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  • Papanastasiou Engages with Egypt’s Badawi on Natural Gas Collaboration

    Papanastasiou Engages with Egypt’s Badawi on Natural Gas Collaboration

    Energy Minister George Papanastasiou met with Egypt’s Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi on Tuesday for a significant discussion focused on natural gas exploration in Cyprus’ maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    • Papanastasiou also held discussions with Total’s CEO Patrick Pouyanne and Eni’s COO Guido Brusco on the same day, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the companies.

    During their meeting, which Papanastasiou described as “results-oriented,” the two ministers aimed to expedite the connection of the Kronos natural gas field, located in Block 6 of Cyprus’ EEZ, to Egypt’s energy infrastructure by 2027.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    This meeting followed a recent visit by Badawi and other Egyptian officials to Nicosia, where they announced plans for the export of Cypriot natural gas to Europe via Egypt in the coming years. Achieving this target hinges on a final investment agreement between the Egyptian government and the consortium of French multinational Total and Italian energy company Eni, who are responsible for the development of the Kronos field.

    In February, the Egyptian government was designated as the “host government” for Block 6, a crucial step towards facilitating the exploitation of these resources. Given the proximity of the Kronos reservoir to Egypt’s Zohr gas field, Eni has the advantage of leveraging its existing infrastructure to transport the natural gas to the Segas liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Damietta.

    Papanastasiou also held discussions with Total’s CEO Patrick Pouyanne and Eni’s COO Guido Brusco on the same day, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between the companies.

    Last week, he emphasised that the planned agreements would encompass the entire supply chain, from the liquefaction of natural gas in Damietta to its eventual export to European markets. Seabed surveys intended to identify a sinking point for the pipeline connecting Cyprus’ EEZ to Egypt commenced in June, initially focusing on transporting gas from the Aphrodite gas field.

    This initiative followed an agreement signed by the governments of Cyprus and Egypt, along with American corporation Chevron, Israeli company NewMed Energy, and BG Group (owned by Royal Dutch Shell). This agreement, according to the Cypriot government, aimed to establish a framework for the effective commercialisation of the gas resources in the region.

    In their recent discussions, Badawi highlighted the potential for further collaboration between Cyprus and Egypt in the energy sector. While the initial focus remained on the Kronos gas field, he acknowledged ongoing efforts regarding the development of the Aphrodite gas field, situated in Block 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ. He noted that substantial progress had been made, reiterating the importance of their partnership.

    “Our cooperation in the energy sector with the Republic of Cyprus is very important and is expanding daily,” Badawi stated. “We are here to support the Republic of Cyprus in the full development of its energy reserves, so that it can exploit them and make them available to its citizens and to European markets which need energy.”

  • Eu funding: Cyprus Secures €1bn from EU for Defence Enhancements

    Eu funding: Cyprus Secures €1bn from EU for Defence Enhancements

    eu funding — eu funding — Cyprus is set to receive €1 billion in funding from the European Union as part of its Security Action for Europe (Safe) programme. The European Commission confirmed the disbursement of €1,181,503,924 on Thursday, which is a significant boost for the island’s defence capabilities.

    This funding initiative is part of a larger €150 billion allocation aimed at enhancing security across the EU. Alongside Cyprus, 18 other member states are also expected to benefit from this financial support.

    Eu funding: Major Allocations to Other EU Nations

    Poland tops the list of beneficiaries, receiving an impressive €43.7 billion. Romania and France follow closely with allocations just over €16 billion each. Greece, while receiving a smaller amount, will still gain approximately €788 million, slightly less than Cyprus.

    Common Procurement Strategy for Military Hardware

    The Safe programme encourages EU member states and allies to collaborate on “common procurements” for military equipment. This strategy is designed to ensure that at least two participating countries join forces for any procurement initiative.

    Eligibility and Broader Participation

    All EU member states qualify for the Safe programme, which also extends to Ukraine and four European Economic Area nations—namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Additionally, six countries that have signed common defence agreements with the EU, including Albania, Japan, Moldova, North Macedonia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, are also eligible.

    Cyprus’s Commitment to Defence Collaboration

    The Cypriot government has formally indicated its intention to engage in the Safe programme’s common procurement component. This announcement came during a visit from officials of the EU’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-Defis) in July.

