Day: December 6, 2022

The Parliament’s Plenary will begin on Tuesday its three-day session to approve Cyprus state budget for 2023.

The budget will be the tenth and the last under the administration of President Nicos Anastasiades.

?he session is set to begin at 1500 local time. Heads and/or representatives of the political parties will address the House and according to the planning, leaders of DISY, AKEL and DIKO will speak for a total of 40 minutes and the leaders of the rest of the political parties for 30.

On Wednesday the Parliament will convene at 0900 local time with a break at 1300 and again in the afternoon from 1500 until 2000. There are 16 parliamentarians scheduled to address the plenary in the morning session and 20 in the afternoon. The debate will continue on Thursday until 1800, followed by the voting.

The budget provides for total revenue of €11.7 billion and expenditure amounting to €11.3 billion resulting in fiscal surplus of €0.46 billion corresponding to 1.7% of GDP, while primary surplus (excluding debt servicing expenditure) is estimated to reach 3%. It features an increase of 12% in development projects, increased social protection spending, while debt servicing expenditure is estimated to drop by €500 million. GDP growth is estimated to decelerate to 3% from a projected 6% growth this year.

So far only left-wing AKEL has announced it will vote against the budget. The three-day debate will culminate on Thursday with the vote on the state budget.

The Finance Ministry has requested from the Finance Committee not to freeze public expenditure that would create problems to the smooth functioning of the public service in the first three months of 2023, as the Parliament will be closed until March due to the presidential elections scheduled for February 2023.

The parliament habitually blocks specific provisions of the annual state budget which then have to gain the approval of the parliamentary committee on financial and budgetary affairs before they can be disbursed.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev referred to the country’s principled position on the Cyprus problem, wishing that a solution would be reached soon.

According to a Foreign Ministry press release, Radev was speaking recently at a private meeting with the new Ambassador of Cyprus, Haralambos Kafkarides, on the occasion of the presentation of his credentials.

Kafkarides, the press release says, conveyed during his private meeting with the Bulgarian Presidentthe warm greetings of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, he referred to the historically friendly relations between the two countries and the prospects for their further enhancement, and thanked Radev for Bulgaria’s long-standing a support of the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.

On his part, it adds, the President of Bulgaria wished the new Ambassador every success, stressing the excellent level of relations between the two countries, while also emphasising the prospects for further deepening regional cooperation, where Bulgaria and Cyprus can play an important role.

President Radev, among other things, stressed the importance of the large Bulgarian community living in Cyprus, as well as the significant number of Cypriots who have studied and continue to study in Bulgaria, contributing effectively in deepening bilateral relations, while he also mentioned that Bulgaria maintains a principled stance on the Cyprus problem and hoped that a solution to the issue will be reached soon.

Thanking the Bulgarian President, the new Ambassador of Cyprus said that among his priorities is the promotion of even more contacts in the educational and cultural field, emphasising that the two countries share many common cultural and historical bonds, on which their long-standing friendship is based, the press release concludes.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The International Tocatì Festival and the Traditional Games of Cyprus are included in the UNESCO List of Good Practices for the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This took place during the 17th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Implementation of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held in Rabat, Morocco, from November 28 to December 3, 2022.

A press release says that Cyprus’ participation in the UNESCO Good Practice List with Tocatì register is noteworthy, as it “contributes to the preservation and promotion of traditional games and sports to people of all ages, also leading to a network of value through cooperation with inspiring partners from Cyprus and abroad.”

Tocatì is hosted every year in Verona, Italy and is a programme with multinational application (Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, France and Italy) for the preservation of traditional games and sports.

In particular, the Tocatì joint programme has been developed over the years thanks to an international network of communities, groups and individuals, including professionals and operators of traditional games and sports and is supported by local, national and international bodies and associations.

Since 2018, Cyprus has been represented in the network and the Tocatì Festival by the “Ktima” Folklore Society – Paphos, which participates in traditional game events, cultural events with its music and dance groups and presents through seminars and workshops its research on documentation and preservation of Cypriot traditional games.

