Day: March 25, 2023

At 3:00 am on Sunday, March 26, the daylight saving time (DST) period begins for 2023. Therefore, at this time clocks will spring forward one hour.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, this is applied in all member states of the European Union.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

A total of 67 third-country nationals, who resided illegally in Cyprus, were repatriated on Friday, during two operations, the Police announced.

According to the announcement, 55 third-country nationals, who were included in the voluntary departure program of the Interior Ministry departed yesterday for their country, during an operation, which was carried out under the coordination and supervision of the Aliens and Immigration Service and FRONTEX.

Moreover, twelve third-country nationals were deported yesterday from Cyprus, based on detention and deportation orders.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,700 third-country nationals have been repatriated, through voluntary and forced return procedures.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The President of the Republic received the popular mandate by proposing that national unity is a historical necessity, for the construction of which he is working methodically and decisively and we must all support him, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Yiannis Panayiotou, said on Saturday, as Cyprus marks the anniversary of March 25, 1821, which signaled the start of the Greek revolution against the Ottoman rule.

In a speech during the Doxology for the Greek Independence Day, held at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas in Nicosia, the Minister said that we are heading towards the future united in order to face the Cyprus’ great challenges together.

He said that we are working for the cohesion and the development of the society and the economy in order to achieve more, responding to the hopes and expectations of citizens.

Panayiotou pointed out that the biggest enemy is our bad self, adding that Cyprus has historically paid a high price because of division. He noted that it is our responsibility to preserve the unity in order to prosper.

The Minister said that today we celebrate the beginning of the Greek Revolution as well as the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, pointing out that we must reflect on the facts of each era and recognize with awe the greatness of the Greeks who dared to rise up and stand against an empire, fight it and defeat it.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

It is very important in these difficult times to keep our optimism and hope, our principles and values, which can be found it the most glorious and bright pages of our history, House President Annita Demetriou, said on Saturday.

In brief statements to the press following the students’ parade for the Greek Independence Day in Nicosia, Demetriou said that today is a dual celebration for Hellenism and expressed the need to come forward and open paths, especially for the future generations.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, advised on Saturday to let diplomacy serve its purpose, commenting on the proposal he presented in Brussels for a more active EU involvement on the Cyprus issue.

The President concluded his visit to Brussels on Friday, where he attended the European Council, the EPP Summit and had meetings with the EU bodies’ Presidents and other EU leaders.

In statements to the press on Saturday, following the student parade in Nicosia to celebrate the Greek Independence Day, the President conveyed his wishes for today’s celebrations to all Greeks and to Hellenism.

He congratulated those who participated in the parade, “especially our students and children who are the future of our country and for whom we need to do more.:

The President said that the 1821 fight of the Hellenism is a fight with several and timeless messages and we will continue to honor such important anniversaries through parades and events.

He said that what is of utmost importance is to receive the necessary messages and lessons and transform these lessons into today’s reality.

The President noted that the most important lesson for him is that the Greeks did not come to terms with Ottoman occupation for 400 years. He said that likewise we do not compromise with the Turkish occupation and division although we are aware of all the difficulties and problems.

The President said that we have strong concerns about the possible continuation of the illegal and unacceptable status quo on the island, and we will do everything possible to end the occupation, adding that our strong will has transformed into initiatives, in coordination and consultation with the Greek government.

The President said that this consultation and coordination will be strengthened every day and cannot be negatively affected by any development.

He also expressed hope that as regards the breaking of the deadlock and resumption of peace talks, there will be concrete results after the elections in Turkey.

Replying to a question, he said that he is satisfied with his contacts and meetings in Brussels adding that “we have said enough about our proposal and initiative and now it is time to let diplomacy take its course.”

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency