid to Gaza at a humanitarian conference in Paris. Elsewhere, the interior ministry said they agree on the recommendations for stricter checks made in an audit service report on the golden visa programme. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government is working towards safeguarding Cyprus’ name abroad where sanctions are concerned, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said after a high-level briefing at the presidential palace. To this end, technical support from the British government on creating a sanctions implementation unit is in its final stages and details are expected to be submitted within the month. Meanwhile, more than two dozen remand and deportation orders were issued on Wednesday, following the arrests of migrants in a fight at Pournara reception centre two days prior. Elsewhere, House president Annita Demetriou said parliament “is sending a resounding message of no tolerance for bullying”, as a bill to criminalise bullying at school, at work and in the army was put to the House legal committee. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou got tough on Tuesday, warning migrants that had caused trouble the previous night they would be deported if they failed to respect the hospitality of Cyprus. In other news, Cyprus’ proposal to establish a humanitarian aid sea corridor to Gaza will be discussed by President Nikos Christodoulides at an international meeting in Paris on Friday. And elderly refugees are requesting assistance from the fire service to carry their groceries upstairs due to the absence of elevators, the House refugees committee heard on Tuesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said the United Nations requested a short pause of construction work in the Pyla area. Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is in the process of formulating a decision on the EuroAsia Interconnector. Elsewhere, police were continuing efforts to establish the motives for the murders of Thanasis Kalogeropoulos and Alexis Mavromichalis. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides discussed the humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza through Cyprus with both US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Jordanian King Abdullah II.Blinken made an unannounced stop in Cyprus on his way to Turkey, after visiting the West Bank on Sunday, and having a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.Meanwhile, Cyprus responded to a request from Chevron to extend a deliberation period for the ‘Aphrodite’ gas field in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Sunday.Elsewhere, Two men arrested in connection with the murder of Thanasis Kalogeropoulos last week, were remanded on Sunday for eight days by the Limassol District Court.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the retail price of petrol has dropped by 8.33 cents per litre after the House of Representatives unanimously passed a law to slash fuel duty on Thursday. In other news, House President and DISY party leader Annita Demetriou has called for Syria to be classed as a safe country, so that Cyprus can send back Syrian asylum seekers. And public hospitals will be able to effectively handle increased needs for treatment linked to the conflict in the Middle East, Health Minister Popi Kanari said on Thursday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, further measures will be taken by police, following two high-profile Cyprus gangland murders almost 36 hours apart, police said on Wednesday. In other news, refugees in Cyprus will only be eligible for the Guaranteed Minimum Income once they have continuously lived in the Republic legally for five years, cabinet decided on Wednesday. The new amendment of the social benefits laws aims to ensure Cyprus is not an attractive destination for migrants as part of the government’s broader policy on migration. And banks on Wednesday agreed to extend the foreclose freeze for primary properties but stressed it was the last time this would happen, urging the government and parliament to find a solution once and for all. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, a proposal to establish a humanitarian aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza was "received positively" by Israel, President Nikos Christodoulides said. Elsewhere, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said the government is working towards making Cyprus energy independent. There was also an attempted murder in Nicosia. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Yermasogia awoke to a shocking gangster-like execution after a 55-year-old man was gunned down by two hooded attackers firing from a Kalashnikov type rifle and a pistol. Elsewhere, personnel at Pournara migrant reception centre will be increased to accelerate the asylum application processing time - as concerns grow over the crisis in the Middle East.  There’s also the warning from the health insurance organisation that surgeries are to be placed under greater scrutiny, as reports emerged on Monday of over 90,000 operations carried out in the space of one year within the state healthcare system (Gesy). All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus’ foreign ministry is advising Cypriot nationals to avoid all travel to Lebanon, calling on citizens abroad to register with the online registration platform Connect2CY. Elsewhere, Cyprus has reached out to the EU for help including requesting items such as tents, after 194 migrants arrived to the island’s shores, it emerged on Sunday. There’s also UN special representative Colin Stewart warning that the new UN envoy to Cyprus should be seen as the last chance to solve the Cyprus problem. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the United Nations Secretary-General has picked the person who will act as envoy to Cyprus with the task of kickstarting stalled reunification talks, it emerged on Thursday. In other news, President Nikos Christodoulides has discussed with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts an “idea” for sending humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea. And police have confiscated 500kg of synthetic narcotic substances hidden inside cardboard drums, in what could be the largest ever drugs haul in Cyprus. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, healthcare workers in public hospitals went on a nationwide strike amid demands for equal pay. In other news, the House ethics committee examined potential squandering of public money in relation to the large delegation sent to Malta by the Olympic Committee (KOE) for the Games of the Small States of Europe. Elsewhere, ten men arrested on suspicion of being in a people smuggling ring were released after a police remand request was rejected by the Paphos district court. All these stories and more are in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a doctors and nurses strike at all state hospitals will go ahead today after an eleventh-hour meeting between the state health services organisation (OKYPY) and trade union representatives failed to reach agreement. In other news, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou warned developments in Israel and Gaza could impact Lebanon’s ability to monitor its shores, raising the risk for an increased influx of migrants trying to come to Cyprus. And the government announced its plan to tackle ‘the housing problem’ as it said that €77 million will be spent over the next five years. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the proposed state budget for 2024 focuses on fiscal stability and achieving greater strides towards the ‘green transition’ and digital transformation, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said on Monday. Meanwhile, a seven-year-old girl is in very serious condition at the Makarios children’s hospital after suffering a brain hematoma in an apparent freak accident on the highway. The police announced that the girl was struck in the head by a rock which appears to have fallen loose from a truck. Elsewhere, Cypriot Aristotelis Valaoritis will take a place in the book of Guinness World Records after breaking the record for the most wine glasses balanced on the head. He did this by balancing 319 glasses stacked on nine trays last week. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Israeli leaders requested Cyprus to convey the ‘real’ situation in Israel to the European Union, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday after his visit in Tel Aviv this weekend. Christodoulides held separate meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening following his attendance at the International Peace Conference in Cairo. Meanwhile, police on Sunday said they are investigating the assault of an Israeli man in Larnaca who was putting up posters of children kidnapped by Hamas. Elsewhere, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, is set to participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday, which will take centre stage in addressing several pressing global matters. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government announced the reinstatement of the electricity subsidy as part of a raft of measures aimed at helping people through the cost-of-living crisis. Elsewhere, Cyprus has become a net recipient of European Union funds. There’s also outrage in the halloumi community, as Cyprus cheesemakers' association chairman Marios Constantinou said the Agriculture Ministry instructed producers to "abolish" goat's and sheep's milk halloumi. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the EAC announced it will take the energy regulatory authority to court to appeal Cera’s rejection of its request for a 25 per cent increase in basic tariffs. Elsewhere, Cyprus is preparing for further increases in arrivals from Israel, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said. There’s also praise from health officials for a female shopper’s quick action that saved the life of a 46-year-old father who suffered a heart attack at a Nicosia mall. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus will make every attempt to deescalate the situation in Israel, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday night after an EU Council teleconference on the situation there. In other news, the Presidential palace “seeks to be a beacon of ecological awareness,"  First lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides said on Tuesday launching a campaign to reduce landfill waste. And a 42-year-old woman was sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Paphos district court on Tuesday, after her 10-year-old daughter drowned in the swimming pool of their villa in the Coral Bay area on July 20.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Cyprus has received 26 requests from 26 countries for support in transporting third-country nationals currently in Gaza or Israel to their home countries via the island. Meanwhile, TUS Airways announced the resumption of flights to and from Tel Aviv, effective from Tuesday. Elsewhere, Green Party MP Alexandra Attalidou announced she was resigning from the party, slamming it for its "catastrophic" position on the Cyprus problem. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, A ship with over 2,000 people on board is expected to leave Israel on Monday as the US embassy evacuates it nationals by sea to Cyprus. Meanwhile, with three gold and two silver medals, Cyprus ranked third in The Economist’s economic pentathlon which calculated how the 27 EU member states perform on the five major challenges facing them, namely demand/inflation, debt, demography, decarbonisation and decoupling from the world’s autocracies. Elsewhere, hundreds of people took part in a march in support of the Palestinian people under draconian security measures on Sunday night on Athinon Avenue in Larnaca. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the interior minister informed the House interior committee of his plans to create a Deputy Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Elsewhere, the House plenum passed a resolution condemning the recent attacks by Hamas in Israel – though not unanimously. There’s also the European General Court’s decision to reject Cyprus’ application to mark the word “Grilloumi”, describing the case as “unfounded”. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the feeling of uncertainty weighed heavily at Larnaca airport as Israelis fled for safety in Cyprus or desperately tried to return to reunite with their families back home. Meanwhile, arrivals continued at both airports and ports as authorities on the island dealt with thousands of people fleeing Israel. Elsewhere, all charges against lawyer Andreas Pittadjis in the golden passports case were dropped. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government on Tuesday activated the national ‘Estia’ action plan for the reception of people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Israel, as the first emergency flight was operated by the Portuguese air force. The plan entails Cyprus acting as a hub for third country nationals fleeing the country before being repatriated to their own countries of origin. Meanwhile, the Audit Office added fuel to the fire after Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos once again criticised the city’s airport, speaking of “unacceptable manipulations” on behalf of the former government regarding the concession agreement for its development and management. Elsewhere, two men have been remanded in custody for eight days after posing as doctors to scam thousands of euros out of the elderly in Limassol. The pair are believed to have stolen between €2,500 and €3,000. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated his deep concern regarding the unfolding situation in Israel, underlining the shock and sympathy felt by the whole of Cyprus. In other news, construction on the road between the villages of Pyla and Arsos is set to begin later this month after a “mutual understanding” was found to solve the buffer zone dispute on Monday. And the assignment of army conscripts to 'easy' posts appears to be based not on merit, but rather on a soldier's family background and connections, the auditor-general said in a report released Monday.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the majority of Cypriots who wanted to leave Israel have already done so and now only a small number remain, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Theodoros Gotsis, said on Monday morning. Security in and around the island has been heightened and developments are being closely monitored, President Nikos Christodoulides assured. Meanwhile, this week Cyprus will be collecting aid for ethnic Armenian refugees from the Nagorno-Karabakh area, following a military intervention by Azerbaijan, which saw thousand flee. Elsewhere, Christodoulides said on Sunday that the Republic of Cyprus has given the UN the all-clear to appoint UN adviser to evaluate the prospects of restarting talks on the Cyprus issue. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the issue of multiple pensions being given to state officials will be discussed at the house finance committee in two weeks, following an uproar that President Nikos Christodoulides is receiving a pension in addition to his salary as president. Elsewhere, the Ayia Napa gang rape trial began with an adjournment at the Famagusta criminal court. There’s also the signing of a contract to install 4,450 new bus stops and shelters and upgrade over 1,000 existing bus stops. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, MPs highlighted the years of blunders over waste management which led to an EU early warning report saying Cyprus would fail to meet targets by 2025. Elsewhere, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos delivered the state budget for 2024 with a promise of cost-of-living relief measures by the end of the month – and a look ahead to next year’s ‘green taxes.’ There’s also the announcement from the sports ethics committee that it recommended criminal proceedings be brought against Cyprus Football Association (CFA) president Giorgos Koumas, while his lawyers hit back saying his right to be innocent until proven guilty is being violated. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a new carbon tax is on the way, the government confirmed on Tuesday, at a time when households are already heaving under the pressure of rising fuel prices impacting the cost of living.Meanwhile, a 47-year-old Syrian national arrested in Chlorakas on August 31 for burglary, spreading fake news, instigating violence, inciting others to commit a crime and knife-wielding is set to face trial on October 12.Elsewhere, Limassol “has all the qualifications needed” to be named European Capital of Culture 2030, mayor Nicos Nicolaides said, outlining the town’s bid for the title.All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Council of Europe’s Group of States Against Corruption (Greco) said in a report on Monday that while Cyprus’ legislation says all the right things on paper, the fight against corruption is compromised by institutional flaws. In other news, the justice minister said that the appointment of a new police chief is the sole responsibility of the president, as speculation grew about a possible reshuffle at the top of the police force. And Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said that faster processing times of asylum applications have received a boost with the recruitment of 25 additional examiners. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit ww.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Cyprus on Sunday marked 63 years since its independence, with a parade in the capital attracting scores of people. European Parliament president Roberta Metsola also attended following an official invitation by President Nikos Christodoulides, where he said her presence sent powerful messages. In a speech after the parade, where members of the national guard illustrated a show of strength, the president described Cyprus as "the most precious thing we have" and vowed to protect it above all else. Elsewhere, two people have been remanded for three days in connection with the death of a 29-year-old Serbian national, who was run over Limassol. Police on Sunday said the case was being treated as manslaughter. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

Amid mounting complaints over the cost of living, the government on Thursday said it may bring back electricity and fuel tax subsidies in the near future. Speaking to public broadcaster CyBC, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos did not rule out reinstating subsidies on electricity bills or the lower VAT rate on motor and heating fuel. Elsewhere, Unficyp said they have no intention of abandoning the Ledra Palace hotel, and that no official request has been filed by majority stakeholder – the church – despite Archbishop Georgios raising the issue with President Nikos Christodoulides. Meanwhile, organisers of a kolokasi tasting evening on Friday are hoping to bring this love-it-or-hate-it vegetable new fans by pairing it with raspberries and making kolokasi cocktails.

In today’s episode, the council of ministers approved the first budget of the new government with promises of effective support for the middle class and fiscal responsibility. Elsewhere, trade unions say the vulnerable section of society is much larger than official statistics show and more must be done to tackle the cost of living. In other news, Russia's ambassador to Nicosia said Cyprus' tourism has lost a billion euros thanks to sanctions placed on his country and closing its skies to Russian aircraft. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

Authorities on Tuesday remained on full alert all day to deal with the expected arrival of ‘hundreds’ of migrants from Lebanon. Despite information earlier, the waves of migrants did not arrive as night fell. Meanwhile, Cyprus’ coasts of the British bases are teeming with turtles with the highest number of nests recorded within the areas since 2009. Bases environmental experts confirmed 282 nests “at all sandy beaches” within the bases as the season draws to a close. Elsewhere, former UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has ruffled further feathers in Cyprus in an interview with TRT during which he said he has not lost any sleep over his calls for a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem.

In today’s episode, deputy government spokeswoman Doxa Komodromou has resigned from her position, the presidential palace said on Monday.  In other news, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said on Monday that he would “never accept” the appointment of a United Nations special envoy to Cyprus. And the ministry of finance has extended the deadline for submission of tax returns until the end of October.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, state hospital workers are set to go on strike after failing to reach an agreement with state health services (Okypy) regarding collective labour agreements and pay rises. Meanwhile, every single employee at the Presidential palace will have their overtime payments examined by the audit service. Elsewhere, the Nicosia municipality unveiled a new parking app with real time updates. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Christodoulides called on his Turkish counterpart Erdogan to work together to send a message of peace for both Cyprus and Turkey. Meanwhile, football referees will return to the pitch this weekend, they announced on Wednesday following a meeting with the Cyprus Football Association and internal meetings. Earlier this week, they had called an “indefinite strike” after a bomb threat against referee Menelaos Antoniou on Monday. Elsewhere, crimefighting in Cyprus took a peculiar twist on Wednesday morning when a man dressed as Batman descended on Limassol district court.The man strode into the building, complete with fluttering cape, tight leather trousers, shinpads and body armour, all in black. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, fuel prices are set to increase “by four or five cents per week until at least the end of the month,” chairman of the Petrol Station Owners’ Association Christos Christodoulou said on Tuesday.  In other news, the appointment of a special UN envoy for Cyprus remained at the top of President Nikos Christodoulides’ agenda as he met with EU officials on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. And commercial banks have so far offered insufficient support amid interest rate hikes, the House commerce committee heard on Tuesday.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, the government will withdraw its request for the University of Cyprus to pay overtime to Doxa Komodromou and inform the university that it will have to claim the money back.  Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides said a meeting between UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday will “determine the next moves on the Cyprus problem”.  There’s also Great British Bake Off personality Paul Hollywood who is reportedly set to wed his partner Melissa Spalding in Cyprus this week. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government is expected to announce unilateral measures towards the Turkish Cypriot community this week, President Nikos Christodoulides said from New York on Sunday. He also mentioned that he has suggestions for confidence-building measures in everyday life. Meanwhile, the demand for halloumi cheese from foreign markets is on the rise, according to Agriculture Minister, Petros Xenophontos. Elsewhere, a patient at the Paphos general hospital was found dead in an indoor garden of the facility on Sunday morning. The 78-year-old British man was treated in the third floor of the public hospital since Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government decided to set up an interdepartmental team as a focal point for drawing up policies to stem the flow of irregular migrants. Meanwhile, MPs heard that the country's illiteracy rate stands near 10 per cent. Elsewhere, construction of the road between Pyla and Arsos recommenced outside the buffer zone. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, unless the Turkish government “drastically changes course”, Turkey’s EU accession process cannot resume, the European Parliament said on Wednesday, passing the progress report for the country. Meanwhile, Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides on Wednesday welcomed the withdrawal of a request for overtime pay by deputy government spokesperson Doxa Komodromou, in what was the first time ever that overtime pay was requested for a state official. Elsewhere, the zero VAT rate for necessities will be extended for a further six months, while coffee and sugar have been added to the list of products, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos announced on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on Tuesday met the bosses of commercial banks in a crunch meeting aimed at getting lenders to provide some relief to customers to compensate for rising interest rates and mortgage payments. In other news, the five Israeli nationals accused of gang raping a British tourist in Ayia Napa had their remand renewed on Tuesday after the judge said there is “reasonable suspicion” they may be implicated in the case.  And Cyprus police are pushing back against the possibility of reducing the €300 fines imposed by recently installed traffic cameras.  All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades declined to say whether Cyprus’ traffic problem can be solved, instead saying that the state is offering options to commuters. Traffic is once again the office talking point in the congested capital, as the end of summer holidays and the first day of schools reopening led to miserable commutes. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to Cyprus has not ruled out the possibility of direct flights from Russia to the north. He said there had been interest from both Turkish Cypriot politicians and Russian citizens for the move. Elsewhere, Cyprus’ imports of products from Turkey have skyrocketed over the past few years, soaring to €184.5 million in 2022 compared to just €4.6m in 2013. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the large fire that broke out in the Akrounta area of Limassol was reported to be under control but suspicions remain that arson may have been at play. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday said he was ready to work with Disy as soon as the party deems that this is in the interest of the country - but Disy swiftly stated it will remain in opposition. There’s also the update that moves are underway to establish Volt Cyprus, a political party which will focus on resolving the Cyprus problem, modernising the country and European integration. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the international community must “commit itself to a two-state solution” to the Cyprus problem if negotiations for reunification fail yet again, according to former British foreign secretary Jack Straw. In other news, authorities continue to be lax in collecting income tax, and as a result the state is losing millions each year, the auditor-general said in parliament on Thursday. And the government on Thursday revealed that it will soon bring a bill that will allow the justice minister to issue a decree barring access to websites deemed to have racist or xenophobic content, while also promising other steps to keep an eye on such behaviours in the physical world.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Deputies grilled Cyprus's police chief on institutionalised racism. Police descended on Nicosia's old town to shore up their presence amid rumours of potential violent protests. Meanwhile, 13 people arrested during racist riots in Limassol will appear in criminal court in October. Elsewhere, Israeli mining magnate Beny Steinmetz has been conditionally released from custody. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government is working to highlight Cyprus as an unattractive destination for migration, ministers told the ad hoc House committee on demographics on Tuesday. In other news, an anti-migrant protest set to have taken place outside the presidential palace on Wednesday was cancelled on Tuesday with organisers saying an “out of control” situation would have sent the wrong message. And after 72 hours, extensive search efforts led by the Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) has failed to find the crew member of the commercial ship Contship Oak reported lost at sea. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, more than 1,000 people descended on Limassol to attend an anti-fascist protest organised by AKEL; the protest was organised in response to the violent anti-migrant riots, which took place in the city last Friday. In other news, a 20-year-old British tourist reported she was gangraped at her Ayia Napa hotel; five Israeli nationals were arrested and remanded for eight days. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis, reaffirmed their commitment to reinforce their cooperation in energy. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, a tripartite meeting between leaders of Cyprus, Greece, Israel will be held on Monday, to discuss regional issues of interest. President Nikos Christodoulides and his team will hold meetings with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meanwhile, on Sunday, the president said he considers the upcoming UN General Assembly and October’s European Council Summit to be of decisive importance as regards prospects for the resumption of Cyprus peace talks. Elsewhere, police are also searching for three men that attacked delivery drivers and robbed them in Limassol overnight on Saturday in continued racial violence from Friday night’s anti-migration protest, where far-right nationalists laid ruin to the city and attacked foreigners. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, another Cypriot firefighting team will be leaving for Thessaloniki today, to deal with forest fires that have burned large areas of the country, fire services spokesman Andreas Kettis said on Thursday. In other news, sunbeds will be placed on Lara beach whether there is a permit for them or not, Inia’s community leader said on Thursday, enflaming environmentalists and going against everything the agriculture minister had pledged a day earlier. And police in Paphos arrested a 27-year-old man on Thursday evening in relation to an investigation into an alleged kidnapping which reportedly took place during the troubles seen in Chlorakas earlier this week.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, sunbeds and umbrellas will never be accepted on Lara beach, Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos said as he announced the much-anticipated Akamas local development plan, which was updated with new measures approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the state will take all measures necessary to ensure public safety after the riots and violence in Chlorakas, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said after a cabinet meeting. Elsewhere, auditor general Odysseas Michaelides slammed the Jho Low parody account on X (formerly Twitter), accusing it on “obscenely slandering” him and “consciously spreading lies against those it wants to destroy”. