Day: March 1, 2024

ANKARA: South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday called for the unification of the Korean Peninsula, decrying Pyongyang and tagging Seoul as its "primary enemy." "Now, we must move toward a free, unified Korean Peninsula where the people are its rightful owners," Yoon told an event to mark the 105th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule. Recalling North Korea labeling South as its "primary foe" and "invariable principal enemy," Yoon said: "This is truly deplorable." Pyongyang has ended all economic relations with Seoul, tagged it as the North's primary enemy, and the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, has suggested redefining relations with the South in its constitution. "The tyranny and human rights abuses of the North Korean regime deny the universal values of humanity. Unification is precisely what is needed to expand the universal values of freedom and human rights," said Yoon. On relations with Japan, Yoon said Seoul and Tokyo "are working together to over come the painful past." "Sharing the values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, our two countries have become partners in pursuing common interests for global peace and prosperity," he said. Japan colonized the Korean Peninsula for decades until World War II before vacating the region, which left the peninsula divided with the US siding with the South, where it has over 28,500 soldiers deployed since the 1953 Korean War, which ended in a truce. Relations between Seoul and Tokyo have remained tense for several decades, but the relations have improved since Yoon took office in May 2022. Last year, in a major headway in ending a decades-long wartime labor dispute with Japan, Seoul said it will pay the victims through a local foundation. Yoon then traveled to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, becoming the first South Korean president to make a bilateral visit to Japan in 12 years. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANTALYA: A high-ranking Colombian diplomat said the situation in the Middle East renders arms purchases from Israel 'no longer acceptable." Making the decision was 'very difficult,' Francisco J. Coy, Colombia's vice-minister for foreign affairs, told Anadolu in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro suspended Israeli weapons purchases after over 100 people were killed by Israeli gunfire in a scramble for food aid in the Gaza Strip. Over 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its brutal military onslaught on Oct. 7, 2023. 'The political situation in the Middle East and Gaza is no longer acceptable for us,' Coy said. 'President Gustavo Petro personally is very personally committed to assist Palestine in this situation." 'And what happened yesterday were really unacceptable,' he said, referring to Israeli forces' shelling of a crowd of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid south of Gaza City, leaving more than 100 dea d and many others injured. Asked from where Colombia was going to purchase the arms, the vice-minister said there were alternatives, including Trkiye. 'I'm sure our minister of defense will have an alternative to that. I know that there are a lot of countries providing weapons, and security technologies, for example, Trkiye,' he said. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: The New York Times is facing criticism following doubts raised over the accuracy of a story published in December regarding allegations of sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. Controversy has erupted over one of the reporters involved in contributing to the story. The debate surrounding the article, co-authored by Jeffrey Gettleman, Anat Schwartz, and Adam Sella, was sparked when The Intercept reported that an episode of The Daily, the prominent podcast of The New York Times based on the article, was postponed to allow for revisions to the script to allow for more uncertainty. A lengthy investigative report by The New York Times, titled ''Screams Without Words': How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7' was published on Dec. 28, delving into the alleged rape and sexual violence by Hamas against women during Oct. 7 attack. Anat Schwartz, an Israeli filmmaker and former air force intelligence official with no prior reporting experience, was assigned by The New York Times to collaborate with h er partner's nephew, Adam Sella, and veteran Times reporter Jeffrey Gettleman to investigate the sexual assault allegations. In a podcast interview with Israel's Channel 12 on Jan. 3, Schwartz mentioned Gettleman's insistence on ensuring they had "at least two sources for every detail we put into the article" and cross-checked information, The Intercept reported. In the interview Schwartz said that initially, there was little attention given to sexual assaults allegations following the Oct. 7 attacks. However, when Schwartz joined Gettleman, rumors started circulating about such acts having taken place, largely based on the commentary of Zaka workers and IDF officials and soldiers, it reported. Schwartz contacted people at Kibbutz Be'eri and other targeted kibbutzim on Oct. 7, but reported finding "nothing" to substantiate the allegations. Despite the lack of evidence, Schwartz reported on the unverified allegations. Schwartz' social media posts have also come under criticism and the New York Times has l aunched an investigation. "We are aware that a freelance journalist in Israel who has worked with The Times has 'liked' several social media posts," Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha said in a statement. Schwartz, for instance, liked a post on X, saying that Israel needed to 'turn the strip into a slaughterhouse.' The Times story also referenced an Israeli woman, Gal Abdush, described as "the woman in the black dress," saying that Israeli police officials stating "they believed that Ms. Abdush was raped.' However, Abdush's sister, Miral Alter, said in an Instagram post following the Times report that "there is no proof that there was rape." Source: Anadolu Agency

President Christodoulides stresses need for EU common line on Middle East President Nikos Christodoulides stressed that the EU needs to find a common line regarding the situation in the Middle East, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the inability of the leaders to arrive to joint conclusions on the issue, in statements upon arriving to the meeting of the special European Council held on Thursday in Brussels. Regarding the state of agricultural policy, and on the occasion of demonstrations by farmers in Brussels and other capitals, President Christodoulides also referred to the efforts made in Cyprus to strengthen the contribution of primary production to the country's GDP. FM discusses Cyprus issue and situation in SE Asia with Vietnamese counterpart Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos held on Thursday in Brussels a meeting with his counterpart from Vietnam Bui Thanh Son. "Positive and forward-looking discussions with main focus on the Cyprus Question, the situation in Southeast Asia, and on further strengthening our already excellent relations" the Minister wrote on 'X'. Greek FM to tell Holguín of need for Cyprus solution based on UN Resolutions Greece's Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis will reiterate Athens' firm support for efforts to resume the Cyprus talks, during his meeting with UN Secretary General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuellar, that is expected to be held next week in Athens, diplomatic sources told CNA on Thursday. Sources of the Greek Foreign Ministry said that Holguín will visit Athens next week, most likely on Tuesday, February 6, and that she will have a meeting with the Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. Positive response from EU countries to Syria reassessment proposal, says Ioannou Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said that several EU member states have responded positively to his proposal to reassess the status of Syrian regions, in a statement after the end of the Parliamentary Interior Committee session on Thursday. Respondi ng to a question about the proposal he submitted to the EU Interior Ministers' Council regarding the status of Syrian regions that would allow the repatriation of Syrian migrants in certain areas deemed to be safe, Ioannou said that he has put forward this proposal since last summer. Household deposit interest rate rises, consumer credit rate drops in December The interest rate on deposits from households with an agreed maturity of up to one year recorded an increase to 2.29% in December 2023, while the interest rate on consumer credit decreased to 5.88%, according to data published by the Central Bank of Cyprus in the January 2024 edition of Monetary and Financial Statistics, on Thursday. CBC notes that the interest rate on deposits from households with an agreed maturity of up to one year recorded an increase to 2.29%, from 2.01% in the previous month. NPLs remain steady at 8.3% in November 2023 Non-performing loans remained steady at 8.3% in November, dropping just below pound 2 billion for the first t ime, according to data published by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Thursday. From a total of pound 24.17 bln loans, NPLs were at pound 1.99 bln, down from pound 2.015 bln in October. CBC Governor expects interest rate cuts in 2024, barring unforeseen events Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) Constantinos Herodotou said Thursday that a reduction in interest rates should be expected within 2024, barring unforeseen developments. He also highlighted the importance of staying attuned to inflation data for a timely adjustment of interest rates. Cyprus inflation at 1.7% in January In January, inflation in Cyprus increase slightly, rising by 1.7% compared to the 1.64% increase recorded in December 2023. Back in January 2023, inflation had reached 7.11%. According to data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 1.39 units in January 2024, reaching 113.90 units, compared to 115.29 units in December 2023. The most significant changes in economic categories, compar ed to January 2023, were observed in Agricultural goods with a 4.4% increase and Petroleum products with a -4.1% decrease. Retail trade turnover up by 8.9% in 2023 The value of the retail trade turnover in 2023 recorded a substantial increase of 8.9%, while the volume of retail trade turnover saw a growth of 5.8%. According to data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus, for the period of January-December 2023, the value index is estimated to have increased by 8.9%, and the volume index rose by 5.8% compared to the same period in 2022. Friday 02 February 2024 UNSG personal envoy "encouraged" from what she heard from Cyprus civil society UN Secretary-General's personal envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar said on Friday that she is very encouraged from the things that she has heard from the civil society in Cyprus. The UN official held a meeting on Friday with President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia. Government awaits for UNSG's envoy return to discuss next steps T he government awaits for the next visit of the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar during which the next steps for the resumption of Cyprus negotiations will be discussed, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, said on Friday, following a meeting held between the envoy and the President of Cyprus at the Presidential Palace. In statements after the meeting the Spokesman said that the meeting was very constructing adding it was the continuation of their first meeting, where the President of the Republic had the opportunity to discuss with the personal envoy of the UN Secretary General about the meetings she had with civil society and exchange views through a very constructive dialogue. Discussions with Holguin were very substantial, the President says The discussions with the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, were very substantial, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday evening while atte nding an event in Limassol. Asked by reporters to refer to his second meeting with Holguin, he said that "we discussed matters of substance, it was a very good meeting, following the first meeting, and at this stage what counts is less talk and more work. Athens welcomes the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate Greece welcomes the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2723/2024, which renews the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) for one year. "Greece welcomes the references made by the Security Council, which, once again, condemns the unilateral actions of the occupying forces in Varosha and the Buffer Zone, with particular reference to Pyla, calling for an immediate reversal of the fait accompli, refraining from further unilateral moves and for the implementation of what has been agreed," the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Holguin says she will continue to listen to people in next Cyprus visit UN Secretary-General's personal envoy for Cyprus Maria An gela Holguin Cuellar has said that she will continue to listen to what people want in her next visit to the island. Holguin was replying to a question about her first impressions in Cyprus, after a meeting she had on Friday afternoon with Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. Russia supports efforts of UNSG's envoy on Cyprus, Ambassador says Russia supports the efforts of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' Personal Envoy on Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Murat Zyazikov told Russian agency TASS after meeting with the envoy. The conversation was held ahead of Cuellar's talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. We need to find a solution to the housing problem, EU Commissioner Schmit says One of the major issues facing Europe is housing and "if we really want to tackle the populist threat, we have to find a solution," European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit said on Friday, noting that Europe should provide financial assistance to Member States and promote housing policies, as the market will not solve the problem. Commissioner Schmit was the keynote speaker at an event organised by the office of MEP Costas Mavrides (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats) at the European Union House in Nicosia, entitled "Towards a citizen-centred social Europe". Spanish Central Bank Governor visits Cyprus to hold key economic discussions An imminent two-day visit of Governor of the Bank of Spain Pablo Hernández de Cos, to Cyprus on February 5-6, holds considerable significance regarding key economic discussions. As CNA has learnt, Spain's Central Bank Governor will visit Cyprus following an invitation from the Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), Constantinos Herodotou. House President and European Commissioner discuss challenges in the EU Social and other challenges that the EU faces at the moment, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis in the Middle East, as well as the refugee and migrat ion crisis, were among the main topics discussed on Friday during a meeting between the House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou and European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, in Nicosia. During their meeting the need for a more social Europe was highlighted, a House of Representatives press release says. EU announces additional financial aid for Cultural Heritage Technical Committee The European Commission has signed a new delegation agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), providing