The Cyprus News Digest

Cyprus will participate for the first time in the World Poetry Slam Championship; the Italian ambassador leaves with fond memories of Cyprus; the EU Commission Representation in Cyprus hosts an online discussion about migration and integration

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_17th_December_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:35pm MSK

Despite Covid restrictions, the Christmas mountain villages will go ahead; Italy honours Rita Severis for her contribution to bilateral cultural relations, and before leaving the island, the UN special advisor tells Cypriots not to give up hope for a Cyprus solution

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_10th_December_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:58am MSK

Could the Omicron Covid variant bring herd immunity? The EU Commission Vice President lambasts some MEPs about migration; Cypriots take to the streets to save the Akamas peninsula from unbridled development; it's been Italian cuisine week

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_3rd_December_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:47pm MSK

Birds flown in from Spain give a welcome boost to Cyprus' endangered Griffon Vulture population; will funding for the revamp of central Nicosia be withdrawn if cars are allowed to circulate? As Native Americans mark Thanksgiving we discuss the impact of their culture on US society

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_26th_November_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:39pm MSK

New research is studying antibodies in relation to Covid19; the outgoing head of UNFICYP addresses the 17th Annual Cyprus Summit; we talk to the leader of a project studying the epidemiology of dementia in Cyprus.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_19th_November_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:42pm MSK

The Parliamentary Ethics Committee discusses ways to ensure transparency in MP's declarations of assets; the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage receives the Europa Nostra Award; Cyprus was an important stop-off for 15th century travellers to the Middle East

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_12th_November_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:11am MSK

Gender equality isn't just about women: Sweden's Coordinator of Feminist Foreign Policy gives us the bigger picture; should Ecocide be added to the remit of the International Criminal Court? Larnaca goes digital with a virtual reality tour

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_5th_November_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:24pm MSK

Parliament ponders changes to maternity leave; dry stone walls can protect areas ravaged by wildfires and courses are being run to teach this ancient technique; young and old are invited to take part in the Nicosia City Run 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_22nd_October_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:18pm MSK

300,000 trees in Nicosia is getting back to work after lockdown; can you meet Birdlife Cyprus' latest challenge? A new exhibition examines Cypriot identity.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_15th_October_2021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:57pm MSK

Scientists from 20 countries meet in Cyprus next week with plans to address climate Change in the Eastern Mediterranean region; after 2 years, the Cyprus Robotics competition returns; Let's Do It Cyprus prepares for a national clean-up campaign

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_8th_October_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:19pm MSK

Cyprus' Deputy Minister for research and Innovation says the island's digital transformation is on track; everything students need to know can be found at the British Council's Study UK event; the Cyprus Forum aims to inform policy makers 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_1st_October_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:12pm MSK

We meet a Palestinian refugee whose life is the subject of a book about gender, identity and worth; and are you up for the Cyprus Space Apps challenge?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_24th_September_2021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:24pm MSK

Cyprus falls to Tier 2 in the Trafficking in Persons report, and victims aren't getting the support they should; a new tourist route offers hands-on experiences of the real Cyprus; an upcoming theatre production of 'Love, Loss and what I Wore'.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_17th_September_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:25pm MSK

As electricity prices rise, lobby groups are holding back reforms in the energy sector; booster jabs are on the cards for the over 65s but are they needed? Live music will be popping up in streets all over Cyprus next week

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_10th_September_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 9:35am MSK

The Cyprus Medical Association cannot sanction doctors being investigated for unethical behaviour or criminal offences until the lengthy judicial process is complete - until then, they can keep practising; a new App can take you on tours of Nicosia's monuments.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_3rd_September_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:27pm MSK

Will rescinding some Turkish Cypriot passports take Cyprus closer to partition? A new book looks at identity, belonging and sexuality in the Arab world; and two months of culture are upcoming with the Kypria Festival

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_27th_August_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:39am MSK

A new website maps holy sites for all faiths in Cyprus as a tool for reconciliation; come Christmas, mountain villages will turn into a winter wonderland; a free water station is installed at the island's first plastic-free beach

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_13th_August_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:46pm MSK

Fewer Covid tests means fewer recorded cases: will that move Cyprus up to the green category? The tourism sector is having to rely on 'staycations'; all work under direct sunlight should cease during the heatwave.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_6th_August_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:36pm MSK

President Erdogan announces the opening of part of Varosha in occupied Famagusta; a mob trashes the Sigma media headquarters; the Swedish embassy issues a 7-day sustainability challenge 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_23rd_July_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 5:08pm MSK

Cyprus gets a rap over the knuckles from the European Court of Human Rights; volunteers are needed at Zero Food Waste Cyprus and we look at other stories making the headlines this week

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_16th_July_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:44pm MSK

After the devastating wildfires, the authorities are called on to investigate the conditions under which agricultural workers are employed; many small businesses don't have the wherewithal or knowledge to implement health and safety rules; despite a spike in covid cases, hoteliers remain optimistic

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_9th_July_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:42pm MSK

Time is running out for Greek Cypriots to lay claim to their properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus; the healing power of lavender: free workshops kick off in Platres this weekend.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_2nd_July_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:32pm MSK

