World Press

JPost.com - Homepage: Trump touts poll that shows him with massive Orthodox Jewish support

By RON KAMPEAS/JTA — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:44:22 -0500

The poll shows 91 percent of respondents oppose impeaching Trump and that 89 percent approve of how he is doing his job.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: BGU researchers develop medical cannabis protocol for geriatric patients

By TAMAR BEERI — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:39:05 -0500

Due to the range of ages, the protocols nonetheless urge extra caution in older adults in case of multiple drug interactions.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Our View: MPs are strangely reluctant to discuss bad loan list of PEPs

CM: Our View — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 21:21:12 -0500

AKEL deputy Irini Charalambidou will not be very popular among her colleagues after making a fuss about the list of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) with non-performing loans (NPLs) that has been travelling between the legislature and Central Bank without the names ever being made public. The fact that the list existed was made public, however, and ever since a code of silence appears to have been adopted by our representatives, who are normally happy to make a fuss about the most inconsequential triviality.

Not on this matter however. The publication of the list would expose many of them to the people and could shed light on their continuous efforts to block the foreclosures bill when Cyprus was in the assistance programme. Perhaps this opposition, and the attempts to make the foreclosures law ineffective was not guided by any real concerns about the plight of house-owners, as they constantly claimed at the time, but by self-interest. This may be the cynical view, but as long as the legislature is trying to sweep the matter under the carpet, we are entitled to think the worst.

The list had been given to House president Demetris Syllouris by former governor of the Central Bank Chrystalla Georghadji before she was to leave her post. At his first meeting with the new governor Constantinos Herodotou, Syllouris returned the list to him asking him to carry out additional investigations. He cited some ridiculous reasons to justify his request – some of the people on the list had passed away while others had NPLs of a couple of thousand euros that were just unpaid credit card bills. Suspicions were raised that Syllouris wanted the matter hushed up.

This happened last April. In a letter Herodotou sent to Syllouris in July he explained the Central Bank was obliged to deliver the list to the legislature or a House committee if it was requested. A second letter followed in late November, but again nobody in the legislature showed any interest in asking for it. If it came to the House, it would have to be discussed and made public, which deputies quite clearly did not want to happen.

Charalambidou decided to take the initiative, as the chairman of the House watchdog committee, Zacharias Koulias showed no interest in formally requesting the list from the Central Bank. As vice-chairperson of the committee, Charalambidou has appealed to other members to make a decision on the matter, “so we are not left exposed before public opinion.” The truth is the entire legislature, not just the watchdog committee, will be exposed before public opinion if nobody takes delivery of the list and discloses its contents.

The post Our View: MPs are strangely reluctant to discuss bad loan list of PEPs appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: HRW raises alarm about future of Lebanese hospitals

By TARA KAVALER/THE MEDIA LINE — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:08:21 -0500

Rights group: If government does not act quickly, medical professionals may no longer be able provide treatment
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Israel 'very troubled' by Corbyn run in British election https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/israel-very-troubled-by-corbyn-run-in-british-election-3507267 …pic.twitter.com/GxUFKg2S54

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:00:01 -0500

Israel 'very troubled' by Corbyn run in British election https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/israel-very-troubled-by-corbyn-run-in-british-election-3507267 … pic.twitter.com/GxUFKg2S54

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: UN study: Israeli occupation costs Palestinians $2.5b. each year

By DIMA ABUMARIA/ THE MEDIA LINE — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 18:57:45 -0500

Report: Israel deprives PA of control over financial resources after failing to implement Paris Protocol
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Corbyn's loss is Jews and Israel's gain – analysis

By HERB KEINON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 18:35:46 -0500

For the vast majority in Britain, this election had to do with Brexit. That was the main issue of the campaign, that is what this election was all about.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey to start Canal Istanbul project ‘soon’: Erdoğan https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-to-start-canal-istanbul-project-soon-erdogan-3507255 …pic.twitter.com/PSb9ZggGlK

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 18:00:00 -0500

Turkey to start Canal Istanbul project ‘soon’: Erdoğan https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-to-start-canal-istanbul-project-soon-erdogan-3507255 … pic.twitter.com/PSb9ZggGlK

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Argentina govt to guarantee access to abortions in rape cases

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:54:06 -0500

"We are respectful of conscientious objection but conscientious objection cannot be used as an institutional alibi for not complying with the law," Gonzalez Garcia added.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Greenwood scores twice as Man United thrash AZ Alkmaar

Press Association — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:17:37 -0500

Teenager Mason Greenwood underlined his star quality by hitting a stunning brace as Manchester United beat AZ Alkmaar 4-0 to wrap up top spot in their Europa League group.

Following impressive Premier League victories against Tottenham and Manchester City, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side turned their attention to winning Group L against another team already guaranteed to be in Monday’s knockout phase draw.

AZ gave United a few scares during a sloppy first half but United eventually kicked into gear and roared to a convincing victory, with 18-year-old Greenwood’s exceptional double complementing efforts from elder statesmen Ashley Young and Juan Mata.

