Category: Cyprus News Agency

Transport Minister, Alexis Vafeadis, will attend the fourth Summit of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Santa Maria, Colombia, on 9-10 of November 2025. The Minister will represent the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

According to a Ministry’s Press release, the Summit is the most significant mechanism of political dialogue and strategic consultation between the two regions. It also notes that the importance of this Summit lies on the fact that it brings together two large regions of the world, “which share common fundamental values, such as democracy, multilateral dialogue and respect for international law.” The Summit, the Ministry it adds, reinforces economic relations, cooperation in the face of worldwide challenges, energy transition, digital reform and food security.

Among the Summit’s priority topics is the three-fold transition (energy, digital and environmental), self-sufficiency in the health sector and equal access to medicines, sustainable agriculture and food security, gender equality, expansion of bi-regional trade and combating cross-border organized crime.

“The participation of the Republic of Cyprus at the Summit underlines the importance that our country attaches to strengthening dialogue and cooperation between Europe and Latin America, on the basis of mutual respect, common values and multilateralism,” the Ministry’s announcement concludes.

President Christodoulides said Saturday he is optimistic for a positive outcome on CoLA despite the rejection of the draft agreement by the employers’ side.

He emphasized that there are no dead ends.

Asked about the employers’ call yesterday for dialogue and whether the government is ready for announcements, he said that there are no dead ends on such issues.

He said that certainly the outcome was not positive, but in no case are there dead ends on such issues and “yes, I am optimistic that with our efforts we will reach a positive result”.

The Republic of Cyprus urged for clear terminology and criteria for non-legally binding International Instruments during the UN 6th Committee on the Report of the International Law Commission (ILC).

The Cypriot representative, Theodoulos Pittakis in anintervention before the Committee focused on Chapter IX concerning non-legally binding international agreements, welcoming the work of Special Rapporteur Mathias Forteau and the importance of clarifying distinctions between treaties and non-binding instruments.

Cyprus ‘aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union’ and reaffirmed its appreciation for the ILC’s work, which it considers ‘of central practical importance in the context of international relations.’ The Cypriot representative, Theodoulos Pittakis reiterated that, in assessing the legal nature of documents, ‘the intention of the parties thereto, as reflected in the content and form, is the focus of such assessment.’

However, Cyprus expressed reservations about the terminology used in the draft. It ‘refrains from using the term ‘international agreements’ to describe a document… not intended to create any legal rights or obligations under international law,’ warning that this usage ‘creates confusion and can be misleading as to the legal nature of the document.’ Instead, Cyprus welcomed the recognition of the term ‘instrument’ as a more appropriate alternative, provided it is defined clearly ‘to exclude unilateral acts.’

Pittakis supported the Rapporteur’s view that the study’s scope should cover only written instruments of an international nature, explicitly excluding non-binding provisions in treaties, resolutions, and unilateral acts. Cyprus further emphasized that the study ‘should specifically be limited to instruments that would otherwise qualify as treaties but for the legally non-binding nature.’

Cyprus agreed with the view that a document can be ‘politically binding without being legally binding,’ and described its domestic practice: a case-by-case legal assessment is undertaken by the Law Office of the Republic to determine the nature of an instrument, evaluate its compatibility with the Constitution and national legislation, and conduct a ‘comprehensive legal risk assessment’ of its implications.

On the criteria of intent, Cyprus concurred that ‘the intention of the parties (or participants) would be the primary criterion’ but stressed that an express statement of intent ‘is not necessarily decisive on its own.’ It endorsed the Rapporteur’s suggestion to add ‘the word ‘generally’ before the adjective ‘sufficient’ in Draft conclusion 6′ to reflect that broader practice. Similarly, it supported identifying objective indicators to determine legal nature when intent is not explicitly stated, calling for a ‘concise draft conclusion that provides an indicative list of consistent indicators.’

Referring to national practice, the representative highlighted that Cyprus has issued its own practical manual ‘based on generally accepted jurisprudence and doctrine on the law of treaties,’ which clarifies that ‘legally non-binding instruments should not contain provisions or language that create legally binding rights and obligations.’

In conclusion, Cyprus ‘congratulated the ILC and the Special Rapporteur for their exemplary work’ and expressed readiness to engage further once the third report and draft conclusions on distinguishing treaties from non-binding instruments are finalized.

Norway’s decision announced yesterday to lift the arms embargo against the Republic of Cyprus is also relevant to the EU’s SAFE program, President Christodoulides said Saturday, on the sidelines of a cultural conference taking place in the coastal city of Agia Napa.

He spoke of a particularly positive development, adding that yesterday he received a phone call by the Norwegian Foreign Minister who informed him of the decision.

“I consider it a particularly positive development, taking into account that as the Republic of Cyprus we attempted in the past to purchase military equipment from Norway, something that was not permitted precisely because of this decision which was in place since 1959”, he said.

He added that he considers this development to be related to the decisions of the European Union regarding SAFE as well as Cyprus’ decision to utilize the resources available from the European Union.

The President also said that it comes as a recognition of Cyprus’ role in the region as a predictable and reliable partner.

In response to a question about 3+1 scheme on energy matters, President Christodoulides said that one of our main goals is to align our interests not only with neighboring states, but also with powerful actors in the international arena such as the US.

He went on to say that energy sector is one sector in which we cooperate closely, a sector that is also a key pillar of our foreign policy.

He added that in this direction in the coming weeks there will be new developments to be announced.

The President said that the goal is to utilize the energy sector to address an internal challenge we have in relation to electricity, but also to utilize it as a factor that will bring the states of the region together.

He spoke of a particularly important dimension adding that the development of the Eastern Mediterranean as an alternative energy corridor for Europe is significant.

