COUNCIL OF MINISTERS APPROVES CREATION OF FAST TRACK BUSINESS ACTIVATION MECHANISM

 

03-09-2020 17:06

Council of Ministers approves the creation of a Fast Track Business Activation Mechanism

The creation of a Fast Track Business Activation Mechanism for setting up a company in Cyprus by third country nationals was approved today by the Council of Ministers, aiming to attract foreign investment to the island. The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Natasa Pilides, in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Finance and Labour. According to its provisions, all necessary procedures for the registration and incorporation of a company in Cyprus will be completed within 7 working days from the day of submission of all required information to the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. Where additional permits are required for the operation of the business, they will be completed within 30 working days, with the exception of building and planning permits. In order to utilise the new Fast Track Business Activation Mechanism, interested companies should meet qualitative and quantitative criteria and, thus, contribute to the country’s economic growth. To benefit from the Mechanism, companies must create a physical presence in Cyprus, including personnel and independent offices, and have a minimum turnover of €500.000 per year in the last 3 years. For public health purposes, all health protocols applicable in the Republic of Cyprus will be adhered to when participants in the Mechanism arrive in Cyprus. For more information, interested parties can contact Katerina Solomou at 00357-22867193 or at ksolomou@meci.gov.cy. All details regarding Cyprus’ new Fast Track Business Activation Mechanism will soon be announced. (GA)

Read More

THREE NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES TODAY

 Filenews 3 September 2020

The Ministry of Health informs that, according to an update received today by the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit from contracting laboratories, a total of 2,149 laboratory diagnoses identified 3 new cases of COVID-19 disease.

In detail, virus-positive individuals emerged as follows:

• Of 594 samples taken through a private initiative, 1 case was identified.
• Of 115 samples taken from the Microbiological Laboratories of the General Hospitals, 1 case was identified.
• Of 35 samples taken as part of the migrant structure control programme, 1 case was identified.

In addition, the following laboratory tests were carried out, without the detection of a case:

• From samples taken under the programme of referrals by Personal Physicians and control of special teams through the Public Health Clinics, 112 laboratory diagnoses were completed,
• From samples taken through the process of tracing contacts of already confirmed cases, 129 laboratory tests were carried out,
• From samples taken in the context of passenger and repatriated checks, 1,116 laboratory diagnoses were completed, and
• Of the samples taken by the residents of Kato Pyrgos Tylliria, 48 laboratory diagnoses were completed.

Therefore, and on the basis of the data so far, the total number of cases amounts to 1,498.

In addition, four people tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus are being treated in a ward at Famagusta General Hospital. Two patients are being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Nicosia General Hospital.

Source: Eyenews

Read More

BILL PAYMENT AT POST OFFICES UNDER CONSULTATION

 Filenews 3 September 2020

In the Provision of Third Party Account Payment Services (other Government Departments, Public or Private Law Organizations, etc.), in the Postal Offices, in order to better serve the public, the Department of Postal Services of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works intends to proceed, responding, as it says, to the needs for the introduction of new services, differentiated from traditional postal services.

To this end, as stated today by the Department of Postal Services, the Council of Ministers at its meeting today approved, inter alia, a proposal by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works for the adoption of a relevant Decree giving the Department of Postal Services the opportunity to provide these services.

It adds that more details will be announced after the consultations have been concluded.

Read More

SUSPENSION OF MILITARY SERVICE FOR THOSE WITH UNIVERSITY PLACES IN BRITAIN

 Filenews 3 September 2020

The exceptional suspension of service for the soldiers of the 2020 Second ESSO who secured a place in the British Universities was decided by the Council of Ministers.

With this decision, recruits who have secured a place at British Universities are expected to benefit from the tuition fees that students from EU countries would pay this year, as Brexit-related variations are in place.

Interested parties will have to submit an application and details will be announced within the day.

