Category: Cyprus News Agency

The President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, concluded on Sunday his visit to Cyprus, with a visit to the ‘Lieutenant General Sotirios Stavrianakos’ Camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) in Malounta, according to a press release issued by the Hellenic Parliament.

During his, Kaklamanis held a series of meetings, among others with the President of the Republic and the President of the House of Representatives, while he also addressed the House of Representatives in a special session on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, the President of the Hellenic Parliament watched the military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, from where he conveyed a message of unity between Greece and Cyprus in the struggle for liberation.

Subsequently, he met with Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios.

Before departing for Athens, he visited the ‘Lieutenant General Sotirios Stavrianakos’ Camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) in Malounta, where, in an atmosphere of deep emotion, he laid a wreath at the Fallen Heroes’ Memorial of those who died during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, and was also given a tour of the on-site museum.

We must invest in our defence and strategic alliances, House President, Annita Demetriou, said on Wednesday, following the military parade for Cyprus’ Independence Day, in Nicosia. She noted that this is a matter of national survival for Greek Cypriots.

Demetriou said that Cyprus’ ties with Greece are a foundation of stability and cannot be shuddered.

She welcomed the presence of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, at the parade, saying that it sends her own essential political message.

Demetriou also said that our independence was earned through hard work and sacrifice. She warmly congratulated the participants in the parade, saying that today’s military parade fills us with national pride.

There is a window of hope today for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday in a televised address on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, stressing that the wall of the occupation of is not impenetrable.

“We may not be at the desired point. I certainly do not underestimate or downplay the challenges and difficulties, but developments keep hope alive and allow us to continue our persistent effort,” he noted.

‘With feelings of pride, today we honour the 65th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Cyprus, as a result of getting rid of the colonial yoke after the unparalleled struggle of our people for freedom,’ the President said at the beginning of his address.

He noted that independence was a milestone in Cyprus’ long history, while the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus constitutes the people’s greatest achievement, which we must safeguard.

Unfortunately, he continued, today’s anniversary finds our homeland territorially and administratively amputated, due to the continuing 51-year presence of the Turkish occupying army following the illegal invasion of 1974, under the pretext of the Junta’s treacherous coup to overthrow President Makarios.

“Fifty one years later, the barbed wire of occupation keeps our country divided and prevents its lawful residents from moving freely, living peacefully, and creating under conditions of security and prosperity throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, as they deserve and as they are entitled to,’ he said.

Nevertheless, he noted that the Cypriot people stood firm ‘and with the Republic of Cyprus as their shield succeeded in rebuilding the state and the economy under the difficult and tragic conditions of occupation. On the foundation of international legitimacy, the Republic of Cyprus evolved into a modern state, and in 2004, 30 years after the 1974 tragedy, joined the great European family. This important transformation, the greatest diplomatic success since independence, has changed our country’s fate for the better and laid the foundations for a sustainable future for our people,’ he stressed.

President Christodoulides underlined that from the first day his assumed his duties, he set as his highest goal the resumption of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem from the point where they were interrupted in the summer of 2017 in Crans-Montana. ‘It was not easy, after so many years of deadlock and lack of movement, to once again activate the international factor, especially amid two wars which are still shocking the international community,’ he said.

He noted, however, that with method and determination ‘we succeeded in reactivating the international community on the Cyprus problem, as expressed through the initiative undertaken by the UN Secretary-General that is now under way. We achieved this through the clear linkage of EU-Turkey relations with progress on the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations, as explicitly recorded in the European Council Conclusions,’ he said. He added that this was also achieved through the more active involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus problem, as expressed in the joint letter of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General, as well as the appointment of the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn.

He noted that this was also achieved with the reappointment of Maria Ángela Holguín as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy.

Stating that ‘we are absolutely realistic’ and fully aware of the ‘long and difficult effort’ and the many challenges ahead, the President said that through the initiatives undertaken, ‘we have succeeded in reactivating the international factor and launching processes which we hope and work for to lead to the resumption of substantive negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework and, of course, the principles and values of the European Union.’

