Category: Cyprus News Agency

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure affects the area while weak low pressure starts to affect the area from tomorrow onward. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage at times. Dust in suspension at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southwest to Northwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, offshore Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to South

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, soon Northwest to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

A system expected to bring significant rainfall and storms is set to arrive in Cyprus from the west on Wednesday afternoon, according to a Meteorological Officer who spoked to CNA. These phenomena may last until Friday, while a more accurate picture of the system’s trajectory is expected to be available on Monday.

More specifically, the system will likely start forming on Monday at midnight, moving from the Ionian Sea towards mainland Greece, and is expected to subsequently be transferred to the southern Aegean, ultimately approaching Cyprus. In response to a question about the possibility of heavy rainfall and flooding, the Officer noted that the storms could cause such phenomena.

Sporadic rainfall is expected in Cyprus until Wednesday, mainly in the mountainous areas and possibly inland and in the north of the island. On Wednesday afternoon, the system bringing rain is expected to initially affect the western regions and then move to the other areas of Cyprus.

President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, has expressed his readiness to participate to negotiations on the Cyprus issue even tomorrow, adding at the same time that he intends to make concessions only on certain points that serve the goal of a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, but he will not engage in actions to create merely temporary mobility.

Addressing the 46th Morphou Municipality anti-occupation rally on Saturday evening, Christodoulides stressed that “we do not compromise with the occupation, and we do not withdraw from the great effort to liberate and reunite our homeland.” He also spoke about the duty “to work for a common homeland for all the country’s legal residents, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians, and Latins, without exclusions, without discrimination, without exceptions.”

Referring to remarks earlier by the Mayor of Morphou, Victoras Hadjiavraam, aboutpositive developments due to international mobility regarding the Cyprus issue, the President noted that since the assumption of his duties, “huge efforts have been made to break the deadlock and create the conditions for the resumption of negotiations that will lead us to a resolution of the Cyprus issue, based on the agreed framework and the negotiating acquis, which is important for Morphou, always with respect to the principles, values, and law of the European Union.”

“I want to reiterate with absolute sincerity and sending the message in every direction, that I am fully ready even tomorrow to sit at the negotiation table, I am ready for the resumption of the dialogue,” the President stated, reiterating his commitment to efforts for the resumption of negotiations, despite the problems, difficulties, and the statements of the Turkish President at the United Nations General Assembly regarding a two-state solution.

He also stressed the importance of the reaffirmation of the solution framework by the United Nations, the strong will of the outgoing Secretary-General to exhaust every negotiating possibility, the clear position of the UN Security Council and the support of the EU institutions and states, as demonstrated through the appointment of the Executive Vice-President of the Commission as a Special Representative on the Cyprus issue.

“These are facts that allow us to feel optimistic that a solution to the Cyprus issue is feasible,” he said, emphasizing that he will not engage “in actions aimed at creating temporary mobility or creating false hopes.”

“I remain primarily a realist, I know very well the limits of our side and I am ready, and I declare this publicly, for concessions on certain points that serve the goal of a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus issue,” President Christodoulides continued, noting that “anything that falls outside this framework of a functional and viable solution cannot be accepted.”

He also pointed out that “the negotiating acquis on which we insist and is part of the convergences that have been completed by the UN, includes the return of the city of Morphou,” while noting that this is “something that was indicated by the UN Secretary-General himself, a position that we support in a steadfast way and will not abandon.”

“I look forward to the meetings I will have in the coming period with both the Turkish Cypriot leader and the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, I look forward to the meetings of the executive vice-president, special representative of the EU with the Turkish Government with the unwavering belief that if there is the slightest political will from all sides, then we will have developments in the desired direction,” said the President.

“We have submitted very specific positions in response to the Secretary-General’s request regarding the methodology of negotiations, concerning Confidence-building measures (CBMs), and regarding the essence of the Cyprus issue, and I am referring to new ideas, not ideas for which we know that the other side’s position is negative, but ideas that can help bring about substantial developments, ideas that I have thoroughly informed the political leadership about,” he continued.

