In today's episode, two boats with migrants have been sent to Lebanon after they were in distress at sea on Wednesday trying to reach Cyprus. Amnesty sounded the alarm over reports of coastguard pushbacks while children were sick on board. Meanwhile, over 400 secondary school students were referred for drug treatment programmes over the past three …

In today’s episode, experts sounded the alarm over the government’s decision to suspend asylum applications for Syrian nationals. Meanwhile, two port police boats have been sent from Cyprus to patrol off the coast of Lebanon for migrant boats after the arrival of two boats a day prior. Elsewhere, Cyprus participated in an international police opera…

In today’s episode, Syrian migrants arriving in Cyprus will from now on be taken to the Kofinou reception centre to live, following a decision to cut all stipends given to them and delay examining their asylum applications. Elsewhere, the government is taking all necessary measures for security following Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend, go…

In today's episode, the situation in Israel is “very difficult”, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday following a snap meeting of the National Security Council but stressed the island is not involved in any attacks. Meanwhile, in light of developments in the region, the foreign ministry on Sunday said that the Estia plan has been activate…

In today’s episode, the redesign of the European Union's migration system is a "step in the right direction", Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said. Meanwhile, authorities collected over €700 million more in taxes last year than the year before. Elsewhere, two men have been injured after a fight broke out in Paphos over a "like" on social med…

In today’s episode, a man fell to his death after jumping out of a fifth-floor apartment window to escape a police immigration raid. Meanwhile, state prosecutors said they cannot keep fighting organised crime only to get attacked in retaliation and left with no protection from the state. Elsewhere, the Cyprus-based web browser Aloha Browser saw a 2…

In today's episode, the appeals court on Tuesday reserved its decision over an 82-year-old grandfather jailed for shooting a man who was attempting to steal electricity cables. Elsewhere, the Amalthea plan, Cyprus’ humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, is to continue despite Israel’s “reprehensible attack” on aid workers, President Nikos Christodoulid…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed ways to improve the effective management of migratory flows from Lebanon to Cyprus. Elsewhere, Larnaca port’s over one-billion-euro investment project is cloaked in mystery, it emerged on Monday, as MPs called for transparency amid rising concern…

In today’s episode, efforts are underway to develop the National Cancer Institute, as well as a legal framework to offer palliative care through Gesy, Health Minister Michael Damianos said on Sunday. In other news, President Nikos Christodoulides is departing for Beirut on Monday morning, where he will be received by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib M…

In today’s episode, €2.5 billion in taxes is owed to the state. Meanwhile, Cyprus is looking for "immediate solutions" to deal with the migration crisis, House President Annita Demetriou told Lebanese Ambassador Claude El Hajal. Elsewhere, a warehouse where medicines were being stored and which was recently flooded was unfit for purpose, and the au…

In today’s episode, three boats carrying a total of 285 irregular migrants have arrived in Cyprus since Tuesday. Meanwhile, the three ships which had carried humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza but then were forced to turn back as Israel bombed aid workers' vehicles arrived back in Cyprus. Elsewhere, MPs reiterated concerns about the influx of cas…

In today's episode, Tuesday turned out “to be a very sad day,” President Nikos Christodoulides said after seven members of the World Central Kitchen NGO were killed in an Israeli attack but he pledged the humanitarian aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza would continue. Elsewhere, Cyprus is at a “breaking point” with the influx of migrants, government …

In today’s episode, a total of 137 irregular migrants arrived in Cyprus by sea on Monday, bringing the number of arrivals up to 408 in the space of 24 hours. Elsewhere, European Parliament president Roberta Metsola arrived in Cyprus on Monday evening, being received at the Presidential palace by President Nikos Christodoulides. Also, the two monks …

In today’s episode, the electricity subsidy is to be extended until the end of June as part of the government’s latest package of measures aimed at alleviating the cost-of-living crisis. Elsewhere, Out-of-court fines for traffic violations will largely remain the same but offenders will have more time to pay them, according to tweaks to the legisla…

In today's episode, the electricity authority has been left in the lurch and smart meter installation has again fallen into a state of limbo, after the administrative court’s decision to forbid the telecommunications authority from being awarded the tender to install smart meters. Elsewhere, the Supreme Court rejected a request from two Helios orph…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said green taxation will begin by the end of 2024 and not on April 1. Meanwhile, over 3,500 people will be elected in Cyprus on June 9. Elsewhere, justice officials from Cyprus and the US will cooperate to enhance Cypriot capabilities to counter illicit finance. All this and more in the Cyprus Bea…

In today's episode, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has some thoughts that could pave the way for the resumption of Cyprus talks, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday. Elsewhere, the President also said that he is planning and discussing with the cabinet about new measures or extending measures in place already to deal with inflatio…

