Day: March 5, 2023

Violence against women and girls and domestic violence ‘are a widespread plague and a manifestation of discrimination against women and vulnerable family members,’ European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli writes in an article published on the occasion of the one year anniversary of the Commission’s proposal of a directive that would complement the Istanbul Convention. As she points out, a recent Eurostat survey has shown that up to 41% of women have experienced violence.
Commissioner Dalli calls on member states to approve the Commission proposal, but also to understand that ‘legislation on its own will not work.’
‘During the past years, the situation for women and girls worsened with the emergence of new risks, such as the spread of online violence. Progress regarding gender equality is neither inevitable nor irreversible. We simply cannot afford to slip back or lead a half-baked fight opposing violence against women, as we will continue losing,’ the Commissioner notes.
‘Legislation on its own will not work. To not continue to be defeated, we need a revolution,” Dali.
“We must confront misogyny in our criminal justice systems, police forces, education systems, the media and in homes. We must instigate a change of culture, where men and boys are taught to refrain from recurring to violence, as much as women and girls are taught to be independent and walk away from such situations. ‘Boys will be boys’ is unacceptable,’ she adds.
‘Gender equality will only be achieved the day we are all part of its promotion and maintenance,’ the Commissioner points out.
Commissioner Dalli explains that “with the entry into force of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence in 2014, state parties to the convention took an important step towards strengthening domestic legislation and policy against this scourge.”
The EU signed the Istanbul Convention is 2017, but accession was stalled in Council for several years the Commissioner explains, adding that ‘that changed three weeks ago, when the Council finally unblocked it and hastened accession to the Convention’.
‘This achievement is promising for the advancement of gender equality and improved responses to violence against women and domestic violence. The ratification of the Istanbul Convention ensures that the EU upholds its international standards, puts forward its own comprehensive legislation and mainstreams the obligations of the Convention in all EU policy areas’ she stresses.
‘A year ago today, the EU Commission proposed a directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence that complements the Convention and makes our legal framework comprehensive,” she recalls.
“This legislative proposal, she explains, “introduces common minimum standards for all Member States on prevention, protection, support for victims, access to justice, cooperation, and coordination of services.’
‘We proposed the criminalisation of violence against women, including online violence such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images, video and audio files, or threats to do so, and online hate speech. Addressing online violence is a must in times when multiple facets of our lives moved online without the necessary safeguards to keep the space safe for all to participate freely,’ she adds.
‘The proposal also criminalises rape, through a definition built on the notion of consent for the entire duration of the sex act,’ the Commissioner points out.
‘The Istanbul Convention, together with our legislative proposal, once adopted, will establish an obligation on Member States to adopt targeted measures for women and girls to be able to report more easily and in a supportive environment,” she says.
“They will encourage member states to step up their prevention programmes further and improve services, setting minimum benchmarks for all the EU territory’ according to the Commissioner.
‘As we mark International Women’s Day, I think of the resilience of women survivors of violence, be it within the EU, or those who are in warzones such as the case of Ukrainian women. Or those led by totalitarian regimes as in the case for Afghani and Iranian women amongst others,’ the European Commissioner continues.
‘I think of those women who had to build a new life, by leaving their own home for good, find a new job, a new school for their children at great personal sacrifice to escape perpetrators of domestic violence. I think of the injustice and the sense of loss many women experience when they are faced with a Hobson’s choice of whether to endure the violence or leave without knowing where life will take them,’ she says.
‘I think of the numerous support groups led by the invaluable work of civil society organisations and the sorority and empowerment that emerge’ the Commissioner underlines.
‘I count on Member States to stand firmly and united in opposing violence against women and domestic violence and call on them to complete the legislative framework by concluding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and adopting the EU proposed directive. To be effective we must step up our response to this form of violence,’ she stresses.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cypriot judoka Janet Michaelidou secured the Gold medal, the first in her career, at the European Junior Cup (U21) in Italy, in the 78kg category.
The nineteen year old athlete won the bronze in the same category in the 2022 Cup.
A press release by the Cyprus Judo Federation says that the European Junior Cups are a series of annual competitions featuring the top judokas under the age of 21. With the 100 points she will receive from the first place in the event she is expected to climb to No4 in the world rankings.
Janet is currently in No. 33 in the Olympic ranking for Paris 2024, just a few places away from Olympic qualification.
Janet said she was really happy for her victory and thanked her coach and her academy as well as her fellow athletes, the Judo federation and her family for their support.
Since January 2023 Janet has been living and training in Turin, Italy where she is studying law.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus Education Ministry shares the grief over the loss of human lives at the train collision at Tempi, Greece and announced that it has illuminated its building with the colours of the Greek flag.
Also the next days the Ministry will organise a blood donation in memory of those killed at the tragic accident.
Minister Athina Michaelidou and the staff of the Ministry convey their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and their support to the Greek people.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus scores 94.4 out of 100 in World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law index for 2023.
Women, Business and the Law 2023 report assesses 190 countries’ laws and regulations in eight areas related to women’s economic participation: mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, assets, and pensions.
The data, which are current through October 1st, 2022 do not include the paid parental leave law voted in Cyprus parliament on October 6th, thus giving Cyprus a lower score in parenthood.
Cyprus got 100/100 in mobility, workplace, marriage, entrepreneurship, assets, and pensions. This means that law in Cyprus does not discriminate between the two genders in these sectors.
Regarding mobility, World Bank checks whether a woman can choose where to live and her ability to travel in and out of the country freely, the same way as men. Regarding workplace, the report checks whether there is legislation prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, the existence of legislation regarding sexual harassment in the workplace and whether there are criminal penalties or civil remedies for it.
Moreover, regarding marriage, World Bank checks if a woman can be “head of household”, obtain a judgment of divorce and remarry in the same way as a man and whether there is legislation regarding domestic violence.
For entrepreneurship, World Bank checks whether women can open a bank account, access credit, sign contracts and register a business in the same way as men. Regarding assets, it is examined whether the two genders have equal ownership rights to immovable property, whether children, regardless of their gender, have the same rights to inherit assets from their parents, whether the law grants spouses equal administrative authority over assets during marriage and if the law provides for the valuation of non monetary contributions.
Regarding pensions, World Bank examines if the two genders retire at the same age and whether periods of absence from work due to childcare are accounted for in pension benefits.
Cyprus did not get a perfect score in pay and parenthood sectors. In “pay” Cyprus scored 75/100 and in parenthood 80/100.
Regarding “pay”, while legislation mandating equal remuneration for work of equal value exists in Cyprus, and women can work in a job deemed dangerous in the same way as a man, according to the World Bank’s questionnaire women in Cyprus are not allowed to work in mining.
Regarding parenthood, as mentioned above, when the data were collected Cyprus did not have a law in action regarding paid parenthood leave. The report also shows that Cyprus has a paid maternity leave of 126 days and paternity leave of 14 days, and that the dismissal of pregnant workers are prohibited.
In 2022, the global average score on the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law index rose just half a point to 77.1. Worldwide, nearly 2.4 billion women of working age still do not have the same rights as men.
Closing the gender employment gap could raise long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20% on average across countries, according to the World Bank, while studies estimate global economic gains of $5-6 trillion if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men do.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Anastasiades visits Greece as President for the last time, thanks PM and President for close cooperation
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has expressed gratitude for Greece’s long-standing cooperation and support in meetings he had on Wednesday morning in Athens with Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou. On his part Mitsotakis spoke of the way Anastasiades handled the financial crisis and of his efforts to reach a solution of the Cyprus problem which were not successful.
President Anastasiades announces Cyprus’ donation of pound 2.5 mln to the Greek Air Force
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades announced that Cyprus will donate 2.5 million euros to the Greek Air Force as a gesture of solidarity after the death of two Greek pilots following the crash on Monday a Phantom fighter jet. President Anastasiades, accompanied by the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, visited today Mati -an area on the east coast of the Attica region affected by devastating fires in 2018- to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a social housing complex and a park, which will be built with the contribution of the Republic of Cyprus.
Portfolio Investment assets and liabilities up in 2021, according to the CBC
Both the assets and liabilities of Portfolio Investments increased in 2021, compared to 2020, according to a report published by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Wednesday. According to CBC, total stocks of PI assets in 2021 amounted to pound 27.4 billion, increased from pound 22.8 billion in 2020. This is reflected by the increase recorded mostly in equity and investment fund shares and to a lesser extent in long-term debt securities investments made by residents abroad, the CBC notes. Debt securities assets reached pound 14 billion in 2021, representing 51% of total portfolio assets compared with 58% in 2020, and equity and investment fund shares totalled pound 13.4 billion in assets in 2021, accounting for 49% of total portfolio assets, compared to 42% for 2020.
EU General Court rejects pleas by Foundation for Protection of Halloumi to annul decisions about Cypriot companies
The General Court of the European Union has rejected two pleas for annulment launched by the Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus named Halloumi, regarding two cases it had launched against the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and Cypriot company Papouis Dairies. The Foundation had submitted these two pleas for annulment in September 2021, asking for the annulment of decisions issued on April 29th 2021 .
Net foreign direct investment stock drops further in 2021 with Russia being the top partner, CBC report shows
The net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock of Cyprus decreased further in 2021, with Russia being the top partner, according to a report published by the CBC on Wednesday. Net FDI stock (outward minus inward) reached – pound 8.3 billion, compared with -pound 1.9 billion, in 2020.
Cyprus significantly ahead in dealing with cancer but inequalities remain, Commission and OECD report says
Cyprus has made important progress towards dealing with cancer compared to other member states in the EU, as cancer mortality in the country is among the lowest in the EU, but there remain important socioeconomic inequalities in cancer screening, according to the Country Cancer Profile of the country which was published on Wednesday by the European Commission and the OECD. The country’s profile includes data showing that participation in cancer screening are high for breast and cervical cancer but low for other types of cancer, as well as that health technologies are mainly available in private sector institutions.
Retail trade turnover value significantly up in 2022, volume fails to keep up
The value of retail trade was up significantly in 2022 on an annual basis while the volume recorded a more modest increase, data released on Wednesday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus show. In particular, the Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade recorded a 11.3% increase in 2022 compared to 2021, while the Retail Trade Turnover Volume Index recorded a much smaller increase of 2.2%.
A little over 14% of household expenses in Cyprus in 2021 went to food and non alcoholic drinks, according to Eurostat
In 2021, households in the European Union spent over 1035 billion euro (equivalent to 7.1% of total EU GDP) on ‘Food and non-alcoholic beverages’, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. This represents a share of 14.3% of total household expenditure. Compared with 2020 (14.8% share), this represents a decrease of 0.5 percentage points (pp).
Inflation expected to drop in January in Cyprus and the wider eurozone, according to Eurostat estimate
Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 8.5% in January 2023, down from 9.2% in December according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Annual inflation in Cyprus is expected to fall to 6.8%, compared to 7.6% in December 2022.
Cyprus FM discusses bilateral issues of strategic importance with Saudi counterpart
Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, had on Wednesday a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Foreign Ministry said in a post on its Twitter account that the two Ministers had a productive conversation which was a good opportunity to exchange views on key bilateral elements and issues of strategic importance as part of the Cyprus – Saudi Arabia strong and valued partnership #Cyprus FM @IKasoulides held a productive telephone conversation with the FM of #SaudiArabia @FaisalbinFarhan | Good opportunity to exchange views on key bilateral elements and issues of strategic importance as part of the strong and valued partnership pic.twitter.com/LioJEuUWWL – Cyprus MFA (@CyprusMFA) February 1, 2023
‘No change’ in UK Government’s support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation in Cyprus
The UK Government continues to support a settlement to the long-standing Cyprus issue that is based on the model of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, a Downing Street spokeswoman has reiterated. She was asked about the British position on the issue, during a foreign Press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, following interviews given by the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to British newspapers in which he again advocated a ‘two-state solution’ on the island.
Minister notes programme supporting women entrepreneurs in Cyprus, applications approved exceed pound 10 mln
A total of 187 applications submitted by women were approved in 2021 for the amount of 10.6 million euros, in the framework of the New Entrepreneurship Programme covering the period 2021-2027, Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister, Natasa Pilidou said on Wednesday speaking during an event in Larnaca on ‘Supporting Women Entrepreneurs’ organized by the Embassy of Ireland in Cyprus, with the support of Larnaca Municipality and Cyprus Duty Free. According to Pilidou, the New and Female Entrepreneurship Programmes have been very popular and are, in general, some of the most successful programmes run by the Ministry over the years.
Thursday 02/02/2023
Cyprus included in the UN Honour Roll
Cyprus and other four countries, Barbados, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Malta, have been included in the UN Honour Roll, since they have made their contributions to the UN budget. Florencia Soto Nino, Associate Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, told the briefing on Wednesday that Barbados, Cyprus, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Malta made their contributions to the budget and that the Honour Roll now totals 25.
Cyprus had lowest housing cost overburden in rural areas in the EU in 2021, according to Eurostat
Housing cost overburden was more prevalent in the cities of the European Union in 2021, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical services of the EU. According to the same data, Cyprus recorded the lowest housing cost overburden rates in rural areas in the EU (1.3%), as well as one of the lowest percentages in the EU in urban areas, well under the EU average (3.5%).
Foreign Minister Kasoulides holds telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart
Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides had a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry. FM Shoukry received a phone call from the Cypriot FM Ioannis Kasoulides, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said in a post on Twitter, noting the long-standing friendsdhip and strategic partnership between the two countries.
US Congress must not meet Ankara’s demands for new F-16, Congresswoman Malliotakis says
US Congress must not meet Ankara’s request to upgrade and acquire new F-16 fighter jets, New York Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis has said. The US Congresswoman, was honored recently by members of the Pancyprian Association of Florida and the International Coordinating Committee Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), with the “Kyrenia Award” for her dedication to Cyprus’ struggle for freedom and justice.
Cyprus and Egypt FMs discuss further enhancing trilateral cooperation with Greece
Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Egypt held a telephone conversation on Thursday, emphasising on further enhancing their trilateral cooperation with Greece. According to a tweet of the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Kasoulides and Sameh Shoukry held a warm and cordial telephone conversation and a productive discussion on timely issues pertraining to their bilateral and regional agenda, “with emphasis on further enhancing our trilateral cooperation with Greece”.
Friday 03/02/2023
?o new policy to announce on the lifting of the arms embargo on Cyprus, State Department says
The State Department commented on the US full blocking sanctions against 22 individuals and entities across various countries including Cyprus, related to a sanctions evasion network supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex. Asked by Turkish journalists, who referred to the lifting of the US arms embargo on Cyprus if, after the latest developments, the US is considering to revise the lifting of the embargo, State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that there is no new policy to announce on this issue.
