Cyprus Beat

In today's episode, government officials pledged new measures to address distortions in public contract awards, following an Audit Office report showing that a few firms dominate state projects. Elsewhere, operations at Limassol port resumed on Thursday after the heads of category A transporters' associations agreed to suspend strike action following consultations with President Nikos Christodoulides and Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades.Also, Parliament passed a law tightening up the rules on owning certain types of firearms, giving the chief of police total discretion on the granting of gun permits.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail Newspaper.

In today's episode, trade unions on Wednesday accepted the government's proposal for the future of the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA), before employers' organisations promptly rejected it.Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Wednesday both discussed relations between the European Union and Turkey with the bloc's foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas.Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman's first trip to Turkey since being elected to the office is expected to take place between Tuesday and Friday next week, the Cyprus Mail understands.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail Newspaper.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides has set a target for Cyprus to achieve water self-reliance by 2028 through the installation of two permanent desalination units. Elsewhere, the findings of several high-profile corruption investigations are set to be released this month.Also, a report by the Audit Office found that the Social Support Fund, chaired by the First Lady and financed by private donors, raises concerns over possible conflicts of interest.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail Newspaper.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides called for an “immediate” response from parliament to pass his tax reform plans into law, to allow them to be implemented by the beginning of next year.President Nikos Christodoulides also told new United Nations special representative in Cyprus Khassim Diagne of his “political will” to “create the appropriate conditions for the resumption of talks” to solve the Cyprus problem.Elsewhere, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades and the commissioner for gender equality Josie Christodoulou welcomed on Wednesday the installation of new female silhouettes on pedestrian traffic lights in Nicosia.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail Newspaper. 

