The ministerial summit on Syria’s safety on May 17 aims to assess regions within Syria for potential “safe zone” designation, impacting migration policies and Syrian nationals abroad. Discussions will include collaborative assessments, data collection, and facilitating voluntary returns while upholding human rights and legal frameworks.
Drivers are advised to slow down, maintain safe distances, and obey traffic signs. Pedestrians should stay visible, use designated crossings, and be extra cautious around reversing vehicles to ensure a safe Holy Week for all.
Serdar Denktash envisions Varosha as a bustling free trade zone, uniting Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots through shared businesses and social spaces. The proposal aims to transform the abandoned resort into a hub of economic collaboration, fostering peace and prosperity within the buffer zone.
“Armenian Faces” art exhibition at the Pierides Museum in Larnaca pays tribute to the 1.5 million Armenians lost in the 1915 Genocide, inviting viewers to reflect on history through Khaldoon Daud’s poignant works until May 17. This exhibition is a profound testament to the resilience and spirit of the Armenian community, fostering solidarity and remembrance through the universal language of art.
The construction of a new monastery on Cape Greco was rejected due to its location within the environmentally protected Natura 2000 network, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversityrich habitats. The Famagusta Constantia bishopric’s appeal was denied by the interior ministry, emphasizing the priority of conservation efforts over development projects in the region.
Maria Holguin, the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, will meet with Cyprus’s President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to push for progress on the longstanding Cyprus issue through inclusive dialogue with political leaders and stakeholders. The visit is crucial as tensions persist on the island and hopes are high for a potential breakthrough in the quest for a lasting peace settlement.
Ministers Maria Panayiotou and Marios Hartsiotis have revoked all fireworks permits and are collaborating with stakeholders to enhance regulations after recent fires near Limassol and Paphos. Immediate action is being taken to ensure public safety through stringent examination for new permits and the establishment of a comprehensive framework for the future management of fireworks.
Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar heads to The Gambia for the 15th Islamic summit, advocating for recognition and equality for his community against Greek Cypriot isolation. Through strategic meetings, he aims to gain global support and reshape perceptions of Turkish Cypriots on the international stage.
In March 2024, Cyprus’ retail sector experienced a substantial surge with a 5.5% increase in the trade turnover value index and a 5.2% rise in retail volume, indicating a robust consumer market. This positive trend continued into the first quarter of the year, showing a 5.4% climb in the value index and a 4.9% increase in the volume index compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting a flourishing retail landscape.
The National Solidarity Fund in Cyprus, established to aid those affected by the 2013 banking crisis, has received an overwhelming response with around 7,500 applications submitted for financial relief. With plans to increase the fund by €50 million annually from state funds, the ongoing verification process aims to provide support to individuals who suffered significant losses from the banking resolution measures.
