Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cypriot Judoka Giorgos Balartzisvili, won the Oceania Open in the 66kg category, defeating Finland’s Luukas Saha, ranked No. 11 in the world, in the final.

With this tremendous victory, Balartzisvili is expected to move up from world No. 75 to around No. 35, an impressive leap that confirms his strong upward trajectory.

According to a press release, Petros Christodoulides, was also competing in the 66kg category, coming off his victory at the Lima Pan American Open in October. Christodoulides reached the semifinals, where he lost from Balartzisvili in an all-Cypriot clash. Christodoulides recently moved up to the 66kg division from 60kg and is gradually adapting to the new category. He went on to fight for the bronze medal, where he lost to Chinese Taipei’s Chong-You Lin, ranked No. 52 in the world.

Following his recent success in Peru, Petros Christodoulides currently sits at No. 100 in the world rankings and is expected to climb to around No. 70. In a very short period, he continues to ascend the steps of the world ranking list, confirming his steady progress and dynamic development in international judo.

In the 73kg category, Kypros Andreou also competed but lost his first match to Australian judoka Kohsei Toyoshima, who eventually went on to win the bronze medal.

After Australia, the team will travel to Japan for a one-month training camp and will also compete in the Tokyo Grand Slam, scheduled for December 6-7.

Coordination continues between the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Nairobi, which covers Tanzania, and the Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia, as options are being examined for the fast return of the 22 people, mostly Cypriots, who have become stranded in Tanzania, the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Theodoros Gotsis, told CNA.

Responding to a question from CNA, Gotsis said that there is no security concern and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also in contact with the parents of the group of children currently in Tanzania. For the safe return of everyone to Cyprus, he added, contacts are also being made with the EU delegation in Tanzania.

Of the 22 individuals who contacted the Ministry, 14 are students from a private school who were visiting the country as part of a volunteer programme. The students were accompanied by four adults, two escorts and two other individuals from Greece who were also volunteering.

In addition, four other Cypriots are currently in Tanzania for other reasons.

He called again on any other Cypriots who may be in the country to contact the phone numbers listed in the travel advisory, issued on Friday.

In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens may contact the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the Republic of Kenya at telephone number +254 111051430 or by email at hcnairobi@mfa.gov.cy and hcnairobiconsular@mfa.gov.cy.

Additionally, they may contact the Consular Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +357 22 651113 and the Crisis Management Department at +357 22 801000 or +357 97 775998.

Cypriot citizens are also encouraged to register on the online platform for Cypriots abroad, Connect2CY.

“We need responsible, realistic and effective patriotism,” Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Sunday, addressing the memorial of former President of Cyprus, Glafkos Clerides, in Nicosia. Mitsotakis commemorated Clerides’ role for the Cyprus issue and noted his legacy in current times.

He also spoke about the relations between Cyprus and Greece and the bonds between the party Glakos Clerides founded, the Democratic Rally (DISY) and the party who Mitsotakis himself is leading today, New Democracy.

Mitsotakis was accompanied by his wife Mareva Mitsotaki and Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Christos Stylianides at the ceremony. Annita Demetriou, President of DISY and House of Representatives President, former President of the Republic and former DISY President, Nicos Anastasiades, former President of DISY and MP Averof Neoytou also attended the ceremony. Interior Minister, Constantinos Ioannou, represented the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

The Greek Prime Minister noted that Clerides’ legacy “teaches us that stagnation equals retreat” and that “the rhetoric of false patriotism of today can often be hidden behind future failures.”

“We do not need it. Neither in Nicosia nor in Athens,” he added.

“We need a responsible, realistic and effective patriotism,” he pointed out.

He also noted that “Athens and Nicosia follow and absolutely identical path, with consistency and with determination,” and added that this had an effect for the resumption of the meetings regarding the Cyprus issue.”

He referred to the contribution of the Greek government “always aligned with the government of Cyprus, insisting on the current framework of UN resolutions, for a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with political equality, in a sovereign state, with a single nationality, a single political personality,” and by all means against a two-state solution.

Mitsotakis spoke of the strategic alignment of Cyprus and Greece, noting that in foreign policy in particular, “positive outcome is produced by active diplomacy, not stagnation, which leads to consolidation of faulty situations and to marginalizsation.”

He also said that “the two centers of hellenism are the strongest beacons of stability in the Eastern Mediterrannean.” He spoke of the accomplishments of Cyprus and Greece, as two EU member states, in economy, security and energy and particularly noted the importance of the electric interconnection between them.

Mitsotakis reminded that Clerides was one of the first supporters of the idea of an independent state in Cyprus and hailed his role after the Turkish invasion in 1974. He also underlined his contribution towards the country’s accession to the EU. He concluded that to commemorate a leader as the indicator in challenges that followed his time, is a true honour to the deceased.

Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios, who officiated the memorial service, welcomed Mitsotakis and said the Greeks of Cyprus expect “your full support in the fulfillment of our joint struggle.”

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.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 02/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 03/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1017hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with increased high cloud coverage.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 02/11/2025 UNTIL 0600 03/11/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1017hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine with increased high cloud coverage.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

?n agreement has been signed between the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the Cyprus University of Technology, with the aim of creating an innovative digital application that is expected to transform the way visitors discover and experience our country, according to statement by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

As noted, the application will allow users to receive specialised information according to their personal interests, providing the option to combine all of the country’s tourist information into a single, official system that promotes the targeting, specialisation and qualitative upgrading of tourist information.