In today's episode, “everyone will be judged at the negotiating table”, President Nikos Christodoulides said, responding to comments by Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman on peace talks.Meanwhile, an official at a semi-governmental organisation almost got in trouble with the anti-corruption authority after flaunting their wealth on social media, media reports said.Also, Cyprus was ranked 30th out of 143 countries in this year's edition of the World Justice Project (WJP)'s annual rule of law index, moving up a single place since last year.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus insists on staying committed to the proposed electrical link, the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), despite doubts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) about its financial viability. Elsewhere, the north's ‘prime minister' and head of the UBP party, Unal Ustel, on Monday ruled out the option of early elections, saying his ‘government' was a “government of action, not election.”Also, the future of Akrotiri's vital salt lake is at the center of a new 25-year conservation plan aimed at protecting the area's unique ecosystem.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, organised crime in Cyprus is now often imported from abroad, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis said.Meanwhile, Senegalese diplomat Khassim Diagne, who will serve as the UN's new special representative and head of the peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) has arrived in Cyprus to formally assume his duties, the UN said.Elsewhere, United States President Donald Trump has nominated John Breslow of the state of Arizona to be the country's new ambassador in Nicosia.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government sought to downplay worries that – amid the persistent drought – Cyprus will dry out, insisting it has taken a series of actions ensuring adequate water supply.Meanwhile, Sunday's Turkish Cypriot leadership election result was “a reaction from the Turkish Cypriot people” Turkish Cypriot perpetual candidate Arif Salih Kirdag said after achieving a career high of third place.Also, more than 150 athletes aged up to 87 relived moments from their swimming careers at the 8th international veterans' games, held this weekend at the Limassol Olympic swimming pool.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, three men,aged 58, 39, and 30, have been remanded for eight days in connection with the murder of businessman Stavros Demosthenous. Elsewhere, deals were signed for the commercial development of the Kronos gas reservoir in Cyprus's Block 6.Also, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas warned MPs of a recruitment crisis threatening the National Guard's future.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the governments of Cyprus and Greece moved to ease tensions over the €1.9 billion Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) on Thursday, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the project. Elsewhere, Separate meetings on Thursday between trade unions, employers' organisations and the ministers of labour and finance failed to resolve the deadlock over the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA).Also, Cyprus remains committed to safeguarding peace, security, territorial integrity and its sovereign rights, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Thursday at the conclusion of a military exercise at Kalo Chorio.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, public works exceeding €1 billion were awarded to Cyfield, Iacovou Brothers, and Cybarco between 2015 and 2024, the audit service reported.Elsewhere, Cyprus' contribution to Gaza's reconstruction will become clearer as US President Trump's peace plan is implemented, government sources said.Also, Akel MP Nikos Kettiros called for the Pancyprian Refugee Gathering exhibition in Dasaki Achna to become permanent, praising its vivid portrayal of refugee experiences.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus' initiative on security, the rebuilding of Gaza and the humanitarian aspect was presented to leaders attending the Sharm El Sheikh conference on Gaza by President Nikos Christodoulides.Elsewhere, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on Monday accused Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou of “fake news” over the matter of the Great Sea Interconnector, after the latter had said last week that the former “does not show” the studies which he says show the project to not be sustainable.Also, Israeli property developer Simon Aykut on Monday pled guilty to a total of 40 of the charges he faces related to the development and sale of Greek Cypriot property in the north, while the remaining 202 were withdrawn.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the government is to begin introducing artificial intelligence into the civil service to “support civil servants in their work”, Research Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou said after Wednesday's cabinet meeting.Also, the new air traffic control centre which opened in the Nicosia district village of Kokkinotrimithia on Wednesday is “important for our national identity and for the future of our country”, President Nikos Christodoulides said.Elsewhere, the funeral service for Katie Clerides, who died on Monday at the age of 76 after battling cancer, was held on Wednesday in Nicosia, among relatives, friends, politicians, members of the public and the leadership of Disy, the party her father founded.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the Civil Defence Force has issued safety advice after the Meteorological Department warned of isolated strong storms and high winds. Elsewhere, Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou said that “we are committed to social dialogue,” expressing hope for an agreement on the future of the Cost-of-Living Allowance (CoLA) despite employers' groups suspending talks.Also, the House Labour Committee on Tuesday discussed plans to modernise the decades‑old disability pension law.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus will not be blackmailed by Admie, President Nikos Christodoulides said following reports the Greek company had objected to the government only agreeing to paying €25 million towards the cost of the Great Sea Interconnector, which would link the electricity grids of Greece, Cyprus and Israel.Elsewhere, a teenager was killed in a traffic accident overnight, police said on Sunday.Also, almost one million visits are made each month to the government portal gov.cy, while users of the Digital Citizen app have tripled in the last quarter, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou said.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides marked the 65th anniversary of Cyprus' independence on Wednesday with a speech highlighting resilience, reform and renewed hopes for peace. Elsewhere, Cyprus on Wednesday officially launched its competitive electricity market, a reform Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said will eventually lower costs.Also, the United Nations will formally scrap the post of special adviser on Cyprus as part of sweeping budget cuts.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, social welfare services staff are holding a 24‑hour strike on Monday over a dispute on disability programme coordination. Elsewhere, a traffic collision at around 12.30pm on Sunday in Linopetra, Limassol, left a man dead.Also, a 32-year-old man died early on Sunday after falling from the second floor of a building in Zakaki, Limassol.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, attorney-general George Savvides announced that he will not prosecute former auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides for contempt of court, despite finding “sufficient evidence” to do so.Elsewhere, the government is considering its options after the European Commission ordered Cyprus to repay €67.2 million in grants for the Vasiliko liquefied natural gas terminal, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said.Also, Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis announced a series of measures to strengthen safety and restore order in Nicosia's old city. Speaking at Ledra police station, he said the goal is “for the old city of Nicosia to regain its rightful place, with safe and peaceful coexistence of residents, businesspeople, students and visitors.”All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, local governments do not need “external instructions” to function, Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras said, responding to a circular sent by the interior ministry to every municipality and village demanding the removal of any anti-Israel graffiti.Elsewhere, MPs voiced astonishment at the red tape and procedural rigmarole in the civil service hampering the sharing of information regarding sexual harassment complaints made against a senior official at the education ministry, who got suspended from his position onlAlso, students walked out of classes on Monday, protesting the lack of air-conditioning in classrooms, poor school infrastructure, and what they described as the education ministry's indifference.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

Your daily briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail news team.