Replying to another question about the developments yesterday announced by the occupation regime in relation to the five Greek Cypriots illegally arrested last July, the President said that we are still waiting for their release.

He reiterated that many actions are being taken, but are not made public because our goal, especially at this stage, is for our compatriots to be set free.

A ‘military court’ in Turkish occupied areas of the Republic of Cyprus has acquitted on Friday the five Greek Cypriots who were facing ‘charges’ of illegal entry and violation of a military zone.

The Republic of Cyprus had strongly condemned the detentions as unlawful and provocative.

Two of the five G/C are still facing charges in a ‘district court’ on alleged violations of personal data and privacy laws.

It is further noted that the European Parliament passed in September a resolution condemning the illegal detention of five Greek Cypriot citizens by Turkish occupation authorities.

The ties between Greece and Cyprus are unbreakable and more can be done especially in the cultural sector, President Christodoulides said Saturday.

He was responding to a press question Saturday about the message of the Founding Conference of the Unified Cultural Doctrine of Cyprus – Greece – Hellenism Worldwide ‘The Communities of the Greeks’, which began in Ayia Napa, in the presence of more than 200 Greeks.

The President said that we are proud that our Greek brothers are here today, adding that the ties are unbreakable and the challenges are common.

He went on to say that we can clearly do more in the cultural sector, especially at a time when the values, the ideals of Greek civilization are accepted and recognized internationally as universal values and principles, are being questioned.

The President spoke of a unique opportunity to highlight these characteristics and ties and he is present at the Conference to support this great effort.

The Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Maria Michail, in her capacity as Chair of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country, presented the Committee’s annual report to the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly, which deals with legal matters.

Ambassador Michail informed the Committee that during the reporting period, the Committee held six meetings in which it examined and discussed a number of important issues relating to the implementation of the 1947 Headquarters Agreement between the United Nations and the Host Country, the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Among the most important issues discussed were the issuance of entry visas, travel restrictions, and the security of missions.

‘The resolution of problems,’ she noted, ‘is achieved through sincere and constructive exchanges of views and on the basis of international law.’

She further stressed that ‘the Committee has a unique character, as it is the only body within the UN system that considers matters relating to the Host Country and subsequently submits a relevant report to the General Assembly.’

Ambassador Michail also thanked the members of the Committee for their excellent cooperation and the constructive spirit they demonstrated during the informal consultations for the preparation of Chapter IV, entitled ‘Recommendations and Conclusions,’ addressed to the Secretary-General.

In conclusion, Ambassador Michail reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining close cooperation with the Host Country and to assisting in addressing all outstanding issues in a spirit of compromise and with full respect for the best interests of the United Nations.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 08/11/2025 UNTIL 0600 09/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1018hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning

Northeast to Southeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3, gradually West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

North to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to North 3

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to South

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

East to Southeast 3, later South to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually Northwest to North

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Northwest to North 3, near the coast Variable

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 08/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 09/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1019hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with locally increased cloud coverage at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

Southwest to West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

West to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

West to Northwest 3, gradually Northwest to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Northwest to Northeast 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually Northwest to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has described the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) project – the Greece-Cyprus electricity cable – as strategically significant, responding to a question submitted by SYRIZA-PS MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Security-Defense Committee, Nikolas Farantouris. The Greek MEP had requested “clear support from the Commission” and “condemnation of Turkish threats” following the Kasos incident.

According to a statement from Farantouris, the Energy Commissioner “makes clear that the Commission unconditionally supports the project and that Turkey’s threats are baseless and cannot halt a Project of European Interest.” Specifically, the Commissioner noted in his response that the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is “a project of strategic significance” that will end Cyprus’s energy isolation, the importance of which was recently underscored by the power outages that occurred in Cyprus in August 2025.

He added that the project is also expected to significantly reduce energy costs for consumers. As he stated, “the Commission strongly supports the GSI project,” which is a project of common interest and has been allocated a grant of pound 657 million under the Connecting Europe Facility.

Jørgensen also noted that Cyprus’s Recovery and Resilience Plan includes a pound 100 million loan for the project, for which “no payment request has been received from Cyprus to date.” He added that the Commission remains in close contact with the involved parties to facilitate timely implementation of the project.

Regarding Turkish threats following the Kasos incident, the Commissioner, according to Farantouris’ announcement, emphasized that the Commission attaches “utmost importance” to safeguarding the sovereign rights of all member states, with full respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He continued by stating that “unwavering commitment to good neighborly relations, international agreements, and the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the UN Charter, as well as refraining from unilateral actions that run counter to EU interests and violate international law and the sovereign rights of its member states, remain fundamental prerequisites for ensuring a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as for developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and Turkey.”

Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the local authorities and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force to restore Greek Cypriot farmers’ access to their land and prevent any violation of the status of the buffer zone in the community of Deneia, in the outskirts of Nicosia, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis told the Cyprus News Agency.

He said that the access to their land must be restored, in accordance with the terms of UNFICYP’s mandate and the UN Security Council Resolutions.

He noted that the Government closely monitors the situation, pointing out that the Turkish occupying forces’ actions are unacceptable and they question the status of the buffer zone. The Spokesperson said that the Turkish occupying army is once again attempting to create a faits accomplis within the buffer zone, in violation of international law and the UN Security Council Resolutions.

He went on to say that the Republic of Cyprus will continue to act with determination and full adherence to international law.

The new incident took place Saturday morning. CNA learned that a Turkish military vehicle entered the buffer zone and harassed a Greek Cypriot farmer who had gone to cultivate his field.

UNFICYP rushed to the area. As CNA learned after the G/c farmer left, the Turkish army returned and that was when UN also arrived to the area for the second time.

Turkish soldiers and the UN peacekeepers left from the buffer a while later.