Category: Cyprus News Agency

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

20 (20)

7 (7.1)

70

Larnaka Airport

21 (21.1)

13 (12.7)

67

Limassol (New Port)

20 (19.9)

12 (12.1)

61

Limassol (Municipal Garden)

19.5

13.4

Pafos Airport

20 (20.1)

15 (14.8)

64

Frenaros

20 (19.5)

13 (13.4)

69

Prodromos

6 (6.2)

6 (6.1)

100

Polis Pafos

20 (20.4)

14 (13.9)

58

Authorities in Cyprus requested assistance from abroad in relation to a video that surfaced last week with allegations for illegal financing of the President’s presidential campaign in 2023 and for controversial investments on the island.

The Cyprus News Agency has learned that yesterday and the day before the authorities contacted USA, Israel, England and France asking for specialized assistance for the investigation that is already underway.

The Police are in close cooperation with the island’s Law Office and all information is being assessed.

Former Minister of Energy, Giorgos Lakkotrypis, who is one of the individuals appearing in the video, gave an official statement to the Police Friday, the Police Spokesperson told the Cyprus News Agency yesterday. He deposited all information he had, the Spokesperson said, which is currently being evaluated by the investigative authorities.

At the same time, as the Spokesperson said, scientific reports are expected from the competent Police Services, including the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate and the Criminal Investigation Service.

Regarding the possibility of taking statements from other persons appearing in the video, the Police Spokesperson stated that there is currently no relevant information.

In relation to the account that posted the video on the “X” platform, the investigation into both its origin and anything connected to the material is underway.

The video, which was posted on ‘X’ , allegedly records conversations between former Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, the Director of the Office of the President of the Republic Charalambos Charalambous, and the Director of the Cyfield Group Giorgos Chrysochos, with a person who appears to be an investor from the Netherlands.

The Cyprus men’s national handball team is expected to return to Cyprus on Monday following a serious road accident involving the team bus in the early hours of Saturday in Estonia, Cyprus Handball Federation (CHF) President Constantinos Filaretou told CNA. As a result of the incident, Sunday’s scheduled match against Estonia, due to start at 18:00, was postponed.

Speaking to CNA, Filaretou said that several members of the delegation sustained injuries, none of which are considered serious, noting at the same time that the accident had also a significant psychological impact on the athletes.

Two members were hospitalised immediately after the accident after being transferred from the scene, while the rest of the team was transferred to the hotel. During the day, several players and staff visited a nearby hospital, where they received first aid and underwent medical examinations.

As time passed and the athletes ‘cooled down,’ aches and minor injuries appeared, resulting in several members of the team and delegation requiring medical care. ‘It is nothing very serious, but there are quite a few players and delegation members with injuries,’ he said.

Psychological impact

————

Filaretou also referred to the psychological effect of the incident, noting that the accident affected the players significantly and that this was communicated to the EHF from the outset. He added, however, that the situation has improved noticeably after they had some rest, with the team’s psychological condition showing signs of recovery.

As for the causes of the accident, Filaretou said that, based on information so far, extremely difficult weather conditions and the state of the road network were the main factors. The bus was travelling on an icy road amid continuous snowfall and encountered snow accumulation of around 40 cm.

He underlined that responsibility for hosting and transportation, under EHF regulations, lies with the host federation, stressing that the Cyprus Handball Federation’s priority is the safety and physical integrity of the delegation. He reassured players’ families that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure medical care, monitoring and a safe return to Cyprus.

Match postponed

————

Filaretou explained that the decision to postpone the match was taken during the Technical Meeting held on Sunday, adding that the future of the game will be examined at a later stage in discussions between the Cypriot and Estonian federations, as well as the European Handball Federation (EHF).

the national team, which has been staying in the city of Põlva, departed at noon on Sunday for Tallinn, he said. He noted that this change was made at the request of the Cypriot delegation, as the original schedule had foreseen an overnight stay in Põlva after the match, followed by travel to the airport.

However, following the accident, the delegation requested that travel take place during daylight hours and only after all necessary safety measures were ensured, considering road conditions and weather circumstances.