Winning Group L means United enter the round of 32 draw among the top seeds, avoiding the likes of Ajax, Benfica, Inter Milan and RB Salzburg.

It also means United are also guaranteed to play the second leg of February’s tie at Old Trafford, which witnessed an exciting glimpse of the future after a turgid first half.

Elsewhere, Diogo Jota became the first Wolves player in almost 50 years to score a European hat-trick after his treble beat Besiktas.

The substitute netted three times in 11 second-half minutes as Wolves routed the visitors 4-0, with Leander Dendoncker also scoring during a Europa League goal rush at Molineux.

But, despite their second-half heroics, Wolves finished second in Group K after Braga’s 4-2 comeback win in Bratislava.

It means Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will not be seeded for the last 32 when the draw is made on Monday.

Rangers meanwhile also qualified for the knockout stages after a 1-1 draw at home to Young Boys.

Europa League results on Thursday:

Group A – Apoel Nicosia 1-0 Sevilla, Qarabag 1-1 Dudelange
Group B – Dynamo Kiev 1-1 Lugano, Copenhagen 0-1 Malmo
Group C – Basel 2-0 Trabzonspor, Getafe 3-0 Krasnodar
Group D – PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Rosenborg, LASK 3-0 Sporting Lisbon
Group E – Cluj 2-0 Celtic, Rennes 2-0 Lazio
Group F – Eintracht Frankfurt 2-3 Vitoria Guimaraes, Standard Liege 2-2 Arsenal
Group G – Porto 3-2 Feyenoord, Rangers 1-1 Young Boys
Group H – Espanyol 0-1 CSKA Moscow, Ludogorets 1-1 Ferencvaros
Group I – Gent 2-1 Oleksandriya, Wolfsburg 1-0 Saint-Etienne
Group J – Borussia Monchengladbach 1-2 Basaksehir, Roma 2-2 Wolfsberger
Group K – Wolves 4-0 Besiktas, Slovan Bratislava 2-4 Braga
Group L – Manchester United 4-0 AZ Alkmaar, Partizan Belgrade 4-1 Astana

The post Greenwood scores twice as Man United thrash AZ Alkmaar appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Boris Johnson wins by landslide - exit polls

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:05:16 -0500

The prime minister will continue to serve in the same position, it may seem.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: BREAKING NEWS: British PM Johnson to win a majority of 86 – exit poll

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:04:24 -0500

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party will win a majority of 86 seats in Britain‘s election, giving him the numbers in parliament he needs to deliver Brexit on Jan. 31, an exit poll indicated on Thursday.

The exit poll showed Johnson’s Conservatives would win 368 seats, enough for a comfortable outright majority in the 650-seat parliament. Labour were forecast to win 191 seats, the Scottish National Party 55 seats and the Liberal Democrats 13.

Official results will be declared over the next seven hours.

In the last five national elections, only one exit poll has got the outcome wrong – in 2015 when the poll predicted a hung parliament when in fact the Conservatives won a majority, taking 14 more seats than forecast.

The post BREAKING NEWS: British PM Johnson to win a majority of 86 – exit poll appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: British PM Johnson to win a majority of 86 – exit poll

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:04:24 -0500

By Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Holton

Official results will be declared over the next seven hours.

If Johnson’s bet on a snap election has paid off, he will move swiftly to ratify the Brexit deal he struck with the European Union so that the United Kingdom can leave on Jan. 31 – 10 months later than initially planned.

Johnson called the first Christmas election since 1923 to break what he said was the paralysis of Britain‘s political system after more than three years of crisis over how, when or even if to leave the European Union.

The face of the “Leave” campaign in the 2016 referendum, 55-year-old Johnson fought the election under the slogan of “Get Brexit Done”, promising to end the deadlock and spend more on health, education and the police.

The exit poll was produced by three broadcasters – the BBC, ITV and Sky – who teamed up to jointly produce similar surveys in the last three elections, held in 2010, 2015 and 2017.

In 2010 and 2017, their exit polls accurately predicted the overall outcome and were close to forecasting the correct number of seats for the two main parties. However in 2015, it predicted a hung parliament when in fact the Conservatives won a majority, taking 14 more seats than forecast.

Johnson’s strategy was to breach Labour’s so called “Red Wall” of seats across the Brexit-supporting areas of the Midlands and northern England where he cast his political opponents as the out-of-touch enemies of Brexit.

While a majority will allow Johnson to lead the United Kingdom out of the club it first joined in 1973, Brexit is far from over: He faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in just 11 months.

After Jan. 31 Britain will enter a transition period during which it will negotiate a new relationship with the EU27.

This can run until the end of December 2022 under the current rules, but the Conservatives made an election promise not to extend the transition period beyond the end of 2020.