The new app is expected to function as a personal digital guide, allowing visitors to navigate from place to place and discover every aspect of Cyprus – cultural monuments, nature trails, museums, local experiences, and points of interest, all in one digital application.

By leveraging information technology and geoinformatics, the guide will essentially incorporate the most modern technological tools in the field of tourism, providing real-time navigation, route suggestions, personalized experiences, and updates on events and activities.

One of the most impressive features of the app is the integration of augmented reality technologies, through which visitors will be able to “see” cultural heritage sites as they would appear on site, even before visiting each site.

This feature allows users to preview archaeological and cultural sites, enhancing the educational and experiential value of their visit.

At the same time, the app includes themed cultural routes, nature trails, specialized references to Troodos and mountainous Cyprus, cycling routes, and other types of special and alternative forms of tourism, allowing visitors to plan their trip according to their interests-whether it be culture, nature, wellness, or adventure.

The app is expected to be available to the public in 18 months, on both Android and iOS, offering a unified, accessible, and user-friendly experience for tourists, locals, and industry professionals.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos continued his contacts on Saturday, on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain.

According to a post on is account on X, Kombos had a ‘productive and substantial meeting’ with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan, Ayman Hsafadi.

As stated, the two men discussed bilateral relations, EU-Jordan ties ahead of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, regional developments, as well as preparations for the Trilateral Summit between Cyprus, Greece and Jordan, to take place in Amman.

In another post on X, the Foreign Affairs Minister spoke of a ‘constructive exchange’ with the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Johann Wadephul.

As noted, the discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues and challenges.

Fleur Thomas has taken up the position of Chief Officer of the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

“She has officially assumed the prestigious role of Chief Officer of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) and British Forces Cyprus Command Secretary, marking a significant milestone as only the second woman to ever hold this esteemed position,” according to a British Bases press release.

She replaced Clare Simpson, who served as the Chief Officer from September 2021 before returning to UK last week.

As noted, Thomas brings with her a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in the Senior Civil Service, most notably including her recent role as the British Ambassador to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

“Her extensive background in leadership and diplomacy positions her well to take on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with overseeing the administration of the British Bases in Cyprus”, the press release adds.

She has emphasised the importance of fostering strong relationships and collaboration to ensure the continued success of the SBAs, which play a vital role in supporting both the local population and the strategic interests of the United Kingdom, it is further noted.

A total of 22 people, most of them Cypriot citizens, are stranded in Tanzania and are in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an effort to find a way to return home, the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Theodoros Gotsis told CNA on Saturday afternoon.

The Ministry had issued a travel advisory for Tanzania on Friday, advising Cypriot citizens to exercise a high-degree of caution due to the ongoing unrest and the imposition of curfew in country.

Of the 22 individuals who contacted the Ministry, 14 are students from a private school who were visiting the country as part of a volunteer programme. The students were accompanied by four adults, two escorts and two other individuals from Greece who were also volunteering.

In addition, four other Cypriots are currently in Tanzania for other reasons.

Gotsis said that from the very first moment, the Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was activated and has been in contact with the 22 individuals, in cooperation with the High Commission in Nairobi, which also covers Tanzania.

‘Both the High Commission and the Crisis Management Department, which was activated immediately, are in contact with them and are also speaking with their families to ensure they can return as soon as possible,” he noted, adding that “at the moment, there are no available flights.”

He pointed out that the important thing is for them to remain safe where they are, to remain cautious, and to monitor the situation. ‘Our authorities are informing them of what they should do. Once the safest and most appropriate way is found, the necessary steps will be taken for their prompt return,’ he said.

He also called on any other Cypriots who may be in the country to contact the phone numbers listed in the travel advisory.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Cypriot citizens to exercise a high-degree of caution due to the ongoing unrest and the imposition of curfew in country. Cypriot citizens currently in Tanzania are advised to avoid areas where there are gatherings and demonstrations, remain vigilant, and follow the instructions of local authorities,” the travel advice reads.

It is also recommended that “they closely follow developments and information from international and local media, avoid non-essential movements and exercise maximum caution.”

In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens may contact the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the Republic of Kenya at telephone number +254 111051430 or by email at hcnairobi@mfa.gov.cy and hcnairobiconsular@mfa.gov.cy.

Additionally, they may contact the Consular Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +357 22 651113 and the Crisis Management Department at +357 22 801000 or +357 97 775998.

Cypriot citizens are also encouraged to register on the online platform for Cypriots abroad, Connect2CY.

The bicommunal Technical Committee on Youth is on a two-day retreat in Amman, convened by the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy, Maria Ángela Holguín.

In a post on X by UN Cyprus, it is noted that the retreat, which takes place with the support of the Swedish Agency for Peace, Security and Development, FBA, “brings together young people from the island to build trust and explore ideas to address common challenges.”

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.

In 2025 the Secretary-General hosted two informal meetings on Cyprus, in March in Geneva and in July in New York, while a tripartite meeting with the Cyprus leaders was also held in late September, at the end of the UN General Assembly High Level Week. An informal meeting in broader format is expected later this year.

María Angela Holguín, the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties, while former European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, designated by the Commission as Special Envoy for Cyprus, is also expected to contribute to the settlement process, in cooperation with Holguín.