The Cyprus News Digest

Cyprus' Parliament reduces the penalties for poaching and illegal bird trapping, and efforts continue to cull the invasive lion fish which is now rampant in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_18th_December_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 2:56pm MSK

Asylum seekers have been sleeping on pavements outside the Immigration offices after being denied the opportunity to register their claims; Cyprus' Parliament passes new animal welfare legislation.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_11th_December_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:38pm MSK

A founding member of Jewish Voice for Labour discusses the conflict in Palestine and the Israel lobby in the UK; the Cyprus Refugee Council calls for donations of warm clothing for asylum seekers housed in tents.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_4th_December_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:58am MSK

The Swedish Embassy throws a lifeline to the Home For Cooperation; we hear from international panellists at the Economist's 16th Cyprus Summit.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_27th_November_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 2:25pm MSK

Is annexation on the cards for northern Cyprus? Emotions are running high after Tayip Erdogan's visit; the University of Cyprus is looking for volunteers for a new study into Covid-19 antibodies.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_20th_November_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:32pm MSK

As Tayip Erdogan makes plans to picnic on the beach in fenced-off Varosha, we discuss the legal implications of infringing the buffer zone in Cyprus, and activists from the End Corruption platform vow to continue their protests demanding concrete action from the government.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_13th_November_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:30pm MSK

The EU Commission calls on Cyprus to fully implement the EU rules on the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at the trial in criminal proceedings; new Covid-19 protocols and restrictions come into force.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_6th_November_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:59pm MSK

We meet the journalist who exposed the Cyprus Papers and hear from the Minister of Education about the challenges facing our schools

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_23rd_October_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 2:36pm MSK

A tumultuous week in Cyprus has seen angry demonstrations against corruption, and the resignation of the President of the House of Representatives. We ask: what comes next?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_16th_October_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:52pm MSK

The University of Cyprus is mapping changes in the Arctic Ocean; and we ask how can you tell when someone is being less than honest? We discuss the art of deception and how to spot it.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_9th_October_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:38am MSK

Traffic cameras should be up and running early next year. The Transport Minister discusses road safety, public transport and his ministry's priorities.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_2nd_October_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:03pm MSK

The British Council celebrates its 80th anniversary in Cyprus; we take Nicosia's Mayor to task about the untimely pollarding of trees; the EU Commission President delivers her State of the Union address, and the Cyprus Forum next weekend aims to influence policy makers on reform

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_25th_September_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:54pm MSK

A leading human rights lawyer says the policy of pushing refugee boats back to Lebanon breaks both Cypriot and international law; we visit a centre offering support to people with dementia.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_18th_September_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:35am MSK

A new 'creative non-fiction' book takes its inspiration from volunteer work with refugees in Greece and Cyprus; Nicosia Municipality offers support schemes for the children of third country nationals

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_11th_September_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:32pm MSK

Some of Cyprus' most endangered species are falling foul of our renewable energy sources; a month of culture starts tomorrow with the Kypria Festival.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_4th_September_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:47am MSK

Is there more than meets the eye behind the plans to shut down slum dwellings in Nicosia's old city, and - with no coordinated housing policy in place - what will happen to the people evicted ?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_28th_August_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:31pm MSK

Improving air quality, public transport and animal welfare, and protecting the coast of Cyprus are just some of the priorities of the new leader of the Green Party.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_7th_August_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:50pm MSK

We discuss the appalling treatment of some migrant workers in Cyprus and find out how the environment could be a catalyst for peace-building on the island.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_31st_July_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 2:00pm MSK

We look in-depth at the challenges facing one of Cyprus' most important sectors: shipping, and, as she heads back to the Netherlands after 4 years on the island, the Dutch Ambassador looks back over her time in Cyprus

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_24_July_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:10am MSK

The Deputy Minister for Digital Policy outlines his ministry's ambitious plans to transform our government and society; a citizens' initiative, Gardens of the Future, could reshape our cities. 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_17th_July_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:26am MSK

As one area of the capital's new infrastructure is completed, Nicosia's Mayor prepares for the revamp of its central avenue: expect some traffic disruption for 18 months; the head of the Forest Department discusses tree felling and the law.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_10th_July_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:25pm MSK

More dithering in the House of Representatives about Politically Exposed Persons and non-performing loans as a new committee is formed to tackle the issue - but will they? Mature trees in Cyprus are being felled indiscriminately to make way for new developments and roads

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_3rd_July_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:38pm MSK

The Interior Minister comes under pressure at the House Human Rights Committee to rectify the situation at the Pournara detention camp; St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral holds a book fair to replenish the coffers after lockdown

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_26th_June_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:25pm MSK

Electoral reform is shelved again; the UNHCR highlights the plight of asylum seekers in Cyprus; the EU Commission explains its Climate Pact

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_19th_June_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:55pm MSK

