Category: Cyprus News Agency

The day after the elections requires collective responsibility, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stressed on Sunday, sending a message of cooperation to all the newly elected members of the Parliament.

In statements at the Presidential Palace, the President thanked all those who worked with “professionalism for the proper organization and conduct of the parliamentary elections,” saying that people’s decisions are fully respected.

He also congratulated all candidates and political forces for their participation in the electoral process, and sent a message of cooperation to all elected members.

“Our democracy is strengthened through participation, dialogue and debate based on arguments and respect for different points of view,” he stressed.

The government, Christodoulides pledged, will continue to work for the implementation of its program, “for a stronger economy, for more opportunities for the new generation of our country, for a more efficient state, for social cohesion, for reforms that improve citizens’ everyday life and for a more resilient, more modern and more reliable Cyprus”.

Noting that the government is committed to its ideological and political orientation and Social Liberalism, he said that on the basis of this approach, “we will continue – through collaborations, just as we have done until today – to implement policies that society, through the messages sent by today’s electoral process, approves”.

“These messages encourage us to continue with even greater determination. Tax reform, to mention only a few that we heard during the election campaign, responsible foreign policy, the European Western orientation of our country, security, economic stability and development, effective management of immigration as well as many others are judged in practice and are endorsed by the citizens,” he noted.

In this great effort, President Christodoulides said, cooperation with the new House of Representatives will be “substantive, sincere and institutionally responsible”.

“Our government will continue to work to achieve convergences where there are common concerns, common priorities and common perceptions of the public interest, without compromise and on the basis of common ideological-political convergences. Citizens judge us all by our ability to provide solutions, implement decisions and respond to their expectations,” he noted

Especially, he stressed, “in a period of increased challenges, with the Cyprus issue remaining our top national priority, with the need to continue the great reform effort and with international and regional developments directly affecting our homeland, unity of purpose and institutional cooperation are a national necessity and what the Cypriot people demand of us all”.

“The elections are over. The day after the elections requires collective responsibility and effort towards the progress of the country,” he underlined.

President Christodoulides noted that with “full respect for the people’s verdict, with full awareness of our responsibility and with firm commitment to the interests of the Cypriot people, we will continue to work for a stronger, more modern, more European Cyprus”.

“We will continue and intensify even more our efforts for result – oriented policies, strengthen the credibility of our country and respond to the real needs of society. For a Cyprus that moves forward with self-confidence, unity and perspective,” he added.

Replying to a question about the parties supporting the government that do not enter the new Parliament, the President of the Republic said that “DIPA and EDEK deserved, and have proven it, to have been in the new House of Representatives” adding that “they did not succeed in entering the Parliament by some tens, hundreds of votes. They should have been there, they deserved to be in the Parliament”.

Asked whether there is possibility of cooperation between the government and some of the parties entering the Parliament, he said that “all these policies that we have implemented since the first day of assuming the governance of the country are based on specific convergences that we saw in the House of Representatives”.

These are convergences, he went on to say, that are “based on our ideological and political framework, such as tax transformation, the country’s foreign policy, immigration, the economy and many others, which are at the basis of this ideological and political framework, and with this responsibility we will continue”.

Asked about the statement of President of the Democratic Rally party, Annita Demetriou, who said that her party would not collaborate with the government, the President of the Republic said that “the position expressed by the President of the Democratic Rally is fully respected.”

Cyprus Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Maria Christofidou, said that a number of citizens received campaign messages from parliamentary candidates via SMS and messaging applications such as Viber, WhatsApp and Messenger, noting however that such communication is not covered by the 48-hour pre-election ban.

Speaking to CNA, Christofidou said complaints regarding the messages had already been submitted to her office and an investigation would be carried out to determine whether the recipients were included in updated party electoral lists and whether the messages had been sent with voters’ consent.

She added that if the messages were sent to individuals who had not provided consent, this could constitute a violation of personal data protection legislation.

Asked about the number of messages sent, Christofidou said a clearer picture, including figures, would determine after the completion of the elections.