The team will stay overnight at a hotel in Tallinn and is expected to head to the airport on Monday morning for its return to Cyprus, unless there is any change. Filaretou clarified that the delegation will return as planned, provided that all members receive medical clearance to travel.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 11/01/2026 UNTIL 1200 12/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be locally mainly cloudy and at times local showers are expected, with risk of isolated thunderstorms, mainly over the western half of the island. Tonight, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: WARNING NR: 3 VALID FROM: 110600 TO: 111800 FRESH TO STRONG 5 TO 6 AND LOCALLY STRONG 6 BEAUFORT SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA. THE STATE OF SEA WILL BE MODERATE TO ROUGH AND TO THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN COASTAL AREAS WILL BE ROUGH.

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

Southwest 5 to 6, locally 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Night

Southwest 6, locally 6 to 7

Rough to Very Rough

Morning

Southwest 4 to 5, gradually 5 to 6

Rough to Very Rough

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest 5 to 6, locally 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Night

Southwest 6, locally 6 to 7

Rough, locally Rough to Very Rough

Morning

Southwest 4 to 5, gradually South to Southwest 6

Rough, gradually Rough to Very Rough

East Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 5 to 6, locally 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Night

Southwest 6, offshore 6 to 7

Rough, offshore Rough to Very Rough

Morning

Southwest to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually 5 to 6

Rough

North Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 5 to 6, offshore 6

Moderate to Rough, offshore Rough

Night

Southwest to West 6, offshore 6 to 7

Rough to Very Rough

Morning

Southwest to West 4 to 5, gradually 5 to 6

Rough to Very Rough

Time of issue: 1130 Date: 11/01/2026

An increase in cases of seasonal infections is being recorded at the Paediatric Clinic of Makarios Hospital, while a further rise in the coming days cannot be ruled out due to seasonality, the Clinic’s Director, Dr Elena Papamichael, told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

Speaking to CNA, Dr Papamichael said that there is currently an increase in cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other seasonal infections, clarifying, however, that although there are several cases, the Paediatric Clinic ‘is not overcrowded’.

Referring to patients currently hospitalised, she said that at present one child is being treated for RSV, while four more children are recovering from influenza A and other conditions.

She added that no coronavirus cases have been hospitalised in recent days.

Asked whether the numbers are higher compared to previous years, the Director of the Paediatric Clinic noted that the period from January to March is traditionally characterised by an increase in seasonal infections.

‘We are at similar levels to the same period last year,’ she said, adding, however, that ‘we may possibly see an increase in the coming days’.

Regarding Makarios Hospital’s readiness to respond to a potential further increase in cases, Dr Papamichael stressed that the hospital is on ‘full alert’.

‘There is also readiness on the part of the Intensive Care Units to manage more serious cases, should this be necessary,’ she said.

She pointed out that in the event of a large influx of patients and full occupancy of available beds, there is cooperation with other State Health Services Organisation (SHSO) hospitals in all cities.

According to Dr Papamichael, so far, the beds have not been fully occupied, while in recent days ICU occupancy at Makarios Hospital has been at around two thirds. She expressed confidence that ‘if needed, we will respond’.

Dr Papamichael expressed the belief that most parents follow paediatricians’ guidelines and that vulnerable children have been vaccinated against influenza.

She also stressed the importance of avoiding visits and close contact when infections are present in the surrounding environment, ensuring good ventilation of indoor spaces, maintaining personal hygiene and frequent hand washing. She stressed that individuals who are ill should remain at home, to limit any further increase in cases.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 11/01/2026 UNTIL 0600 12/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1016hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be locally mainly cloudy and at times local showers are expected, with risk of isolated thunderstorms, mainly over the western half of the island. Tonight, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: WARNING NR: 3 VALID FROM: 110600 TO: 111800 FRESH TO STRONG 5 TO 6 AND LOCALLY STRONG 6 BEAUFORT SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA. THE STATE OF SEA WILL BE MODERATE TO ROUGH AND TO THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN COASTAL AREAS WILL BE ROUGH.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 11/01/2026 UNTIL 1200 12/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be locally mainly cloudy and at times local showers are expected, with risk of isolated thunderstorms, mainly over the western half of the island. Tonight, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: WARNING NR: 3 VALID FROM: 110600 TO: 111800 FRESH TO STRONG 5 TO 6 AND LOCALLY STRONG 6 BEAUFORT SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA. THE STATE OF SEA WILL BE MODERATE TO ROUGH AND TO THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN COASTAL AREAS WILL BE ROUGH.

Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Papaellina will travel to Brussels on January 12 and 13, for a series of contacts and meetings in the context of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2026.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry, on Monday, the Deputy Minister will meet with the Director-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, David Brozina, with whom she will exchange views on the priorities, organisation and progress of the Cypriot Presidency.

She will then hold bilateral contacts with Members of the European Parliament serving on the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).

On Tuesday, January 13, the Deputy Minister will have a bilateral meeting with the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Minzatu. The discussion will focus on social policy issues, with particular emphasis on the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency in the areas of preventing and combating poverty, child poverty and safeguarding the best interests of the child, social inclusion of persons with disabilities, long-term care and active ageing.

During her meetings, Papaellina will also brief her interlocutors on a series of High-Level Conferences scheduled to take place in Cyprus and Brussels during the semester of the Cypriot Presidency.

As noted, the presence of the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare in Brussels constitutes an important step in strengthening political dialogue and cooperation with the institutions of the European Union, as the Republic of Cyprus assumes, for the second time, the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Republic of Cyprus is part of the solution and never part of the problem, as are all those who are disturbed by our actions said President Nikos Christodoulides Sunday, addressing an event in honor of all those who fought and sacrificed their lives to defend their homeland during the 1963-64 period of intercommunal violence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

President Christodoulides said that Cyprus, which proudly assumed the EU Presidency January 1st, is on a course of responsibility and has an active role in the region, despite the annoyance displayed by some.

He said that Cyprus is a pillar of security and stability in the wider region that has particular geostrategic importance.

Cyprus President also referred to Turkey’s divisive plans on the island, resulting to the illegal invasion and occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic.

He reiterated his government’s absolute commitment to the struggle for liberation and reunification of our homeland, noting that the unacceptable and unsustainable status quo is not in favor of our people and of the future of the country.

The President also said that since the day he assumed office he follows a specific strategy to restore the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and reunite the island.

He also noted that in parallel with the efforts to end the occupation, which is the highest priority, we are working to strengthen all the factors of power at home and abroad. President Christodoulides referred, among other things, to the effort for a strong and resilient economy, modernization of the state, and addressing immigration in order to strengthen the deterrent power of the country.

At the international level, he said that the Cyprus is a hub of stability, a transit spot for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for the transport of humanitarian aid and a beacon of peace and cooperation.

In his speech, the President praised the sacrifice of all the volunteers who defended the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus in the 1963-64 period and referred to the importance of the effort to locate and register all the volunteers, which record approximately 12,000, in order to fulfill our debt to the country.

He said that this would be a symbolic but significant recognition of the contribution of each one of these volunteers, pointing out that our gratitude will forever accompany the memory of all the patriots, of whom we are rightfully proud.

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.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 11/01/2026 UNTIL 0600 12/01/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1016hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be locally mainly cloudy and at times local showers are expected, with risk of isolated thunderstorms, mainly over the western half of the island. Tonight, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 19°C

Warnings: WARNING NR: 3 VALID FROM: 110600 TO: 111800 FRESH TO STRONG 5 TO 6 AND LOCALLY STRONG 6 BEAUFORT SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE AREA. THE STATE OF SEA WILL BE MODERATE TO ROUGH AND TO THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN COASTAL AREAS WILL BE ROUGH.

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning

South to Southwest 4 to 5, gradually 5 to 6

Moderate, gradually Moderate to Rough

Afternoon

South to Southwest 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Night

South to Southwest 4 to 5, locally 5 to 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

South Coast

Morning

Southwest 4 to 5, gradually South to Southwest 5 to 6

Moderate, gradually Moderate to Rough

Afternoon

South to Southwest 5, locally 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

Night

South to Southwest 5, locally 6

Moderate to Rough, locally Rough

East Coast

Morning

South to Southwest 4 to 5, offshore 5

Slight to Moderate, offshore Moderate

Afternoon

South to Southwest 4 to 5, offshore 5 to 6

Moderate, offshore Moderate to Rough

Night

South to Southwest 4 to 5, offshore 5 to 6

Moderate, offshore Moderate to Rough

North Coast

Morning

South to Southwest 4 to 5, offshore 5 to 6

Slight to Moderate, offshore Moderate

Afternoon

South to Southwest 5, offshore 6

Moderate, offshore Moderate to Rough

Night

South to Southwest 5, offshore 6

Moderate, offshore Moderate to Rough