It is recalled that 522 males had expressed an interest in studying in Britain through the common platform set up by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education. Some of them, of course, have already secured a place at the University of Cyprus. It is therefore understood that the number of males benefiting from the Cabinet's decision will not exceed 522, and there may be several fewer.

Source: eyenews  

Read More

GOV UK - CYPRUS - FUNERAL DIRCTORS [English speaking]

 

Cyprus: funeral directors

List of English-speaking funeral directors for British nationals abroad in Cyprus.

Published 23 January 2014
Last updated 3 September 2020 — see all updates

From:

Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Documents

List of funeral directors in Cyprus

ODT, 63.5KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

List of funeral directors in Cyprus north

ODT, 66.3KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Funeral directors feedback form

ODT, 9.9KB

This file is in an OpenDocument format

Details

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not accept any liability to any person or company for any financial loss or damage arising from the use of this information or from any failure to give information.

Read More

TEMPERATURES 45-46 DEGREES TOMORROW - ALL TIME RECORD

 Filenews 3 September 2020

Thermometers are expected to "break" tomorrow the mercury, since according to the Director of the Meteorological Service, Kleanthi Nikolaidis the temperature is expected to range from 45 to 46 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that the absolute maximum temperature was recorded on August 1, 2010 and was 45.6 degrees Celsius, a record that may be broken tomorrow.

The mercury is also soaring today, with the Weather Service issuing a red warning that goes into effect from 12 noon to 5 p.m. for a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius.

However, high temperatures in the highest mountains, where today they are expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius, also cause a sensation. The mountain record was 37 degrees Celsius on August 31.

The weather forecast in detail

Seasonal low pressure and hot gas mass affect the area.

Today the weather will be mostly atrium. Winds will blow in the morning variable patients, 3 boforts, to gradually become southeast as southwest and locally northwest, patients up to moderate, 3 to 4 boforts. The sea will be calm until a little turbulent and late afternoon, in the southwest, a little agitated. The temperature will rise around 43 degrees inland, around 37 in the east and southeast coasts, around 35 on the rest of the coast and around 36 degrees in the higher mountains.

Tonight the weather will be mostly atrium. Winds will become mainly northwesterly as northeast patients, 3 boforts and transient local to moderate, 3 to 4 boforts. The sea will be calm until a little turbulent, but initially, in the southwest, a little agitated. The temperature will drop around 26 degrees inland, southeast and east coasts, around 24 on the rest of the coast and around 25 degrees in the higher mountains.

On Friday and the weekend the weather will be mostly atrium.

The temperature will rise on Friday, while the weekend will gradually drop, but remain significantly above average climatic values, at least indoors and in the mountains.

Source: eyenews

Read More

DON'T BE THE VICTIM! FIND OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ONLINE SCAMS

 From Cyprus Police

Online social media fraud

 

Scammers target potential victims through dating websites, but they can also use social media or emails 

to contact their potential victims.

 

What are the readings?

- Their messages are often poorly worded and vague.

- Their online profile is inconsistent with what they tell you.

- Someone you've met recently online, first and foremost, is gaining your trust. He states that he has

strong feelings for you, asking you to contact you in private.

- They then ask you for money, gifts or details of your bank account or credit card. If you don't send the

money, they may try to blackmail you. If you send them, they'll ask you for more.

 

What can you do?

- Be very careful with the personal information you share on social media and dating websites.

- Always take risks into account. Scammers are present on the most trusted websites.

- Don't be in a hurry to answer and ask questions.

- Search the photo and profile of the person who has approached you to see if it has been used elsewhere.

- Be especially careful about orthographic errors and grammar and syntax errors, inconsistencies in their 

stories, and excuses, such as the fact that their camera is off.

- Do not share any material that could be used to blackmail you.

- If you agree to meet in person in person, let your family and friends know your destination.

- Pay huge attention to money transfer requests. Never send money, do not provide details of your 

credit card, bank account, e-banking codes or copies of your personal documents.

- Avoid sending cash advances.

- Don't transfer money for someone else: money laundering is a criminal offence.