The Commissioner also said officials from her office were conducting supervisory checks at polling stations to ensure compliance with guidelines issued to election staff, including the non-verbal announcement of identity card numbers and the use of party lists containing only names and voter registration numbers.

“So far, compliance with these instructions has been observed,” Christofidou said.

Cypriot citizens go to the polls today to elect the 56 members of the House of Representatives.

Voting begins at 7:00 a.m. and adjourns for one hour at 12:00 noon. It resumes at 1:00 p.m. and continues normally until 6:00 p.m. It is noted that, if necessary, the presiding officer may, at his/her absolute discretion, extend voting hours at his/her polling station until midnight, provided that there are voters outside waiting to vote.

A total of 753 candidates are participating in the 2026 Parliamentary Elections, of which 744 are candidates with party combinations, while 9 are individual candidates. A total of 529 candidacies or 70.3% are men and 224 candidacies or 29.7% are women.

The number of registered voters in the parliamentary elections reaches 568,587. In the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections and the election of the Representative of the Maronite Religious Group at the Parliament, a total of 1,217 polling stations will operate.

The number of registered voters by Electoral District is as follows: Nicosia 198,553, Limassol 116,924, Famagusta 116,392, Larnaca 60,489, Paphos 47,384, Kyrenia 28,845, total 568,587.

It is noted that the above numbers also include 859 Turkish Cypriots, holders of an identity card of the Republic of Cyprus, with an address in the government controlled areas.

It is also clarified that 595 enclaved persons (335 from the Kyrenia Electoral District and 260 from the Famagusta Electoral District) are also entitled to vote, who are not included in the above numbers.

In Nicosia district, which elects 19 MPs, voters may cast up to five preference votes. In Limassol district, which will elect 12 MPs, voters are entitled to cast up to three preference votes. In Famagusta, which will elect 11 MPs, voters can cast up to three preference votes. In Larnaca, which will have six MPs, voters can cast up to two preference votes. Voters in Paphos district which will have four MPs, voters will be able to cast up to two preference votes, and voters in Kyrenia district, which will elect three MPs, will be able to cast one preference vote.

In order to be able to vote, citizens must show either their ID card of the Republic of Cyprus, their voter’s booklet while for the first time a digital identity card will also be accepted, through the “Digital Citizen” application.

More information on how and where to vote at elections.gov.cy and at 77 77 22 12.

Polling stations will also operate in Greece, the United Kingdom and Belgium.

In Athens, voting will take place at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. In Thessaloniki, the polling station will operate at the 2nd General Lyceum of Thessaloniki, the same hours. In the United Kingdom, two polling stations will operate in London, one at the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus and one at the Cyprus Community Centre in Wood Green. Voting hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a break from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. In Brussels, the polling station will be located at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the European Union. Voting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

It is estimated that two hours after the polls close, it will be able to be determined which political parties will be represented in Parliament, as well as the number of MPs from each party.

The official announcement will take place at noon on Monday, May 25th, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.

The representative of the Maronite religious group at the House of Representatives will also be elected today. The two candidates are Marios Mavridis and Petros Nakouzis.

It is noted that the representatives of the Latin and Armenian religious groups at the House of Representatives have already been elected automatically after no opposing candidacies were submitted. Antonella Lydia Mantovani was declared representative of the Latin religious group, while Vartkes Mahdessian was declared representative of the Armenian religious group.

Archbishop George of the Church of Cyprus exercised his right to vote for the parliamentary elections on Sunday saying that this right is sacred and a great responsibility.

In statements in Nicosia after casting his vote, he stressed that “we are a country under occupation, a country in which our national presence in our own land is at stake, and for this reason we must very wisely elect the best who will cooperate with each other and with the executive power to solve the main problems of the country, the most important of which is our national problem.”

Concluding, he said that this cooperation must exist, “away from populism”, so as to move forward and if the Cyprus issue is resolved “we have the time and the opportunity to hold other discussions on other smaller issues”.

Cyprus Mission to the UN in a letter dated May 11 2026 has formally rejected the claims contained in Turkey’s letter of 16 February 2026, stressing that ‘there is only one State in Cyprus,’ represented by ‘the sole legitimate Government of the Republic of Cyprus since its establishment in 1960’.

