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

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.

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) 

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?

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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. 

'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)

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.

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.

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 

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.

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) 

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.

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.

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.

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)

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'. 

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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. 

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, talks exclusively to the Cyprus News Digest. Former Cyprus President George Vassiliou (pictured) speaks frankly about his life, his time in office, and the catalogue of missed opportunities to solve the Cyprus problem.

Energy questions drive global politics: we talk to Gal Luft, (pictured) co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security; Classic cars on a Christmas fundraiser; Freedom Dolls launch a Christmas single with Harri Kakloullis of Squeeze; 

The U.N. Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide (pictured), talks at length about the Cyprus issue, Europe and regional conflicts. Nicosia prepares for the 2nd Chocolate Festival; and it's pantomime time.

The 11th Cyprus Entrepreneurship competition; we talk to Henri Malosse (pictured), the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and hear from a lawyer who is risking jail and disbarment by undertaking civil disobedience.

British High Commissioner Ric Todd (pictured) talks about his hopes for his Cyprus tenure; Psychiatrist Dr Brenda Davies returns for a series of workshops; a lecture on the history of Nicosia airfield: from landing ground to international airport.

Proposed reforms for local government miss vital issues; Nicosia's Mayor (pictured) denies mismanagement of the revamp of the city centre; a Pop-Up Festival aims to breathe life back into the dying central shopping area of the capital, and local authorities face allegations of 'irregularities'.

Party leaders address the 10th Cyprus Summit organised by The Economist; Cyprus' Finance Minister says we must stay on the path of reform and avoid populism; Major General Kristin Lund (pictured) becomes the United Nations’ first ever female Force Commander.

Egypt's Foreign Minister (pictured) condemns Turkish incursions into Cyprus' EEZ; shocking EU figures show some 30,000 people are being trafficked in the bloc - we hear about measures to combat the trade in human beings; Evergreen Latzia: Limassol artists act against deforestation; help for the needy via Kindness in a Box.

Cyprus' Government Spokesman on the response to Turkey's incursion into the island's EEZ; Transport Minister Marios Demetriades discusses hybrid and electric mobility; Cleantech start-up winners; harpist Kathrin Pechlof (pictured) brings a new colour to jazz

We talk to one of the Syrian refugees (pictured) who was rescued off the coast of Cyprus recently - and ask if the government is being totally honest with them about their future; Sir Stelios Hadjioannou's "food from the heart" for needy Cypriots; Dance House Lefkosia promotes its new home.

A transparency/whistle-blowing hotline is launched in Cyprus; we meet the daughter of the only Governor of Cyprus (Sir William Denis Battershill, pictured) who is buried on the island; the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends raises funds for its home care scheme; the International Short Film Festival kicks off with 3D mapping.

The death toll in the Mediterranean rises, while Europe looks the other way: we discuss Amnesty International's latest report with John Dalhuisen (pictured), Amnesty International's Programme Director for Europe and Central Asia. 'Writing Nicosia'; should we want our children to be happy? And theatre on a rooftop;

The Centre for Visual Arts and Research opens in Nicosia; Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran, former president of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (pictured) says Caesarean section rates can have a serious impact on child health; artist Stass Paraskos is honoured in Leeds; Cyprus and the First World War

How important is oil for ISIS, and the Kurds, in Iraq - and who is buying it? Rafiq Latta (pictured) writes for the Energy Intelligence Group; Refugee integration - or the lack of it - in Cyprus; the Cyprus Rally will cross into the Turkish Cypriot areas for the first time; downloadable booklets to help carers of people suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia.

'To Hell with Culture' - as the film premieres in Cyprus we talk to the son of famed art critic and anarchist Herbert Read; is Cyprus' coastline up for sale? and Recep Tayip Erdogan (pictured) makes some ambiguous statements on a visit to northern Cyprus. We discuss what effect his election to the Turkish Presidency might have on Cyprus' reunification negotiations.

Cyprus goes 'back to school': we hear about an essay competition, and a plan to introduce school 'swap shops', and we discuss the implications of Recep Tayip Erdogan's election as President of Turkey with James Ker Lindsay (pictured), Senior Research Fellow at the London School of Economics,

Cyprus' Foreign Minister (pictured) says the British Bases can be used for attacks on ISIS; the Russell Tribunal on Palestine convenes an extraordinary session in Brussels; Limassol's wine festival kicks off.

Energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean - as Israel decides to send gas to Egypt, what next for Cyprus gas, and can Gaza utilise its reserves? We talk to Fiona Mullen (pictured) from Sapienta Economics. From Fukushima to Cyprus: raising awareness about the fallout from the Fukushima nuclear disaster; the British Council holds the Education UK clearing exhibition.

Volunteering is to be introduced into Cypriot schools; we talk to Israeli activist Miko Peled about the situation in Gaza; Dave de Rose hold a drumming workshop in Cyprus. 

A new film, The Faces of Phlamoudhi, chronicles the lives of villagers driven from their village in the 1974 Turkish invasion; the view from Jerusalem: the temporary Dean of St Paul's Cathedral talks about conflict resolution in Palestine; Cyprus Health Minister Philippos Patsalis (pictured) explains the workings of the new National Health scheme.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry says Hamas is to blame for the death of children in Gaza; Jewish Voice for Peace is rallying global support to end the occupation of Gaza; Cyprus' former Finance Minister discusses the Cyprus Central Bank's decision to place the Federal Bank of the Middle East under resolution.

Cyprus' Minister of Labour discusses the new Guaranteed Minimum Income law; Archaeologist Joan Breton Connelly challenges accepted wisdom on the Parthenon; citizens demand an end to illegal works on Cyprus' coastline.