Unemployed persons increased yearly by 8.6% in January
The unemployed persons registered at the District Labour Offices recorded an increase of 8.6% in January 2023, compared to January 2022, reaching 16,758 persons, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Friday. In comparison with January 2022, an increase of 1,328 persons or 8.6% was recorded, attributed mainly to the sectors of financial and insurance activities (an increase of 589), accommodation and food service activities (an increase of 583), transportation and storage (an increase of 143), human health and social work activities (an increase of 76), and information and communication (an increase of 67).
Industrial Turnover Index rose by 21.3% in November 2022
The Industrial Turnover Index reached 188,7 units (base 2015=100) in November, recording an increase of 21.3% compared to November 2021, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Friday. For the period January-November 2022, the index recorded an increase of 22.1% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
Inflation slowed to 7.1% in January 2023
The annual rate of inflation in January 2023 was 7.1%, continuing the deceleration path for the third consecutive month. According to the data published on Friday by the Statistical Service, the Consumer Price Index in January 2023 decreased by 1.42 points and reached 112.01 points compared to 113.43 points in December 2022.
Cyprus Residential Property prices up in Q3 2022, due to construction cost and demand
Construction costs and increased demand from foreign and local buyers contributed to the acceleration in house price increases during the third quarter of 2022. According to the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC), the Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) continued its upward trend in the third quarter of 2022, increasing by 2.1% compared to a 1.7% increase in the previous quarter, while year-on-year the index increased by 6.3% compared to a 4.7% increase the previous quarter.
Chief Returning Officer says that all necessary measures taken to ensure secrecy of vote
All necessary measures are taken to ensure the secrecy of the vote during the presidential elections that will take place on Sunday, the Chief Returning Officer has stressed. In a press release it is noted that voters must check and make sure that the ballot paper given to them at the polling station has the official seal on the outside, otherwise, the ballot paper is invalid.
Saturday 04/02/2023
Preliminary study for photovoltaic park in buffer zone still ongoing, Government Spokesperson tells CNA
A preliminary study for the creation of a photovoltaic park in the buffer zone is still ongoing, Government Spokesperson Marios Pelekanos told CNA on Saturday. Asked about an announcement by the Turkish Cypriot side on Friday regarding the launch of a preliminary study for the construction of a 30/50 MW photovoltaic park in the buffer zone, Pelekanos said the preliminary study process emerged after consultations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides with the United Nations and the European Union.
President to highlight immigration problem in Cyprus at EU Summit
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades will participate next week in the extraordinary European Council where he will stress the disproportionate burden for Cyprus due to increased immigration flows as well as the instrumentalisation of immigration by Turkey. In a written statement, Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic Andreas Iosif says that according to the latest data from Eurostat, Cyprus is at the forefront, since in the last five years it has become the EU member state with the highest percentage of asylum seekers.
Sunday 05/02/2023
Nobody should be indifferent to the presidential elections, said President Anastasiades
If we want to turn the presidential elections into a real celebration of democracy, no one should remain indifferent, said Cyprus’ outgoing President, Nicos Anastasiades, while exercising his right to vote in Limassol. President Anastasiades, accompanied by his wife, Andri Anastasiades, his daughters with their spouses and his grandchildren, voted at 9:45 a.m., at the Lanitio Lyceum.
Polls close with a 72% turnout in Cyprus presidential elections
The final turnout in the first round of the 2023 presidential elections was 72%, based on the latest figures available, as Chief Returning officer announced after the polls closed at 18.00 (local time). Based on the latest available data, the final turnout at the polls stood at 72% compared to 71.9% in the presidential elections of 2018 and 65.7% in the parliamentary elections of 2021.
Cyprus votes Christodoulides and Mavroyiannis for second round of presidential elections
Independent candidate and former Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides is the winner of the first round of the presidential elections that took place on Sunday in Cyprus receiving 32.04% of votes (127,305 votes). Christodoulides is backed mainly by center parties DIKO, EDEK and DIPA.
Political party leaders react after election outcome
Political party leaders made on Sunday evening statements to the press, following the outcome of the presidential elections, with candidates Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis leading the race ahead of the second round of a repeat election scheduled to take place next Sunday. Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of left-wing AKEL party that backs Mavroyiannis’ candidacy, said that the election outcome demonstrates that AKEL’s choice to support the candidacy of Andreas Mavroyiannis was the right one and added that the prospects for winning the elections on the second Sunday are very good.
Chief Returning Officer gives instruction to print ballots for the repeat election
Chief Returning Officer Costas Constantinou announced on Sunday evening the official final results of the first round of the 2023 Presidential Elections, once the counting of votes in all polling stations in Cyprus and abroad was completed. He also gave instructions to start printing the ballots for the repeat election next Sunday. “I have already asked the Director of the Government Printing Office to start printing the ballots for the repeat election,” said Constantinou.
Monday 06/02/2023
RoC-US ‘Silver Falcon 23′ exercise taking place between February 6 and 24
Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the commencement of the ‘Silver Falcon 23′ exercise in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, taking place between February 6 and 24. The exercise is held in cooperation with the US European Command (USEUCOM), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and the National Guard, the Ministry said in a press release.
Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses deep sadness for the victims of the quake in Syria and Turkey
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deep sadness for the numerous victims of the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey and underlines its readiness to contribute to the humanitarian efforts of the international community. In an announcement, the ministry expresses ‘our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Natural disasters do not distinguish people and nationalities’, it notes.
Cyprus President expresses condolences to the families of the victims of the earthquake in Syria and Turkey
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, has expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Anastasiades said in a post on Twitter: “My most sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those injured, wishing them speedy recovery.”
Tuesday 07/02/2023
Rescue teams from 19 EU countries are helping Turkey, Crisis Management Commissioner says
EU has mobilised 27 search and rescue teams from 19 European countries, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management stated in a tweet on Tuesday. The EU aid towards Turkey is sent via the Civil Protection Mechanism of EU, to help with the earthquake.
Meetings and discussions ahead of Sunday’s presidential election runoff are reaching their peak
Meetings and discussions ahead of the presidential elections runoff are reaching their peak, with the two candidates, Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis, trying to gain as much support from parties, movements, and candidates that did not make it to the second round. Independent candidate and former Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides is the winner of the first round of the presidential elections that took place on Sunday in Cyprus receiving 32.04% of votes (127,305 votes).
President Anastasiades travels to Brussels for extraordinary European Council, migration crisis on the agenda
The President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades is travelling to Brussels on Wednesday, to participate in the extraordinary Summit of the European Council. The main topic on the agenda is migration crisis, a press release from the Presidency says.
Overseas Returning Officer gets ballots, as Government Printing Office works intensively ahead of Sunday runoff
Director of the Government Printing Office, Petros Xenophontos, handed over the ballots for the presidential election runoff to Overseas Returning Officer, Kyriakos Kouros, and presented a sample of the ballot paper, on Tuesday. He noted at the same time that since Sunday night the staff of the Government Printing Office has been working continuously to have everything ready for the coming Sunday, when the second round of the Presidential Elections in Cyprus will take place.
Apartments prices continued upward momentum in Q4 2022, according to Ask WiRE index
Apartments continued to drive the rising real estate prices in the fourth quarter of 2022, data published by the Aks WiRE Index show. According to the index, across Cyprus, on an annual basis, prices increased by 9.9% for apartments, 1.0% for houses, 0.3% for offices, 4.7% for holiday apartments and 0.9% for holiday houses.
Our thoughts are with missing Turkish Cypriots, House President says after deadly earthquakes
Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives, those who suffer, as well as with the missing Turkish Cypriot children and those who accompany them, House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou said after the devastating earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria. The House Speaker wrote on her twitter account that loss and pain have no borders.
Our thoughts and prayers with missing Turkish Cypriot students, parents and teachers, President says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Turkish Cypriot students, parents and teachers who are still missing in Turkey, Cyprus President said on Tuesday. Anastasiades noted in a post on his Twitter account that “our thoughts and prayers are with the Turkish Cypriot students, parents and teachers that are still missing.
Eurostat: Volume of retail trade in Cyprus decreased compared to last month, increased compared to last year
In December 2022, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 2.7% in the euro area and by 2.6% in the EU, compared with November 2022, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union In November 2022, the retail trade volume had increased by 1.2% in both the euro area and the EU. In December 2022 compared with December 2021, the calendar adjusted retail sales index decreased by 2.8% in the euro area and by 2.5% in the EU.
Turkey denies help from the Republic of Cyprus, Civil Defence on standby to send rescuers
The Republic of Cyprus expressed its readiness to assist in the rescue efforts after the devastating earthquake in Turkey, but the Turkish side did not accept help from the Republic. Foreign Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Kornelios Korneliou told CNA that “we conveyed this readiness both through the European Civil Protection Mechanism and through the Greek Cypriot negotiator, Menelaos Menelaou”, however the offer of help was not accepted by the Turkish side.
Cyprus has lowest number of people working in transport in Cyprus in EU, second highest percentage of women, according to Eurostat
In 2021, 6.0 million people aged 15-64 years old in the EU worked in the transport sector (land transport, water transport or air transport) for passengers or good, a number which corresponds to 3.1% of total employment in the EU, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the European Union. Of these, the vast majority were male (82.9% versus 17.1% female).
Wednesday 08/02/2023
?urkey accepts Cyprus’ assistance of rescue teams following devastating earthquake, FM says
Turkey has accepted Cyprus’ assistance of rescue teams following the devastating earthquake in which thousands of lives have perished, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Spokesperson of the Ministry Demetris Demetriou posted on his twitter account on Wednesday that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism informed Cyprus that its offer to send a rescue team has been accepted by Turkey.
Total motor vehicles registrations increased yearly by 18.8% in January
The total registrations of motor vehicles in January 2023 increased by 18.8%, compared to January 2022, according to the report “Registration of Motor Vehicles”, published by the Statistical Service on Wednesday. In January 2023, the total registrations of motor vehicles numbered 3,128 from 2,633 in January 2022, recording an increase of 18.8%.
Cabinet approves donation of 2.5 million euros to Greek Air Force
The cabinet approved on Wednesday the donation of 2.5 million euros to the Greek Air Force which was announced earlier this month by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades. The President had pledged the sum during his trip to Athens on February 1st., after the death of two Greek pilots following the crash on the same day of their Phantom fighter jet.
Cabinet approves marina and cruise ship pier project in Pafos
A residential and commercial development, which will include a hotel, a marina and a pier for luxurious cruise ships, was approved on Wednesday by the Council of Ministers, as announced by Deputy Tourism Minister, Savvas Perdios. In statements after the Cabinet’s meeting, Perdios said that it has been a goal of the Deputy Ministry for four years to promote the project’s implementation, the idea of which has been dormant for 30 years.
Syria also seeks EU help after earthquake, Commissioner Lenarcic on the ground in Turkey on Thursday
The European Union has announced it will be providing additional emergency support to both Syria and Turkey to face the consequences of recent catastrophic earthquakes, after Syria also requested the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The total emergency humanitarian assistance for both countries is worth 6.5 million euro in total. On Thursday, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic will visit the affected areas in Turkey as part of the coordination of the EU response. Multiple EU member states, including Cyprus, have sent rescuers and humanitarian assistance to Turkey.
Impressive results recorded in 2022 in Limassol port, says DP World Limassol
A 46% increase in cruises, a 338% increase in passengers and a 63% increase in cargo handled in 2022, compared to 2021, was recorded by the operator of the multipurpose terminal at Limassol Port, DP World Limassol. According to a company press release, 2022 was one of the best years since it took over management of the terminal as “impressive results” were recorded.
Thursday 09/02/2023
President to outline at EU Summit the disproportionate burden for Cyprus due to increased migration flows
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, will note the disproportionate burden for the Republic of Cyprus due to the increased migration flows, during the European Council summit taking place on Thursday and Friday in Brussels, highlighting the instrumentalization of the migration issue by Turkey. The migration issue is the main topic on the agenda of the summit, which will discuss ways of addressing it.
Cyprus President expresses condolences to Turkish Cypriot leader after the earthquake in Turkey
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, called on Thursday morning Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, and conveyed to him his sincere condolences for the loss of Turkish Cypriots’ lives during the disastrous earthquakes in Turkey, Government Spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, said in a written statement. According to Pelekanos, Anastasiades, who is currently in Brussels for the European Council summit, wished for a positive outcome to the ongoing operations of the rescue teams that are working to find Turkish Cypriots who are trapped under the rubble of the buildings that collapsed and of all the people who are still missing, stating the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to offer any further required assistance to efforts made to save them.
Cyprus trade deficit surges by 33% in 2022
Cyprus trade deficit increased by 33% or by pound 1,747.2 million in 2022, since the significant increase in exports failed to offset the even greater increase in imports. According to provisional data by the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the trade deficit was pound 7,025.5 mn in January-December 2022 compared to pound 5,278.3 mn in the corresponding period of 2021. Total imports of goods in December 2022 were pound 800.0 mn as compared to pound 723.6 mn in December 2021, recording an increase of 10.6%.
Political parties and former candidates decide who to support ahead of presidential runoff
Political parties and former presidential candidates took this week important decisions as to whom they will support ahead of the second round of the presidential elections on Sunday. They expressed either their support to one of the two candidates or urged their voters to cast a free vote.
President speaks of “productive exchange of views” with Zelensky in first part of EUCO
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades has said that there was a “productive exchange of views” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the first part of the European Council, which takes place in Brussels on Thursday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding meetings with EU heads of state and government in Brussels, on the sidelines of the extraordinary European Council on migration. The meetings are taking place in a group form and on the agenda is the military and financial assistance of EU members states to Ukraine.
Interior Minister signs pound 13 million agreement with International Organisation for Migration to upgrade reception centre
Interior Minister Nicos Nouris announced that he has signed an agreement with the International Organisation for Migration to provide Cyprus with 13 million euro in assistance for the purpose of the renovation and upgrading of the First Reception Centre in Pournara. The agreement was signed in Brussels, on the margins of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council taking place on Thursday.
Friday 10/02/2023
European Council calls for Action Plan on migration management in E. Mediterranean after proposal by President, Spokesperson says
The conclusions of the special European Council held in Brussels on Thursday include a call to the Commission to present an action plan for the management of the Eastern Mediterranean migration route, following a request by President Anastasiades, Government Spokesperson Marios Pelekanos said in a written statement on Friday. In a statement regarding the European Council and the participation of President Anastasiades Pelekanos said that the leaders of the 27 member states discussed migration management, the economy, as well as developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine and various aspects of EU support to Kiyv, in the presence of President Zelensky.