The letter recalls that the ‘unlawful use of force by Trkiye’ in 1974 and the ‘continuing unlawful occupation’ of part of Cypriot territory do not affect the Republic’s sovereignty ‘over the entirety of its territory and enjoys all the rights deriving under international law’.

The Mission also refers to Security Council resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), noting that the Council deplored the purported secession of part of Cyprus and considered the declaration of the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ legally invalid.

It underlines that the illegality of the so-called ‘TRNC’ stems from its establishment ‘as a result of unlawful use of force’ and ‘other egregious violations of norms of general international law, in particular those of a peremptory character as confirmed by the International Court of Justice in the 2010 Kosovo Advisory Opinion’.

Consequently, Cypriot Mission underscores, the entity ‘lacks international legal personality’ and has ‘no capacity to conclude international agreements,’ making any such agreements ‘null and void ab initio under international law.’

On maritime issues, Cyprus states that the claims submitted by Trkiye through geographical coordinates have ‘no legal basis whatsoever’ and do not create legal obligations for Cyprus or any third State.

It rejects Trkiye’s position that islands are not entitled to maritime zones beyond a territorial sea, calling it ‘false and entirely unfounded’ and contrary to article 121(2) of UNCLOS. According to the letter, the maritime area claimed by Trkiye is ‘excessive, unreasonable and encroaches on Cyprus’s lawful rights over its maritime zones in violation of the international law, including customary international law as reflected in UNCLOS’.

Cyprus further recalls that it has previously rejected Turkish submissions concerning the alleged outer limits of Trkiye’s continental shelf, including through letters dated 24 April 2020 and 20 January 2020. At the same time, it emphasizes its readiness for diplomacy, stating that Cyprus has ‘consistently underlined the importance of conducting meaningful negotiations’ with Trkiye ‘in accordance with international law.’

Finally, Cyprus reiterates that it has called on Turkey to negotiate ‘in good faith’ on maritime delimitation north and west of the island. It also recalls its proposal for a special agreement with Turkey to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice, so that a definitive maritime boundary for the continental shelf and EEZ may be established ‘in conformity with international law.’

‘If Turkey feels so confident about its legal positions, this proposal enables these arguments to be placed before the International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations’ Cyprus Mission says.

The blue economy has a vital role to play in Europe’s future prosperity and resilience, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said in her closing remarks at European Maritime Day 2026, held in Limassol on Friday.

In her remarks, the Deputy Minister said that the event had once again confirmed the strength and diversity of Europe’s maritime community, stressing that “the future of Europe is deeply linked to the future of our seas and oceans”.

She noted that issues related to sustainability and competitiveness, maritime security, ocean observation, blue innovation, fisheries and aquaculture, the energy transition, coastal resilience and maritime skills were discussed during the event.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that the challenges Europe faces are interconnected and require common solutions, noting that “no single country, institution or sector can tackle these issues alone. Progress will depend on cooperation, coordination and a shared sense of responsibility”.

She stressed that “the blue economy creates growth, quality jobs and strategic opportunities for our regions and communities”, adding that “economic development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand”.

In the same context, she said that the EU Ocean Pact “provides an important framework for strengthening this vision by promoting a more integrated and coordinated approach to ocean governance, sustainability, competitiveness and maritime security”.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced approach as Europe moves forward with the green and digital transition, noting that “Europe must continue to pursue ambitious environmental objectives while ensuring that our maritime industries remain globally competitive, resilient and capable of supporting economic growth and social cohesion.”

She also said that Cyprus, as an island state and one of the leading maritime centres in the European Union, “fully understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a maritime nation” and remains committed to advancing sustainable shipping, protecting the marine environment, strengthening maritime security and promoting innovation across the blue economy.

She further stressed that “behind every ship, every port, every scientific initiative and every maritime policy, there are people whose expertise, dedication and hard work keep the maritime sector moving forward.”

The Deputy Minister expressed her sincere appreciation to the European Commission and especially to Commissioner Costas Kadis for the cooperation and support throughout the organisation of the event, as well as to all speakers, moderators, organisers, stakeholders and participants whose efforts contributed to its success.