an additional financial assistance of EUR 2.5 million to support the work of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) for the years 2024-2026. A Commission press release said on Friday that through the European Union Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, this new agreement will contribute to the EU's efforts to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by protecting, restoring and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the island. Loan restru cturings skyrocket in 2023, new loans slightly down New borrowing remained unchanged in Cypriot banks in 2023, despite the high-interest rate environment that has propelled loan restructurings to historically high levels. According to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), net new borrowing in 2023 amounted to pound 3.269 billion, compared to pound 3.272 billion the previous year, indicating a marginal decrease of 0.1%. In contrast, loan restructuring skyrocketed to pound 4.489 billion, showing an almost 245% increase. Saturday 03 February 2024 SC resolutions-C. Montana acquis starting point for new effort, Antoniou tells CNA The Republic of Cyprus seeks for the UN Security Council resolutions and the negotiating acquis of Crans Montana to be the starting point for a new effort to resume the Cyprus problem negotiations, Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou told CNA on Saturday. He added that the contribution of the European Union was crucial for a new initiative to start, especially in the current period, while also highlighting the link between Turkey's European perspective and the Cyprus problem settlement. Cyprus willing for EU-Turkey progress, expects tangible steps from Turkey, FM says Cyprus is willing to encourage progress in EU - Turkey relations, but there is already a framework for these relations which includes Cyprus since 'progress passes through Cyprus', Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said upon his arrival to an informal meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Brussels on Saturday, in the context of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Kombos noted that 'we expect to see tangible steps from Turkey in this regard' and added that requests for good will gestures need to align with the relevant EU framework and respect the sensitivities of all member states. EU Foreign Ministers discussed EU - Turkey relations, the East Med and Cyprus The Foreign Ministers of the EU exchanged views on relations with Turkey, but also on "the current situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus problem", the Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement regarding the participation of Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos in the informal council of EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) held on Saturday in Brussels. According to the statement, the Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the basis of the Joint Communication of November 29th, 2023 on the state of the EU's political, economic and trade relations with Turkey. Sunday 04 February 2024 We need to ensure unity for a just and viable solution, says Education Minister Fifty years after the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, we owe it to our heroes to ensure unity among us so that we can claim a just, viable and functional solution to Cyprus problem, in line with the European acquis and relevant UN resolutions without occupying troops and invasive rights, stressed Education Minister Athena Michaelides in her speech at the national memorial service of the EOKA 1955-1959 hero, Georgios Papaverkiou, held on Sunday in Pano Arodes, Paphos. Monday 05 February 2024 President says there should be immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza There should be an immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday. Replying to press questions about a meeting he had earlier in Nicosia with the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, the President said that they were working together to implement the maritime humanitarian corridor from Cyprus to Gaza. Cyprus government does not accept British diplomat's statements on incentives The Cypriot Government does not accept the position expressed by British High Commissioner Irfan Siddique that the Turkish Cypriots want incentives for the resumption of talks. Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that at the current stage of the Cyprus problem everyone has to be careful. "We believe that we all have to be careful, especially at this stage, which is very sensitive, especially from a country that has an important role in the Cyprus problem such as the United Kingdom, which is also a guarantor power," he remarked. UNFICYP welcomes its new Commander The UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus and head of the UN peacekeeping force on the island (UNFICYP) Colin Stewart welcomed on Monday the UNFICYP Force Commander, Major General Erdenebat Batsuuri of Mongolia, the UN in Cyprus said in a post on platform X, wishing the new Commander all the best in this assignment. Moreover the UN in Cyprus said in another post that UNFICYP held on Monday afternoon a flag-raising ceremony for Mongolia. Registered unemployed persons drop by an annual 12.3% in January Registered unemployed persons in Cyprus dropped by an annual 12.3% in January, according to the data observed by the District Labour Offices. According to data released on Monday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat), the number of the registered unemployed persons on the last day of January 2024 reached 14,699, marking a decrease of 2,059 persons or 12.3%. Eurostat: Share of renewables in transport in Cyprus stood at 7.2% in 2022 In 2022, the share of renewable energy sources in transport in Cyprus stood at 7.2%, not having changed compared to 2021, while the EU average increased by 0.5 percentage points (pp) from 9.1% in 2021 to 9.6% in 2022, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the European Union. The share of renewables used in transport in Cyprus fell compared to 2020, when it had increased to 7.4%, its highest level since 2013. Tuesday 06 February 2024 British High Commissioner summoned to FM for demarche British High Commissioner to Cyprus Irfan Siddique was summoned on Tuesday to the Foreign Ministry for a demarche, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), in response to a question about the interview of Siddique in the newspaper Kathimerini last Sunday. "At a critical juncture, when the attention of the international community is f ocused on the mission of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, we expect the United Kingdom, a guarantor power, member of the Security Council and author of the resolutions on Cyprus, to help create a climate that will facilitate the resumption of the negotiation process," the Spokesman said. We support efforts for resumption of Cyprus talks, Greek PM tells Holguín Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated Greece's support to the efforts for the resumption of Cyprus talks on the basis of the framework provided by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, during a meeting he had, in Athens, with the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar. Mitsotakis received Holguín after a meeting the latter had with the Greek Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. Cyprus talks must r esume based on UN resolutions, Greek FM tells Holguín Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed on Tuesday during a meeting he had in Athens with the Personal Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguín Cuellar, Greece's firm position on the need for the resumption of the dialogue on the Cyprus problem on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation and within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions. Moreover, he highlighted the geopolitical importance that the prospect of a Cyprus solution has for the stability of the wider region. Holguin will be travelling to Ankara and then London, UN announces UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar will be travelling to Ankara Thursday, February 8, and then London, UNSG Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced on Tuesday, during his daily press briefing. Dujarric said that Holguin concluded her first visit to Cyprus over the weekend and that during the visit, she met "w ith the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar, respectively, as well as the broad range of interlocutors from local actors to civil society and representatives of the international community." Our next move will be a rate cut, Governor of Bank of Spain says The European citizens should know that that the European Central Bank's next move will be a rate cut, Governor of the Bank of Spain and ECB Governing Council member Pablo Hernandez de Cos said on Tuesday, noting that is not wise to be precise on the timing of the cut, due to the need to be data dependent. His comments came after a meeting with key stakeholders of the Cypriot economy along with his colleague, Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus Constantinos Herodotou who also underlined the need for a data-driven decision as to when the ECB will adjust its policy rates downwards. Iranian Ambassador highlights Tehran's political efforts to stop war in Gaza Iran is trying, on a political level and through poli tical means, to help put an end to the war in Gaza, the Ambassador of Iran to Cyprus Alireza Salarian has told the Cyprus News Agency. The Ambassador visited the agency's offices on Tuesday and speaking via an interpreter noted that since the beginning of the war in Gaza, his country's effort has been to calm things down, in order to stop this war. He reminded that the Foreign Minister of Iran has visited various neighbouring countries and contacts continue until now. Monetary policy should respond in due time, FinMin says The Euro area monetary policy should respond in due time taking into account the course of inflation, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos has told Spanish Central Banker and member of the ECB Governing Council Pablo Hernandez de Cos. De Cos, who is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of Constantinos Herodotou, Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus and fellow ECB Council member, met on Tuesday with Keravnos accompanied by Herodotou. We will continue to take initiatives for resumption of talks, Spokesperson says We will continue to take initiatives to contribute in a positive manner to the creation of conditions for the resumption of talks, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace. Asked if there will be any contact between Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the Republic regarding the meeting between Mitsotakis and the personal envoy of the UN Secretary General for the Cyprus issue, the Spokesperson said that the communication and coordination with the Greek Government is ongoing adding that the Greek Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have been informed about the Cypriot President's contacts with the UNSG's envoy and that a communication will follow after the completion of the contacts in Athens. Retail trade in Cyprus sees small monthly decrease, annual increase in December In December 2023, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade in Cyprus decreased slightly by 0.2% compared with N ovember 2023 (while decreasing by 1.1% in the eurozone and by 1.0% in the EU), according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In November 2023, the retail trade volume in Cyprus has increased by 1.5% compared to the previous month (while increasing by 0.3% in both the eurozone and the EU). Foreign Ministry expresses sadness about lives lost in Chile forest fires The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sadness about the "tragic loss of life and unprecedented destruction caused by the forest fires in Chile", in a post on Platform X on Tuesday afternoon. The Ministry also expressed "sincere condolences to the families of the victims," adding that "our thoughts are with the people and the Government of Chile during this difficult time." Cyprus and Jordanian Parliamentarians discuss enhancement of cooperation Chair and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs and Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Jordanian House of Representatives discussed Tuesday ways to enhance bilateral cooperation on parliamentary level. A press release issued by the Cyprus House says that Chair of the Committee Harris Georgiades and deputies Yiorgos Loukaides, Christiana Erotokritou, Chrysis Pantelides and Alexandra Attalides met on Tuesday with the Jordanian delegation visiting the island, headed by chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Jordanian parliament Khaldoun Nawaf Ahmad Hina. Wednesday 07 February 2024 Large projects worth over pound 8 billion in the pipeline says Association Large projects will continue to be among the protagonists in Cyprus' growth trajectory, Association of Large Investment Projects has said, outlining large-scale projects in its pipeline worth of over pound 8 billion. In a press release the Association said that the projects implemented or were promoted in 2023 mark a profile of a modern state which invests in its domestic product, creates new jobs, while upgrading the quality of life both of its citizens and visitors, add ing that the course will continue dynamically in 2024 as well. Outlook for Cyprus in relation to migration is positive, Interior Minister says The outlook for Cyprus in relation to migration is positive, as in 2023 a 46% reduction in irregular migrant applications and a 66% increase in returns have been achieved, Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou said on Wednesday. He noted that the positive picture continues in the first month of 2024 and that the number of people currently residing in Pournara is the smallest ever. Cyprus to set up National Development Organisation, updates strategy to attract businesses Cyprus is gearing to set up a National Development Organisation which coupled with the Cyprus Equity Fund will promote entrepreneurship by covering financing gaps for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos said on Wednesday. Speaking to the press after the Council of Ministers meeting, Keravnos said that the Cabinet has assigned an advisory firm to carr y out a study on the organisation's activities and tools and to table a proposal to the Council within March. Central Banks of Cyprus and Spain committed to enhance collaboration The visit to Cyprus of Governor of the Bank of Spain Pablo Hernández de Cos underscores the shared commitment to enhance collaboration between the two central banks, a press release by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) says. According to the CBC, in a significant step towards bolstering economic cooperation within the Eurozone, the Central Bank of Cyprus was honored to host Governor Pablo Hernández de Cos of the Bank of Spain for a series of important meetings and discussions. Moody's analyst points out sustained improvement in Cyprus' credit profile Sustained improvements in the Cypriot economy, as well as better performance compared to countries with similar categorisation to Cyprus, were highlighted by Haiko Peters, Vice President and Senior Analyst at Moody's Sovereign Risk Group, during a webinar panel discussion hosted by th e Cyprus Economic Society. He also said that further growth of the Cypriot economy was expected for the years 2024-25. During his presentation, he noted that the Cypriot economy was upgraded by two notches last September by Moody's to the Baa2 