Turkey has ‘kindly declined’ Republic of Cyprus’ offer to assist in rescue efforts, Foreign Ministry says
Turkey has ‘kindly declined’ an offer by the Republic of Cyprus to assist in rescue efforts in earthquake-hit areas of the country with the deployment of a Search and Rescue team, said on Friday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a post on Twitter. ‘Despite initial acceptance of our offer to assist in rescue efforts, Turkey has ‘kindly declined’ Cyprus’ offer to deploy a Search and Rescue team on the ground’, said the Foreign Ministry.
Bad cheques registered in CIR in January at pound 59,817
A total of 23 dishonoured cheques with a balance of pound 59,817 were registered in Central Information Registry (CIR) in January 2023, according to data published by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Friday. ?his is the lowest value in bad cheques for the month of January in four years.
Anastasiades calls for an end to disputes in Democratic Rally, without naming his preferred candidate at presidential elections
Cyprus President and Democratic Rally (DISY) honorary President, Nicos Anastasiades, called on Friday for an end to the disputes between DISY top members so that room will be given for DISY members to exercise their free vote during the second round of presidential elections that will take place on Sunday, noting that he will not state his preferred candidate. DISY President, Averof Neofytou, came third at the first round of the elections behind Nikos Christodoulides and Andreas Mavroyiannis, who are now the two runners for the presidency.
Building permits decline by 5.4% in January – November 2022, value rises by 1.2%
Building permits issued in Cyprus in the period of January – November 2022 declined by an annual 5.4% with the total value rising by 1.2% reflecting increasing construction costs amid soaring inflation and supply chain disruptions. According to data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), total building permits issued in January – November 2022 declined to 6,986 compared with 7,386 in the respective period of last year.
Saturday 11/02/2023
Everything’s ready for Sunday’s elections, Chief Returning Officer tells CNA
Chief Returning Officer Costas Constantinou said that everything was ready for Sunday’s second round of presidential elections. Constantinou told CNA that on Saturday morning he was going on a tour to make sure that no remnants of the pre-election period were left, that signs were removed and that there was nothing prohibited by law in terms of display and advertising. Regarding the preparedness of the election centers, he said that the presiding officers have already received all the relevant material, since they received the ballot boxes from Friday and are ready to assume their duties.
Commissioner Ferreira expresses deep sadness and condolences for death of T/C teenagers during earthquake in Turkey
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira expressed her ‘deep sadness and sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the terrible earthquake that struck Trkiye and Syria’ in a statement, referring especially to the Turkish Cypriot teenagers who are among the victims of the earthquake. ‘Our hearts ache for the Turkish Cypriot teenagers from Famagusta who were in Adiyaman for a sports event, and lost their lives’ Ferreira said.
Sunday 12/02/2023
Turnout at 35.4% until noon for the presidential elections in Cyprus
Voter turnout for the presidential elections in Cyprus was at 35.4% until noon, when the polls temporarily closed for one hour. “The polls in all 1,129 polling stations operating in the Republic of Cyprus, Greece and Bulgaria were temporarily closed at 12.00 noon, for a one-hour break. Voting will resume at 1.00 pm”, said Chief Returning Officer, Dr. Costas Constantinou, in his latest update.
The polls are open, Cyprus elects its 8th President
The polls throughout Cyprus opened at 7am and voters begin to cast their vote to elect the 8th President of the Republic of Cyprus. According to the first statement of the Chief Returning Officer, Dr. Costas Constantinou, the polls opened at 7am in 1,113 polling centers operating in the Republic of Cyprus.
The people should exercise their right and duty to vote, says President Anastasiades
Today the people decide on the next President and must exercise their right and duty to vote, said President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades. Accompanied by his family and grandchildren, the President of the Republic, who voted at his town of Limassol, when asked if he would be on the side of the new President, replied “this is the duty of each of us.”
Cyprus President reiterates “deepest sorrow” about loss of 48 Turkish Cypriots from earthquake in Turkey
Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades reiterated on Sunday the government’s “deepest sorrow” over the loss of 48 Turkish Cypriots from the deadly earthquake in Turkey. “We reiterate our deepest sorrow about the loss of 48 Turkish Cypriot compatriots, among them 24 children,” the President wrote on Twitter.
Final turnout at 72.2% in second round of Presidential Elections 2023
The final turnout in the second round of the 2023 presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus stands at 72.2%, based on the latest figures available, meaning 405,086 citizens went to the polls to exercise their right to vote. As announced by Chief Returning Officer Costas Constantinou, the turnout is increased by 0.2% compared to 72% in the first round of the elections, held last Sunday.
Nikos Christodoulides elected new President of Cyprus Republic
Nikos Christodoulides, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government Spokesperson in outgoing President Anastasiades’ Cabinet, was elected Sunday new President of Cyprus. In the run-off round Christodoulides secured 51.91% (204,633 votes). Andreas Mavroyiannis, a diplomat and negotiator of the Greek Cypriot side in the peace negotiations, took 48.09% (189.592 votes).
House President congratulates Nikos Christodoulides on his election
President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou congratulated Nikos Christodoulides on his election to the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. Demetriou wrote on her twitter account that she contacted Christodoulides to congratulate him on his election, noting that there are crucial issues and very big challenges ahead.
Foreign leaders congratulate President-elect Nikos Christodoulides
Foreign leaders and other officials congratulate President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, following his victory in the second round of the presidential elections held on Sunday. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola have congratulated the President-elect.
?utgoing President Anastasiades congratulates President-elect Christodoulides
Outgoing President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades congratulated President-elect Nikos Christodoulides, wishing him every success in his new duties. “I congratulated the new President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and wished him every success in his new high assignment”, President Anastasiades posted on his twitter account.
Greek PM congratulates President-elect Nikos Christodoulides
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Nikos Christodoulides on his election as the new President of the Republic of Cyprus. Mitsotakis had a phone conversation with Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday evening, to congratulate and invite him to visit Athens.
Von der Leyen says she looks forward to working with new Cyprus President
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Nikos Christodoulides on his election as new President of the Republic of Cyprus. In her twitter account she also wrote that she is looking forward to working with him.
President of European Parliament Roberta Metsola called Christodoulides to congratulate him
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has called Nikos Christodoulides to congratulate him on his win in today’s Presidential elections, she tweeted in both Greek and English. “Just called @Christodulides to congratulate him after the Presidential elections in Cyprus
Greek President and Foreign Minister congratulate the President-elect of Cyprus
President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias congratulated Nikos Christodoulides on his election on Sunday evening. Greek President underlined that the Cyprus problem constitutes a top national priority and underlined the importance of coordination between Greece and Cyprus for a viable Cyprus solution.
Michel congratulates Christodoulides, adding that he looks forward to welcoming him in Brussels
President of the European Council Charles Michel congratulated Nikos Christodoulides for his election as President of the Republic of Cyprus, adding that he looks forward to welcoming him in Brussels, during the next summit. ‘Congratulations, dear Nicos @Christodulides. Looking forward to welcoming you soon in Brussels’, Michel said in a tweet posted on Sunday night.
European People’s Party sends congratulations to Christodoulides
The European People’s Party congratulated Nikos Christodoulides for winning the second round of the Presidential elections. ‘Congratulations to the newly elected President of the Republic of Cyprus @Christodulides. We wish him every success’ the EPP said in a tweet.
Forming Cabinet and breaking Cyprus issue deadlock, his immediate priorities says newly elected President
Newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday that his immediate priorities are to form his new Cabinet, to hold contacts with the political leaders, adding also that he has a plan of how to break the deadlock over the Cyprus problem. Speaking at his office, right after the election results were announced, Christodoulides warmly thanked all those who gathered outside saying that they were the first to believe and they proved that the best mechanism is the Cypriot people.
Greek Premier welcomes DISY leader’s support to newly elected Cyprus President to join EPP
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed Democratic Rally President Averof Neofytou’s support to newly-elected Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to join the European People’s Party (EPP). In a post on Twitter, Mitsotakis thanked Neofytou over his stance and described him as a ‘responsible political leader.’
Christodoulides’ election suggests ‘continued fiscal discipline and reform progress’ Moody’s says
Rating agency Moody’s has said that the outcome of the Presidential elections in Cyprus ‘suggests the continuation of a fiscal discipline and reform progress,’ noting that reunification talks may be ‘potentially hindered by the stricter line of smaller parties that supported the new president.’ Former Foreign Minister Christodoulides, described by the agency as independent and moderate, has won the run-off ballot last Sunday, garnering 51.9% of the popular vote, beating fellow independent candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis, a negotiator of the country’s reunification talks during 2015-17 and who the left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) backed.
President Anastasiades thanks new Ambassadors of Russia and Japan for their countries’ support to efforts for a Cyprus settlement
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, received on Thursday the credentials of the new Ambassadors of the Russian Federation and Japan to Cyprus, thanking them for the support and the principled stance of the two countries as regards the Cyprus problem and the efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, within the framework of the UN Security Council relevant resolutions and the international law. According to a press release issued by the Presidency, President Anastasiades briefed the new Ambassadors about the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the efforts which the Greek Cypriot side continues to make with a view to create the required conditions for the resumption of the negotiating process under the UN auspices, despite the unacceptable Turkish insistence aiming to promote a two-state solution.
Cyprus and Israel commemorate 74th anniversary of concentration camps closure
Cyprus and Israel commemorated on Thursday the 74th anniversary of the closure of the concentration camps for Jewish refugees and Holocaust survivors, who fled Europe after World War II for Israel. After World War II, thousands of Jews who survived the horror of the Holocaust boarded ships to go to Israel. However, the ships were stopped by the British and sent to Cyprus which was a British colony.
Christodoulides election “gives new life” to efforts for Cyprus solution, Greek Prime Minister says
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the election of Nikos Christodoulides as the new President of Cyprus “will give new life” to the long-term efforts of the Republic and all its citizens to end the Turkish occupation, in the context of a comprehensive and mutually acceptable solution of the Cyprus issue between the two communities. In a press release, Christodoulides’ political office says that the Prime Minister of Greece sent on Thursday a congratulatory letter to the President-elect, where he expresses the conviction that Christodoulides’ election will give new life to the process for resolving the Cyprus problem.
Cyprus, like Germany in the past, still experiences consequences of occupation, Demetriou tells German MPs
Cyprus, like Germany in the past, is still experiencing the consequences of occupation, President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou said on Thursday. Demetriou, who received a delegation from the German Bundestag, reaffirmed the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to resuming talks to reach a solution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
Social meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar set for February 23
A social meeting between President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, will take place on February 23, it was announced on Thursday. According to a statement from Christodoulides’ political office, the meeting will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the home of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, in the UN-protected area of the old Nicosia airport.
New Ambassador hopes that friendly Cyprus-Russia relations will be maintained, position on Cyprus issue unchanged
New Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Murat Ziazikov expressed hope that the friendly relations between the two countries will be maintained, conveying at the same time the invariable position of his country as regards the Cyprus issue. A post on Russian Embassy’s facebook page says that today, during a solemn ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation Murat Ziazikov presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.
Foreign Ministry expresses condolences to families of victims in New Zealand following extreme weather
The Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims in New Zealand following extreme weather conditions. In a tweet, it says “profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life following extreme weather conditions in #NewZealand”. ”
Monday 13/02/2023
Nikos Christodoulides proclaimed President of the Republic of Cyprus with a call for unity
President-elect Nikos Christodoulides was officially proclaimed on Sunday new President of the Republic of Cyprus, calling for unity and saying that he will be a President for all Cypriots. In his speech at the proclamation ceremony, in Nicosia, Christodoulides thanked the Cypriot people for electing him to the highest office of the Republic of Cyprus and said that he will “spare no effort to realize the vision that I have shared with you, for a free country that offers all citizens conditions of security and prosperity.”
Nikos Christodoulides proclaimed President amid celebrations by his supporters
Newly elected President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, was declared, on Sunday evening the 8th President during a ceremony that took place at “Tassos Papadopoulos-Eleftheria” Indoor Hall and which was attended by hundreds of his supporters who chanted slogans. People who attended the ceremony were waving Greek and Cypriot flags, cheering and applauding.
Macron sends congratulatory message to Christodoulides
President of France Emmanuel Macron sent a congratulatory message to newly elected President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides on Monday morning. In a Facebook post in Greek, Macron congratulated Christodoulides on his election, adding that “for our Europe and our common Mediterranean, we will continue the joint action we had with your predecessor, Nicos Anastasiades, whom I thank warmly.”
Zelensky congratulates Christodoulides on his election, says he is ready for active cooperation
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Monday President – elect Nikos Christodoulides saying that he is ready for active cooperation for the benefit of the two states and peoples. The Ukrainian President conveyed on his twitter account his sincere congratulations to Nikos Christodoulides on his win during the presidential elections that took place Sunday in Cyprus.
New cabinet under newly elected President Christodoulides to convene on 1st March
The first meeting of the new Cabinet under newly-elected Nikos Christodoulides will take place on 1st March. The Cyprus News Agency has learnt that the Cabinet will be convened after all members are sworn in. Until the 28th February, the current cabinet of outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades will be in force.
Government employment down in January, 5.6% year-over-year increase in casual staff
Government employment decreased by 1,363 persons in January 2023 due to the transfer of hourly paid workers from the Ministry of Health to the State Health Services Organisation, which is included in the Broad Public Sector, as from January 2023. According to the Cyprus Statistical Service, Government employment in January 2023 decreased by 1,363 persons (2.6%) compared to the same month in 2022 to 52,019 persons.
Elected President Christodoulides to give priority to meetings with political parties, his spokesperson says
Cyprus’ newly elected President, Nikos Christodoulides, will now give priority to meetings with political parties, as the programme of his meetings is currently being drafted, spokesperson of his staff, Marilena Evangelou has told CNA asked about Christodoulides’ steps from now. Moreover Evangelou said that the new President, who will take over his duties on March 1st is receiving congratulations and wishes from many officials from Cyprus and abroad.
Nikos Christodoulides to hold meeting with outgoing Cyprus President
Newly elected President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides will hold a meeting today with outgoing Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. A Spokesperson for Christodoulides’ office, Marilena Evaggelou, told CNA that the meeting will take place at 1900 local time.
Christodoulides expresses readiness to resume negotiations in reply to Tatar’s congratulatory call
Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides had on Monday a telephone conversation with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, to whom he expressed his readiness for the resumption of negotiations for a Cyprus settlement. Christodoulides’ political bureau said in a press release that the two men talked at Tatar’s initiative.
I am solely responsible for the new Cabinet, says newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides
The appointment of the members of the new Cabinet is solely my responsibility, the newly elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, told journalists at noon on Monday. He added that the processes for the formation of the new government scheme are at an advanced stage.