In today’s episode, dignitaries from 35 countries and representatives of various international organisations descended on Larnaca for a meeting over the Amalthea initiative – Cyprus' humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Elsewhere, the giant water bu…

In today’s episode, the Cyprus Broadcasting Cooperation has had all its bank accounts frozen. Meanwhile, scientists have warned of a giant water bug known as the toe-biter along the shores of Cyprus. Elsewhere, the electricity authority (EAC) were handed a €28,000 fine following the conclusion of investigations into the death of a worker in 2018. A…

In today's episode, Cyprus could generate electricity from natural gas by the middle of 2025, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Tuesday. Elsewhere, preparations have been completed and the vessel Jennifer, loaded with around 500 tonnes of aid is ready to leave Cyprus’ shores as soon as weather conditions permit. Meanwhile, it is no longe…

In today's episode, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos announced on Monday that representatives from over 40 countries will meet in Cyprus on March 21 to discuss the operational coordination of the next steps regarding the aid corridor to the Gaza Strip. Elsewhere, President Nikos Christodoulides discussed with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fat…

In today's episode, the government has a ‘Plan B’ for the stalled Vasiliko liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, though it has not yet worked out the timetable for that alternative, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said on Thursday. Elsewhere, scandal continued to rock the church, with a new video surfacing of a woman being beaten with a belt b…

In today’s episode, MPs raised the alarm over whether Cyprus is carrying out its duties on money laundering compliance. Meanwhile, a second shipment of aid will be sent from Larnaca to Gaza within the coming days, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said. Elsewhere, the European Commission referred Cyprus to the European Court of Justice due to it…

In today’s episode, the humanitarian aid ship Open arms finally set sail from Larnaca for Gaza. Meanwhile, President Nikos Christodoulides will meet the UN Secretary-general's personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Saturday. Elsewhere, a teenager has contracted measles and is in hospital. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefing brought to you…

In today’s episode, the UN secretary-general’s personal envoy Maria Holguin said “a lot of ideas” had been raised at her meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides. Elsewhere, the ecclesiastical court will convene within the week over the two monks involved in an alleged sex and cash scandal. Also, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos will be tra…

In today's episode, Cyprus was gearing to send around 150 tonnes of aid to Gaza on Sunday afternoon, after it received the final seal of approval from Israel. The vessel will set off on Monday morning. Elsewhere, over 2,000 people living in Cyprus illegally were deported or repatriated this year, police said. Meanwhile, the story surrounding the mo…

In today’s episode, President Nikos Christodoulides warned of large increases in the price of motor fuel. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she is "so proud" of Christodoulides. Elsewhere, parliament said the state health services organisation (Okypy) needs to rein in its expenses. All this and more in the Cyprus Be…

In today’s episode, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is to visit Cyprus to discuss the implementation of the maritime humanitarian corridor to Gaza. Meanwhile, the energy regulator (Cera) ruled out a price increase on electricity bills. Elsewhere, the Austrian government threw its weight behind Cyprus' plan to declare parts of Syr…

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday evening highlighted the importance his government is putting on restarting Cyprus talks, despite the difficult stance of the Turkish side. Speaking during a televised speech on his first year as president, Christodoulides went over the initiatives his government has taken to “better the…

In today’s episode, the search for the body of a six-year-old child reportedly thrown into the sea from a boat carrying irregular migrants to Cyprus was called off on Monday lunchtime. Elsewhere, the significant role of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) in efforts to “restore peace, stability, and international legality in C…

In today's episode, Monday marks exactly 60 years since the passage of United Nations Security Council resolution 186, which, among other things, created the UN’s Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp). Elsewhere, a poll showed Nikos Christodoulides’ popularity to have been greatly diminished since his election as President a year ago. Meanwhile, o…

In today’s episode, an investigator will face criminal charges for deliberately failing to properly investigate the road death of Andreas Loizou in 2012. Meanwhile, the Attorney-general ordered the trial of Turkish Cypriot lawyer Akan Kursat be suspended since the key witness in the case is dead. Elsewhere, parliament gave the nod to the establishm…

In today’s episode, Cyprus' entry for this year's Eurovision song contest was revealed to be Liar, which will be sung by Silia Kapsis. Meanwhile, MEP Niyazi Kizilyurek was slammed for campaigning in the north for re-election by Turkish Cypriot Leader Ersin Tatar and the north's 'foreign minister' Tahsin Ertugruloglu. Elsewhere, Cyprus received one …

In today's episode, the investigation into Thanasis Nicolaou’s death was negligent and irresponsible, the Limassol district court heard on Tuesday. “The omissions are so many, so great, that it crosses the boundaries of gross negligence and borders on a cover-up,” former investigator into the case Savvas Matsas told the court. Elsewhere, cabinet gr…