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, every means available to the government will be used to ensure safety in Chlorakas after two days of violent clashes, President Christodoulides saıd; the violence is believed to have been instigated by ELAM. In other news, the impact of technical problems in UK air traffic control systems was also felt in Cyprus, causing some flights to be cancelled and others to be delayed. And most of the migrants registered to have been living at the Ayios Nikolaos development in Chlorakas are legally residing in Cyprus, with 219 of the 221 registered legally on the island either as asylum seekers or with protected status. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, political parties on Monday condemned the attacks on people and homes in Chlorakas during an anti-migrant protest overnight, while far-right opposition Elam has instead blamed the attacks on migrants. The government deplored the attacks on migrants, their cars and properties, with government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis saying violence is not acceptable in a civilised country. In other news, the United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenča met President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday in separate meetings. And the auditor office said on Monday that health ministry permanent secretary Christina Yiannaki’s Egyptian dentistry degree is “authentic”, after weeks of speculation over its validity. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, assistant UN Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Miroslav Jenca is set to hold separate meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Monday. Elsewhere, permanent Members of the Security Council have already started discussing possible candidates who can take on the important role of the UN envoy to Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday. Also, in relation to the arson attack at a mosque in Limassol over the weekend, the president said this was “condemnable” and “does not correspond to the feelings of Greek Cypriots towards Turkish Cypriots.” All this and more in today’s daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, visiting US Senator Robert Menendez on Thursday called on the United Nations Security Council to immediately pass a resolution denouncing recent Turkish actions in the buffer zone in Pyla and said his country should move from “condemnation to action” in its overall approach to the Cyprus issue. Elsewhere, four trade unions representing workers in the Electricity Authority of Cyprus on Thursday pilloried plans for the EuroAsia interconnector, warning that Cypriot taxpayers may end up getting saddled with even higher electricity bills. There’s also the announcement that British bases police found an improvised explosive device during a search of residential properties in the village of Trachoni in the Akrotiri base area. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, police in Limassol carried out operations against a “criminal organisation involved in the smuggling of irregular migrants to Cyprus”, with five arrested and four more wanted. Elsewhere, the US system is a “perfect example” of a federal state to be emulated, according to president of the Pancyprian Association of America, Philip Christopher. There’s also the announcement that a district officer is being investigated after she allegedly asked a woman why she was bothering to renew her elderly parents’ IDs as they were bedridden. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's news, the foreign ministry on Tuesday expressed its “satisfaction” with the United Nations Security Council’s condemnation of Friday’s incident in the buffer zone in Pyla, and it “expects an immediate end to the illegal actions of the Turkish side, based on the call of the UNSC to remove all illegal constructions and prevent further such actions, military or non-military, within and along the ceasefire line. In other news, the relocation operation of migrants housed in the troubled Ayios Nikolaos apartment complex in Chlorakas was completed on Tuesday, Paphos CID chief Michalis Nikolaou told the Cyprus Mail. And the consumers association has called on the government to reinstate the fuel subsidy for two months as petrol prices are up 18 cents per litre from the time it was scrapped back on July 1. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the United Nations Security Council late on Monday expressed its deep concern over the developments in Pyla, in which three UN peacekeepers were attacked after a confrontation with the north.  Elsewhere, the government yesterday decided migrants protesting over their living conditions in an apartment complex in Chlorakas should be kicked out and relocated to Kofinou.  Also, in 2021 Cyprus ranked fourth in the EU in terms of the number of practicing doctors per capita, according to data just released by Eurostat.  All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the UN Security Council is expected to discuss on Monday the incident in the buffer zone at Pyla with the attacks against UN peacekeepers as well as the Turkish plans in the area. In other news, a total of 86 people were rescued off the coast of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Larnaca said.   Elsewhere, between 18,000 and 19,000 hunters were estimated to head out on Sunday as this year’s hunting season began, according to the spokesperson of Cyprus’ Game and Fauna Service, Petros Anayiotos. All this and more in today’s daily news briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Former Disy leader Averof Neophytou has called on the government to take immediate measures to deal with the negative trends shown by economic indicators in the second quarter of this year - warning that there are signs of a looming crisis. Elsewhere, two Cypriot passport holders were arrested in Singapore as part of an anti-money laundering bust, spurring Cyprus’ interior ministry to assure it would assess the case and revoke their citizenship if necessary. Authorities in Singapore seized assets including properties and luxury cars worth about €498 million. There’s also the update that legal action has been initiated against the bus driver who went viral on social media after taunting the priest at the Apostolos Andreas monastery, according to the north’s ‘interior minister’ Dursun Oguz. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, outdoor jobs in the mountains were banned on Wednesday afternoon, the labour inspection department announced, after the mountain regions recorded the highest temperatures in over 25 years. In other news, most of the property being sold to foreigners in the north is on Greek Cypriot land, reports said on Wednesday, citing data released at the end of July. And human trafficker arrests are increasing in Cyprus, but the sentences imposed by the courts are very low, state broadcaster CYBC reported on Wednesday.  All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, with the summer at its peak, deputy minister for tourism Constantinos Koumis said tourist arrivals to the island have increased by 32 per cent this year, and expressed the hope that visitors will continue to flow to the island until November. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intends to make moves to solve the Cyprus problem before the end of his mandate, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Sunday. Elsewhere, as today marks 18 years since the Helios plane crash, a memorial service for 16 victims was held in Paralimni. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode and with the summer at its peak, deputy minister for tourism Constantinos Koumis said tourist arrivals to the island have increased by 32 per cent this year, and expressed the hope that visitors will continue to flow to the island until November. Elsewhere, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intends to make moves to solve the Cyprus problem before the end of his mandate, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Sunday. Meanwhile, Britain remains unwavering in its support for efforts for a UN-based solution to the Cyprus problem and encourages all sides to persevere and pursue a solution, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the attorney-general’s office filed an appeal on Thursday over Briton David Hunter’s two-year sentence for killing his terminally ill wife. The appeal is on both the grounds of Hunter’s sentence as well the verdict. He was found guilty of manslaughter rather than premeditated murder. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court rejected a case brought forward by Turkish Cypriots in mixed marriages with Turkish nationals seeking Cyprus citizenship for their children, citing that the individuals involved in the case are not “stateless”. Elsewhere, the education ministry has pledged a total of €149 million for the maintenance and improvement of school buildings across Cyprus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government insists that the ongoing row between health minister Popi Kanari and the ministry’s permanent secretary Christina Yiannaki is an “internal matter for the ministry”. Kanari and Yiannaki have been engaged in a very public war of words since Monday, when Kanari called on Yiannaki to provide proof of her dentistry degree from Cairo university, and proof that she could speak English. Yiannaki has so far refused. Elsewhere, the Cyprus Public Transport announced that from September 1 the cost of a single route bus ticket in the Larnaca and Nicosia districts will increase from €2 to €2.40. There’s also the development that Cyprus, along with all countries that imposed sanctions on Russia, have had their double taxation agreements suspended.  All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Director of the Forestry Department Charalambos Alexandrou said due to the relentless heatwave this July, the number of fires within the department’s area of responsibility totalled 70. In other news, drivers got hit with substantial price hikes at the petrol pump on Tuesday, with officials saying the public should probably brace for even more bad news. And a new reception centre for migrants in Limnes is a milestone in strengthening Cyprus' capacity to manage migration pressures more effectively, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Tuesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the fire in the foothills of the Limassol mountains is completely under control and has no active front though firefighting forces remain vigilant in the area on Tuesday. Elsewhere, July 2023 broke multiple heat records as the Cleon weather system smothered Cyprus. The island saw temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius for 16 days in a row. There’s also claims by Edek leader Marinos Sizopoulos that the Electricity Authority (EAC) had 'cheated' some customers out of the subsidies from May to June. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the fire in the Alassa dam area of Limassol on Monday was surveyed and assessed via a helicopter, with fire-response coordinator, Director Andreas Gregoriou from the agriculture ministry on board, as well as the chief of the fire service and the head of the forestry department. The fire is estimated to have burned 7.5 to 10 square kilometres of agricultural and wild lands, according to this latest assessment. Meanwhile, the transport ministry will sign the works contract for the Limnes Migrant Reception project on Tuesday. This is the contract for the creation of the Limnes Reception Centre and the Pre-Departure Centre in Menoyia, Larnaca. The project is expected to be completed within 24 months. Elsewhere, police on Sunday arrested a suspect in a case of premeditated murder committed in the afternoon in Nicosia. According to a police announcement, the victim is 40-year-old Athanasios Kotslis, from Greece. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, private hospitals asserted on Thursday that they cannot – and will not – renew their contract with the Health Insurance Organisation on what they say is a take-it-or-leave-it basis, warning that this could leave the national health system in limbo. Elsewhere, controversy broke out on Thursday following the Famagusta mayor’s invitation to Turkish Cypriots to an anti-occupation event which will take place in the municipality on Saturday. Also, authorities have come together to take coordinated action over rising sea pollution in Limassol, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping announced. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In this episode, embattled former Kiti bishop Chrysostomos has still not left the accommodation at the metropolis despite having been requested to do so after being found guilty of sexual assault. Elsewhere, the audit service slammed President Nikos Christodoulides’ security detail on Wednesday, saying it should have been “significantly reduced” well over a month ago after he and his family decided to move into the presidential palace residence. Also, President Nikos Christodoulides on Wednesday travelled to Ramallah, Palestine, where he met with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and agreed to a trilateral summit with Greece. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, controversial barbed wire fencing along stretches of the buffer zone may start being removed in September. Elsewhere, British bases authorities are optimistic they will be able to keep bird trapping at record low levels as the blackcap migration period begins.  Also, bilateral relations were underlined on Tuesday as President Nikos Christodoulides met Jordanian King Abdullah II in Amman.  All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, British pensioner David Hunter was released from prison after the Paphos criminal court handed him a two-year prison sentence on the count of manslaughter.  Elsewhere, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Cyprus and said Greece and Cyprus “have common goals” concerning the Cyprus problem.   There’s also Lawyer Achilleas Demetriades’ comments that a truth commission would be ‘a new page for the Missing in Cyprus’. Demetriades said truth commissions have been set up all over the world, and that he originally got the idea during Nelson Mandela’s visit to Cyprus. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is due in Cyprus on an official visit. One of the main topics on the agenda today will be EU-Turkish relations, President Nikos Christodoulides said, adding that progress in this respect runs through Cyprus. Elsewhere, the Cyprus-Greece ferry from Larnaca to Piraeus marked its first journey over the weekend.  There’s also the new yellow alert issued by the met office on Sunday, warning of high temperatures again today. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the audit service has undertaken an examination of the feasibility of the EuroAsia Interconnector project, it emerged on Thursday. Elsewhere, two dozen protesters gathered at Eleftheria Square in Nicosia on Thursday demanding the government to stop the sex education reform it recently passed. Also, a short hearing at Paphos criminal court on Thursday left little hint at the outcome of David Hunter’s sentencing. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, A&E departments all over Cyprus have recorded increased attendance in recent days due to the severe heatwave gripping the country, with the coastal towns worst hit because of the increased numbers of visitors. Elsewhere, the Bishop of Karpasia, Christophoros, has denied reports that he had verbally agreed to the construction of a masjid, a Muslim place of worship, on the grounds of the Apostolos Andreas monastery in Karpasia. There’s also the upcoming meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, which has been described as a significant step towards efforts to resume negotiations by the government spokesman. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the first few days of operation of the new terminal at the north’s Tymbou airport have been plagued by power cuts and other technical issues. After being officially opened in an extravagant ceremony and seeing commercial passenger services commence on Friday morning, things have been far from plain sailing. In other news, the fire in the Paphos forest that was contained on Tuesday saw the forestry department and the electricity authority (EAC) disagreeing over whether the blaze was caused by unsuitable cable installations. And authorities have reportedly awarded 61 permits for gold prospecting on the island, while another 15 applications are pending. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today's episode, Facebook has disabled a support group page for auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides, citing violations of its community standards. The social media platform deactivated the page after receiving numerous complaints about it, possibly including from attorney-general Giorgos Savvides. Meanwhile, two new fixed traffic cameras were switched on in Limassol on Monday morning, bringing the total number of fixed traffic cameras in the country to seven. Elsewhere, the British Veterinary Association, has posted a statement on its website, calling on UK visitors to the island to take precautions against cat covid or feline infectious peritonitis. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Defence Minister Michalis Georgallas on Sunday ‘warmly’ welcomed the US Senator Robert Menendez’s proposed amendment to the National Defence Appropriations Act (NDAA) extending to three years from one the renewal period on arms sales to Cyprus. Meanwhile, there is no information about the exact number of Cypriots in Rhodes, where a wildfire has been raging for six days, said the director of consular affairs at the foreign ministry Omiros Mavromatis on Sunday. Elsewhere, taxi drivers have turned the outdoor area of the Larnaca airport into a “coffee shop” with authorities seeking appropriate measures to put an end to their inappropriate behaviour, Transport Minister Alexis Vafiades said on Sunday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the current status quo is not and will never be accepted and cannot be the future of Cyprus, President Christodoulides said on Thursday, the 49th anniversary of the first leg of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Elsewhere, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the north on Thursday to partake in celebrations linked to Turkey’s July 1974 invasion, and to officially open the new Ercan (Tymbou) airport terminal. Also, a scheme for the installation of photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems for residential units will be rolled out likely in September, the energy minister said Thursday, explaining that anyone can apply for it. All this and more in today’s Daily New Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus marks the ‘black anniversaries’ of coup and invasion today on the 49th anniversary of the Turkish invasion.  Sirens blared across the island at 5:20am as a reminder of the first landing of Turkish commandos on the shores of Pente Mili in Kyrenia.    Elsewhere, a deal was signed for the EuroAsia Interconnector, but the cost has spiraled.   The company - EuroAsia Interconnector - signed a record-breaking subsea cable deal with Nexans on Wednesday, however the positive development was overshadowed by Energy Minister George Papanastasiou confirming rumours that the project’s costs had jumped 23 per cent.  There’s also the announcement that the government is aiming for ‘photovoltaics on every roof’ with a proposal providing free installation of solar panels to vulnerable people in exchange for a small bimonthly tariff to the electricity authority.  All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Turkey’s approach on the Cyprus problem remains one of the main points of disagreement between the EU and Turkey, an EU official said during a briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council, which will be held on Thursday in Brussels. In other news, Larnaca airport raised the alarm on Tuesday afternoon after an incoming aircraft from Israel had a burst tyre while landing, causing the closing of the runway. And Cyprus’ fiscal council noted significant delays in the implementation of commitments related to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), in its interim report published on Tuesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today's episode, air quality had reverted back to normal levels on Monday afternoon in Geri, after a recycling plant in the area burned to the ground. Meanwhile, hospitals are ready to handle any further cases of heatstroke and vulnerable groups must exert caution, according to a top health official. State health services organisation spokesman Pambos Charilaou said on Monday morning that three elderly patients are receiving treatment for heatstroke, a day after a 90-year-old man was reported to have died. Elsewhere, a 103-person lawsuit against the state for its Covid policy was rejected at Nicosia district court on procedural grounds. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, a heatwave is expected to start dissipating by Wednesday, with the met office saying that high temperatures will continue Monday. Elsewhere, feverish preparations are underway for the start of the school year, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said, noting that works are ongoing at many buildings to upgrade them and make them safe for children. Also, Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas will be in the United States this week, to sign a political agreement for the Cyprus national guard to join the State Partnership Programme. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, after a fiery debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, the plenum voted down two bills which the government had warned could threaten the financial system as well as the country’s standing in international money markets. Elsewhere, the fires services responded to 21 fires over 24 hours, the service announced on Thursday and issued an urgent warning to the public of extremely heightened fire risk due to the prevailing heatwave. Also, an amendment to the Refugee law drafted by Elam, will mean that all asylum seekers who refuse to consent to medical examinations to determine their age will be presumed to be adults, has passed through parliament. All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the attorney-general’s office in Nicosia on Wednesday night as they decried a “corrupt government [and] corrupt attorney general” over the lack of action in the Thanasis Nicolaou case. Elsewhere, international news outlets were reporting on the decimation of cats in Cyprus from a feline coronavirus strain, saying that 300,000 cats had died - however, the source for that figure said he was misunderstood.  There’s also the met office’s yellow warning of extreme high temperatures for Thursday with the “Cleon” heatwave set to hit Cyprus. Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 43 degrees inland, while even the highest mountainous areas on the island could see temperatures as high as 36 degrees. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, pop singer Michalis Hadjiyiannis submitted his resignation as Deputy Minister of Culture on Tuesday after a little over four months in the job. In other news, City of Dreams Mediterranean, Europe’s first integrated casino resort, had its grand opening on Tuesday night, attended by President Christodoulides. And four advisors working for the government were unlawfully employed and procedures to end their employment should begin immediately, the Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides has ordered in report issued by his office. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In this episode, buying petrol in the north will not be penalised provided it is not for commercial purposes, the customs department said yesterday as they attempted to clarify confusions which were largely brought about by its own officials. Elsewhere, the three defendants in the case of missing 31-year-old Angelos Perikleous – presumed dead – pleaded not guilty to all charges read out to them at Nicosia criminal court on Monday. Also, a marathon session in parliament yesterday failed to avoid a showdown at the House plenum for later this week, where MPs will be voting on a contentious bill tabled by Akel allowing debtors to obtain a court injunction setting aside foreclosure proceedings. All this and more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, foreclosures and non-performing loans are set to feature heavily on Monday, as deputies and the government alike have a flurry of meetings planned over the crucial topics. Elsewhere, a 66-year-old man and a woman aged 65 were remanded for another five days on Sunday at Famagusta district court, as they are believed to have extorted €96,000 from elderly people by pretending to be doctors. Also, Health Minister Popι Kanari assured on Sunday that measures to decongest A&E departments in government hospitals will be effective in bringing in the desired results. All this and more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, foreclosures have been suspended until the end of October, while a special judicial procedure will be created to deal with non-performing loans, cabinet decided on Wednesday. In other news, Cyprus must strengthen the independence and accountability of its prosecution service. Elsewhere, Cyprus has bucked a Europe-wide trend of increased consumption of illicit cigarettes, according to the latest annual study into the matter by KPMG. All this and much more in today’s daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, foreclosures have been suspended until the end of October, while a special judicial procedure will be created to deal with non-performing loans. Elsewhere, Cyprus has bucked a Europe-wide trend of increased consumption of illicit cigarettes, according to the latest annual study into the matter by KPMG. There’s also the concerns raised by the scientific and technical chamber regarding the tendering process of public works, saying that as it currently stands it is vulnerable to abuses of power. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the leaders of the two sides should promote more contact and cooperation as well as the opening of more crossing points, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Tuesday in his two separate reports covering developments on the island over the past six months. In other news, a Turkish Cypriot with American citizenship has been awarded €345,000 in compensation for loss of use of his properties in Limassol and also had ownership of the property returned to him. And proper reforms are needed to ensure justice is properly served in Cyprus, European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders said on Tuesday, ahead of the publication of the European Commission’s Rule of Law report later this month. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In this episode, the Cyprus Consumers Association said on Monday that the price of petrol will soon decrease by approximately 3 cents per litre, just days after an additional 8.3 cents per litre was added. Elsewhere, data gathered by online platform expatistan.com found that the monthly cost of living for a four-member family in Limassol is €4,141, making the coastal city the most expensive in Cyprus and roughly 11 per cent more than Nicosia. In other news, a 22-year-old British woman who was in a coma after a quad bike accident in Ayia Napa, appeared to be showing signs of improvement on Monday. All this and more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In today's episode, an autopsy today is expected to establish the exact cause of death of a six-year-old girl late on Saturday afternoon in a jet ski accident on Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos is set to have a meeting in New York next week with the UN secretary general to underline the island’s readiness to restart negotiations, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday. Elsewhere, pieces of concrete fell from the ceiling into a cell, hitting an inmate in the prison early on Sunday, guards of the Isotita union announced. Fortunately, the union said, the prisoner was on the bottom bunk so was not seriously hurt. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the price of petrol is set to rise by 8.32 cents per litre and heating fuel by 6.38 cents, with petrol station owners saying they have no choice but to add the additional cost. In other news, President Nikos Christodoulides is satisfied by the paragraph about the Cyprus problem in the draft conclusions of the European Council, which held its summit meeting on Thursday. And the deputy ministry of research and innovation has no staff in place to prevent a cyberattack, it emerged on Thursday at the House audit committee. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, following the attorney-general’s announcement that no evidence of criminal wrongdoing has come up in the case of the 2005 death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou, his mother Andriana said they would take the case to the European Court of human rights. Elsewhere, The cabinet decided fuel subsidies will be scrapped but electricity bill subsidies will continue albeit more targeted towards vulnerable groups. There’s also the environment department’s warning that there is more water than usual for this time of year at the Paralimni lake, meaning that there are more flamingos.  All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, with tankers blocking central roads in Nicosia, the association of petrol station owners on Tuesday protested unfair competition from illegal imports of fuel from the north as the finance ministry said the protest served no purpose. Meanwhile, No evidence of criminal wrongdoing has come up in the case of the 2005 death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou, and therefore the state will be taking no more action, the attorney-general said. Elsewhere, the tourism industry faces “important environmental and economic challenges ahead,” President Christodoulides warned on Tuesday addressing the Cyprus Hoteliers’ Association’s (Pasyxe) general assembly in Nicosia. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, petrol station owners were set to protest on Tuesday saying they are losing out because of the availability of cheaper fuel in the north. Elsewhere, three people were arrested on Monday afternoon after a boat carrying a total of 50 irregular migrants was spotted in the early hours of the morning by coast guards in the Famagusta district.  While in Limassol, seven people were arrested in what has been described as a foiled terrorist plot on Israeli targets, while one has escaped abroad, after having entered from the north, reports said on Monday. All this and much more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, resistance to proposed reforms comes from the effort to protect specific interests but the government will not succumb to such pressures, Justice Minister Anna Koukkides Procopiou said on Sunday. Meanwhile, Paphos bishop Tychikos on Sunday denied allegations that the church refused to bury non-Christians in local cemeteries. Elsewhere, the sustainable use of pesticide regulation in the EU will be among the topics discussed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers Council, which is taking place in Luxembourg on June 26-27. Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos travelled to Luxembourg to participate in the Council’s works. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus does not currently have the capacity to absorb the full amount of the renewable energy it produces, meaning that the excess amount could be transported to Israel. Elsewhere, the foreign and local experts that will undertake investigations into the controversial ‘golden passports’ issue have been named by the independent authority against corruption. There’s also the release of a trailer for a documentary into the tragic events surrounding serial killer ‘Orestis’ Metaxas. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, it is high time a solution to the issue of ‘trapped buyers’ is found, the House labour committee concluded on Wednesday, as deputies stressed their determination to tackle the almost 100,000 property owners who remain without their title deeds. Meanwhile, Attorney-General Giorgos Savvides appealed the ‘manifestly inadequate’ 11-year prison sentence recently imposed on a man for sexually abusing two minors under the age of 13. Elsewhere, twenty-five Cypriot musicians aspire to break the Guinness World Record by playing on one piano at the same time sending the message that music remains the main form of socialisation. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday announced an upcoming plan to address the housing crisis, and that moves are underway to improve bicommunal ties, in addition to the creation of a mechanism towards greater government accountability will be established. Elsewhere, the municipality of Geroskipou is set to head to the Supreme Court after a permit has been given for the construction of a hotel on church owned land within its limits. In other news, one third more visitors arrived in Cyprus this May than last year, official statistics show. All this and more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, farmers demonstrated in front of the EU House on Monday with hundreds of tractors and pickup trucks, over the controversial nature bill currently being debated in the EU parliament, which will see further axing of pesticide use. Meanwhile, given the large drop in fuel prices compared to a year ago the ending of the VAT on fuel is justified, the president of the Cyprus Consumers Association said. Elsewhere, parliament on Monday gave the green light for unlocking more than 1,800 positions in the public sector, as requested by the government. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Turkey’s direct interventions in the north of Cyprus are putting at risk the prospects for the resumption of Cyprus talks, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has said. In other news, Israel, due to estimated shortfalls in domestic electricity production in the coming years, is keen on seeing the creation of the electricity interconnector with Cyprus, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Sunday. And Cyprus is attempting to lure more tourists from the Middle East but it’s proving to be an uphill battle, Deputy Minister for Tourism Costas Koumis says. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, in talks in Jerusalem on Thursday, Cyprus and Israel discussed cooperation in the development of regional gas infrastructure, such as the ‘Cyprus Gateway’ initiative aiming to transfer natural gas via the island to Europe. Meanwhile, plans were announced by the government for the creation of a new deputy ministry of migration and asylum. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou explained that the new deputy ministry will aim to better deal with the issue of migration and offer better protection to those legally migrating to Cyprus. Elsewhere, the north’s sheep and goat pox issue appears to have spread close to the capital, with six farm animals in the northern Nicosia suburb of Mandres culled on Thursday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, fuel and electricity prices are set to rise as of July 1 following the expiration of relief measures for consumers introduced last year. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides is set to have a call with UN secretary general Antonio Guterres to discuss developments over a more active role for the EU in resolving the Cyprus problem. There’s also the comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he could return to the negotiating table if the sovereign rights of the north are recognised. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, former Kiti bishop Chrysostomos will be put on a sabbatical until his appeal against a guilty sexual assault verdict concludes, the Holy Synod has decided. In other news, Europe will not be whole until Cyprus is reunited, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said on Tuesday as she welcomed President Nikos Christodoulides to Strasbourg. And Cyprus Airways carried more than four times the number of passengers in May than the same month last year. A total of 66,998 passengers flew with Cyprus Airways in May, surpassing last year’s May figures, when, according to Cyprus Airways, only 14,735 passengers were carried. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, nearly two years after the catastrophic fires of July 2021, which left four dead and forced the evacuation of ten villages, a 69-year-old man was sentenced to eight years in jail by the Limassol criminal court on Monday. Meanwhile, Τurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the north of Cyprus the destination of his first overseas visit following his reelection last month. Elsewhere, former Kiti Bishop Chrysostomos, who was found guilty of sexual assault, might be placed on a forced sabbatical by the Holy Synod, since filing an appeal against the ruling by the Larnaca district court. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, Limassol police have launched a murder inquiry after Christos Charilaou, aged 39, was killed outside his Parekklisia home in Limassol on Saturday night. Meanwhile, Sixteen kilos of cannabis was found in the luggage of a man arriving at Larnaca airport, police said on Sunday. Elswhere, Cyprus has taken the necessary steps at all levels, the foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday after Turkish Cypriots took part in the Turkish Phoenix of Anatolia international military exercise. All this and much more in today’s daily briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, over €30 million in pandemic support was disbursed to almost 5,000 beneficiaries who did not qualify, and no effort has been made to recover the money, MPs heard on Thursday. Elsewhere, by a nearly unanimous vote, and under the watchful eye of Brussels, parliament on Thursday passed a law allowing for a reduced VAT rate of 5 per cent levied on first homes. Also, a trial for two Greek Cypriot suspects that beat 25-year-old Turkish Cypriot Asya Karaali last weekend in Ayia Napa is set to start on July 6. All this and much more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a bill aiming to regulate the contentious issue of government advisors was discussed at the House institutions committee on Wednesday. After weeks of ridicule over questionable appointments for ministerial advisors, the government shared an unofficial draft of the bill with MPs. Meanwhile, the Nicosia criminal court threw out the ‘golden passports’ case on Wednesday, citing a change in the court composition. As a result, the case will have to be refiled, but in the meantime, it has left all four defendants temporarily acquitted of all charges. Elsewhere, complaints are on the rise from Gesy patients about specialists and personal doctors charging increased fees. According to the complaints patients are being told by physicians that Gesy has increased certain co-payments. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the five youths who assaulted a food courier on Saturday “showed great remorse for their actions,” Limassol police spokesman Lefteris Kyriacou said on Tuesday. In other news, the 24-year-old suspect facing charges of the premeditated murder of missing 31-year-old Angelos Perikleous – presumed dead – appeared in Nicosia criminal court on Tuesday. And experts on Tuesday warned that challenges in the real estate market amounted to a “giant problem” as the impact of external issues including inflation and high interest rates are becoming increasingly felt by consumers and constructors alike. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the environment department gave the green light for a large photovoltaic park in Trimiklini, despite the local community’s initial objections. In other news, police on Tuesday reported that a third person seems to have been involved in the assault of a 25-year-old Turkish Cypriot woman in Ayia Napa. And the government will make full use of recommendations by the Group of States against Corruption, according to an official statement on Tuesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Larnaca criminal court erupted into chants of “filthy rapist” after former Kiti bishop Chrysostomos was handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence for three years. Elsewhere, Health Minister Dr Popi Kanari said that Covid-19 prevented the adoption of quality checks within the national health scheme, an issue the new government plans to tackle. In other news, the family of a 17-year-old who died in a car accident has accused the police of lying to the public saying that no justice has been served, 11 years after the teen’s death. All this and much more in today’s News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’svepisode, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou dismissed media reports on Wednesday which downplayed the government’s reorientation on energy as “wrong”, stating that energy companies and the government are on the same page. Elsewhere, Nicosia district court ruled that the Republic of Cyprus violated the human rights of former defence minister Costas Papacostas during his incarceration in the aftermath of the 2011 blast at Evangelos Florakis naval base in Mari where a large amount of ammunition and military explosives kept in shipping containers self-detonated, killing 13 people. In other news, authorities said preventive measures are being taken following an outbreak of sheep and goat pox in the north, with the island's Veterinary Services confirming that it will be inspecting livestock and enforcing a ban on movement of animals as a precaution. All this and much more in today's News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, tourism to Cyprus seems to have recovered from Russian sanctions as arrivals so far this year are eight per cent higher than the record year of 2019 and 38 per cent higher than last year, Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis told MPs. In other news, the sports ethics committee has appointed investigators to look into four top-flight matches, which were played in the last fortnight following claims of suspicious betting activity. And in 22 state primary schools in Nicosia, Cypriot pupils are in the minority, MPs heard on Tuesday as some said the shrinking population on the island has become critical. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the president vowed that Cyprus is shifting gears to end its energy isolation and it is uniquely positioned to contribute to the Eastern Mediterranean’s energy solutions. Elsewhere, the European Commission disagreed with parliament’s compromise proposal over reduced VAT on homes, amid an impending deadline just over a week from now. There’s also Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar congratulating Turkey’s president Recep Tayyp Erdogan following his victory in the presidential elections on Sunday. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou said the energy workshop taking place on Monday in Nicosia is the first significant milestone in shaping the decisions for the national energy policy. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the causes of the fire that broke out near Akamas area over the weekend and destroyed 300,000 square metres of forest vegetation. Elsewhere, the ease with which student visas are issued, the inadequate legal framework, and the general lack of controls in the northern part of Cyprus is increasing human smuggling and trafficking through universities. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus is partly to blame for Cyprus’ energy woes and high prices, but the state has let the people down, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Thursday. Meanwhile, German chancellor Olaf Scholz said it will take great courage to break the impasse on the Cyprus problem negotiations, questioning whether all sides have enough willpower to do so. Elsewhere, the Cyprus Football Association has strongly denied what it called “offensive claims” moved by the former chairman of the sports ethics committee Andreas Papacharalambous during the House ethics committee on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

Former President Nikos Anastasiades again strongly rejected “malicious allegations” over interference in match-fixing investigations on Wednesday as former chairman of the sports ethics committee Andreas Papacharalambous doubled down on his claims. Elsewhere, a 67-year-old man was on Wednesday found guilty of causing the catastrophic fires of July 2021 which left four dead and forced the evacuation of ten villages. In other news and responding to church’s defence of conversion therapies, a bill banning which is set to be voted on by the House today, head of Accept LGBTI Nicholas Tryphonos has said people’s sexual orientation cannot change. All this and much more in the Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, retired British miner David Hunter did everything he could to help his terminally ill wife Janice as her condition deteriorated in the last few years of her life and became increasingly depressed, the Paphos criminal court heard on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Attorney-general Giorgos Savvides said that the audit service is engaging in character assassination and overstepping the lines of free speech, as the two offices continued to exchange barbs. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides pledged to gradually restore shift allowances and overtime pay for civil servants by 2025. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Deputy attorney-general Savvas Angelides delivered a stinging verbal attack on the auditor-general, whom he accused of a deliberate and concerted campaign to blacken his name, vowing that he would no longer put up with this situation. In other news, Medical experts and cancer patients alike hope to see new and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the disease on the island with the inauguration of the Nicola David-Pinedo Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) on Monday. And President Nikos Christodoulides will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin later this week where they will discuss the Cyprus problem and the proposal for greater EU involvement in the process. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Cyprus strongly condemned Turkey’s move to reserve areas for naval exercises encompassing north Famagusta. Elsewhere, over 90 per cent of Greek nationals living in Cyprus cast their vote for Greece’s parliamentary elections, which ended with New Democracy having a clear lead. There’s also the latest Cyprus Mail report which detailed the ongoing stress caused to residents in Pissouri who continue to worry about the future of their homes, over a problem that is ongoing for 12 years. After a landslide which tore properties apart, residents have been pleading to the state to help. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, cabinet revoked the Cypriot citizenship of Malaysian-born Jho Low, a fugitive wanted internationally for allegedly orchestrating the theft of $4.5 billion from the Southeast Asian country’s sovereign wealth fund. Elsewhere, three law firms have been reported to the police over suspicions they have violated EU sanctions, the Cyprus Bar Association said. There’s also the row between the auditor-general and the attorney-general as they continue to tangle over the status of the latter, and what Europe's anti-corruption body has to say on the issue. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Christodoulides discussed his proposal for a more active EU role in the efforts to resume talks and reach a solution of the Cyprus problem, as well as the next steps forward during separate meetings he had with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and European Council President Charles Michel. Meanwhile, Cyprus is 29th out of 49 countries in the Council of Europe when it comes to LGBTI+ rights, ombudswoman Maria Stylianou-Lottides said. Elsewhere, police announced they have identified the skull found in Koloni as belonging to 79-year-old Briton Ann Naisbitt, who had been reported as missing since the beginning of April. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected the appeal of Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz against his extradition to Germany, as President Nikos Christodoulides said he will raise the issue with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin next week while on a state visit. In other news, MPs on Tuesday sought to put an end to the discrimination among refugees by amending the law to allow everyone living in refugee housing to have title deeds. And police officers on Tuesday unearthed gun casings believed to be connected to the death of Angelos Perikleous, who has been missing for almost a month. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In this episode, British pensioner David Hunter, who killed wife, told the court he ‘regretted what he had to do’. Elsewhere, the payment of the cost of living allowance could saddle taxpayers with a whopping €1.2 billion over the next three-year period, it was reported on Monday. In other news, the energy minister said Cyprus and Israel are working on a deal for a pipeline carrying natural gas from both countries to the island, where it will be liquefied for export to Europe and potentially elsewhere. All this and much more in the daily Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Diko is proud to have played a decisive role in the “selection, support and election of Nikos Christodoulides to the presidency of the Republic,” party leader Nicholas Papadopoulos said on Sunday saying the party had backed “an independent candidate who was not part of the traditional political system”. Meanwhile, the traffic police have been kept busy with more than 2,300 traffic violations recorded in the seven days till Sunday. Elsewhere, a human skull found by a farmer in Koloni on Sunday will be sent for specialised examinations, Paphos police spokesman Michalis Nicolaou said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government promised to deliver a ‘road map’ on tackling traffic congestion – but also pollution from vehicles – while warning that Cyprus could end up paying tens of millions for carbon allowances for emissions from transport. In other news, Nicosia criminal court on Thursday handed down sentences to four persons, having found them guilty of fraudulently securing papers allowing asylum applicants to stay permanently on the island. And Cyprus’ Eurovision entrant Andrew Lambrou on Thursday secured a spot in Saturday night’s grand final in Liverpool. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In this episode, following heavy criticism in the last few days about people being given government jobs they were not qualified for, President Nikos Christodoulides said a bill will be drawn up to deal with the issue of consultant appointments. In other news, there has been no impact to Cyprus’ financial stability as a result of recent US and UK sanctions, only to its international reputation, Central Bank of Cyprus governor Constantinos Herodotou said. Elsewhere, the 24-hour strike to be held today by public hospital doctors in protest over uncertainty in medical malpractice suit insurance is unnecessary, spokesman of the state health services organisation Okypy Charalambos Charilaou said. All this and much more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said the government has received the first batch of information on natural and legal persons included on the US sanctions list, while two more packages are expected soon. In other news, a final call by David Hunter’s defence team to have his wife’s killing tried as manslaughter as opposed to premeditated murder failed on Tuesday, after the judge said there was enough evidence to continue the case on the charge of premeditated murder. And the use of methamphetamine and other stimulant drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines are below the EU average in Cyprus with cannabis remaining the drug of choice on the island in 2022, according to the drugs squad YKAN. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In this episode, President Christodoulides assured that nothing will be done outside the law after the audit office lambasted the deputy tourism minister’s decision to appoint a 19-year-old without a university degree as his associate. Elsewhere, the trial of Briton David Hunter resumed at Paphos criminal court, where prosecution aimed to get the facts on record of how police were alerted to the murder, as well as Janice Hunter’s manner of death. Also, imprisoned Kurdish activist Kenan Ayaz's indefinite hunger strike continued for the fifth day on Monday. All this and much more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, authorities were looking for a 25-year-old man to shed light into the premediated murder case of a 35-year-old woman whose body was found in a Germasoya apartment early on Sunday. The woman was found half-naked, bound and gagged on the ground of the Limassol apartment around 1am. Meanwhile, the uncle of the man suspected of killing 31-year-old Andreas Perikleous, a 24-year-old hacker, will lead police to possible burial sites. Elsewhere, Disy’s newly-elected leader and House President Annita Demetriou said the right-wing party is a model of democratic operation and will move forward with unity as she announced the 25 elected members of its political bureau. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In this episode, former President Nicos Anastasiades deemed the claims made by the former chairman of the sports ethics committee Andreas Papacharalambous “false, unfounded and vulgar.” Elsewhere, trade unions on Thursday gave a thumbs-down to a mediation proposal by the government for a new deal on the cost of living allowance (CoLA), while employers grudgingly agreed to the proposal so as to maintain calm in the labour market. In other news, there is nothing for the government to investigate, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Thursday about the sale of properties in Varosha last week, citing that the documents that were notarised are private sale agreements. All this and much more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, speaking after a meeting with President Christodoulides French President Emmanuel Macron said Cyprus can count on France’s support in the efforts to find a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem and in the field of defence, should the island require military assistance. Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot media reported that no sales transaction was made for the three hotels in Varosha through the immovable property commission. Elsewhere, Cyprus’ ranking in world press freedom jumped 10 spots this year to be 55th out of 180 countries across the world. The published figures, however, reveal growing concerns of self-censorship. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Greek Cypriots who sold their property in Varosha did so because they can see no light at the end of the Cyprus problem tunnel and are enduring economic hardships, Famagusta Mayor Simos Ioannou said on Tuesday. In other news, a 24-year-old hacker was re-arrested in Limassol on Tuesday for charges of the premeditated murder of Andreas Perikleous, aged 31. And the cabinet on Tuesday approved zero VAT on certain consumer goods, in a stated bid to provide some relief amid current inflationary pressures. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In todays’ episode, no new evidence emerged on Monday after on-site investigations following the disappearance of 31-year-old Angelos Perikleous last month. In other news, Cyprus marked Labour Day on Monday amid an ongoing dispute on the CoLa (cost of living allowance). Also on Monday, Cyprus marked the 19th anniversary as a full EU member state. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides released the names of his election campaign donors – but only after a discussion in parliament had outed him as having effectively broken the law by not disclosing the information earlier. In other news, the last Cypriot citizen evacuee from Sudan arrived on a night flight to Larnaca, foreign ministry spokesman Theodoros Gotsis said, as flights were set to continue throughout the day with more evacuees from other countries. Elsewhere, authorities said investigations were still ongoing over the fire at the Russian cultural centre in Nicosia, although a media report said police had already ruled out foul play. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, over 700 people have been evacuated from Sudan to Cyprus so far, as the island continues to be used as a hub to get Europeans out of the African nation. Elsewhere, oil major Chevron will shortly begin drilling in the Aphrodite field to confirm further deposit quantities. Meanwhile, a large fire at the Russian cultural centre in Nicosia was extinguished in hours on Wednesday but not before it appeared to engulf the building in flames and send a huge smoke plume into the air above it. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides vowed that Cyprus will do whatever is possible to prevent further damage to the country’s reputation, adding that no one will be protected if they are found violating the sanctions. In other news, the mother of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou, whose lifeless body was found under a bridge in Alassa back in 2005, slammed the authorities on Facebook on Tuesday in a post directly accusing army officers of dealing drugs. And communities hosting large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers gave out another 'SOS', complaining of rising crime, squatting and general nuisance. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, after almost two decades of the Annan plan referendum on the Cyprus problem, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said that the Greek Cypriot side was rewarded for rejecting the plan, while the Turkish Cypriots have been punished. Elsewhere, a protest which blocked off entry and departure of ships from Larnaca port caused a stern reaction from Kition Ocean Holdings, which warned it was considering legal measures. We also hear that a total of 350 products are set to be included on an electronic shopping basket app called “e-kalathi”, which will allow people to compare item prices from various supermarkets to better determine the total cost of their shopping. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus on Sunday marked 20 years since the checkpoints opened, paving the way for countless Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to come closer. Bicommunal initiative group United Cyprus, called for more checkpoints to open, highlighting how this has facilitated economic development for both sides. Elsewhere, Greek jets last weekend were rescuing a number of people from Sudan including Cypriots. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said he was coordinating with other EU counterparts for evacuation operations, noting Cypriots were also on the list of those to be rescued. Meanwhile, In other news, President Nikos Christodoulides has not excluded the possibility of more sanctions from the US and UK to come, which may also affect Cypriots. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the government said it is gearing into action to tackle the migration crisis, with funding aimed at expanding reception centres, speeding up asylum seeker applications, and increasing voluntary returns to 1,000 a month. Elsewhere, hackers made good on their threat to release a trove of personal data stolen from the Open University of Cyprus, after a deadline for payment of ransom elapsed. There’s also the announcement that the police forces’ top units responded to a mock terrorist attack on Thursday to assess their readiness, in a simulation of terror strikes which included an attack on Kykkos monastery. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the finance ministry confirmed that it may reduce VAT on key goods, with reports indicating these may be slashed on items such as bread, milk and baby food. The finance ministry confirmed news that these discussions were under way with the commerce ministry, but that even if agreed between the two parties they would need EU approval to confirm the rate cuts, as VAT is regulated by Europe. Elsewhere, police in Cyprus have lost trace of an Israeli professor who was arrested on February 16 at Larnaca airport on suspicion of arms trafficking to Libya and China between 2015 and 2023. Meanwhile, the government announced that a national sanctions implementation unit will be set up in Cyprus, which will cooperate with the respective department in the UK. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Cyprus government on Tuesday stressed it was ready to explore whether there were grounds to begin criminal proceedings against sanctioned Cypriots who have been named by the US and UK for knowingly assisting Russian oligarchs to hide their assets.  In other news, Greek and Turkish Cypriots have become more estranged since the “spectacular collapse” of talks in 2017, according to the latest Crisis Group report on Cyprus – which argues that small, but meaningful, steps can be taken to lay the groundwork for future developments. And the north launched a new airline on Tuesday as Fly Kibris’ maiden flight saw an Airbus A320 travel from Tymbou to Istanbul, with flights scheduled later for Iran, Kosovo, Azerbaijan and other destinations. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, both tourism and the property market in Cyprus are being damaged by outdated and unworkable laws governing swimming pools, which have seen many complexes closing theirs over the last few years.The problem is that Cyprus recognises communal pools found at private complexes as public ones and therefore applies stringent law geared towards public facilities. Elsewhere, the Bank of Cyprus has become the first bank in Cyprus and Greece to receive approval from the European Central Bank (ECB) to pay dividends. The lender is expected to resume paying dividends to its shareholders after 12 years. It also came to light that Cyprus had the highest ratio across EU member states of Ukrainian citizens granted temporary protection for February 2023. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides hastily convened a meeting at the palace on Thursday evening to discuss US and UK sanctions that have led to a punishing blow to Cypriot individuals and companies deemed ‘financial fixers’ for Russian oligarchs. The government has called the matter “especially serious” as local banks also moved to immediately freeze the accounts of the individuals in order to uphold their own credibility, a number of sources confirmed to the Cyprus Mail. Elsewhere, hundreds of needy Cypriot families are receiving support from volunteers or local communities to put food on their table this Easter but demand is up while donations are down at least in Nicosia as inflation continues to bite across the board.   