Category: Cyprus News Agency

The struggle for liberation and reunification is a historic and national obligation and it will continue until legality is restored in a free country without occupying troops and outdated guarantees, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Saturday on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the unilateral declaration of independence of the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime.

‘Illegality cannot be ignored, and contempt for international law cannot be tolerated’, Letymbiotis says in a post on X, noting that, 42 years later, ‘the unlawful declaration of the secessionist entity in the occupied areas of Cyprus, remains a painful reminder of the blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations as well as the relevant Security Council resolutions.’

The Republic of Cyprus and the international community, he said, ‘continue to call for these principles to be upheld and for the immediate reversal of this longstanding injustice.’ Turkey and the occupying regime continue to unsuccessfully aim to legitimize an illegal entity born out of invasion and occupation, while it is clear that faits accomplis ‘will never be accepted’, he adds.

The Republic of Cyprus, as the only internationally recognized state, a member of the United Nations and of the European Union, remains committed to achieving a viable and peaceful settlement based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions, including the UN agreed framework for a viable and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue as well as principles, the Spokesperson notes. ‘We will never accept the faits accomplis that Turkey, as the occupying power, seeks to impose’, he said, adding that, ‘memory remains alive, determination unshaken’, while that the demand for justice ‘are deeply rooted in every citizen of this land.’

‘The struggle for liberation and reunification is a historic and national obligation, a duty to the generations that follow, and it will continue until legality is restored in a free country without occupying troops and outdated guarantees’, he said.

The illegal Turkish Cypriot regime was unilaterally declared in November 1983. The UN describe it as ‘legally invalid’ while no country except Turkey recognises it.

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos welcomed the latest S and P Global Ratings assessment, attributing the improved outlook to fiscal discipline, the resilience of the Cypriot economy and the continued reduction of public debt.

‘I am once again in the very pleasant position of welcoming another important credit rating report for the Republic of Cyprus by Standard and Poor’s, through which the international agency not only confirms the credit rating of the Cypriot economy at the highest investment grade, ‘A-‘, but also upgrades its outlook from stable to positive,’ he said.

He expressed his satisfaction that Standard and Poor’s based its assessment on the strong resilience of the Cypriot economy, its positive fiscal and macroeconomic performance, and the ongoing reduction of public debt. This, he noted, ‘demonstrates the confidence that the major rating agencies with which the Republic of Cyprus maintains a contractual relationship show in the government’s economic policy.’

He added that the revision of the outlook to positive mainly reflects the potential for further upgrades of Cyprus’s investment-grade rating in future assessments, as continued fiscal consolidation and strong fiscal surpluses are expected to bring net public debt down to 35% of GDP by 2028.

‘The consistent positive assessments of the credibility of the Cypriot economy by all major agencies in recent years reflect not only the creditworthiness of the Republic of Cyprus in international markets, but also the dynamism of the Cypriot economy in an environment of heightened geopolitical risks, as a result of the government’s sound and rational economic policies, based on fiscal discipline and growth-oriented practices,’ the Minister stressed.

He concluded by emphasising that the government will continue to pursue an economic policy aimed at steady and sustainable growth, grounded in fiscal discipline and financial stability, while focusing on initiatives that support citizens – particularly vulnerable groups – through targeted economic measures.

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 15/11/2025

Station

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

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

21 (20.5)

12 (11.8)

29

Larnaka Airport

24 (24)

13 (13.4)

29

Limassol (New Port)

23 (23.4)

10 (10)

47

Limassol (Municipal Garden)

21,7

13,6

Pafos Airport

23 (22.5)

12 (11.9)

40

Frenaros

22 (21.7)

14 (13.6)

29

Prodromos

12 (11.5)

5 (5)

54

Polis Pafos

22 (22.4)

13 (13)

36

Today marks 42 years since the illegal declaration of the pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus.

On November 15, 1983 Turkey and the then Turkish Cypriot leadership illegally declared the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus as a ‘state’, which is recognised only by Ankara. The international community did not recognise this arbitrary action. A series of resolutions of the UN Security Council, not only condemned it but also characterised the declaration as legally invalid, calling on all UN member states not to recognize it.