    Panayiotis Hadjipavlis, the procurement director at the defence ministry, expressed that the government is actively communicating with allied nations, especially Greece, to explore joint procurement opportunities. This collaboration aims to streamline defence acquisitions while fostering stronger ties between member states.

  • Cyprus MEPs Express Disappointment Over EU’s Wildfire Response

    Cyprus MEPs Express Disappointment Over EU’s Wildfire Response

    Cyprus MEPs have voiced their frustration, feeling ‘abandoned’ by the EU following the devastating wildfire in Limassol that resulted in two fatalities in July.

    • Cyprus MEPs have voiced their frustration, feeling ‘abandoned’ by the EU following the devastating wildfire in Limassol that resulted in two fatalities in July.
    • Despite expressing gratitude for any assistance received, Panayiotou emphasised that it was insufficient, stating, “You were not in Cyprus when we needed you the most, and this needs to change.”

    During a session in Strasbourg, Cypriot representatives called for enhanced support from the European Union to combat future wildfires. Akel’s Giorgos Georgiou was the first to address the chamber, criticising European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadjia Lahbib, for her speech. He highlighted the inadequate response to the wildfires, stating, “I heard you use the word ‘shall’ 10 times and the word ‘must’ 20 times in your speech.”

    Georgiou pointed out that Cyprus led Europe in the proportion of territory burned over the past decade, with 104 square kilometres lost. This, he claimed, underscored the need for urgent EU assistance, particularly regarding the two firefighting planes requested from Spain that had yet to arrive after three months.

    While acknowledging the Cypriot government’s significant responsibility for the wildfires, Georgiou noted that no ministers had resigned in response to the disaster. He contended that the EU also bore blame, stating, “Since 2016, we, the Left group, have been calling for a European air firefighting base to be established in Cyprus. You are outrageously ignoring us.”

    Geadi Geadi of Elam echoed these sentiments, critiquing the rescEU mechanism, which he argued had left countries like Cyprus vulnerable. He proposed the establishment of a robust pan-European fire brigade and stricter penalties for arsonists, alongside increased funding for wildfire victims.

    In a pointed exchange, French MEP Gregory Allione questioned Geadi’s call for more funding for a mechanism he deemed ineffective, prompting Geadi to clarify that his experience at the Limassol fire scene revealed substantial gaps in the current system.

    Independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou added to the criticism, stating, “The European Union did almost nothing to help us,” noting that assistance from non-EU countries such as Jordan and Israel had been more forthcoming than aid from EU member states. He lamented, “This is not a good look for the European Union, and us Cypriots feel abandoned by the EU.”

    Despite expressing gratitude for any assistance received, Panayiotou emphasised that it was insufficient, stating, “You were not in Cyprus when we needed you the most, and this needs to change.”

    Disy’s Michalis Hadjipantela concluded the Cypriot addresses by stressing the ongoing impact of climate change on the island. He asserted that the EU must go beyond mere sympathy, advocating for tangible actions to fortify the rescEU mechanism and better prepare for future incidents. Earlier in the summer, he had called for the EU to station firefighting aircraft in Cyprus.

  • Cypriot MEPs Criticise EU for Inaction During Limassol Wildfire Tragedy

    Cypriot MEPs Criticise EU for Inaction During Limassol Wildfire Tragedy

    limassol wildfire — Cypriot MEPs have sharply criticised the European Union for its perceived inaction during the devastating Limassol wildfire that claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of homes in July. The wildfire, which ravaged over 120 square kilometres of land, highlighted the urgent need for improved fire prevention measures across Europe.

    In a heated debate, MEPs Giorgos Georgiou, Michalis Hadjipantela, Geadis Geadi, and Fidias Panayiotou voiced their frustrations over the EU’s failure to provide timely and effective support during a fire season that has been described as record-breaking. Over one million hectares of land have burned across Europe this year, an area larger than Cyprus and significantly higher than the 20-year average.

    Georgiou, representing the AKEL party, pointed out that Cyprus holds the “negative record of the decade,” noting the extensive destruction relative to its total territory. He did not shy away from criticising the Cypriot government for its lack of accountability, stating, “not even resignations of responsible ministers were seen.”

    His call for action included a demand for the establishment of a European aerial firefighting base, which he believes would benefit both Cyprus and neighbouring countries. “You ignore us demonstratively,” Georgiou lamented, urging that funding be shifted from military expenditures to public safety initiatives.

