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Ex-foreign minister will face diplomat for Cyprus presidency
Read full article: Ex-foreign minister will face diplomat for Cyprus presidencyOfficial voting results show that a center-right former foreign minister and a career diplomat backed by a communist-rooted party appear poised to battle it out for the presidency of ethnically divided Cyprus in a Feb. 12 runoff.
Cyprus picks new president amid economic doubt, ethnic split
Read full article: Cyprus picks new president amid economic doubt, ethnic splitCypriots are choosing a new president, who they’ll expect to decisively steer the small island nation through shifting geopolitical sands and uncertain economic times that have become people's overriding concern, eclipsing stalemated efforts to remedy the country’s ethnic division.
EU leaders struggle to bridge gas price cap divide
Read full article: EU leaders struggle to bridge gas price cap divideEuropean Union leaders are meeting in Prague to try to bridge significant differences over a natural gas price cap as winter approaches and Russia’s war on Ukraine fuels the energy crisis.
Minister: Greece can defend islands despite Turkey's threats
Read full article: Minister: Greece can defend islands despite Turkey's threatsGreece’s defense minister says his country has the right to take “all defensive measures” to protect its easternmost islands amid threats by neighboring Turkey that dispute Greek sovereignty rights and raise the specter of war.
Cyprus to UN: Turkey seeks full control of breakaway north
Read full article: Cyprus to UN: Turkey seeks full control of breakaway northThe president of ethnically divided Cyprus says he will lodge a complaint with the United Nations over Turkey’s new financial assistance deal with breakaway Turkish Cypriots.
Frontex sees big rise in EU migrant entries, no Ukraine link
Read full article: Frontex sees big rise in EU migrant entries, no Ukraine linkEuropean Union border and coast guard agency Frontex says the number of migrants trying to enter Europe without authorization has risen to its highest level since 2016.
Split Cyprus seeks equal say for women in future peace talks
Read full article: Split Cyprus seeks equal say for women in future peace talksThe rival leaders of ethnically divided Cyprus have kicked off an initiative to give women an equal say in any renewed push to reunify the east Mediterranean island nation.
US diplomat: Mediterranean gas pipeline to Europe not viable
Read full article: US diplomat: Mediterranean gas pipeline to Europe not viableA senior U.S. diplomat says a proposed pipeline to deliver natural gas from deposits in the east Mediterranean to European markets is too expensive, not economically viable and will take too long to help countries seeking alternatives to Russian gas any time soon.
European Central Bank chief: No data suggests stagflation
Read full article: European Central Bank chief: No data suggests stagflationThe European Central Bank's president says no data currently suggests that Europe will fall into stagflation, which is a combination of high inflation, little or no economic growth and high unemployment.
Cyprus president vows "more humane" migrant camp conditions
Read full article: Cyprus president vows "more humane" migrant camp conditionsThe President of Cyprus says his government will work to make conditions at an overcrowded migrant reception camp “more humane” following criticism that living arrangements for more than 350 unaccompanied minors are inadequate.
Israel says outreach to Turkey won't come at Cyprus' expense
Read full article: Israel says outreach to Turkey won't come at Cyprus' expenseIsrael’s president says any bid to improve strained ties between his country and Turkey won’t come at the expense of its “strategic relationship” with neighboring Cyprus.
Israel, Cyprus, Greece power cable link secures EU funding
Read full article: Israel, Cyprus, Greece power cable link secures EU fundingCyprus’ energy minister says the European Union has earmarked 657 million euros ($736 million) for the construction of a 2,000-megawatt undersea electricity cable linking the power grids of Israel, Cyprus and Greece.
Vatican takes in 12 migrants as pope denounces indifference
Read full article: Vatican takes in 12 migrants as pope denounces indifferencePope Francis has denounced the “indifference” that the West shows migrants as the Vatican confirmed at least a dozen asylum-seekers would be transferred from Cyprus to Italy.