Greek Cypriots open their homes to Turkish Cypriot workers who can't cross back to the north until July; could Cyprus generate all the electricity it needs - and more - from solar power?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_12th_June_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:49pm MSK

The House Internal Affairs Committee will work through the summer so that the bill for local authority reform can go to the vote in the autumn; more developments encroach and threaten Cyprus' most important wetland

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_5th_June_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 8:18am MSK

Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios outlines the plans for reopening airports and hotels; researchers in Cyprus say the two metre social distance may not be enough in certain weather conditions

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_29th_May_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:18pm MSK

We've already had some devastating forest fires this year: the head of the Forestry Department explains what we can do to help prevent more; the Employers and Industrialists Federation hopes that flexible working could become the norm

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_22nd_May_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:45pm MSK

A legal expert on data protection discusses teachers' objections to the plans for distance learning in state schools; a man is jailed for an offence committed before a new law came into force, and regulations are to be tightened with regard to the sale of pets.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_15th_May_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:24pm MSK

It's International Thalassaemia Day; air pollution has dropped dramatically during the Cyprus lockdown; celebrate Europe Day online; should a 16-storey tower block be built in the classical, colonial heart of Nicosia?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_8th_May_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:32pm MSK

Restrictions in Cyprus are gradually being lifted, but we must still maintain social distancing, and we discuss the health and social issues faced particularly by the elderly  

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_1st_May_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:13pm MSK

As the lockdown continues, we hear about the benefits of yoga to keep you healthy in mind, body and spirit - and try out some basic postures

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_24th_April_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:07pm MSK

An online diagnostic tool can help you decide if you need to see the doctor about Covid-19; Cyprus' parliament postpones a vote on allowing the kosher slaughter of sheep and goats for export - we find out why - and it's not altogether to do with animal welfare

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_17th_April_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:29pm MSK

In total contradiction to the Cyprus government's edicts on hygiene and social distancing, asylum seekers are being locked in detention camps without basic facilities, sleeping up to 6 in tents that are now flooded after recent heavy rainfall

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_10th_April_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:08pm MSK

Lifestyle medicine can help you cope with social distancing and isolation: an expert from the University of Nicosia Medical School shares top tips to ensure you look after both your mental and physical well-being

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_3rd_April_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:25pm MSK

How would you cope, locked alone in a hotel room for 14 days' quarantine? We talk to someone who is remaining resolutely positive about it; and a call goes out for blood donors - you are allowed to go out for this

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_27th_March_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:48pm MSK

Conditions have improved for those quarantined because of Covid-19: we get the latest updates on the situation in Cyprus; with theatres closed, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra is going to stream concerts online

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_21st_March_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:55pm MSK

Why are companies paying banks to use their money? We discuss the impact of negative interest rates, and talk to an eminent virologist about coronavirus and what you can and should do about it.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_13th_March_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:21am MSK

Owners of properties in fenced-off Varosha are urged to act quickly to prevent them being given to Turkish developers; despite closing 4 checkpoints purportedly to prevent the spread of Covid-19, people can still cross without health checks; sign up quickly for FameLab 2020

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_6th_March_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:33am MSK

Is Artificial Intelligence something to celebrate - or fear? Theoretical physicist Prof Marc Mezard discusses the pros and cons; and how did different faiths and communities interact under Ottoman rule in Cyprus?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_28th_February_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:06am MSK

NGOs move to mount legal challenges to decisions that impact the environment; there's some good news for a change about our birds, and young hackers are invited to enter the Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_21st_February_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:23pm MSK

How safe are journalists and their sources from interference, threats and even violence? Moves are afoot to use 'technology for truth' to help whistle-blowers fight corruption.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_14th_February_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:46pm MSK

Despite ranking lowest in the EU on health spending, there's some good news for Cyprus; we hear about the 'Peace Dividend' that would follow the island's reunification, and the fight to save Cyprus' griffon vultures 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_7th_February_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:33pm MSK

Non Performing Loans and Politically Exposed Persons: it's high time our lawmakers took conflict of interest seriously; more funds are needed if we're to save our ancient monuments; a Cypriot runs a charity that helps needy people in Birmingham

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_31st_January_2020.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:25am MSK

Will a 15 year legal battle end a British man's anguish at the Supreme Court today? It's cervical cancer week - what do you know about HPV? "Risks in a challenging world" is this year's topic at the Economy Panel; and a film premiere about Cypriots in Birmingham 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_24th_January_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:03am MSK

Following the Ayia Napa rape case, the Legal Affairs Committee is discussing making the recording of police interrogations in Cyprus mandatory; the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative will prioritise "Greening Cyprus for a Sustainable Future" at its upcoming AGM

 

 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_17th_January_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:59pm MSK

In the wake of the Ayia Napa rape case we ask whether the police and judiciary in Cyprus are fit for purpose

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_10th_January_2020.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:33pm MSK

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