    Hadjipantela, a member of the ruling DISY party, echoed these sentiments, asserting that mere expressions of sympathy from the EU are insufficient. “The European Union cannot consider it has done its duty with a few words of sympathy. We don’t need sympathy. We need actions,” he declared. He warned that if similar disasters occur without a robust response plan, the EU would bear responsibility for the consequences.

    During the parliamentary session, Hadjipantela confirmed that Cyprus is eligible to seek compensation from the European Commission’s Solidarity Fund within 12 weeks following the wildfire. “We officially informed the government about this matter,” he stated, emphasising the need for swift action to secure financial support.

    Further highlighting the sense of abandonment felt by Cypriots, Geadi of ELAM acknowledged the assistance received from countries like Italy and Israel. He expressed gratitude for the support, particularly the firefighting aircraft sent by Israel.

    Independent MEP Panayiotou remarked on the irony that Cyprus received “more help from third countries – Georgia, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon – instead of European Union countries.” His comments reflected a broader sentiment among the Cypriot public, who feel let down by their European partners during a time of crisis.

    The current fire season has already set records since statistics began in 2006, with several European nations, including Cyprus, exceeding their twenty-year averages for wildfire damage. Tragically, at least eight people have lost their lives across the affected regions.

  • September Tornado Strikes Anthoupoli, Nicosia Without Damage

    September Tornado Strikes Anthoupoli, Nicosia Without Damage

    A tornado struck Nicosia, near Anthoupoli towards Agioi Trimithias on Tuesday afternoon, surprising local residents with its sudden appearance.

    • A tornado struck Nicosia, near Anthoupoli towards Agioi Trimithias on Tuesday afternoon, surprising local residents with its sudden appearance.

    The tornado, described as rare for this time of year, lasted for several minutes before dissipating. Initial reports suggest that the phenomenon did not cause any damages or injuries, allowing the community to breathe a sigh of relief.

    Witnesses reported seeing dark clouds forming quickly and the winds picking up intensity, leading to the brief tornado. Local authorities have confirmed that they are monitoring the weather patterns for any further developments.

    Residents in the area were understandably unsettled by the event, as tornadoes are not common in Cyprus, particularly in September. Many took to social media to share their experiences and capture the moment on video, creating a buzz across various platforms.

    Despite the tornado’s intensity, the absence of property damage or injuries has been a fortunate outcome. Local officials have expressed gratitude that the weather event did not escalate further, which could have posed a risk to the community.

  • Corruption Trial: Anastasiades’ Letter Reveals Links to Golden Passports Scheme

    Corruption Trial: Anastasiades’ Letter Reveals Links to Golden Passports Scheme

    golden passports — The corruption trial involving Demetris Syllouris and Christakis Giovanis has shed light on the role of former President Nicos Anastasiades in the controversial golden passports scheme. A secretary who managed correspondence for Anastasiades will testify as a defence witness, further intertwining the former president’s legacy with the allegations at hand.

    The pivotal letter, which granted Syllouris, a former House Speaker, and others authority to attract foreign investments to Cyprus, was sent in the wake of the 2013 economic crisis. Defence lawyer Christos Triantafyllides plans to call this secretary, along with another witness, to affirm the legitimacy of their actions as aimed at rejuvenating the Cypriot economy.

    At the core of the trial are serious allegations against Syllouris and Giovanis, including conspiracy to subvert the Republic and influencing a public official. These charges emerged after an Al Jazeera documentary aired in October 2020, which exposed how the citizenship investment programme was allegedly exploited for personal gain. Following the exposé, both defendants resigned from their official positions.

    The undercover investigation revealed that Syllouris and Giovanis offered assistance to a fictitious Chinese businessman, promising him a streamlined process to acquire Cypriot citizenship in exchange for a substantial investment of at least €2.15 million. Syllouris’s assurances included claims that the applicant had a “99 percent” chance of success, raising eyebrows about the integrity of the programme.

    Evidence presented by the prosecution includes allegations that Syllouris received €200,000 for services rendered to Giovanis’s property company, with additional payments involving his daughter. This raised further questions regarding the extent of their financial dealings and possible conflicts of interest.

    Compounding these issues is the revelation that a law firm founded by Anastasiades, now operated by his daughters, processed numerous golden passport applications during his presidency. Critics have pointed out a clear conflict of interest, particularly given that 137 individuals were granted citizenship through this law firm while Anastasiades was in office.