In its resolutions 541 and 550, the United Nations Security Council condemns the attempted secession of part of the Republic of Cyprus, considers this action legally invalid and calls for its revocation. It also calls on all states not to recognize it and to respect the independence, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.

The anniversary of the proclamation of the pseudo-state was condemned by political parties and organisations with announcements and declarations yesterday and today, while students, parties and others are organising anti – occupation events.

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.

An illegal breakaway entity declared independence unilaterally, on November 15, 1983, in the areas under Turkish occupation, an action condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community as legally null and void.

The illegal declaration followed the partition of the island after the Turkish military invaded Cyprus in 1974, occupying one third of its territory ever since.

The illegal secessionist actions of the occupying regime, as a result of the 1974 illegal Turkish invasion and occupation, will never be accepted, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said on Saturday, noting hope for the resumption of talks with the new Turkish Cypriot leadership ‘without terms and conditions.’

In a written statement, President Christodoulides says that ‘today’s sad anniversary of the illegal and entirely unsubstantiated attempt by Turkey and the secessionist forces in the occupied areas to divide Cyprus through the so-called declaration of the pseudo-state is a condemnable act, rejected by the international community and by relevant UN Security Council resolutions.’

Since then, he notes, Turkey has been making unsuccessful efforts to secure diplomatic legitimisation of the illegal entity ‘it created by force and through the unlawful presence of its troops in the occupied areas.’

He stresses that the blatant violation of international law and the illegal secessionist actions of the occupation regime, as a consequence of the unlawful invasion and occupation, will never be accepted.

‘Today’s sad anniversary reminds us of our obligation to overturn the fait accompli of the invasion and occupation and to end the unacceptable status quo, in accordance with UN resolutions and the principles and values of the EU,’ he adds.

‘Since my election as President of the Republic, I have set as key priority – and have been making tireless efforts – to create the conditions for the resumption of talks from where they were interrupted in 2017, for the liberation and reunification of Cyprus,’ President Christodoulides notes.

These efforts, he adds, have led to the appointment of a UN Secretary-General envoy on the Cyprus issue, as well as to two meetings in a broader format on Cyprus, so far. At the EU level, the President said that his efforts led to the appointment of an EU Special Envoy for the Cyprus issue ‘and in the clear position’ expressed by the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council in their letter to the UN Secretary-General supporting the resumption of talks and a solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of the agreed framework, UN resolutions, and the EU principles and values.

He expressed hope that the recent election of the new leadership of the Turkish Cypriot community, would lead to the resumption of talks, ‘without terms and conditions’, from where they were suspended in the summer of 2017, and that this would lead to a final settlement. ‘I will continue to work tirelessly in this direction,’ President Christodoulides concludes.

An illegal breakaway entity declared independence unilaterally, on November 15, 1983, in the areas under Turkish occupation, an action condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community as legally null and void.

The illegal declaration followed the partition of the island after the Turkish military invaded Cyprus in 1974, occupying one third of its territory ever since.

Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry on Saturday declared Nicosia’s committed to liberate and reunify Cyprus and its people, noting that they will ‘not accept’ the faits accomplis of the occupation, nor the legitimisation of the partition of the country.

In a press release on the anniversary of the illegal declaration of the pseudo-state in the occupied areas of Cyprus, the Ministry notes that today marks 42 years since the illegal declaration of the secessionist entity in the areas of our country occupied by Trkiye. ‘The violation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, of international legality, of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), as well as of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, continues’, it said.

The Republic of Cyprus, it adds, ‘condemns the ongoing efforts by Trkiye and the occupying regime to promote the illegal entity and to advance a ‘two-state solution’.’ The Foreign Ministry calls on all states to remain committed to the content of UN Security Council Resolutions 541 (1983) and 550 (1984), ‘which unequivocally condemned this secessionist and legally void unilateral action’. ‘We will not accept the faits accomplis of the occupation, nor the legitimisation of the partition of our homeland’, it said.

It also notes that the international community, including the European Union, ‘has made it clear’ that it supports efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue only within the agreed framework, on the basis of a bizonal, bi-communal federation with political equality, as provided for in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. ‘Within this framework, we look forward and are ready for the resumption of substantive negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus issue’, it said.

