The Cyprus News Digest
Cyprus News Digest 18th December 2015

DISY leader Averof Neophytou (pictured) and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat say "A United Cyprus is Feasible"; we discuss the implications of the Auditor General's report and the problem of corruption in Cyprus

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:53am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 11th December 2015

The 'Renewal' project brings the people of Famagusta together through entrepreneurship, art and food (pictured); a host of varied Christmas events are coming up at the CVAR, and 2015 is the 150th anniversary of Sibelius' birth.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:57pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 4th December 2015

We take an in-depth look at media freedom, especially in the European Union's Eastern Partnership countries and Russia; ask how the Paris terrorist attacks may impact our access to information; speak to historian and author Orlando Figes (pictured) about how history affects our views of modern Russia, and hear about kids' workshops bringing together children from both sides of the Green Line. 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_4th_December_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:09pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 27th November 2015

25,000 people die every year in Europe due to antimicrobial resistance: to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day, we talk to the EU Health Commissioner and other experts about this ticking time-bomb; in the wake of the Paris attacks, Europe's Foreign Policy chief outlines a new approach to the bloc's neighbourhood policy; Amnesty International issues a new report on the failings and dangers of Europe’s response to the global refugee crisis (pictured).

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:41pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 13th November 2015

Is the EU's 'action plan' to tackle the refugee crisis enough? We talk at length to the head of the EU Commission Representation in Cyprus, George Markopouliotis (pictured); the International Organisation for Migration says migrants can make a positive contribution to host countries; the etchings of Edgar Chahine on show in Nicosia; it may be November, but A Christmas Carol will get you into the festive spirit.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:36pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 6th November 2015

The Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism, Klaus Regling (pictured) says reform must continue; Cyprus' Finance Minister is upbeat about the future; teddy bears are teaching children to be charitable; the link between music and war; a Supreme Court judge on the advantages of mediation.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:45pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 30th October 2015

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus addresses a bi-communal gathering on United Nations Day; the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (pictured) talks about escalating violence in Israel and Palestine; it's 15 years since the UN adopted Resolution 1325; mediation could cut the backlog of cases at Cyprus' courts.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:47pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 23rd October 2015

The impact of ISIS on Middle East politics; stop the squeeze-out: a campaign to make orange juice "fair"; access to healthcare in the UK for expatriates; Cyprus' European Citizens of the Year (pictured), and exploring sovereignty in areas of conflict.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_23rd_October_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:50pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 16th October 2015

Our right to privacy is being redefined by 'the war on terror' says Professor Victoria Bernal (pictured); Italian Culture Month gets under way; using creative innovation and culture to explore new commercial opportunities in Cyprus.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:22pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 9th October 2015

The International Short Film Festival promises exciting viewing; the policing of human trafficking; paralympic gold medal cyclist Simon Richardson (pictured) visits Cyprus to encourage cycling safety

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:59pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 2nd October 2015

800 years after it was signed by an unwilling King John, the Magna Carta is still considered to be an important document. Desmond Browne QC (pictured) spoke about its significance at the British High Commission in Nicosia this week; we talk to two of the keynote speakers at a conference on 'Best Practices in Combatting Human Trafficking'; and the 7th International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival kicks off.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:30pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 25th September 2015

This year's Cyprus Rally is the fastest in its 44 year history; the Polish Lotos Rally Team are eyeing the European Rally Championship; the United Nations "International Day of Peace" is marked with a candle lighting ceremony in the buffer zone (pictured) 

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:13am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 18th September 2015

Motor sport fans are gearing up for the Cyprus Rally; people across the island are mobilising to support Syrian refugees (pictured); how well do you look after your heart?