Scientists urge speedy switch to renewables in Middle East
Read full article: Scientists urge speedy switch to renewables in Middle EastA climate change conference will underscore to policymakers in the Middle East and the east Mediterranean that the switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is needed urgently because greenhouse gas emissions are helping to drive up regional temperatures faster than in many other inhabited parts of the world.
With lunch invite, UN chief tries to restart Cyprus talks
Read full article: With lunch invite, UN chief tries to restart Cyprus talksSecretary-General Antonio Guterres hosted a lunch for the leaders of divided Cyprus in hopes of spurring a return to negotiations to reunite the Mediterranean island nations.
The Latest: Pakistan says no rush to recognize Taliban gov't
Read full article: The Latest: Pakistan says no rush to recognize Taliban gov'tPakistan’s foreign minister says Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers should understand that if they want recognition and assistance in rebuilding the war-battered country “they have to be more sensitive and more receptive to international opinion and norms.”.
U.S. senator calls two-state deal for divided Cyprus 'wrong'
Read full article: U.S. senator calls two-state deal for divided Cyprus 'wrong'The chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee says the “retrograde vision” of Turkey’s president to cement Cyprus’ ethnic divide by striving for a two-state deal “is wrong” for all Cypriots.
Seeking Mediterranean allies, Greece hosts Jordan's king
Read full article: Seeking Mediterranean allies, Greece hosts Jordan's kingKing Abdullah II of Jordan is meeting in Athens with the leaders of Greece and Cyprus as part of regular high-level contacts launched between the three Mediterranean countries in 2018.
Turkish president: Two-state deal only way for Cyprus peace
Read full article: Turkish president: Two-state deal only way for Cyprus peaceTurkey's president says the only route to lasting peace on ethnically divided Cyprus is through the international community's acceptance of two separate states on the east Mediterranean island nation.
Cyprus forest fire that killed 4 now under control
Read full article: Cyprus forest fire that killed 4 now under controlCyprus authorities say a deadly brush fire that claimed four lives and has been described as the most destructive blaze in the republic’s 61-year history is now fully under control.
EU leaders defend LGBT rights amid concern over Hungary law
Read full article: EU leaders defend LGBT rights amid concern over Hungary lawEuropean Union leaders have engaged in what one official described as an “emotional debate” as they confronted Hungary’s prime minister over new legislation in his country that will ban showing content about LGBT issues to children.
EU, Mideast nations look to train at Cyprus security center
Read full article: EU, Mideast nations look to train at Cyprus security centerThe foreign minister of Cyprus says three European Union member nations and three Middle Eastern countries are looking to train personnel in border, customs and cybersecurity techniques at a cutting-edge U.S.-funded facility expected to be ready early next year.
Far-right party, centrist group gain big in Cyprus poll
Read full article: Far-right party, centrist group gain big in Cyprus pollThe far-right ELAM party and a centrist splinter group have made big gains in Cyprus' parliamentary election as a sizeable chunk of supporters appeared to have turned their back on the top three parties amid voter disenchantment with traditional power centers.
UN-led informal Cyprus talks stall, new round planned
Read full article: UN-led informal Cyprus talks stall, new round plannedU_N_ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots failed to make headway in informal talks on the future of their ethnically divided island, but talks will continue and “I do not give up.”.
Greek Independence Day events culminate in military parade
Read full article: Greek Independence Day events culminate in military paradeMilitary helicopters fly over Acropolis Hill during a military parade in Athens, Thursday, March 25, 2021. Greece celebrates the bicentenary of the start of the country's war of independence against the Ottoman Empire. Unable to watch the parade in person, many Athenians came out onto balconies in the center of the city to watch the flyby, snapping pictures with cameras and mobile phones. AdThis crucial blow enabled the Greeks to fight on and eventually gain independence in 1830. “Two centuries ago, a handful of determined fighters within and outside Greece, raised the banner of independence.