 

Are you a victim?

- Don't feel ashamed!

- Stop all forms of communication.

- If possible, keep all communication history, such as conversation messages.

- File a complaint with the police.

 

Report the incident to the website where your fraudster first approached you. If you have provided 

details of your bank account, contact the bank you are working with.

Read More

MET SERVICE ISSUES HEAT WARNING FOR THURSDAY EVENING/EARLY FRIDAY

 Cyprus Mail 3 September 2020 - by George Psyllides

Temperatures in the mountains are expected to reach 25C

The Met service has issued an extreme heat warning for Thursday evening, with temperatures inland expected to reach 26C.

The warning will remain in place between 10pm and 6am Friday.

During that time, inland temperatures and the north east coast are expected to reach 26C with mountain regions seeing temperatures up to 25C.

Read More

TABBY CAT MISSING FROM KAMARES - HAVE YOU SEEN HER?

 

May we ask you to look out for a two year old cat called Pepper, pictured above, who has been missing from her home in Kamares Avenue for three days. She is very friendly, so maybe somebody has taken her in, thinking she doesn’t have a home. 
 
If you have any information please contact Debbie on 97 624831.

Read More

TURKISH CYPRIOT OFFICIAL - NO TENSIONS IF WATERS DIVVIED UP

 Associated Press 3 September 2020 - By Menelaos Hadjicostis, Associated Press

© Provided by Associated Press Ersin Tatar, prime minister of a self-declared Turkish Cypriot state recognized only by Turkey sits at his office by a Turkish flag in the Turkish occupied area in north part of divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Tatar says ongoing tensions over a hydrocarbons search off ethnically divided Cyprus would fade if Greek Cypriots drop their objections and agree to divvy up the country's territorial waters and drilling rights with breakaway Turkish Cypriots. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Tensions over the search for oil and gas off ethnically divided Cyprus would fade if Greek Cypriots agreed to divvy up the country’s territorial waters and drilling rights with Turkish Cypriots, according to the man who hopes to be the next leader of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state.

Ersin Tatar, prime minister of the self-proclaimed Turkish Cypriot state in Cyprus’ northern third, said such a deal should happen before there’s a resumption of United Nations-facilitated talks aiming at reunification.

“For us, the hydrocarbons issue is a test if the two side can agree or not,” Tatar told The Associated Press in an interview. “I believe that if we can agree on this matter, it will act as a catalyst to ensuring regional peace, Greek-Turkish friendship, as well as to resolving the Cyprus problem.”

© Provided by Associated Press Ersin Tatar, prime minister of a self-declared Turkish Cypriot state recognized only by Turkey sits at his office as a wall decorated with a picture of modern Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, in the Turkish occupied area in north part of divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Tatar says ongoing tensions over a hydrocarbons search off ethnically divided Cyprus would fade if Greek Cypriots drop their objections and agree to divvy up the country's territorial waters and drilling rights with breakaway Turkish Cypriots. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)

Tatar's proposal is a fresh take on an older Turkish Cypriot position on the tussle over gas deposits in the east Mediterranean that has again stoked tensions between Greece and Turkey recently.

However, the suggestion has been rejected as a non-starter by Cyprus’ internationally recognized government in the island's southern, Greek Cypriot part. It sees such a move as undermining its own territorial rights while obliquely conferring sovereign rights on an unlawful entity.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 file photo, men walk at the beach by a military guard post, right, in front of deserted hotels in an area used by the Turkish military in the Turkish occupied area in the abandoned coastal city of Varosha, Famagusta, southeast Cyprus. The man who hopes to be the next leader of the breakaway Turkish state in northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar says ongoing tensions over drilling for oil and gas would fade if Greek Cypriots drop their objections and agree to divvy up the country’s territorial waters and drilling rights. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias, File)

Tatar said he and Turkey favor setting up a joint committee of Greek and Turkish Cypriots to mark out waters in which each side will be entitled to search and drill for gas.