He recalled that the initiative currently under way would have seemed inconceivable before 2023, when Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, demanded recognition of sovereign equality as a precondition even for discussions or a UN-sponsored meeting.

‘Today, however, there is a window of hope. We may not be at the desired point. I certainly do not underestimate or downplay the challenges and difficulties, but developments keep hope alive and allow us to continue our persistent effort. That is why I am convinced that despite the difficulties and obstacles, the wall of occupation is not impenetrable. We only need to remain serious, persistent, methodical, and focused,’ he stressed.

‘The future belongs to us in a homeland that is changing’

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Alongside the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, the President also referred to efforts to strengthen all the country’s levers of power, both internal and external.

Domestically, he said, there is an ongoing effort for ‘bold and continuous reforms, for the modernization of institutions, for the strengthening of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the management of migration, the upgrading of our homeland’s deterrent power, investment in social welfare, and of course the consolidation of the sense of security.’

He said that the prerequisite for all this is a strong and resilient economy, built through a responsible fiscal policy that secures growth for the benefit of the people as a whole and allows the pursuit of targeted social policy.

‘I am pleased with the performance of the Cypriot economy, among the highest in Europe, and indeed in the midst of two wars. Growth rate among the highest in Europe, full employment in the labor market, a downward trajectory of public debt, and much more are the result of the responsible economic policy we follow on the basis of social liberalism. This allows us to implement targeted policies to support the vulnerable, the middle class, households, and our businesses,’ he noted.

He added that the continuous upgrades by all major credit rating agencies and praise from European and international institutions amount to a vote of confidence in the country and the Cypriot economy, ‘for which we are all entitled to be proud.’

At the international level, ‘the Republic of Cyprus walks the path of responsibility,’ the President said, noting that Cyprus is assuming an active role as a pillar of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.

‘Cyprus is making use of its geographical position and turning it into a strategic advantage in a region plagued by prolonged crises. As a consistent, predictable, and responsible partner, it remains a reliable and safe harbor. Through specific initiatives, through actions and not words, our homeland is becoming a hub of stability, a transit station for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for humanitarian aid, and a beacon that illuminates the path of peace and cooperation,’ he said.

He emphasized that this is recognized worldwide, and expressed pride that Cyprus walks this ‘path of responsibility.’ ‘And we are determined to expand it – always as part of the solution and never part of the problem,’ he added.

Regarding the upcoming assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union by Cyprus, the President stressed that ‘we are fully prepared to demonstrate in practice that we can assume responsibility for Cyprus and for the European Union,’ adding that ‘I have no doubt that we will fulfill this responsibility with full awareness of today’s needs for the well-being of millions of European citizens, and the pressing need for stronger multilateralism, greater integration, and more cooperation between Europe and the rest of the world, for a stronger, safer, and more autonomous Union.’

President Christodoulides said that today fills us with pride for what our people have achieved over the past 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus’ existence.

‘Together, we give the promise that we will continue the struggle until the long-awaited day of justice, liberation, reunification. We have the capabilities, the optimism, the faith, and the will to make this land again a common homeland for all its lawful residents. We want to, and we can, have a common future with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots in a united homeland, a member state of the European Union, where its principles and values will apply without exception to all,’ he said.

‘We also have the diligence and humanity as a people to be a prosperous and compassionate society. The future belongs to us in a homeland that is changing. Happy Independence Day, Cyprus,’ he concluded.

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 due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

The effort to strengthen the deterrent power of the National Guard will continue, President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday, in press statements following the military parade, in Nicosia, for Cyprus’ Independence Day.

He also stressed that the struggle continues to achieve our highest goal, which is none other than the liberation of our homeland.

The President initially referred to today’s ritual because, he said, it is of particular importance for the new generations to know about it. He said that in the morning they visited the Imprisoned Graves to honor all those who fought and gave their lives for our country. EOKA anti-colonial liberation struggle heroes are buried there.

