Month: July 2022

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides expressed satisfaction for the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Speaking to reporters in Limassol, on the sidelines of the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora, Kasoulides also said that the Ministry will continue to support UNFICYP but at the same time it insists on its position regarding the setting up of barbed wire in the buffer zone in an effort to curb illegal migrants from the Turkish occupied north crossing into the government-controlled areas.

Invited to comment on the newly adopted resolution, Kasoulides said “we are satisfied because a lot has been said about the UN Secretary General’s reports about no references to the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem, that of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.”

The Minister said around 20 previous reports on Cyprus contained no reference. “We are satisfied because the resolution refers to the basis for a solution, a bizonal, bicommunal federation and also makes reference to the UN resolutions concerning Famagusta and the references on the town by the President of the Security Council calling for a reversal of the actions taken against the lawful residents with the opening of the fenced off area of Varosha”.

He said the Greek Cypriot side shares the SC’s regret that currently negotiations are not underway, adding “you understand that we cannot go to the negotiating table alone, we need to be talking to the other side which is putting up conditions that are contrary to the newly adopted resolution”.

For all these reasons, he added, “we are satisfied”.

Regarding the criticism to erect barbed-wire fence on the Green Line, on the edge of the buffer zone to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers, Kasoulides said that the resolution contains a reference that the status of the buffer zone is being violated. “Our view has existed since 1974 and does not agree with UNFICYP’s version of where the boundaries of the buffer zone are located” he said.

He underlined that the government will not change its position on the issue, adding that “we have done everything possible to allow free movement of UNFICYP, negotiations were held before the Ministry of Interior put up the barbed wire, which is not a permanent structure, and there are many entrances at various points which UNFICYP can use for its patrols.”

The Minister added, “we will protect UNFICYP, we will support it”, however, “we insist on our position as defined in the negotiations”.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island’s northern third.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The United States donated to the Republic of Cyprus an underwater camera that is expected to upgrade the operational capabilities of the Port and Marine Unit and the Cyprus Police as a whole, especially in matters of safety at sea, at ports and the borders of Cyprus.

The official handover ceremony of the submarine camera, model video Pro 4, from the US Embassy to the Cyprus Police, specifically to the Port and Marine Unit, took place in Limassol, in the framework of the CyCLOPS project (Cyprus Center for Land, Open Seas and Port Security) and in the presence of US Ambassador Judith Garber and Chief of Cyprus Police Stelios Papatheodorou.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador talked about the growing partnership between the United States and the Republic of Cyprus and noted that we live in a world today that relies heavily on international trade to expand our economies and provide goods to our citizens.

To do that effectively, she added, governments must invest in maritime security, saying that by working together to ensure the safety and security of our ports we are also safeguarding our economies, our critical infrastructure and the well being of our communities.

“That is why the US Embassy is so proud to donate this underwater remotely operated vehicle camera to the port and marine Police. The last underwater camera we donated has already proven its worth,” she said.

Referring to the new model, she said it has advanced features that enhance capabilities to observe and inspect piers, retrieve objects or debris in the water and inspect port conditions without requiring a diving, improving maximizing safety and reducing risk.

The Ambassador said that today’s donation is just one part of the growing partnership between the USA and Cyprus. Referring to the CyCLOPS project, she said that the US and the Republic of Cyprus are working together, learning together and training together to improve our response to the regions involving maritime security environment.

“We look forward to our continued collaboration in maritime security, maritime management and so much more,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, Chief of Police, Stelios Papatheodorou, said in his address that the CyCLOPS project is a symbolic one, in terms of the even closer ties that have been developed and the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the USA and the Republic of Cyprus, in matters of defense and security.

It is a generous donation of an advanced technological achievement that will surely upgrade the operational capabilities of the Port and Marine Unit and the Cyprus Police as a whole, especially in matters of safety at sea, at ports and the borders of Cyprus.

The videoray Pro 4 brand camera is expected, he said, to improve the operational capabilities of the Port and Marine Unit, regarding the seabed searches.

“In particular, its contribution will be crucial for research conducted at sea, dams and lakes to locate objects and missing persons, but also at ports before the arrival of military ships, raising the issues of safety of the seas and ports of Cyprus at even higher levels”.