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:14am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 11th September 2015

Cypriot leaders Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Ackinci (pictured) talk about their joint vision for the reunification of Cyprus; coping with refugees and their integration into the community; a bi-communal Europe Direct office opens in the buffer zone; two artists present an alternative 'Vision of Nicosia'.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:16am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 4th September 2015

The President honours a long-serving member of the Overseas Cypriots (pictured), the UN clears mines from the buffer zone, and the Kypria International Festival brings us a feast of culture.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:03am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 14th August 2015

As Cyprus marks the anniversary of the second wave of the Turkish invasion in 1974, a British film documenting the displacement of villagers from Phlamoudhi will be shown on television - we talk to those involved (pictured); the Fatherhood Initiative aims to get Cypriot fathers more involved in their children's upbringing.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:25pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 30th July 2015

The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini (pictured) consults civil society in Cyprus; three teams are selected for the European finals of Climate Launchpad; will the people of Famagusta soon be able to return? There are some improvements in Cyprus' record on human trafficking - but there's still a long way to go.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:09am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 23rd July 2015

All bus rides in Cyprus will be free of charge on July 24th 2015; we discuss energy issues and options with Sir Michael Leigh (pictured), an expert from the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) who has been briefing Cyprus government officials on new policy papers.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:27pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 16th July 2015

British experts are back in Cyprus to help with public sector reforms; MPs at Westminster met recently to discuss progress on the Cyprus issue; the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide (pictured) is upbeat about the Cyprus negotiations, telling a Nicosia audience "this is for real".

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:11pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 9th July 2015

Cyprus' former Finance Minister Michalis Sarris (pictured) discusses the Greek crisis; we hear about a series of public debates on issues that are not often discussed; AIPFE Cyprus sets out its action plan.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:35pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 2nd July 2015

Israel hijacks a boat on the high seas: we talk to one of the founders of the Free Gaza Movement (pictured); should a different methodology be adopted for the Cyprus settlement negotiations? Animal rights activists demonstrate outside the Presidential Palace.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:51am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 25th June 2015

Deputy Minister to the President, Constantinos Petrides (pictured), says there's an urgent need for reform of the Civil Service, and his measures should be passed by Parliament before the summer recess; the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, George Lakkotrypis, says things are getting better for Cyprus businesses; Irish experts share their best practices on entrepreneurship; you can broaden your horizons with a MOOC.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:31pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 18th June 2015

We discuss a conference on Trafficking in Women for Labour Exploitation in Domestic Work with three of the keynote speakers; hear about the International Lady Margaret Cavendish Conference from Professor Jim Fitzmaurice (pictured), and upcoming events - including a call for your videos by France's Arte TV. 

 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_18th_June_2015_16b.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 7:57pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 11th June 2015

'Bloomsday' will be celebrated with a night of Irish Literature in Nicosia; the Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development urges us to "Say No to plastic bags"; the bi-communal Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage is preparing for the ceremony to mark the restoration of Othello's Tower in Famagusta (pictured)

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:17pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 4th June 2015

Solar-powered cars take to the streets of Nicosia; environmental NGO's campaign against government proposals to legalise bird trapping (pictured); the UN and EU express "hope" for a Cyprus settlement; the Ecofestival celebrates natural products.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_June_4th_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:51pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 28th May 2015

We discuss EU development goals for the Middle East and North Africa, and talk to Professor Farid Mirbagheri (pictured) about the political dynamics of the region; an exhibition to mark International Biodiversity Day; the Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:00pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 21st May 2015

After almost 2 years, a Turkish Cypriot couple (pictured) are still waiting for the case brought against them for flying a Republic of Cyprus flag outside their shop in Famagusta to be heard in court; the Pharos International Chamber Music Festival gets under way with world-renowned musicians performing in unique settings; historic cars take to the roads 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_May_21st_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:56pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest May 14th 2015

We meet Cyprus' Eurovision hopeful John Karayiannis (pictured) and the composer of his song; European NGOs call on citizens to sign their 'Nature Alert'; the GSP stadium complex hopes to attract foreign athletes to train in Cyprus.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_14th_May_2015_16b.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:54pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 7th May 2015

A popular movement hopes to open a crossing between Dherynia and Famagusta; Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was the topic of discussion at the University of Nicosia this week, sponsored by the Spanish embassy. It follwed a screening of the Bref documentary by Christina Pitouli (pictured) 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_May_7th_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:33pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest April 30th 2015

The European Parliament is clamping down on the use of plastic bags - we talk to Rapporteur Margrete Auken (pictured); Cypriot MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou talks about his work, and his desire for a Cyprus settlement.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_April_30th_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:23am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 23rd April 2015

Opito launches in Cyprus for best practice in the oil and gas industry, we talk to their Chief Executive David Doig (pictured); and art is blossoming in Limassol.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_April_23rd_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:23pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 9th April 2015