He also said that they laid a wreath at the statue of the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, at the Presidential Palace and at the Resistance Monument for those who fought against the Turkish rebellion in 1964 and in 1974 in order to defend the Republic of Cyprus. The President also said that the parade is taking place to honor those who today defend the Republic.

He went on to say that Cyprus today celebrates its 65th anniversary, adding that the country suffered as a young state, but managed thirty years later to become an EU member state, one that is constantly being upgraded.

President Christodoulides also noted that our duty today is to do everything possible to upgrade Cyprus Republic and to also achieve our highest goal which is none other than the liberation and reunification of our homeland.

He continued by saying that at the same time, while striving for the goal of liberation, we have an obligation to strengthen with deeds and not with words all the power factors in Cyprus namely maintain a strong economy, rule of law, addressing corruption and all other challenges before us and internationally to have an open-minded foreign policy that proves that the Republic of Cyprus is part of the solutions to regional and international challenges.

He said that in this way the status of the Republic of Cyprus is further upgraded and, at the same time, we are also strengthening our negotiating status in relation to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President warmly congratulated those who participated in today’s parade, saying that we are truly proud of what we have today seen.

He noted that the strengthening of the deterrent power of the National Guard begins first and foremost with the officers and personnel of the National Guard upgrading.

He also said that today we saw some of Cyprus’ new armament programs, adding that the effort to acquire new military weapons will continue and will be strengthened even further, utilizing the means offered by the European Union and Cyprus’ collaborations with strategic partners such as the United States.

When asked about the messages sent by the presence of the Greek F-16 fighter jets, the President noted that the messages are clear about the common struggle of Cyprus and Greece, primarily for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. Secondly, he said, Cyprus and Greece, as EU member states and states of the region prove in practice that they are pillars of security and stability.

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.

Cyprus poses as an exception in Europe’s inflation trends, with its annual rate reaching 0% in September 2025, according to Eurostat’s preliminary estimates. At a time when the euro area faces a moderate yet steady inflation rate of 2.2%, Cyprus stands out as the only country with no year-on-year price change, while its monthly inflation even registered a decline of -0.4%.

This contrasts sharply with broader European trends, where sectors like services (3.2% in the eurozone) and food (3%) continue to drive price pressures. In Cyprus, however, this stability may reflect a combination of domestic factors, such as relative price stability in energy and food, and external influences, including reduced import costs.

On more detail, annual inflation in the eurozone reached 2.2% in September 2025, according to Eurostat’s flash estimate, marking a slight increase from August’s 2%. However, behind this average figure lie significant disparities, both among member states and across different categories of goods and services, revealing a complex economic landscape.

As for the drivers of inflation, services remain the primary inflationary pressure, with an annual rate of 3.2% (up from 3.1% in August), followed by food, alcohol, and tobacco (3%). In contrast, energy continues to act as a drag, with prices falling by -0.4%, though the decline is less steep than in previous months (when it reached -2% in August). Non-energy industrial goods remain subdued, with just a 0.8% increase, highlighting weak demand in certain sectors of the economy.

The differences between countries remain, as Estonia records the highest inflation rate (5.2%), followed by Croatia (4.6%) and Slovakia (4.6%), while France (1.1%) and Italy (1.8%) sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. Greece shows a notable decline, from 3.1% in August to 1.8% in September, partly due to lower energy and food prices.

Meanwhile, countries like Ireland (2.7%) and Spain (3%) exhibit stabilization, while Cyprus (0%) stands out as the only country with zero inflation, underscoring the unique dynamics of its local economy.

‘Cataract: Modern Diagnosis and Treatment’ – Public Information Day at European University Cyprus

European University Cyprus (EUC), in collaboration with the Holy Archdiocese of Kykkos, the Cyprus Medical Association, and the ‘Apostolos Loukas’ Medical Center, is organizing a special event dedicated to cataract awareness and treatment:

‘Cataract: Modern Diagnosis and Treatment’, as part of World Sight Day.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Cultural Center of European University Cyprus.

Aim and Key Themes

The information day aims to raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals about the latest methods in cataract diagnosis and treatment, highlighting technological advances and challenges faced in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.

