Category: Cyprus News Agency

We do not compromise with the fait accompli of the occupation, nor do we accept partition as a solution, the Minister of Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, said on Saturday, on the sidelines of an event of remembrance and honour for the fallen of 1974, held in Serres, Greece.

The Ministry of Interior said in a press release that during the event those who gave their lives defending the Republic of Cyprus, from Serres, Greece and Cyprus, were honoured.

Ioannou stressed that ‘fifty-two years later, the Greek Cypriot community continues to experience the tragic consequences of the barbaric Turkish invasion. Fifty-two years later, the refugees cannot return to their ancestral homes. Relatives continue to worry and await the determination of the fate of their missing persons. It is an open wound for the Cyprus issue. Fundamental human rights are being violated.’

‘Despite the obstacles, despite all the difficulties, despite all the disappointment, Greek Cypriots continue to fight for liberation. We do not compromise with the fait accompli of the occupation, nor do we accept partition as a solution. Our position is firm and unchangeable. Our goal is the liberation, the reunification of Cyprus, the liberation from the occupation troops and the anachronistic guarantees,’ the Minister underlined.

In this process, he said, ‘beyond the support from our European partners and the international community, above all we have the timeless, undivided, unwavering support of Greece and the Greek people, who for 52 years have been by the side of Cyprus.’

Asked to comment on the significance of the Greek frigate’s mission to Cyprus last March, Ioannou noted that in addition to the sense of pride that we experienced as Greek Cypriots, this act had an essential goal and mission to defend Cypriot Hellenism against possible attacks. ‘So, in addition to the symbolic value, it also had a practical contribution to the defence and defensive armouring of Cyprus,’ the Minister of Interior said.

The Minister of Interior represents the Government at the events organised on the occasion of the anniversaries of the 1974 coup and the Turkish invasion by the Consulate General of the Republic, the organised groups of Cypriots abroad and local authorities. Tomorrow, Ioannou will be the keynote speaker at the annual national memorial service for those who fell during the coup and the invasion organised in Thessaloniki.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

#CT#General/CT#

Cyprus ‘strongly condemns’ the bombing attacks in the Al-Hijaz area of Damascus which claimed the lives of civilians and left many others injured, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

In a post on X, Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry said Nicosia ‘strongly condemns’ the bombing attacks in the Al-Hijaz area of Damascus which claimed the lives of civilians and left many others injured.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured’, it said, adding that the perpetrators ‘must be held swiftly accountable’.

Cyprus reaffirms its support to Syria’s stability as essential for regional security, it said.

#CT#General/CT#

A plan promoting the circular economy in hotels and tourist accommodations for the period 2026-2029 is being reimplemented, following a proposal by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on Thursday.

As stated in a press release issued on Friday by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the project’s goal is to enhance the circular economy in the hotel sector through the adoption of sustainable business practices, the more efficient use of natural resources, the reduction of waste generation, and the enhancement of the competitiveness of tourism businesses.

In this context, specialized consulting services will be provided to hotel businesses and tourist accommodations, with the aim of implementing circular economy measures and certifying them in accordance with the Circular Economy Certification Scheme of the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB). At the same time, training initiatives, research, the development of best-practice guides, and the dissemination of knowledge will be carried out for the benefit of the entire tourism industry.

The project constitutes a continuation of the corresponding measure implemented under the Recovery and Resilience Plan and is the result of collaboration between the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, which also serves as the implementing body, the press release said.

During the first phase of the project, a total of 19 hotel businesses received circular economy certification. According to the press release, in a statement, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, noted that ‘this is an exceptional collaboration between the public and private sectors that we, as a government, believe is worth continuing.’

He also stated that the implementation of the second phase ‘is expected to contribute even further to the broader effort to enhance the quality and competitiveness of the Cypriot tourism product,’ while thanking Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OEB) for what he described as their excellent cooperation.

On behalf of OEB, its President George Pantelidis stated that ‘the excellent cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism continues, with the aim of expanding the implementation of circular economy principles in the hotel sector and strengthening the momentum of our country’s green transition, thereby enhancing the competitive advantages of the Cypriot tourism product.’

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 03/07/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTH

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE:

215.821,38

INDEX

VALUE

% DIFF.

VALUE (pound )

FTSE/CySE 20

182,570

0,800

204.751,360

MAIN MARKET INDEX

249,690

1,110

176.188,500

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.197,870

0,020

25.886,040

CSE GENERAL INDEX

310,320

0,810

205.426,490

HOTELS INDEX

1.942,620

-0,560

2.710,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2.015,720

-0,240

29.237,990

Cultural heritage preservation efforts continue to progress as maintenance and conservation works commenced at the Church of Agios Demetrianos, located in Larnakas tis Lapithou in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus.

