Category: Cyprus News Agency

Approximately 36,000 hunters are expected to set out from Sunday, November 2, during the hunting season for endemic game, which will last until December 28, Game and Fauna Service Spokesperson, Petros Anagiotos, told CNA on Saturday, noting a downward trend in the number of hunters getting or renewing licences, which is mainly due to the modern lifestyle and influenced by the reduced game population.

Responding to a question, he clarified that the Service’s priority is to protect and increase game.

‘We believe that if the natural environment is preserved and, over time, the weather helps to improve the situation for game, there will be an increase in the number of hunting licences’, he added, noting that the decline is a combination of the new lifestyle and the drought that has prevailed in recent years, which has had a significant impact on game.

Anagiotos called on hunters to observe all safety rules when using hunting weapons to avoid accidents, to wear orange hunting clothing so that they are visible and to reduce the risk of unpleasant incidents, and wished them good hunting.

It is noted that hunting of hares, partridges, and francolins is permitted every Sunday and Wednesday from November 2, 2025, to December 28, 2025, for a total of 17 hunting trips. The bag limits per hunter per outing are 1 hare, 1 francolin, and 4 partridges, with no limit on other game.

Furthermore, the Forestry Department has issued a statement urging hunters who will be venturing into the countryside and forests to be very careful during their outings and to completely avoid lighting fires in unauthorized areas or throwing cigarette butts and lit matches.

The Department calls on anyone who notices smoke or fire in or near the forest to inform the nearest Forest Station without delay or to call 1407 (Forest Department) or 112 (Fire Department).

President, Nikos Christodoulides travels to Cairo on Saturday afternoon, where he will attend the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

In a written statement, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that “the President’s presence at the museum’s inauguration is a tangible recognition of both Egypt’s invaluable cultural wealth, which has influenced and inspired the wider region, and the deep and long-standing history that connects Cyprus and Egypt.”

At the same time, he pointed out, “it underscores the close, stable, and friendly ties that continue to characterize relations between the two countries.”

According to Letymbiotis, the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which stands next to the Pyramids of Giza, is an iconic project covering an area of approximately 500,000 square meters and houses more than 100,000 exhibits, narrating seven millennia of Egyptian history, from the Pharaonic period to the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

The President will be accompanied at the inauguration by the Government Spokesperson, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, the Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic, Doros Venezis, and other officials.

President Christodoulides will return from Egypt on the evening of the same day.

On Sunday, he will attend his father’s memorial service at the Holy Church of Agios Spyridon in Geroskipou, the Spokesperson concluded.

Small states must read and be very well informed about international developments and work based on a specific plan and design, to strengthen all their elements of power, said the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, on Friday, adding that “this is what we are doing today as the county’s government.”

Addressing a conference on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the start of the EOKA struggle, the President analysed the Makarios – Harding negotiations in the Independence Agreements, talking about the diplomatic history of the Cyprus issue during the period 1955-1959.

He said that, in seeking the reasons why external factors were decisive in the diplomatic history of the Cyprus issue and which he believes, as he said, still exist today, we must first point out the geographical location of the island at a crossroads of great geostrategic importance in the wider Middle East.

This is something we see today, he noted, and if we exploit it correctly on our part, it is an important advantage for serving our goals and aspirations.

From studying the diplomatic history of Cyprus during the period in question, it is clear, the President said, that Turkey has been consistent in its goals and aspirations regarding the form and content of a solution to the Cyprus problem, in contrast to the policy of the Greek side.

“In contrast to Ankara’s clear goal and persistent, well-planned, and systematic efforts, if not for its immediate implementation, then for the gradual creation of the appropriate foundation, Athens and Nicosia are constantly wavering, with the result that in most cases the events themselves exceed the objectives, forcing a change of course and direction,” said President Christodoulides.

In particular, he said, “the Greek side will be led to successive changes of objectives and waste of resources, diplomatic and otherwise, because it will be dragged along by events, unable to calmly set its goals in a spirit of realism and awareness of the influences of international developments and information, before the events themselves force a change of course’.

“The main conclusion of my presentation is the decisive role played by external factors in the diplomatic history of Cyprus during the period in question. I do not wish, in any way to give the impression that the Greek side was powerless or that its role and actions were insignificant, since the content of any plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem would in any case be the product of international political circumstances to the detriment of its own interests,” he stressed.

Factors, he said, such as clear positions, stability of goals and aspirations, avoidance of actions that conflict with regional and international realities, efforts to align interests with the forces of the time, and the excellent relations between Athens and Nicosia at the substantive level and not at the level of press releases, could certainly, if not neutralize, at least mitigate the impact of such factors, essentially resulting in the exploitation of an initiative which, although it may have had a different purpose, could under certain circumstances turn out to be an opportunity for the comparatively weaker side, especially considering the successful struggle of EOKA, which strengthened our diplomatic arsenal.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 01/11/2025 UNTIL 1200 02/11/2025

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 high 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

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southeast 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to North 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast to East 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Northwest to North 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight, later Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Northwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Northwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Cyprus’ Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maria Michael has highlighted before the UN Assembly on behalf of the Group of Friends of Culture the transformative potential of AI, and the need to enhance, not replace, the creative capacities of individuals and communities.