The press release says that many of the traditional Easter games have ancient Greek and Byzantine roots, thus proving the historical continuity of the tradition and the importance of socialisation and collective fun in important celebrations and events of the people.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

If Turkey continues with unilateral steps in Cyprus, in violation of the existing Security Council resolutions there will be a response, said a European Commission source in Brussels, adding that Nicosia probably has “no better ally than Brussels.”

The same source expressed the view that there are no “double standards” when it comes to the EU response vis-à-vis Cyprus and Ukraine – both being countries that are victims of aggression by a third country. EU foreign policy is formed on the basis of unanimity and any decision to adopt a stronger response towards Turkish President Erdogan should reflect the decision of the 27 member states, it was noted.

Referring to sanctions imposed on Turkish individuals and entities in relation to illegal drilling activities off the coast of Cyprus in the past, the Commission source said that sanctions are the result of consensus of the 27 and “the result of your ability to convince the others” about your arguments and to “build alliances.”

It comes down to your ability as a country, the ability of your experts and diplomats to convince others, to form alliances, because this how the EU is working, it was noted.

As for the EU High Representative Josep Borrell, the same source said that he was fully aware of the situation concerning Cyprus and that he is quite outspoken on Turkey and of the view that “we need to be tougher with Turkey.”

There are also other partners and institutions who believe that engagement with Turkey is more beneficial for everyone than a confrontation which would make things worse, it was noted.

More and more we will see the EU being a more assertive player, also vis-à-vis those countries that are not really respecting rules, are bullies with their neighbours and are violating international law, it was added. It takes consensus by the 27 to realize that the only way to deal with people like Putin or Erdogan is “very forcefully”, but at this stage we don’t have this consensus, it was highlighted.

The same source said it is not likely that Turkey will attack Greece, an EU and NATO ally, since this would be “the end of NATO.”

Speaking about the war in Ukraine, it was noted that Brussels will continue supporting Kiev “for as long as it gets” as this is a matter of principle and it is in the Union’s vital interest to make sure that Ukraine doesn’t fall.

If Ukraine falls that would destroy the rules-based world order, which provides protection especially for smaller states, like Cyprus, the source concluded.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus’ Tourism has a favourable future despite challenges, Deputy Minister for Tourism Savvas Perdios said on Tuesday, stressing that the next administration should not “back track” from the work done so far in the tourism sector by the Deputy Ministry.

Addressing the 67th General Assembly of the Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA), Perdios said that despite headwinds such as the closure of major tour operators and airlines, the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and record-high inflation “our tourism still stands and, I believe, with a more favourable future from the tourism we knew before.”

He praised the efforts of both the state and tourism stakeholders to weather the storm due to the war in Ukraine.

Perdios recalled that due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing sanctions of the EU Cyprus was deprived from 800,000 arrivals, noting that Cyprus was the only country in the EU to lose 25% of its tourist arrivals in just one night, with no prospects for recovery, at least for the coming years, adding that “whoever believes that this market will recover to the previous levels is mistaken.”

However, Perdios noted that he is proud of the work done by the tour operators and other stake holders to offset the loss and stand on their feet.

The Deputy Minister said that Cyprus arrivals and revenue are at 80% and 90% respectively of 2019, a record year for Cyprus, noting that the European Union markets help to cover the lost ground with record arrivals from destinations such as France, Denmark, Poland and Hungary.

“The EU represents 40% of our tourism and I expect with announcements such as Wizz Air, Ryanair and others to follow suit, in the coming years this market will reach 50% or even 60% of our tourism,” he added.

On a personal note, Perdios said he is proud to work with the tourist stakeholders, while in view of the coming presidential elections he noted that the hoped “no one will back track” from the work done so far referring to the transition from the Cyprus Tourism Organisation to the Deputy Ministry for Tourism.

“I believe the country will have a future, if we continue (implementing) the National Strategy for Tourism,” he said, noting that he is not referring to “Savvas Perdios at the same position.”