The post British PM Johnson to win a majority of 86 – exit poll appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey regained ‘initiative of diplomatic moves in East Med’ with Libya deal, says Greek expert https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-regained-initiative-of-diplomatic-moves-in-east-med-with-libya-deal-says-greek-expert-3

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 17:00:00 -0500

Turkey regained ‘initiative of diplomatic moves in East Med’ with Libya deal, says Greek expert https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-regained-initiative-of-diplomatic-moves-in-east-med-with-libya-deal-says-greek-expert-3507266 … pic.twitter.com/1gsdb9eREh

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Apoel beat Sevilla in Europa League

Press Association — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:37:21 -0500

Vujadin Savic ruined Sevilla’s perfect Europa League Group A record as he fired Apoel to a 1-0 victory in Nicosia over the Spanish side with both progressing at the expense of Qarabag and Dudelange, who drew 1-1 in Baku.

Elsewhere on Thursday night, Eintracht Frankfurt looked set to go through as Group F winners until they conceded two late goals to lose 3-2 to bottom side Vitoria Guimaraes, putting the Gunners through as group winners on 11 points, with the Germans second on nine.

Swedish side Malmo FF won their Scandinavian derby against FC Copenhagen, topping Group B ahead of their Danish rivals thanks to a 1-0 away win, while Dynamo Kiev slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat at home by bottom side Lugano to crash out.

Italian side Lazio were also eliminated after losing 2-0 away to bottom side Rennes, meaning that CFR Cluj of Romania, who beat Group E winners Celtic 2-0 at home, will join the Scots in the last 32.

Austrian side LASK finished top of Group D thanks to a superb 2-0 home win over Sporting Lisbon, who had goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro sent off as he conceded a 35th-minute penalty, with the Portuguese side finishing second.

In Switzerland, FC Basel scored a goal in each half as they cruised to victory in Group C with a comfortable 2-0 win over Trabzonspor, and they will be joined in the next round by Getafe, who hammered ten-man Krasnodar 3-0 at home.

The post Apoel beat Sevilla in Europa League appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Where does Amy Klobuchar stand on antisemitism, Israel in 2020?

By JTA — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:36:38 -0500

Where does Amy Klobuchar stand on issues that matter to Jewish voters in 2020?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Where does Cory Booker stand on antisemitism, Israel in 2020?

By JTA STAFF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:30:57 -0500

Where does Cory Booker stand on issues that matter to Jewish voters in 2020?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Where does Julián Castro stand on antisemitism, Israel in 2020?

By JTA — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:28:55 -0500

Where does Julián Castro stand on issues that matter to Jewish voters in 2020?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Where does Pete Buttigieg stand on antisemitism, Israel in 2020?

By JTA STAFF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:24:07 -0500

Where does Pete Buttigieg stand on issues that matter to Jewish voters in 2020?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Where does Michael Bloomberg stand on antisemitism, Israel in 2020?

By JTA — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 16:18:01 -0500

Where does Michael Bloomberg stand on issues that matter to Jewish voters in 2020?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Muslim countries should overcome their disputes, says Turkey https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/muslim-countries-should-overcome-their-disputes-says-turkey-3507269 …pic.twitter.com/DI8qj9ZKNs

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:59:00 -0500

Muslim countries should overcome their disputes, says Turkey https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/muslim-countries-should-overcome-their-disputes-says-turkey-3507269 … pic.twitter.com/DI8qj9ZKNs

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

UAE lobbies for sanctions against Turkey

Julian Pecquet — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:44:00 -0500

JPost.com - Homepage: Netanyahu: The country’s Rorschach test - analysis

By HERB KEINON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:35:03 -0500

Netanyahu has become a domestic issue, and one that deeply divides the country.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Resurrection: Ertuğrul becomes symbol of rebellion against internet shutdown in Kashmir https://www.yenisafak.com/en/life/resurrection-ertugrul-becomes-symbol-of-rebellion-against-internet-shutdown-in-kashmir-3507259 …pic.tw

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:30:00 -0500

Resurrection: Ertuğrul becomes symbol of rebellion against internet shutdown in Kashmir https://www.yenisafak.com/en/life/resurrection-ertugrul-becomes-symbol-of-rebellion-against-internet-shutdown-in-kashmir-3507259 … pic.twitter.com/Qs0vODk4mw

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Fighting antisemitism

By JPOST EDITORIAL — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:27:19 -0500

Aspects of the executive order promoted feverish denunciation by Jewish left-wingers, who vehemently objected to Jewishness being attributed to nationhood in any way.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Israeli cycling pedals forward with Tour de France team

By ZACHARY KEYSER — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:25:03 -0500

Monumental accomplishment for five-year-old squad to participate in world's most prestigious race.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Arsenal come from behind to secure draw against Standard Liege

Press Association — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:15:50 -0500

By Mark Mann-Bryans

Bukayo Saka provided the inspiration as Arsenal fought back from two goals down to earn a draw at Standard Liege and qualify for the Europa League knockout stage.

For some time, the Gunners looked to have been slipping down to second place in Group F but a 2-2 scoreline, coupled with Eintracht Frankfurt’s home defeat to Vitoria, meant they avoided the likes of Ajax and Inter Milan in the last-32 draw on Monday.

