The Cyprus News Digest

Will the Aphrodite gas field ever be exploited? Will the Vassiliko project ever come to fruition? Who is responsible for giving the go-ahead (or not) to the Great Sea Interconnector? Cyprus faces several energy conundrums, and the government postpones decisions yet again.

The rape of our environment continues: an illegal construction impinges on our waterways and there are plans to put sunbeds on one of our iconic beaches; the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra launches a competition to find talented young soloists; the interconnector saga rumbles on.

The so-called 'fake news' bill will stifle criticism of public figures and freedom of speech: journalists could end up in jail. Cyprus' coasts may be irrevocably changed and biodiversity destroyed if proposed new breakwaters are allowed to be constructed. 

As the government mulls penalising obstetricians and gynaecologists for carrying out an excessive number of caesarean sections, the doctors counter that women should be educated about the benefits of natural birth and the disadvantages of caesareans. The fake news law will gag free speech and independent journalism.

The Health Minister discusses the shortage of nurses and midwives, disputes about doctors' pay and the shortcomings in the laws governing medical ethics and disciplining doctors found guilty of misconduct.

As the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of the island approaches, are there any hopes for a solution to the Cyprus problem?

Cyprus is flouting International Law, Human Rights and the Geneva Convention in its treatment of the 'buffer zone migrants'; cool off in Platres, as it hosts its annual Lavender Festival this weekend

Will the new EU Parliament roll back plans to restore nature, and what impact would this have on farmers and our environment? The Cyprus Women's Bicommunal Coalition is mobilising support for a more inclusive approach to solving the Cyprus problem. 

We need to rethink our approach to energy efficient buildings; the 'Life With Vultures' project will continue until the griffon vulture population in Cyprus is sustainable; the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra & Cyprus Youth Symphony Orchestra team up for a final concert. 

What do the recent elections tell us about Cypriot politics? Cyprus is breaking International and EU law by pushing asylum seekers into the Buffer Zone; there have been some improvements to the plans for the Akamas National Park, but there's still a serious threat to protected areas