In today's episode, auditor-general Andreas Papaconstantinou accused Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis of attempting to introduce “big brother” into the audit office through the government's planned reforms to the body.Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot Nicosia mayor Mehmet Harmanci told United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin that the idea of a two-state solution to the Cyprus problem is an “illusion” and “devoid of any legal or political basis”.Also, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said there are “loopholes” which may allow Turkey to participate “indirectly” in the European Union's Security Action for Europe (Safe) programme.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, talks between Cyprus trade unions and Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou ended without agreement on the future of the Automatic Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA).Elsewhere, Five Greek Cypriots remain detained by Turkish-controlled authorities after trying to visit their properties in northern Cyprus, Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kompos confirmed on Tuesday.Also, a fire which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Limassol left a vehicle completely obliterated, police said on Tuesday.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides held a telephone call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and said after the call that he had “stressed the importance to deescalate tensions”.Meanwhile, there will be no problems with the Paphos district's water supply next year, “regardless of the weather conditions”, the agriculture ministry's undersecretary Andreas Gregoriou said.Also, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar told Turkish Cypriots to “not embarrass” influential late Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash when the Turkish Cypriot leadership election takes place next month.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Cyprus faces disruption on Thursday as a three-hour strike hits airports, schools, and public services over the Cost-of-Living Allowance (CoLA). Also, Cyprus will spend a €1.1 billion EU loan from the SAFE programme over five years to strengthen defence and support local defence industries, Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas announced.Elsewhere, three of five Greek Cypriots arrested in northern Cyprus in July were released on bail on Wednesday.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis said there are “manifest interests” working to ensure that the Great Sea Interconnector will never be constructed.Meanwhile, Gerapetritis also denied that his father-in-law is the subject of the European public prosecutor's office (EPPO) investigation into the Great Sea Interconnector project, which was announced last week.Also, Cypriot members of the European parliament on Tuesday addressed the chamber in Strasbourg for the first time since the wildfire which tore through the Limassol district and killed two people in July and demanded more help from the European Union to help the island, and the rest of the bloc, fight future wildfires.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In today's episode, despite yet another meeting earlier on Monday failing to yield any breakthrough on the contentious Cost‑of‑Living Allowance (CoLA), trade unions -SEK, PEO, PASYDY, and DEOK - confirmed that they would proceed with the general strike planned for Thursday, September 11.Elsewhere, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said Monday that the final cost of the Great Sea Interconnector remains uncertain, with estimates ranging between €2 billion and €3 billion.Also, authorities and economic analysts are warning that Cyprus must dramatically increase its spending on climate adaptation.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has launched an investigation into the Great Sea Interconnector, the planned electricity link between Cyprus, Greece and Israel. The government has intensified efforts to strip citizenships granted under Cyprus' now-defunct investment scheme, with seven investors and 19 relatives losing their passports this week.Also, Cyprus faces an acute nursing shortage, with employers, hospital associations and doctors warning that the system is at breaking point.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis warned of “consequences” for any “third country” which seeks to obstruct the construction of the Great Sea Interconnector, which, if complete, will link the energy grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.Elsewhere, just 13 per cent of Cypriots favour the idea of Turkey joining the European Union, according to data published by the EU's Eurobarometer survey.Also, the House refugees committee discussed the creation of a new national fund to reimburse Greek Cypriots who lost access to their immovable property as a result of being displaced during or after Turkey's invasion of Cyprus in 1974.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Larnaca's district government is suing a metal recycling factory where an explosion injured three people for operating without a licence since 2014. Elsewhere, UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin's planned Cyprus visit was postponed due to an “unforeseen issue” and will be rescheduled.Also, trade unions called a general strike for September 11 after talks failed to secure the full reinstatement of the cost-of-living allowance (CoLA). All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today's episode, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos warned he could abandon his tax reform plans entirely if parliament amends them excessively. Elsewhere, Cyprus confirmed it has received the report from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on the Limassol mountain wildfire that killed two people.Also, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on Wednesday demanded advance notice of procedural changes at Cyprus' crossing points, after rumours of new rules from a Republic software update sparked panic.All this and more in today's Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

The Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.