Day: March 8, 2024

ANKARA: The Dominican Republic celebrated the 180th anniversary of its independence on Thursday with a concert in the Turkish capital Ankara. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ankara and the Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum, organized a concert attended by Ambassador Elvis Antonio Alam Lora, the museum's director, Murat Yildirim, and several ambassadors. Before the concert at the Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum, Lora expressed his gratitude to Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and Yildirim for their contributions to organizing the cultural project, which is a "testament to the longstanding and strengthening" relations between Trkiye and the Dominican Republic. Lora dedicated the concert to all women in the audience on the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8. Yildirim celebrated the 180th anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, expressing hope for the event to contribute to cul tural relations, cooperation and tourism between the two countries. At the concert, world-renowned opera singer Nathalie Pena-Comas, cellist Nicole Pena-Comas and pianist Hugo Llanos Campos performed renowned pieces. Source: Anadolu Agency

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced she hoped that the Cyprus Maritime corridor will be launched either Saturday or Sunday while an initial pilot operation will be launched on Friday. Speaking in a joint press conference with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, von der Leyen, who is visiting Cyprus, said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with innocent Palestinian families and children desperate for basic needs while Gaza is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. She further said the Republic of Cyprus, the European Commission, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, supported by other critical partners, announce their intent to open a maritime corridor to deliver much-needed additional amounts of humanitarian assistance by sea. Von der Leyen also praised Cyprus for always being a bridge between Europe and the Middle East and thanks to the Amalthea initiative, it is proving this historical role once again today. In his remarks, President Christodoulides said the war across the sea from Cyprus is not a regional crisis of limited concern or impact, adding that "a spillover of the crisis will be even more catastrophic, with profound consequences for the region and beyond." "And we have a responsibility to act," the President remarked. He added that 'what is unfolding before our eyes is a humanitarian tragedy.' Von der Leyen said Palestinians, and in particular those in Gaza, need all our help. 'The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with innocent Palestinian families and children desperate for basic needs. Today, we are facing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We stand by the innocent civilians in Palestine. This is why Europe is financing a major humanitarian aid effort for Palestinians, in Gaza and in the region - EUR 250 million this year alone.' However, she said the key challenge is to get the aid to the people on the ground in Gaza. We know the difficulties faced at the land borders in Gaza, be it through the Rafah border crossing, or through the Jordan road corridor, she noted. That is why today, she added, 'the Republic of Cyprus, the European Commission, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, of course supported by other critical partners, announce our intent to open a maritime corridor to deliver much-needed additional amounts of humanitarian assistance by sea. Together, our nations intend to build on this model to deliver significant additional aid by sea.' Noting she is extremely grateful to President Christodoulides for his leadership in establishing the Amalthea initiative, Von der Leyen said she visited the different sites and how it is evolving, supplementing the efforts to deliver significant additional aid. 'We are launching this Cyprus maritime corridor together: Cyprus, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. And your relentless work to get this corridor up and running despite all the challenges is truly inspiring. We are now very close to the opening of the corridor, Saturday or Sunday. And I am very gla d to see that an initial pilot operation will be launched today, thus it is the partnership that started today with the World Central Kitchen, whom I want to thank wholeheartedly for their tireless and so important work,' the European Commission President said. Furthermore, she said 'Cyprus has always been a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. And thanks to the Amalthea initiative, it is proving this historical role once again today.' She commended President Christodoulides, for serving as a mediator for all parties involved as