category. Thursday 08 February 2024 Egyptian FM and President Christodoulides discuss coordination President Nikos Christodoulides and Egypt's Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry have discussed close coordination on facing common issues, the Egyptian FM's spokesperson said on Thursday. Shoukry, who is paying Cyprus an official visit following an invitation by his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos, was received on Thursday morning by President Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace. Cyprus-Egypt bilateral strategic relation positive for East Med security FMs say Cyprus and Egypt have a bilateral strategic relationship that contributes positively to the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, said the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Egypt, C onstantinos Kombos and Sameh Shoukry, following a meeting they had in Nicosia on Thursday. They also highlighted bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and reiterated the importance of providing more humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. US Ambassador highlights Cyprus' role as stability pillar in Eastern Mediterranean In an era defined by conflict and rapidly changing geopolitical landscapes we see just how crucial Cyprus' role is as a secure pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region, US Ambassador Julie Fisher said Thursday, addressing an event at the University of Cyprus. She said that in Cyprus, at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, we see up close, and have the opportunity to understand better than most, the ripple effects regional stability and instability can have on the global stage. Government sees foreign investors as 'valuable partners' President says The government considers foreign investors and companies opting to relocate in Cyprus as 'valuable partners' in its growth plan, President of the Republic told an event gathering of foreign investors and companies operating in Cyprus, pledging to create an economic environment to accomplish their goals. The aim of the event held at the Presidential Palace, carried out in collaboration with Invest Cyprus, in the presence of more than 100 foreign investors, was to brief them on the government's recent actions and initiatives to improve the business and investor environment in Cyprus. Ask Wire: Apartment rents up 11.1% y/o/y in Q4 2023 House and apartment rents went up 8% and 11.1%, respectively, over the year in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Ask Wire Index. At the same period, house and apartment values rose 3% and 8.8% respectively over the year. Vehicles' registrations up 35.6% annually in January 2024 Total registrations of motor vehicles numbered 4,243 from 3,128 in January 2023, recording an increase of 35.6%, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Thursday. According to the data, p assenger saloon cars increased to 3,430 from 2,493 in January 2023, recording a rise of 37.6%. Of the total passenger saloon cars, 1,527 or 44.5% were new and 1,903 or 55.5% were used cars. Eurostat: Municipal waste increase in Cyprus, country still behind on recycling The production of municipal waste in Cyprus increased by 3.5% to 673 kg per person in 2022 compared to 2021, above the EU average (513kg), while decreasing on the EU level during the same period, according to the latest data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the European Union. Cyprus was also the country with the fourth smallest amount of waste recycled per person (100 kg), significantly lower than the EU average (249 kg). Friday 09 February 2024 Steinmeier visit to Cyprus carries significant weight, Spokesperson says German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's first state visit to Cyprus "carries significant weight", Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday. Speaking during a regular press briefing, a t the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis underlined that the visit of the German President to the Presidential Palace marks the first state visit hosted by President Christodoulides since assuming office, and it is also the first visit by a German President since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Germany. German President to underscore close ties with Cyprus, his office says ahead of state visit With this first visit by a German President to Cyprus, Federal President Steinmeier will underscore the close ties between Germany and Cyprus, a report published on the German Presidency's website says. It notes that "twenty years after Cyprus joined the European Union and 50 years after the division of the island, this trip to the country in the eastern Mediterranean will also pay tribute to the close partnership with an EU member state contending with a unique political and geographical situation". Nicosia expects to be informed by the UN about Holguín's meeting with Fidan The Cyprus gov ernment is in contact with the UN to be informed about the meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and UNSG's Personal Envoy on Cyprus María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar on Thursday, in Ankara, Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday. Invited to say, during the press briefing, if the government has asked or intends to ask to be informed about the discussion held between Fidan and Holguín, the Spokesman said that 'we are in contact with the UN in order to be informed. King of Bahrain expresses will to further strengthen cooperation with Cyprus The King of Bahrain has expressed the will of the Kingdom of Bahrain to further strengthen its bilateral cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus. According to official press release, Cypriot Ambassador to Bahrain Andreas Eliades presented his credentials to the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in a ceremony held this week at the Al Sakhir Palace. President and Morphou Mayor discuss Cyprus issue and refugee policy The Cyprus iss ue and the refugee policy were discussed during a meeting between President Nikos Christodoulides, and Mayor of the Turkish-occupied town of Morphou, Victor Hadjiavraam, on Friday at the Presidential Palace, Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, said during a press briefing after the meeting. Letymbiotis said that during the meeting, the President informed the Mayor and the delegation of the Municipality of Morphou about the meetings he had with UN Secretary General's personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, but also about the next actions in our effort to resume negotiations on the Cyprus issue. There are new opportunities for the Cyprus issue, Gerapetritis tells Blinken Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, highlighted to his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, the new opportunities that have been created for the Cyprus issue following the assumption of duties by the UNSG's Personal Envoy on Cyprus María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar. The two Ministers held a meeting in the framework of the US-Greece Strategic Dialogue, which took place on Friday in Washington DC. FINMIN says priority is to strengthen innovative businesses The government has set as its priority to strengthen innovative businesses in Cyprus, Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, said on Friday after visiting SignalGeneriX, a company in Limassol that designs and develops electronic and defense systems. "The government has set as a priority the strengthening of innovative businesses in Cyprus, which are created by Cypriot scientists, employ Cypriot scientists and make use of new technologies", he said. Cyprus trade deficit rises to pound 8.6 billion 2023 Cyprus trade deficit in 2023 rose to pound 8.57 billion, up by 18% compared with pound 7.26 billion in the previous year, according to provisional data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CyStat). Total imports of goods in January-December 2023 amounted to pound 12,764 million compared to pound 11,470 million in January-December 2022, recording an inc rease of 11.3%. Building permits in January - November drop by an annual 6% The number of building permits issued in Cyprus in the eleven months of 2023 dropped by almost 6% year on year, with the area and value registering annual gains, driven by the increased prices in construction materials, as well as increased interest in apartment blocks. According to data released by CyStat, the number of building permits issued in the period of January - November 2023 declined to 6,583, down by 5.8% compared with 6,986 in the respective period of 2022. Support Measure for grain and fodder plants submitted to EC for approval Commissioner for State Aid Control Stella Michaelidou has submitted to the European Commission for approval a Support Measure for the sector of grain cultivation and fodder plants. The Support Measure aims to provide financial aid to professional farmers active in the production of cereals and fodder plants, so that in combination with the support based on Executive Regulation (EU) 2023/1465 to compensate a significant part of the losses they suffered in the 2022 - 2023 season. Significant rise in beer exports in the first eight months of 2023 There was a small increase in total beer deliveries in the period January - August 2023, with exports recording an increase of 18% in the same period. According to data published by the Statistical Service, total deliveries in the eight months of 2023 amounted to 29.48 million litres, showing an increase of 0.9% year-on-year, with total deliveries in August, the prime summer holiday month, amounting to 5.2 million liters, recording an annual increase of 1.5%. Sunday 11 February 2024 Holguin will be back to Cyprus in mid March, President says The UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, will be back to Cyprus for meetings in mid March, Cyprus President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Sunday. In a speech at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces, in Nicosia, for the celebration of Saint Maron, President Ch ristodoulides noted that Holguín makes a significant effort, and that she informed him that she will be in Cyprus after March 10. Incentives for Maronites' resettlement in occupied areas to be announced soon The government is working on and will soon announce incentive plans for new families and young couples to resettle in the occupied Maronite villages, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, stressing that he and the Government recognize the efforts and struggle of the Maronite community of Cyprus. President Christodoulides, in his greeting at the solemn celebration of Saint Maron, patron and founder of the Maronite Church at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Graces in Nicosia, said that it was a special honor for him to attend for the first time as President of the Republic the celebrations to honor Saint Maron and requested his presence to be interpreted as a sign of appreciation and honor towards the Maronite community. Monday 12 February 2024 Steinmeier welcomed by President Chri stodoulides, who speaks of "historic visit" Delegations from Germany and Cyprus hold discussions at the Presidential Palace in the context of the official visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the first of its kind since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. President Christodoulides described the visit as "historic", while the German President said that he has already visited Cyprus twice as Foreign Minister, adding that "we are living in times of significant challenges in the region." At 9 in the morning, the President of Germany was officially welcomed by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. Turkey's behaviour on Cyprus issue affects EU approach, German President says It must regularly be made clear to Turkey that its behaviour towards the solution of the Cyprus issue also affects other issues of Turkey such as its approach to the EU, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed Monday from Nicosia, where he is paying the first official visit of a German President to Cyprus. The German President, who encouraged all parties involved to show the necessary readiness for compromise on the Cyprus issue, was speaking through an interpreter at a joint press conference with President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace. Steinmeier at Nicosia Town Hall, tours old city with Mayor and President German President Frank Walter Steinmeier visited Nicosia Town Hall on Monday morning, as part of his two-day official visit to Cyprus. The German President, accompanied by the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, arrived at 11.30 am (local time) at Nicosia Town Hall, where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Nicosia Constantinos Yiorkadjis. German President briefed on UN's peacebuilding efforts in Cyprus German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is paying Cyprus a state visit, met on Monday with Colin Stewart, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. UN in Cyprus posted on X tha t Stewart met the German President for a briefing on the UN's peacebuilding efforts on the island. German President discusses bilateral cooperation, Cyprus issue with House President ?ilateral relations, the Cyprus issue and the importance of citizens' participation in the European elections were among the issues discussed by President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou and the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is paying Cyprus a state visit, when they met on Monday afternoon, in Nicosia. "The Republic of Cyprus and the Federal Republic of Germany share a long history of friendship and are close partners within the European Union. Speakers highlight role of women in decision-making during Nicosia event 'To ensure Cyprus' security and stability at home and in the Eastern Mediterranean region, we need Cyprus' best, both men and women, working on the most challenging questions - in your Ministry of Defense, your National Guard, your police,' US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, s aid on Monday. Addressing along with Commissioner for Gender Equality, Josie Christodoulou, and academics an event at the University of Nicosia, on the subject of 'Women in Diplomacy: Shaping Foreign Policy, Security and Defense' the US Ambassador spoke about the challenges women had to overcome over the last 50-60 years to be able to participate in the decision-making processes in these fields. Greece to exhaust every possibility for positive developments in Cyprus, says FM Greece will exhaust every possibility, so that we can have positive developments in the Cyprus issue, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said on Monday, following a meeting he had with the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New York. Speaking to the press, the Foreign Minister said - according to a press release by the Greek Foreign Ministry - that they discussed the Cyprus problem, referring to the appointment of a personal envoy by the SG who has the mandate to proceed with talks. There is reason to look to the future with some optimism, German President says In these days of coming spring there is reason to look to the future with some optimism German President Frank- Walter Steinmeier said Monday evening, welcoming at the same time, President Christodoulides' 'sincere commitment to move forward on the Cyprus issue'. Speaking at a state banquet hosted by President Christodoulides in his honor, at the Presidential Palace, the German President noted that the appointment of the new personal envoy of the UNSG 'is an important step to reinvigorate the UN-led talks and overcome the stalemate of the recent years'. 