Samuel Bastien and Selim Amallah both scored from deflected second-half efforts for the Belgian side only for Saka to cross for Alexandre Lacazette to head in before netting the equaliser himself.

It remains to be seen if interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg will be in charge when the competition returns in the new year but his decision to make nine changes this time out looked like it could have backfired at stages.

Lacazette looked leggy as he returned to captain the visitors, who ended a nine-match winless run at West Ham on Monday before returning to the habit here.

The defence is something that clearly needs addressing as Arsenal once again failed to keep a clean sheet, extending that particular streak to 13 matches and equalling the worst run of Arsene Wenger’s reign.

Arsenal were guilty of misplaced passes on numerous occasions in the opening exchanges, with Konstantinos Mavropanos – making his first appearance since May – lucky to not gift Standard the lead as he gave the ball straight to Mehdi Carcela on the edge of his own box, only for the winger to shoot at Emiliano Martinez.

At least Ljungberg’s attacking talent seemed up for the task at hand, Emile Smith Rowe heavily involved early on and testing Arnaud Bodart in the Liege goal with a low strike.

Most of the play in the remainder of the first half was as poor as the surface underneath the feet of the players. Saka had a half-chance turned behind for a corner from an acute angle by Bodart.

The 18-year-old, operating at left wing-back, then arrowed a shot just over as Ljungberg’s side pushed for an opener, with Reiss Nelson’s close-range header on the stroke of half-time the closest they came to doing so.

It was the hosts who hit the front, taking the lead less than two minutes after the restart as Bastien’s tame shot took a huge deflection off Sokratis Papastathopoulos to wrong-foot Martinez and creep over the line.

The second goal followed in the 68th minute, Amallah this time seeing his pot-shot hit David Luiz to beat Martinez and nestle in the corner of his goal.

Ljungberg turned to Gabriel Martinelli in the hope of adding some flair to a toothless attacking display, with Luiz sending a free-kick over the crossbar in a rare chance on goal.

They reduced the arrears soon after as Lacazette finally got on the scoresheet as he did well to head home Saka’s fine cross.

Saka then got himself a goal, cutting inside and bending home past Bodart, who will feel he should have done better.

But it was some distance away in Germany where two late Vitoria goals determined that Arsenal held on to advance as group winners.

The post Arsenal come from behind to secure draw against Standard Liege appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Jewish prayer has returned to the Temple Mount - exclusive

By JEREMY SHARON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 15:13:12 -0500

Senior Wakf official: Any change would spark strong response from Arabs and Muslims. Jewish activists: Final goal is to rebuild the Temple.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Lifting of Cyprus arms embargo passes US’ lower House

Elias Hazou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:43:33 -0500

The US House of Representatives has passed a defence bill that includes a conditional lifting of the arms embargo on Cyprus.

In a 377-48 vote early Thursday morning local time the lower house of Congress green-lit the National Defense Authorization Act 2020 providing for $738 billion in military spending.

The bill is now poised to go to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is likewise expected to pass and head to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.

The embargo on Cyprus would be lifted once the bill is signed into law.

Trump said he would sign the bill as soon as it passes.

“Wow!” he said on Twitter. “All of our priorities have made it into the final NDAA: Pay Raise for our Troops, Rebuilding our Military, Paid Parental Leave, Border Security, and Space Force! Congress – don’t delay this anymore! I will sign this historic defense legislation immediately!”

The embargo on sales of arms and defence-related materiel to Cyprus has been in place since 1987.

Although both chambers of Congress had passed two separate bills last July, it was not possible to agree on a single document due to differences between Republicans and the Democrats on the wall which the US president wants to build along the US-Mexican border. In both texts, the wording concerning the lifting of the embargo was identical.

Under the NDAA 2020, the US president will have discretion over the arms embargo on Cyprus. The bill allows for the conditional lifting of the embargo on Cyprus by requesting that the US president certify at least once a year that the island meets certain conditions.

Current US policy spells out a denial for exports, re-exports, and transfers of defence articles listed on the United States Munitions List.

Whereas the embargo shall remain in place, the bill gives the US president the leeway to make an exception by certifying that Cyprus is satisfying Washington’s criteria on money laundering regulations as well as thwarting Russian influence in the eastern Mediterranean.

Unless the US president cites an exception on national security grounds, the bill calls on Congress to confirm with the White House that the Cypriot government continues to cooperate with the US in implementing anti-money laundering reforms and financial regulatory oversight.

The bill also requires that the island continue to take steps to deny Russian military vessels access to ports for refuelling and servicing.

In late June, President Nicos Anastasiades expressed surprise at a last-minute amendment to a US Senate Foreign Relations Committee bill requiring Cyprus to deny docking facilities to the Russian navy.

At the time Anastasiades said he was “saddened” by the amendment which “affects the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus to a large extent”.