‘We remain firmly committed to our duty to liberate and reunify Cyprus and its people, in accordance with international law, the UN Security Council Resolutions, the EU acquis, and the principles, values, and legislation of the EU’, the press release concludes.

An illegal breakaway entity declared independence unilaterally, on November 15, 1983, in the areas under Turkish occupation, an action condemned by the UN Security Council and the international community as legally null and void.

The illegal declaration followed the partition of the island after the Turkish military invaded Cyprus in 1974, occupying one third of its territory ever since.

The confirmation of Cyprus’ credit rating by Standard and Poor’s at A- and the upgrade of the outlook to Positive from Stable, reflects the consistency and responsibility in our fiscal choices, President Nikos Christodoulides, said on Saturday in a written statement.

The President noted that the confirmation of Cyprus’ credit rating by Standard and Poor’s at A- and the upgrade of the outlook to Positive from Stable, ‘reflects the consistency and responsibility in our fiscal choices’.

This assessment, he adds, ‘reflects the consistency and responsibility in our fiscal choices, the promotion of reforms and the emergence of Cyprus as a reliable center of quality investments with tangible benefits for our fellow citizens: reduced borrowing costs, enhanced entrepreneurship and new, well-paid jobs.’

He said that the strategic choice of a competitive, technologically driven, and outward-looking economic model is delivering results and further enhancing the country’s prospects.

S and P Global Ratings revised Friday the outlook on Cyprus to positive from stable, citing faster-than-expected improvement in the country’s external debt. The agency simultaneously affirmed the sovereign’s long-term and short-term local- and foreign-currency credit ratings at ‘A-/A-2′.

The positive outlook reflects the potential for Cyprus’ external performance to exceed current forecasts over the next two years, driven by a quicker decline in external leverage. S and P said it could upgrade the sovereign if the external debt position continues to strengthen at a faster pace than projected, supported by sustained reductions in net external leverage.

A downgrade is possible if the small and open Cypriot economy is hit by an external shock, such as weaker activity among key trade partners or rising geopolitical tensions, resulting in adverse effects on growth, public finances and the banking sector.

Stronger external position and fiscal deleveraging

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S and P said the outlook revision is mainly driven by expectations that Cyprus’ external debt position will strengthen beyond baseline forecasts, helped by continued public and private deleveraging and resilient services exports. Although Cyprus has posted average current account deficits of over 8% of GDP in the past five years, gross external debt excluding special-purpose entities (SPEs) has continued to fall.

The agency also noted Cyprus’ fiscal overperformance. Strong economic expansion and a robust labour market have boosted corporate and personal tax revenues as well as social security contributions, while expenditure has been relatively contained. This has allowed the government to generate surpluses and pay down debt. S and P expects fiscal surpluses to average 3.3% of GDP in 2025-2028, reducing net government debt to about 35% of GDP by 2028 from 56% in 2024 and almost 90% in 2019.

Economic performance and growth outlook

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Cyprus’ strong economic momentum continued in early 2025, with S and P forecasting real growth of 3.3% for the full year. Recent years have seen booming tourism and a surge of ICT firms relocating to Cyprus, but S and P expects sectoral growth to moderate as tourism runs near capacity and ICT relocations slow. Domestic demand is set to become the main growth driver, supported by a healthy labour market, rising real incomes, and a substantial pipeline of private and public investments, including more than pound 500 million in remaining NGEU funds through 2026.

It is also noted that the economy has remained resilient to the effects of the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, while Cyprus’ exposure to U.S. trade tensions is limited due to its narrow export links. However, weaker growth in key European trading partners could pose indirect risks.

Institutional strengths and energy Developments

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S and P views Cyprus’ governance and institutional framework as comparatively strong, supported by prudent fiscal management and a stable consensus-driven policy environment. Reforms under the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan are set to continue.

Enhancing energy security remains a government priority. The long-delayed LNG terminal at Vasilikos-now expected to become operational in the second half of 2026-should ease Cyprus’ very high energy costs. It is also noted that progress on the Great Sea Interconnector remains frozen due to disputes with Turkey, though the project has secured substantial EU funding. Gas exploration continues, with potential production from 2028 mainly destined for Egypt. Revenues could benefit public finances, but uncertainty means these flows are not yet in S and P’s baseline.

