Cyprus Beat

In today’s episode, the UK and Cyprus have turned a page in their relationship, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday after welcoming British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the presidential palace.

Elsewhere, the UK will support Cyprus in establishing a new National Sanctions Implementation Unit to crack down on illicit Russian finance flowing through Europe, Keir Starmer’s office announced on Tuesday, after his meeting described as historic with President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia.

All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by The Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, the developments in Syria, security, migration and the Cyprus problem will be among the key topics of discussion during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the island on Tuesday. 

Elsewhere, some Syrian nationals in Cyprus are eyeing a return to their home country, Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides said on Monday after President Bashar al-Assad’s fall from power.

Also, the financial wellbeing of Cypriot citizens has marked a significant decline, according to the results of the Financial Wellbeing Index 2024.

All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In today’s episode, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pay an official visit to Cyprus tomorrow, the first such visit since 1971.

Elsewhere, peaceful rallies were held by Syrians in Cyprus on Sunday after rebels announced the seizure of Damascus and the toppling of President Assad.

Also, on November 30 total tourist arrivals to the island surpassed those seen for the whole of 2023, a record year for arrivals, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced on Sunday.

All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail. 

In today’s episode, Cyprus is turning to the west to renew its air defence systems.

Meanwhile, the widow of Cypriot businessman Halil Falyali, who was assassinated in 2022, was one of 250 people indicted in Turkey following a large-scale investigation into money laundering and illegal gambling.

Elsewhere, the Larnaca municipality announced its intention to hold a demonstration to protest the government's handling of the town's marina and port.

All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus' National Guard is "on alert because the region is in a state of constant, prolonged instability".

Meanwhile, two companies were fined €22,000 after a man fell to his death at a construction site.

Elsewhere, unexploded mortar shells which were found on the grounds of what will soon be Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar's new official residence were detonated.

All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, people convicted for minor drug offences will be able to apply for a professional driver’s licence after a few years if an amendment to the law passes, which MPs hope will address the shortage of bus drivers.

Elsewhere, HIV diagnoses fell by 26 per cent in 2023 in Cyprus, Health Minister Michalis Damianos said. 

Also, MPs will next week discuss the lack of a legal framework surrounding the growing trend of installing dashcams in vehicles and their potential use as evidence in cases of accidents or other cases.

All this and much more in today’s Daily News Briefing Brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis stressed the importance of his role on his first day in office.

Meanwhile, trade unions approved a deal put forward by Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou to bring to an end almost a month’s worth of strikes in the concrete sector.

Elsewhere, Health Minister Michael Damianos said he is “optimistic” that an ongoing dispute between doctors and the state health services organisation (Okypy) will be resolved within the week.

All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus is preparing for potential NATO membership if Turkey lifts its objections, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday. He confirmed advanced discussions with the US on utilising NATO-related opportunities and with the EU regarding naval base upgrades, signaling significant developments in the country’s defence and security sector.

Elsewhere, The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a law making ‘revenge porn’ a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison, irrespective of the victim’s gender. Introduced by Akel MP Giorgos Koukoumas, the bill passed with 34 votes in favor and one against.

All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, Cyprus and Greece reaffirmed their commitment to "institutionalise intergovernmental summits".

Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides said Greece and Cyprus are "strong supporters" of "upgrading" the European Union's relations with Jordan.

Elsewhere, the police warned of the arrival of "dangerous" Polish football fans arriving in Cyprus ahead of Omonia's Europa Conference League fixture with Legia Warsaw.

All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.

In today’s episode, doctors working at state hospitals started a two-day strike on Tuesday morning as a dispute over performance-based bonuses paid by the state health services Okypy rolls on.

Elsewhere, despite the rainfall so far during November already reaching 150 per cent of the average for the month, the island’s reservoirs remain largely empty.

Also, Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Fidias Panayiotou on Tuesday announced his intention to invite schoolchildren to the European Parliament building, prompting the Cypriot education ministry to distance itself from the initiative.

All this and more in today’s Daily News Briefing brought to you by the Cyprus Mail.