'Germany stands ready to support the UN in its process. Logo to mark Cyprus' 20 years in the EU unveiled in presence of Steinmeier A logo which marks the 20th anniversary since Cyprus joined the EU was unveiled on Monday evening in the presence of Germany's President during a state banquet at the Presidential Palace. The logo was designed by the Cyprus Press and Information Office and will be used in all events and activities of the Republic of Cyprus in the context of the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of accession of the European Union, an official press release said on Tuesday. Women working in science and engineering in Cyprus close to EU average Women accounted for 44% of total employment in science and engineering in Cyprus in 2022 (18.5 thousand women out of 42.2 thousand employed in the sector), which was close to the EU average of 41% (7.3 million women out of 17.8 million employed), according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU, on the occasion of the UN's International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February). According to this data, the number of women in this category of jobs in Cyprus increased by about 3,500 people in 2022 compared to 2021. Tuesday 13 February 2024 President discusses with Steinmeier ways Berlin may assist in talks' resumption President Nikos Christodoulides told the press on Tuesday that he had exchanged thoughts with his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on how his country could effectively assist, and not just through statements, towards the resumption of the peace talks in Cyprus. In statements ahead of an event in Nicosia, to mark the anniversary of the closing of WWII concentration camps, the President said that this is a particularly important presence and a historic visit of the President of Germany to Cyprus. Holguin will continue on her mandate enthusiastically, UNSG's Spokesperson says The UNSG's personal envoy for Cyprus Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar is an extremely seasoned and experienced diplomat, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Stéphane Dujarric has said, adding that he has no doubt that she will continue on her mandate enthusiastically. Dujarric was replying to questions yesterday during a regular briefing of the foreign press, a Press and Information Office (PIO) press release says. President at event for 75 years since closing Jewish Holocaust survivors camps An event to mark the 75th anniversary of the c losing of the detention camps for Jewish Holocaust survivors in Cyprus took place on Tuesday in Nicosia the presence of President Nikos Christodoulides, who said that "this place where we are gathered is an inseparable part of the histories of both Cyprus and Israel." Addressing the event, the President thanked the Ministry of Defence and the Embassy of Israel for organising the event, saying that he wanted "to attend this event personally, because today we honour the resilience of the human spirit, the upholding of human dignity as well as the compassion and the solidarity of fellow human beings." German President visits Kofinou reception centre, speaks with migrants German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is in Cyprus on an official visit, had the opportunity on Tuesday to speak with migrants during a visit at the Kofinou reception and accommodation centre for international protection applicants. Steinmeier was escorted by Cyprus' Interior Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, who thanked Germany for taki ng in migrants from Cyprus, through the EU relocation programme. According to the Interior Ministry, Germany has received the majority of migrants (1,029) of the 1,804, who relocated so far from Cyprus to other EU member states through the EU scheme. Varosha report an attempt to undermine efforts to return to Cyprus talks, sources tell CNA Competent sources that spoke to CNA on Tuesday described reports in a British daily as orchestrated ones, that attempt to undermine the efforts to return to the Cyprus talks. It is recalled that British Daily Express has alleged that there are "plans to turn seaside ghost town (Varosha) into 'Vegas of the Med'" with huge investments while the daily also claims that a hotel there belongs to the royal British family. Children of the enclaved deserve access to education, Education Minister told EP committee Children deserve direct and full access to education, said Minister of Education, Athina Michaelidou, speaking before the Committee on Culture and Education of the Euro pean Parliament (CULT) in Brussels. Michaelidou was presenting the situation in the Greek - speaking schools of occupied Rizokarpaso for the children of the enclaved, also referring to the obstacles created by the occupation regime. Eurostat: Decrease of employment in radio in Cyprus, increase of net turnover About 30,000 persons were employed by radio broadcasting enterprises across the European Union in 2022, with these enterprises recording a net turnover of 4 billion euro, according to data published by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU, on the occasion of UNESCO's World Radio Day (13 February). In Cyprus, the number of persons employed in radio broadcasting businesses decreased, while net turnover increased, with Cyprus remaining one of the countries with the most broadcasting enterprises relative to population. Economic decisions to be based on fiscal stability and reforms, says President Any decision concerning the country's economy will be taken on three-pillar basis, fiscal stability an d responsibility, a stable and healthy financial sector and continuous and bold reforms, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nicosia on Tuesday. In his introductory speech, the President of the Republic said that the Government fully recognises the leading role played by the business community in the development of the economy and in the implementation of the long-term strategy "Vision 2035", while he noted that healthy business activity will create new quality jobs, will lead to growth and, by extension, to social welfare, "since without a strong economy and without growth we cannot implement social policy, which is one of the most important aspects of the economy". Wednesday 14 February 2024 Palestinian Foreign Minister calls for a collective effort to end the war Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riyad al-Maliki called on everyone to act to end the war in Gaza, in joint statements on Wednes day, with his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos, referring also to a "collective responsibility" to that effect. In his own statements, Kombos referred, among other things, to the need to protect all civilians in accordance with international law, Cyprus' rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and the fact that the release of all hostages is crucial to ending this conflict. Greek Prime Minister meets with Mayor of Morphou Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met Wednesday, February 14, with the mayor of the occupied Municipality of Morphou, Victor Hatziavraam, at the Maximou Mansion. The meeting took place in the context of the visit of the Morphou Municipal Council's delegation to Athens where a ceremony for the declaration of the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou as an honorary citizen of Morphou is set to take place on 16 February. House President asks for British Parliament's help on addressing common challenges The British parliament can provide he lp on many issues in the framework of bilateral collaboration towards facing common challenges, said the President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, during her meeting with members of the British Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus on Wednesday. In her introductory remarks, the House President said that this is an excellent opportunity to follow up on her visit to the House of Commons last July and safeguard the connection and collaboration between the two countries, as well as an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral cooperation towards facing common challenges. Milatovic expresses support for strengthening Cyprus-Montenegro relations The Republic of Cyprus' new Ambassador to Montenegro, Andreas Fotiou, presented his credentials to the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, who expressed his and his government's support for the strengthening of relations between Cyprus and Montenegro. According to a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new Ambassad or of the Republic of Cyprus to Montenegro based in Belgrade, Andreas Fotiou, presented his credentials to the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, in a ceremony on Wednesday at the Blue Palace in Cetinje. Foreign Affairs Committee highlights Cyprus' role as an island of stability Members of the Parliamentary Foreign and European Affairs Committee stressed the role of Cyprus as an island of stability in the region during a meeting with a delegation of the British Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cyprus (APPG) on Wednesday. They also stressed the need for incentivizing constructive participation in Cyprus problem negotiations, without rewarding intransigence. Addressing APPG members, Committee Chair Harris Georgiades said that Cyprus has tried to play a constructive role in the recent Middle East crisis and has been an island of safety and stability in a turbulent region, working closely with EU partners and the international community to facilitate evacuation plans. Vice-President of Rus sia's Tourist Agents urges people to avoid Turkish occupied areas Vice-President of the Alliance of Tourist Agents of Russia, Aleksan Mkrtchyan, has warned Russian tourists to avoid trips to Turkish occupied Cyprus. Speaking on Govorit Moscow radio station, Mkrtchyan said that despite the fact that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that (Russians) do not need to go to the northern part of Cyprus, as he referred to the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus, because it is a place not officially recognised by Russia, yet there are thousands of Russians, not hundreds, but thousands of Russians, who for some reason go to the northern part of Cyprus." "And often this journey ends sadly. State budget development expenditure implementation at 72% in 2023 The realization of state budget development expenditure in 2023 reached 72% compared to 70% in 2022 and the average of 69% over the last decade, according to a Treasury report released on Wednesday. Real development expenditure in 2023 reached pound 1.03 billion compared to pound 782.11 million in 2022 ?a? pound 639.54 million in 2021. Cyprus GDP growth at 2.1% in Q4 2023, according to CyStat flash estimate GDP growth was recorded at 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 2.3% in the same quarter of 2022, a Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat) flash estimate released on Wednesday shows. Growth in the third quarter of 2023 was 2.6%, while in the second quarter it was 2.2% and in the first quarter 3%. Inflation hits main products sold on Valentines Day The prices of key products or services offered on Saint Valentines Day saw increases ranging between 0.7% and 9.7% in 2024 compared with 2023, data gathered by the Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat) for January this year show on Wednesday. "Inflation brings prices up almost in all products considered as key for the day," CyStat said. Eurostat: Greenhouse gas emissions in Cyprus see annual increase by 3.7% In the third quarter of 2023, greenhouse gas emissions through economic activity had increased by 3.7% in Cyprus and decreased by 7.1% across the EU, compared with the same quarter of 2022, according to the latest quarterly estimates published by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. The increase estimated for Cyprus was the second largest of the four member states where an increase was recorded. PETI keeps Akamas petitions open, Commission doesn't rule out taking case to CoJ The European Parliament's Petitions Committee (PETI) has decided that it will not close the petitions on allegations of breaches of EU environmental legislation in Akamas by the Cypriot authorities, and that it will continue monitoring the issue, following the discussion on the two petitions in Brussels on Wednesday. During the same meeting, a Commission's spokesperson said that the institution examines recent rulings by the EU Court of Justice related to similar cases against Germany and Ireland, before deciding on the next steps. Thursday 15 February 2024 President stresses efforts for full restoration of Cyprus' repu tation President Nikos Christodoulides pointed out the efforts towards restoring Cyprus' reputation during the Annual General Meeting of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA). In his address, President Christodoulides highlighted the government's determination and systematic endeavour to "fully restore and safeguard the reputation and credibility of Cyprus." "Cronos" and other discoveries speed up gas development, Spokesperson says The Ministry of Energy and the licensee consortium within Block 6 of Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are currently engaged in exploring methods for the optimal utilisation of the gas reservoirs discovered in the area, as confirmed Thursday by Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. He further highlighted that progress within Block 6 will speed up due to these discoveries. Commission forecasts GDP growth and inflation slowdown for Cyprus The European Commission's Winter Interim Forecast has predicted GDP growth in Cyprus to increase by 2.8% in 2024 and by 3% in 2025, as well as a slowdown for inflation to 3.9% in 2023 (from 8.1% in 2022), mainly due to lower energy prices, as well as inflation moderating to 2.4% in 2024 and to 2.1% in 2025. According to the predictions, included in this year's Winter Interim Forecast published on Thursday, domestic demand is expected to continue being the main driver for real GDP growth in the next two year, as as automatic wage indexation for around half of the employees holds up their purchasing power. Support measures expected in the coming week, Finance Minister says New support measures will be submitted at next week's meeting of the Council of Ministers, Cyprus' Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, said on Thursday, not ruling out the possibility of continuing with the staggered electricity subsidy, which was announced last October and expires at the end of this month. Keravnos, who was replying to journalists' questions on the sidelines of an event for the presentation of the new fiscal rules of the European Union, said that the Government of Nikos Christodoulides, supports vulnerable groups and middle-class households, and society in general, 'which is experiencing the current crises and various problems'. London calls sides for 'flexibility' for resumption of Cyprus talks The UK has called for all sides involved in the long-standing Cyprus issue to demonstrate 'flexibility' in order for the stalled talks to resume. The call comes after the British High Commissioner in Nicosia Irfan Siddiq said that the Turkish Cypriots want incentives to return to the negotiating table, prompting the Cypriot Foreign Ministry to summon him for explanations. Maritime aid corridor to Gaza proposal "at international community's disposal" The Cyprus government's proposal to establish a maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza is at the disposal of the international community, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told reporters on