“I am referring to the collaboration of the Deputy Ministry with the tourism stakeholders to implement what we have agreed on and included in the National Strategy,” he said.

On his part, Marios Tsiakkis, General Secretary of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Cyprus has managed to pull through in very difficult circumstances due to the war in Ukraine.

“Reaching 80% and almost 90% of arrivals and revenue of 2019, which was a record year, is very important because at the start of the season we projected a large decline in arrivals given the importance of the Russian market,” he said.

ACTA President, Vasilis Stamataris said travel agents can adapt to challenges, noting however that the series of challenges, in Covid, war and inflation “went too far”.

“The outcome under the circumstances, to close the year at 80% of incoming tourism and somewhat larger decline in outgoing tourism, due to limitation in travel with non-EU countries is quite satisfactory,” he said.

Stamataris expressed concern over the European Commission changes in the travel packages, noting that the proposed regulation is one-sided.

The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association noted that the options under review show little alignment between the measures imposed on tour operators and those of airlines.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides stressed the particularities of Cyprus with regard to the energy market, during his intervention at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) of the European Union which was held in Brussels on Tuesday.

The subject under discussion was a proposal for a Council Directive on the taxation of energy products and electricity (Energy Taxation Directive), which is part of the FitFor55 package.

Petrides noted that economic, geopolitical, geographical and social specificities of the Member States must be taken into account.

In this context, he focused on the particularities of the Cypriot case as an island and isolated state and on how important connectivity is for the country. Petrides expressed the view that there should be permanent exemptions from increased on energy products in the aviation and shipping sectors.

He also stressed that the geographical location and specificities of Cyprus create the need for permanent special treatment for the country regarding aviation and shipping services, without imposing additional taxation due to carbon dioxide emissions.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus Airways added over 6,000 additional seats to Athens, Paris and Yerevan to boost its capacity over the coming Christmas period, a press release says.

“We are happy to note that demand for our services is now back to pre-pandemic levels. Many of our flights over this festive season have already been sold out,” says Paul Sies, Chief Executive of the airline.

He added “we have listened to our customers and have increased flights to facilitate travel for tourists wishing to visit Cyprus during the Christmas period or for Cypriots living abroad to return home to spend their holidays with family and friends”.

The press release says that additional services are being offered between the 15th December and the 15th January 2023. During this period, a third daily flight is being offered on Athens, whilst additional flights to Paris Charles De Gaulle have been added on Fridays and Mondays. A third weekly frequency has been added to/from Yerevan.

Seats are selling fast and customers looking for the best deals are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

For those planning ahead, the summer flights are now on sale to book your summer getaway(s) now at best value.

More information is available from www.cyprusairways.com or from your travel agent.

Moreover, package holidays, that include flights and hotel accommodation, at great prices are also now available through Cyprus Airways Holidays (cyprusairways.holiday).

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Council’s agreement on its position on the revision of the draft regulation on the development of trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) could bring more opportunities for the use of European funds towards the construction, maintenance, modernisation and development of infrastructure, including through co-financing of projects such as the Palaihori – Argos highway, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Tuesday, commenting on the discussions held on Monday in the Transport Council of the EU.

Karousos expressed satisfaction regarding the adoption of the Council’s general approach for the revision of the regulation for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and the fact that Cyprus is now included in two transport corridors, and not just one.

He added that Cyprus is “achieving improved connectivity through two European corridors, with a total road network of 17,700 kilometres, 33 ports and 29 airports”, increasing connectivity with the member states of the EU, with partners in the Western Balkans as well as with Ukraine and Moldova.

In particular, Karousos stressed that there have been improvements in the draft regarding Cyprus, since the country is added to a second corridor, increasing connectivity from 5,850 to 17,700 network kilometres, from 16 to 33 ports and from 15 to 29 airports.

The Minister pointed out that TEN-T now also includes the Palaihori – Agros highway, which means that the project will be eligible for co-financing from European funds.

