The Russian embassy in Nicosia followed a similar line, telling the Russian state agency PIA-Novosti it “refutes any negotiations for the opening of a direct air connection”.

In other news, Justice Minister Stephie Dracou said there was never a commitment to upgrade pay grades for prison guards, as affected members of Isotita union continued their indefinite strike with a demo outside the finance ministry.

Elsewhere, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos on Tuesday welcomed the arrival of the first large cruise ship, the Rhapsody of the Seas, to Ayia Napa Marina.

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