The UN expects Cyprus negotiations to restart soon; will cuts in pharmaceutical prices lead to some medicines becoming unavailable in Cyprus?  Quentin Cooper (pictured) talks about the fascination of science, and FameLab.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:16pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 27th March 2015

Where do you keep yours? That's a question being asked by the British Foreign Office; humanitarian organisations slam the UN over Syria; a man before his time: Sir Walter Sendall's time as Governor of Cyprus is documented in a new book (pictured)

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_26th_March_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:05am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 19th March 2015

Nicosia's Town Hall gets "greened" for St Patrick's day; 21st March is World Down's Syndrome Day; the intriguing story of Shakespeare's backstabbing 'supporters' - we talk to Chris Laoutaris (pictured) about his book 'Shakespeare and the Countess'. 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_20th_March_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:11am MSK

Cyprus News Digest March 12th 2015

The tragic life of Cyprus' last queen, Katerina Cornaro, brought to life; working towards better security for tourists: Peter Castleton (pictured) from Brighton and Hove on the UK's south coast shares best practice; more scandals are brewing in the banking sector.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:25pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 5th March 2015

A new survey suggests that Greek and Turkish Cypriots are moving further apart; Cyprus ranked 22nd out of 28 countries in the EU digital index; Mario Draghi (pictured), President of the European Central Bank, announced that interest rates would remain unchanged after the ECB Governing Council held its meeting in Nicosia. 

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:26am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 26th February 2015

Do you know your consumer rights as a European citizen? An award for engineering excellence; victims of human trafficking in Cyprus are being left destitute by inadequate government agencies: we discuss the problems with Doros Polykarpou (pictured) of KISA (Action for Equality, Support, Anti-racism).

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:55am MSK

The Cyprus News Digest 19th February 2015

Musical theatre with the Limassol Theatre Arts School's original production of 'Frozen'; Eurobarometer 82 shows Cypriots are concerned about unemployment and the economy, but EU Commission Representation Head George Markopouliotis (pictured) says the issues are being addressed; a local NGO is offering free legal advice to asylum seekers.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_19th_February_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:55pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 12th February 2015

The European Citizen's Award goes jointly to a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot nominated by Cyprus' MEPs including Neoklis Sylikiotis (pictured); One Billion Rising to protest violence against women; Cyprus has one of the highest rates in the world of Caesarean sections - we ask the Medical Association why.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_Frbruary_12th_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:43pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest February 5th 2015

After the demise of Cyprus Airways, Cyprus' Transport Minister Marios Demetriades (pictured) admits that the state was "not efficient" running a state-owned airline; YinAlithea aims to empower women; the Cyprus National Health scheme will rely on family doctors: a new course in Nicosia offers the requisite training.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_February_5th_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:36pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest 29th January 2015

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, reports to the Security Council; we talk to Boogie Woogie ambassador Axel Zwingenberger (pictured), and hear about the Cyprus Friendship Programme.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:48am MSK

Cyprus News Digest 22nd January 2015

Despite falling oil and electricity prices, Cypriot consumers are seeing no reduction in retail prices; Cyprus football is reeling from match-fixing allegations that point the finger at some of the sport's top officials. We discuss the effect this is having on the game with Spyros Neophytides (pictured), Chairman of the Players' Association and a board member of FIFPro.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:56pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest January 15th 2015

Improving your communication skills can improve your life; we discuss the proposed foreclosures legislation and ask what protection is in place for primary residences.

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Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:25pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest January 8th 2015

Rachel Moran (pictured) became a prostitute at the age of 15. Seven years later she turned her life around and wrote a book: ‘Paid For: My Journey Through Prostitution’. She gives a chilling insight into prostitution and its consequences. The camp housing Syrians rescued from a sinking ship off the Cyprus coast last September is to close; we ask what will become of the migrants – one of whom was recently found hanged?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_January_8th_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:18pm MSK

Cyprus News Digest January 1st 2015

Professor David Haslam (pictured), Chairman of NICE, on the need for medical guidance for GPs; putting past tragedy behind them, a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot work for reconciliation; a photography exhibition that captures the memory of conflict; a new book looks at options for resolving the Cyprus problem. 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_January_1st_2015.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:12pm MSK

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