While NDAA for fiscal year 2020 allows the Pentagon to buy 12 more Lockheed Martin-made F-35 jets than the US administration initially requested, it prohibits the transfer of the F-35 to Turkey.

It expresses a Sense of Congress that Turkey’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defence system, which Washington says is not compatible with Nato defences and threatens the F-35, constitutes a significant transaction under US sanctions law.

The bill says Trump should implement sanctions on Turkey over the S-400 purchase.

The post Lifting of Cyprus arms embargo passes US’ lower House appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Gaza Christians barred from visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem on Christmas

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:30:21 -0500

Israel in the past has defended its restrictions on Gazans traveling to the West Bank, saying many Palestinians from Gaza stay on illegally when granted short-term permits.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Indian father lets 30 pedophile friends barbarically rape his 12-yr-old daughter https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/indian-father-lets30-pedophile-friends-barbarically-rape-his-12-yr-old-daughter-3507280 …pic.twitter.com/ApD

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:30:00 -0500

Indian father lets 30 pedophile friends barbarically rape his 12-yr-old daughter https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/indian-father-lets30-pedophile-friends-barbarically-rape-his-12-yr-old-daughter-3507280 … pic.twitter.com/ApDFl15zyB

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Pentagon: Saudi military students can still enter US despite shooting

Jack Detsch — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:21:00 -0500

The Defense Department plans to establish new vetting policies for all foreign military students who enter the United States as a result of the fatal shooting of US sailors by a Saudi air force member at a US base in Florida.

Cyprus Mail: US Senate passes resolution recognising Armenian genocide

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:18:06 -0500

The US Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution that recognises as a genocide the mass killings of Armenians a century ago, a move likely to infuriate Turkey and further strain ties between Ankara and Washington.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives passed the resolution by an overwhelming 405-11 in late October. But a vote in the Senate, where President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans hold a majority of seats, had been blocked several times by Republican senators.

The post US Senate passes resolution recognising Armenian genocide appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: US Senate passes resolution recognising Armenian genocide (Updated)

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:18:06 -0500

By Humeyra Pamuk

The US Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution that recognises as a genocide the mass killings of Armenians a century ago, a move that infuriated Turkey and further strained ties between Ankara and Washington.

Turkey condemned the measure, saying it will not help improve relations with the United States. The two Nato allies are already at loggerheads over several issues, including Ankara’s purchase of Russian missile defence systems and policy over Syria.

The Democratic-led House of Representatives passed the resolution by an overwhelming majority in October. But a vote in the Senate was repeatedly blocked by President Donald Trump’s fellow Republican senators.

“By passing my Armenian Genocide resolution, the Senate finally stood up to confirm history,” said Democratic senator Bob Menendez, who was one of the co-authors of the legislation.

The resolution asserts that it is US policy to commemorate as genocide the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. The Ottomon Empire was centred in present-day Turkey.

Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but contests the figures and denies that the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide.

“In every previous attempt to politicise history by some members of the US Congress, we reiterated our position to form a group to study it,” Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s communications director said on Twitter in response to the resolution.

“History will note these resolutions as irresponsible and irrational actions by some members of the US Congress against Turkey,” Altun said, adding that those members had acted to strain ties between the two countries.

Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish presidential spokesman said Turkey ‘strongly condemned and rejected’ the measure.

The White House reportedly did not want the legislation to move ahead as it negotiated with Ankara on sensitive issues, and following a meeting at the White House between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Trump in November.

Trump at the time described his meeting with the Turkish strongman as “wonderful” but there was no concrete breakthrough on issues the two Nato allies have been facing.

Republican senators also have been incensed with Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile defence systems, which the United States says pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and cannot be integrated into Nato defences.

They have also moved to punish Turkey over its Oct. 9 incursion into Syria. A US Senate committee backed legislation on Wednesday to impose sanctions on Turkey, pushing Trump to take a harder line on the issue, as many lawmakers blame Trump for giving a greenlight to Ankara for its military offensive.

The post US Senate passes resolution recognising Armenian genocide (Updated) appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Chilean Air Force recovers human remains, says no survivors in crashed plane

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:10:37 -0500

The Chilean Air Force said on Thursday it has recovered human remains in the search for an Antarctica-bound plane that crashed earlier this week with 38 people on board.

There were no survivors, Arturo Merino, head of Chile’s air force, told reporters.

The aircraft, which was heading to a base in Antarctica, disappeared shortly after taking off late on Monday from the southern city of Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia. It carried 21 passengers and 17 crew members.

“The condition of the remains we discovered make it practically impossible that anyone could have survived the airplane accident,” Merino said.

Extreme weather conditions, including low clouds, strong winds and massive, rolling ocean swells initially complicated search efforts following the plane’s disappearance.

The first pieces of debris from the plane were discovered by Chilean air force officials late on Wednesday. A Brazilian ship sailing in the region also found pieces of the plane.

The air force’s Merino said authorities would immediately conduct forensic analyses on the remains to confirm their origin.