He noted that this camera has search capabilities of a maximum depth of 300 meters, a claw for lifting objects, as well as front and rear cameras for recording data and taking photos. The camera is operated wirelessly from land, with two headlights for operation and use during the night. He said that the members of the Port and Marine Unit possess the necessary expertise to operate the specific camera.

Concluding, he said that the United States of America are a valuable partner to the Republic of Cyprus and have demonstrated in practice their willingness to provide assistance on a wide range of issues, as evidenced by the current CyCLOPS program.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The European Commission has today published the 2021 Annual Burden Survey, which presents concrete examples of simplification of EU rules in areas such as agriculture and rural development, competition, communications, health and food safety, transport and mobility, and the single market. The 2021 Annual Burden Survey outlines the overarching efforts made by the Commission to simplify and modernise legislation. It is informed by the ‘one in, one out’ approach, including its initial lessons learned from the pilot project, and by the first year of operation of the Fit for Future Platform.

Maros Šefcovic, Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, said: “As we accelerate the green and digital transitions to advance Europe’s recovery and respond to the current geopolitical context, we also continue to work hard to ensure that EU legislation is easy to comply with, efficient and fit for the future. This annual overview presents the concrete results of our work on simplifying EU law throughout 2021. At the same time, it shows lessons learnt from the Fit for Future Platform, our high-level expert group, helping us identify and reduce burdens at all levels, as well as from the ‘one in, one out’ approach pilot project. All this input clearly demonstrates that our commitment to evidence-based political decisions which do not create unnecessary burdens for citizens and businesses remains as strong as ever.”

Progress in the Commission’s simplification and burden reduction work

In 2021, 29 evaluations of existing EU policies were finalised and 35 initiatives including simplification and burden reduction measures were adopted. These initiatives aim to reduce administrative and compliance costs, and streamline, clarify and adjust the relevant legal framework where necessary. In 2021 the Commission’s proposals for funding programmes were adopted, largely retaining the proposed measures to simplify the multiannual financial framework and related procedures. In practice, this will facilitate beneficiaries’ participation, ease the implementation across Member States and enhance impact on the ground. The Commission is regularly examining how unnecessary burdens can be avoided, especially for small and medium-sized companies. We will further revitalise the work of the SME network and support similar initiatives in this regard.

First lessons learnt from introducing the ‘one in, one out’ approach

The ‘one in, one out’ approach, one of the goals of the Political Priorities of the von der Leyen Commission, implies offsetting new burdens with possible impact on business and citizens that may result from the Commission’s legislative proposals, by reducing existing burdens in the same policy area. In the second half of 2021 the Commission carried out a pilot project with ten selected legislative proposals (covering a broad range of policy areas and impacting different sectors and stakeholders) to test the approach, its methodology and related calculations. The work done in the context of the ‘one in, one out’ pilot project and the lessons learnt have helped significantly strengthen the Commission’s working practices by enhancing the quantification and improvement of cost estimates. The Commission is now focusing on fully implementing the ‘one in, one out’ approach that started at the beginning of 2022. The next annual burden survey will provide a first full picture in implementing this milestone of the new generation of better regulation.

Lessons learnt from the work of the Fit for Future Platform

The Commission’s high-level expert group, the Fit for Future Platform, plays a key role in identifying opportunities for simplification and modernisation of existing EU laws and unnecessary burdens at EU, national, regional and local level stemming from EU legislation. The Platform adopted 15 opinions including concrete suggestions pointing to opportunities for simplification, digitalisation, removing overlapping regulations and streamlining procedures. Such input helps the Commission in its evaluations and impact assessments.

Background

The Annual Burden Surveys are part of the Better Regulation Agenda and Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT), the Commission’s regulatory approach established in 2012 for evidence-based and transparent policymaking. In 2021, the Commission adopted a new Better Regulation Communication, which led to concrete improvements in the EU law-making process to foster Europe’s recovery and ensure that EU laws remain future-proof. The Fit for Future Platform, a high level expert group composed of representatives of national, regional and local authorities and representatives of civil society organisations was set up in 2020. It provides opinions on initiatives included in its annual work plan.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has calculated the reference interest rate t? prevent usury at 8.93%.