There's been a spike in cases of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, and young Cypriots are shunning the chance to get vaccinated; Cyprus' first 'sustainable park' is planned for Nicosia; we meet a musician who has emerged from lockdown with a new album that reflects on society and who we are.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_25th_June_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:13am MSK

Serious lead pollution has been found near Larnaca Salt Lake; the Chamber of Commerce explains its call for a deferment of the implementation of the single-use plastics directive; and you're invited to "re-discover your food" on Sunday

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_18th_June_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 3:57pm MSK

It's been on the cards for several years, but Cyprus businesses are asking for more time to implement the ban on single use plastic; the Health Ministry backtracks on which vaccinations are available to non-GESY patients

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_11th_June_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 11:40am MSK

16 months after closing, the crossings between north and south Cyprus open today; we discuss voting trends in the wake of the parliamentary elections; and fewer women MPs is a blow for gender equality.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_4th_June_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:00pm MSK

Great news on the bird front: ravens return to Akamas; we hear about a project to rescue unsold food for the needy, and - ahead of Sunday's election - we look at Cyprus' political system. 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_28th_May_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:30pm MSK

There are good incentives for Cypriots to 'staycation' and support the local hotel industry, the Pharos Chamber Music Festival makes a comeback, and St Paul's Cathedral welcomes the lifting of restrictions with a mini market.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_21st_May_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:53am MSK

Will voter apathy impact the upcoming elections? Mobile polling stations will enable those in isolation to cast their ballot; and we need more midwives in Cyprus. 

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_14th_May_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 4:40pm MSK

The government continues with illogical measures against covid; climate experts release a report on the Mediterranean for policy-makers, and where are the women in the team that will negotiate on the Cyprus problem?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_23rd_April_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:31pm MSK

Pregnant Covid positive women were forced to have a C-section in Cyprus; we ask why parliament delays passing legislation ahead of elections; students compete in the Scyence fair at the Cyprus Institute

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_16th_April_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:04pm MSK

Leading citizens have launched an online petition urging President Anastasiades to do 'whatever is necessary' at the Geneva conference to secure a successful outcome; our schools should base their emphasis on learning rather than teaching.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_9th_April_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:24pm MSK

Could the tourism industry lose another year's business if Britain extends its ban on foreign holidays? Today is World Autism Awareness Day: we discuss the challenges facing those on the autism spectrum.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_2nd_April_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:21am MSK

Overruling its environmental advisors, the government forges ahead with plans to build a highway through a protected area; the Cyprus Employers Federation says we must cut down the appalling waste of food in our hotels and restaurants

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_26th_March_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:55am MSK

Shoddy journalism in Cyprus is ignoring fact-checking and giving public figures free rein to peddle inaccuracies; your digital footprint has a massive impact on the environment - now is the time to clean it up; entries are invited for the Cyprus cyber security challenge

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_19th_March_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:42pm MSK

No quarantine or prior negative covid tests needed for tourists to Cyprus who've been vaccinated; companies domiciled in Cyprus have 6 months to give details of their shareholders and owners to a new Ultimate Beneficial Owner register

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_12th_March_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:56pm MSK

Cyprus Greens slam the government for allowing development on turtle hatching beaches; Rotary's pollinator project aims to bring benefits to insects; FOE accuses the EU Commission of breaking its own rules to roll back safety measures for GMOs.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_5th_March_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 2:28pm MSK

Following the demolition of protected, listed buildings by the Archbishopric, and the authorities' neglect in enforcing the law, MPs discuss changes to existing legislation; and we hear the shocking facts about food waste and its impact on climate change

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_26th_February_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:32pm MSK

Citizens are still reeling from the police violence at last week's protest against government corruption; a freedom of information act comes into force, and could the social welfare service have prevented the tragic murders in Tseri?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_19th_February_2021_b.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 6:39pm MSK

The World Bank publishes a study by the Cyprus Institute analysing the benefits of integrating green policies in the Covid-19 economic recovery; could the power-sharing model of Northern Ireland work in Cyprus to solve the Cyprus problem?

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_12th_February_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 1:22pm MSK

There was outrage this week after the Church of Cyprus demolished 4 listed buildings in old Nicosia which it had promised to restore as part of a project to build a new cathedral. We talk to the Technical Chamber, the Mayor and a leading lawyer about the illegalities - and possible solutions.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_5th_February_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 2:20pm MSK

If you haven't activated your National Health registration you won't be able to book a Covid vaccine or access your medical records; freedom of the press is under threat on both sides of the island

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_29th_January_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 12:05pm MSK

Irrational, politically motivated lockdown restrictions give exemptions to some groups while banning everyone else from enjoying the countryside; Nicosia's central square finally reopens after years of renovations

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_15th_January_2021.mp3
Category:News and politics -- posted at: 10:19am MSK

Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers died this week, we reprise a chat we had a few years ago about his life and career; the Ministry of Health is rolling out Covid vaccinations across the island.

Direct download: Cyprus_News_Digest_8th_January_2021.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:53am MSK

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