Chile’s Legal Medical Service, the state coroner, had also sent a team to Punta Arenas to analyse the blood of family members earlier on Thursday.

The plane crashed over the Drake Sea, a vast untouched ocean wilderness off the southernmost edge of the South American continent that plunges to 3,500 metres (11,500 feet).

The post Chilean Air Force recovers human remains, says no survivors in crashed plane appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: President Trump deserves our thanks for combating antisemitism

By PAUL PACKER — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:07:51 -0500

BDS bills itself as “a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality,” yet it’s true aim is to displace Israelis,
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey crucial in anti-Daesh fight, says Bulgarian PM https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-crucial-in-anti-daesh-fight-says-bulgarian-pm-3507265 …pic.twitter.com/9MutekorTO

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0500

Turkey crucial in anti-Daesh fight, says Bulgarian PM https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-crucial-in-anti-daesh-fight-says-bulgarian-pm-3507265 … pic.twitter.com/9MutekorTO

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Minor changes in pre-election poll, Likud primaries set for December 26

By ALON EINHORN — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:53:34 -0500

Blue and White still lead the polls with 35 expected Knesset seats, with Likud trailing behind with 32 seats, according to a Channel 12 poll.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: My Word - From rotting bananas to Auschwitz art

By LIAT COLLINS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:36:53 -0500

If this is art, I’ll eat my words – or something.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey applies to UN to register maritime pact with Libya https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-applies-to-un-to-register-maritime-pact-with-libya-3507256 …pic.twitter.com/sl35txtuMx

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:30:00 -0500

Turkey applies to UN to register maritime pact with Libya https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-applies-to-un-to-register-maritime-pact-with-libya-3507256 … pic.twitter.com/sl35txtuMx

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Editor's Note: The immunity election

By YAAKOV KATZ — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:24:38 -0500

From Netanyahu’s perspective it is a gamble worth taking. But what about the public’s perspective? What is best for Israel?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Beyond Trump Derangement Syndrome

By RUTHIE BLUM — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:19:02 -0500

The fact that groups like Students for Justice in Palestine went ballistic over this stroke of genius makes perfect sense.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey arrests 22 YPG/PKK-linked terror suspects https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-arrests-22-ypg-pkk-linked-terror-suspects-3507257 …pic.twitter.com/C9UBiIlOd3

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 13:00:00 -0500

Turkey arrests 22 YPG/PKK-linked terror suspects https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-arrests-22-ypg-pkk-linked-terror-suspects-3507257 … pic.twitter.com/C9UBiIlOd3

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Will UK aliya increase if Jeremy Corbyn comes to power?

By ILANIT CHERNICK — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:46:30 -0500

A recent poll found that “two in five British Jews have considered leaving the UK over antisemitism."
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Head of Libya parliament says Turkey-Libyan deal invalid

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:41:32 -0500

The head of Libya’s eastern-based parliament on Thursday said he disagreed with an accord between Libya and Turkey establishing maritime boundaries which has infuriated Athens.

Greece expelled the Libyan ambassador last week over the Nov. 27 accord establishing a sea corridor between Libya and Turkey and in areas where Greece considers it has maritime rights.

“We are here to stress that this specific agreement is rejected, it is invalid,” said Aguila Saleh Issa, speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives.

“Those that signed it do not have any legal authority to do so, since the government itself was rejected. It did fail a confidence vote twice and has not been legally sworn in at the House of Representatives,” Issa told reporters in Athens through an interpreter.

Issa is aligned to General Khalifa Haftar who controls the east of the country which opposes the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli.

Turkey says the accord aims to protect its rights and is in line with international law. President Tayyip Erdogan said that the accord will allow Turkey and Libya to hold joint exploration operations in the region.

On Tuesday Athens said it had lodged objections with the United Nations, saying the accord violated international law.

Since 2014 Libya has had competing governments based in Tripoli and the east. Saleh’s House of Representatives was Libya’s internationally recognised chamber at the time of a UN-backed deal in 2015 that led to the formation of the GNA, but the chamber has since fragmented.

The post Head of Libya parliament says Turkey-Libyan deal invalid appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Intel: How Trump continues to restrict humanitarian trade with Iran

Bryant Harris — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:41:00 -0500

The Donald Trump administration on Wednesday sanctioned Tehran’s biggest airline and shipping network, charging them with transporting Iranian weapons in a move that could further restrict the flow of humanitarian goods into Iran.

Former Erdogan ally establishes new party in Turkey

Diego Cupolo — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:40:00 -0500

Following months of speculation, former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is establishing a new party to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s hold on center-right voters.