“The inclusion in two trans-European networks also offers Cyprus better chances to receive European funds for the construction, maintenance, modernization and development of its infrastructure,” Karousos pointed out.

According to a separate statement on the results of the Transport Council, the addition of Cyprus to an additional TEN-T corridor was achieved in close cooperation with the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Commission and the Transport Ministers of Greece and Malta.

The original draft regulation provided for the participation of Cyprus in one European Corridor, that covering the Western Balkans and the East Mediterranean, which includes Cyprus, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and the Western Balkan countries.

Cyprus has requested and will also participate in the “Baltic – Black Sea – Aegean” corridor, which includes Bulgaria, Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Finland.

In practice, the inclusion of Cyprus in two trans-European networks offers better opportunities to raise European funds for the construction, maintenance, modernization and development of infrastructure, for example through the inclusion of the Cypriot road network which includes the new Palaihori – Agros highway.

During the meeting, the Commission also presented its road safety priorities for 2023, referring to the fact that in 2021 there was a 6% increase in road fatalities compared to 2020.

In his intervention, Karousos referred to the positive results of the actions implemented in Cyprus in recent years, which led to a 13.5% reduction in fatalities in 2021 compared to 2019 and to a 16.5% reduction in November 2022 compared to November last year.

The Transport Minister also pointed out that according to statistics from the European Transport Safety Council, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of food delivery drivers, which increases the chances of them being involved in road collisions. In this context, he said that the Commission should improve this sector in its planning for 2023, and referred to measures prepared by the Cypriot government.

Finally, during the discussion following the briefing of the Council by the French Minister of Transport on enhancing sustainability in air transport, Karousos stressed that maintaining satisfactory levels of air connectivity for island Member States and Member States located in the periphery of the EU has been, and remains, a priority for Cyprus.

He stressed that Cyprus supports the sustainability of transport and the decarbonisation of the aviation sector through the FitFor55 legislative package, but added that the essential nature of aviation for countries like Cyprus should be recognised.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Despite our efforts, over 750 or our compatriots remain missing since the Turkish invasion of 1974 and the 194-64 period, Presidential Commissioner, Photis Photiou said on Tuesday.

Speaking during a meeting with high school students and teachers in Nicosia, Photiou noted that the families of the missing persons continue to experience the pain of not knowing the fate of their beloved persons, and Turkey should not be allowed to continue this brutal and inhumane treatment of the families.

He noted that while the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) project for the exhumation, identification, and return of remains of the missing persons has been going on for more than 17 years, however the fate of more than 750 missing persons remains unknown, a number that represents 50% of the cases reported to the Committee.

Photiou said that the occupation army continues not to allow access to its archives, where, as he noted “there is for sure information about the missing persons as well as information about the serious case related to the on purpose relocation of remains from the initial burial sites to other areas which remain unknown to us.”

He noted that this relocation aimed at concealing the guilt and the truth about the massive killings of people who were captured and killed in cold blood. Moreover he said that due to this barbaric policy many families of missing persons receive just one or some bones of their beloved ones for burial, stressing that this is inhumane and unacceptable.

The Presidential Commissioner said that there are also other serious reasons that the desired progress in resolving the issue of missing persons has not been achieved as for example the refusal of the occupation troops for many years to allow in an unhindered way excavations in places within the so called military zones in the occupied areas and the refusal of Turkey to indicate the massive graves where people that were collected from the battle fields were burred.

Photiou underlined that “on our part, despite Turkey’s refusal to cooperate and the obstacles and difficulties that it continuously creates we are not complacent and we will not give in to the schemes of the occupation force to bring this issue to an end without establishing the fate of each missing person”.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.

A Committee on Missing Persons has been established, upon agreement between the leaders of the two communities, with the scope of exhuming, identifying and returning to their relatives the remains of 492 Turkish Cypriots and 1,510 Greek Cypriots, who went missing during the inter-communal fighting of 1963-1964 and in 1974.

Source: Cyprus News Agency