The agency also highlighted the political context, noting the election of Tufan Erhrman in the Turkish Cypriot leadership may open space for improved dialogue, though core issues remain unresolved.

Fiscal outlook and government debt

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Cyprus posted a 4.1% budget surplus in 2024-its strongest on record-and preliminary data show only a slight easing in 2025. Revenue grew more than 6% in the first nine months, supported by foreign company relocations, employment gains and a 7.3% rise in social security contributions. Public investment increased by almost 30% over the same period.

S and P expects surpluses to average 3.3% of GDP through 2028, helping rebuild buffers against future shocks. However, long-term fiscal challenges persist, including an aging population, climate risks and the sizable public-sector wage bill. The CoLA system, which indexes public wages to two-thirds of inflation, exposes Cyprus to higher inflation risks compared with peers.

Government debt has continued to decline, falling below the Maastricht threshold of 60% of GDP for the first time since 2010. Interest payments amounted to just 2.9% of revenue in 2024. Large cash buffers of pound 3.9 billion (11% of GDP) have enabled the early repayment of past crisis-era borrowing.

External accounts and banking sector

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Cyprus continues to post current account deficits-averaging 8.4% of GDP in 2021-2024-driven largely by a widening primary income deficit linked to foreign-owned firms. Goods and services balances remain in small surplus. Despite large headline FDI liabilities tied to SPEs, S and P excludes these entities, which have little connection to the domestic economy, from its external analysis.

Inflation fell sharply to 0.3% in October due to declines in energy, goods and food prices and a stronger euro. S and P expects inflation to settle slightly above 2% in 2026-2028, above the ECB target.

The banking sector continues to strengthen, with NPL ratios declining to 5.5% (or 2.9% under the EBA methodology). Banks remain profitable, liquid and well-capitalized, though nonperforming assets held by credit-acquiring companies remain high. S and P expects domestic credit to grow 2.5% in 2025 following years of contraction.

Overall, S and P said Cyprus’ improved external and fiscal fundamentals, combined with resilient economic growth and strong institutional anchors, support the positive outlook.

A central priority of the Government is to ensure that public investment translates into tangible benefits for citizens, said Minister of Transport, Communication and Works, Alexis Vafeades, at the 9th Project Management Institute Cyprus Chapter Conference, held on Friday at Hilton Nicosia.

He added that the Ministry is responsible for handling large-scale and highly complex projects with a total budget of approximately pound 1.9 billion, whose value is not measured solely by construction progress or financial execution, but by their alignment with the Government’s broader development agenda and their long-term impact on the country’s progress.

According to Vafeades, the presence of professionals across all sectors of the business community, both public and private, throughout the country, underscores the importance of strengthening the culture of effective project management in Cyprus, something that the Government strongly supports and actively promotes.

He added that the conference offers a valuable platform for learning, for exchanging ideas and for presenting the latest methodologies and techniques in project management, contributing to a more mature and resilient project management ecosystem aligned with the Government’s priorities for modern governance.

‘Project management is the key to turning vision into reality. It is not just a process. ?t is the very backbone of every successful project. By planning meticulously, executing efficiently, and monitoring continuously, we can ensure that objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards’, he continued, adding that effective project management reduces risks, strengthens communication, and ensures that resources are used wisely, delivering real value to the communities and the people that it serves.

‘At the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, effective project management lies at the very core of our mission. We are responsible for handling large-scale and highly complex projects such as transport infrastructure, ports, airports, and major public buildings, with a total budget of approximately pound 1.9 billion’, said the Minister.

He added that these projects shape the daily lives of citizens, support mobility, drive economic activity, and strengthen Cyprus’s competitiveness. ‘Their value is not measured solely by construction progress or financial execution, but by their alignment with the Government’s broader development agenda and their long-term impact on the country’s progress’, he noted.

‘The Government has made a clear commitment to modernize the way public projects are designed, delivered, and evaluated. We are integrating contemporary project management practices, introducing digital tools that enhance transparency and accountability, and promoting continuous training and upskilling. Through these reforms, we aim to build a public administration that is agile, efficient, and capable of responding to present and future challenges’, he further underlined.