In today’s episode, the inquest into the death of National Guard officer Thanasis Nicolaou, found dead in 2005, continued, with state prosecutor Xenia Xenophontos questioning forensic pathologist Dimitra Karayianni regarding her examination of Nicolaou’s hyoid bone. In other news, the solution to the Cyprus problem is of fundamental importance for …

In today's episode, President Nikos Christodoulides said he hoped UN Secretary-General personal envoy Maria Holguin would soon be able to meet with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the Cyprus problem. Elsewhere, cabinet will shortly approve the new National Sanctions Implementation Unit, Christodoulides said, stressing that there can be …

In today’s episode, legislators dubbed the commercial development done in a protected area in Ayia Napa "a classic crime". Meanwhile, the auditor-general will report the Cyprus Broadcasting Cooperation (CyBC) to the anti-corruption authority on suspicion of "abuse of power". Elsewhere, Morphou Bishop Neofytos said he "honours" Russian President Vla…

In today’s episode, government subsidies on electricity and fuel tax will be extended into the spring. Meanwhile, a large fire that broke out in Limassol severely damaged an abandoned listed mansion. Elsewhere, a top court in the European Union rejected an attempt to drop the protected status of halloumi. All this and more in the Cyprus Beat briefi…

In today's episode, two people were hospitalised following an explosion in the Nicosia suburb of Engomi. The explosion had occurred in a three-storey building, which suffered extensive damage. Elsewhere, although it made front page news in the north, police said they received no information that a group of eight young Turkish Cypriots said on Monda…

In today's episode, only two out of eight anaesthesiologists at Makarios hospital are willing to participate in abortions, it emerged on Monday, following a complaint that a woman was forced to endure for five days what should have been a two-day procedure. Elsewhere, former President Nicos Anastasiades welcomed the appointment of Gabrielle Louise …

In today’s episode, the status quo in Cyprus cannot be the island’s future, President Nikos Christodoulides reiterated on Sunday. The island is at a critical juncture in its history, he said. Elsewhere, a 29-year-old man was arrested on Sunday after he was believed to have been involved in an argument which saw him pull a gun out when he was involv…

In today's episode, Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos will file a complaint to the police against both the Contractors Council and the Scientific and Technical Chamber where he’ll accuse of them of dereliction of duty, for having taken no disciplinary action against companies previously implicated in the Paphos sewerage board scandal. Elsewhere, the g…

In today’s episode, intense weather resulted in scenes dubbed as "biblical destruction". Meanwhile, the European Commission has greenlighted the use of Casgevy gene therapy to treat beta thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Elsewhere, the "pay-as-you-throw" scheme is set to hit households in Cyprus in the pocket. All this and more in the Cyprus Be…

In today's episode, intense weather overnight, including at least two tornados, resulted in scenes dubbed as “biblical destruction” in Limassol on Wednesday. Elsewhere, the row over local government reform continued on Tuesday, as Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the current law is not ideal and will create unequal benefits for citizens.…

In today’s episode, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Monday that politics “has a duty to try the "impossible” as he evaluated the Cyprus problem. In other news, speculation was ongoing on Monday as to the fate of consumers regarding electricity costs as deliberations between the electricity authority (EAC) and the energy regulatory …

In today’s episode, UN Envoy Maria Angela Holguin will be back in Cyprus in mid-March. Meanwhile, the government is working on plans to offer incentives to young families and couples to resettle Maronite villages in the north. Elsewhere, police were trying to track who may have written "Koumas, die" on a Makarios statue in Paphos. All this and more…

In today’s episode, farmers protested in Nicosia and Paphos, following similar action from many of their European counterparts. Meanwhile, parliament will very soon hold hearings on what some have dubbed a "mega scandal". Elsewhere, Health Minister Michalis Damianos attended the inauguration of a supported living facility for people with mental hea…

In this episode, “None of the above” was the most popular option selected by voters in an opinion poll of voting intention for the next parliamentary elections conducted by Red Wolf PR company. Meanwhile, the United States does not support a two-state solution in Cyprus, the deputy assistant secretary of state Jushua Huck said. Elsewhere, Investiga…

In today's episode, the government on Tuesday hinted it may extend some of the relief measures it introduced last November – such as subsidising electricity bills – beyond the end of the month. Meanwhile, British High Commissioner in Nicosia Irfan Siddiq was summoned to the foreign ministry to be served with a demarche, following comments made in a…

In today’s episode, Turkish Cypriot lawyer Akan Kursat, wanted for selling Greek Cypriot properties in the north, will be extradited to Cyprus from Italy next week. Meanwhile, the government may have to make "painful decisions" regarding the liquefied natural gas terminal at Vasiliko. Elsewhere, British High Commissioner Irfan Siddiq drew the ire o…