Commission’s Winter 2023 Forecast records solid growth and improved economic sentiment in Cypriot economy The European Union’s economy is set to avoid recession in 2023, but headwinds to development persist, according to the European Commission’s Winter interim Forecast which was presented in Brussels on Monday by Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni. In Cyprus, real GDP continued its solid growth momentum, increasing by 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Winter forecast shows resilience of the Cypriot economy, FinMin says
The winter economic forecast published Monday by the European Commission shows the resilience of the Cypriot economy, says the Finance Ministry, adding that for 2023 Cyprus is among the top four Euro area countries with the highest growth rate which is double compared with the Eurozone and the EU average. In a press release following the EU winter forecast, the Ministry said that projections on real GDP growth both for 2023 and 2024 are higher than the respective projections of the autumn forecast.
UN is ready to facilitate a meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar, Siddique tells CNA
The UN has expressed readiness to facilitate a meeting between Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar. ‘The UN is always ready to facilitate a meeting between the leaders as and when they are ready, UN spokesperson in Cyprus, Aleem Siddique, told CNA. Moreover, he said that the UNSG’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, ‘hopes to be able to speak with both leaders in the coming days.’
Congratulatory messages for President-elect continue to pour in
Congratulatory messages for President-elect ?ikos Christodoulides continue to pour in, following his victory in Sunday’s elections. According to his office, messages via twitter were received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Estonia’s President Alar Karis, Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda, Austria’s chancellor Karl Nehammer, Latvia’s President Egils Levits, Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.
Christodoulides to promote proposal for a more active EU involvement to efforts for Cyprus solution during visit to Brussels in March
Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides said he will promote in March, in Brussels, his proposal for a more active and greater involvement of the EU in efforts for a Cyprus settlement, within the UN framework. Christodoulides had a half hour-long meeting on Monday evening at the Presidential Palace, with the outgoing President, Nicos Anastasiades.
Tuesday 14/02/2023
Nikos Christodoulides proclaimed President of the Republic of Cyprus with a call for unity
President-elect Nikos Christodoulides was officially proclaimed on Sunday new President of the Republic of Cyprus, calling for unity and saying that he will be a President for all Cypriots. In his speech at the proclamation ceremony, in Nicosia, Christodoulides thanked the Cypriot people for electing him to the highest office of the Republic of Cyprus and said that he will “spare no effort to realize the vision that I have shared with you, for a free country that offers all citizens conditions of security and prosperity.”
Nikos Christodoulides proclaimed President amid intense celebrations by his supporters
Newly elected President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, was declared, on Sunday evening the 8th President during a ceremony that took place at “Tassos Papadopoulos-Eleftheria” Indoor Hall and which was attended by hundreds of his supporters who chanted slogans. People who attended the ceremony were waving Greek and Cypriot flags, cheering and applauding.
Macron sends congratulatory message to Christodoulides
President of France Emmanuel Macron sent a congratulatory message to newly elected President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides on Monday morning. In a Facebook post in Greek, Macron congratulated Christodoulides on his election, adding that “for our Europe and our common Mediterranean, we will continue the joint action we had with your predecessor, Nicos Anastasiades, whom I thank warmly.”
Zelensky congratulates Christodoulides on his election, says he is ready for active cooperation
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Monday President – elect Nikos Christodoulides saying that he is ready for active cooperation for the benefit of the two states and peoples. The Ukrainian President conveyed on his twitter account his sincere congratulations to Nikos Christodoulides on his win during the presidential elections that took place Sunday in Cyprus.
New cabinet under newly elected President Christodoulides to convene on 1st March
The first meeting of the new Cabinet under newly-elected Nikos Christodoulides will take place on 1st March. The Cyprus News Agency has learnt that the Cabinet will be convened after all members are sworn in. Until the 28th February, the current cabinet of outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades will be in force.
Government employment down in January, 5.6% year-over-year increase in casual staff
Government employment decreased by 1,363 persons in January 2023 due to the transfer of hourly paid workers from the Ministry of Health to the State Health Services Organisation, which is included in the Broad Public Sector, as from January 2023. According to the Cyprus Statistical Service, Government employment in January 2023 decreased by 1,363 persons (2.6%) compared to the same month in 2022 to 52,019 persons.
Elected President Christodoulides to give priority to meetings with political parties, his spokesperson says
Cyprus’ newly elected President, Nikos Christodoulides, will now give priority to meetings with political parties, as the programme of his meetings is currently being drafted, spokesperson of his staff, Marilena Evangelou has told CNA asked about Christodoulides’ steps from now. Moreover Evangelou said that the new President, who will take over his duties on March 1st is receiving congratulations and wishes from many officials from Cyprus and abroad.
Nikos Christodoulides to hold meeting with outgoing Cyprus President
Newly elected President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides will hold a meeting today with outgoing Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades. A Spokesperson for Christodoulides’ office, Marilena Evaggelou, told CNA that the meeting will take place at 1900 local time. T
Christodoulides expresses readiness to resume negotiations in reply to Tatar’s congratulatory call
Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides had on Monday a telephone conversation with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, to whom he expressed his readiness for the resumption of negotiations for a Cyprus settlement. Christodoulides’ political bureau said in a press release that the two men talked at Tatar’s initiative. The Turkish Cypriot leader congratulated Christodoulides over his election, while Christodoulides expressed his condolences to the Turkish Cypriot community and the families of the victims of the devastating earthquake in Turkey.
I am solely responsible for the new Cabinet, says newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides
The appointment of the members of the new Cabinet is solely my responsibility, the newly elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, told journalists at noon on Monday. He added that the processes for the formation of the new government scheme are at an advanced stage.
Commission’s Winter 2023 Forecast records solid growth and improved economic sentiment in Cypriot economy : The European Union’s economy is set to avoid recession in 2023, but headwinds to development persist, according to the European Commission’s Winter interim Forecast which was presented in Brussels on Monday by Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni. In Cyprus, real GDP continued its solid growth momentum, increasing by 6.1% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared to the same period in the previous year.
Winter forecast shows resilience of the Cypriot economy, FinMin says
The winter economic forecast published Monday by the European Commission shows the resilience of the Cypriot economy, says the Finance Ministry, adding that for 2023 Cyprus is among the top four Euro area countries with the highest growth rate which is double compared with the Eurozone and the EU average. In a press release following the EU winter forecast, the Ministry said that projections on real GDP growth both for 2023 and 2024 are higher than the respective projections of the autumn forecast.
UN is ready to facilitate a meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar, Siddique tells CNA
The UN has expressed readiness to facilitate a meeting between Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar. ‘The UN is always ready to facilitate a meeting between the leaders as and when they are ready, UN spokesperson in Cyprus, Aleem Siddique, told CNA.
Congratulatory messages for President-elect continue to pour in
Congratulatory messages for President-elect ?ikos Christodoulides continue to pour in, following his victory in Sunday’s elections. According to his office, messages via twitter were received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Estonia’s President Alar Karis, Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda, Austria’s chancellor Karl Nehammer, Latvia’s President Egils Levits, Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni.
Christodoulides to promote proposal for a more active EU involvement to efforts for Cyprus solution during visit to Brussels in March
Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides said he will promote in March, in Brussels, his proposal for a more active and greater involvement of the EU in efforts for a Cyprus settlement, within the UN framework. Christodoulides had a half hour-long meeting on Monday evening at the Presidential Palace, with the outgoing President, Nicos Anastasiades.
Wednesday 15/02/2023
We will work to reunite Cyprus, Bipartisan Congressional Hellenic Caucus says
Chris Papas, Gus Bilirakis, Dina Titus and Nicole Malliotakis said that they will work to reunite Cyprus and for the strengthening of the US alliance with Greece and Cyprus for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. At the Delphi Economic Forum held last week in Washington, the Hellenic Caucus in the House of Representatives declared the opening of the Hellenic Assembly of Congress for the 118th Congress.
Christodoulides optimistic about the formation of a broad social acceptance government
All that we said during the election campaign will be implemented and constitute our contract with the Cypriot people, President-elect Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday evening, adding that he is “optimistic that we can achieve the formation of a government of broad social acceptance.” He was speaking at his electoral staff office in Larnaca, which he visited on Tuesday night to thank all the volunteers who worked for his election, and where supporters greeted him with applause.
President-elect optimistic that pending labour issues will be resolved in March at meeting with trade union SE?
President-elect Nikos Christodoulides who met with the leadership and members of trade union SEK on Wednesday morning expressed his optimism that pending labour issues will be resolved in March. Christodoulides expressed his will to “begin finding solutions”, even before he officially assumes office on March 1. He noted that, after meeting with SEK, he will meet with other parties involved, so that, during March, “we will have results, we will have reached a conclusion on important labour issues.”
Cyprus sends financial aid of half a million for people affected by earthquake in Turkey and Syria
Cyprus Cabinet on Wednesday approved financial aid of half a million euro for the immediate needs of the people affected by the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. Deputy Government Spokesperson Niovi Parissinos said in a written statement that the Cabinet observed a minute of silence for the Turkish Cypriots who perished in the earthquake.
President-elect conveys determination to resume Cyprus talks in telephone call with Borrell
President-elect Nikos Christodoulides spoke on the phone with EU High Representative Josep Borrell expressing his determination to resume talks for a Cyprus settlement. According to a press release by Christodoulides’ office, during the phone call Borrell congratulated Christodoulides on his election.
Total weight of goods transported by road in Cyprus increased annually by 49.9% in Q3, 2022
Total weight of goods transported by road in Cyprus reached 10 million tonnes, recording an increase of 49.9% in the third quarter of 2022, according to data published on Wednesday by the Statistical Service. In the same period, July-September 2022, the weight of freight transported from and to Cyprus also increased by 28.1%, reaching 8.2 thousand tonnes.
Cyprus – UAE sign MoU to strengthen government services
Cyprus and UAE signed an MoU with a view to expand their synergies, strengthen the government services of two countries and promote innovation in the public sector. An announcement sent to the press Wednesday by Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy says that through the cooperation, the exchange of government experience and the utilization of best international practices in terms of planning, development and management of government services, the two countries are set to form an operational model for the public administration from which the citizens will benefit.
Top UN official in Cyprus ready to facilitate meeting between Christodoulides – Tatar
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Colin Stewart, has reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate a meeting between newly elected President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. A tweet by UN Cyprus says that Stewart spoke on Wednesday with Christodoulides whom he congratulated on his election. It is also stated that Stewart reaffirmed his readiness to facilitate a meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar when convenient, the tweet says.
Frozen fish and flour record significant price increase
Frozen fish and flour recorded high price increase, according to data published on Wednesday by the Consumer Protection Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. Although in most categories, prices remain stable with small fluctuations, some categories of basic goods show significant increase. Specifically, compared to December 2022, in January 2023, 16 categories show a decrease of up to 3%, such as cold meats, cheese, sugar, bottled water, fresh meat/fish, cereals, cookies, while from the remaining categories, moderate increases of up to 1%-3% are recorded in 22 categories, and significant increases are recorded in 4 categories.
Commission sends Cyprus letter of formal notice regarding safety rules for offshore oil and gas operations
The European Commission has sent Cyprus a letter of formal notice calling on the country to correctly transpose EU rules on the safety of offshore oil and gas operations, as part of its regular package of infringement decisions against Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. Cyprus has also received letters of formal notice relating to the protection of marine waters, sustainable water management and the free movement of services.
Weber congratulates Chirstodoulides on his election, invites him to next EPP Summit
President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Manfred Weber sent a congratulatory letter to Cyprus’ President-elect Nikos Christodoulides, inviting him to the next EPP Summit, on March 23 in Brussels. In his letter, seen by CNA, Weber congratulates Christodoulides on his election and says he is convinced that he will support the European principles and values of the party throughout his mandate.
Newly elected President to be sworn in on February 28th
Newly elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides will be sworn in on February 28th during a special ceremony of the House of Representatives. According to a press release by the House of Representatives, the ceremony will take place during a special session of the Parliament and will begin at 11.30 on the 28th of February, which is the day when the five-year term of the outgoing President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades ends. The press release notes that due to limited space, access by the public will only be possible with an entry card.
Thursday 16/02/2023
Greek Premier welcomes DISY leader’s support to newly elected Cyprus President to join EPP
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed Democratic Rally President Averof Neofytou’s support to newly-elected Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to join the European People’s Party (EPP). In a post on Twitter, Mitsotakis thanked Neofytou over his stance and described him as a ‘responsible political leader.’
Christodoulides’ election suggests ‘continued fiscal discipline and reform progress’ Moody’s says
Rating agency Moody’s has said that the outcome of the Presidential elections in Cyprus ‘suggests the continuation of a fiscal discipline and reform progress,’ noting that reunification talks may be ‘potentially hindered by the stricter line of smaller parties that supported the new president.’ Former Foreign Minister Christodoulides, described by the agency as independent and moderate, has won the run-off ballot last Sunday, garnering 51.9% of the popular vote, beating fellow independent candidate Andreas Mavroyiannis, a negotiator of the country’s reunification talks during 2015-17 and who the left-wing Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) backed. ‘Christodoulides’ term in office will be five years and we expect him to form a government with wide appeal,’ the agency said in it is bi-weekly bulleting titled ‘Credit outlook.’
President Anastasiades thanks new Ambassadors of Russia and Japan for their countries’ support to efforts for a Cyprus settlement
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, received on Thursday the credentials of the new Ambassadors of the Russian Federation and Japan to Cyprus, thanking them for the support and the principled stance of the two countries as regards the Cyprus problem and the efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement on the basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, within the framework of the UN Security Council relevant resolutions and the international law. According to a press release issued by the Presidency, President Anastasiades briefed the new Ambassadors about the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the efforts which the Greek Cypriot side continues to make with a view to create the required conditions for the resumption of the negotiating process under the UN auspices, despite the unacceptable Turkish insistence aiming to promote a two-state solution.
Cyprus and Israel commemorate 74th anniversary of concentration camps closure
Cyprus and Israel commemorated on Thursday the 74th anniversary of the closure of the concentration camps for Jewish refugees and Holocaust survivors, who fled Europe after World War II for Israel. After World War II, thousands of Jews who survived the horror of the Holocaust boarded ships to go to Israel.
Christodoulides election “gives new life” to efforts for Cyprus solution, Greek Prime Minister says
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the election of Nikos Christodoulides as the new President of Cyprus “will give new life” to the long-term efforts of the Republic and all its citizens to end the Turkish occupation, in the context of a comprehensive and mutually acceptable solution of the Cyprus issue between the two communities. In a press release, Christodoulides’ political office says that the Prime Minister of Greece sent on Thursday a congratulatory letter to the President-elect, where he expresses the conviction that Christodoulides’ election will give new life to the process for resolving the Cyprus problem.
Cyprus, like Germany in the past, still experiences consequences of occupation, Demetriou tells German MPs
Cyprus, like Germany in the past, is still experiencing the consequences of occupation, President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou said on Thursday. Demetriou, who received a delegation from the German Bundestag, reaffirmed the commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to resuming talks to reach a solution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
Social meeting between Christodoulides and Tatar set for February 23
A social meeting between President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, will take place on February 23, it was announced on Thursday. According to a statement from Christodoulides’ political office, the meeting will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the home of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, in the UN-protected area of the old Nicosia airport.
New Ambassador hopes that friendly Cyprus-Russia relations will be maintained, position on Cyprus issue unchanged
New Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Murat Ziazikov expressed hope that the friendly relations between the two countries will be maintained, conveying at the same time the invariable position of his country as regards the Cyprus issue. A post on Russian Embassy’s facebook page says that today, during a solemn ceremony at the Presidential Palace, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation Murat Ziazikov presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.
Foreign Ministry expresses condolences to families of victims in New Zealand following extreme weather
The Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims in New Zealand following extreme weather conditions. In a tweet, it says “profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life following extreme weather conditions in #NewZealand”.
Friday 17/02/2023
President-elect Christodoulides and Egyptian President express aspiration to strengthen strategic partnership
Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, had a telephone conversation with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who congratulated him on his election win. A spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that both leaders expressed their aspiration to continue developing and strengthening the strategic partnership between Cyprus and Egypt.
President-elect Christodoulides tells Sisi about great prospects for further strengthening of Cyprus-Egypt ties
The elected president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides had a telephone conversation with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, on Thursday evening, according to a statement from his political office. Christodoulides told Sisi that there are huge prospects for further strengthening Cyprus-Egypt relations and accepted an invitation to visit Egypt.
Cyprus MFA meets Bundestag delegation
A cross-party delegation of newly elected members of the German Bundestag met Thursday with Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides. A post by MFA says the meeting was fruitful and it covered the Cyprus foreign policy.
Cyprus and France will further promote their “valuable relationship”, Macron tells President-elect
President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has expressed certainty that his country and Cyprus will have the opportunity to promote their “valuable relationship” during the coming years, in a letter he sent to President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, congratulating him over his election on behalf of the French people and himself. Moreover, Macron reiterated his support “to a just and viable solution for the reunification of the island of Cyprus within the UN parameters and on the basis of a bizonal and bicommunal federation, providing full guarantees to the two communities for their political equality.”
Eurostat: 38.9% of recent job leavers in Cyprus left their job for labour market reasons in Q3 2022
In the third quarter of 2022, there were 3.5 million recent job leavers in the EU between the age of 25 and 54, of which more than two-thirds (68.9%) had left their job for labour market reasons, meaning the end of a fixed-term contract, a dismissal or a business closure for economic reasons, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. Recent job leavers are defined as people who left their job in the last three months before data was collected and are no longer in employment, here the focus is on those aged 25-54 years old.
New Ambassador of Cyprus in Prague presents his credentials to the President of the Czech Republic
Cyprus New Ambassador to the Czech Republic, George, S. Yiangou, presented on February 15 his credentials to the Czech President, Miloš Zeman, during a special ceremony that took place at the Castle of Prague. According to a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry, during the ceremony, Yiangou had the opportunity to convey to President Zeman the warm regards of Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, as well as his wishes for the progress and prosperity of the Czech people.
Cyprus residents travelling abroad increase by 182.6% in January y/o/y
A total number of 136,717 residents of Cyprus returned from a trip abroad in January 2023, compared to 48,382 in the corresponding month last year, recording an increase of 182.6%, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Friday. The main countries from which the residents of Cyprus returned in January 2023 were Greece with 32.9% and 44,937 arrivals and the United Kingdom with 12.9% or 17,622 arrivals.
Tourists’ arrivals up annually by 106% in January 2023
Tourist arrivals in Cyprus reached 90,549 in January 2023 compared to 43,944 in January 2022, recording an increase of 106.1%, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Friday. In particular, according to the official data, arrivals from the United Kingdom were the main source of tourism for January 2023, with a share of 20.6% or 18,631 arrivals, followed by Israel with 16.6% or 14,991 arrivals. Poland followed with 12.3% or 11,166 and Greece with 11.6% or 10,459.
Construction materials at highest point since 1986 in January
The Price Index of Construction Materials for January 2023 reached 136.01 units (base year 2015=100), recording an increase of 12.25% compared to the same month of the previous year, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Friday. The price index for construction materials in January 2023 is at its highest point since 1986 when data are kept by the Statistical Service.
Assets of investment funds in Cyprus down 5.7% in Q4 2022
Despite the small increase in number, total assets of investment funds in Cyprus decreased by 5.7% in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to data released on Friday by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC). The number of investment funds increased from 284 in September 2022 to 286 in December 2022, while their total assets decreased by 5.7% to pound 7.8 billion in December 2022, compared to pound 8.2 billion in September 2022.
President of Poland extends invitation to President-elect to visit the country
President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, has extended an invitation to the newly elected President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to pay a visit to his country. Duda sent a letter to Christodoulides congratulating him over his election and noting that he is deeply convinced that his activities will contribute to the comprehensive settlement and strengthening of the position of the Republic of Cyprus.
Borrell refers to the need to pave the way for a Cyprus solution in letter to Christodoulides
EU High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has sent a letter to newly elected President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, in which he refers to the need to resume the process for a Cyprus solution as soon as possible. According to a press release of Christodoulides’ Political Bureau, in his letter, Borrell congratulates him on his election as President of the Republic of Cyprus and refers to the need to pave the way for restarting the Cyprus solution process as soon as possible.
Excess mortality rises to 19% in EU, drops to 19% in Cyprus in December, according to Eurostat
Excess mortality in Cyprus in December 2022 dropped to +19% of the average number of deaths for the same period in 2016-2019, and soared to +19% in the EU, the highest recorded value in 2022, according to Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. This is a sharp increase from November for the EU, when excess mortality was at +8%. In comparison, the excess mortality rate was +30% in December 2020 and +24% in December 2021.
We will govern for the benefit of all Cypriots, President-elect says from Pafos
“There are no winners and losers” in the presidential elections, President-elect Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday, reiterating that “we will govern for all our fellow citizens, for all our compatriots, for all Cypriots”. Christodoulides, who was speaking on Friday night in front of his supporters at his campaign office in Pafos, also noted that our tradition is something that we should highlight and utilize more, because we are proud of it.
Saturday 18/02/2023
President Anastasiades’ last week in office to include distinctions and a host of meetings
Honorary distinctions will be awarded to President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, during the coming week, a few days before the end of his administration, while he will host a dinner in honor of the ambassadors based in Cyprus and will receive the credentials of the new US Ambassador to the island. A written statement by the Director of the President’s Press Office, Andreas Iosif, said on Saturday “honorary distinctions for his significant contribution to the country and appreciation for the work he has done during his decade-long administration will be awarded this week” to President Anastasiades, a few days before he leaves the presidency of the Republic.
Resuming negotiations for a Cyprus settlement constitutes a priority for Greece, says Dendias
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said that the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus issue constitutes a priority for Greek foreign policy. In an interview with the Greek newspaper “Ta Nea”, published Sunday, Dendias noted that Athens expects to welcome the new President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in his first visit abroad after his election.
Sunday 19/02/2023
UNSG Antonio Guterres to participate in European Council in March, Charles Michel said on Twitter
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will participate in the next summit of the European Council in March, European Council President Charles Michel announced in a tweet posted on the occasion of both officials attending the annual summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, held from February 17th to 19th. ‘At @_AfricanUnion and ahead of his participation in March #EUCO exchanged with @antonioguterres how to address impact of war in #Ukraine globally’ Michel wrote in his tweet.
Business bankruptcies decrease by 13.4% in Cyprus during fourth quarter of 2022, according to Eurostat
The number of bankruptcy declarations among EU businesses increased substantially in the fourth quarter of 2022 (+26.8% compared with the previous quarter), while estimates for Cyprus show a decrease (-13.4%) during the same period, according to data on business registrations and bankruptcies published by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. During the fourth quarter of 2022 bankruptcies in the EU reached their highest levels since the start of data collection in 2015.
Cypriot bonds held by the Eurosystem exceed pound 7 billion in end January
Cypriot bonds held by the Eurosystem in the context of the Public Sector Purchases Programme (PSPP) and the Pandemic Emergency Purchases Programme (PEPP) exceeded pound 7 billion in January 2023. On the basis of available data, the total purchases of Cypriot bonds by the Eurosystem amount to approximately 30% of the Cypriot public debt.
Cabinet formation at an advanced stage, no proposals by parties yet, says President-elect
The formation of the Council of Ministers is at an ‘advanced stage,’ President-elect Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday, adding that he has not yet received proposals by the parties who supported his candidacy in the presidential elections. Christodoulides won the run-off ballot of the Cyprus presidential elections last Sunday and will assume duties on March 1.
Christodoulides pledges to do everything possible to achieve a result during his meeting next week with Tatar
Newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides said he will do everything possible to achieve a result at his unofficial meeting next week with the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. Speaking after casting his vote in his hometown of Yeroskipou for the new Paphos bishop, Christodoulides, also said the current state of affairs cannot constitute a solution to the Cyprus problem and that talks should resume as soon as possible.
Monday 20/02/2023
Net profits of pound 71 million for Bank of Cyprus, with record new lending in 2022
Bank of Cyprus recorded a profit after tax of pound 71m for 2022, compared to pound 30m for 2021. Exceeding the targets of the latest forecasts of November 2022, the Bank recorded improved performance, while 2022 was also a record year for new lending. During the presentation of the results at a press conference on Monday, the CEO of the Group, Panicos Nicolaou said that “we are pleased to announce a positive set of financial results for 2022, exceeding our targets and confirming the sustainability of our business model with well-diversified revenues and disciplined cost containment despite inflationary pressures”.
Trade deficit up by 38.9% in January-November 2022
The trade deficit increased by 38.9% for the period January-November 2022, reaching pound 6,816.1 million compared to pound 4,906.1 million in the corresponding period of 2021. In the same period there was an annual increase of 31.2 % in imports and 18.7% in exports, according to data published by the Cyprus Statistical Service on Monday.
Turnover value of Transport and Storage up by 41.4% in 2022
The Turnover Value Index of Transport and Storage recorded an increase of 41.1% during the period January-December 2022, compared to the corresponding period of 2021. According to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus, the largest increase of 439% was recorded in air transport.
UK Premier tells President-elect his country is ready to contribute to efforts for Cyprus solution
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sent a congratulatory letter to the elected President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides in which he expresses his country’s readiness to assist in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem and notes the close bilateral relations. A press release on Monday by Christodoulides’ office says that Sunak points out, among other things, that the cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the United Kingdom is determined by the historical ties, the close relations between the two peoples and the common vision for the future.
UCy Economic Research Centre sees signs of reversal of CCLEI’s downward trend
The Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus sees signs of a reversal of the downtrend of the Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI), which in January 2023 recorded an annual decrease of 3.5%, after annual decreases of 3.6% in December and 4.2% in November 2022. According to the Economics Research Centre, the international Brent Crude oil price was among the contributors of the CCLEI’s improvement, recording a decline in its year-over-year growth rate for the first time since January 2021.
Cyprus has managed to get over three seismic crises, President Anastasiades says
Cyprus has managed to get over three seismic crises – the economic crisis of 2013, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine – Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades said on Monday speaking at a luncheon during which the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) Executive Committee honoured and thanked him for their productive cooperation during his tenure. Anastasiades said that history will soberly judge the work that has been done after the tense climate that follows an election period and pledged that he will remain an active citizen who will exert his influence towards any direction he can so that the country will continue its course with stability, economic prosperity and budgetary discipline.
Eurostat estimates for December show an EU wide drop in construction production
In December 2022 compared with November 2022, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector decreased by 2.5% in the euro area and by 2.0% the EU, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Eurostat has not released estimates for Cyprus as it is one of the countries that are not required to supply monthly data.
Ireland looks forward to continuing the close ties with Cyprus, Prime Minister tells President-elect
Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, sent a letter to President-elect Nikos Christodoulides to congratulate him for his recent victory in the Cyprus elections and says that he looks forward to the continuation of the close cooperation between Ireland and Cyprus, both on a bilateral level and within the European Union, on important issues and common challenges. Ireland, the Premier says according to a press release by Christodoulides’ office, appreciates the important role played by the United Nations in Cyprus and feels proud of Ireland’s contribution to this mission over the decades.
Ukraine, Moldova, Afghanistan and climate on the agenda of last FAC attended by Kasoulides
The current situation in Ukraine and the response of the Europan Union, along with the latest developments in Moldova, are the focus of Monday’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) held in Brussels, with the participation of Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, according to a tweet posted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the last FAC for Kasoulides before the end of the mandate of the Nicos Anastasiades government at the end of the month.
Real GDP up by 6,6% in Cyprus in 2021 compared to 2020, per capita GDP at 91% of EU average
Real GDP grew in all regions of the European Union in 2021 compared to 2020 except in three located in Belgium, France and Austria, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. Cyprus’ real GDP was up by 6.6%. In 2021, real GDP changes in individual EU regions ranged from -2.4% in Province Brabant wallon (Belgium) to +16.7% in Notio Aigaio (Greece) compared with 2020. Real GDP increased in all EU regions on the NUTS 2 level except three: Prov. Brabant wallon (Belgium), Mayotte (-0.7%; France) and Tirol (-0.2%; Austria).
Kasoulides refers to Turkish Cypriot victims of Turkey earthquake and assistance from Cyprus during FAC
Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides referred to the Turkish Cypriot citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who were killed during the recent earthquakes in Turkey, as well as to Cyprus’ initiative to send a rescue team to the country and the provision of humanitarian aid to Syria and Turkey through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, during a debate on the situation in Syria and Turkey during the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels. The Foreign Ministers observed a minute of silence at the beginning of the Council, marking the memory of the victims of the earthquakes.
Tuesday 21/02/2023
Deadlock could break if EU undertakes central role in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides says
The deadlock could break if the EU undertakes a central role in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Monday evening. He was responding to questions by journalists during a visit in Paralimni to thank volunteers and all those who supported his candidacy.
ECHR upholds decision by Cypriot courts to return abducted child to his father in the USA
A decision by Cypriot courts to return an abducted child to his father in the USA did not contravene the mother’s rights under the European Convention, the European Court of Human Rights ruled on Tuesday in its judgment in the case of G.K. v. Cyprus. It is noted that in Tuesday’s Chamber judgment in the case in question, the European Court of Human Rights held, unanimously, that there had been, no violation of Article 8 (right to respect for private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.
EU natural gas consumption drops between August – January compared to previous years, Eurostat data show
The EU consumption of natural gas has dropped by 19.3% in the period August 2022 – January 2023, compared with the average gas consumption for the same months (August – January) between 2017 and 2022, according to information from member state official sources and reported by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. The Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1369 on coordinated demand-reduction measures for gas, part of the REPowerEU plan to end EU dependence on Russian fossil fuels, set a reduction target of 15% for the period August 2022-March 2023 as compared to the average of the same period of the five previous consecutive years.