Greece kicks off events for bicentenary of independence war
Read full article: Greece kicks off events for bicentenary of independence warA worker places a Greek flag at a tribune, ahead of a military parade, in Athens, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The military parade on March 25, marking 200-years since the war that resulted in Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire and rebirth as a nation, will be held without spectators due to the coronavirus. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)ATHENS – Greece on Wednesday kicked off two days of celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the start of the country’s war of independence, although events are far more muted than originally planned due to the pandemic. Celebrations are to culminate in a military parade, accompanied by air force overflights, in central Athens on Thursday, Greece’s Independence Day. The 200th anniversary of the start of Greece’s war of independence comes at a time of frosty relations with neighbor and NATO ally Turkey.
Greece says Turkey's 2-state model for Cyprus a non-starter
Read full article: Greece says Turkey's 2-state model for Cyprus a non-starterRaab pledged support in helping to “break the logjam” that has blocked a peace deal for nearly a half-century, fueled tensions over offshore energy reserves and encumbered Turkey’s relationship with the European Union. Greek Cypriots strongly reject any deal that would legitimize the east Mediterranean island nation’s ethnic partition. AdOnly Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island’s northern third where it keeps more than 35,000 troops. Although Cyprus is an EU member, only the Greek Cypriot southern part where the internationally recognized government is seated enjoys full membership benefits. The last push for a peace deal in July 2017 collapsed amid much acrimony.
UN chief to gauge next month possible Cyprus talks restart
Read full article: UN chief to gauge next month possible Cyprus talks restartLute is meeting both leaders separately in order to prepare the ground for reunification talks. (Stavros Ioannides/Cyprus' Press and Information Office via AP)NICOSIA – U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres intends to meet next month with ethnically split Cyprus’ rival Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders to gauge whether conditions are ripe to resume dormant peace talks, the Cypriot government spokesman said on Monday. Kyriakos Koushos didn’t provide a specific date for the informal February meeting that will also bring together top officials from Cyprus’ three "guarantors" — Greece, Turkey and Britain. Koushos was speaking after U.N. envoy Jane Holl Lute met with Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades to prepare for the meeting that’s seen as the linchpin to restarting negotiations. Turkey’s research vessels — escorted by warships — continue to search for hydrocarbons in waters where Cyprus claims exclusive economic rights.
The Latest: Calif. gov warns of virus surge after holidays
Read full article: The Latest: Calif. gov warns of virus surge after holidaysGavin Newsom is warning of a new surge in coronavirus cases following heavy holiday travel in defiance of recommendations to avoid gatherings. — Virus deaths in Germany top 30,000; lockdown may be extended past Jan. 10. Health care workers along with residents and staff at long-term care facilities are at the top of the list for receiving vaccinations in the first phase. According to public health experts, the spike in fatalities could be attributed to the pandemic exacerbating difficulties in getting health care and other services. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top expert on infectious disease, said that level of travel could lead to a further increase in COVID-19 cases.
The Latest: Prosecutor: attacker not on intelligence radar
Read full article: The Latest: Prosecutor: attacker not on intelligence radarA man prays in the street outside the Notre Dame church in Nice, southern France, after a knife attack took place on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)PARIS – The Latest on a knife attack in Nice, France, (all times local):10:25 p.m.France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor says the Nice attacker, who was born in 1999, was not on the radar of intelligence agencies as a potential threat. The rally came on the day an attacker armed with a knife killed three people inside a church in the French city of Nice. An attacker armed with a knife killed three people in the southern French coastal city Thursday. ___11:20 a.m.An attacker armed with a knife has killed three people at a church in the southern French city of Nice.
After 46 years, Cypriot ghost town's beach opens to public
Read full article: After 46 years, Cypriot ghost town's beach opens to publicFor the first time in 46 years, members of the public were permitted on Thursday to access the beach of Varosha in the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north of ethnically divided Cyprus. For some, like one woman draped in the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot flags, it was a moment of joy to witness an “historic” moment. For others, like Greek Cypriot Varosha native Kyriakos Charalambides watching on TV from his Nicosia home, it was a moment of bitterness and sorrow. Greek Cypriots fear the beach opening is only a first step to Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots completely taking over Varosha. “How can someone not be upset by what they have seen today?” the Greek Cypriot mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou told the Associated Press.