On his part, the Mayor of Morphou, Victoras Hadjiyavram, stated in his address at the event that as long as the prospect of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue remains open, the hope for the return of Morphou remains alive. ‘We do not overlook the difficult reality. We know the uncompromising positions expressed by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leadership,’ said the Mayor, noting, however, positive developments such as the recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to Cyprus, his separate meetings with the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot leader, as well as the appointment of a Special Representative of the European Commission for the Cyprus issue.

‘The talks must lead somewhere. We do not have the luxury of endless discussions,’ he underlined.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos, will present the 2027 state budget to the House Committee on Financial and Budgetary Affairs on Monday.

During the meeting, scheduled to begin at 9:15 a.m. local time, the Minister will analyze state revenues and fiscal indicators, and present the country’s economic policy and fiscal situation.

Addresses to the MPs will be made also by the Chairman of the Fiscal Council and the Governor of the Central Bank.

Discussions on each Ministry’s as well as other services and institutions budget, are scheduled to conclude on November 16. This will be followed in December by a three-day debate in the House plenary session and then the voting of the state budget.

The budget provides for total expenditure of pound 14.4 billion, compared to pound 13.7 billion in 2026, further bolstering the country’s growth trajectory and its capacity to implement significant social and development policies.

Particular emphasis is placed on supporting society, with pound 820 million allocated for social welfare benefits, thereby strengthening the social safety net and support for the most vulnerable.

Significant resources are also directed toward key public policy sectors. Specifically, pound 1,066 million is allocated for Health, an increase of 3.7% compared to 2026, and pound 235 million for Education, marking a 13.8% increase over the previous year. These investments support the continuous upgrading of health and education services for the benefit of citizens.

At the same time, pound 148.8 million is allocated for road network projects, an increase of 17.4% compared to 2026, accelerating the implementation of major infrastructure projects across Cyprus. As announced by the Presidency, the approval of the 2027 state budget takes place at a time when the economy continues to post strong performance, characterized by steady growth rates, full employment conditions, a public finance surplus and continuous upgrades to the country’s credit rating.

The government noted that responsible fiscal management enables it to channel more resources into social policy, health, education and development infrastructure, while at the same time safeguarding the maintenance of a strong and sustainable economy for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Finance Ministry said in a press release on Sunday that the budget is balanced and people-centered, serving as the most important economic policy tool, especially at a time when Cyprus requires stability and a clear direction due to negative geopolitical developments in our region and internationally, as fiscal stability acts as a shield for the prosperity of the citizens and businesses.

The Ministry also stressed that for the third consecutive year under the administration of Nikos Christodoulides, the budget shows a fiscal surplus, projected to reach approximately 4% of GDP by 2027, while public debt continues to decline, expected to fall to 45.2% of GDP by the end of 2027.

The economy is projected to grow by 2.9%, with unemployment hovering around 3.8% and inflation easing to 2.5%. These results reflect the consistency with which the government manages public finances. It also noted that building on this stable foundation, it can support households and businesses where there is a genuine need.

The Ministry also underlined that it looks forward to a constructive dialogue with the parliament, pointing out that the voting of the budget will ensure the smooth operation of the state, economic stability for households and businesses as well as the implementation of projects that will bolster the state’s credibility among partners and in the markets.

Brussels, 11 October 2026

Read-out by President von der Leyen following her call with President Zelenskyy

Good call with President Zelenskyy.

Fully supported the call of President Zelenskyy for a ceasefire that would protect global food supplies and energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia

The war has entered a new, grimmer phase. Russia is stalling on the battlefield and striking civilians far behind the front lines.

I conveyed our solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

And my full support for President Zelenskyy as he leads the fight for his people’s freedom.

Ukraine will be front and centre at this week’s European Council.

We will discuss its funding needs for the year ahead and how to mobilise fresh global support.

This week, the EU will also provide further funding for drones and missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s defences and protect its skies.

We are also due to open two further clusters of chapters in the negotiations. The momentum is real.

Statement on the International Criminal Court following announcement of US sanctions

The European Union has been a constant supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It is deeply regrettable that the United States has announced intentions to impose sanctions.

The EU will work closely with the ICC to ensure it continues to operate effectively. And we remain committed to working with all 125 States that are parties to the Rome Statute to preserve and respect its independence so that it can continue its vital mission.