well as the particular efforts of the President of the United Arab Emirate Mohamed bin Zayed to mobilise support to activate this corridor by securing the first of many shipments of goods to the people of North Gaza. At this point she called 'on all the actors who have a role to play here, to help this corridor deliver on its potential. One thing is for sure, you can count on us.' The EC president said 'the maritime corridor can make a real difference to the plight of the Pal estinian people. But in parallel, our efforts to provide assistance to Palestinians through all possible routes of course will continue. As part of our EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operation, we have launched 41 flights, carrying over 1,800 tonnes of aid. And we will consider all other options, including air drops, if our humanitarian partners on the ground consider this effective'. She further noted 'our action does not stop there. We must also focus our attention, efforts and outreach on preventing an ignition of violence across the whole region' and added that she is in regular contact with President El-Sisi of Egypt and King Abdullah of Jordan. At this point, she said 'the situation in the Red Sea is particularly concerning with maritime security deteriorating day after day and critical infrastructure damaged due to repeated Houthi attacks' and for this reason the EU naval force Operation Aspides was launched with Europe 'acting to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our interna tional partners'. Von der Leyen also talked about the day after, adding 'we agree that we must start preparing today, with a viable perspective. And this perspective continues to lie in the two-state solution. This requires an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire. It is clear that there can be no forced displacement of Palestinians. And no blockade of Gaza. But it is equally clear that Gaza cannot be a safe haven for terrorists. And that we will keep on calling for the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas. Europe will continue to help build momentum for this political horizon'. Thanking the people who work at the JRCC, she said they 'play a central role in the Amalthea initiative.' 'And I know that the people of Cyprus themselves know what suffering and loss can feel like. Therefore, we in the European Union stand by you, Mr President, in your efforts to resume the peace talks for the solution of the Cyprus question. Here too, you can count on us ', the EC president pledged. On his part, Christodoulides welcomed Von der Leyen at the Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre, noting she is a 'valuable partner and true friend of Cyprus.' Noting that 'Cyprus, our Union's most south-eastern corner, stands as the lighthouse of the European Union in this important and challenging region' and 'what happens in the Middle East, concerns us directly as Europeans. The war across the sea from Cyprus is not a regional crisis of limited concern or impact. Spillover of the crisis will be even more catastrophic, with profound consequences for the region and beyond. And we have a responsibility to act.' President Christodoulides said during the discussions with the President, 'we spoke of our shared concern as regards the severely deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. What is unfolding before our eyes is a humanitarian tragedy' and 'it is blatantly clear that there is an urgent need to deliver aid to civilians as effectively as possible. The Cyprus maritime corr idor aims at scaling up aid by complementing other routes, that include the all-important Rafah crossing from Egypt, and the airdrops from Jordan.' It is also poignantly clear that we are at a point where we simply have to unlock all routes, President Christodoulides added. He said that since last October 'our team has been working tirelessly on elaborating the one-way maritime corridor to Gaza with Larnaca as its starting point' as 'Cyprus bears a moral duty to do its utmost to assist in alleviating the humanitarian crisis, leveraging its role and excellent relations with all countries in the region.' Today, he said, 'we stand united by a common vision to alleviate the humanitarian tragedy of the civilians in Gaza, here, at the JRCC, which constitutes an integral facility of the critical infrastructures in the Amalthea Plan', President Christodoulides also said with Von der Leyen they discussed 'efforts to resume negotiations on the Cyprus problem, in line with the relevant UNSCRs and EU law, values and principles. A solution to the Cyprus problem would have a resounding regional impact as well', adding they agreed that the EU can be a driver for developments on the Cyprus question. 'In this regard, we exchanged views on the state of play in EU-Turkey relations, in which the Cyprus question is of course a core component part.' Source: Cyprus News Agency