Distinguished keynote speakers include:

Dr. Ioannis Aslanides – President of the Hellenic College of Ophthalmology, Founder and Medical Director of Emmetropia S.A., Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, Visiting Professor at Wenzhou Medical University in China, and Member of the Scientific Committee of the Hellenic Olympic Committee

Dr. Anastasios Kanellopoulos – Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Founder and Scientific Director of LaserVision, and Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York University School of Medicine

Dr. Paraskevi Choleva – Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia, Scientific Collaborator of the Medical School, University of Cyprus

Dr. Serafeim Antonakis – Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Consultant at Southampton University Hospital, Clinical Lecturer and Research Project Supervisor at the University of Southampton

Dr. Avraam Renos, General Practitioner, Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical School, University of Nicosia

Topics to be addressed:

Modern diagnostic techniques

New interventional treatments

Advances in cataract surgery with combined procedures

This event underlines European University Cyprus’s strong commitment to advancing public health in Cyprus and positioning the country as a hub for medical knowledge and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean. By fostering collaboration between medical experts, institutions, and the community, EUC continues to enhance awareness, prevention, and treatment in ophthalmology.

Event Details

Venue: Cultural Center, European University Cyprus

Date and Time: Saturday, 4 October 2025 | Doors open 09:30 | Event starts 10:00

Admission: ?pen to the public

Language of the event: Greek

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides pledged on Tuesday that the Greek Cypriot side will do its utmost for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts for a Cyprus settlement to yield results. He also noted that it is important that after so many years there is activity, as underlined by the SG himself during the Geneva meeting for the Cyprus issue last March.

The President made statements welcoming the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, in Nicosia, on an official visit. The Cyprus issue is one of the few issues on which there is consensus in the Hellenic Parliament, Kaklamanis said in his statements.

President Christodoulides also expressed the view that the outcome of the “electoral” process in the Turkish Cypriot community mid-October will be important. Asked by the President of the Hellenic Parliament if he believes that there can be a change, he replied “we will see what the outcome will be.”

He said that no one at this time can safely jump to conclusions on the outcome. He also went on to note that whatever the outcome is, Turkey is the one to take final decisions on the most serious issues regarding the Turkish Cypriot community.

Kaklamanis expressed the hope that the efforts will be successful, although he stressed that he is moderately optimistic.

President Christodoulides, in his statement before the media, pointed out that Kaklamanis is in Cyprus to attend tomorrow’s parade for the Cyprus Independence, “an important anniversary and the most important conquest of the Cyprus people as a result of the national liberation struggle of EOKA”.

The President told Kaklamanis that the Hellenic Parliament has played a decisive role in developments concerning Cyprus over time and made particular reference to the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union in 2004, “the most important diplomatic success of the Cypriot people and the Republic of Cyprus.”

He noted also that in less than 100 days Cyprus will also assume, for the second time, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, saying that this is a national challenge “that I am sure we will respond to successfully”.

President Christodoulides told the President of the Hellenic Parliament that he is visiting Cyprus at a time when there are many developments in our region, noting that Cyprus, together with Greece, through actions and not only words, prove that they are pillars of security and stability.

“We are countries that talk to all the states in the region and we are making efforts, through synergies, to prove the importance of cooperation. This is the only path via which to address common challenges,” he said.

The President also praised Kaklamanis’ political career as an MEP, Mayor, Minister and now President of the Hellenic Parliament, as well as his long-standing interventions on everyday issues with which, he said, he agrees and has the same approach.

Kaklamanis thanked the President for his very kind words, which he described as “perhaps a little excessive”. He stated that his interest in Cyprus began in the 1990s, when he was a Member of the European Parliament and Vice-President of the Joint Committee of the European Parliament and the House of Representatives when the effort for Cyprus’ accession had begun.

He referred to his close cooperation at the time with MEP Pauline Green, who was very pro-Cyprus.

Kaklamanis also pointed out to the President that in conditions of political acrimony in Greece, “fortunately the issue of Cyprus is one of the few on which there is complete consensus in the Greek Parliament.”