In other news, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou on Thursday floated the idea of importing natural gas quantities from reservoirs in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, to be used for power generation, coupled with exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) via a small terminal on the island. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the UK government imposed sanctions on two alleged Cypriot “financial fixers” for “knowingly assisting” sanctioned Russia oligarchs to hide their assets in complex financial networks. Elsewhere, doctors at a private medical centre in Limassol have asked to be given time to relocate, following a majority decision by shareholders to be inducted into the national health system. There’s also the development that Cyprus police rejected a request from the Greek football authority to host the cup final on the island, a few days after Greece’s media reported it was a done deal, while authorities in Nicosia said they had never even received a request. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, eighty per cent of the state’s services have been restored, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Wednesday, following the leak on Monday afternoon in the basement of the Ministry of Finance that caused them to be taken offline. In other news, footage of clashes between unaccompanied minors at a Paphos accommodation centre has prompted the city’s mayor to warn that the state is responsible “should the worst happen." And two white rhinoceros that were moved from another zoo located in South Africa are the newest additions to the animals at Paphos zoo, and are settling into their new enclosure.All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, deputy shipping minister called the addition of the Larnaca port to the Cyprus-Greece ferry link “a success for the country and for its economy.” She said the new programme for this summer registered a huge demand. Elsewhere, smart cameras have been installed in “sensitive” areas, such as parks and squares, with more on the way – pending a green light from the personal data commissioner. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides said the upcoming establishment of the National Security Council in Cyprus was long overdue. Christodoulides said that “Geopolitical changes and the constant redistribution of power in the region mandates the operation of such a mechanism”. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a man has come forward after police said they were seeking information following the hospitalisation of a 31-year-old woman in critical condition following in a traffic accident in the early hours on Sunday. Elsewhere, the broader services sector in Cyprus recorded an increase of 6.6 per cent year-on-year in 2022, with accommodation and food services, information and communication and transport and storage recording the most significant increas Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected in the north on April 18, where he is set to officially open the new passenger terminal at Tymbou airport. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the House passed a law making some 1,000 former bank employees eligible for unemployment benefits, in what some commentators earlier called a scandalous arrangement. Elsewhere, civil servants can start and finish work half an hour earlier after the plenum approved amendments to their working hours to alleviate traffic issues. There’s also comments by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos who stated that there are no concerns over an increase in bad loans for Cyprus’ banks. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in Egypt for a two-day visit on Wednesday afternoon where he discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Elsewhere,Ombudswoman Maria Stylianou-Lottides said the auditor general had mounted a sexist attack against her for six years. “Today was the pinnacle of a sexist behaviour ongoing for six years. It was behaviour that saw me as simply the wife of a husband and not a woman with her own personality,” she said. Meanwhile, vets have appealed to the health ministry for hospital-grade vaccines for cats amid an upsurge of the fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Spain stands by Cyprus in its search for a just and viable solution to the island’s political problem, while its prime minister on Tuesday said it would take the initiative to bring the two sides on the island together. In other news, well known Cypriot soft drinks company KEAN on Tuesday announced an in principle agreement to sell the company’s shares to BBF, marking a change in ownership after 74 years of operation. And high school students and teachers on the island have developed a prototype robot powered with ChatGPT artificial intelligence technology to harness and improve teaching experiences in the classroom. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the Audit service and the Attorney-general engaged in a war of words after the latter accused the former of lying about a European Commission communiqué that sided with Auditor-general Oydsseas Michaelides on the finance ministry’s decision, which awarded no-bid contracts connected to the Hermes airport concession agreement. In other news, forty-seven areas on the island are still classified as dangerous due to landmines or other active remnants of war such as unexploded artillery shells, bombs and grenades, data reported on the Unficyp website reveals. Meanwhile, the press and information office launched a five-year campaign titled ‘Journalists Matter’ starting with a discussion on how protecting journalists is paramount to protecting democracy. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the main goal is a solution to the national problem that provides for an independent and sovereign state, Government spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis said on Sunday. Speaking at the memorial service of the Eoka 1955-59 fighters, Letymbiotis said the government is “working for the end of the occupation, the reunification of our country through the achievement of a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem”. Elsewhere, the importance of a more active European Union involvement in the Cyprus problem negotiations was highlighted by Defence Minister Michalis Georgallas. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Prince Albert II of Monaco arrived in Cyprus on Sunday as a guest of John Christodoulou to attend the award ceremony of a student competition held by Yianis Christodoulou Foundation. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode,  Ersin Tatar said Greek Cypriots cannot tolerate the voice of Turkish Cypriots - after students protested the Turkish Cypriot leader as he was heading to a conference at King’s College London. Elsewhere, President Christodoulides laid out his approach on the Cyprus issue, consisting of “cultivating a positive agenda and a positive climate”, during the first National Council session held under his administration. There’s also the issue of firefighting helicopters - with those at the disposal of the authorities being subpar and may even not be airworthy, legislators heard. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, sports fans will be subjected to random alcohol and drugs tests on entry to sports venues while a permanent police team will be established to cover high-risk matches, according to a Wednesday cabinet decision aiming to curb violence in sports stadiums. Justice Minister Anna Prokopiou announced the decisions following the outbreak of violence at a basketball match on Sunday. Elsewhere, around 27 migrants for every 1,000 people arrived in Cyprus from outside the EU in 2021, data released by Eurostat showed, also revealing 22.7 per cent of the island’s citizens were born overseas. Meanwhile, all the relevant services are better staffed and better equipped to deal with fires than they were last year, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides warned on Tuesday that fans need to behave otherwise all sporting matches will be held without spectators, following violent clashes at a basketball semi-final at the weekend. In other news, MPs on Tuesday urged the government to do something about rising interest rates, particularly to shield vulnerable borrowers and prevent bad loans from proliferating - although none had a clear idea as to how this might be done. And the European Commission said on Tuesday it had awarded the first PDO certificate for halloumi (or hellim in Turkish) to a Turkish Cypriot producer.  All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said he has issued 'strong advice' to commercial banks to focus on loan restructuring for distressed borrowers, as well as to increase deposit rates and contain lending rates amid a high interest-rate environment set to further squeeze consumers. In other news, delivery drivers in Nicosia held a demonstration outside the offices of PEO union following the death of a moped rider last week. And government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis denied there being a rift between Nicosia and Athens over the latter supporting Ankara’s bid for a senior role at a UN agency. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou will promote a plan to the cabinet for restoration of refugee apartment buildings found to be inadequate. Elsewhere, Cyprus signed an agreement to cooperate with the New Jersey National Guard, Defence Minister Michalis Giorgallas said, adding a delegation of US group will be visiting Cyprus later this week. Meanwhile, the Cyprus basketball federation said all future matches will be cancelled until further notice, following rioting at a semi-final match between Anorthosis and Apollon. Fans at the basketball semi-finals fought with police officers on Sunday, and set fire to a bus stop and offices following the match, the fire services reported. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Christodoulides said he hoped to ‘break the deadlock’ in the Cyprus peace process, also pitching to the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres his proposal for a more active involvement of the European Union. Elsewhere, one in ten Greek Cypriots travel to Turkey or to the north to receive dental care, the House health committee heard on Thursday. Meanwhile, all public transport will be offered for free this Saturday as part of a campaign marking Earth Hour 2023. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, he interior ministry rejected suggestions it had been well aware of rampant abuse at the online appointment system of the migration department for months, but wilfully chose to look the other way. A damning report pointed the finger at former interior minister Nicos Nouris, claiming that he had known about shady agents selling appointment slots but “closed his eyes” to the matter. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides met with key EU officials where he presented the case for greater EU involvement in the efforts to break the impasse on the Cyprus problem. Meanwhile, the US State Department’s annual human rights report on Cyprus emphasised the challenges faced by asylum seekers while it also singled out overcrowding at the prisons. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Cyprus banking system is resilient and able to cope with the ongoing issues faced by Credit Suisse, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday, echoing the Central Bank’s own assurances from a day earlier. Elsewhere, the Paphos district court renewed the remand of the 31-year-old suspect in the case of Lesya Bykova’s death for three more days, pending the outcome of a second autopsy performed on the body. Meanwhile, the government will spend €100 million over ten years to fix the problems at refugee apartment buildings, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the Central Bank governor will meet with the CEOs of Cyprus’ two major banks today in light of the Credit Suisse rescue. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides leaves for Brussels today, aiming to promote his proposal for more active involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus issue. There’s also the demonstration being held by dozens of the Kurdish cultural organisation “Theophilos” members at the front of the justice ministry over the ongoing extradition trial of Kurdish politician Kenan Ayaz. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides begins his contacts in Brussels this coming week, aiming among other things to promote his proposal for a more active involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus issue. In other news, the online platform to make appointments at the immigration department has been taken down following abuse of the system exposed by the Cyprus Mail. And a woman aged 33 has been remanded for eight days by the Larnaca court after police said they found almost 17 kilos of cannabis in her luggage when she arrived on a flight from South Africa via Cairo on Saturday night. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides and Finance Minister Makis Keravnos are in constant contact with Central Bank governor Constantinos Herodotou, following a 30 per cent slump in shares of Credit Suisse bank in Switzerland. Elsewhere, lawmakers hounded the government for taking its time delivering legislation to tighten up the earthquake-proofing of buildings, saying that lives are at stake. Meanwhile, legislators said they will seek higher state subsidies for assisted reproduction, as one in six couples were said to face infertility issues. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a 32-year-old man on Wednesday was handed a three-year jail sentence by Limassol district court after being found guilty of causing a triple fatal car accident in 2017 that ended the lives of Andreas Yasemi, 32, Dimitris Savva, also 32, and Panayiotis Stefanou, 26. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides met with UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo on Wednesday, in efforts to find a way forward in stalled Cyprus problem negotiations. Meanwhile, about 30 flights to and from Cyprus will be hit by a 24-hour nationwide strike in Greece, estimated to impact almost 3,000 travellers. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus-based Indie gaming company Apella Games has won a major battle against tech giant Apple Inc., which tried to block the startup from registering its name and logo with the European Union Intellectual Property Office, claiming the mark was visually, phonetically, and conceptually similar to Apple’s. Elsewhere, a decision to reduce the frequency blood tests can be carried out on the national health scheme (Gesy) on Tuesday caused outrage among patients. There’s also the president’s statement from Greece that there is ‘no time to lose’ in the effort to resume Cyprus problem negotiations. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis announced on Monday that their governments will institutionalise a coordination body, as a new chapter in Athens and Nicosia relations. In other news, Police confirmed foul play in the case of a 28-year-old woman found dead in the vicinity of Petra tou Romiou in Paphos on Saturday morning. And a British company is being grilled by the agriculture ministry over its ‘buffalomi’ product – a “halloumi style cheese” made from buffalo milk. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Annita Demetriou this weekend became the first female leader of one of the island’s main political parties although the task ahead of the new DISY leader is not a simple one. In other news, boat owners at Larnaca marina on Sunday held a demonstration against plans by private developer Kition Ocean Marina to raise docking fees for the second time in a year. And the enthronement of new Bishop of Paphos took place on Sunday afternoon. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the House voted against another extension to a freeze on property repossessions. Elsewhere, the auditor-general lambasted the University of Cyprus, over a series of alleged irregularities – including their keeping on the payroll a Nobel laureate past his retirement. There’s also the update that Larnaca will in August and September become part of the Cyprus-Greece ferry service as the city’s port will share the timetable with Limassol. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, on international women’s day yesterday, The House education committee heard that men are getting paid up to four times more than female athletes. The issue arose during a discussion to amend the law to ensure gender equality in sport. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides said that gender equality issues are high on the agenda and relevant policies will be promoted in all ministries and deputy ministries. Meanwhile, intrepid mountaineer Evgenios Staroselskiy aims to raise the Cypriot flag over the world’s deadliest summit: K2, otherwise known as the Savage Mountain. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, electricity prices must come down, as expensive energy is sapping people’s disposable income and also raising the cost of production for businesses, new Energy Minister George Papanastasiou stressed on Tuesday. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides said he has a number of political people in mind from EU member states that could play a constructive role in resolving the Cyprus problem. Meanwhile, the adoption of increased security around House Speaker Annita Demetriou and some of her family members, has nothing to do with her having filed a police report of fake news, police announced. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the funerals for the two Cypriots who died in the fatal train crash in Greece last week, were held on Monday. In other news, Health Minister Popi Kanari said the government aims to improve OKYPY hospitals. She stressed efforts should be focused on improving GESY. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos’ office on Monday denied a report that claimed he said the national health scheme was a black hole of funds. And, a 26-year-old of Cypriot origin was arrested in Athens after trying to remove pieces of stone and marble from the Acropolis as souvenirs. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the remains of two Cypriots who died in the tragic train crash in Greece arrived in Cyprus on Sunday evening. Their funerals are set to take place today, where the families have asked for privacy away from the media. In other news, several traffic cameras will become operational across Cyprus starting Monday, police warned on Sunday. And Cyprus has scored 94.4 out of 100 in the World Bank’s Women, Business, and Law index for 2023. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the body of one of the missing Cypriots aboard a train that crashed in Tempi, Greece was identified late on Thursday night. The 23-year-old student, Kyprianos Papaioannou from Avgorou, was identified among the dozens of victims of the deadly collision two days ago using DNA testing. Another Cypriot, 24-year-old dentistry student Anastasia Adamidou from Paphos, remains missing. Elsewhere, in an extraordinary plenary session convened yesterday, the House passed a law extending by another two months a reduction on fuel tax – a matter that should have been addressed before the government switchover. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate reached close to 7 per cent for the last quarter of 2022, figures published by the Cyprus Statistical Service showed, while unemployment among young people stood close to 20 per cent All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, two Cypriot nationals were on board one of the two trains that collided in Larissa, northern Greece on Tuesday night, and are still missing. Local media named then as Kypros Papaioannou and Anastasia Adamidou. The crash has killed at least 38 people and injured dozens of others. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides called on his new ministers to raise the bar high and keep their tone low, as his new cabinet was sworn in on Wednesday. In his speech, Christodoulides pledged his government would be one “for all Cypriots” and would be ruled by transparency, respect and hard work. Meanwhile, the first ever crossover organ transplant involving Cyprus and Israel took place on Wednesday after two kidneys were exchanged at the old Larnaca airport in the morning. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Nikos Christodoulides was officially sworn in as the eighth president - as he vowed that “the Cypriot people will be at the centre of all our policies”. Elsewhere, a woman developed large bedsores after she was hospitalised for a month and her wounds remained untreated, with a doctor claiming that it again shows the “shortcomings” of the national general health scheme Gesy when it comes to elderly care. There’s also the latest February rainfall figures, and a positive announcement from BirdLife Cyprus on reduced trapping with nets. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President-elect Nikos Christodoulides announced his cabinet on Green Monday. It included some high-profile names including well-known singer Michalis Hadjiyiannis as Deputy Minister of Culture, as well as former Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou to the post of Interior Minister. In other news, maternal deaths in Cyprus more than doubled in the past 20 years, making it one of the worst performers across the globe, a report by the World Health Organisation revealed on Monday. And cities in Cyprus emptied on Monday as most people headed out into nature for picnics to celebrate the start of the Orthodox Eastern Lenten period. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, there’s the latest on the new president’s meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. Elsewhere, the agriculture minister is pleased over the finalisation of the Akamas local plan. There’s also calls from the Kokkinotrimithia community leader for the Pournara migrant reception centre to be relocated. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, cabinet on Wednesday decided to postpone implementing the Akamas local development plan for another six months. The cabinet decision also entails a four-month window allowing for objections to the plan for the environmentally sensitive area and one of the few undeveloped coastal regions in Cyprus. Elsewhere, after years of delays and shifting timetables, work has begun in Vasiliko for the construction of a jetty to facilitate a floating LNG storage and regasification unit but the completion date has been kicked down the road again, and at an extra cost of €25m. Meanwhile, the percentage of foreign workers a company is allowed to employ and include into collective agreements has been raised from 30 to 50 per cent. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, current Disy leader Averof Neophytou on Tuesday bowed out of the race for the next party leader on Tuesday, in what has narrowed down to a face-off between House President Annita Demetriou and MP Demetris Demetriou. Elsewhere, the Briton accused of killing his terminally ill wife, David Hunter had a “poor showing” in court remembering events that were convenient for him and his case, the state prosecutor argued on Tuesday at Paphos criminal court. Meanwhile, around 1,000 people severely affected by the earthquake that devastated entire cities in Turkey and Syria on February 6 are currently seeking refuge in the north, Turkish Cypriot ‘welfare minister’ Hassan Tatsoi said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, an earthquake was felt in Cyprus and in southern Turkey, Syria and Lebanon about 7pm on Monday. In other news, House President Annita Demetriou is poised to throw her hat in the running for DISY’s upcoming leadership elections, ahead of the deadline for submitting candidacies today.  And an investigation has been launched into an incident regarding a patient who was left naked and uncovered on her bed at the Limassol General Hospital last week. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, President-elect Nikos Christodoulides will do everything possible to achieve some kind of result during his informal meeting next week with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, he said on Sunday. In other news, Archimandrite Tychikos Vryonis, Archimandrite Ioannis Ioannou and Bishop Amathountos Nikolaos have made the top three in the elections for a new bishop of Paphos; the Synod will now decide who will be the 70th bishop for the district. And police on Sunday, during an island wide sweep, arrested 21 people who were on the island illegally, according to an announcement. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, there’s the latest on President-elect Nikos Christodoulides who will meet with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar next week. Elsewhere, Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides said his time in politics has come to a close after 10 years. There’s also the continued aid drive by Cyprus for the earthquake victims in neighbouring Turkey and Syria. And don’t miss the latest carnival updates, with major festivities returning for the first time in over two years. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President-elect Nikos Christodoulides met with Disy leader Averof Neophytou at the former’s political office on Wednesday, with both saying it was time to turn the page on the bitterness of the election campaign. Left-wing Akel made a similar assertion, after its general-secretary Stefanos Stefanou held a meeting with Christodoulides. Stefanou heard Christodoulides’ plans to draw people from across the political spectrum for the new government but concluded Akel would not participate if asked. Elsewhere, civil engineers called on the state to subsidise the anti-seismic upgrading of buildings, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The Association of Civil Engineers released a video showing the disrepair of buildings around the island. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, as the leadership race in the island’s largest party heats up, its current number two Harris Georgiades has announced his candidacy. In other news, a man who committed the “extremely vile” crimes of sexually abusing three children and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in a “blatantly inadequate sentence” has now had his sentence extended for a further five years by the Supreme Court, it emerged on Tuesday. And details emerged on Tuesday of the shocking working conditions under which 14 Indian workers were employed at a Famagusta livestock farm. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, a day after Nikos Christodoulides was voted in as Cyprus’ elected president, the horse trading over cabinet members appeared to be in full swing. The president-elect has highlighted his cabinet will be formed by new faces, people who have not served as ministers before. In other news, a Turkish Cypriot mother and earthquake survivor, who lost her 11-year-old daughter in the wreckage of the Isias hotel in Turkey, described yesterday the tragedy that befell the school group that had gone there for a volleyball tournament. And for the second day in a row, police urged businesses to pay extra attention to their online accounts and transactions after stating that a Limassol-based company found out that unknown people hacked into its servers and stole around €339,000. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Nikos Christodoulides was on Sunday voted the eighth President of the Republic, with the day ending in a declaration ceremony at Eleftheria Stadium in Nicosia which rocked to cheers of his name, applause and loud music. Christodoulides, aged 49, secured 51.97 per cent of the vote. Speaking from the podium, he said “the Cypriot people have spoken,” and called on everyone to leave the past behind and look together to the future united. Meanwhile, turnout for the election reached 72.2 per cent of registered voters, a small increase from the first round last week. That meant that 405,086 people cast a vote. Voting abroad stood at 67.9 per cent compared to 73.8 per cent last Sunday. Elsewhere, all the Turkish Cypriots who died in the devastating earthquakes in Turkey have now been returned to the island as the last of the funerals were held on Sunday. Thirteen funerals were held in Famagusta, Prastio and Ayios Sergios, all for people part of the group from the Famagusta secondary school who had gone to Adiyaman for a volleyball tournament. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades may take a public position in relation to the situation shaping up in the second round of the elections on Sunday after ruling Disy decided that party members should adopt a conscience vote between Nikos Christodoulides and Akel-backed Andreas Mavroyiannis. Meanwhile, hope is dwindling for the group of Turkish Cypriots trapped under the rubble of the Isias hotel in Adiyaman, who are yet to be recovered, the north’s ‘education minister’ Nazim Cavusoglu said, four days after the catastrophic earthquake. Elsewhere, Troodos was hit with a 20-year record deep freeze as temperatures dropped to -12.5 Celsius overnight on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, dozens of Turkish Cypriot children remained buried for a third day yesterday under the rubble of a devastating earthquake that killed thousands across southern Turkey and in Syria. Also, Turkey has accepted Cyprus’ offer to send rescue teams to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by the devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of over 11,000 people. Disy’s parliamentary leader and long-standing MP Nicos Tornaritis has come out in support of Nikos Christodoulides ahead of the second round of the presidential election. Other big names to back the front-runner are former Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou and Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis. The met office issued an orange weather warning overnight on Wednesday, warning of extremely low temperatures on the mountains. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the marathon Disy political bureau meeting on Tuesday night called to settle its stance going into the second round of the presidential election eventually backed a free vote and a party place in the opposition. Meanwhile, seven Turkish Cypriots were reported dead on Tuesday from the large-scale earthquakes that devastated parts of Turkey and Syria the day before, while efforts continued to uncover more survivors. Elsewhere, Cypriot sommelier Sotiris Neophytidis will represent the island at the Best Sommelier of World contest in Paris, which started on Tuesday and will last until Sunday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, DISY leader Averof Neophytou met the two remaining candidates on Monday as the party continued to deliberate on its course in the presidential election following Neophytou’s exclusion from the final round, a decision that is expected today. In other news, the Cyprus government on Monday said it was saddened by the fatal earthquakes in Turkey and said it is ready to send help. Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, its spokesman Demetris Demetriou said: “It is a humanitarian issue and there is no room for politics in these cases.” And a 23-year-old man found guilty in a drug trafficking case involving around 13 kilograms of cannabis was sentenced to nine years in jail on Monday by the Larnaca criminal court. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, presidential hopefuls Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis will fight it out in the runoff this week after a tough battle on Sunday, which has left out DISY leader Averof Neophytou. Elsewhere, a number of voters have reported they received text messages from presidential candidates calling on them to go vote. Meanwhile, Archbishop Georgios voted in Paphos, singling out the Cyprus problem as his main concern. And an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale at a depth of 10km was recorded in the early hours of Monday in southern Turkey, which was felt all over Cyprus. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Energy Minister Natasa Pilides announced that another €35 million is being allocated in subsidies for people to upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient following the success of the previous round of grants. Meanwhile, Cyprus has been classed as a ‘flawed democracy’, ranking 37th in the list of countries analysed by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2022 Democracy Index. Elsewhere, reservoirs in Cyprus are less full than last year despite frequent rain over the past week, with total reserves standing at 67 per cent compared with 76 per cent this time last year. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, with independent candidate Achilleas Demetriades being the latest to publish his detailed funding for the election campaign, presidential hopeful Nikos Christodoulides is left as one of the ‘bigger’ candidates that has yet to reveal any details as to the source of his election funds. Meanwhile, the children’s specially designated accidents and emergencies department has started operating at Nicosia general hospital, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela announced on Wednesday. Elsewhere, the state appears to be in no rush to set up and launch more traffic cameras as 35,000 fines remain unpaid. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, AKEL-backed presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis on Tuesday accused his rival Nikos Christodoulides of stealing one of his ideas – for the third time. In other news, the head of the fledgling deputy ministry for research and innovation on Tuesday, Kyriakos Kokkinos, said the digital journey of the government has started. And Cyprus Airways will start three weekly flights to Dubai in March, it announced yesterday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Wind Energy Association Secretary Christos Tsingis said yesterday that the state must immediately install a centralised renewable energy storage system, and that it was unacceptable for the public to be encouraged to continue with residential photovoltaic installations. In other news, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris admitted mistakes in the management of the citizenship-by-investment scheme, but said that by late 2020 – when the programme was nixed – many flaws had been corrected compared to the situation at its inception in 2007. And hundreds of animals are being poisoned daily, and the stray dog crisis is worse than ever, according to the Cyprus Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA). All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) will be extended for a period of one year instead of the usual six months. Elsewhere, the final step in removing oil and gas facilities from Larnaca’s beachfront has taken place, opening the way for its development. There’s also the theft of a bronze statue in Paphos and the agriculture ministry’s clarification that there is no move to forbid anyone from feeding stray cats in public places. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus came to a standstill yesterday as thousands of workers across all sectors went on a three-hour, island-wide strike over an impasse between the government and unions on the full restoration of the cost-of-living allowance. Meanwhile, President Nicos Anastasiades ‘challenged’ UN Special Representative Colin Stewart to set the record straight by either denying or confirming negative comments the latter allegedly made about the Greek Cypriot side. Elsewhere, two ancient Cypriot coins and a part of a wall mural were turned over to the government at the embassy in Washington DC, after they were illegally imported to the US seven years ago, the antiquities department announced. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus will go into an effective standstill for three hours on Thursday, disrupting everything from schools, airlines, court cases and public transport and other sectors. The nationwide strike set to begin at 12pm and end at 3pm is linked to demands for the cost-of-living allowance. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man suspected of beating to death a 16-year-old girl in the north surrendered himself to the Greek Cypriot police. Elsewhere, the UN in Cyprus has pointed the finger at the Greek Cypriot side for only complaining over the Cyprus stalemate and doing nothing to rectify it. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the transport ministry has warned that a general strike being held around the island on Thursday is set to affect travellers as airlines operating at Larnaca and Paphos airports are scrambling to reschedule flights. Elsewhere, Lycavitos police station in Nicosia appears to have been among the targets of a criminal organisation based in Greece. There’s also the announcement that a second dog park is set to open in Strovolos and is designed for small dogs, while the non-commissioned officer who called homosexuality unnatural in a TikTok video may face criminal charges, police said after completing investigations. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, police on Monday rejected claims of “amateur handling” of anti-riot operations during violent incidents on Sunday during the memorial for EOKA leader Grivas Digenis in Limassol. In other news, presidential candidate Averof Neophytou unveiled his income tax proposal, dubbing it "the most radical reform ever in Cyprus" and claiming it would generate major savings for nearly 130,000 families. And a record €21,000 fine has been imposed for the killing of rare wild birds using poison baits, BirdLife Cyprus said on Monday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, an investigation team has been set up to identify those involved in throwing stones and Molotov cocktails on Sunday during a fight that broke out in Limassol during a memorial service for Eoka leader Georgios Grivas Digenis. In other news, “One of the priorities of the existing government was to create the conditions for the provision of high quality medical and pharmaceutical services to society,” President Nicos Anastasiades said on Sunday opening a new wing at Famagusta hospital. And the foundation stone of a “cutting edge” project to transform the picturesque Liopetri harbour has been laid. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Russia could not have expected Cyprus to disagree with Europe's collective decisions and ought to engage in a little self-criticism, President Nicos Anastasiades said. His comments came as a response to statements made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov who said that Moscow had noted the transformation of Cyprus’ leadership. Meanwhile, Health Minster Michalis Hadjipantela said that over 300 children will be examined by orthopaedic doctors visiting Cyprus from the Shriners Hospital in the US. Elsewhere, the price of holidays from Britain to Cyprus has risen by 15 per cent in the last year. The average cost of a seven-day package holiday this summer in Cyprus is estimated to be £809 compared with £705 last year. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, David Hunter’s daughter begged him over the phone to stay alive in the minutes after he killed his terminally ill wife Janice and then attempted suicide. Paphos court on Wednesday was shown video footage between Hunter and his daughter in which she sought to focus the 74-year-old on staying alive. Meanwhile, Peo trade union said on Wednesday that about three out of four workers are estimated to participate in a nationwide strike next week to demand the full restoration of cost-of-living allowance. Elsewhere, a massive bust on untaxed tobacco products led to the arrest of two suspects in Limassol, as customs officials found 390,640 smuggled cigarettes. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus is “one of the weakest links” in international efforts to seize the assets of sanctioned Russian nationals, while the island hosts dozens of active shell companies that can be traced back to Russian oligarchs, a report by the American news network CBS showed. Meanwhile, the education ministry said on Tuesday it will find an alternative solution for the 250 students who failed to take the Modern Greek exam on Monday after the initial exam was cancelled when one topic was leaked by a teacher. Elsewhere, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to visit Cyprus in mid-February following the presidential elections. He will first visit Nicosia and then move on to Athens and Ankara, with CNN Greece stating that his focus is to calm tempers in the region. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the modern Greek exam being sat by final year students was cancelled on Monday 30 minutes in, as topics on the paper were reportedly leaked by a teacher. In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades and his wife Andri met King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla at Balmoral Castle on Monday, where the two signed a memorandum of understanding on future civilian developments in the British bases areas of Cyprus. And authorities on Monday were assessing the damage from extreme weather conditions in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts ahead of the cabinet meeting tomorrow. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Larnaca and Famagusta were battered by rains and thunderstorms which left people trapped in their homes and cars, as fire services scrambled to rescue members of the public. In health developments, Assistant Professor of infectious diseases at the medical school of the University of Cyprus Dr. Maria Koliou said it is a matter of time before the Kraken covid variant arrives to Cyprus. And President Nicos Anastasiades hailed the biggest achievements he said his administration managed to accomplish, including measures tackling corruption, the national health service, and a strong economy. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, a crucial meeting between trade unions and employers’ organisations has ended in deadlock over reinstating the cost of living allowance (CoLA), with the labour minister – acting as mediator –scrambling find the sweet spot by early next week amid the threat of widespread strikes. Meanwhile, doctors and nurses at state hospitals have decided to go on a two-hour work stoppage next week, in a bid to exert pressure for having certain collective agreements renewed. In a joint statement, the unions said they were taking the action because the state health services organisation had not kept up its obligations in drawing up a new collective agreement for staff. Elsewhere, the rising cost of living, poverty and migration are the biggest concerns among citizens in Cyprus, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, according to the latest Henley Passport Index the Cyprus passport has been ranked 16th in the world in terms of the number of destinations its holders can access without a prior visa, dropping one spot on the table compared to last year. Holders of a Cyprus passport can travel visa-free to 177 destinations. In other news, a secondary education biology book caused an uproar on social media after a page circulated that suggests abstinence from sex before marriage is the only way to truly prevent infection with STDs. Elsewhere, Princess Anne met President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday as part of her two-day visit to Cyprus. Anastasiades gifted Princess Anne a silver replica of a 4th century BC goblet, as well as a photographic album of Cypriot veterans of the Second World War, while she presented the President with a signed portrait of her. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, patients organisations expressed outrage on Tuesday over allegations that an elderly person was found tied to their hospital bed using bedsheets. Demanding the state health services (Okypy) investigate the matter, they also said there were damning complaints of lax Covid-19 measures, leading to elderly people contracting the virus. In other news, as the February presidential elections approach, the ballot paper for the first round has been given the go-ahead after the 14 candidates gave their final stamp of approval. Elsewhere, Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides has charged Akel-backed independent presidential candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis with taking a populist stance on the economy, criticising his proposed policies and saying it was Akel that brought on the 2013 financial crisis. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, President Nicos Anastasiades decided to refer the contentious law that deals with pre-primary education to the Supreme Court. In other news, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne will undertake an official visit to Cyprus from Tuesday to Wednesday, it was announced by the British High Commission. And the price of petrol fell by 44 cents per litre on January 8 from its historic high of €1.8 per litre recorded in July, according to the Cyprus Consumers Association. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Archbishop Georgios was enthroned as the 76th head of the church on Sunday afternoon, in a ceremony at the Apostolos Varnavas Cathedral in Nicosia. In other news, three fire engines extinguished a fire which broke out in a propane tank valve on Sunday, in the yard of a Larnaca residence. And a woman, aged 53, from Romania, a permanent resident of Paphos, died in a fatal road collision in the early hours of this morning. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today's episode, the UN secretary general’s mission of good offices report detailed a bleak review and outlook for the Cyprus problem, despite a poll finding that a majority hope for a mutually agreed settlement as soon as possible. In other news, plans are being set in motion to create a national suicide prevention scheme the health ministry said on Wednesday as records show a spike in suicides during the 2013 financial crisis, when they were six times higher than almost a decade before. Elsewhere, nightlife is thriving once again and people in the industry are upbeat after a festive period in which clubs and bars were working at full capacity. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the EU has agreed on a “coordinated approach” to the changing Covid situation, adding that included implications for increased travel from China. There’s also the strange case of dozens of kilos of cannabis washing ashore along Famagusta beaches, in both the government-controlled areas and the north. Elsewhere, the police announced that over 100 people have been arrested in Paphos in the past year for offences related to domestic violence while six more remain wanted. Finally, the labour minister said that a meeting between all sides has been set for next week in a bid to clinch some arrangement staving off strike action threatened by trade unions of the Electricity Authority. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said there is “No reason for concern so far” regarding the surge in China Covid cases, as some nations began imposing restrictions on travellers from the Asian country. In other news, Labour Minister Kyriacos Koushos said that one of Cyprus’ largest reforms has been implemented starting this year with the national minimum wage now in force. And authorities in the north of the island have reportedly seized several packets containing 75 kilograms of cannabis that washed up on the beach. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, A young mother was killed on Saturday night in a car accident that occurred after 10pm on the Akrotiri – Kolossi road near the village of Trachoni. In other news, as of 1 January 2023, Cyprus will for the first time be implementing a minimum wage set at €940 per month. And reflecting on his 10 years in the post, President Nicos Anastasiades said that Cyprus has endured and overcome several challenges including the financial crisis, the global Covid-19 pandemic, but “the open wound” of the country is the unresolved Cyprus problem. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela is threatening to revoke the licences of doctors working in a private hospital in Nicosia who turned away two women in urgent need of medical treatment on Christmas Eve. Hadjipantela also spoke of a third incident that took place at an A&E department of a private hospital in another district on Wednesday night where a patient was told to seek help at a public hospital. In other news, Cyprus and India have signed a letter of intent for a ‘migration and mobility partnership’, initiating the process for an eventual agreement on migration between the two nations. Elsewhere, vandals defaced a street sign bearing the name of the late former President Demetris Christofias, put up in the Nicosia suburb of Geri only on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus this year recorded the lowest number of deaths from road collisions since the start of data-keeping. There’s also second phase of the electric vehicle scheme, with a €10m budget aimed at offering 2,518 grants. Elsewhere, the Supreme Court has agreed to an appeal reducing the prison sentence of a man who killed his father in Lefkara from 16 years in jail to 12. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, some 1,300 people will be hired in the police force and the fire department during the course of 2023. According to a briefing to parliament given by Justice Minister Stefi Drakou during the next year the police will be beefed up by 700 constables and around 300 special police officers. In other news, the “indifference” shown by the public about taking part in elections for the new Archbishop are a matter for concern, the new prelate said on Tuesday. The turn out in the people’s vote last Sunday was only 30.2 per cent. Elsewhere, a new survey shows that three-quarters of Cypriots are unsatisfied with the justice system, while many retain reservations about the impartiality of judges. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos gave an overview of several solutions to the island’s chronic traffic issues in the coming years, aimed at significant improvements or even possibly a solution to the traffic problems in Cyprus. In other news, newly elected Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios said Cyprus was still waiting for its freedom and that people are expecting the Church to give solutions. And Turkey has accused Cyprus of increasing tension in the Eastern Mediterranean after a consortium of Italian and French energy companies found more natural gas off the island. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, there’s the latest on the prison saga as the director’s lawyers hit out against the legal service’s decision to not proceed with action against drug-squad chief Michalis Katsounotos. Elsewhere, trade unions gave the government and employers a two-week ultimatum to agree to the full reinstatement of the cost of living allowance CoLA), dangling the threat of industrial action otherwise. There’s also the latest on the trial of the 74-year-old Briton accused of the murder of his wife in Tremithousa last December. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Between two and three trillion cubic feet of natural gas have been uncovered in exploratory drilling in block six of Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone, the energy ministry announced. In other news, After more than a week of strikes, Wolt delivery drivers agreed to put a halt to their protests and resume work. The agreement was made after a timeline was set to resolve the differences between employees and employers. Elsewhere, The Cypriot flag will be flown on Antarctica’s highest peak on Christmas day, in a historic first. The expedition to Mount Vinson will be part of Seven Summits Cyprus, which aims to raise the Cyprus flag on the world’s highest peaks. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, in an unexpected turn of events, the charges faced by the 74-year-old Briton accused of the murder of his terminally ill wife in Tremithousa last December remained unchanged despite hopes it would be mitigated to manslaughter, as his trial continued on Tuesday. In other news, the four-year-old child hospitalised with strep-A is too ill to be transferred to Israel for the time being but the health ministry is on standby for any changes to the decision. Elsewhere, Cyprus’ coastal Pissouri and Kalopanayiotis in the mountains made it onto the UN’s ‘Best Tourism Villages’ of 2022, alongside 30 others ranging from Austria to Vietnam. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, nurses of PASYDY union on Monday condemned the recent verbal and physical attack against an ambulance worker, a day after PASYNO nurses’ union threatened to take legal measures over the incident. In other news, speculation about who will become the next archbishop took off on Monday, following the results of the popular vote the day before, with some analysts giving Paphos bishop Georgios a clear advantage while others predict a tie between him and Limassol bishop Athanasios within the Holy Synod. And despite a lower demand for meat this year, butchers have said they will need to import lamb from Greece. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Bishop Athanasios of Limassol won the popular vote in the election for Archbishop on Sunday, meaning the Holy Synod will chose between him, Isaias of Tamasos and Georgios of Paphos as to who will be the next leader of the Church. In other news, demonstrators at Limassol Zoo on Sunday said they would continue their protests until the facility is closed down. And nurses’ union PASYNO has threatened to take legal measures against the ministry of health and the state health services OKYPY after another member was attacked while treating a patient, this time in Limassol. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the EU Council yesterday called on Ankara to stop all actions that could potentially upgrade the breakaway state in the north of the island, a development welcomed by the foreign ministry. In other news, some 200 Wolt drivers were striking across Nicosia and Limassol yesterday, over accusations they were being exploited and getting pay cuts amid increasing costs. Elsewhere, candidacies for the February 2023 presidential elections will be formally submitted on January 5, the interior ministry said yesterday, while December 27 is the cutoff for registering in voter rolls. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the labour minister appeared doubtful on Wednesday that an agreement can be reached soon with electricity authority workers after a strike threat was called off at the last moment. In other news, the New Cyprus museum – with a price tag of €144m – will be the number one tourist attraction for the millions of Cyprus’ visitors, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Wednesday. The minister has set high expectations for the project’s success, stating that it will be one of most important museums in Europe. Elsewhere, Cypriots remain amongst the most skeptical of the EU’s handling of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with only 53 per cent approving overall of the bloc’s support for Kyiv. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Electricity Authority (EAC) unions called off a strike planned for Tuesday in an eleventh hour decision on Tuesday evening, which means there will be no power cuts. The U-turn was due to the intervention of Labour Minister Kyriacos Koushos, who has committed to arranging meetings between unions and the ministers of energy and finance in the coming week. In other news, the row over the cutting of a line from a play with an LGBTI+ message is still ongoing as children’s rights commissioner Despo Michaelidou blasted the education ministry and saying the move should be reversed. Elsewhere, dozens of Cypriots stranded at Stanstead airport for over a day after their Ryanair flight did not depart on Monday morning as scheduled finally arrived on the island on Tuesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode we heat that power cuts will take place from Wednesday if there is increased electricity demand or adverse weather conditions, as a result of a strike by the electricity authority staff that will partially suspend operation of the Dhekelia power plant. In other news, the 33-year-old who admitted to murdering two Russian women in late 2021 was handed a 25-year prison sentence yesterday morning. Elsewhere, theCyprus Theatre Organisation yesterday slammed the education ministry for its special committee that approves theatrical productions for schools, calling it ‘backwards’ and an ‘instrument of censorship,’ following criticism for removing a line from a play. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the interior minister is disappointed that no agreement has been reached in Brussels with regard to a proposed regulation to address situations of weaponising migration and asylum. There’s also the latest poll on the presidential elections which appears to show that since October, favourite, Nikos Christodoulides has seen a slight drop in support while Akel-backed Andreas Mavroyiannis' support has grown. Elsewhere, it was announced that parking at the old Nicosia hospital ends today as construction of the new Cyprus Museum begins. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In todays’ episode, trade unions representing workers at the Electricity Authority of Cyprus have announced measures as of next week that could potentially lead to rolling power cuts, including over Christmas during periods of peak power usage. The government has in turn accused the unions of misleading the public while hinting at strong action of its own. In other news, the House on Thursday gave the nod to the state budget for fiscal year 2023, in what was parliament’s final act of the year before going into mandatory recess ahead of the coming presidential elections. Elsewhere, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar have agreed to meet again following their brief discussion during a reception at Ledra Palace, government announced on Thursday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar attended a reception at the Ledra Palace Hotel, hosted by the United Nations on Wednesday. All parties involved stressed that this is a social meeting, from which nothing is expected. In other news, eligible students at Cyprus-based universities are to receive a €500 living allowance amidst a price hike in rents and a shortage of student accommodations. Students abroad will also be granted €200 to cover the price of their plane ticket. Elsewhere, the Council of Ministers approved a law amendment proposal requiring that all car crashes be logged in the road transport department database. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Justice Minister Stephie Dracou said yesterday she will call a meeting with the police following the violent clashes between fans at football match in Limassol. The clashes between Ael and Apollon fans that broke out after the match was cancelled on Sunday resulted in a police officer being injured and shops in the area neighbouring Tsirion stadium damaged. In other news, junior opposition party Dipa on Tuesday confirmed they would be voting for the 2023 state budget, making parliament's passage of the bill all but a foregone conclusion. Elsewhere, four out of ten university students say it is easy for them to access illegal substances within 24 hours if they wanted to, according to a recent survey by the Cyprus Addictions Authority. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, we hear that AEL football club lashed out at police yesterday over the decision to postpone a derby with Apollon citing safety reasons after football fans started throwing rocks and firecrackers on the pitch. In other news, the injury of a six-year-old during an attempted murder in Oroklini over the weekend has ignited fears there may be heavy payback, while the charge against the 74-year-old Briton that admitted to killing his wife in their home in Tremithousa, near Paphos, in December 2021 will change from pre-meditated murder to manslaughter. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, there have been major price hikes for basic necessities in November compared to the previous month, according to the Cyprus Consumers Association. In other news, police are searching for clues on who may be behind an attempted murder case in Larnaca, that left a six-year-old child and 42-year-old man injured. And a large number of interventions by the Ombudswoman’s office this year concerned the “inalienable” right of children with disabilities to equal and non-discriminatory or inclusive access to education. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the HIO has faced renewed criticism for paying extortionate rates on medicines, far more than the government used to before the rollout of the national health system, Gesy. Elsewhere, Cyprus has repatriated close to 7,000 migrants during 2022 and is a model within the EU for such returns. There’s also the latest from the candidate for the position of the US Ambassador to Cyprus - Julie Fisher - who said she would use the full weight of her office to support Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated efforts to reunify Cyprus as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all Cypriots. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, House President Annita Demetriou criticised Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou over sex education in schools’ interference. In other news, MPs discussed a bill to ban LGBTI+ conversion therapy with individuals facing up to three years in jail for carrying out such “pseudo practices.” And petrol stations are set to reduce the price of fuel in the upcoming days, according to the president of the Cyprus Consumers’ Association, Marios Drousiotis. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday said the government, and the president cannot remain indifferent on claims on corruption, with the anti-corruption authority set to investigate allegations made in books by former presidential adviser Makarios Droushiotis. The author said in three recently published volumes that corruption was rife across all levels of government. In other news, the director of the central prisons Anna Aristotelous will meet Anastasiades on Tuesday to discuss “current issues” and clarify any ongoing misunderstandings. Elsewhere, a four-episode UK series named Love Rat is due to be filmed in Cyprus. The series, produced by Clapperboard Studios and distributed internationally by Entertainment One (eOne), will be shown on Channel 5. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the election campaign team of presidential candidate Nikos Christodoulides opted for total radio silence yesterday amid a swirling political uproar after reveals about a 'secret deal' he struck up with his main backers, junior opposition party DIKO. In other news, central prisons director Anna Aristotelous’ lawyers said there is a clear attempt to undermine her after she reported police corruption; and a swathe of the Karpasia peninsula is being carved into a military zone at the orders of the ‘government’ in the north, reports said yesterday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, in an interview published in the Sunday edition of the German newspaper Die Welt, President Nicos Anastasiades said that Cyprus could supply the European Union with natural gas much sooner, if Brussels strengthened its support for the development of the supply infrastructure. In other news, the island’s former Foreign Minister and current presidential frontrunner Nikos Christodoulides allegedly came to a secret agreement with centrist party DIKO in return for the party’s backing in the elections, local media reported on Sunday. And, one death per day from coronavirus is recorded, according to Michalis Voniatis, member of the scientific advisory group in Cyprus. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, members of the public have reported that shops are taking advantage of today’s Black Friday shopping spree to enforce some shady pricing practices, the consumer protection service of the ministry of commerce said. In other news, opposition legislators piled on public broadcaster Cybc yesterday and accused it of devolving into mouthpiece for the government, during a discussion of the organisation’s budget for 2023, coming up for a vote at the plenum in early December. Elsewhere, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake shook Cyprus early on Thursday. According to the department of geological survey, the epicentre was 30 kilometres northeast of Paphos. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the finance ministry denounced the 12-hour strike by electricity authority workers which kept customer service centres closed resulting in “unnecessary inconvenience”. In other news, the 300 contract officers’ posts for the policing of the buffer zone to stem illegal migration have not yet been filled and the deadline has been extended, police spokesman Christos Andreou said yesterday. Elsewhere, the interior ministry issued an apology yesterday, after letters went out to dead people to register to vote. The issue came to light, after a father published a letter online from the civil registry and migration department, asking for a person due to turn 18 to register to vote in the upcoming presidential elections. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, we hear that the tourism sector showed ‘tangible growth’ in 2022, which was on Tuesday put down to increased air connectivity and policies introduced by the government over the last 10 years. In other news, ‘Dangerous medicine’ is not being practiced at the Paphos general hospital, state health services organisation Okypy said yesterday after criticisms were levelled against the facility. We also hear that the issue of glamping has returned to discussions at the House of Representatives, after they were previously rejected. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, conditions at Paphos general hospital are “tragic, appalling and utterly shameful," Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos said yesterday, calling on patients to publish footage of conditions on social media. In other news, low-cost airline Ryanair announced five new routes departing from Paphos airport starting next summer yesterday, as well as an increase in the airport-based fleet from two to four aircrafts. And the first large-scale Christmas village, which will be held in Polis Chrysochou this year, has given tourist shops and restaurants the incentive to remain open in the winter for the first time. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, cases of animal cruelty have shown a ‘frightening’ increase, while since the beginning of the year, the Animal Police has investigated 57 criminal cases, according to head of the department Vyron Vyronos. In other news, children are right to be angry with the state of the world, Commissioner Despo Michaelidou said to mark International Children's Rights Day, and a 27-year-old was arrested on Sunday for attacking a woman and an off-duty police officer at the A&E at Nicosia general hospital. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the vast majority of Cypriots, more than two thirds, feel dissatisfied, anxious and angry about the general state of affairs in the country, while almost 70 per cent think that corruption is endemic, a new presidential-election poll has revealed. In other news, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will remain committed to being involved in the process of finding common ground to restart Cyprus talks, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas Miroslav Jenca said on Thursday. Elsewhere, Cyprus is seeing a growing interest from the international film industry, with a Cyprus-USA co-production currently in the final stage of production. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the two additional supreme courts envisioned within the justice reform package passed in summer – and aimed at speeding up the snail’s pace rate of court cases – are to be shelved until July 1. In other news, Cyprus' health services will get an €80m revamp through the Cyprus Tomorrow plan, which includes the completion of the first phase of the long-awaited new mental hospital. Elsewhere, Russia’s war in Ukraine is looking to play a significant role in the upcoming elections for archbishop, with the throne’s hopefuls making statements on the unity and stance of the church. The Bishop of Tamasos Isaias denounced the Russian Patriarchate categorically, because it supported the war in Ukraine. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, overcrowding is a perennial problem at the central prison but has grown worse in recent years, the ombudswoman said on Tuesday after completing an investigation, and calling for immediate action to solve the problem. In other news, thousands of students protested across the island on Tuesday, condemning 39 years since the north’s unilateral declaration of independence. President Nicos Anastasiades said “the sad anniversary of the declaration of the pseudo-state is another reminder of Turkey’s illegal actions. Elsewhere, the pay gap between men and women in Cyprus is 9 per cent, meaning that women on the island earn 91 cents for every euro earned by men, Commissioner for Gender Equality Iosifina Antoniou said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the elections for a new archbishop will be held on December 18, the Holy Synod said yesterday. Nominations will be submitted on November 22. In other news, “2022 has been the most successful in terms of fire management and prevention efforts for decades,” the forestry department said yesterday. And the House human rights committee debated a proposed bill to create a specialised queue for vulnerable groups at public and private sector services including pregnant women. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the Holy Synod is set to meet this morning to discuss the next steps forward regarding the election of a new archbishop. In other news, Labour minister Kyriacos Koushos is to begin meetings this week with unions and labour associations over the cost-of-living allowance. And a row has been brewing over the status of the unrecognized, breakaway state in the north ‘TRNC’. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday called France a ‘key strategic partner’ of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, welcoming the growing ties between Nicosia and Paris on a range of issues of common interest. Anastasiades held a working meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, during which he conveyed his thanks for the “excellent relations” between the two leaders over the last few years. In other news, businesses and residents of the Lykavitos area in Nicosia voiced ‘desperation’ on Thursday over the restricting of a section of upper Makarios Avenue to one-way traffic, saying the change had adversely affected their livelihoods and day-to-day movements. Elsewhere, members of the public were able to view Archbishop Chrysostomos as of Thursday morning laid out so that people could pay their respects to the Church prelate. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the House legal affairs committee yesterday held an in-depth discussion on the spyware case investigated by the European parliament’s Pega committee and the involvement of Cyprus. The group of MEPs visited Cyprus last week and on Tuesday said Cyprus had become a centre for the export of surveillance software. In other news, the Cypriot captain of the “Prudent Warrior” ship was repatriated yesterday, after months of being held in Iran in a diplomatic dispute between Athens and Tehran. Elsewhere, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay arrived in the north on Wednesday and visited the construction site of the controversial ‘Kulliye’ project, an Islamic government complex. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, officials are upbeat that the UK tourism market is buoyant, with Cyprus now setting its sights on the US. Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said in terms of arrivals from Britain, the island had welcomed 90 per cent of the number that visited in 2019, a record year. In other news, a report on the use of Pegasus software presented at the EU parliament on Tuesday by the Pega committee said that Cyprus has become a centre for the export of surveillance software in recent years. Elsewhere, President Nicos Anastasiades spoke at the UN climate conference COP27 in Egypt on Tuesday, emphasising that Cyprus is fully prepared to reduce its CO2 emissions. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the funeral of Archbishop Chrysostomos II, head of the independent Church of Cyprus, who died yesterday morning will be held on Saturday at 12pm at the Apostolos Varnava cathedral at the archbishopric.  With the passing of Archbishop Chrysostomos II, the caretaker of the Church of Cyprus will now initiate procedures for elections leading to the nomination of a new Prelate. In other news, a compromise over CoLA (Cost of Living Allowance) seems unlikely at the moment, Labour Minister Kyriacos Koushos said yesterday after a meeting between unions and employers. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Archbishop Chrysostomos II, head of the Autocephalous Church of Cyprus has died aged 81 after a long battle with cancer. According to an announcement from his doctors, the Archbishop passed away peacefully at 6.40am on Monday. A session of the Holy Synod is expected to convene within the day and government events have been cancelled. In other news, three more inmates were arrested in connection with the murder of a Turkish Cypriot at the Nicosia central prisons on October 27, police said. It is understood that he had been bludgeoned to death. Elsewhere, The met office has issued a yellow warning for storms and rain today between 12 noon and 8pm. Rainfall is expected to vary between 35 and 50 millimetres per hour, with possible hail. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that tuberculosis and HIV positive cases at the Pournara reception centre for asylum seekers have been screened and there is ‘no cause for concern’ - after the interior ministry released alarming stats. Elsewhere, the transport ministry has called on airport employees and companies to respect the relevant decrees and regulations, a day after an unlawful work stoppage caused travel chaos at Paphos airport. There’s also the latest on the Cyprus-Greece ferry, a driving test scandal in Paphos, and a giant strawberry sculpture in Derynia. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the attorney general said yesterday that the independent criminal investigation findings on the infamous ‘spy van’ case in 2019 cannot be made public as they are part of a criminal investigation. The AG spoke to journalists after meeting members of the European parliament’s committee of inquiry on Pegasus and other spyware (Pega) - currently in Cyprus to shed light on the ‘spy van’ affair, as well as other spyware cases in Greece. In other news, thousands of passengers were stranded at Paphos airport on Wednesday amidst a protest by ground staff which affected around 20 flights.   Elsewhere, the BQ1 Omicron variant is expected to be confirmed in Cyprus, too, according to a government Covid advisor – but offered that it appears no more severe than those causing current infections. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, medicine shortages have been the biggest problem for patients during the first nine months of the year, head of the patients’ association Marios Kouloumas said on Tuesday. According to Kouloumas, the observatory of the association said that the majority of complaints they received from January to September this year referred to medicine shortages. In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday that his main concern was preserving the unity of Disy. He was responding to suggestions that he was not fully behind the party’s presidential candidate Averof Neophytou. Elsewhere, for the second year in a row, Christmas villages will be set up in Derynia, Polis Chrysochous, Fikardou, Agros, Kyperounta, Kalopanayiotis and Kalavasos throughout the festive period. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, ten people working at the prison have been suspended after a Turkish Cypriot inmate at the Nicosia central prisons was beaten to death. In other news, the police chief did not rule out the possibility of banning fans from football games following fights that broke out before, during and after a match between Apollon and Apoel at the Tsirion stadium on Sunday; and electricity prices rose sharply - by almost a third - in Cyprus during the first half of the year, according to data just released by Eurostat. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the leader of the People’s Party in the north, Kudret Ozersay, accused the United States of putting its own national interests ahead of regional stability and “violating” airspace in the north of the island as a means of sending a message to the Turkish Cypriot side following the US lifting a decades-old arms embargo against Cyprus. In other news, two men are wanted by Larnaca police in a case involving the attempted murder of a 34-year-old man in a hit-and-run that took place on Saturday night; and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar demanded the identification and conviction of those responsible for the death of a 41-year-old Turkish Cypriot inmate at the Central Prisons in Nicosia last week. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode we hear that during the two years of restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, police carried out 3.2 million checks on the public and issued 42,482 fines, raking in almost €6 million for state coffers from the 16,474 fines that were paid. There’s also the opening of Makarios Avenue in Nicosia as a “shared space” for pedestrians and authorised vehicles, in what the municipality hopes will lead to more environmentally friendly use of the road. Elsewhere the Commission for the Protection of Competition (CPC) said they were currently assessing a bid by a foreign investment fund to acquire a second major hospital in Nicosia, amid concerns that the concentration of hospitals under a single holding company may lead to an oligopoly in the healthcare sector. In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday that Paphos has re-emerged as a ‘centre of intellect’, and praised the mayor and the local council for their diligent efforts in upgrading the city’s infrastructure. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the use of spyware software will be the focus of discussions between Cypriot and EU lawmakers, which will meet on November 2 - after links to the island became a point of interest in a Greece eavesdropping scandal. There’s also the postponement of a key ‘golden passport’ scandal trial to November 30. Elsewhere, a police officer has been suspended after he was caught trying to smuggle irregular migrants from the north to the government-controlled areas last month. And don’t miss the bizarre case of a man being identified via DNA tests as the person who torched a schoolroom 15 years ago. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cypriot courts did not violate the right to a fair trial of three people sentenced to life in prison for the 2010 murder of the Dias publishing group CEO Andis Hadjicostis, according to a European Court of Human Rights ruling. In other news, tensions are rising in and around the buffer zone after a Greek Cypriot farmer on Tuesday was approached by Turkish military personnel near Denia in Nicosia. Elsewhere, the two doctors at the Makarios children’s hospital who were suspended pending an investigation into the death of one of their patients have reportedly appealed their suspension. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the health condition of Archbishop Chrysostomos remains critical, according to the latest medical announcement issued on Monday. Newer medical announcement will be issued depending on the progress of the archbishop’s health. In other news, Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides yesterday defended the 2023 state budget as being a "responsible" one, with substantially augmented spending on social assistance as well as growth-oriented projects. Elsewhere, a 24-year-old cycled around the entire island in just one day over the weekend to raise funds for thyroid cancer. The incredible feat, accomplished by Alexandros Agrotis, began from Deryneia on Saturday afternoon, where he began a journey through the state-controlled areas through the night. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican today as part of his third official visit there during his ten-year term. In other news, a new species of dangerous mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has been found in Limassol, according to reports on Sunday, and the amount of water that has poured into the island’s dams so far this month has broken previous records according to weather portal KitasWeather. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, we hear that the row over dangerous buildings has reignited after a small part of an apartment building in Limassol detached and fell to the pavement – with a similar, but separate incident occurring later on Thursday. Elsewhere, Nicos Christodoulides looks set to wipe the floor with his rivals in the 2023 presidential race, the latest poll published by state broadcaster CyBC has shown. There’s also the latest on Makarios Avenue in Nicosia - which will be closed to private vehicles as of October 27 once redevelopment works have been completed. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the state health services has vowed significant spending on the national health service Gesy with a projected €250 million for 2022-2024, while also acknowledging complaints and the need to constantly improve. In other news, Patriarch of Jerusalem Theofilos III arrived yesterday to visit Archbishop Chrysostomos II, who has been fighting intestinal cancer. According to reports, the archbishop’s health has been deteriorating in recent hours, prompting the patriarch’s visit. Elsewhere, the public service commission has suspended director of Veterinary Services Christodoulos Pipis for three months. The reason is the instances of Brucellosis found in cattle in a Larnaca livestock farm, which resulted in the need to cull approximately 1,200 animals. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Cyprus economy is expected to grow by 5.7 per cent this year, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday addressing The Economist conference in Nicosia. In other news, a 69-year-old man who admitted shooting his son with a shotgun after a family argument has been sentenced to five years in jail. Elsewhere, works and renovations have begun on the Cetinkaya football pitch located in the buffer zone, after the north struck an agreement with Unficyp, reports said on Tuesday. The Cetinkaya field, which is located down the road from Ledra Palace in the buffer zone, will be turned over to the team after the works are completed, and is set to be named Taksim field, so called ‘foreign minister’ Tahsin Ertugruloglu said. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, torrential rains and storms battered the island yesterday, with rainfall expected to continue through to Thursday. Larnaca experienced heavy flooding while parts of Nicosia were similarly affected. According to fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis, by around 3pm they received some 90 calls for help from across Larnaca district. Off-duty firefighters were called in to assist. Civil Defence crews were also deployed. In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades yesterday sought to play down comments he made about the three main candidates being partners – which drew strong reactions from all political camps. The president said that the media was fussing over what was in fact a humorous remark, after saying that he would have influence over whoever was elected. Elsewhere, Australian Cypriot singer Andrew Lambrou will represent Cyprus in the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a day of isolated thunderstorms on Sunday left several roads across Cyprus flooded, including the highway between Limassol and Paphos. In other news, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris said Cyprus will not sit idly amid the flow of irregular migrants from the north; and increasing prices for coffee and ingredients such as sugar and milk may leave a dent on the island’s coffee culture. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, we hear that President Nicos Anastasiades said that as things stand Cyprus will not send weapons to Ukraine, following the buzz generated by earlier remarks from the government spokesman. In other news, authorities yesterday did not rule out foul play after a body in an advanced state of decomposition was found outside Limassol general hospital. Elsewhere, Cyprus is in the final stages of implementing a policy that aims to mitigate the emerging challenges of climate change on a regional level, which will be presented on the sidelines of the United Nations World Summit on Climate Change COP27, taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt on November 8. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the trial of David Hunter, who faces charges of the pre-meditated murder of his wife, has been postponed for fifth time since his arrest last December. He has been held in custody since then. The new date was set for November 18, 2022. In other news, the barbed wire along the green line to discourage irregular migrants arriving from the north was produced in Turkey, it was reported yesterday. According to a report in the north, the company responsible for placing the barbed wire along the green line in Akaki and Peristerona to stop irregular migrants is a Greek company, which gets it materials from Turkey. Elsewhere,the cabinet yesterday decided to initiate the withdrawal of citizenship from three investors and seven of their dependents after an investigation by the interior ministry. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Tuesday he had made both correct and wrong decisions during his term as leader. “The countdown to the end of the term has begun and I will be watching the country’s progress from afar. At some point I hope some of the important reforms during my presidency will be recognised,” Anastasiades said. In other news, the final plan for the Akamas proposed by the environment department is being examined to find a balanced solution, according to Interior Minister Nicos Nouris. Elsewhere, as a response to further violent behaviour, the Larnaca district court has banned a 22-year-old man from attending sporting events until his trial date in November after he admitted to bringing flares to an Anorthosis-Apollon clash on Monday. A second person arrested, aged 19, denied all accusations against him. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the new head of the embattled Health Insurance Organisation which runs Gesy said yesterday they are committed to tackling all outstanding issues affecting the agency, beginning with their budget for fiscal year 2023. Stavros Michail – appointed to the job only last week – said they would work hard throughout the week so that they prepare their budget and forward it to the ministries of health and finance. In other news, the possibility of building a railway, co-financed with the European Union, was floated on Monday after a meeting between government officials and visiting EU Commissioner for Transport Adina Valean. Elsewhere, the two people arrested in connection with crowd violence during a football match between Apoel and Karmiotissa on Friday will appear in court on October 12. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades said on Sunday that as long as the international community, including the EU turns a blind eye to Turkey's belligerence, it rewards the aggressor. He was addressing an anti-occupation event by Morphou residents in Astromeritis and said nothing else could explain the behaviour of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. In other news, Famagusta police are close to solving 25 residential burglaries after the arrest of a suspect during a stakeout at a housing complex and the discovery of stolen property in his possession. The suspect, a 24-year-old man, was identified by CID Famagusta who police said, participated in a coordinated operation at a residential complex where a number of burglaries and thefts have been committed, with the aim of identifying the perpetrator. Elsewhere, EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean is in Cyprus to attend the opening of the Maritime Cyprus conference in Limassol, which takes place today. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday told Turkish leader Tayyip Erdogan the Cyprus problem needs to be solved and efforts made to revive stalled peace talks. The two chatted briefly on the sidelines of a European summit in Prague, amid a backdrop of increasingly bellicose rhetoric from Turkey directed at Greece and Cyprus over maritime jurisdictions in the eastern Mediterranean. In other news, Cyprus is facing a 122 per cent increase in irregular migrant arrivals in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to arrivals from Turkey to the north of the island and then over the Green Line, according to the EU’s 2022 report on migration and asylum. Elsewhere, the health ministry signed a joint declaration of intent with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) regional office for Europe for the establishment of an office in Larnaca. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a UN report delivered in Nicosia said yesterday said Europe should show "far greater ambition" on climate change because its overall greenhouse gas emissions are still rising, and so countries must embrace recycling, tighten air quality and spend more on the environment. In other news, the fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine is set to begin today. Elsewhere, Unficyp has not received any notification about the north’s request to leave their stations in a month if they do not recognise the breakaway regime, the force’s spokesperson told Cyprus Mail yesterday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Nicosia on Tuesday expressed concern over an agreement signed between Turkey and the Government of National Unity in Libya, which is expected to escalate tensions between Ankara and Athens. In other news, police received the conclusions of the latest report into the 2005 death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou. Attorney General George Savvides delivered the circumstances of the 26-year-old conscript’s death, initially attributed to suicide, to the deputy chief of the police. This third inquiry points to murder. Elsewhere, Property sales in the first nine months of 2022 are up by 37.2 per cent, recording the most activity in the real estate market since 2008, land registry data showed. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that Attorney-general George Savvides said his office will be turning over part of the report into the 2005 death of a soldier to the family after they had repeatedly requested the file. Elsewhere, firefighters on either side of the divide were busy on Sunday as numerous fires broke out across the island. There’s also news that a 25-year-old man remained in hospital on Monday after being seriously injured during violence following Sunday night’s football match between Apoel and Ael at Nicosia’s GSP stadium. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the US Pentagon has announced Cyprus’ membership in the State Partnership programme and the cooperation between the Cyprus National Guard and the United States National Guard. Elsewhere, firefighters on either side of the divide were busy on Sunday as numerous fires broke out across the island. There’s also news that Famagusta police are investigating a case of alleged assault causing actual bodily harm, threat and distress involving an underage student at a primary school as the victim. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.D