Thursday. Asked during the regular briefing of journalists, if there are any updates on the implementa tion of the sea corridor for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Letymbiotis said that "the Republic of Cyprus has drawn up a very specific plan in very distinct phases, stages, which has already been put to the test and can be implemented." My struggle for the missing in Cyprus will continue, even if I am not re-elected MEP Santos says In an extremely emotional speech at the European Parliament in Brussels Thursday, MEP Isabel Santos send the message that even if she is not re-elected in the upcoming elections in June, she will carry on the struggle for the missing persons in Cyprus. Santos is the special rapporteur for the missing in Cyprus and visited the island a couple of times where she held contacts and saw first hand the work of the scientists at the anthropological lab where remains of the missing are identified and returned to the families for a proper burial. Cyprus remains country with lowest median age in the EU according to Eurostat The median age of the population in Cyprus increased by 2.2 years in 2023 compared to 2013, from 36.2 years to 38.4 years, while the median age on the EU level increased by 2.3 years during the same period (from 42.2 to 44.5), according to data on population structure and ageing published by Eurostat today. Cyprus remains the country with the lowest median age among the 27 member states. A median age of 38.4 years means that half of the country's population was older than 38.4 years, while the other half was younger. Experts and officials note improvement in EU fiscal rules The common position that the new EU fiscal rules are in the right direction and allow 'national ownership' of the fiscal trajectory of each member state, was expressed in an event organised on Thursday by the President of the House Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs and the Fiscal Council. The event at the EU House in Nicosia, attended, among others, Parliament President, Annita Demetriou, and Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos. Focus is on completion of Vasilikos terminal, Ene rgy Minister says The government is set on the completion of the LNG import terminal project, either by continuing to work with the contracting company, or by terminating the contract and continuing in another way, Cyprus' Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, said on Thursday. He noted that the aim was the completion of the terminal so that natural gas could be used in power generation, which would reduce pollutants by 25 to 30%, meaning lower costs for consumers. President briefs communities on actions to deal with works in or near buffer zone Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, briefed representatives of local authorities whose land is adjacent to or part of is within the buffer zone about the diplomatic actions taken by the Republic of Cyprus, but also the measures taken by the Government to deal with the fortification projects in and near the buffer zone, Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Thursday. The President's meeting with a delegation of the Committee of local authorities whose land is adjacent to the ceasefire line or are semi-occupied, took place at the Presidential Palace, in the presence of the Minister of the Interior Konstantinos Ioannou. DepMin Damianou attends EU informal council on competitiveness Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodemos Damianou, participated in the Informal Council of EU Ministers on Research issues, organized February 14-15, by the EU Belgian Presidency. The Ministers exchanged views on the design of the next Framework Program for Research and Innovation (R and I), emphasizing on its transformative nature and the fact that it must meet the social needs and challenges of the European Research Area and the member states. Friday 16 February 2024 UNSG personal envoy on Cyprus returns in March, says trust crucial to build future UN Secretary General's personal envoy on Cyprus, Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar has said diverse perspectives in Cyprus have enriched her understanding of the si tuation's complexity regarding the Cyprus problem. At the same time, she said she will return to the island in March after visiting London, noting the level of frustration felt by many, accumulated after several attempts at negotiation is perfectly understandable, therefore it is crucial to build trust as a basic condition to build a future. Cyprus President "appalled and deeply saddened" by Navalny's death President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides expressed shock and sadness at the death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader. In a post on 'X', the President called Navalny a fierce defender of freedom and democracy. Cyprus MFA express sorrow for Navalny's death, calls for investigation The Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed deep sadness for the death of Alexei Navalny, a steadfast defender of human rights, freedom, and democracy. In a post on 'X' late on Friday the MFA stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Freight t ransport in Cyprus up in Q3 2023 Freight transport for the third quarter of 2023 increased according to data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus on Friday. During the period July-September 2023, the total weight of goods transported by road in Cyprus increased by 0.5% compared to the corresponding period of 2022, while the weight of freight transported from and to Cyprus also increased by 18.9%. Cypriot appointed as expert for Frontex's Returns Centre Dimitris Hadjipavlou, a Cypriot police expert, has been appointed as a Frontex special expert on returns, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement. Hadjipavlou will begin working in Frontex's European Centre for Returns (ECR) next month. Letymbiotis said that Frontex's decision to select a Cypriot expert among a large number of candidates by other member-states 'manifests the high professional level in Cyprus concerning migration, especially after the implementation of the policy of Christodoulides' government.' Sat urday 17 February 2024 Finance Minister says measures to tackle high electricity prices top priority Measures to address high electricity prices are a priority for the government, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, said on Saturday, noting that efforts are underway during this weekend in order to announce these measures promptly. Speaking on the sidelines of a park opening in Lakatamia Municipality, the Minister stressed the government's determination to support vulnerable groups and the middle class. Energy Minister to propose crucial budget for Renewable Energy Fund Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry George Papanastasiou announced plans to present a significant budget proposal for the Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Conservation Fund at next week's Cabinet meeting. This fund, he explained, "finances all our green infrastructure related to green energy production." Sunday 18 February 2024 Current situation cannot be the future of Cyprus, President says Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides pointed out that the current state of affairs in Cyprus cannot be the future of the country. He added that through concerted efforts, mobilisation, contacts, and pressure, the government has managed to reopen the prospects for the resumption of negotiations. Cypriot President points out continuous contact with Holguin to foster talks Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stressed on Sunday the continuous efforts of the government for the resumption of talks aimed at settling the Cyprus issue. At the same time, he welcomed the announcement made by the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, Maria Angela Holguin, regarding the need for building trust and pointed out that despite the fact that Holguin is not in the island right now they are in constant communication. Monday 19 February 2024 Cyprus supports new package of sanctions against Russia, says FM Cyprus supports the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said during the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday. Kombos pointed out that the issue of sanctions circumvention remains the main factor undermining the joint efforts. EU-UNDP pledge to continue their vital role in peace building process in Cyprus The EU-UNDP partnership in Cyprus pledge to continue playing their vital role in the peace building process on the island. A press release said that the longstanding partnership between the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme in Cyprus marks a significant milestone as it celebrates 20 years of collaboration globally and over two decades in Cyprus. Bank of Cyprus posts almost pound 0.5 billion net profit for 2023 Bank of Cyprus, the island's largest lender, announced net profits of pound 487 million for full year 2023, edging closer to pre-financial crisis levels, driven by the high interest rates environment. «The Bank's results were excellent, our net profit after tax was close to pound 500 million,' its Managing Director Panicos Nicolaou said during a press conference on Monday, noting that the return on tangible equity index (ROTE) amounted to almost 25%, 'one of the highest in Europe.' Great interest in electric vehicles subsidies in first 48 hours There has been great interest in the subsidy schemes for the purchase of electric vehicles, following the launch of the application process on Saturday, according to data from the Road Transport Department. Until Monday morning, 984 applications for the purchase of a new electric vehicle had been submitted, 252 applications for the withdrawal and replacement with a new low-CO2 emissions hybrid vehicle, 44 applications for the purchase of an electric bicycle, and 230 applications for the purchase of new electric machine. Tuesday 20 February 2024 Contacts for EU involvement in Cyprus problem will continue, says Letymbiotis Diplomatic contacts for a more active EU involvement in the Cyprus problem will continue, Government Spokesperson ?onstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday, as part of his regular briefing to the media. Specifically, in response to a journalist's question about the EU's attempt to get involved in the Cyprus problem, Letymbiotis said the President of the Republic has also referred to this issue. Next EUCO should agree on a text for the Middle East European Affairs Deputy Minister says The next European Council summit needs to agree on a text of conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, said during the General Affairs Council (GAC) of the EU, held in Brussels on Tuesday. EU's European Affairs ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East in the context of the preparations of the agenda of the next European Council (21 - 22 March). The ministers also discussed rule of law in Poland, following the presentation of proposals by the new government to reverse the previous government's violations of the rule of law. New Ambassador to Austria expresses gratitude for Vienna's support in Cyprus issue, UNFICYP The new Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the R epublic of Austria, Andreas Ignatiou, expressed gratitude for Vienna's support in efforts for a Cyprus settlement, while presenting his credentials to the Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen, during an official ceremony, which took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, on February 20. According to a Foreign Ministry announcement circulated Sunday to the press by PIO, Ambassador Ignatiou conveyed to President Van der Bellen the warm greetings of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides and extended an invitation to visit Cyprus. During a tete-a-tete meeting the Ambassador expressed his commitment to work to further strengthen the already friendly bilateral relations. EC approves interest subsidy scheme for housing loans The European Commission's DG Competition has approved an interest subsidy scheme for housing loans concluded between January 1, 2022 until December 31, 2023 and concern the purchase or construction of a primary residence for families with an annual income of 50,000 eur o, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Tuesday. Speaking during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis said that the DG Competition has decided that the scheme does not contain any element of state aid, either to the credit institutions that will participate or to the natural persons who are the final beneficiaries and therefore it can be applied. Turnover Value Index of Transport and Storage up 6% annually in Q4 2023 The Turnover Value Index of Transport and Storage for the fourth quarter of 2023 reached 143.1 units (base year 2015=100), recording an increase of 6% compared to the corresponding quarter of 2022, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Tuesday. Compared to the same quarter of the previous year, all economic activities recorded increases. EU MED-9 Ministers commit to joint action in the agricultural sector The Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the nine Southern EU countries forming the EU MED-9 group expressed their commitment to joint action, enhanced cooperation, and to promoting a sustainable agricultural and fisheries model in the region, in a joint statement, on Tuesday. Furthermore, they announced that the new EU MED-9 meeting will take place on 26 February in Brussels, at the initiative of Greece. More specifically, the signatories of the joint statement are the Ministers of Agriculture of Greece Lefteris Avgenakis, Cyprus Maria Panayiotou, Italy Francesco Lollobrigida, Croatia Marija Vuckovic, Malta Anton Refalo, Portugal Maria do Céu Antunes, Slovenia Eva Knez, Spain Fernando Miranda Sotillos and France Philippe Duclaud. CEOs in Cyprus optimistic about economic growth, survey shows CEOs in Cyprus appear to be more optimistic about economic growth, despite the significant prevailing headwinds and disruption, according to PwC's 13th annual survey for CEOs in Cyprus, presented at a dedicated event on Tuesday entitled 'Thriving in the age of continuous change: Accelerating the reinvention of our businesses'. According to a P wC press release, a key observation from the survey, compared to last year, is the fact that CEOs in Cyprus (alongside 4,702 global CEOs from the 105 countries who participated in PwC's Annual Global Survey) appear to be more optimistic about economic growth despite the significant prevailing headwinds and disruption. Cyprus to get reasoned opinion by Commission over minimum tax on multinationals Cyprus is getting closer to receiving a reasoned opinion by the European Commission over the failure to transpose into national law of the EU Directive 2022/2523 on the imposition of a global minimum effective tax rate of 15% on Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) or large-scale domestic groups with revenues of more than pound 750 million per annum. A European Commission official said that an infringement procedure has been set in motion for Cyprus along with other nine member-states, which should by January 1 2024 have transposed the said directive into national law. Wednesday 21 February 2024 EU General Court reje cts annulment action against 'halloumi' PDO The General Court of the European Union decided on Wednesday to dismiss, in its entirety, an action for annulment by Papouis Dairies and other companies, of the registration of halloumi as a protected designation of origin. The registration of "Halloumi"/"Hellim" as a protected designation of origin (PDO) was announced by the European