A central priority of the Government is to ensure that public investment translates into tangible benefits for citizens, said Vafeadis, adding that ‘whether we are talking about a safer road network, more resilient public buildings, or upgraded transport infrastructure, every project is part of a wider national effort to enhance sustainable development, digital readiness, and the overall quality of life. These are not just projects-they are investments in Cyprus’s future’.

He also said that the Government also places great value on collaboration, as no major project can succeed without the combined expertise of the private sector, academia, and professional organizations.

He added that institutions such as the PMI Cyprus Chapter have played a fundamental role in elevating standards, expanding professional capacity, and promoting a shared culture of excellence. ‘We consider this cooperation fully aligned with the Government’s approach to building partnerships that strengthen national capabilities’, he commented.

According to the Minister, the challenges ahead -climate resilience, digital transformation, sustainable mobility, and infrastructure modernization- require coordinated action and a strong project management culture supported at the highest political level. ‘The Government is committed to navigating these challenges with determination, responsibility, and a clear strategic vision. Your work as project managers, engineers, planners, and leaders is essential for this effort’, he stressed.

In closing, he said that the conference represents an important opportunity to reflect, learn, and commit to continuous improvement and congratulated the organizers and all participants for their dedication and active engagement, while acknowledging the professionals, public and private, who “work tirelessly to deliver projects of high value and lasting impact”.

‘Your presence here today is proof that Cyprus has the professional capacity required to successfully plan and deliver complex projects that define our future. I wish you every success in your discussions and trust that the ideas exchanged will contribute to our country’s sustainable development and continued advancement’, concluded the Transport Minister.

President Christodoulides’ proposal on the Cyprus issue and Germany’s involvement, to which German Chancellor Friedrich Merz referred to during a joint press conference they gave on Friday in Berlin concerns the EU – Turkish relations framework and the possible visa liberalisation for a category of Turkish citizens and at the same time reconsidering the approach of Turkish ports for vessels under Cypriot flag, reliable sources said here on Friday.

It concerns, the same sources say, matters of mutual interest in relation with the EU and Turkey and respective steps towards Cyprus.

The possibility of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan or even Turkish President Tayyip Erdoan being invited to take part at Gymnich, was also discussed, the sources add, noting that “the Chancellor considers it a very good action and a good idea which could be the beginning for further steps.”

During the meeting with German Chancellor in Berlin, the sources say, President Christodoulides expressed satisfaction for the principled stance Germany maintains on the Cyprus issue and its all-time support of the UN framework and the efforts undertaken for the resumption of negotiations at the point where they were interrupted in Crans Montana.

He also expressed gratitude, they add, over Germany’s support at the Council of Europe as to the judgement of ECHR on the property rights of displaced people.

President Christodoulides briefed the German Chancellor on recent developments on the Cyprus problem and in particular after the “elections” in the Turkish occupied areas as well as about the next meeting he will have with UN SG’s Personal Envoy Maria Angela Holguin in the first ten days of December, according to the same sources.

They discussed the Republic of Cyprus’ approach on EU – Turkish relations. “We prefer a Turkey which will be as close as possible to the EU and its values,” the President is said to have told Chancellor Merz, as well as recalling the European Council’s Conclusions of April 2024 which clearly set out the link between progress in EU -Turkish relations in combination with substantive progress at the Cyprus issue.

Turkey, the sources point out, “must take substantive steps, in particular in relation to agreeing the agreed framework, as is defined by the UN SC resolutions, in order for there to be respective progress in the chapters that interest it.”

The Republic of Cyprus, they add, “has proven to date its constructive approach through a series of actions and initiatives and with the same responsibility and honesty we will behave as the EU Council presiding country in 2026 vis a vis Turkey.”

“We expect signs and steps on the part of Turkey, they say.

President Christodoulides is also said to have informed the Chancellor that he will be visiting Ukraine on December 4, where he will have a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenski, in the framework of the assumption of the EU Council Presidency.

He also reportedly underlined the need for effective implementation of the policy of sanctions against Russia, pointing out that it is a common secret that Turkey helps to a great extent the circumvention of sanctions and benefits from this practice while at the same time undermining the sanctions policy. To this extent, the President presented specific information about companies in Turkey which play an important role in the circumvention of sanctions.

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.