As there is a six-month delay before the measures are applicable, there is room for dialogue.

The EU stands ready to take any necessary measures to enable the Court to carry out its work both in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, and to protect the interests of EU operators within the Single Market.

International Criminal Court: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU following the announcement of US sanctions

The EU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order, of which the ICC is a fundamental part, based on respect for international law. International criminal justice plays a crucial role in holding to account those who violate international law by committing the most serious crimes of international concern.

The ICC does not target sovereign states. Under its foundational principle of complementarity, the ICC only acts if a state is unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The US has a proud history and tradition of pursuing justice and accountability. The complementarity provisions of the ICC are designed to cater for and recognise the primacy of competent national judicial systems and processes such as the US legal system.

Attacks or threats against the Court, elected officials, personnel and those cooperating with the Court, including civil society representatives and service providers, are not acceptable. This is why the EU deeply regrets the announcement by the United States to impose sanctions against the Court as an institution. While we urge the US also to reverse these latest measures, we welcome its readiness to discuss its concerns with the State Parties to the Rome Statute and take note of the US decision to delay the entry into force of its latest measures. This creates space for diplomacy, with a view to securing their prompt reversal and preventing any further measures that seek to undermine the independence and integrity of the ICC.

The ICC must be able to operate independently, free from pressure or external interference. The EU will continue to provide its full support and contribute to ensure the protection of the Court, its staff and those cooperating with it. The EU stands ready to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the Court continues to operate effectively and fulfills its indispensable mandate.

European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2026: Joint statement by the High Representative of the European Union and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe

The European Union and the Council of Europe are unequivocally opposed to the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances.

Progress towards the global abolition continued over the past year. Lebanon abolished the death penalty in August 2026. The Gambia and Vietnam reduced the number of crimes punishable by death and Sierra Leone ratified the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ruling out execution within the jurisdiction of the State Party. Cambodia, the Central African Republic and Chad all took steps towards ratification. These examples serve as a reminder that change is always possible.

Only 17 countries are known to have carried out executions in 2025, but the sharp increase of executions is alarming. Recorded executions have risen by 78% compared with 2024. Most took place in Iran but there were significant increases in Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Yemen. Executions continued in the United States. The executions carried out in China are not reflected in global statistics because of state secrecy, although it is estimated that thousands of death sentences were carried out in the country last year. Belarus remains the only country in Europe applying the death penalty.

Moreover, the continued use of the death penalty for drug-related offences is particularly concerning. Under international human rights law, capital punishment is restricted to the most serious crimes, understood as crimes of extreme gravity involving intentional killing. Using the death penalty to punish drug production and trafficking does not meet this threshold, nor is it effective. Evidence shows it does not deter crime better than other sentences. The death penalty also removes any hope of rehabilitation and will always carry the risk of fatal miscarriages of justice.

On this European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union and the Council of Europe call on all States that retain the death penalty to immediately establish a moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition. A moratorium should lead to existing death sentences being commuted and the full compliance with international human rights law and standards, pending abolition.

The European Union and the Council of Europe remain resolute in opposing any attempt to reintroduce or expand the death penalty, including in Europe. Alongside international partners, civil society, and legal professionals, we will continue to promote democratic debate grounded in human rights and the rule of law, with the goal of achieving universal abolition. In this respect, the recent World Congress against the death penalty in France demonstrated the pivotal role that the judiciary can play in abolition, as well as the importance of engaging young people. We welcome Morocco’s decision to host the 10th World Congress in 2029.

The death penalty-including the process leading to execution-constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment. We call on all States to embrace restorative justice and join the growing global movement rejecting capital punishment.

President of the Republi, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Sunday that despite the difficulties and challenges we will do our utmost to solve the Cyprus issue and reunite our country.

Delivering a speech at a memorial service for EOKA hero Demetris Charalambous at the village of Limnatis, the President noted that the EOKA anti-colonial struggle led to the most precious achievement, the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, an internationally recognized state, an EU member state that proudly held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union not long ago.