Nicosia ranks first for human capital and lifestyle among small European Cities of the future, according to FT
Nicosia ranks first for human capital and lifestyle and eighth for FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) strategy, among small European Cities of the future, according to the fDi Intelligence of the Financial Times. The capital of Cyprus has been ranked among the top ten small European Cities of the Future for the fifth consecutive time.
Tatar’s proposed model for a Cyprus solution “out of the question”, Christodoulides makes clear during meeting with UN top official
President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, has made it clear to the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, that the two-state model for a Cyprus settlement, advocated by Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, is out of the question. Moreover, CNA has learned that Christodoulides, who had a 50-minute meeting with Stewart on Tuesday, stressed that he is ready for the resumption of negotiations from where they were left in Crans-Montana and that efforts must begin immediately and not wait for the elections in Turkey to take place.
Cyprus President receives credentials of new US Ambassador
Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, received on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace, the credentials of the new US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie D. Fisher. According to a press release issued by the Presidency, during a meeting they had, President Anastasiades and Ambassador Fisher exchanged views on the excellent level of bilateral relations between Cyprus and the US, mainly in the fields of security and defence, as well as energy, which give a new impetus to the bilateral cooperation of the two countries.
AHEPA Brussels honours FM Kasoulides for his contribution to European path and foreign policy of Cyprus
Expatriate association AHEPA Brussels honoured Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides for his years of service in an event held on Monday evening at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union in Brussels. In a post on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred to a “modest and highly moving ceremony” during which AHEPA Brussels “honoured the ‘master of diplomacy’ Ioannis Kasoulides @IKasoulides for his long and selfless contribution to Cyprus, Hellenism and Europe”.
Outgoing President calls on Employers to continue close cooperation with newly elected President
Outgoing Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades called on the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB) to continue close cooperation with the newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides for the sake of the economy. Anastasiades’ comments came during a lunch offered by OEB to honour the outgoing President who on March 1 ends his ten-year tenure at the helm of the Republic of Cyprus.
The current state of affairs cannot be the solution of the Cyprus problem, President-elect says
The current state of affairs cannot be the future of the country, nor the solution of the Cyprus problem, said on Tuesday, President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, stressing that he will do everything possible to break the impasse without overlooking any difficulties faced.
Enterprises that conduct online sales in Cyprus up to 20% in 2022, according to Eurostat
In 2022, for 20.1% of enterprises in Cyprus (19.7% of EU enterprises), the e-commerce sales reached at least 1% of their total turnover, which was 3 percentage points higher (+0.7 pp in the EU) compared with 2021, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. Sweden recorded the highest share of enterprises selling online (e-sales of at least 1% of their total turnover) among the EU members with 36.6%, followed by Denmark (35.6%) and Ireland (35.2%). On the other hand, Luxembourg (8.6%), Romania (10.5%) and Bulgaria (11.5%) recorded the lowest shares of enterprises selling online.
Yields of Cypriot domestic bonds marked a new rise in February
Yields of the short-term domestic bonds issued by the Republic of Cyprus marked a new rise fuelled by global tightening monetary policy on the backdrop of rising inflation. According to a press release issued by the Public Debt Management Office of the Ministry of Finance (PDMO), during 13 Week Treasury Bills Auction, carried out on February 20, bids for a total amount of pound 81.65 million were submitted, out of which, pound 47.65 million total nominal value have been accepted with a weighted average yield of 2.96%.
Wednesday 22/02/2023
Christodoulides ready to meet Tatar alone or with Stewart, Cabinet to be announced by the end of the week or next
President-elect Nikos Christodoulides said he is ready to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar with or without the presence of UN Secretary General’s Representative Colin Stewart. He made the remark when asked on Tuesday evening about press reports that said the two are planning to meet without Steward.
Cabinet approves extension of electricity subsidy and reduced consumer fuel tax
The Council of Ministers, which convened on Wednesday for the last time under outgoing President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, approved the extension of a subsidy for the cost of electricity consumption as well as reduced excise for specific products. According to a written statement by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Niovi Parisinou, the Cabinet approved the extension of the measure that subsidizes the cost of electricity consumption with the aim to address inflationary pressures for two additional months, specifically, for the billing period of March – April 2023 (concerns electricity consumption in the period of January – February).
Demand of Turkish side for a “two state” solution will never be accepted, House President says
The demand of the Turkish side for a “two state” solution in Cyprus will never be accepted, as this will legalize the results of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation, House President, Annita Demetriou, has said. Demetriou addressed a lunch hosted on Wednesday by the Ambassador of Sweden to Cyprus, Martin Hagström, in honour of the heads of the EU member states diplomatic missions to Cyprus, on the occasion of the Council of the EU Swedish Presidency, during the first half of 2023.
Multiannual programme of statistical activities 2023-2027 approved by the Council of Ministers
The multiannual programme of statistical activities for the period 2023-2027 was approved by the Council of Ministers, according to a statement of the Statistical Service, issued on Wednesday. The programme outlines the surveys and other activities that are scheduled to be carried out by the Statistical Service and the other national authorities during this five-year period. For each activity, the programme includes a brief description of its purpose, legal basis, frequency, data collection method, deadline for submitting the data to Eurostat and timeframe for the dissemination of the results.
Tourism revenue in 2022 reached 91% of record-year 2019
For the period of January – December 2022, revenue from tourism is estimated at pound 2,439.2 mn, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Wednesday. This revenue is at 91% of the revenues recorded in 2019, which is considered a record year for tourism in Cyprus, with pound 2,683 mn, although total arrivals in 2022 were decreased by 19%.
European Investment Bank financed green projects in Cyprus with pound 250 mn in 2022
The European Investment Bank (EIB) reported on Wednesday on its strong engagement in Cyprus for 2022, with new financing signed reaching a total of pound 250 million, all of which was invested in green projects. During the year, the EU bank committed pound 150 million in support for a large-scale urban regeneration project which aims to make Cypriot municipalities greener, boost the economy, and improve the quality of everyday life.
Thursday 23/02/2023
President-elect meets Turkish Cypriot leader on Thursday
President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, will meet leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, Ersin Tatar, on Thursday morning at the residence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, Colin Stewart. This will be the first meeting of the two leaders since the election of Christodoulides as President of the Republic. The three men will meet at 11.00am at the UNSG Special Representative’s residence at the old Nicosia airport.
Technical Committees and CBMs cannot substitute Cyprus solution, President-elect says ahead of meeting with Tatar
Any action undertaken either through the technical committees or Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) or anything else cannot substitute the settlement of the Cyprus problem within the agreed UN framework, and within this framework I am ready to discuss, Cyprus President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday prior to his first meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, at the UNSG Special Representative Colin Stewart’s residence in Nicosia UN protected area. In statements to journalists and asked about his goal as regards his first meeting with Tatar, Christodoulides said that “it is a first informal meeting that is taking place at our own initiative.
Commissioner Kyriakides condemns homophobic attack at Cyprus University of Technology event
European Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides has condemned the homophobic attack which took place on Wednesday during an event held by the university student organisation and Accept – LGBTI Cyprus at the Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol. ‘I strongly condemn yesterday’s homophobic attack on @AcceptCY. The EU stands up for diversity and inclusion’ Kyriakides wrote in a tweet on Thursday.
Christodoulides and Tatar had “open and constructive” informal discussion, UN says
Cyprus President-elect Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar had an “open and constructive” informal discussion, the UN in Cyprus said on Thursday after the meeting, adding that they addressed issues including the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. In a press statement the UN says that Tatar and Christodoulides “met for the first time under the auspices of the Deputy Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Colin Stewart.”
HICP rose by 6.8% in January, decreased by 1.4% from December
In January 2023 the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices rose by 6.8% compared to January 2022, and fell by 1.4% compared to the previous month, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. Compared to January 2022, the largest changes were noted in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels, which increased by 18% and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, increased by 10.9%.
Interior Minister in Athens for 2nd European Conference on Border Management
Cyprus Minister of Interior Nikos Nouris is traveling to Athens to take part in the 2nd European Conference on Border Management, which takes place on Thursday and Friday, February 23 and 24. The Conference will be attended by Ministers of the host countries of the Conference, i.e. Greece, Austria, Lithuania and Poland, other EU member states and countries of the European Economic Area, as well as the Head of European Organizations, such as Frontex, EUAA and Europol. The Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for the Promotion of the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas and the Commissioner for Internal Affairs Ylva Johansson, will address the Conference.
President Anastasiades was honored with the Golden Star, the highest honor of the consular world
The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, was honored with the highest honor of the consular world, the Gold Star of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC). The award was given today, Thursday, at the Presidential Palace for the “outstanding work of President Anastasiades in the ten-year administration of Cyprus, his contribution to the global political scene and his kind and impeccable cooperation with the honorary consuls of the island.” It is added that the award was given in the presence of five members of the World Federation of Consuls who came to Cyprus specifically for this purpose.
Further improvement of economic sentiment recorded in February
In February 2023, economic sentiment in Cyprus improved further, as the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI-CypERC) increased by 1.9 points compared with January 2023. According to a survey of the Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus, the increase in the ESI-CypERC was mainly driven by confidence gains in services and among consumers. The Services Confidence Indicator increased as a result of improved views on firms’ past performance (demand and business situation), while the Retail Trade Confidence Indicator decreased, as all the components of the indicator (views on recent sales, assessments of current stock levels, sales expectations) worsened, it says.
The reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a federal solution the only path forward, says President Anastasiades
The reunification of Cyprus on the basis of a bi-zonal bi-communal federation, in line with the European acquis and the UN established parameters, is the only path forward, said President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday, speaking prior to the farewell lunch held at the Presidential Palace in honour of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Cyprus, on the occasion of the completion of his mandate. President Anastasiades began his address by expressing his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey and in particular to the families of Turkish Cypriots who have lost their lives.
Christodoulides tells Tatar he is ready to do everything possible to break the deadlock, always within the agreed UN framework
President-elect Nikos Christodoulides had on Thursday a first unofficial meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, after which the newly elected President said that he did not hear anything that he did not expect to hear from Tatar. Christodoulides stressed that despite the different approaches and some basic disagreements he expressed his readiness to do everything possible to break the deadlock in the Cyprus problem, always within the agreed UN framework as determined by the international organizations’ resolutions and with the EU having a central role.
Christodoulides says members of his government to be announced next week
President – elect Nikos Christodoulides has said that the announcement regarding the composition of the new government will be made from Monday onwards. Replying to press questions, Christodoulides recalled that outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades had made his announcements on February 27th, former President Demetris Christofias on February 28th, adding that he will follow on the same path.
Asylum applications in Europe increased by 50% in 2022, according to an analysis by the European Union Agency for Asylum
In 2022, EU+ countries (EU member states and associated countries Norway and Switzerland) received about 966 thousand applications for international protection, up more than 50 % from 2021, and the most since 2016, according to new analysis released by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The largest applicant groups were Syrians, Afghans and Turks, but applications were also high for a wide range of other nationalities, while the caseload of applications pending decision hit its highest level since 2017.
High-ranking UN official to visit Cyprus in March seeking to boost efforts towards reinvigorating the settlement process
A high-ranking UN official will pay a visit to Cyprus in March to meet with the new President, Nikos Christodoulides, and with Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, in the framework of efforts to reinvigorate the process for a Cyprus settlement, CNA has learned. The official to pay the visit will be either the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo or the Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas in the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, Miroslav Jenca.
Eurobarometer: Cypriots support measures to support Ukrainians more than sanctions on Russia
Cypriots, as well as Europeans in general, continue to show significant support to actions taken to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion, while also showing great support for the acceleration of the energy transition, notably investments in renewable energy and actions to reduce the EU’s dependency on Russian energy sources, according to the findings of the latest standard Eurobarometer for Winter 2022 – 2023. According to the findings, 95% of respondents in Cyprus (91% in the EU) agree with the provision of humanitarian support, 95% (88% in the EU) are in favour of welcoming into the EU people fleeing the war and 81% (77% in the EU) support providing financial support to Ukraine.
Friday 24/02/2023
Important to respond to people’s expectations, Christodoulides says
It is very important to respond to the people’s expectations, President-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Thursday, adding that there are major challenges both on the national issue and issues related to the economy, society and education. Speaking at a meeting he had in Lefkara village with SYRIZA President, Alexis Tsipras, during an event in the honour of Greek Cypriot politician Vassos Lyssarides, who passed away in 2021, Christodoulides said that “what is important now is to respond to the people’s expectations.”
We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion and call for withdrawal of troops from Ukraine, Anastasiades says
The Republic of Cyprus has condemned once again unequivocally the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and has called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the country, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the beginning of the invasion. Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, said in a post on Twitter that “February 24th marks the dark anniversary of the unprovoked attack against an independent country from another.” “We unequivocally condemn the Russian invasion and call with all the other free countries on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine,” Anastasiades added.
There will be no regional stability unless the Palestinian issue is resolved justly, Palestinian Ambassador Abdalla Attari tells CNA
Palestinians hold the key to regional stability, and there will be no stability in the Middle East or throughout the region unless the Palestinian issue is resolved justly, Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Cyprus, Abdalla Attari, tells CNA. At the same time, the Ambassador emphasizes that the Palestinians cherish peace, but peace is always the result of justice. In an interview with CNA he describes the Palestinians’ situation as tragic, speaks of a lack of prospect for a solution, describes the Israeli army’s practices as “mafia-like,” and claims that Israel imposes apartheid on the Palestinians.
Cyprus central government debt for 2022 drops to pound 23 billion
Cyprus central government debt dropped to pound 23 billion, marking a reduction of 3.9% year on year, according to data published by the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO). According to the data, Cyprus’ central government debt which corresponds to over 99% of Cyprus’ total debt, amounted to pound 23,086 million in end of last year, compared with pound 24,018 million in end-2021 and pound 23,738 million in the third quarter of 2022.
New Cyprus Central Bank project to further reduce NPLs and strengthen financial stability
With the ultimate goal of further reducing Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) and maintaining and further strengthening financial stability, the Central Bank of Cyprus announced on Friday a new project. The goal is to formulate a systemic solution that, along with existing tools, can contribute to a possible further reduction of NPLs as well as other problematic assets found in the Cypriot banking system, the Central Bank said in a press release.
Nikos Nouris attends the 2nd Conference on EU borders management in Athens
Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Nouris, attended the 2nd Conference on the management of the EU external borders, which concludes today, Friday, February 24. During his address to the Conference, Minister Nouris stressed the importance of strengthening the external European borders and the Green Line, which is not an external border, making specific proposals towards this direction.