Delivering a joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Culture at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Michael thanked the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights, Alexandra Xanthaki, for her presentation and focus on ‘the protection and promotion of cultural rights in the digital age.’

The statement recalled the UNESCO MONDIACULT 2025 outcome document, recognizing the ‘transformative potential of AI’ to preserve cultural heritage, foster creativity, and ‘broaden access to culture.’ At the same time, the Group emphasized the need to ensure AI is developed and used ‘in a safe, secure and trustworthy manner, with full respect for human rights.’

Reaffirming that culture is ‘a cornerstone of sustainable development, social cohesion, humanism and peace,’ the Group underlined that ‘human creativity is at the heart of cultural life’ and stressed that technology must strengthen – not undermine – these values. It warned that digital divides and linguistic inequalities risk ‘marginalizing underrepresented cultures and languages.’

The statement concluded by asserting that ‘AI must serve as a tool to enhance, not replace, the creative capacities’ of individuals and communities.

The Group of Friends of Culture, now comprising 24 members from all regional groups, reiterated its commitment to advancing culture as ‘an enabler of sustainability and a driver of social cohesion, tolerance, peace, and inclusion.’

In a joint statement delivered on behalf of Cyprus and Tajikistan, Cyprus’ Permanent Representative Ambassador Maria Michail expressed strong support for the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, praising her report and presentation and reaffirming ‘our full support to your mandate.’

The statement condemned trafficking as ‘a heinous crime and a serious global issue,’ stressing that it ‘transcends borders’ and constitutes ‘a grave violation of human rights offending human dignity.’

Highlighting recent UNODC data, the statement underlined the alarming rise in child victims, noting that children now represent ‘38% of all detected victims of trafficking worldwide,’ with a ‘31% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels’ and an especially sharp ‘38% rise among girls alone.’

The two delegations welcomed the report’s focus on child trafficking in conflict situations, agreeing that its ‘widespread and systematic nature. demands urgent attention by States, the United Nations, and international organizations.’

Recalling key milestones – the 15th anniversary of the Global Plan of Action and the 25th anniversary of the UN Trafficking Protocol – the statement looked ahead to the November High-Level Meeting and emphasized that its Political Declaration will focus on ‘child trafficking as one of the enduring trafficking issues.’ It also underscored the honor of Cyprus and Tajikistan in serving as ‘co-facilitators’ for the consultations and negotiating the Political Declaration during the term of Philemon Yang.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 01/11/2025 UNTIL 0600 02/11/2025

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.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Northeast to Southeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally West to Northwest 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4, at times locally Southwest 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southeast to Southwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Northwest 3, at times locally 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

?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.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 31/10/2025 UNTIL 1200 01/11/2025

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

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, with increased high cloud coverage at times since later tonight.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 24°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon

West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally Northwest to North 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, at times 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually locally Southeast to Southwest

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon

East to Southeast 3 to 4, locally Southeast to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Night

Northwest to Northeast 3, at times locally 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3, gradually Northeast to Southeast

Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon

North to Northeast 3 to 4, at times locally 4

Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night

North to Northeast 3, gradually West to Northwest

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northwest to Northeast 3

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon

Northwest to Northeast 3, at times 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Night

Southeast to Southwest 3, offshore Northwest to North

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3, gradually Northwest to Northeast

Smooth to Slight

The government has been implementing a prudent and responsible fiscal policy, Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, said on Friday at the 11th Conference of the Treasury of the Republic, stressing the importance of the role of the Republic’s Treasury.

Speaking at a Conference entitled: “The reform course of the Treasury through digital transformation”, which took place in Nicosia, the Minister said that in order to maintain the good economic course, and to further improve public finances, the role of the Treasury becomes even more important.

We are faced with many challenges this current period, he said, referring to international geopolitical tensions, uncertainty in energy markets, inflationary fluctuations and weak growth in the global economy. All these, he noted, create an environment that requires prudence, foresight and stability in economic policy-making.

The Minister of Finance added that the government is implementing a prudent and responsible fiscal policy, while ensuring the availability of the necessary resources for economic growth and social cohesion.

‘The positive growth indicators, as well as the recent upgrades by international rating agencies, demonstrate that the Cypriot economy maintains high levels of credibility and resilience,” he stressed.

Moreover, he said that the assessments of the International Monetary Fund and the ratings of Rating Agencies confirm this.

He added that in order to maintain all the above, as well as to further improve public finances, the role of the Treasury becomes even more important.

“The promotion of its modernization program, the digitalization of procedures, such as, for example, the imminent abolition of cheques as a means of collection and payment to the State, the promotion of electronic invoicing, etc., as well as the strengthening of control and transparency mechanisms, such as the publication of government transactions, are essential elements for the protection of our fiscal management and for the adaptation of the state to the requirements of the new era,” he concluded.