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Conservation work on the church of Panagia Chryseleousa in Katokopia and the church of Panagia Galaktotrofousa in Palaikythro, in Cyprus’ Turkish-occupied areas, has begun, carried out by the Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage.

In a series of posts, the Committee’s co-chair, Sotos Ktoris, stated that both projects are co-funded by the European Union and are being implemented under the guidance of the UNDP.

It is noted that restoration work is currently underway at more than 70 cemeteries across Cyprus, as previously agreed by the two Cyprus leaders, and is being carried out through the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 22/08/2026 UNTIL 1200 23/08/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1007hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mostly clear, while increased low cloud coverage over the west and and the northwest, will be present at times.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon West to Northwest 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, near the coast Northwest to North Smooth to Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, gradually locally 4 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually Southwest to West 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon South to Southwest 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually South 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night South to Southwest 3 to 4, near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning South to Southwest 3 to 4, gradually Southwest to West 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

The benefits of Cyprus-Greece intergovernmental cooperation, launched in November 2023, are highlighted in a post by the Presidency of the Republic, which reviews the three meetings held and their results over the past almost three years.

According to the post, the initiative has established a permanent coordination mechanism between the two countries, directly benefiting Cyprus in key areas such as healthcare, medicines and transplants, energy and civil protection.

‘Through systematic coordination at government and ministerial level, Cyprus gains access to expertise, infrastructure and new opportunities for cooperation that enhance state effectiveness, improve services to citizens and strengthen the country’s position at national level,’ it adds.

The European Commission reaffirmed the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity ahead of the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence on August 24.

In a statement, the Commission said the anniversary reflects the courage, resistance and resilience of Ukrainians in the face of Russia’s continuing war of aggression, as well as their aspiration for Ukraine to be a democratic and European country.

It added that the EU continues to support efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, as well as Ukraine’s European path.

The EU has secured the first disbursements under the pound 90 billion Ukraine Support Loan to sustain the country’s defence capabilities and reconstruction. It has also adopted a 21st package of sanctions aimed at further restricting Russia’s ability to finance the war and attack Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.

During a visit to Kyiv in July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched an EU-Ukraine Defence Industrial Partnership and an EU-Ukraine Drone Deal, including an additional pound 1 billion to support drone production.

The Commission said the EU was also leading efforts to support Ukraine’s recovery and long-term economic investment. It highlighted its role in seeking the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported by Russia and in holding Moscow accountable for its crimes, including through the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU and its member states have mobilised pound 220.2 billion in humanitarian, financial and military assistance for Ukraine and its people.

Since 2024, the EU has also made available pound 8 billion in proceeds generated by immobilised Russian Central Bank assets. Of this amount, pound 3.8 billion has been channelled through the European Peace Facility and the Ukraine Facility, while the remainder supports the repayment of G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans through the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism.

Simple measures by the general population can be very effective against the West Nile virus, Dr. Petros Karayiannis, professor of microbiology told the Cyprus News Agency. He appeared reassuring in relation to the virus, noting that there does not appear to be widespread transmission in Cyprus at this time.

He said that usually people over 60, most often with underlying diseases, may develop a more intense reaction with serious symptoms such as encephalitis, meningitis, etc., as this virus attacks the central nervous system.

He called on the public, not only the elderly or people with other diseases, to take simple measures such as long-sleeved clothing and the use of insect repellents during the hours they are outdoors and in areas with stagnant water. He also mentioned that people should not leave stagnant water in any containers in their homes because they become a breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit the virus.

Dr. Karayiannis also called on hunters who will be out in the hunting areas tomorrow, Sunday to wear long clothes and use insect repellent, noting that mosquitoes bite mainly in the evening and early morning hours when hunters will be out.

He said that no measures are recommended at airports as the virus is carried by birds, mainly corvids. The mosquito only gets the West Nile virus from wild birds, he noted.

He explained that if we suddenly notice dead birds, it would be good not to approach them. He also said that all open areas with stagnant water are hotbeds, including dams, however there is water agitation and the presence of fish. Dr. Karayiannis also mentioned that spraying should be carried out, mainly in the salt marshes that are now drying up, as well as in riverbeds that have collected water due to the recent rains.

He also said that the climate crisis is not helping, with changes in weather conditions, adding that in the coming years “the crisis will bring everything upside down’.’

He also reminded that the symptoms are mainly mild for the general population and called on citizens if they develop a flu-like syndrome, with severe myalgias and rashes, among other things, to consult their doctor. Dr. Karayiannis also said that the Health Ministry has a protocol for dealing with cases of the virus.