    The Nicolatos inquiry committee reported that 53 percent of the 6,779 citizenships granted under the scheme between 2007 and August 2020 were unlawful. The committee’s findings suggested that while politicians bore political responsibilities, certain individuals involved in the application process may face criminal charges.

    As the trial progresses, Triantafyllides has requested a postponement, citing scheduling conflicts for the two witnesses. Giovanis’s defence counsel is also prepared to present witnesses, including family members, to support their case.

    The three-member judicial panel agreed to delay proceedings until Thursday to ensure all relevant witnesses could attend. The fallout from the Al Jazeera revelations has led to the termination of the Cyprus Investment Programme and prompted legal action from the European Union, highlighting concerns about the programme’s integrity and the individuals it attracted.

  • Larnaca fires: Larnaca Experiences Twin House Fires Resulting in Significant Damage

    Larnaca fires: Larnaca Experiences Twin House Fires Resulting in Significant Damage

    larnaca fires — larnaca fires — Two house fires in Larnaca on Monday night caused extensive damage, as confirmed by the fire brigade on Tuesday. The first fire ignited at 11.16pm in a two-storey home located in the Vergina area, where flames erupted in the kitchen.

    The blaze consumed wooden counters and their contents, while smoke and heat resulted in minor damage to the interior paint and electrical system. Fortunately, no one was present in the house at the time of the fire.

    Investigators later revealed that the fire was caused by a candle left burning in a lamp on the kitchen counter. This incident highlights the potential dangers of unattended candles, particularly in residential settings.

    Shortly before the first fire, at 8.27pm, another fire broke out on the ground floor of a different house in Larnaca. Details regarding the cause and extent of the damage from this second incident have not yet been specified, but it has also been reported to have caused significant destruction.

    Residents in the area are now left assessing the aftermath of these incidents, with fire officials urging the community to remain vigilant about fire safety, particularly during the winter months when the use of candles and heating appliances tends to increase.

  • Daily Attacks on School Guards in West Limassol Raise Concerns

    Daily Attacks on School Guards in West Limassol Raise Concerns

    school guards — School guards in west Limassol are facing daily attacks, according to a private security firm overseeing four local schools. The alarming trend was highlighted following an incident on Monday at Ypsonas Third Primary School, where a guard was attacked with explosives.

    • After extinguishing the fire, the guard attempted to call for assistance but was met with renewed aggression as he left the premises, resulting in facial injuries from flares and further attacks.
    • Photiou concluded that the situation has escalated to a point where it is beyond control, emphasising that immediate and decisive action is necessary to restore safety in the school environments.

    Christos Photiou, the head of the security company, described the situation as “uncontrolled.” He expressed his concerns to philenews, noting that even with police presence during certain incidents, there appears to be no significant outcome from their interventions.

    The guards are subjected to a variety of aggressive actions, including stone-throwing, attacks with flares, and even the use of crowbars. Monday’s incident resulted in serious injuries to a guard, who was caught in the crossfire of escalating violence.

    School guards: A Pattern of Violence

    Incidents of vandalism and attacks have been reported at four schools in the area: Ypsonas Third Primary School, Ypsonas Gymnasium, Kolossi Lyceum, and Episkopi Gymnasium. Photiou revealed that on the day of the attack, the guard was inside the school when unidentified individuals threw Molotov cocktails, targeting the artificial grass.

    After extinguishing the fire, the guard attempted to call for assistance but was met with renewed aggression as he left the premises, resulting in facial injuries from flares and further attacks.

    Perpetrators Identified

    Photiou stated that the attackers are typically minors aged 15-17, who navigate the area on unregistered motorcycles. Some of these vehicles are reportedly damaged and declared immobilised, further complicating efforts to track down the assailants. He expressed frustration over the lack of proactive measures from the police, stating, “Police are present, but we do not see them conducting checks.”

    Call for Action

    The security chief voiced his discontent with the authorities’ inaction regarding the ongoing violence. “There is damage and vandalism, but nothing happens. Police arrive, hold a paper and write. They do nothing. What are they waiting for, to come with guns?” he questioned, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

    Photiou concluded that the situation has escalated to a point where it is beyond control, emphasising that immediate and decisive action is necessary to restore safety in the school environments.