EU sanctions Belarus over election, gets in-kind response
Read full article: EU sanctions Belarus over election, gets in-kind responseEuropean Union leaders will be assessing the state of their economy and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on it during their final day of a summit meeting. Russia, in turn, said it would follow Belarus' lead on sanctioning officials in the 27-nation European bloc, while the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it had followed the EU and imposed sanctions on eight Belarus officials. The EU leaders suggested that Lukashenko, once dubbed Europe’s last dictator, could be subject to sanctions later, if he does not enter into talks with his country's political opposition. Cyprus wanted its EU partners to also impose sanctions against Turkey for its energy exploration work in waters where the Mediterranean island nation claims exclusive rights before it would agree to the Belarus sanctions. At the same time, he said EU leaders have left the door open to impose them at their next scheduled summit in December, if Ankara doesn’t cease and desist by then.
Lavrov: Russia ready to help ease Turkey-Greece tension
Read full article: Lavrov: Russia ready to help ease Turkey-Greece tensionRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, talks as the Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiades looks on prior to their meeting at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Lavrov is paying an official visit to Cyprus amid heightened tensions over Turkey's search for energy resources in east Mediterranean waters where Greece and Cyprus claim as having exclusive economic rights. (Iakovos Hadjistavrou/Pool Photo via AP)NICOSIA Russias foreign minister said Tuesday that Moscow is ready to help ease rising tensions over Turkey's search for energy reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. The embargo was directed against the southern, Greek Cypriot part of the island, where Cyprus internationally-recognized government is seated. We believe that Russia is playing a very destabilizing role in the region, especially in Syria, Garber said.
Turkey criticizes US decision to lift Cyprus arms embargo
Read full article: Turkey criticizes US decision to lift Cyprus arms embargo(Greek Defense Ministry via AP)ANKARA Turkey called on the United States to reconsider a decision to partially lift a 33-year-old arms embargo against Cyprus, saying Wednesday that the move disrupts equality and balance between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities on the ethnically divided island nation. It was directed against the southern, Greek Cypriot part of the island, where Cyprus' internationally recognized government is seated. Cyprus split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Turkey, the only nation to recognize a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the island's north, maintains more than 35,000 troops there. Ambassador to Cyprus Judith Garber said the lifting of the embargo strengthens the U.S.-Cyprus security partnership while boosting regional security.
Cyprus: EU partners aim to rein in Turkey's 'expansionism'
Read full article: Cyprus: EU partners aim to rein in Turkey's 'expansionism'Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, right, and Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representativeand Vice-Presidentof the European Commission, speak during a joint news conference, in Ankara, Turkey, Monday, July 6, 2020. Unfortunately, we're talking about an agitator that's seeking to dominate the entire eastern Mediterranean and place under its control a number of countries that ring the eastern Mediterranean," Anastasiades said. Cyprus joined the EU in 2004, but only the internationally recognized south enjoys full membership benefits. Cavusoglu held talks Monday with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who traveled in a bid to ease tensions. Turkey's top diplomat said Ankara expects the bloc to act as an honest broker with regard to energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean instead of expressing its backing for Cyprus' rights.
Split Cyprus' rival sides agree crossings' partial opening
Read full article: Split Cyprus' rival sides agree crossings' partial openingAs of June 8, Turkish Cypriots who work, study or receive medical care in the south will be permitted to cross through points where vehicles can traverse, Cyprus government spokesman Kyriakos Koushos said. Vehicles can use most of the nine crossing points along a 120-mile (nearly 200-kilometer) U.N.-controlled buffer zone. The announcement came after Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades contacted Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci on the same day when most restrictions of a stay-at-home order in the south expired. Turkish Cypriots shut all crossing points a couple of weeks later. Cyprus was split 46 years ago when Turkey invaded following a coup aimed at union with Greece.