In today’s episode, we hear that the UN Special Representative in Cyprus Colin Stewart has warned that the scenario of a mutually agreed solution to the Cyprus problem is fading and will not be available much longer. Elsewhere, a source apprised of the negotiations has told the Cyprus Mail that the government’s withdrawal from talks with airport operators Hermes is but a smokescreen intended to kick the can down the road. There’s also the news Turkey will reinforce its military presence in the north after the United States lifted defence trade restrictions on Cyprus. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that Cyprus’ first crematorium is set to begin operations by 2024, six years after the relevant law was first passed. Elsewhere, Police said they will carry out a risk assessment on security issues to his person, raised by state medical examiner Panicos Stavrianos in connection with the death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou. There’s also the news that eight vultures were released into the wild on Wednesday after being sent to the island from Spain to help boost the population in Cyprus. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that all signs are pointing towards a return to normality within the tourism industry - according to experts in the sector. Elsewhere, an app has been launched called Fix Cyprus whereby the public can report issues such as broken traffic lights and vandalism directly to public sector authorities. There’s also the update that Andreas Soudjis - imprisoned in the north over the use of walkie talkies and taking photographs of a military area - will be released on October 7. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that in an apparent jurisdictional spat, a British Bases court has rejected Cypriot authorities' request that they put on trial two suspects arrested in the summer - after Sovereign Base Areas police and officers of Cyprus’ drug squad Ykan seized about 18kg of cocaine hidden in a fruit container. Elsewhere, a fifth Covid vaccine dose could be available by the end of October, while the cabinet just under two weeks ago approved the new bivalent jabs for fourth shots. There’s also condemnation from the Animal Party after what it described as unprovoked attack on two activists, a man and a woman, who were staging a protest against animal cruelty on Ledra Street All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, around 70 ground staff at Paphos Airport staged a lightning two-hour strike on Saturday night over possible redundancies, affecting a total of eight flights where passengers could not collect their luggage. In other news, the annual Pride Parade kicked off on Sunday with a focus on marriage equality as well as raising awareness on issues the local LGBTI+ community faces; and dozens of Greek Cypriots protested in front of the Iranian embassy in Nicosia in support of the struggle for freedom in Iran and the protests that have been taking place there following the death of Mahsa Amini. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, traffic congestion on roads can initially be alleviated through the promotion of mass transit – more bus lanes – and eventually with the construction of a tram system in Nicosia and Limassol, MPs heard on Thursday. In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades' meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was cancelled. The meeting had been planned in advance and was also due to address reports that direct flights from Russia were to begin to Ercan airport in the north. Elsewhere, an increase in the positivity rate of coronavirus infections among students was registered after the start of the new school year, according to epidemiologist and member of the health ministry monitoring unit Valentinos Silvestros. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, one in two workers is the victim of bullying, MPs heard on Wednesday at the House legal affairs committee as it kicked off a debate into making bullying a specific criminal offence. In other news, a 65-year-old man has been jailed for nine months after being found guilty of 57 counts including bestiality and otherwise harming animals – having repeatedly snuck into a small farm unit and sexually assaulted the livestock. Elsewhere, the leadership in the north appears to be having second thoughts about opening more crossing points, with the possibility of allowing private vehicles to pass through the Ledra Palace checkpoint. The checkpoint can currently only be used by pedestrians and diplomatic vehicles, but the report said authorities in the north are now considering allowing other vehicles to use it to All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, government sources on Tuesday denied there are plans to launch direct flights from Russia to the north, branding reports saying this as “detached from reality”. The Russian embassy in Nicosia followed a similar line, telling the Russian state agency PIA-Novosti it “refutes any negotiations for the opening of a direct air connection”. In other news, Justice Minister Stephie Dracou said there was never a commitment to upgrade pay grades for prison guards, as affected members of Isotita union continued their indefinite strike with a demo outside the finance ministry. Elsewhere, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos on Tuesday welcomed the arrival of the first large cruise ship, the Rhapsody of the Seas, to Ayia Napa Marina. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the trial of British pensioner, David Hunter, who is facing the charge of premeditated murder of his terminally ill wife, began in Paphos criminal court on Monday, just over nine months after he admitted killing her. They had been married for 56 years. Elsewhere, the energy ministers of Cyprus and Israel are seeking a swift settlement to the dispute over the Aphrodite gas reservoir. There’s also the latest from Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides who said that Cyprus is aligning itself with the West as part of a strategic policy, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the grace period for selling halloumi that is not PDO registered is over, and from today only that which does can be sold, Agiculture Minister Costas Kadis said. In other news, oil companies operating the Aphrodite gas field have approved a €192 million investment to start drilling, Israeli company NewMed said on Sunday, and Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides has called the total lifting of the US arms embargo against Cyprus a “historic decision." All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news, visit www.cyprus-mail.com 

In today’s episode, criminal acts were committed in the case of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou who died in 2005, one of the investigators charged with the third inquiry has said. In other news, a probe expected to wrap up by year’s end should give a clearer picture as to how many individuals are practicing medicine without the necessary qualifications, having taken advantage of flaws in the registration and licensing process, and Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou said the ministry would examine a bullying incident at a Limassol gymnasium. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, we hear that cabinet approved the health ministry’s recommendation to proceed with the new ‘bivalent’ Covid vaccines as booster doses for those aged 12 and above. There’s also warm wishes between the UK and Cyprus as they expressed their commitment to deepening relations. Elsewhere, the government spun the new minimum wage in a positive light, saying that in terms of purchasing power, the €940 a month, seen by unions as inadequate, was in fact worth €1,036 in terms of purchasing power standards (PPS). And don’t miss the latest on Damianos and Kostis - two adult green sea turtles who were released back into the wild. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the source of a bad smell that has been troubling Nicosia residents in the areas of Aglandjia, Pallouriotissa and Kaimakli for the last two weeks has been located In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday said that Cyprus Tomorrow, the government’s recovery and resilience plan constitutes his legacy – as he reaches the end of his ten-year term. Elsewhere, two new Covid vaccines are to arrive in Cyprus by next week. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, four key players allegedly involved in the ‘golden passport’ scandal – two of whom leading protagonists in Al Jazeera’s undercover report – would stand trial in the criminal court on October 26, the Nicosia district court decided on Monday. The defendants are former House president Demetris Syllouris, former Akel MP and developer Christakis Giovanis, senior lawyer for the Giovanis Group Antonis Antoniou and lawyer Andreas Pittadjis. In other news, the outdated and inefficient system under which public hospitals operate will be replaced in two years with the introduction of the €46m digital healthcare system. This is the biggest amount ever spent on digitalisation. Elsewhere, President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday said he hoped the close relations between Cyprus and the UK would continue, after signing the book of condolences for Queen Elizabeth II, at the British High Commission. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the EU has recognised the instrumentalisation, or weaponisation, of migration by Turkey through Cyprus' Green Line, the interior ministry has announced. The development offers new possibilities to deal with illegal immigration. Elsewhere, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools reopen this morning. For the 2022-2023 school year, 50,038 children will be in primary schools classes, 12,803 in public kindergartens and 537 in special schools. In other news, in a letter to King Charles, the president of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Christos Karaolis, expressed "deep sorrow" for the loss of Queen Elizabeth. Karaolis noted that Queen Elizabeth had welcomed all of presidents of the Republic throughout her 70-year reign from President Makarios down to President Nicos Anastasiades. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, the nation's figurehead, and a towering presence on the world stage for seven decades, died peacefully at her home in Scotland on Thursday aged 96. In Cyprus, President Nicos Anastasiades joined the international community in offering condolences for the passing of The Queen. In other news, the government said Thursday it wants to mandate airbags for professional motorcyclists, especially for food delivery drivers, after a spate of serious road accidents, and construction of the 11km-long four-lane highway between Astromeritis and Evrychou is to begin as soon as possible, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos has announced. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, we hear that the Royal Bank of Scotland has given the Turkish Cypriot ‘finance ministry’ until September 15 to return its property in Kyrenia which includes the well-known Jasmine Court Hotel. Elsewhere, a Paphos company engaged in limestone extraction has been fined €23,000 for failing to implement safety and health regulations leading to the death of an employee. There’s also the latest procedures to decrease the number of stray dogs - in a bill aiming to revise the national dogs law, eight days after a stray dog attack against a boy in Limassol. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the petrol station owners have threatened to report the Republic to the European Commission over its alleged inaction as the public buys petrol from the north. Elsewhere, the Green Party has demanded the closure of all zoos operating in Cyprus, both private and government-run. There’s also the latest on the passport scandal, with Larnaca criminal court expected to deliver its judgment in the first trial on November 4. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that a temporary ban has been placed on all off-duty Unficyp military personnel going to the north, following a row on a beach in Famagusta last week. We also hear that the Audit Office said it was carrying out audits of private donations to political parties for the years between 2016 to 2021. Elsewhere, a delegation of a European Parliament committee looking into the use of spyware may visit the island, apparently to investigate any link between Cyprus and the eavesdropping affair in Greece. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will be in Cyprus on Friday, in order to discuss the latest gas find in the island's EEZ with President Nicos Anastasiades, among other issues. We also hear that the positions of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership make it difficult to try to restart Cyprus talks, as stated by Greek Cypriot negotiator Menelaos Menelou. Elsewhere, twelve irregular migrants who arrived in Cyprus' waters on a speedboat have been taken to the Pournara reception centre, authorities said on Sunday. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that Main opposition Akel is seeking to turn up the heat on the government, revealing that several beneficiaries of the ‘golden passports’ scheme made significant donations to the ruling party. We also hear that a man his wife had a case registered against them at the Limassol court yesterday, after being arrested in connection with an attack on a foreign woman who was renting from them, which was captured on video. Elsewhere, a 64-year-old suspected of murdering a 55-year-old woman has been remanded for eight days by the Nicosia District Court. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the monthly minimum wage has been set at €940 and will be implemented at the start of the new year - although not everyone is satisfied. There’s also the announcement that facemasks are no longer mandatory and children will return to school without having to undergo Covid tests. Elsewhere, police arrested a 64-year-old man in connection with the death of a woman - meanwhile police are also on alert after a clip went viral which shows a middle-aged man beating a female asylum seeker. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that a murder case is being investigated by the Police, after the body of a dead foreign woman was found in Nicosia’s Strovolos yesterday afternoon. There’s also the Bar Association’s investigation into 20 to 25 large legal firms; €70,000 in fines have been paid after they were named in various reports into the citizenship by investment scheme. In other news, the Foreign Ministry has started proceedings with the United Nations after an incident in the buffer zone in Denia on Monday. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that from next month halloumi from all cheese factories in Cyprus will be made based on the PDO specifications. There’s also the warning that irregular immigration is becoming “Cyprus’ second national problem”, a planned protest by parents and students against the likely upcoming Covid measures in schools, and the trouble between Turkey and Cyprus over the island’s EEZ. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear about the welcome development of the discovery of a new gas field offshore Cyprus, although it is estimated that it will not make much of an impact in regional or global markets. There’s also the latest on the discussions to be held with the EU in order to include Cyprus in plans for the bloc’s energy independence following the invasion of Ukraine Elsewhere, a video is doing the rounds on social media which shows someone driving on the highway at 256km/hr when the limit is 100. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the citizenship by investment scheme sparked a blazing row on Thursday at the House watchdog committee amid a series of claims and counterclaims. There’s also the latest on the Cyprus-Greece ferry service which the government has said is set for further improvements. Elsewhere, there’s the latest on the immigration data to Cyprus as well as a work stoppage at Limassol general hospital A&E. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the row at the English School is rumbling on as protests continue over the dismissal of three unionised teachers. There’s also the publication of a part of a ‘top secret’ plan on how the north of the island was to be settled in the wake of the 1974 Turkish invasion. Elsewhere, Disy leader and presidential candidate Averof Neophytou has returned from his trip to the DRC where he discussed the migration issue which Cyprus is facing. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the state will stand by filmmaker Panicos Chrysanthou so his work can be reborn from the ashes, deputy culture minister Yiannis Toumazis said in the aftermath of a large fire that destroyed the former’s home in Pelathousa. Elsewhere, the government was widely slammed on Tuesday over the findings of the audit service report on the citizenship by investment scheme released a day earlier as government spokesman Marios Pelekanos said its conclusions would be looked into. In other news, Energy Minister Natasa Pilides on Tuesday called the discovery of a natural gas field in the Cronos-1 well in Block 6 “a very positive development for the country. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Italian gas giant Eni announced that it has made a significant gas discovery in the Cronos-1 well, located about 160 kilometres off the coast of Cyprus in Block 6. In other news, the audit office’s report into the golden passports found that the public lost millions in lost VAT and unfulfilled investment contracts; and, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis said on Monday that the first of two phases in the government’s development of the Akamas state forest area has already begun. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, there was a strong police presence in Lara in the Akamas peninsula on Sunday in efforts to prevent the residents of Ineia from digging turtle nests on Lara beach. In other news, “the status quo in Cyprus and Turkish activity in Varosha are unacceptable and contrary to the resolutions of the UN Security Council,” the president of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Robert Menendez said. And a 46-year-old man diagnosed earlier this month with monkeypox was discharged on Sunday afternoon and will continue to be confined at home. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, a Turkish ‘spy plane’ on Thursday flew over a section of the island’s offshore Block 6 where a drillship is currently prospecting for natural gas. In other news, the statistical office (CYSTAT) revealed over 17 per cent of the population in Cyprus, or 154,000 people, was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2021, and a draft road map for how Covid-19 will be dealt with in the coming months will be discussed by the Health Minister and the scientific advisory team this morning. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis warned that Ineia landowners were entitled to stage protests but not to engage in extreme behaviour or cause damage after the mukhtar threatened to dig up nests at the protected Lara turtle beach next Sunday. In other news, six more companies have been fined between €6,000 and €10,000 for various workplace lapses that resulted in injury to employees, and the Electricity Authority has admitted that many consumers say they were overcharged on their bills. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, vocational training is being given a boost with new facilities underway in Limassol, Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou has said. Construction on a brand new, properly equipped building at which the courses would be provided will be completed in the autumn. Elsewhere, the health ministry has prepared a draft plan which details how the state will handle Covid-19 in the months ahead, such as the protocol at schools. The plan is expected to be published by the end of the month and prior to the beginning of the school year. In other news, the three-year-old girl found unconscious on Sunday in a hotel swimming pool in Paphos was on Tuesday confirmed to have died through drowning, according to two state pathologists. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, police are investigating the death of a three-year-old girl who was found floating unconscious in a hotel swimming pool in Kato Paphos on Sunday. A post mortem on the little girl is to be carried out today. Elsewhere, residents of the Akamas village of Ineia have vowed to step up measures to fight against the Akamas local plan to protect the environment, which they say has left them with zero options as regards use of their land. In other news, Panagia Angeloktisti, a Byzantine church located in the village of Kiti, has submitted an application to become an Unesco monument of cultural heritage. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, almost all the presidential candidates piled on Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday, slamming him for what they called his apparent attempt to dodge the televised debates scheduled for next month. In other news, amid heightened concern among the public over costly energy, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus has issued advice to consumers on what to do regarding possible discrepancies between their meter reading and their electricity bills, and the two rivals in Britain’s leadership race to replace Boris Johnson, have both pledged support for Cyprus in separate letters to the UK-based Conservative Friends of Cyprus organisation. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, Deputy Attorney-general Savvas Angelides has denied accusations of an alleged cover-up in the 2019 “black van” spyware scandal which returned to the news after the spyware affair in Greece. In other news, Cyprus issued a total of 22,190 new residence permits in 2021, the largest number of which went to Russians, according to Eurostat figures, and the Water Development Department is urging consumers to conserve water as there is increased pressure on the system in some areas and it may cause problems. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Turkey resumed its hydrocarbon drilling operations in the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday after a two-year hiatus. The Abdulhamid Han, Turkey's fourth drill ship, will operate 55 kilometres off the Gazipasa region in the southern coastal province of Antalya. Elsewhere, President Nicos Anastasiades congratulated Cyprus’ athletes after clinching 16th place among 72 countries in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, winning 11 medals, two gold, three silver and six bronze. In other news, Cypriot authorities managed to return a total of 3,500 irregular immigrants in the first half of 2022, placing Cyprus as the top EU country in immigrant returns relative to its population. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, main opposition Akel hectored the government for its silence over the eavesdropping scandal raging in Greece, and claimed a possible link to the earlier 'spy van' affair in Cyprus. In Athens, two officials have resigned in the wake of reveals that the country's intelligence service tapped the phones of an opposition politician and a journalist - allegedly using spyware known as Pegasus. Elsewhere, by early next year the government will determine whether RES producers generated 'windfall profits' and – should that be the finding – tax those earnings, an official said yesterday. In other news, one of the two tourists who were injured in a buggy accident in Cape Greco on Monday was transported in critical condition to the Nicosia general hospital. The 31-year-old man suffered a brain bleed among other injuries and had to be intubated and transported from the Famagusta general hospital to the capital’s state hospital. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, seven people, contacts, of Cyprus' first monkeypox case, were vaccinated on Sunday, a day after a quantity of the jabs arrived on the island. Cyprus detected two more cases of monkeypox over the weekend and just as 1,260 vaccines arrived on the island on Saturday. Elsewhere, landowners from the Akamas community of Ineia say they will block the roads in and out of the Lara area next Sunday as part of measures they've planned to oppose the government's local plan for the environmentally sensitive region. In other news, Turkey's resolve in the eastern Mediterranean should not be tested, the leader of Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) said on Sunday. Referring to the new mission of Turkey's latest drillship Abdulhamid Han, Omer Celik said Ankara would not "give anyone a pebble, a drop of water, or a breath of air" of thier country. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, hoteliers hope to meet their revised targets for 2022 but are bracing for a difficult 2023 as the cost-of-living crisis eats into the purchasing power of potential visitors and a labour shortage take its toll, Cyprus Hotel Association Director, Philokypros Roussounides has said. In other news, the Finance Ministry said on Thursday it may tax RES producers found to have earned windfall profits as a result of the high tariffs paid to them, and the European Commission has been promoting the idea of creating a bi-communal solar power plant that would “contribute to meeting the energy needs of both Cypriot communities." All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the chairman of the health insurance organisation Thomas Antoniou told the president yesterday that he wishes to resign – citing constant and unprovoked attacks on Gesy. Elsewhere, protesters from local communities near Mitsero have successfully halted the work on the new asphalt factory, after the excavator left the site. In other news, this summer’s Perseids meteor shower is set to be a feast for stargazers as it coincides with a full moon, according to astrophysicist Chrysanthos Fakas. He said that the peak viewing period will be on August 12, with the ideal time being after 11pm. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the House of Representatives rejected the referral of three bills by President Nicos Anastasiades in a session of the plenum on Tuesday. Two of the bills aimed at scrapping double taxation on fuel and ending the charging of VAT on emission costs in electricity bills, while the third looked to suspend the foreclosures law for three month. Elsewhere, the first case of monkeypox was detected in Cyprus on Tuesday, said the health ministry. The person infected is a 40-year-old man, who tested positive following a molecular laboratory test carried out at the Nicosia General Hospital. In other news, the embattled traffic camera system is to finally move up a gear and exit its extended pilot phase, with another 20 stationary cameras set to be installed within six months. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that the president has sent back to parliament three bills passed by the house - two on VAT and electricity, the other on extending a freeze on property foreclosures. There’s also the Nicosia prison debacle, which shows no signs of abating after the police on Monday confirmed that they are now investigating the director and her assistant for leaking classified information. Elsewhere, the health ministry said that updates are expected from the police investigations into the Larnaca-based clinic suspected of carrying out illegal treatments using embryonic stem cells before any actions are taken. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, despite the ongoing pandemic and the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Cypriot tourism is recording significant gains during the 2022 tourist season, according to new reports. In other news, the three villages that were badly affected by the Arakapas fire last summer, said that money donated privately to buy them each a small fire truck was misspent, leaving them with no protection, and within the next few days the work required by the agriculture ministry for the controversial Akamas local plan is expected to be completed. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, the Finance Minister announced on Thursday that the state would absorb a sizeable chunk of cost increases in energy to buffer anticipated rises of up to 25 per cent in bills for households and businesses to the tune of €50 million in the autumn. In other news, Greece and Cyprus accused rival Turkey of stoking tensions as Ankara prepared to dispatch a drill ship to the Mediterranean next month in a search for natural gas, and Cyprus ranks 20th among 27 EU member states in the 2022 edition of the Digital Economy and Society Index. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news updates, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today’s episode, we hear that one of the longest prison sentences imposed by the Cyprus courts was handed down yesterday - as Mamalikopoulos received another 40 years in jail. Elsewhere, the target of the man facing charges for racist and violent behaviour confronted him in court, forcing police to intervene and escort her outside. There’s also the latest on the Agathangelou row, as the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce withdrew its proposal for his appointment to the HIO. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Turkish Cypriot ‘Prime Minister’ Unal Ustel on Tuesday told the media that two people have been fired over the use of the wrong photo on lottery tickets. In other news, four people are set to appear in court in September in the ‘golden passports’ case, and have been handed the charge sheets, the police said. And travellers are in for a treat, as efforts are underway so that the Larnaca and Paphos airports will become showcases of the island’s culture. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. For more news direct from Cyprus, visit www.cyprus-mail.com