Commission in April 2021. President announces new support measures worth of over pound 60 million President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides announced on Wednesday a new support package exceeding pound 60 million, stating the government's primary focus is enhancing the safety net for vulnerable groups and support to the middle class. The new package, includes the extension of the state support to cover the increased cost of electricity bills for an additional two months, extending the reduction of excise tax on motor fuel until the end of March, one-off support grants to vulnerable household that receive allowances from the Dep uty Ministry for Social Welfare, new measures for refugees, as well as the abolition of the pound 350 annual company fee. Kombos discusses regional developments with AIPAC delegation Cyprus' Foreign Minister, Constantinos Kombos, and permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Kyriakos Kouros, on Wednesday had a meeting in Nicosia with a delegation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during which key regional developments and the strong prospects of the Cyprus-US bilateral partnership were discussed. According to a post on the Ministry's 'X' account, Kombos and Kouros had today 'a wide-ranging discussion' with the AIPAC delegation, 'on key regional developments and the strong prospects of the Cyprus-US bilateral partnership'. Central Government's debt down to pound 22.4 billion in 2023 The debt of the Central Government of Cyprus amounted to pound 22.4 billion at the end of 2023, representing approximately 99% of the total debt of the Republic of Cyprus. This figure reflects a decreas e of pound 689 million or 3% compared to the corresponding period last year. Cyprus waste generation at 673 kg per capita in 2022 The total amount of municipal solid waste generated in Cyprus in 2022 stood at 615 thousand tonnes compared to 585 thousand tonnes in 2021, recording an increase of 5%, according to Statistical Service estimations. Waste generation per capita reached 673 kg, ranking Cyprus the 5th highest in EU. From the total amount of 469 thousand tonnes treated in 2022, 77.5% was disposed in landfills, 17.2% was used for recycling, 3.1% was used for energy recovery purposes and 2.2% was composted. CCCI President - UNSG's Representative discuss importance of trade between two communities The President of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus have discussed the importance of the development of trade between the two communities in Cyprus. According to a CCCI post on the platform 'X', President of the Cyprus Chambe r of Commerce and Industry Stavros Stavrou has held a meeting with UNSG's Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, with whom he discussed the importance of the development of trade between the two communities in Cyprus. Thursday 22 February 2024 Elections Service intensely working to prepare 9th June elections The Elections Service of the Ministry of Interior is feverishly working to have everything ready for the European elections and the local administration elections by June 9, 2024, the day of the elections, Menelaos Vasiliou, the head of the service told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), noting that it is the first time that eight different elections will be held simultaneously. Elections will be held for the European Parliament members, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Municipal Councils, Community Leaders, members of Community Councils, Presidents of District administration organizations, and members of School Boards. Minister of Labour optimistic on grow th rate and unemployment reduction targets The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yannis Panayiotou, notes a common approach for the development of the economy between the Government and the business community, while expressing his optimism that through rational and balanced policies the targets set for growth rate and the reduction of unemployment will be achieved. On Thursday afternoon, the Minister of Labour attended a three-hour meeting at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), as part of a tour planned with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to exchange views on issues of concern to the members of the Chambers of Commerce of all provinces. Harmonised inflation accelerates slightly to 2.1% in January Harnomised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) accelerated slightly to 2.1% year on year in January 2024, compared with December's annual reading of 1.9%, the Cyprus Statistical Service said on Thursday. The HICP in January amounted to 112.67 units from 114.09 the month before re cording a monthly drop of 1.2%. CCCI and Ambassadors in Cyprus discuss technology and innovation issues Ways in which technology and innovation can help both businesses and governments develop, improve, and contribute to the broader effort to transition to a digital and green economy, were the main topics of discussion at a working breakfast with ambassadors organized by CCCI. According to a press release by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the working breakfast was attended by Ambassadors accredited to Cyprus and the Presidents of CCCI's Interstate Business Associations. Treasury issues data on highest paid government officials in 2024 The Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, the President and the judges of the Supreme Court and the President and judges of the Supreme Constitutional Court are the highest paid government officials in Cyprus, with their annual earnings reaching pound 114,491. According to data issued by the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus the total net ea rnings of the above officials exceed the total annual emoluments of the head of the state, the President of the Republic, which amount to pound 114,039. Friday 23 February 2024 President Christodoulides to meet Holguín on March 11 Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday he would hold a meeting in Nicosia on March 11, with the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy on Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, who will visit again Cyprus for meetings next month. He also said that, when the 'Cyprus problem team' needs to be convened, he will do so. Hellenic Bank posts highest-ever profit, dividend distribution on hold due to takeover Hellenic Bank, Cyprus' second largest lender announced profit after tax amounting to pound 365.4 million in its highest-ever profitability mainly driven by high interest rates and its ample liquidity held with Central Banks, the bank said. The bank's net profit surpassed its 2018 profits, which emerged after the negative goodwill generated by the acquisition of the for mer Cyprus Cooperative Bank. Noticeable slowdown in CCLEI growth rate in January The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI), an essential metric constructed and tracked by the Economics Research Centre (CypERC) of the University of Cyprus, has shown a noticeable deceleration in its year-over-year growth rate for January 2024. According to recent data released by CypERC, the CCLEI recorded a modest year-over-year increase of 0.9% in January 2024, marking a notable decline from the preceding months' growth rates of 1.7% in December 2023 and 2.1% in November 2023, as per revised figures. Saturday 24 February 2024 Nicosia to assist Holguin's mandate "in every possible way" FM says Nicosia will assist the UN Secretary-General's personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, in her mandate "in every possible way" Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos pledged on Saturday. The Minister delivered a eulogy in Pera Chorio Nisou, in Nicosia, at the funeral of soldier Minas Antoniou Papavasiliou, wh o died during the 1974 Turkish invasion but his remains were discovered only after information provided in the summer of 2022, that brought new evidence to light as to his whereabouts. Cyprus stands in solidarity with Ukraine, says MFA Cyprus stands in solidarity with the government and people of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, in a message to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of its neighbour. Posting on Platform X the MFA says that ''we stand for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. FinMin calls for expedited work to deepen Capital Markets Union Cyprus Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, called for expedited work to deepen the EU Capital Markets Union, that would provide EU businesses more financing options. According to a press release issued by the Finance Ministry, Keravnos attended the informal meeting of the Eurozone Finance Ministers (Eurogroup) and the EU Finance Ministers' meeting (Ecofin) held in Ghent, Belgium on February 23 - 24. Sunday 25 February 2024 President mulls ideas, incentives for "positive prospects" in the Cyprus issue We are exploring ideas and incentives, taking into account the framework of EU-Turkish relations with a view to creating positive prospects in the Cyprus issue, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday ahead of a new round of contacts by UN envoy on Cyprus, who is expected on the island mid-March, with the President rejecting at the same time ideas leading to 'sovereign equality.' "There are many views and ideas under consideration by Cyprus, taking into account the dimension of EU - Turkish relations,' President Christodoulides said speaking to the press in Akaki, Nicosia District. Cyprus to establish National Unit for sanctions implementation, President says The Council of Ministers will shortly approve the new National Sanctions Implementation Unit, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, stressing that there can be no discussion when it comes to sanctions violatio n and the country's image abroad. His comments came as additional entities and natural persons associated with Cyprus were included in new sanctions announced by the US, Britain and Canada. Artemis Credit Bureau to launch corporate ESG certification platform in March Artemis Credit Bureau, a subsidiary of the Association of Cyprus Banks, announced it will launch an interbank project for the corporate certification on ESG (Environmental - Social - Governance) criteria. Yiannis Tomasides, Artemis' General Manager, said in an interview with CNA that the Credit Bureau, which provides banks and credit acquiring companies with information on their borrowers' credit score, is responding to the needs of both banks and companies and in collaboration with the Association of Cyprus Banks and the international Credit Bureau, CRIF S.p.A, has proceeded with the implementation of a solution concerning certification with ESG criteria. He added that corporate ESG certification will be implemented within this year for bank's corporate clients thereby setting the groundwork for an ESG ecosystem in Cyprus. Monday 26 February 2024 Italian President arrives in Cyprus for first state visit President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, arrived in Cyprus on Monday for a state visit on February 26-27. Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis had said that "President Mattarella's visit is very important as it is the first visit by an Italian President since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and Cyprus and is part of the 20th anniversary of Cyprus's accession to the European Union, as well as the sad anniversary of 50 years since the illegal invasion and continued occupation (of Cyprus by Turkey)". Mattarella says Cyprus solution fundamental for stability in the Mediterranean The solution to the Cyprus problem is of fundamental importance for the stability in the Mediterranean, Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Monday, during press statements at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, following a tete-a-tete meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. This is the first visit by an Italian President since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and Cyprus. Mattarella's visit could initiate a more solid boost of ties, President says The first historic visit of an Italian President to Cyprus could initiate an even more substantial strengthening of bilateral relations, in a way that their level reflects the genuine feelings of familiarity between our peoples, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday evening, during an official dinner held at the Presidential Palace, in honor of President Sergio Mattarella who is paying Cyprus a two-day state visit. In his address at the dinner, the President said that the first visit of an Italian President to Cyprus since the establishment of the Republic, is an event of substantial symbolic and essential importance, not only because it restores a "historical paradox", given the close relations between the two countries, but also because it mark s a "new era of even stronger relations." House President underlines Cyprus' role as security pillar in the region Cyprus is strongly committed to play its full role as a pillar of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East and as a bridge for dialogue and cooperation between Europe and the region, House President Annita Demetriou said Monday. Speaking during a Conference on 'The Israel - Hamas War' organised by the Glafkos Clerides Institute and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the House President said that Cyprus' initiative for a one-way maritime corridor to transfer humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza is a clear example of this and has been welcomed by the UN and the EU alike. Cypriot Energy Minister participates in WTO Conference in Abu Dhabi Cyprus' Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, is in Abu Dhabi for the World Trade Organisation's Ministerial Conference (MC13) taking place from 26 to 29 February. Ministers from across the worl d attended to review the functioning of the multilateral trading system and to take action on the future work of the WTO. Cyprus and Greek Agriculture Ministers agreed on cracking down on counterfeit Cypriot potatoes Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou has requested the assistance of the Greek authorities to address the issue of potatoes from different countries being sold as Cypriot potatoes in Greece, in a bilateral meeting with her Greek counterpart Lefteris Avgenakis on the sidelines of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the EU in Brussels, according to a statement released by the Press and Information Office. Panayiotou briefed Avgenakis of the very serious consequences of this practice, and stressed that it has a negative impact on the country's economy. For green transition to be effective, it needs to offset side effects, said Agriculture Minister The green transition is necessary, but in order for it to be fair and efficient, the reduction of farmers' incomes must be compensated with appr opriate funding, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said in her intervention at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on Monday. She also presented a series of proposals from the Republic of Cyprus which will be examined together with the proposals of all Member States. "I am here to express the demands of the farmers of my country", said Panayiotou, stressing that the farmers of Cyprus "are involved in a vital sector" and that therefore "we have to provide them with the necessary tools for food production, the protection of the environment and rural areas, as well as to ensure their income". "The green transition is necessary, but to make it fair and efficient, we must help our farmers adapt smoothly by compensating for the reduction in their incomes with appropriate