In a statement to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Sotos Ktoris, Co-Chair of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, confirmed that the project is co-funded by the European Union and the local community. The restoration framework will be executed under the strict technical supervision of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The scheduled infrastructure works at the Agios Demetrianos site are projected to span a duration of nine months, he added.

Furthermore, Ktoris highlighted that the current operational contract also encompasses the conservation of the Church of Agios Charalambos, situated in the village of Agridaki within the Kyrenia district.

Ktoris noted that extensive restoration and maintenance works are simultaneously progressing at more than 70 cemeteries throughout Cyprus.

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.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 03/07/2026 UNTIL 0600 04/07/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1006hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but early morning increased low cloud will be present and also local mist and fog patches are likely.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

The European Affairs Secretariat, established in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, will not cease operations at the end of July as initially planned, but will continue to function as a coordination structure for European affairs in Cyprus, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said in an end-of-presidency interview with Euractiv.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Secretariat will continue operating in a more permanent form as a national coordination mechanism for EU affairs.

In the interview, Raouna dismissed the notion that smaller EU member states are more vulnerable to pressure. ‘Never,’ she said when asked whether Cyprus is treated as more easily influenced due to its size. ‘We are quite resilient when it comes to pressure. This is how our diplomacy has evolved,’ she added.

Referring to Cyprus’ historical and geopolitical context, she stressed that recent European developments have helped raise awareness of what occupation on European territory means. ‘The last months have also shed light for everyone in the EU – giving a very first-hand understanding of what occupation on European territory means,’ she said.

She also linked Cyprus’ experience to its stance on Ukraine, noting that ‘Cyprus has been very hands-on [regarding] Ukraine, also because we have this unique perspective on the devastating consequences.’

In her assessment of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, Raouna underlined that the size of a member state does not determine its contribution to the EU: ‘The size of a country has never determined the size of its contribution to the European Union,’ she said.

Raouna also described the large-scale mobilisation of the public administration during the Presidency and progress achieved on key EU files, including enlargement and policies on Ukraine and Moldova.

The Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO and the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Wednesday, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at promoting UNESCO’s principles, values and priorities through joint initiatives in the fields of cultural heritage, the natural environment, scientific research, education and intercultural cooperation.

? press release says that the MoU was signed by Professor Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Chief Executive Officer of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, and Dr Marina Solomidou Ieronymidou, President of the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, reaffirming the shared commitment of both organisations to establishing a long-term and meaningful collaboration for the benefit of cultural heritage, science and society.

The Memorandum establishes a framework for the development of joint initiatives that build on the complementary expertise of the two organisations.

The collaboration will focus on the application of geospatial and digital technologies for the protection, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, including efforts to combat the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property.

It also provides for the joint organisation of scientific and educational events, the preparation of studies and proposals for participation in UNESCO programmes, international initiatives and funding opportunities, as well as the promotion of research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of cultural heritage.

Through this partnership, the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence and the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO aspire to implement collaborative actions that will strengthen the protection and sustainable management of cultural and natural heritage, harness the potential of advanced technologies for the benefit of society, and enhance Cyprus’ contribution to international efforts in science, culture and sustainable development.

The Memorandum of Understanding has an initial duration of four years, with the possibility of renewal.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 03/07/2026 UNTIL 0600 04/07/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1006hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine but early morning increased low cloud will be present and also local mist and fog patches are likely.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist and very poor in fog

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

The Cyprus issue remains a top priority of the Greek foreign policy, President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas emphasized during a meeting he had on Friday with a delegation from the Committee of Occupied Communities of Cyprus.

The delegation comprised Michail Tziortas, President of the Union of Displaced Communities of Famagusta, Eleftherios Antoniou, President of the Union of Communities of the Nicosia District, Andreas Athanasiou, President of the Union of Communities of the Kyrenia District, and Eleni Zarou Patsikkou, Secretary of the Committee of Occupied Communities.

According to a press relesae issued by the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic, President Tasoulas reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering commitment to achieving a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the European acquis.

During the meeting, the members of the Cypriot delegation stressed the right of displaced persons to return to and resettle in their ancestral homes. They also briefed the President on the challenges faced by displaced communities, as well as on the initiatives they have undertaken to raise awareness among younger generations about the Cyprus issue and to preserve its historical memory.

President Tasoulas expressed his solidarity with the displaced persons and their families, who continue to endure the consequences of the Turkish invasion and the ongoing occupation. He also congratulated the members of the Committee for the difficult and commendable work they carry out under challenging circumstances, acknowledging their contribution to preserving historical memory and safeguarding the rights of displaced persons.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.