In today's episode, the Audit Office said it has wrapped up its report on the 'golden passports' and will be releasing it next month. Audit Office spokesman Marios Petrides said the report's findings will "surprise, but not pleasantly". Elsewhere, Cyprus is prepared for the “new pandemic”, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela said after a wide-range meeting on monkeypox yesterday, as cases in European Union recorded a 30 per cent increase in the past week. In other news, a photo printed on lottery tickets in the north has landed officials in hot water and started a political media war after it was revealed that depicted fighters holding a Turkish flag were actually Greek Cypriot Eoka fighters rejoicing after capturing a Turkish Cypriot stronghold in 1964. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a meeting to evaluate the new data emerging, as well as how prepared Cyprus is to deal with monkey pox, has been organised for today at Nicosia General Hospital by Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela. Elsewhere, scorching temperatures will continue through Monday, according to a new yellow weather warning from the met office. The maximum temperature is expected to rise to around 40 degrees Celsius again inland. In other news, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said there is no room for optimism regarding the prospects for the resumption of a meaningful and credible negotiation process on the Cyprus problem due to unacceptable Turkish claims. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, oil major Chevron and the Cyprus government have said they are committed to speeding up development of the offshore Aphrodite gas field, with a new well to be drilled in the first quarter of 2023. In other news, health authorities will prepare a road map for autumn, relating to testing and the date when schools will open depending on the state of play with Covid-19, officials announced on Thursday; and the number of visitors to Paphos is “satisfactory,” head of the Paphos regional board of tourism Nasos Hadjigeorgiou said, adding that the goal of approaching the numbers seen in 2019 is still on track. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus marked 48 years since the Turkish invasion yesterday with a memorial service held at the Saint Barnabas cathedral while a tribute was paid at the Tomb of Makedonitissa commemorating those who fell during the Turkish invasion. In other news, Cyprus was upgraded to tier one status in the US’ annual human trafficking report, noting that “the government made key achievements” towards the elimination of such criminal activities; and close to €7 million have been secured in state coffers from the execution of 45,283 fines over the past seven months, recent police data showed, while 1,039 jail terms have been issued. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the proposed Akamas development plan widely misses the mark of its declared intent as key provisions continue to threaten the integrity of the Natura 2000 network, the environment department’s environmental impact assessment concluded. Elsewhere, presidential candidates Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis have so far declined an offer to receive police protection until the elections in February. In other news, three men in their 20s received prison sentences on Tuesday for physically assaulting police officers who spotted them playing football against regulations during the first lockdown in April 2020. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades has tested positive for coronavirus, government spokesman Marios Pelekanos said on Tuesday. He said that the President had tested positive during routine tests but reassured the public that his symptoms are mild. Elsewhere, improvements that will reduce the burden on the Lakatamia welfare office that assists asylum seekers are under way, the deputy minister of social welfare Anastasia Anthousi said during an on-the-spot visit. In other news, More than 120.000 Cyprus residents travelled abroad in June, which was a 242.6 per cent increase on the same month last year. Based on the data of the Statistical Service, the travels abroad in June totalled 121.146 compared to 35.361 in June 2021. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that more measures against Covid will be taken if they are deemed necessary. Elsewhere, the health minister said hospitals are ready to deal with an increased number of cases that might stem from the rise of the Centaurus variant which is already spreading through parts of Europe. There’s also optimism from the deputy tourism ministry as it said that arrivals have reached 75 per cent of the levels seen in 2019. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a Greek Cypriot man was arrested on Thursday after he was caught on video kicking a Congolese woman holding her baby, an incident that was universally condemned. In other news, Parliament voted through a legislative proposal that empowers the government to order a price cap on petroleum products, and also passed bills cutting to zero the VAT charged on fuel and on electricity bills; and four people will face a criminal trial over their role in apparently giving naturalisations to foreign investors, the Attorney-general’s office said on Thursday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, 94 per cent believe corruption in Cyprus is widespread, with political parties and the health care system seen as particularly vulnerable to abusing their power, according to a Eurobarometer survey published yesterday. Elsewhere, the health minister and epidemiologists decided not to impose tighter measures despite the increase in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations. In other news, temperatures will hit 40C inland today, the met office said as it issued a yellow alert – the second in as many days – for extreme hot weather. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, main opposition party Akel has said a bill allowing for a cap on prices of fuel at the pump would head to the House plenum later this week. Elsewhere, Australian fugitive and underworld boss Mark Buddle is set to be extradited to his native country after he was arrested in the north on and taken to Turkey, Turkish Cypriot media has reported. In other news, Omonia is the most popular team in Cyprus, followed by Apoel and Anorthosis, according to a poll conducted by the University of Nicosia. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, electricity bills that will be sent out, will be about 24 per cent more expensive than the last one, an EAC spokesperson has confirmed. In other news, a post-mortem – with inconclusive results – was carried out on Monday on the body of a 44-year-old man who died suddenly late last week, almost exactly a year after he was allegedly shot in the head by the police with a teargas canister gun, and the supreme court upheld one of the biggest sentences imposed for transporting cannabis, as an appellant who received just over ten years imprisonment was unsuccessful in his bid to have it reduced. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In today’s episode, we hear that the Paphos mayor has hit back at the interior ministry as the row deepens over dangerous and overcrowded buildings. Elsewhere, the health ministry has issued renewed Covid-19 travel advice as it warned that new measures may be enforced. There’s also the repatriation of a 16th century church icon which was looted in 1974 from the Antifonitis church in the village of Kalograia in the Kyrenia district. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the House of Representatives has finally passed legislation clearing the way for broad reform of the justice system that is hoped will shorten the time of litigation. In other news, Nicosia will work through diplomatic channels to attempt to ameliorate certain references in the recent reports on Cyprus issued by the UN Secretary-General, President Nicos Anastasiades has said, and parliament has passed a law making femicide a distinct crime punishable by an up-to lifetime jail sentence. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, face masks will become mandatory as of tomorrow, following a decision on Wednesday by the cabinet. It was also reiterated that the fine for violating the mask mandate is €300. In other news, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to encourage more direct contact and cooperation between the two communities, expressing his concern about the likelihood that the already difficult climate between the parties could worsen, and a murder investigation has become a double murder investigation after a 73-year-old woman died on Wednesday a month after she was seriously burned in a house arson in the village of Pyrgos in Limassol. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that stakeholders failed to agree on a national minimum wage during a meeting with the president. Elsewhere, the attorney-general announced that he will appeal the 12-month sentence imposed on the British tourist found guilty of the fatal Ayia Napa crash which killed a Swedish mother. There’s also the finance minister’s warning of even higher fuel and electricity prices - mainly due to the EU’s push to transition towards green energy. And don’t miss our feathered friend: the African Desert Warbler, whose first confirmed sighting in Cyprus was captured in Akrotiri. Finally, a protest demanding improved abortion laws is set to take place on Friday outside the US embassy. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a travel company executive in Cyprus said he expected the airport and airline chaos gripping Europe to subside in the coming weeks as thousands of flights have already been cancelled and more people were finally rejoining the workforce. Elsewhere, the government has received a request to transfer electricity to the north because one of its two power stations stopped working. In other news, experts urged the elderly and vulnerable to take their fourth Covid vaccine dose, expressing concern about the increase in infections. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the percentage of flights to and from Cyprus affected by Europe's travel chaos is much smaller than in other countries, deputy minister for tourism Savvas Perdios said while still urging people to travel outside July and August. Elsewhere, the government is intensifying its efforts to curb illegal crossings through the buffer zone, according to Interior Minister Nicos Nouris. In other news, the health ministry on Sunday reminded the public that as of today, the maximum price of individual self-tests is set at €1.70. The price cap was set after some sellers were selling individual tests from a box of five for €2 apiece. The box of five costs €6. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the state health services organisation (OKYPY) on Thursday suggested that the June 2024 target for public hospitals to attain financial autonomy may have to be pushed back, but critics countered that OKYPY’s failure to balance its budget was due to waste and mismanagement. In other news, the Defence Ministry has pledged that if anyone were found responsible for the National Guard accident that led to the fatal injury of a 27-year-old commando, they would be held accountable, and Larnaca hoteliers are ‘relatively satisfied’ with occupancy rates in June, especially in view of the loss of tourists from two of their main markets, Russia and Ukraine, the Larnaca Tourism Board has said, citing the results of a survey. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, around 80 percent of businesses in Cyprus used social media in 2021 to get their message across, a steep rise on 2015 when the figure was just under 60 per cent. Elsewhere, the education ministry launched an investigation and admitted racism is an issue in schools after a Larnaca secondary school graduation ceremony was marred by a racist episode involving a 15-year-old Syrian student. In other news, some nine per cent of young people aged 14 to 18 use cannabis, and one in five of these do so daily, the House legal affairs committee heard on Wednesday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, face masks will become compulsory in pharmacies and laboratories as of tomorrow, less than a month after their use became optional, the health ministry has announced. In other news, Cyprus is at the forefront of a shifting pattern of illegal border crossings on the Eastern Mediterranean route, an EU agency for Asylum report said on Tuesday, and the Paphos criminal court on Tuesday handed six-year concurrent sentences to a 23-year-old man over the rape and sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl from the United Kingdom.  All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In today’s episode, we hear that Diko has backed presidential candidate Nikos Christodoulides. Elsewhere, the interior minister has called on both sides in the Akamas debate to acknowledge that the truth of the matter likely lies somewhere in the middle. There’s also the president’s call for Cyprus to emerge as a regional firefighting hub, while on social media a filthy intercity bus went viral, and a small earthquake was recorded over the weekend. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, centre-right Diko's central committee unanimously decided to support the candidacy of former foreign minister and independent, Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday. Elsewhere, Interior Minister Nicos Nouris has urged both sides in the acrimonious Akamas debate to lower the tone, saying the truth of the new plan for the environmentally-sensitive area was somewhere in the middle between conservationists and landowners. In other news, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos has ordered an investigation after photos and video of a broken-down and filthy Intercity bus went viral on social media. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, flare-ups in at least two locations late on Thursday night dashed hopes that a massive fire raging since Tuesday in the north’s Kantaras area was being brought under control. In other news, DIKO's executive bureau has decided to propose to the central committee that the party back independent presidential candidate Nikos Christodoulides in the February elections, and the House of Representatives has passed legislation that allows the police to hire 300 special constables who will be deployed to help stem migrant flows. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the two firefighting planes sent by the Cyprus government on Wednesday to help fight the big fire in the northern part of the island were back in action at dawn today. In other news, DISY leader and presidential candidate Averof Neophytou visited Varosha on Wednesday and warned that if the city, of derelict, collapsing buildings was lost, then Cyprus, too, would be lost; and Cyprus exports up to 5,000 stray dogs and cats every year, deputies heard at the house environment committee on Wednesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, MPs on Tuesday discussed the possibility of a law to cap fuel prices, a drastic move as petrol at the pump continued rising and prices are fast approaching €2 a litre. Elsewhere, Diko and presidential candidate Nikos Christodoulides moved a step closer to solidifying their cooperation for the February vote, with the junior opposition party expected to announce its final decision on Sunday. In other news, President Nicos Anastasiades and his wife Andri welcomed the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie to the Presidential Palace on Tuesday after the royal couple landed on the island on Monday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos has expressed his ministry’s concern with the high number of road fatalities this year after they have consistently fallen over the last ten years. Elsewhere, former government spokesman Kyriacos Koushos has been named as the new labour minister, a position vacated after the death of Zeta Emilianidou earlier this month. In other news, the first ferry trip between Cyprus and Greece in 21 years docked in Piraeus port on Monday evening was hailed as “very positive” by deputy shipping minister Vassilis Demetriades. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nicos Anastasiades lauded the resumption of the Cyprus-Greece ferry link after more than 20 years as “historic”, as he addressed the launch of the maiden voyage of the ferry from Limassol port on Sunday. Elsewhere, prisons director Anna Aristotelous is expected to file a written complaint with the attorney-general today after she alleged that she was the victim of an alleged sting by a senior police officer who was trying to secure compromising information on her. In other news, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar is "disappointed" at being excluded from the visit to Cyprus of the Earl and the Countess of Wessex, which begins today. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is due in Cyprus today on an official visit. The Greek leader arrives here at a time of increasingly belligerent Turkish government rhetoric against both Greece and Cyprus. In other news, feverish preparations are underway for the much-awaited resumption of the ferry link between Cyprus and Greece, which is set to depart from Limassol on Sunday, and The Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie will visit Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia between Monday June 20 and Wednesday June 22, the British High Commission announced. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the company operating the traffic cameras system is to receive a warning from the government in the wake of a series of failures that are holding up the full implementation of the system. Elsewhere, state doctors suspended a scheduled three-hour strike over the weekend operation of clinics after the health insurance organisation agreed to put off the implementation of the extended hours until July. In other news, police and the foreign ministry carried out over 2,300 deportations or returns of third-country nationals so far this year. Most recently, some 16 nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo who were in detention were deported. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the situation for residents of the Kokkinotrimithia area worsened by the day because of the growing presence of asylum seekers from the nearby Pournara reception centre, according to the village community leader Christakis Meleties. Elsewhere, the legal team of the British woman who claimed she was gang raped in Ayia Napa in 2019 is taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights. In other news, former chief negotiator, Andreas Mavroyiannis on Tuesday officially announced his candidacy for the presidential elections. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, we hear that the government has pledged to continue its efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement without bending to any threats or challenges. Elsewhere, police arrested a 36-year-old man suspected of causing a deadly traffic collision in Paphos over the weekend.  There's also the latest on the protests near the Vasiliko plant after an old tyre dump caught fire during the weekend And don't miss the yellow alert for storms issued by the met office. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Akamas development plan is gearing up to take centre stage amid allegations of backroom deals, electioneering and illegal procedures, while no one can agree anything: not even when the plan will be ready. In other news, a bitter fallout following a divorce appears to be the central cause of the murder-suicide arson attack that unfolded in Pyrgos, Limassol, in a chilling case which shocked the island, and by unanimous vote, the House on Thursday passed legislation aiming to fast-track the return of at least part of the moneys that ex-Laiki’s depositors lost when the bank went into administration in 2013. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, police are investigating a case of premeditated murder and attempted murder after two people were found dead and two others were injured in a house fire in the village of Pyrgos in Limassol. In other news, tests carried out on a man who was admitted to Paphos general hospital on Tuesday night did not indicate monkeypox, and the travel chaos currently being seen at British airports has also impacted Cyprus with just over 1,000 flights to and from the island delayed in May. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the passing of political stalwart Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou was marked around the island on Tuesday with the president announcing that flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast. Elsewhere, controversial lawyer Andreas Pittadjis, whose famous line ‘this is Cyprus’ became a phrase used to laugh at scandals, was fined €4,000 by the Cyprus Bar Association for demeaning the profession. In other news, the Limassol pensioner who admitted to killing his 82-year-old wife carried out the murder for “futile reasons”, the Limassol district court heard during a remand hearing. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Zeta Emilianidou, the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, died on Monday at the age of 67. She had suffered a cerebral aneurysm three weeks ago and had been transported by ambulance airlift to a hospital in Greece where she underwent lengthy surgery. Elsewhere, a Limassol pensioner was arrested on Monday morning after going to a police station and informing officers he had killed his 82-year-old wife. The police found her body in the garden of the couple’s house in Ayios Ioannis, in the Limassol district. In other news, three young British women were detained in connection with an alleged assault on a nurse at the A&E department of Paphos general hospital in the early hours of Sunday. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, former Cyprus problem negotiator and career diplomat Andreas Mavroyiannis won a resounding 90 per cent of the votes during Akel's extraordinary conference on Sunday, which was called to approve his candidacy for the 2023 presidential elections. Elsewhere, Cyprus' involvement in the Agapinor-2022 joint military exercise with Israel has sparked heated reaction from Turkey, which accused the government of destabilising the region. In other news, a suspected case of monkeypox that came to the health authority's attention on June 1, turned out to be a case of chickenpox. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, a Syrian man – one of 44 irregular migrants aboard two inflatable boats that had set off from Turkey – drowned trying to make it to shore near Lara, Paphos. In other news, the House health committee is piling pressure on the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to address patients’ concerns over pharmaceuticals offered through the general health scheme (GESY), and fifteen police officers are facing disciplinary procedures over their alleged failings in investigating the reports of missing women who were later discovered to have been murdered by serial killer Nicos Metaxas. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas has stated that the number of people that have used the national health system, GESY, is indicative of its success. In other news, Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis has said that any cheese that does not meet the specifications set by the protected designation of origin (PDO) cannot be called halloumi, and a total of 12 people were convicted for human trafficking offences in the past year, while a further 33 cases are currently before the courts. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, some 11,000 traffic violations recorded by traffic cameras were deemed invalid, with the company operating them asking that they be rescinded. Elsewhere, the proportion of tourists holidaying in Cyprus on package deals has decreased, with officials at the tourism ministry encouraged that the benefits from foreign visitors are now being distributed across the wider economy. In other news, 37-year-old Charalambos Aristotelous became the tenth man to announce he would stand in the 2023 presidential elections. He will be standing as an independent candidate. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Pedieos linear park is getting a facelift with a budget of over €26 million, the municipalities of Nicosia, Lakatamia and Strovolos announced on Monday. Elsewhere, demonstrators gathered outside Larnaca district court on Monday where former Bishop of Kition Chrysostomos was on trial for assaulting a woman, aged 16 at the time, in 1981. In other news, the island welcomed more than half a million visitors in the first four months of 2022 – nearly ten times the number registered in the same period last year. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a total of €370 million are to be invested by the government in projects to revitalise the mountain areas, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said, stressing it was the aim of the Anastasiades government to give new life to them. Elsewhere, the Cypriot crew member on one of the two Greek-flagged tankers seized by Iranian Revolutionary Guards forces in the Gulf is in good health, the foreign ministry said on Sunday. In other news, criticising the “parties in power” and the “worn-out political system”, the former rector of the University of Cyprus Constantinos Christofides officially announced his candidacy for the presidential elections, while far right party Elam unanimously backed their leader Christos Christou to also stand in the race. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, MPs have pressed the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) to ensure private hospitals, that operate within the general health scheme (GESY) also incorporate their A&E department. In other news, the union for bank workers, ETYK, agreed to suspend – but not entirely call off – strike action at Hellenic Bank, provided management agree to revoke its decision to fire 350 employees, and a 69-year-old man was arrested late on Thursday on suspicion of attempted murder, after he told police he had shot his son with a shotgun. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, there are increasing signs that the tourism industry is getting back on its feet, as hotels in the Famagusta region are expecting to see occupancy rates of 80 percent over the Kataklysmos weekend with a surge of local interest. In other news, a secondary school student has filed a complaint that she was sexually harassed and abused in a classroom during school hours, and a retired military doctor has been arrested in connection with a ring offering families a way to pay their son’s way out of the army, it came to light on Wednesday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus is hoping to attract over two million foreign visitors this year, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios, who admitted the loss of around 800,000 potential visitors from the Russian and the Ukrainian markets represents a significant blow for the island. Elsewhere, Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou remains in a medically induced coma as she receives treatment in Athens after suffering cerebral aneurism, with President Nicos Anastasiades set to visit her today. In other news, six out of ten of Cypriots aged 25 to 34 hold a degree, the third highest rate in the EU and well above the bloc’s target of 45 per cent by 2030. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, exploratory gas drilling is underway in Cyprus’ block 6 by Total-ENI. Work at the site, dubbed 'Cronos-1', was initially scheduled to take place in the spring of 2020, but put on hold because of the Covid-19 situation. Elsewhere, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is planning a trip to Cyprus as part of an international tour to the region. In other news, discussions are underway to potentially scrap the indoor mask mandate. Members of the scientific team are expected in the next few days to submit recommendations regarding indoor masking to the health ministry. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulidis hopes that by the summer there will be some movement on the package of confidence-building measures between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides. Elsewhere, Disy leader and presidential candidate Averof Neophytou called for subsidies to the hardest hit producers as part of the support package being formulated by the government in the coming week. In other news, an online concert 'Stand with Ukraine - The Cyprus Edition' to raise donations for the Red Cross will be broadcast on Friday and will be addressed by President Nicos Anastasiades. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a further section of the Varosha beachfront is being opened with sunbeds and umbrellas being placed along a roughly 600-metre stretch of the golden sands. Elsewhere, Cyprus does not meet the terms and conditions to apply for Nato membership and will not apply for the moment, Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides said. In other news, the island is in the crosshairs of the European Commission for failing to cut down on pollution. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, fiery scenes erupted outside the presidential palace yesterday as sheep and goat farmers held boisterous, disruptive demonstrations. They lit fires, dumped gallons of milk and blocked roads as they protested the low prices they are receiving for their milk and the handling of halloumi cheese. Elsewhere, the Cyprus population is up 9.2 per cent in the last decade to now reach 918,100. Foreign nationals numbered 193,300, accounting for 21 per cent of the population. In other news, the Russian foreign minister said that its stance on the Cyprus problem has not changed. Moscow says that it continues to advocate for a solution based on UN security council resolutions. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, a total of 74 bathing areas and two marinas have been awarded a Blue Flag, a significant achievement that bestows added value to Cyprus tourism. Elsewhere, an ambulance driver has reportedly admitted to drug use while on duty, as police confirmed a positive cocaine and cannabis reading from the subsequent narcotest. In other news, as the debate around introducing euthanasia goes on, the bioethics commission said it should be available on the island but only under the strictest of conditions. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, we hear that Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou is in critical condition at an Athens hospital after lengthy surgery to treat a cerebral aneurysm. There's also an EU economic forecast warning Cyprus to brace for higher employment and inflation, the health ministry emphasising that the mask mandate remains in force, and an apparent early blunder by the Nikos Christodoulides campaign team.  All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the new relaxations of the restrictive measures against Covid-19 came into force as of yesterday. Under the new rules, it will no longer be necessary to show a SafePass in public areas except for visits to nursing homes, closed areas, hospital outpatient clinics, medical and diagnostic centres. Elsewhere, Labour Minister Zeta Emilianidou suffered a cerebral aneurysm on Sunday night and has been transported to a hospital in Athens, the government announced. In other news, the latest bout of dust in the atmosphere was due to have dissipated by this morning after light rainfall in many areas over the weekend. According to the met office, April had seen unprecedented amounts of dust at higher-than-permissible pollution levels. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the National Guard has launched an internal investigation into the death of a 27-year-old female corporal who died on Thursday following an accident at an army camp in Kornos. In other news, former Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides has announced his candidacy for the February 2023 presidential elections, and an online platform for Cypriots of the diaspora is being created to bring them closer to their roots, the office of the commissioner for the presidency has announced. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, business leaders have called on President Nicos Anastasiades to urgently boost the island’s self-sufficiency in terms of the food supply, warning that based on current data, higher prices, and shortages “will intensify in the near future.” In other news, the interior and justice ministries are requesting that contract police officers be hired as the state steps up its efforts to tackle irregular migration across the Green Line, and the discovery last week of three dead vultures in Paphos is “a huge blow” to the species’ population in Cyprus, the game and fauna service and BirdLife Cyprus said yesterday. All these stories and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Safe Passes will not be required at entertainment centres, nightclubs and events such as weddings and christenings as of Sunday, the Cabinet decided. Elsewhere, three out of five people in Cyprus said Cypriots are “ready to accept” a female president, while more than half believe eligible voters abstain from elections due to a lack of trust in politicians. In other news, the scheduled launch of a ferry service to Greece seems to have been well received by the public with over 2,000 tickets already booked. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the British bases, comprising three per cent of the island’s territory, will allow for the construction of houses, shops, restaurants and light industrial facilities while third-country nationals will also be able to live and establish businesses in non-military areas of the bases. Elsewhere, Akel general secretary Stefanos Stefanou rebutted claims that their candidate for president Andreas Mavroyiannis was a lackey of the Anastasiades government. In other news, diseases of the circulatory system remained the top cause of death in 2020, while Covid-19 accounted for two per cent of all recorded fatalities, according to data released by the health ministry. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, we hear that a key unit of main opposition party Akel voted in favour of Andreas Mavroyiannis as their candidate for the 2023 presidential elections. There’s also the historic deal that boosts development in the British Bases which comes into effect from today and a key meeting between the foreign ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Israel and the US. All these and more in your Daily News Briefing, brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.