“The Central Bank of Cyprus, exercising its power under article 314A of the Cyprus Penal Code, Cap. 154 as subsequently amended, has calculated, in accordance with the provisions of the said article, the reference interest rate at 8.93%,” a CBC press release says.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry took part recently in the opening meeting of the European programme WAST – Support Young Women and Professionals in the field of Alternative and Sustainable Tourism, which was held in the city of Lublin, Poland.

During the meeting, partners discussed the goals and priorities of the programme, as well as the distribution of tasks between them. The programme will be completed in May 2024, a press release reads.

The corporate structure that participates in the programme consists of the 6 following partners from 5 countries, namely OIC Poland Foundation (Poland) who is the lead partner, C.F.C.D.C Center for Competence Development Cyprus (Cyprus), Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Cyprus), CYBERNO AMKE (Greece), Associazione Ergon a favore dei Sordi (Italy) and Youth Initiative of Cities (Ukraine).

It is noted that the aim of WAST is to support young women and young professionals in the field of alternative and sustainable tourism through digital channels, in order to promote cooperation and exchange of good practices in the field of youth and tourism as well as to create networks and partnerships with young professionals in Europe interested in the tourism sector.

It is further added that the main deliverable of the project is the preparation of a Guide that will aim to develop and strengthen the skills related to tourism and the ability of young female guides to plan and implement themed alternative and sustainable tours. The Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will lead the action regarding the pilot testing and evaluation of the Guide, the press release concludes.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Larnaka Airport hosts an exhibition on the 50 years since the establishment of the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC), a press release by Hermes Airports reads.

According to the press release, ten displays have been placed at the Departures Area of Larnaka Airport, exhibiting the valuable material by THOC, to the thousands of passengers travelling daily through the airport. It is further added that the art exhibition includes theatrical costume props, reviews and play posters, 3D models for set designs and other props, which are an integral part of the history of Cyprus theatre.

It is noted that the curators Elena Kotasvili and Alexis Vagianos gathered material from the archive of THOC for the creation of this exhibition, with a focus on the unseen aspect of theatre. At the same time, they emphasise on the preparation process of a theatre production, for which an array of objects lead to artistic creativity.

Antigone Papaphilippou, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of THOC, stated that “THOC is celebrating half a century of existence with a significant exhibition, which includes rare material from its archive, that is displayed for the first time for public viewing. Larnaka airport is the ideal space to host the exhibition, giving passengers the opportunity to have a closer look, behind the scenes”.

Maria Kouroupi, Senior Manager of Aviation Development and Communication of Hermes Airports, said “At Hermes Airports we always support culture through our Sense of Place project, with the aim to highlight elements that can be found on the island, through installations placed at the airports.”

In our opinion, she added, “exhibiting art in public spaces is the most immediate way for art to be enjoyed by everyone.”

The exhibition will be hosted at Larnaka Airport until the end of September 2022, the press release concludes.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

We are once again at a critical crossroad as regards the Cyprus problem, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said Friday addressing the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots that wraps up in Limassol.

The Minister said that the government of Cyprus has repeatedly expressed its will for the immediate resumption of the Cyprus talks, while referring to Ukraine, he said that the international community must not have double standards since the same principles that are being violated by Russia, are being violated by Turkey in Cyprus for 48 years now.

In his speech, Kasoulides said that we are once again at a critical crossroad as regards the Cyprus problem, noting that this time it is even more critical than before.

He stressed that the government of Cyprus has repeatedly expressed its will for the immediate resumption of the Cyprus talks and has demonstrated its commitment to the effort to create the necessary positive climate between the two communities.

Kasoulides referred to the package of ambitious Confidence Building Measures proposed by the Greek Cypriot side and unilateral initiatives to create a positive climate with the aim to improve the daily life of Turkish Cypriots. The CBMs, he said would be mutually beneficial for both sides, but noted that the leadership of the Turkish Cypriots, ignoring the Turkish Cypriots themselves, has rejected the proposals of the President of the Republic.

Referring to the ‘protocol’ between Turkey and the areas it occupies in Cyprus, the Minister said that it creates conditions of further dependence of the Turkish Cypriots on Turkey, alters the secular character of the Turkish Cypriot community and turns Turkish Cypriots into captives of Turkey’s plans limiting democracy and freedom.