On Wednesday the swearing-in-ceremony of new ministers to be followed by handover ceremonies
The swearing-in ceremony of the members of the new Cabinet and other officials and the handover of portfolios by their predecessors was announced on Friday by the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus. Specifically, the swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Events Hall of the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 at 10am (local time).
Industrial Production up 1.4% in 2022
?he Industrial Production Index increased 1.4% in 2022 compared to 2021, according to data released on Friday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. In December 2022, the Index reached 132,3 units (base 2015=100), recording a decrease of 1.7% compared to December 2021.
President Anastasiades hands over the presidency during a ceremony on February 28
President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades’ last day in office will be on February 28th, according to a written statement on Friday by Andreas Iosif, Director of the President’s Press Office. He said that after ten years in office, he will hand over the reins of the state to the newly elected President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
Cypriot Interior Minister welcomes the Joint Declaration of the 2nd European Conference on Borders
Cypriot Interior Minister Nicos Nouris expressed his satisfaction with the content of the Joint Declaration signed by the EU Member States participating in the 2nd European Conference on Border Management, held in Athens on 23-24 February. In a statement, Minister Nouris underlined the importance of the Declaration’s references concerning the effective control of the EU’s external borders, as well as the Green Line, which, although not an external border, is a crossing point for migrants.
Foreign Ministry expresses solidarity to Ukraine, reiterating its support to the sovereignty of all states
Cyprus reiterates its support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday. In a tweet on its official account the Ministry expresses its solidarity to the government and the people of Ukraine.
Kasoulides condemns Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and stresses that Cyprus itself is a victim of foreign invasion
Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has strongly condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, stressing that Cyprus itself is a victim of foreign invasion. Addressing the OSCE, the Minister said that Cyprus calls for cessation of all military operations and urges for a return to dialogue.
Saturday 25/02/2023
Cyprus President expresses appreciation to his Egyptian counterpart for their close cooperation
President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, expressed his appreciation for the close cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt to his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, according to a post on Anastasiades’ Twitter account on Saturday.
According to the post, during a telephone conversation between the two leaders, President Anastasiades reiterated his deepest appreciation “for our close and fruitful cooperation, which has led to the advancement of our relations at all levels and sectors.”
Sunday 26/02/2023
Everything is ready for the new Cabinet, it will be announced as planned, collective action is a historical necessity, says N. Christodoulides
Collectiveness, understanding and cooperation are a historical necessity, President-elect of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Sunday, in statements after the memorial service in Machairas, of Grigoris Afxentiou, the second in command of the 1950’s EOKA movement against British colonial rule. He added that the announcements on the composition of the new government will be made as planned, noting that there is a government and we should not rush ahead with announcements about the new Cabinet.
Egyptian President expresses appreciation for President Anastasiades’ support to bilateral strategic relations
The President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, has expressed his appreciation to the outgoing President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, for the support the latter provided during his term towards the strategic relations between the two friendly countries. According to a statement by the Egyptian Presidency during a telephone discussion with Anastasiades on Saturday President El-Sisi noted that relations between Egypt and Cyprus witnessed many important achievements, whether at the bilateral level, or through the tripartite cooperation mechanism between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, and conveyed his wishes to Anastasiades for good health and continued success.
Paphos hotels’ occupancy at 35% in March, says the district’s Hotels Association
The occupancy of hotels in the Paphos district is expected to reach 35% in March, according to the President of the Paphos Hotels Association, Thanos Michaelides. In statements to CNA, Michaelides also said that bookings for the summer season are moving at satisfactory levels, taking into account the problems faced this period but also the difficulties the United Kingdom’s economy is facing.
Turkey daily emerges as a factor of instability and insecurity in the region, House President says
Turkey daily emerges, with its provocative behaviour, as a factor of instability and insecurity in the region, seeking new faits accomplis in Famagusta, on the ceasefire line and in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), House President Annita Demetriou, said on Sunday in her speech at the annual memorial service of EOKA fighter Grigoris Afxentiou, at the Monastery of Virgin Mary in Machairas. Demetriou emphasised that the least one can do as an obligation to all the heroes but also children and future generations, is to intensify efforts for a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the UN resolutions and the provisions of the international law, compatible with the principles and values of the European Union, of which Cyprus is a member state.
Monday 27/02/2023
Christodoulides-Netanyahu discuss strategic importance of Cyprus-Israel relationship
The strategic significance of the Cyprus-Israel relationship was discussed during a telephone conversation on Sunday evening between President-elect Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, at the latter’s initiative. Netanyahu congratulated Christodoulides on his election, emphasizing the contribution of the President-elect to the strengthening of relations between Israel and the Republic of Cyprus from all the positions in which he served, a press release from the President-elect’s political office says.
Airplanes with emergency aid from EU land in Damascus
As part of an EU humanitarian air bridge for Syria, two planes with emergency aid landed Monday in Damascus, to provide further support for the Syrian people impacted by the earthquake. Cyprus is among the 15 EU countries who offered in-kind assistance.
New Cabinet announced Monday
Newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides announced Monday his new Cabinet. According to an announcement by his office, Constantinos Kombos is appointed as Foreign Minister, Makis Keravnos is the new Finance Minister and Constantinos Ioannou is appointed Interior Minister. Athena Michaelidou is the new Education, Sports and Youth Minister, Alexis Vafeiadis is appointed Minister of Transport and Yiorgos Papanastasiou is the new Energy Minister.
Tuesday 28/02/2023
War crimes must not go unpunished, House President says referring to war in Ukraine
War crimes and crimes against humanity must not go unpunished, President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou said Tuesday, referring to the war in Ukraine, one year after the Russian invasion. She stressed that Cyprus, being a victim of invasion and occupation of part of its territory by Turkey for 49 years now, had condemned from the beginning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Deposits and loans record net drop in January, according to CBC
Deposits and loans recorded a net decrease this January, according to data published by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Tuesday. Total deposits in January 2023 recorded a net decrease of pound 583.8 million, compared with a net increase of pound 586.3 million in December 2022.
House President receives newly-elected and outgoing President ahead of investiture ceremony
Newly elected President Nikos Christodoulides and outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades were received on Tuesday morning by House President Annita Demetriou at her office, before proceeding to the plenary chamber for the investiture ceremony of the new President. Welcoming the new President, the House President assured him that the parliament will always be by his side and will cooperate with him for the benefit of Cyprus and its citizens. Christodoulides thanked Demetriou, assured her that they will cooperate for the benefit of the country and said he looked forward to cooperating with the Parliament.
General Government records surplus of pound 609.5 mn in 2022, equal to 2.3% of GDP
General Government preliminary fiscal results published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus on Tuesday, indicate a surplus of pound 609.5 mn, equal to 2.3% of GDP, for the period of January-December 2022, compared to a deficit of pound 402.8 mn or 1.7% of GDP, that was recorded during the period of January-December 2021. Total expenditure increased 4.1% by pound 424.2 mn in 2022 and amounted to pound 10,766.7 mn, compared to pound 10,342.6 mn in the corresponding period of 2021.
Index of Industrial Output Prices up by 17% in January
The Index of Industrial Output Prices for January 2023 reached 136.3 units (base 2015=100), recording an increase of 17%, compared to the same month of 2022, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus on Tuesday. Compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, an increase was recorded in the sectors of electricity supply by 36.6%, mining and quarrying by 18.2% and manufacturing by 12.2% and a decrease in the sector of water supply and materials recovery by 1.2%.
I will remain politically active, outgoing President Anastasiades says
Outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades has said that he will remain politically active, not in the sense of interventions, but as an advisor through the wisdom he has gained over the years. In statements to journalists at the House of Representatives where he attended the ceremony for the new President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, Anastasiades said that after 42 years in politics, with the last ten being as President of the state, the time has come for new people to take over.
The Turnover Value Index recorded annual increase in all sectors of economic activity during 2022
The Turnover Value Index during the period January-December 2022, recorded increases in all sectors of economic activity compared to the corresponding period of 2021, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Tuesday. More specifically, professional, scientific and technical activities rose by 46.6%, accommodation and food service activities increased by 39.3%, information and communication by 22% and administrative and support service activities recorded a 8.5% increase.
GDP share of general government expenditure reduced in EU and Cyprus in 2021
In 2021, general government total expenditure in the EU amounted to 51.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) and was still influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and government measures to mitigate its effects, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. The decrease in the ratio compared with the previous year (52.8%) was mainly a consequence of increases in GDP, while growth in total expenditure was still observed (7,475 billion euro in 2021 compared with 7,111 billion in 2020; an increase of 364 billion, growing by 5.1% compared with 2020).
New Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides sworn-in on Tuesday in Parliament
Cyprus’ president-elect, Nikos Christodoulides, was sworn in on Tuesday at a special ceremony at the House of Representatives, in Nicosia, with Parliament President, Annita Demetriou, wishing him ‘strength and endurance’ to respond to the great responsibility he is assuming. In her speech, expressed the Parliament’s readiness ‘for positive cooperation’ but also to respond to its important role, of exercising parliamentary control for acts and omissions of the executive.
Demetriou expresses Parliament’s deep sorrow for untimely loss of Turkish Cypriots at earthquakes
President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou has expressed the deep sorrow of the Cyprus Parliament for the untimely loss of Turkish Cypriots during the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and conveyed sincere condolences to the Turkish Cypriot community. Referring to the earthquake during a special session of the Parliament, Demetriou said that among the victims of the February 6, 2023 earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, where more than 40,000 people lost their lives so far, there are 49 Turkish Cypriot compatriots.
Criticism is welcome because it makes us better, says new President
Criticism from the political parties, society and the media is welcome because it helps us become better and we are here to listen and respond to it, new President Nikos Christodoulides said Tuesday, when asked about the comments on the composition of the new Council of Ministers. In statements to the press departing the Parliament after the sworn-in ceremony, the President said he would do everything possible to meet the expectations of the people and that both he and his associates would be judged by their work.
Solving the Cyprus problem is my top priority, President Christodoulides says after taking investiture oath at the parliament
The new President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Tuesday, that he is looking forward and he will work to improve the life of the citizens and make them happier and proud, not only because they deserve it but also because this will enhance Cyprus’ position as regards all of its major pursuits, underlining that his government’s priorities are people-oriented. In his speech after taking an investiture oath at the parliament, and referring to the Cyprus problem, Christodoulides also said that his top priority is to solve it within the agreed framework, so that Cyprus will become a reunited, free, modern, European state, a common homeland with prosperity and security for all of its legal citizens, without any discrimination.
Outgoing President meets with his successor and praises his work ethic
Outgoing President Nicos Anastasiades held a meeting Tuesday at the Presidential Palace with his successor Nikos Christodoulides right after the sworn-in ceremony at the Parliament and praised his work ethic, expressing confidence that he will succeed in the high tasks he undertook. The meeting took place in a warm environment, in the presence of their spouses and Christodoulides’ daughters as well. Outgoing President welcomed the new President in a familiar place, as he described it, referring to their close cooperation in the past nine years.
King Abdullah of Jordan says he looks forward to working with Cyprus President to take ties to further heights
King Abdullah II of Jordan sent a congratulatory letter to President Nikos Christodoulides on behalf of the people and Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on assuming his term as President of the Republic of Cyprus. In the letter he points out that the two countries share a deep – rooted, strategic partnership, underpinned by close ties of friendship and cooperation.
Cyprus’ new FM expresses deep sorrow for the deadly train crash in Greece
New Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, has expressed Cyprus’ deep sorrow for the deadly train crash in Greece. “We express our deep sorrow for the tragic accident in Tempi that claimed so many lives. We stand in solidarity with the fraternal people of Greece,” Kombos said in a post on his Twitter account.
President Christodoulides expresses shock over the train collision in Greece
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides expressed deep shock over the train collision that took place in Greece. In a written statement the President expressed his profound grief over the loss of dozens of lives. “I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the Greek people and the Government of the country”, the President said.
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties stress the need for resumption of dialogue between leaders
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties stress the need for the resumption of the discussion between the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus aimed at reaching a mutually accepted solution of the Cyprus problem. The leaders and the representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties participating in the bi-communal dialogue under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Nicosia met for their regular meeting on 28 February 2023 at the Ledra Palace.
President Christodoulides tells ministers he will not tolerate corruption or nepotism
Mismanagement, corruption, and nepotism will not be tolerated, and the people will be at the center of his administration, were the two main issues that President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides addressed in his speech on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new members of his government. He said ‘our guide and compass are always the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, the existing laws and the international treaties that bind us, which we must constantly study’.
New Council of Ministers holds its first meeting under President Christodoulides
The new Council of Ministers convened on Wednesday morning, under the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, in its first meeting, after the swearing-in ceremony, at the Presidential Palace. Prior to the meeting and after the swearing-in ceremony that took place earlier, President Christodoulides and the members of the new government laid a wreath at the statue of the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, at the Presidential Palace’ yard.
New Government Spokesperson looks forward to a productive term and a sincere cooperation with the press
In a prosperous society the citizens must be informed and we look forward to a productive term and a sincere cooperation with the media because this is our mission, said the new Government Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis, during the handover ceremony Wednesday, at the Press and Information Office. At the beginning of his speech, he referred to the tragedy in Greece with the train collision, expressing the grief and support of Cyprus. He said that President Christodoulides is set to speak on the phone with Greek Premier to express Cyprus’ condolences and support.
President Christodoulides asks members of Cabinet to present their priorities within the next days
Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, asked from the members of his Cabinet, during the first meeting of the body held on Wednesday, to present their priorities within the next days, as well as their programme and action plan on policy issues. According to information, Christodoulides asked from the Ministers to prepare for the meetings of the Cabinet because he wants them to express their positions on all the issues which are on the agenda and not just the ones that concern their portfolios.
We will do everything humanly possible to meet society’s expectations, said new Interior Minister
We will do everything humanly possible to meet the expectations of society, new Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said at the handover ceremony from his predecessor Nicos Nouris. Nouris and Ioannou were received at the ministerial office by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Costas Constantinou, who on behalf of all colleagues, officials and supervisors thanked Nicos Nouris for his services and assured the new Interior Minister that all the staff of the ministry will be at his side to implement the policies of the government.
Two Cypriots on board one of the trains that collided in Greece
Two Cypriots were on board one of the trains that collided and are thought to be among those missing after a fatal train crash in Greece. Sources have said that the two Cypriots were on board the train and are now listed as missing by the Greek authorities.
Reducing cost of electricity among our priorities, new Energy Minister says
One the first priorities of the new administration will be to reduce the cost of electricity, in order to help the industry and the economy reach the potential ‘they deserve’, new Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Giorgos Papanastasiou said on Wednesday. Addressing the handover ceremony at the Ministry, in Nicosia, by the outgoing Minister Natasa Pilidou, Papanastasiou referred to a transitional period, towards green transition, during which there will be use of natural gas ‘probably from the region.’