ANKARA: The US continues to support the PKK/YPG/SDF terrorist organization under the pretext of fighting Daesh/ISIS, a Turkish National Defense Ministry source said Thursday. "The US continues to support the PKK/YPG/SDF terrorist organization under the pretext of fighting against Daesh. It is not possible to fight a terrorist organization using another terrorist organization. So the fight against terrorism cannot be done with terrorists," the source told reporters. Late February, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael 'Erik' Kurilla visited the al-Hol and al-Roj camps for displaced people in Syria, where the YPG/PKK terrorist group holds the families of Daesh/ISIS terrorists. "Our expectation from friendly and allied countries is to stop aid and support to the PKK/YPG/SDF terrorist organization and to provide sincere support to our fight against terrorism," the source said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Wednesday that Trkiye is resolute in its fight against terr orism. "We maintain our will to create a 30-40 kilometer deep security corridor along our Syrian border. We are determined to fill with new steps the gaps in this corridor, part of which we have already established with our previous operations. "As we have openly told them in person, we call on all in the region to respect this security strategy of ours. Otherwise, they themselves will be the reason of potential tensions. We have preparations that will cause new nightmares to those who assume they can bring Trkiye to its knees by establishing a 'terroristan' along our southern borders," Erdogan warned. Trkiye has long complained of the US working with the PKK/YPG on the pretext of fighting Daesh/ISIS. Turkish officials say using one terrorist group to fight another makes no sense. Ankara has launched a trio of successful anti-terror operations since 2016 across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable the peaceful settlement of residents: Euphrates Shield (2016 ), Olive Branch (2018) and Peace Spring (2019). In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Trkiye, the PKK - listed as a terrorist organization by Trkiye, the US and the European Union - has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.? *Writing by Diyar Guldogan from Washington, D.C. Source: Anadolu Agency

Cyprus recorded a surplus of pound 455.9 million, equivalent to 1.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according the preliminary fiscal results released Friday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. This represents an increase from the surplus of pound 368.6 million, or 1.2% of GDP, registered during the same month in 2023. Revenue increased at a faster pace than expenditure in January 2024. Revenue Soars ------------------------------------- Cyprus's total revenue for January 2024 saw a substantial upswing, by pound 153.0 million or 13.2% compared to the same period last year. Revenue reached pound 1,316.0 million, compared to pound 1,163.0 million in January 2023. The surge in revenue was due to the significant increases in taxes on income and wealth, which soared by pound 99.0 million (22.4%) to reach pound 540.5 million. Social contributions also witnessed a substantial increase, rising by pound 42.3 million (14.1%) to reach pound 343.1 million. Current transfers increased by pound 2.9 million (25 .5%) and amounted to pound 14.1 million, compared to pound 11.2 million in 2023. Revenue from the sale of goods and services increased by pound 3.6 million (7.2%) and amounted to pound 53.3 million, compared to pound 49.7 million in 2023. Property income increased by pound 3.5 million (48.6%) and amounted to pound 10.6 million, compared to pound 7.1 m million n in 2023. Capital transfers increased by pound 2.1 million and amounted to pound 4.0 million, compared to pound 1.9 million in 2023. However, not all sectors saw an increase. Revenue from taxes on production and imports experienced a slight decrease, dropping by pound 0.3 million (-0.1%) to pound 350.5 million. Notably, net VAT revenue decreased by pound 22.1 million (8.4%) to pound 241.3 million. Expenditure Rises ---------------------------- Total expenditure for January 2024 increased by pound 65.6 million (8.3%), totaling pound 860.1 million compared to pound 794.4 million in January 2023. Social benefits saw a significant uptick, rising by poun d 38.1 million (11.6%) to reach pound 365.6 million. Similarly, compensation of employees, including imputed social contributions and pensions of civil servants, saw a substantial increase, rising by pound 41.5 million (16.2%) to pound 297.3 million. Intermediate consumption also saw a slight increase, rising by pound 0.4 million (0.5%) to pound 76.3 million. Meanwhile, subsidies, current transfers, and interest payable experienced decreases during the period. The capital account witnessed growth, increasing by pound 3.1 million (15.4%) to pound 23.4 million, with gross capital formation rising by pound 4.3 million (20.0%) to pound 25.8 million. In contrast, subsidies plummeted by pound 6.8 million, marking a staggering decrease of 61.3%, dropping to pound 4.3 million from pound 11.1 million in 2023. Additionally, current transfers saw a decline of pound 4.0 million, representing a decrease of 6.5%, with figures falling to pound 58.1 million from pound 62.1 million in the previous year. Furthermore, intere st payable decreased by pound 6.6 million, indicating a reduction of 15.9%, settling at pound 35.1 million compared to pound 41.7 million in 2023. Source: Cyprus News Agency