It is up to the Turkish Cypriots themselves to decide if they envision living in a reunited Cyprus, member of the EU and the UN, or if they want to be dependent on Turkey, he said, noting that our side is doing everything it can “so that it does not give Turkish Cypriots away to Turkey.”

He noted that during his visits abroad in the past seven months his foreign interlocutors have expressed their support for an agreed solution of the Cyprus problem based on the UN resolutions.

Referring to Ukraine, the Foreign Minister noted that the same principles that are violated by Russia in the case of Ukraine, are also violated in the case of Cyprus by Turkey, for 48 consecutive years.

“So, one cannot be selective, nor promote a political approach of double standards”, he added.

Kasoulides told participants attending the session that the role of their organizations is of utmost importance in maintaining the identity of Cypriots as well as in promoting the just cause of our people both in Cyprus and abroad.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The European Commission has today adopted its review report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. 18 months on from its introduction, today’s report confirms that major headway has been made in the implementation of the Facility and that the ambitious reform and investment agenda of Member States is well on track. The report details numerous examples of the investments and reforms financed by the RRF in the 25 national recovery and resilience plans adopted so far. These examples present concrete measures that are contributing to the six policy pillars in the RRF Regulation. All plans exceed the 37% climate target, with some Member States using more than half of their allocation in support of climate objectives. Overall, climate expenditure amounts to about 40% and digital expenditure to about 26%. The report also includes a special focus on how the RRF will help Member States support gender equality. Finally, the report outlines how the RRF will help deliver on the REPowerEU objectives. Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine is raising unprecedented challenges. In this context, making the EU’s green and digital ambitions a reality is even more urgent. Delivering them will improve the resilience of the Union’s energy supply, decrease its dependence on energy imports, and support Europe’s just transition. Thanks to sound reforms and investments, the RRF can make a significant contribution to meet these challenges.

EU Digital COVID Certificate: Commission adopts equivalence decisions for Oman, Peru and the Philippines

The Commission adopted today three new equivalence decisions certifying that COVID-19 certificates issued by Oman, Peru and the Philippines are equivalent to the EU Digital COVID Certificate. As a result, the three countries will be connected to the EU’s system and the EU will accept their COVID certificates under the same conditions as the EU Digital COVID Certificate. This means that holders of certificates issued by Oman, Peru and the Philippines will be able to use them under the same conditions as holders of an EU Digital COVID Certificate do. At the same time, these three countries have agreed to accept the EU Digital COVID Certificate for arriving EU nationals. With these new decisions, over 1 billion people will be connected to the EU’s system. The Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “With a long-awaited increase of travel over the summer, I am happy that we continue to add new countries to the EU Digital COVID Certificate system so that people can travel safely. As of today, our system counts with 75 connected countries and territories, a number which only continues to grow”. The Commission’s decisions adopted today will enter into force on 1 August 2022.

World day against trafficking in persons 2022: use and abuse of technology

Tomorrow, 30 July is the World day against trafficking in persons. Women and young girls make up 75% of all victims in the EU, with 93% of the victims being trafficked for sexual exploitation. Children represent nearly a quarter of the victims. Technology allows criminals to operate across borders and jurisdictions, evading detection more easily. This is why the 2022 theme of World day against trafficking in persons will focus on the role that technology has both as an enabler but also a channel to prevent trafficking in human beings. At EU level, we have proposed and started the implementation of the Common Anti-Trafficking Plan to address the risks of trafficking in human beings. This is part of a 10 Point Action Plan. The Plan has been developed under the leadership of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, with the support of the EU Agencies and Member States. The Commission also proposed in May this year a new EU legislation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online. The new rules will help rescue children from further abuse, prevent material from reappearing online, and bring offenders to justice. With the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025), the European Commission attaches a particular importance to the international dimension of trafficking in human beings, and supports close cooperation at global level, including with non-EU partner countries. A joint statement from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union’s Anti-Trafficking Coordinator will be available here.

The European Commission is committed to personal data protection. Any personal data is processed in line with Regulation (EC) 2018/1725. All personal information processed by the Directorate-General for Communication / European Commission Representations is treated accordingly.

Source: Cyprus News Agency