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: What are the impacts of Turkey’s ‘historic deal’ with Libya? https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/zekeriyakursun/what-are-the-impacts-of-turkeys-historic-deal-with-libya-2047261 …pic.twitter.com/kAMaHCugdm

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:30:00 -0500

What are the impacts of Turkey’s ‘historic deal’ with Libya? https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/zekeriyakursun/what-are-the-impacts-of-turkeys-historic-deal-with-libya-2047261 … pic.twitter.com/kAMaHCugdm

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Attorney-general dragged into auditor-general and ombudswoman spat

Staff Reporter — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:19:40 -0500

Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides and ombudswoman Maria Stylianou-Lottidou are each asking the attorney-general to prosecute the other, the former for not cooperating in providing data, the latter for interference in her work.

The two officials have been at loggerheads for about two years but have now amped the ante, the one accusing the other of breaking the law.

On November 29, Michaelides asked the attorney-general to initiate a prosecution against Lottidou over her failure to hand over information requested.

Michaelides wants data on the number of complaints filed to Lottidou’s office over the period 2015-2018, and an account of how many of these complaints were investigated, in an ostensible bid to gauge the productivity of the ombudswoman.

A day earlier, November 28, Audit Office officials had paid a visit to the ombudswoman’s office to pick up the information previously requested.

Lottidou refused point blank, instead handing the officials a letter in which she explained why she was not obligated to comply.

In his letter to the attorney-general, Michaelides noted that refusal to furnish information to the auditor-general constitutes a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not exceeding €1700.

Lottidou argues she is not legally obligated to cooperate, because Michaelides’ request has no legal basis.

What Michaelides wants, she says, effectively amounts to an administrative audit over her office. However, the auditor-general only has the authority to perform financial audits.

Hitting back, she accused Michaelides of seeking to interfere with the work of an independent official.

In a letter copied to the attorney-general and President Nicos Anastasiades, Lottidou cited the relevant law, which states that anyone who obstructs or harasses any independent official, or any person working on an investigation, is liable to a prison sentence of up to one year and/or a fine not exceeding €5000.

Lottidou also says that Michaelides is trying to interfere with her work in another way.

Michaelides had earlier asked her to cease looking into a complaint filed to her by deputy auditor-general Kyriacos Kyriacou.

Kyriacou has complained that he should be paid the same wages as the auditor-general. As deputy auditor-general, his salary is €86,624 gross per annum; by comparison his boss Michaelides earns €123,088.

Michaelides argues that the ombudswoman’s office does not have the competency to investigate this particular matter.

But Lottidou begs to differ, and has accused Michaelides of attempting to obstruct her work.

She has also cited a letter of support she recently received from the International Ombudsman Institution.

The post Attorney-general dragged into auditor-general and ombudswoman spat appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Australian A-G reaffirms country's desire for resolution of Leifer case

By JEREMY SHARON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:13:15 -0500

Christian Porter describes Australia-Israel ties as an ‘excellent and co-operative relationship.’
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkish-Libyan maritime pact a game changer in Eastern Mediterranean https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-libyan-maritime-pact-a-game-changer-in-eastern-mediterranean-3507244 …pic.twitter.com/mSa76P4jH7

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 12:00:00 -0500

Turkish-Libyan maritime pact a game changer in Eastern Mediterranean https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-libyan-maritime-pact-a-game-changer-in-eastern-mediterranean-3507244 … pic.twitter.com/mSa76P4jH7

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Trump tells Greta Thunberg to 'chill,' she 'heeds' his advice

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 11:39:05 -0500

"Leader of the free world and world heavyweight champion against 16-year-old girls. The shame," commented Stav Shaffir.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: The funny, strange and surreal of Britain’s election

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 11:38:51 -0500

Britain’s election campaign has delivered funny, strange and surreal moments, from Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit-branded boxing to a stranded train full of journalists on their way to a speech about rail investment.

Here are some the highlights from six weeks of cross-country campaigning:

DELIVERING THE MESSAGE (Dec 11)

What do a donut, a digger, boxing gloves and a scarf have in common? All have been printed, painted, woven or iced with the Conservative election slogan “Get Brexit Done”.

It is not unusual for political parties to come up with one or two central campaign messages and plaster them across lecterns, placards and buses.

But while Labour’s “Time for real change” and “For the many, not the few” slogans have appeared in the usual places, Johnson’s Conservatives have gone to greater lengths to try and ensure their message gets through.

On a whistle-stop final day of campaigning Johnson added a few more to the list: a branded apron worn while making a pie and a milk crate used to make a delivery to a voter’s house.

GOVERNMENT BORROWING UP (Dec 3)

Johnson’s efforts to stimulate the economy in the English city of Salisbury ran out of cash.

Touring local businesses at a Christmas market, Johnson visited a butcher and helped out at one stall, serving up sweets in front of the cameras.

But the prime minister, whose Conservatives have cast themselves as the party of fiscal discipline, came unstuck when he tried to pay for chocolate brownies.

Fumbling through his wallet, Johnson had to ask his team for a loan. “I’m out of cash” he said. “I lashed out on some sausages earlier on and it cleaned me out!”

CORBYN’S LITTLE RED BOOK (Dec 3)

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, carries a little red book with him all over the country.