Referring to the handover to Santander, she noted that it “symbolises continuity and the enduring spirit of European maritime cooperation”.

Concluding her remarks, Hadjimanolis said that Cyprus “will continue to stand as a reliable maritime partner within Europe and internationally, committed to dialogue, cooperation and a sustainable maritime future”.

A total of 4,306 people have registered to vote in Greece for the Cypriot parliamentary elections on Sunday, May 24.

Two polling stations will be set up in Greece: one at the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Athens and one at the 2nd Unified Lyceum of Thessaloniki.

At the Athens polling center, 2,905 voters will cast their ballots, and five ballot boxes will be set up. Specifically Ballot Box A for Nicosia electoral district (574), Ballot Box B for Nicosia – Kyrenia (569), Ballot Box C for Famagusta (607), Ballot Box D for Limassol (593) and Ballot Box E for Larnaca – Paphos (562)

Meanwhile, 1,401 voters have registered in Thessaloniki, where three ballot boxes will be set up at the polling center. Specifically Ballot Box F for Nicosia electoral district (445), Ballot Box G for Kyrenia, Larnaca and Paphos (412) and Ballot Box H, for Famagusta and Limassol (544).

The polling stations will open at 0700 local time and will close at 1800, unless an extension of the process is required. A break will take place from 1200 noon until 1300. Upon completion of the voting process, the ballot boxes will be sealed and later opened for the on-site counting of votes, as prescribed by procedure. The results will be sent to the Ministry of the Interior in Nicosia, which will then make them public.

The Foreign Ministers of India and Saudi Arabia, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Bin Abdullah Al Saud have been invited and will attend the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers to be held in Limassol on May 27 and 28.

The meeting will take place in the Gymnich format, which is held every six months and provides an opportunity for more open discussion on major issues.

According to reports, the Foreign Ministers of India and Saudi Arabia responded positively to an invitation from the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. Among other topics, the crisis in the Middle East is expected to be discussed, focusing on the geopolitical and regional implications of the crisis.

The Ministers will also discuss the war in Ukraine and assess the European response to Russia’s ongoing aggression.

In addition, strategic initiatives in the areas of security and defense will be discussed, including an overview of the European Security Strategy.

The Gymnich meeting under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union will be co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.

Global Sumud Flotilla’s ‘Vinco Volo’ was found adrift in Cypriot territorial waters and was towed to the small port of Kato Paphos, where it anchored behind the ‘Vivy Sabre’ late on Friday.

The vessel was escorted by a Port Police boat. It had been found adrift in the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus.

The vessel named ‘Vinco Volo’ has been anchored behind the first boat, the ‘Vivy Sabre.’

According to information available to CNA, three more small vessels, which were also found adrift in Cyprus’ territorial waters, are expected to be transported to the small port of Kato Paphos today.

The “Vivy Sabre,” which participated in the international Global Sumud Flotilla, remains anchored at the Kato Paphos port, while the crew members await instructions for their departure.

The ‘Vivy Sabre,’ which participated in the mission to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza, arrived at the port shortly after midnight on Monday.

The crew had set sail from a port in Sicily, having previously traveled to Marmaris on the coast of Asia Minor.

According to information, three of the crew members have already left. Specifically, two Italians flew back to their home country on Tuesday night, while the third traveled to Limassol.

Four people remain on board-a Spaniard, a Moroccan, a Mexican, and a Greek woman-awaiting instructions for the boat’s departure.

The vessel was expected to depart on Saturday with the four activists.

Meanwhile, party delegations visited the ‘Vivy Sabre,’ delivering food and water to the passengers and expressing their solidarity with the mission and the Palestinian people.

A yellow warning issued by the Meteorology Department will be in effect from 1100 to 1700 local time on Saturday, with heavy thunderstorms expected to affect parts of Cyprus.

The Department has said that isolated heavy thunderstorms are expected to affect inland and mountainous areas.

Rainfall intensity is expected to range between 35 and 50 millimeters per hour, while hail is also likely.