French Senator Pascal Allizard, Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Armed Forces of the French Senate, arrives in Cyprus on Sunday, for a three-day visit, at the invitation of the Vice-President of the OSCE PA Irene Charalambides. A House press release said in the context of his visit, Allizard, accompanied by Charalambides, will be received by President Nikos Christodoulides and will have separate meetings with Minister of Defence Vasilis Palmas and Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry George Papanastasiou. Allizard will also visit the ceasefire line in the old part of Nicosia and the Makedonitissa Tomb, as well as the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Larnaca. Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) strongly condemns the missile attack against the commercial ship, 'True Confidence', that claimed the lives of three of its crew members, while injuring at least four others on Wednesday, 6 March 2024, in the Red Sea. In a statement, the Chamber extends its sincere condolences to the families of the seafarers who died, and wishes that those who went missing are found and hopes for the speedy recovery of those injured. 'The loss of innocent and defenceless seafarer's lives in the context of the ongoing attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, is a highly unacceptable and dangerous development' CSC stresses, indicating at the same time that states and the international lawful community should urgently take all necessary measures in securing commercial ships and their personnel navigating in the Red Sea. Houthi attacks discussed by ECSA Board of Directors --------- In a separate CSC announcement it is noted that the European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA ) held its regular Board of Directors meeting on 7 May 2024, in Brussels, with the ECSA Board re-emphasizing the urgent and imperative need for states to provide adequate protection to shipping and to defenceless seafarers. It also discussed implementation of measures to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and priority access to low- and zero-emissions fuels for shipping, maritime safety, taxation, ship finance, seafarer's wages, economic security, and the attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea. Attending the meeting on behalf of the Cyprus Shipping Industry were Philippos Philis, Nicolas Hadjioannou and Thomas Kazakos. Source: Cyprus News Agency

President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides expressed on Friday his satisfaction for the fact that the Cypriot government's initiative for a maritime humanitarian aid corridor to the civilians in Gaza is being implemented. In a written statement, the President also expresses his thanks to all those who have contributed towards this cause. "I wish to express my satisfaction for the fact that the initiative of the Cypriot Government for the creation of a maritime corridor, to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza, is being implemented with the cooperation of many states, international organisations and institutions", he stresses. The President extends special thanks to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Constantinos Kombos, and his team, which consists of Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thessalia Salina Shambos, Andrea Petranyi and Maria Pilikou, as well as Piero Pieris, Costas Fitiris, Neophytos Karkotis, Charis Chrysostomou, Chrysilios Chrysiliou, Andreas Cha ralambides, "who since October have worked methodically and with zeal to draw up an integrated operational plan, the Cypriot initiative 'Amalthea', which contributes in a catalytic way to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza". Source: Cyprus News Agency

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, received on Friday morning with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the Presidential Palace. The two leaders held a private meeting. Von der Leyen arrived to Cyprus on Thursday evening to inspect the existing infrastructure, for a maritime humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza via Cyprus. After their meeting, Christodoulides and von der Leyen left the Presidential Palace to visit the port of Larnaca and the facilities of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), in order to inspect the existing infrastructure for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, in the context of the opening of a maritime humanitarian corridor. The two leaders will then make statements to the press. Earlier this week, the von der Leyen said that the Commission "will support the implementation of the Cyprus Sea Corridor initiative" to the Gaza Strip, following a telephone conversation with President Christodoulides. Moreover, on Thursday evening, US P resident Joe Biden, during his State of the Union address to Congress, announced the intention to build a temporary pier in Gaza, which seems to make the operation of a sea corridor for sending humanitarian aid via Cyprus feasible. Source: Cyprus News Agency

ANKARA: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi received on Thursday Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan in Tehran, the Armenian Defense Ministry said. Papikyan, on an official visit to the Islamic republic, exchanged views with Raisi on bilateral issues, including the sphere of defense. Papikyan earlier met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and chief of staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Baqeri. Source: Anadolu Agency