“Turkish Cypriots can’t have their rights ... kept in the freezer in the hope that one day the Greek Cypriots agree with them,” he said. “We must be able to claim our rights without a comprehensive settlement. Justice and the law necessitate that.”

Tensions in the eastern Mediterranean have escalated sharply in recent weeks as Greek warships shadowed Turkish naval vessels escorting survey and drill ships prospecting for gas in waters where Greece and Cyprus claim exclusive economic rights.

Only Turkey recognizes the Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence that was made after Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded in the wake of a coup aiming at union with Greece.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 file photo, Turkish and Turkish Cypriot breakaway flags are seen on a military guard post in front of the deserted hotels in an area used by the Turkish military in the Turkish occupied area, in the abandoned coastal city of Varosha in Famagusta, southeast Cyprus. The man who hopes to be the next leader of the breakaway Turkish state in northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar says ongoing tensions over drilling for oil and gas would fade if Greek Cypriots drop their objections and agree to divvy up the country’s territorial waters and drilling rights. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias, File)

Cyprus’ internationally recognized government in the southern, Greek Cypriot part insists the rights of Turkish Cypriots to the country’s natural resources are guaranteed under existing agreements encompassed in previous rounds of peace talks.

© Provided by Associated Press FILE - In this Sunday, Jan 6, 2019 file photo, a Greek Cypriot woman stands at the beach before the epiphany ceremony to bless the sea waters at Famagousta or Varosia beach in the abandoned city, seen in the background, in Cyprus. The man who hopes to be the next leader of the breakaway Turkish state in northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar says ongoing tensions over drilling for oil and gas would fade if Greek Cypriots drop their objections and agree to divvy up the country’s territorial waters and drilling rights. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias, File)

It has also proposed setting up an escrow account into which a portion of future gas proceeds earmarked for Turkish Cypriots — roughly proportionate to their population size — would be deposited.

Turkish Cypriots could access those funds even before a peace deal is reached if Turkey recognized the borders of European Union member Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.

Three sizable gas fields have so far been discovered in as many blocks inside Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone off its southern coast where energy companies including France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Exxonmobil are licensed to drill.

Turkey doesn’t recognize Cyprus as a state and claims 44% of its exclusive economic zone as falling within its own continental shelf. Turkish Cypriots claim another 25%.

“Let’s sit and talk about to whom these blocks belong,” Tatar said. “In this way, the crisis won’t get worse and everyone will know which blocks are theirs for drilling.”

Tatar, 60, who leads the right-wing National Unity Party, says polls show that he will edge out his main rival, leftist incumbent Mustafa Akinci, in a second round of presidential elections slated for mid-October.

He said decades of failed talks to reunify Cyprus as a federation makes it necessary to consider “alternative models” for reunification, including a confederated partnership of two sovereign states within the European Union.

“If we can’t agree on coming together under a federal roof, a ‘velvet divorce' is also a solution,” said Tatar. “It’s unrealistic at this point in time to say that ‘the only road is toward federation’ after all that has happened.”

Conversely, Akinci champions a federation of Greek and Turkish zones.

Tatar said there can be no peace deal without Greek Cypriots recognizing the minority Turkish Cypriots as equals in both sovereignty and decision-making powers at all levels of government, including sharing the island’s top executive post.

“We will have as much sovereignty as the Greek Cypriots,” he said. “Turkish Cypriots must take part in all decision-making mechanisms.”

He also rejected any notion of acceding to a Greek Cypriot demand to scrap the right to military intervention and military bases that the island’s 1960 constitution accorded to Greece, Turkey and former colonial ruler Britain.

Greece agrees to getting rid of intervention rights, while Britain has said it would have no objections if all sides agreed to abolish them.

Tatar said it’s Turkey’s military that has maintained the peace for nearly five decades, adding that according to opinion polls, “more than 85%” of Turkish Cypriots support “the continuation of the effective and active Turkish guarantees.”

Read More