He spoke of the illegal Turkish invasion in Cyprus in 1974 pointing out that an illegal state of affairs that cannot constitute the future of our homeland and this is the reason we remain focused on our goal for the resumption of the peace talks from where they left off for a viable and functional solution.

He referred to the struggle of all the EOKA heroes and added that we all bear a great responsibility and duty to keep the historical memory alive. The President noted that especially in the times we live in, the preservation and continuity of our historical and collective memory as Cypriot Hellenism is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the continuity of our presence in this land.

He said that today we honour Demetris Charalambous, a genuine patriot, a freedom fighter, and a hero from Limnatis, adding that his example will always remain relevant to every aspect of our lives and our history.

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.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1010hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage at times with isolated showers probable mainly over the western, northern and eastern areas from tonight. Dust in suspension at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

Night

North to Northeast 3, offshore Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest 3, soon 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest 3 to 4

Slight

Night

Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

South to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually East to Southeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

The Veterinary Services are proceeding with the official recording of approximately 3,000 cases of foot-and-mouth disease detected during the summer at five livestock farms in Avgorou, Dromolaxia, Alethriko, Aradippou and Pentakomo, Director of the Veterinary Services Christodoulos Pipis, told CNA on Sunday. He noted that the animals are expected to be culled in the coming days.

Asked about the the compensation for the farmers affected, Pipis said the same measures applied in previous cases would also apply for them. ‘They will be compensated for the animals and the milk. If they resume their activities they will receive support as part of their reactivation, as well as compensation for any losses. They will be included in the group of affected livestock farmers,’ he said.

Pipis explained that the cases had been detected during summer but were not officially recorded at the time, as the Veterinary Services sought clarification from the European Commission.

‘These are not new cases,’ he said, explaining that the Veterinary Services’ reservations concerned the epidemiological circumstances, vaccination and the location of the farms in relation to the initial cases, as well as the legal requirements that must be met for a case to be officially recorded

‘We did not proceed with their official recording at the time because we wanted to discuss the matter with the European Commission and clarify whether, under the specific circumstances, they should be declared as cases,’ Pipis said.

He added that the cases would be officially recorded based on the dates on which they were detected, while the animals are expected to be culled in the coming days.

The owners of the five livestock farms will also be called to the Ministry of Agriculture on Monday to be informed about the situation and the procedure to be followed, he concluded.

A total of 83 projects worth pound 3.2 million were implemented under the first call of the Rural Area Revitalisation Scheme, while other 152 projects worth pound 7 million were carried out under the second call, Deputy Tourism Minister, Kostas Koumis, said on Friday.

Addressing the 4th Pan-Cyprian Harvest Cultural Festival at the central square of Acheritou village, in Famagusta district, Koumis stressed that supporting communities which are near to the buffer zone is a government priority. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory and the UN-controlled buffer zone stretches 180 kilometers across the island from east to west.

He referred to housing incentives, the use of state-owned land and the allocation of plots to families, as well as opportunities to expand existing homes.

Koumis said that seven projects worth more than pound 476,000 had been implemented in the government-controlled Famagusta district under the revitalisation scheme. These included projects in Deryneia, Frenaros, Achna, Avgorou and Liopetri. In addition, a total of pound 124,000 was allocated to the Thematic Water Park and the renovated children’s park in the Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia.

He also said that the Acheritou Harvest Festival had been included in the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Heartland of Legends’ thematic route and was being promoted to local and foreign visitors as an experience showcasing the Cypriot countryside.

Koumis noted that the Deputy Ministry sought to attract visitors from Protaras and Ayia Napa to inland areas through thematic routes and activities highlighting local traditions and agricultural practices.

Referring to the festival’s significance, Koumis said that the reenactment of harvesting, threshing and winnowing helped preserve Acheritou’s historical memory and agricultural heritage.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 10/10/2026 UNTIL 0600 11/10/2026

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

Weak high pressure affects the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, soon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night

Northwest to North 3 to 4, gradually North to Northeast 3

Slight, gradually Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning

North to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to Southeast 3 to 4, at times locally Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning

North to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to East 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight, gradually Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to East 3 to 4

Slight

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning

North to Northeast 3, soon Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, near the coast Southeast to South

Smooth to Slight