  • Ypsonas School Security Guard Injured in Youths’ Flare Attack

    Ypsonas School Security Guard Injured in Youths’ Flare Attack

    A private security guard at Ypsonas Third Primary School was attacked with lit flares by a group of youths on Monday evening, sustaining facial burns that required hospital treatment.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • A private security guard at Ypsonas Third Primary School was attacked with lit flares by a group of youths on Monday evening, sustaining facial burns that required hospital treatment.
    • The injured guard was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received treatment for second-degree burns.

    The incident unfolded around 9:00 to 9:30 p.m. when the group entered the school grounds, specifically targeting the mini football pitch. As the guard attempted to remove the youths from the premises, they chased him and threw the flares at his face, resulting in severe burns.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    In a statement to philenews, school supervisor Christina Tryfonos described the events, stating, “The youths entered the school premises and specifically the mini football pitch that is located within the school grounds. The private guard tried to remove them, with the youths chasing him. Subsequently, the perpetrators threw lit flares at his face, causing him burns.”

    The injured guard was quickly transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he received treatment for second-degree burns.

    Herodotus Neophytou, President of the West Limassol School Board, condemned the attack, labelling it as attempted murder. He expressed his outrage at the rising trend of vandalism in schools, stating, “Last night’s incident is attempted murder. We are not simply talking about an incident, the man suffered second-degree burns to his face. They tried to kill him.”

    Neophytou also highlighted a recent incident of vandalism at the nearby Ypsonas Gymnasium, indicating a troubling pattern of behaviour among local youths. He urged the police to take responsibility, asserting, “There is sufficient evidence to locate the perpetrators. Parents of the offenders bear responsibility, as does the police. What are they waiting for? To mourn victims?”

  • Weapons cache — Nicosia Weapons Cache Discovery Ties to Criminal Network

    Weapons cache — Nicosia Weapons Cache Discovery Ties to Criminal Network

    Police in Nicosia uncovered a weapons cache in Kokkinotrimithia, revealing connections to a criminal network allegedly coordinating activities from within Central Prison.

    • Police in Nicosia uncovered a weapons cache in Kokkinotrimithia, revealing connections to a criminal network allegedly coordinating activities from within Central Prison.
    • Alongside the firearms, police seized 2.17 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 34 grams of cocaine, suggesting that drug trafficking is also part of the group's activities.

    The discovery is significant, as it opens serious criminal cases and supports theories about organised criminal strikes in Larnaca and other regions. Authorities are now investigating a series of criminal activities that have unfolded recently across the island, focusing on six notable incidents in Larnaca and one linked to the British Bases.

    Weapons cache: Police Strike Prevents Further Criminal Activity

    Investigators believe they have thwarted planned criminal acts by uncovering firearms and ammunition associated with the group. This cache includes four pistols, an air rifle equipped with a scope, several 9mm cartridges, and loaded magazines, all found in a remote portable warehouse.

    Link to Recent Criminal Cases Established

    Larnaca Police have marked the attempted murder and arson case from 14 August as “solved” following the arrest of six individuals, one of whom is a convict from Central Prison. The evidence suggests these arrests connect to at least three other criminal incidents.

    The first incident took place in late June, involving the arson of a vehicle owned by an individual known to authorities. A 17-year-old suspect, arrested for this act, reportedly confessed and was subsequently released under court conditions.

    Another arson case occurred on 15 August in Aradippou, targeting a 42-year-old’s car, followed by a vehicle arson targeting an elderly individual in Dasaki Achnas. The latter incident appears to have been a case of mistaken identity, with no links to organised crime.

    Seizure of Drugs Highlights Broader Criminal Network

    Alongside the firearms, police seized 2.17 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 34 grams of cocaine, suggesting that drug trafficking is also part of the group’s activities.

    The investigation into the Pyla incident has led to the arrest of five men, with three identified as direct perpetrators. A 23-year-old is believed to have set the vehicles ablaze, while a second 17-year-old allegedly shot a security guard, and another of the same age is thought to have driven the getaway vehicle. A 27-year-old is reported to have provided the vehicle used in the crime, and a 44-year-old is identified as the Central Prison convict involved.

    Arrests Lead to Breakthrough in Investigation

    A breakthrough in the case occurred when an 18-year-old was accidentally arrested in Paphos on 22 August. He reportedly stole the green saloon vehicle used in the Pyla incident on 13 August, later confessing to selling two stolen vehicles to the 27-year-old for €500. This development has provided crucial insights into the network’s operations.