New FinMin vows to continue path of financial stability and fiscal discipline
Makis Keravnos, Cyprus’ new Minister of Finance assume duties on Thursday, vowing to maintain the course of financial stability and fiscal discipline. Keravnos assumed the helm of the Ministry from outgoing Minister, Constantinos Petrides, who said he delivers a ‘gift’ to the new Minister in the form of a fiscal surplus amounting to pound 609 million or 2.3% of GDP. He also announced that international rating agency, Moody’s will soon upgrade the Republic credit worthiness.
New FM speaks of EU integration commitment and Cyprus solution within UN parameters
Cyprus’ new Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos has set the tone of the new administration’s foreign policy, stressing a commitment to EU integration and the need for reunification within UN parameters. Kombos who was addressing the handover ceremony also spoke of the need to show-case the diplomatic corps as a modern, European diplomatic service which will have far greater weight than Cyprus’ small size, an active presence with the EU and an even more successful EU Council second Presidency in 2026.
Labour peace is a priority, says the new Minister of Labour Yiannis Panayiotou
The new Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Yiannis Panayiotou expressed his intention to quickly resolve the issues pending at the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, upon receiving his portfolio from the outgoing Minister Kyriacos Koushos. With COLA, employment of workers from third countries and minimum wage shaping social dialogue between the social partners, Panayiotou stated that the first priority is the preservation of labour peace, which is necessary for economic stability. At the same time, he highlighted as priorities safe and dignified work, fair remuneration for workers, social cohesion and competitiveness of the economy.
There are many challenges for which cooperation is necessary, new Justice Minister says
There are too many challenges and they cannot be dealt with by the political head of the Ministry alone, without good cooperation between the departments and colleagues, said on Wednesday new Minister of Justice and Public Order, Anna Procopiou, during the handover ceremony, at the Ministry of Justice. The new and outgoing Ministers were welcomed by the Director General of the Ministry, Dr. Louis Panagi, who, on behalf of all the employees and officials of the Ministry, thanked and said goodbye to outgoing Minister Stephie Drakos for her services.
Work of Transport Ministry relates to quality of people’s lives, new Minister says
The work of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is significant, as it is closely associated with the quality of people’s lives, incoming Minister Alexis Vafiades said on Wednesday. He was addressing a handover ceremony, at the Ministry, in Nicosia, where outgoing Minister, Yiannis Karousos, reassured him that the Ministry is ‘based on solid foundation’, while underlining the contribution of the personnel in carrying out the Ministry’s tasks.
GDP at pound 27 billion, growth rate at 5.6% for 2022
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the year 2022 is provisionally estimated at pound 27,011.7 mn at current prices compared to pound 24,018.9 mn in 2021, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus in Wednesday. The growth rate in real terms is estimated at 5.6% in 2022, compared to 6.6% in 2021. GDP is at pound 24,229.9 mn at volume measures (constant prices) for the year 2022, compared to pound 22,938 mn in 2021.
Two Cypriots missing from train crash in Greece, FM in touch with families, flags at half-mast, presidency says
Two Cypriot citizens are among those missing following a deadly train crash in Greece. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides has asked Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos to be in touch with their families to provide assistance. In the meantime, flags at the Presidential Palace and all government buildings will be flying at half-mast as a sign of deep mourning.
Annual increase by 12.5% in value and by 6.1% in volume for retail trade in January
The Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade for January 2023 increased by 12.5% compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, according to data provided by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. For the same month, the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade increased by 6.1% compared to January 2022. In the value index, the biggest changes were noticed in the categories “Computers and telecommunications equipment, curtains, carpets, books, stationery, sporting equipment, toys, flowers, plants, watches, jewellery, etc.” which increased by 21.7%, “Other retail sale (in nonspecialized stores)” increased by 19.9% and “Textiles, clothing, footwear” increased by 18.1%.
Cypriot FM expresses his condolences to his Greek counterpart on the train accident in Tempi
The new Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, had a telephone conversation with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, during which he expressed his sincere condolences on the tragic train accident in Tempi. In a post on Twitter, the Greek Foreign Minister noted that he thanked his Cypriot counterpart for Cyprus’ support at this difficult time for Greece.
Commercial chambers of Cyprus and Cuba sign cooperation protocol
Cyprus’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and the Commercial Chamber of Cuba signed a cooperation protocol in an online meeting, according to a statement of CCCI, noting that this falls in its strategy for extroversion and strengthening of its bilateral commercial relations. The protocol provides for the opening of economic sectors that will promote the connection between companies from Cyprus and Cuba, exchange of views and information regarding difficulties and opportunities presented in the domestic markets, as well as strengthening investment partnerships between the two countries.
We will work hard to strengthen our Shipping, new Deputy Minister says
New Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli, said that she would work hard to strengthen Cypriot shipping and its competitiveness. Hadjimanoli was speaking on Wednesday afternoon during the handover ceremony at the Deputy Ministry, in Limassol.
There is no grace period, new Deputy Minister to the President says
There is no grace period, new Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki said on Wednesday at a ceremony during which she took over her portfolio from outgoing Deputy Minister to the President, Petros Demetriou. Piki said that she is fully aware of the work that awaits her and said that President Nikos Christodoulides has already given an indication on what he expects from the current government.
‘Nothing is easy, but everything is possible’ new Deputy Minister of Social Welfare points out
New Deputy Minister for Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou stressed that “nothing’s easy, but everything is possible,” saying that she was fully aware of the weaknesses in the implementation of welfare policies and noted that she will lead the Deputy Ministry with a human-centered approach and empathy. Taking over the Deputy Ministry for Social Welfare from outgoing Deputy Minister Anastasia Anthousi, during a handover ceremony on Wednesday, she stressed her determination to work on the basis that has been set out by her predecessor and to build on them with a view to strengthening the welfare state.
Hellenic Bank announces pound 24.2 million profit for 2022
Hellenic Bank announced a net profit (after tax) of pound 24.2 million, compared to losses pound 11.7 million last year, with the Bank’s CEO Oliver Gatzke announcing that the Bank expects profits before tax in 2023 to reach pound 200 million, which translates into a ROTE before tax higher than 17%. “This exceeds our expectations and confirms the good progress in implementing our transformation towards a client centric and technology driven bank.
Cyprus’ new Deputy Minister of Tourism says he is ready for “hard work’
Cyprus’ new Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, said he will start immediately ‘hard work’ with the aim of adding value to the country’s tourism, at the handover/takeover ceremony for the Deputy Ministry’s portfolio, noting that he will seek to achieve every goal of the National Tourism Strategy, to make Cyprus one of the key players of the European tourism state of affairs. Outgoing Deputy Minister, Savvas Perdios, who was the first to hold this post since the Deputy Ministry was established in 2019, expressed the belief that, with Koumis at the helm, the Deputy Ministry will continue its work and the implementation of the national, Cyprus Tourism Strategy 2030.
Famagusta municipality delegation stressed need for EU assistance regarding Varosha during contacts in Brussels
A delegation from the Municipality of Famagusta has argued that European Union institutions need to exert pressure on Turkey in order to prevent new efforts to change the status of Varosha, during a series of meetings held with officials from the European Commission and the European Parliament in Brussels. Speaking during a press conference at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU, Famagusta Mayor Simos Ioannou said that the members of the delegation informed European officials regarding illegal activities prommoted by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side in Varosha.
New Foreign Minister has first meeting after taking office with Greek ambassador
The new Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos had his first meeting after taking office on Wednesday with ambassador of Greece in Nicosia Ioannis Papameletiou. According to a post on the Foreign Ministry’s Twitter account, Kombos met with Greek Ambassador Ioannis Papameletiou, to whom he expressed his condolences for the tragic accident in Tempi, followed by an exchange of views on issues on the national, European and regional agenda of the two countries.
Tragedy in Greece a message for all governments including ours, President Christodoulides says
The unthinkable tragedy of the train collision in Greece is a message for all governments including the government in Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday. President Christodoulides was replying to a question on the sidelines of a visit at the graves of Greek Cypriots hung by the British during the 1955 – 59 anti-colonial struggle, known as the Imprisoned Graves. Asked comment on the accident in Greece, which also involves two Cypriot passengers who are still among the missing President Christodoulides said that all governments should take necessary preventive measures to avoid tragic events such as this train crash.
President conveys condolences to Greek Prime Minister following deadly train accident
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides conveyed on Thursday to Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis the sincere condolences of the Government and the Cypriot people after the tragic train accident in Greece that resulted in the death of dozens of people. According to a Presidency statement, in a telephone conversation between the two, President Christodoulides reiterated the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to assist in any way requested in dealing with the tragedy.
Efforts for Cyprus solution will not cease despite Turkey’s intransigence, President says
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, said that efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem will not cease, despite Turkey’s intransigence, noting that the Government invests particularly in the EU and that a document for its involvement in the Cyprus issue has been prepared. President Christodoulides was speaking to members of the press, on Thursday, after having visited the graves of EOKA fighters in the Central Prison, known as the Imprisoned Graves but also the Makedonitissa military cemetery where people who were killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus are buried, where he laid wreaths.
Cyprus President and Greek PM discuss search efforts after Tempi train crash
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides had a telephone conversation on Thursday, on the fatal train accident in Tempi, Greece. President Christodoulides expressed to the Greek Prime Minister his condolences over the tragedy in Tempi, as well as the solidarity of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece and the Greek people. Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Nikos Christodoulides also discussed the progress of the search for missing persons, including two Cypriot citizens.
Annual inflation rate drops slightly in Cyprus and the eurozone in February according to Eurostat flash estimates
Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 8.5% in February 2023, down from 8.6% in January according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In Cyprus, annual inflation is estimated at 6.7% in February, down from 6.8% in January.
New US Ambassador visits UN protected area
The new Ambassador of the USA to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, had a meeting on Thursday with Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart at the UN protected area in Nicosia. Fischer visited the UN protected area to discuss UNFICYP’s work on the island, according to a tweet by the United Nations mission to Cyprus.
Total sales of petroleum products down by 1.5% yoy in January
Total sales of petroleum products amounted to 110,756 tonnes in January 2023, recording a drop of 1.5% compared to January 2022, according to data published by the Cyprus Statistical Service on Thursday. According to the data, a 35.7% decrease was observed in the provisions of marine gasoil, while the sales of kerosene fall by 42%, heating gasoil by 31.7%, heavy fuel oil by 25.6% and liquefied petroleum gases by 22.1%.
Unemployment rate at 6.9%, 19.2% for ages 15-24 in Q4 2022
Unemployment rate reached 6.9% of the labour force for the 4th quarter of 2022, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus. For the same period, the unemployment rate for young persons aged 15-24 stood at 19.2%, while one in three people without a job are long-term unemployed.
Unemployment rate in Cyprus stable at 7.4% in January, 6.7% in eurozone, according to Eurostat
In January 2023, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Cyprus remained stable at 7.4% compared with December 2022, after having increased from November when it had been at 7.3%, according to figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In January, the euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 6.7%, stable compared with December 2022 and down from 6.9% in January 2022. The EU unemployment rate was 6.1% in January 2023, also stable compared with December 2022 and down from 6.3% in January 2022.
Gender employment gap larger for parents in 2021, both in Cyprus and EU, according to Eurostat
The gender employment gap in 2021 in Cyprus and the EU was larger between men and women that had children, than between men and women without children, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. In 2021, 78% of women aged 25-54 without children were employed in Cyprus (77% in the EU). On the other hand, women of this age with children had a lower employment rate (75% in Cyprus, -3 percentage points in Cyprus; 72%, -5 pp in the EU).
Families of two young Cypriots still missing after train crash in Greece waiting for DNA test results, FM’s Permanent Secretary tells CNA
The families of the two young Cypriots, 24 year old Anastasia Adamidou and 23 year old Kyprianos Papaioannou, who are still missing after the train crash in Tempi, Greece, are waiting for the result of the DNA tests. Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary, Kornelios Korneliou has told CNA that the two families have not received any official information so far.
Cyprus President declares three-day mourning for two Cypriots perished in Tempi train crash
President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides declared a three-day mourning period until the burial day of two Cypriot students, who lost their lives at the fatal train crash, in Tempi, Greece. The remains of 23-year-old Kyprianos Papaioannou and 24-year-old Anastasia Adamidou were identified through the DNA process.
Cyprus President expresses sympathy to families of train crash victims
President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides contacted the families of the two Cypriot students, who perished at the fatal train crash in Tempi, Greece, conveying his deep condolences, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Friday. Speaking at the Presidential, Letymbiotis also noted that at the President’s instructions, a three-day mourning has been declared, while the state will cover the cost for the funerals.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Remains of two Cypriots who died at train crash in Greece, expected to arrive Sunday afternoon

The remains of the two Cypriot who perished at the deadly train crash in Greece are expected to be transported to Cyprus this afternoon.
A flight from Thessaloniki will arrive in the afternoon at Larnaka airport carrying the remains of Kyprianos Papaioannou and Anastasia Adamidou, who were identified through the DNA process.
Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Kornelios Korneliou told CNA that Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos will be present at the airport. Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou will also go to the airport.
It is recalled that President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides declared a three-day mourning period until the funerals of the two Cypriot students, that will both take place on Monday. The state will cover the cost for the funerals.
Meanwhile, both families have issued press releases requesting the media to respect their wish and not cover the funerals.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Minister of Education Athena Michaelidou will participate in the deliberations of the Council of Ministers of the European Union, responsible for Education, that will take place next week in Brussels.
According to an official press release, the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, departs on Monday for Brussels, where she will take part in the Council of Ministers of the European Union, responsible for Education issues.
She returns to Cyprus on Wednesday.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The remains of the two Cypriot students who perished at the deadly train crash in Greece were transported to Cyprus on Sunday.
A flight from Thessaloniki arrived in the afternoon at Larnaka airport carrying the remains of Kyprianos Papaioannou and Anastasia Adamidou, who were identified through the DNA process.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Marilena Evangelou were at the airport.
In statements to CNA, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that “Cyprus is devastated by the unspeakable tragedy” and the loss of its children and all the victims who were on board that train in Greece. The grief, he said, is unimaginable.
Kombos expressed the state’s support to the families of the deceased victims, saying that “we stand by them in every way and means at our disposal.”
He conveyed the sincere condolences of the President of the Republic and all members of the Government to the families of the two students.
It is recalled that President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides declared a three-day mourning period until the funerals of the two Cypriot students, that will both take place on Monday. The state will cover the cost for the funerals.
Meanwhile, both families have issued press releases requesting the media to respect their wish and not cover the funerals.

Source: Cyprus News Agency