Learn Greek in one weekend with Language Transfer; Italy assumes the EU Presidency; villages in Cyprus face water shortages this summer. 

The United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) has published  its conclusions on the Republic of Cyprus; the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama kicks off in Paphos; Cyprus' Ladybug project reaches the finals of the Imagine Cup; The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) revealed in a hilarious and frank expose by Peter McDonagh.

Shocking figures are released by the UNHCR on World Refugee Day; the head of Cyprus' asylum services says some asylum seekers cheat the authorities; after a damning World Bank report, the Minister of Education, Costas Kadis (pictured) says reforms can be implemented; and there's some good news for people who took legal action in UK after being mis-sold mortgages and property in Cyprus.

The head of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) talks about the agreement signed with Cyprus (pictured); we hear about an independent Cypriot film that premieres this week, and discuss the new law aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse. 

Bridging the divide in Cyprus through dialogue; we talk to the chief of the RSPB's investigations unit; and hear about the Peace Dividend: a solution to the Cyprus problem could benefit the island to the tune of 20 billion euros, according to a report published last week co-authored by economist Fiona Mullen (pictured).

Anna Vissi supported Cyprus' first ever Gay Pride march which brought thousands out onto the streets; former British deputy Prime Minister John Prescott talks about climate change; and moves to ensure the conservation of Europe's fly-ways for migrating birds, hundreds of thousands of which are illegally trapped in Cyprus each year. 

US Vice President Joe Biden wraps up his visit to Cyprus, thousands of Turkish Cypriot voters are disenfranchised by a fiasco at the EU elections - one of the candidates, Deniz Birinci (pictured) says the election must be re-run; we hear about 'cultivating peace, one heart at a time', and Cyprus prepares for its first ever Gay Pride march.

Former British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott discusses the Ukraine crisis; Europeans go to the polls to elect the new Parliament; Cyprus-based author Paul Stewart launches his new book; Scottish actor Matthew McVarish in Cyprus on The Road to Change, raising awareness about child sexual abuse.

Turkey is ordered to pay Cyprus 90 million Euros in a landmark ECHR decision - we discuss the implications with human rights lawyer Achilleas Demetriades (pictured), who says the Cyprus government should pay the same compensation received by Greek Cypriots from Turkey to relatives of the Turkish Cypriot missing persons. Can the Cyprus Rugby team extend its record-breaking run of 22 consecutive wins? The Pharos International Chamber Music Festival kicks off next week; the UN Special Representative in Cyprus hails the Home For Co-operation in the buffer zone; 

This week we discuss the change in Cyprus' policy on renewable energy, talk to Hungary's Ambassador at large for Energy, Dr Anita Orban (pictured); meet Russian businessman Andrey Dashin and his wife Julia as they launch their new charitable Foundation, and hear about "Let's Disrupt Cyprus". 

Wilde Conversations in Nicosia; the Visegrad group looks at energy options in the Eastern Mediterranean; Global Entrepreneurship Week kicks off in Cyprus; the Syrian crisis and migration policy in Cyprus and Europe; photographer Achilleas Zavallis (see picture) talks about his time in Syria documenting the conflict.

Making halloumi in Australia; 60 Cypriot Spiders - a new book launches next week; Ian Gillan of Deep Purple defends the band's decision to perform in the occupied north of Cyprus; Communications Minister Marios Demetriades (pictured) on the role of IT in Cyprus' economic growth. 

Viennese music at the Presidential Palace raises funds for handicapped children; Crimestoppers return to Cyprus looking for 11 fugitives from Gritish justice; the Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) warns that there are safety issues at the Tsirion Stadium in Limassol; and for the first time in 57 years, an orthodox Easter service will be held on Good Friday at Ayios Georgios Eksorinos church in Famagusta. Famagusta mayor Alexis Galanos (pictured) says it gives a message of hope.

The role of civil society in the peace process; the inauguration of Nicosia's new Waste Water Treatment Plant by EU Commissioner Stefan Fule, and Amnesty International exposes "a long-standing culture of impunity, entrenched racism and endemic violence" in the Greek police. 

Let's Do It Cyprus plans to clean up the island; could the apathy of European voters change the demographic of the European Parliament? Women take action to defend the right to abortion in Europe - we speak to the President of the European Women's Lobby Viviane Teitelbaum (pictured); The UN Special Advisor on Cyprus, Alexander Downer, shares some thoughts on the Cyprus problem.

The deadline for registration for the Euro elections is April 2nd; the International Dean of the Cyprus International Institute of Management on nationalised industries and the burden of austerity; once again Amnesty International condemns the way Cyprus treats migrants; UN Special Advisor Alexander Downer (pictured) prepares to leave Cyprus; Prince Charles wades in on the issue of illegal bird-trapping in Cyprus.

This week: Canadian veterans return to mark the 50th anniversary of their arrival in Cyprus as peacekeepers; changes to the UK visa application process in Cyprus; the Ambassador of Finland on Women in Politics; hip hop band Audiopharmacy; March 21st is World Down's Syndrome Day, and EU Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou (pictured) comments on Horizon 2020.

Rosie Charalambous talks about Peace Journalism with Professor Steven Youngblood; hears about the Diaspora Studies Centre Trust; discusses the Kosovo Experience; and is joined by Cypriot political commentator and journalist Andreas Paraschos to discuss the implications of the Cabinet reshuffle and the impact on DIKO of recent resignations. 

Rosie Charalambous talks to the Hungarian Minister of State, Ministry of National Economy, Prof Dr. Zoltan Csefalvay, hears about Russian and Ukranian soccer players making friends, and talks to MEP Mary Honeyball about the EU Parliament's resolution on prostitution.