funding," she said. Tuesday 27 February 2024 FM Kombos discusses Cyprus, Gaza and migration during HR Council Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Constantinos Kombos referred to the violation of human rights in Cyprus by Turke y, the situation in Gaza and the migration issue, among others, in his interventions and contacts in Geneva on Monday, at the High-Level Meeting of the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council. In his speech, Kombos referred to the importance of defending human rights, especially in times of crisis, aggression and armed conflict, such as in Ukraine, the Middle East and Nagorno-Karabakh. Ministry of Education banned from supporting schools in Turkish occupied areas The Ministry of Education has been banned from providing any support to schools in Turkish occupied Rizokarpasso since last May. Invited by reporters in Parliament to comment on the checks on books at schools which the Turkish occupation authorities performed on Monday, the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athena Michaelidou pointed out that these actions and activities of the occupation regime "simply confirm what we were saying, what we discussed at the level of the European Parliament. " Government to take steps following Rizokarpaso a ctions by occupying regime The Cyprus government will take all the necessary actions the soonest in relation to an incident in Rizokarpaso initiated by the occupying regime, Government Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis told the press on Tuesday. He was replying to a question about an incident that took place earlier this week when the Turkish-occupying administration carried out a search in Greek Cypriot schools in the Karpas peninsula and interrogated teachers. Demetriou and Mattarella discuss efforts to resume Cyprus settlement talks Efforts to return to the negotiating table with the aim of reaching a solution on the basis of the UN resolutions, on the occasion of the appointment of the UN Secretary General's personal envoy and the EU's contribution to the Cyprus problem, were the main topics of discussion during the meeting between the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, and the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on Tuesday, in the framework of his two-da y visit to Cyprus. According to a post by the House President on platform X, the discussion during the first, as she said, visit by an Italian President since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Italy included the strengthening of the excellent bilateral relations and the close friendship bonds between the peoples of Cyprus and Italy. Cyprus EU Presidency to focus on gender equality, Minister says Minister of Justice and Public Order Marios Hartsiotis has stressed that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, will focus on priority areas that will have added value to the significant achievements made so far in the field of gender equality. According to an official press release, Hartsiotis attended the Informal Meeting of EU Gender Equality Ministers, that took place in Brussels 26-27 February. In his intervention, the Minister of Justice welcomed the important work at the European level in the last five years and referred to the strong political wil l and commitment to these issues as one of the most important factors that led to this progress. EU official discusses Cyprus issue with Head of UNFICYP Director General of the European Commission's DG Reform Mario Nava held a meeting with Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Colin Stewart with whom he discussed the Cyprus issue. Nava wrote on his account on the platform 'X' that during the meeting "we focused on how to support Ms Maria Angela Holguin, the UNSG Personal Envoy, on advancing the Cyprus settlement process". Economic sentiment shows decrease in February according to CypERC In February 2024, economic sentiment in Cyprus deteriorated, as the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI-CypERC) decreased by 2.1 points compared with January. According to the University of Cyprus Economics Research Center, the decrease in the ESI-CypERC was driven by lower confidence among consumers and weaker business confidence in all sectors except construction. Oli ve oil price in Cyprus rises rapidly according to Eurostat The price of olive oil increased by 49% in Cyprus and by 50% in the European Union in January 2024, compared to January 2023, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. However, while olive oil prices started increasing across the EU in August, the rise in price in Cyprus was more sudden and was recorded this January, being the highest price hike for this particular product recorded to date. Discussions on solar power plant in buffer zone begin based on Commission study The results of a pre-feasibility study concerning the possible establishment of a bi-communal solar power plant in Cyprus, were discussed by the Director-General for Structural Reform Support at the European Commission, Mario Nava, and representatives of the two communities, which are now expected to begin working towards an agreement for the project to move forward. The pre-feasibility study envisages a solar power plant of 36MW capacity located in t he buffer zone, using photovoltaics and batteries with a storage capacity of three hours. Total deposits reach pound 51,9 billion, loans pound 24,7 billion in January The outstanding amount of total deposits reached pound 51,9 billion in January 2024, while the outstanding amount of total loans was pound 24,7 billion, according to the Central Bank of Cyprus which released on Tuesday the Monetary Financial Institutions (MFIs) deposits and loans statistics for the reference month of January 2024, which are included in the February 2024 edition of the Monetary and Financial Statistics. As it is noted, the total deposits in January 2024 recorded a net decrease of pound 366,0 million, compared with a net increase of pound 346,0 million in December 2023 and the annual growth rate of total deposits stood at 0,8%, compared with 0,4% in December 2023. Eurostat: Energy from renewables in heating - cooling drops slightly in Cyprus In 2022, the share of energy from renewables in heating and cooling continued to rise, with the EU average standing at 24.8%, up 1.8 percentage point (pp) from 2021 (23.0%), according to data released by Eurostat. The same data shows a 1 pp decrease in Cyprus over the same period. However, the share of energy from renewables in this particular sector remained high at 41.5%, above the EU average. Wednesday 28 February 2024 President discusses Cyprus issue, Middle East, Ukraine with King of the Netherlands President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides held a meeting on Wednesday with the King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, during which they discussed the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as issues concerning the exchange of experience between Cyprus and the Netherlands in water management. According to a press release by the Presidency, President Christodoulides held a meeting with the King in the framework of his one-day working visit to the Netherlands. Dutch PM stresses Cyprus' important role in t he region in a meeting with President Christodoulides President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, confirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations between the two countries, in a Meeting on Wednesday. The two officials met on Wednesday at the official Prime Minister's residence in The Hague, in the framework of President Christodoulides' working visit to the Netherlands with Prime Minister Rutte pointing out the important role that the Republic of Cyprus plays in the region, expressing at the same time gratitude to President Christodoulides for helping to evacuate Dutch nationals from the region. Slovenia expresses support for an end to the division of Cyprus The President of the National Assembly of Slovenia Urška Klakocar Zupancic has expressed support to the efforts, internationally and in the EU, to finally, after 50 years of division, reunite the Republic of Cyprus and solve the Cyprus issue through a viable comprehensive settlement. She made the remark during th e opening on Wednesday evening of an exhibition of Slovenian Artwork entitled "The touch of a Slovenian Painter" at the Limassol Municipal University Library on the occasion of the Slovenian Speaker's official visit to Cyprus at the invitation of the Cypriot House President Annita Demetriou, who expressed the wish for the collaboration between the two countries to expand across various fields, at all levels, bilateral, European and multilateral. Zakharova criticises Britain, says Moscow is ready to contribute to Cyprus talks Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova referred on Wednesday to the 65th anniversary of the Zurich-London Agreements and criticised Britain, while expressing Moscow's readiness to contribute to the process of inter-communal talks and the settlement of the Cyprus issue on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The Russian Federation, she said, being a responsible part of the international community and a permanent member of the UN Security Council , is firmly guided by the principles according to which the compromise for the settlement of the Cyprus issue must be reached, as provided for in the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, through voluntary talks of the Cypriot communities with mandatory, careful consideration of their valid concerns and interests, and of course without outside pressure, without using this "endless weaving of time frames and of some external recipes" she said. All should support the creation of a single supervisory authority, FinMin says All should seek and wish for the creation a single supervisory authority for the fiduciary services sector as this would assist the efforts to 'clear the name of the country,' Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said on Wednesday. Keravnos' comments came following reactions by professional supervisory bodies after the Cabinet's announcement on the creation of a single authority concerning the supervision of the fiduciary services sector. FINMIN and Research Dep. Minister agree on coo peration to promote digital transition Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos and Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, discussed today ways of productive cooperation between the two institutions in order to promote the digital transition, a Government's main policy. In statements after the meeting, the Minister of Finance said that the digital transition is a "basic political direction" of the Government, which is "included in the Recovery and Resilience Plan". UN parameters 'sufficiently flexible' for Cyprus solution, British Minister says UK Minister for Europe Leo Docherty has reaffirmed the British support for a settlement to the long-standing Cyprus issue based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation as described within the UN parameters, commenting that they are 'sufficiently flexible' to facilitate an agreement which addresses the priorities of both sides. He was responding to a written parliamentary question by Labour Shadow Europe Minister Stephen Doughty about th e Foreign Office's recent assessment of the adequacy of progress towards "a lasting resolution of the Cyprus issue, the agreement of a bizonal, bicameral federation with political equality and adherence to UN Security Council resolutions.' Metsola says she plans to visit Cyprus to encourage EU election participation European Parliament (EP) President Roberta Metsola, on Wednesday said she would visit Cyprus to encourage Cypriot citizens to vote in the upcoming European elections. In statements to Cypriot journalists, who are in Strasbourg this week to cover the EP's plenary session, and, asked, to send a message to Cyprus, Metsola said that Cyprus 'has always been very close to my heart'. G/c and T/c parties hope measures announced by President will help break the deadlock The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties that participate in the meetings under the auspices of the Slovak Embassy have expressed their hope that the 14 measures proposed by the President of the Republic of Cyprus will co ntribute towards the breakdown of the deadlock as regards the Cyprus issue. It is recalled that at the end of January 2024 the Government of Cyprus announced a set of 14 measures that concern a wide range of actions that impact the daily life of the Turkish Cypriot compatriots. Industrial production in Cyprus up by 2.4% in 2023 Industrial production in Cyprus increased by 2.4% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to data released on Wednesday by the Cyprus Statistical Service. The Industrial Production Index reached 136.1 units (base year 2015=100) in December 2023, marking a 2.3% increase compared to the same month in 2022. Implementation of development expenditures at 1% in January The implementation rate of development expenditures from the state budget stood at 1% (pound 17.86 million) during the first month of 2024, according to a press release by the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus, remaining at the average level of the last decade. Meanwhile, implementation concerning revenues remained at the sam e level as January last year, at 8%, but showed a decrease compared to expenditures, which stood at 4%, down from 6% in January 2023. Thursday 29 February 2024 Slovenian Assembly President expresses support to Cyprus BBF solution Slovenia expresses solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and supports the negotiation process to resolve the Cyprus problem to finally end the unacceptable decades of division of the island, aiming at a just, comprehensive solution that protects the basic rights of all citizens and supports progress in achieving a bizonal bicommunal federation in accordance with the UN framework, President of the National Assembly of Slovenia Urška Klakocar Zupancic said after a meeting with President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, in Nicosia. Slovenia and Cyprus and like-minded and friendly countries, natural allies who enjoy a close relationship and will continue to do so, the two women said, highlighting the added value of parliamentary diplomacy and the importance of women serving in leadership positions. Government welcomes Migration Deputy Ministry bill approval "Today is a milestone for our country" said the Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, on Thursday, welcoming the approval of the bill for the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Migration, which lays the foundations for a more effective management of the migration issue. The bill was approved earlier on Thursday by the Plenary of the House of Representatives, in the presence of the Interior Minister. "Bringing together the services under the roof of a single Deputy Ministry will have substantial and practical benefits in terms of planning, coordination and supervision of the competent state services. International community's rhetoric on rights protection not enough, FM says There can be no normalisation of human rights violations, Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Thursday. He was replying to a question regarding an incident that took place earlier this week when the Turkish-occup ying administration carried out a search in Greek Cypriot schools in the Karpas peninsula and interrogated teachers. UN official meets with Political Director of Greek FM Special Representative of the UNSG in Cyprus and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Colin Stewart held a meeting on Thursday with Political