He said that there may be some verbal differences sometimes for oppositional reasons, but in spite of this there is a complete consensus in views. “There is no political party in Parliament that does not identify with the established national line that has existed for years”, he stressed.

Kaklamanis said that he was informed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece, George Gerapetritis, about the latest developments, noting that “he has a restrained optimism.”

He also referred to a visit to Turkey under President Demirel 30 years ago, noting that what he said 30 years ago is now being repeated by now President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan on Cyprus and the Aegean.

He said that he is moderately optimistic about the discussions on a Cyprus solution, hoping that these efforts will be successful.

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 due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UNSG met with the two leaders President Christodoulides and T/c leader Ersin Tatar last week in New York city. A fresh meeting will probably take place in November. In the meantime his personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected in Cyprus the next weeks to prepare the new meeting.

Head of European Investment Bank (EIB) Nadia Calviño has said that water and housing are the two key challenges in Cyprus and expressed her pride for the European support and impact of European investment in Cyprus.

Calvino was speaking to the press on Tuesday, before a meeting with the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, who attended the joint meeting of the boards of the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, in Limassol.

“I want to thank Cyprus for the warm welcome. We are having a very productive meeting which has allowed us also to see the impact of the investments we finance on the ground,” she said, adding that they have visited student residences in the Cyprus University of Technology as well as the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Limassol.

On his part, President Christodoulides thanked for the support of EIB in Cyprus for a number of projects all these years, adding that Cyprus is looking forward to their future cooperation.

“We are looking forward to our future cooperation, especially on issues of great interest for the Republic of Cyprus like defence and security, research and innovation. We are going to discuss this during our bilateral meeting,” the President noted.

Meanwhile, Calviño said that they have adopted in Cyprus the second phase of the climate road map.

“We will be focusing on projects that contribute to competitiveness and security of Europe. We are going to be doubling investment into adaptation and prevention on the impact of climate change a challenge that is very clear also here in Cyprus and we will be radically simplifying our processes to reduce cost and red tape for companies, particularly Small and Medium-sized companies,” she concluded.

Attorney General George Savvides and Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides are traveling to The Hague on Wednesday to attend the work of the 19th Meeting of the Consultative Forum of the Prosecutors General and the Heads of Criminal Prosecutions of the EU member states (Eurojust Consultative Forum), scheduled for 2 and 3 October.

A Law Office press release says that the participants are expected to debate on issues related to violating and circumventing EU sanctions, the fight against criminal organizations and the fight against online investment fraud.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Savvides and Angelides will participate in a preparatory meeting with the Attorneys General from the outgoing and incoming countries holding the EU rotating Presidency, namely Denmark, Poland and Ireland.

They will coordinate the work of the 20th Forum, which Cyprus will co-chair with Ireland, on the occasion of the two countries assuming the Presidency, in 2026.

During their visit to The Hague, the heads of the Law Office will attend the celebrations organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on the occasion of the anniversary of Cyprus Independence on October 1.

To mark Cyprus Independence Day, the famous Manneken Pis statue in Brussels will be dressed in a specially tailored Cypriot traditional men’s costume, the vraka, during an event organized by the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the City of Brussels.

The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 1, at 1:00 PM, in the presence of Cyprus’s Ambassador to the EU Political and Security Committee (PSC), Petros Mavrikios, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event serves as a symbolic bridge between Belgian and Cypriot culture, highlighting the importance of independence and national identity.

Manneken Pis is an iconic symbol of Brussels. The 55.5-centimeter-tall bronze fountain sculpture, located in the city center, is regularly dressed in various costumes on a nearly daily basis, with a collection exceeding a thousand different outfits. Since 2017, the costumes-including the Cypriot vraka-have been displayed at the GardeRobe MannekenPis, a museum dedicated exclusively to the statue, located on the same street in Brussels’ historic center.

The vraka was donated to the City of Brussels by the Cypriot Embassy in 2010 ahead of Cyprus Independence Day, and is exhibited in the museum’s “Manneken Pis, a very European Bruxellois” section, alongside other national costumes of EU member states.