Director of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rousos Koundouros. According to a post of UN Cyprus on the platform 'X', "Colin Stewart, welcomed the Political Director of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rousos Koundouros, and his delegation for a briefing on the UN's peacebuilding efforts on the island". EIB Vice President: No new request for Great Sea Interconnector financing The European Investment Bank's (EIB) reply to the financingof the Cyprus-Greece-Israel Great Sea Interconnector project was a negative one, and no new financing request for the project has been submitted by the Republic of Cyprus, said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. "The Bank's p osition is well known. The Bank has given its position to both the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance a few months ago. Cyprus and Greece Central Banks to sign Memorandum of Cooperation Relations between the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) and the Bank of Greece (BoG) are expected to enter a new phase, with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on Friday, by the two Central Bank Governors. The Memorandum will establish cooperation between the two Central Banks in specific areas, enhancing the expertise of both authorities, as CNA has learnt from the CBC. EIB a significant contributor in Cyprus economy in 2023 The European Investment Bank's (EIB) contribution in the Cyprus' economy was considerable, with pound 230 million disbursed in loans for public sector projects in 2023, with total project financing from the Bank exceeding pound 2 billion. Presenting the EIB's financial results for 2023, Bank's Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris said that EIB needs to "reposition" its relationship with Cyp riot banks, as, due to their high liquidity, they do not show interest in the EIB's financial instruments, unlike during the financial crisis. Resilience of banking system key to dealing with shocks, SRB Chairman says The development of the resilience of the European banking system and consequently of the Cyprus banking system, contributes to dealing with shocks, said today the Chairman of the Single Resolution Board Dominique Laboureix, who is paying a visit to Cyprus. Laboureix met on Thursday with Minister of Finance and Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus in Nicosia. Turnover Value Index records biggest increase in accommodation and food services The Turnover Value Index recorded the biggest increase in the accommodation and food service activities during the fourth quarter of 2023. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the Turnover Value Index during the fourth quarter of 2023 recorded increases in the sectors of accommodation and food service activities (16,4%), administrative and suppo rt service activities (11,9%) and information and communication activities (5,8%), whereas a decrease was recorded in the professional, scientific and technical activities sector (-1,7%) compared to the corresponding quarter of 2022. Commissioner Kyriakides expresses support to association for children with rare diseases European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides expressed the support of the European Commission to the non-profit association "Unique Smiles" for children with rare diseases. Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia on the occasion of ten years since the association was founded, Kyriakides said that "rare diseases in Europe are not so rare and today affect up to 36 million citizens across the EU". CBC projects GDP growth at 2.6%, 3.1%, 3.2% in years 2024-2026 The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) expects GDP growth of 2.2% in 2023, compared to significant growth of 5.1% in 2022, while for the years 2024-26 it expects GDP growth of 2.6%, 3.1% and 3.2%, respectively. At the same time, CBC Governor Constantinos Herodotou stresses that "the implementation of reforms and the emphasis on sustainable growth are key factors for further prosperity and progress in the country", while for the banking system he says that "it continued to maintain its robustness and resilience in 2023." General Government fiscal accounts for 2023 show surplus The fiscal accounts of the General Government recorded a surplus of pound 876.3 mn in the period between January - December 2023. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the preliminary General Government fiscal results, which are prepared by CYSTAT indicate a surplus of pound 876.3 mn (2.9% of GDP) for the period of January-December 2023, as compared to a surplus of pound 676.3 mn (2.4% of GDP) that was recorded during the period of January- December 2022. Source: Cyprus News Agency

ANTALYA: The "Gaza Contact Group" panel at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum deliberated on the escalating instability and proliferation risk in Gaza, alongside ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the region. At the forum, where Anadolu served as the "Global Communication Partner," held at the NEST Congress Center in the Belek Tourism District, Egyptian Foreign Minister Samih Shukri and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki participated in the panel, moderated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In his opening remarks at the panel, Fidan asserted that Israel's actions constitute war crimes, destabilizing the international order. He said that the Islamic world has been waiting for others to solve its problems for many years, and he condemned this situation once again. Stating that the dominant forces created this problem, he also said: "Now we are taking this problem into our own hands. We are really taking this job with a regional responsibility. In fact, as a result of thi s kind of thinking, the Gaza Contact Group was commissioned at the joint OIC-Arab League Summit and is working to take responsibility for the ongoing war in Palestine." Fidan, a member of the Contact Group, recalled that he met with key leaders, decision-makers, and officials from various countries and international platforms, discussing issues "collectively" and in "business departments," demonstrating ''solidarity between the Muslim and Islamic world regarding Palestine and public enlightenment." The Contact Group is continuously pressuring countries supporting Israel and its attacks, aiming to increase humanitarian aid and cease-fire support from a few Western countries, he added. Fidan also pointed out that the "yes" vote in the UN sessions on the humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza increased from 121 votes in October to 153 after that. 'The current war does not provide security for Israel' Fidan opposed the hegemony narrative, stating that the current war does not provide security for Israel, emphasizin g Palestinians' need for security and self-defense. He noted that there is another obstacle, saying international calls for a cease-fire and calls for a two-state solution have no impact on Israel. Fidan drew attention to the fact that Israel, which receives the support of the US, does not face sanctions "If another country had committed such a crime, it would definitely have faced all kinds of sanctions." He argued that preventing bloodshed in Gaza alone is impossible due to political systems' reluctance to open their eyes, and some countries' past burdens on Jews, which hinder progress. Underlining that Israel will not be safe unless it declares that it does not want to acquire the Palestinian territories, Fidan said: "It is important to go to the 1967 borders. Only then will the people of Israel truly achieve sustainable security." Noting that Egypt has always been at the heart of the Gaza issue and its role in international humanitarian assistance has been admirable, he posed the following question to Shukri, "Questions about welfare and the border are rising. What will be your opinion on this issue? The current international system cannot find solutions to these crises." '(Israel's attacks) have made our region completely sick' Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukri stated that the Antalya Forum was being held at an important time and that they hoped to work in cooperation with the members of the Gaza Contact Group. Shukri emphasized the need for a permanent solution to Israel's Gaza attacks, stating that they have caused "severe instability and insecurity in the region." He noted that there were difficulties in the passage of aid from Rafah due to Israeli attacks, they tried to keep the crossing open from the first stage. Shukri added that the passage of aid from Rafah faced challenges due to Israeli attacks, and efforts were made to maintain the crossing from the initial stage. He also noted that Cairo was working to convince the Israeli government to provide support to the Gazans. "Our efforts have always been blocked. There have been manipulative and restrictive studies, especially related to the amount of aid that can be distributed. There is a very heavy pressure on our brothers in Gaza." He expressed frustration with limited support and limitations in fulfilling their role, but pledges to continue working with the UN and partners to address the difficulties faced by the people. Meanwhile Fidan emphasized cooperation and solidarity with Palestinians, addressing issues not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank. "The situation is at a very serious stage of terrorism, in the West Bank and elsewhere. The Israeli authorities are making irresponsible statements related to the restriction of access to the al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan," he said and asked Maliki what should be done in these conditions in the coming weeks. '(Israel) has some unspoken, secret goals as well' Palestinian Foreign Minister Maliki stressed Israel's clear intent to continue its attacks, recalling its goals to "destroy Hamas an d return prisoners." Despite this, Maliki stated that Israel has come nowhere near achieving these two aims. "Why does Israel insist on continuing this war? (Israel) also has some unspoken, secret goals. These unspecified and hidden goals may be goals that are within reach. One of them is the total destruction of Gaza, that is, the destruction of everything in Gaza." Stressing that even if a cease-fire is reached, people have nowhere left to go and villages and towns have been destroyed, Maliki said: "(Netanyahu) does not want to leave a stone on a stone." 'Netanyahu has a personal interest in continuing the war in Gaza' Maliki claimed that Israel's second goal, which he did not explicitly state, was to direct Gazans towards the south. "There are 1.5 million Palestinians here (in Rafah), in a small city where 150,000 people used to live. Netanyahu will also attack Rafah. He said it very clearly. 'The military plans are ready,' he said. He doesn't listen to anyone. What will happen when you attack Rafah? 1.5 million people will either be killed; there is no other place to hide, no shelter, or they will look 500 meters south and they will see a door that they can break open and they will find themselves in Egypt." "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a personal interest in continuing the war in Gaza," Maliki said, adding that Netanyahu knows that four corruption cases are waiting for him. "He will have to take responsibility when the war is over." He also expressed gratitude for Trkiye's "brotherhood, solidarity, commitment, and assistance." "Not only in this war, but also before. We always feel indebted to Trkiye because of the contribution they have made to us." Fidan also asked his counterpart Maliki how countries in the region, including Trkiye, can play a role in solving the problem with the risk of increasing regional violence and the possibility of war. Maliki stated that Netanyahu's attacks in Gaza "have the purpose of spreading." "(Netanyahu) believes, however, that it is also importa nt to prolong the war, to expand its scope. He wants this to spread to the West Bank. Every day, military attacks, terrorist attacks are carried out in refugee camps in Palestinian cities, interventions are taking place at the al-Aqsa Mosque. At the moment, there is an intention to open a front in the south of Lebanon as well. If the front is opened here, the front will also be opened in Syria, Iraq and Iran. Which means this. (Netanyahu) has the goal of turning the war on Gaza into a territorial war, and he is trying to get the Americans involved in this war." Source: Anadolu Agency

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos assured on Friday that households and businesses would face no significant threats from the impending green taxation, based on economic analyses conducted by the University of Cyprus. In his remarks on the sidelines of the meeting for the second deliverable on the Integrated Tax Transformation and the progress of its implementation presented by the University of Cyprus, Keravnos noted that the tax reform would be fiscally neutral. He added that everything was being weighed, both the impacts and the compensatory measures, so that in the end, there is a result that leads to green transition, contributes to improving the perception of environmental protection, takes into account the environment in the production process, and alleviates households from any additional costs. He explained that according to a model analysed for them, for the most vulnerable households, the cost would be pound 48 per year, without this being predetermined. He added that from this presentation, it b ecame clear that 'there will be no serious threats to households and businesses.' The Minister noted that the main conclusion is that some taxes related to green transition must be introduced. However he said that as revealed by the presentations, the tax burden would be minimal and there would be specific compensatory measures. Keravnos said that further meetings on the subject will follow and that the programme for tax reform is being followed exactly as planned. Asked whether the Government was ready for green tax reform in terms of infrastructure and services, the Minister of Finance said that within the Resilience and Recovery Plan, there's a very large number of projects related to preparation, which facilitate and provide incentives. He added that many projects for green transition were being implemented. to the period of horizontal measures on fuel prices -------------------------------------------- Asked about the one month extension of the reduced tax rate on fuel approved by the Parliament, Keravnos noted that "the period of horizontal measures was ending," based on the indications of the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, and all EU bodies. "As a member state of the EU, we must operate within the European framework," he emphasised. He also referred to developments regarding fuel prices in the international market, noting that at the moment Cyprus had some of the lowest prices for both unleaded gasoline and diesel. "Based on the data so far, horizontal measures must be abolished, and we must remain with targeted measures," he said. However, he noted that the issue can be addressed within the framework of green transition with electric cars, hybrid cars, and the generous incentives announced recently by the Government. Minister Keravnos addressed Parliament's green light of the abolition if the pound 350 fee for companies and extension of maternity leave, stressing the government's serious approach to economic matters. He affirmed that all government measures are meticulous ly planned, citing the balanced budget of the current administration as evidence of its commitment to supporting households and various societal categories, such as large families. Source: Cyprus News Agency