Not the collection of quotations from communist leader Mao Zedong – once brandished in parliament by Corbyn’s would-be finance minister – but a handwritten diary of knowledge he has picked up on the election trail.

“The wisdom that is there amongst people all over the country is something that absolutely inspires me, I go around with a notebook everywhere,” he said during a television interview.

His interviewer on chat show ‘This Morning’ asked: “What are you going to write about us?”

He replied: “What a charming morning I am having, what wonderful Christmas decorations you’ve got.”

THE CASE FOR RAIL INVESTMENT (Nov 7)

British finance minister Sajid Javid tore up the spending rules by promising to pump billions into upgrading the country’s schools, hospitals, roads and railways.

Shortly before his speech was due to start, word went around from a Conservative Party official that the start of the event in the northern English city of Manchester would have to be delayed – problems on the railway had left the travelling press pack stranded miles from the venue.

SIGNED, SEALED… DELIVERED? (Nov 22)

When is a manifesto not a manifesto? Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage says it is when it’s a ‘contract with the people’.

Farage eschewed the campaign tradition of a manifesto launch, a glitzy media event to promote a book of policies the party wants to implement if it wins power.

Instead, he invited journalists, left a small book of his policies on each seat and made a grand entrance to a thumping soundtrack (‘Power’ by Kanye West).

“This is not a manifesto, because a word association test for manifesto gave us the word ‘lies’,” he said. “It’s a contract with the people.”

The post The funny, strange and surreal of Britain’s election appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: 16 chess grandmasters arrive in Jerusalem for historic competition

By HAGAY HACOHEN — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 11:36:55 -0500

For the first time, Israel is hosting the International Chess Federation [FIDE] championship.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

KashmirWatch: Need to establish umbrella org of AJK government, Hurriyat leaders: Raja Farooq Haider Khan

Editor — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 11:36:09 -0500

MUZAFFARABAD (PID-AJK): Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan has said that bodies of the Kashmiri martyrs of the Occupied Valley wrapped in national flag manifest there love and attachment with Pakistan.

Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly-elected office-bearers of Supreme Court Bar Association here on Thursday, he said the sacrifices of the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination are unprecedented.

Raja Farooq Haider Khan stressed the need to establish an umbrella comprising representatives of the AJK government and Hurriyat leaders to raise the plight of Kashmiris at the international level and expose Narendra Modi led BJP government’s dirty games and conspiracies against Muslims.

He said conspiracy of dividing Kashmir will be foiled with full force.

The Prime Minister said thousands of youth have been disappeared by Indian troops while hundred thousand women were disgraced. “Indian brutalities have crossed all limits and Tehar prison is like a Guantánamo Bay for the Kashmiris”, the premier added.

“Indian government wants to change the demographic composition of the disputed territory and it is evident that non-state-subjects being settled in the occupied valley which is being strongly resisted by the all sections of the society in the held valley”, Haider added.

He said the base camp government is giving top priority to the Kashmir liberation movement and good governance in the state. “The AJK government and Legislative Assembly have attained administrative, financial and legislative powers through 13th Amendments. Qadianis were declared non-Muslims through 12th Amendment bill”, Haider further said.

Raja Farooq Haider said that austerity measures were taken to increase revenue and curtailed expenditures.

Referring to a point, he said the strength of judges in the judiciary was enhanced and assured that lawyers will be provided money for treatment facilities.

The Prime Minister announced 2.5 million rupees as a grant for Supreme Court Bar.

Earlier, Raja Farooq Haider Khan administered the oath to the newly elected members of the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Newly elected President of the Bar Khawaja Manzoor Qadir Dar and Secretary Najam Saqib also addressed the ceremony.-

The post Need to establish umbrella org of AJK government, Hurriyat leaders: Raja Farooq Haider Khan appeared first on KashmirWatch.

KashmirWatch

Cyprus Mail: Weather conditions to improve after heavy storms

Evie Andreou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 11:25:48 -0500

Isolated rain and possible storms mainly on the coastal areas are expected to continue on Friday while there might be light snowfall in Troodos.

The weather patterns are expected to be less dramatic compared to Wednesday’s and Thursday’s when torrential rain mainly in the Famagusta district led to the closure of a section of the Larnaca to Paralimni motorway, from the Sotira to the Xylophagou exit, because of the accumulation of water. Dozens of drivers and passengers were forced to remain in their cars until water levels fell. The road was reopened for traffic at around 2am on Thursday.

On Thursday morning police had also issued warnings of a lot of water on the surface of the section of the highway from Larnaca to Dhekelia.

Due to the bad weather conditions, an Olympic Air flight from Athens to Larnaca was forced to divert to Beirut on Thursday morning and remained there until the situation improved at Larnaca airport. The plane that was due to arrive at Larnaca at around 9.50am, eventually arrived from Beirut at around 12.40pm.

Between Wednesday and Thursday morning, the fire service was asked to assist with 25 cases related to rainfall mainly in the Larnaca and Famagusta districts.

Friday is expected to be cloudy with isolated showers with the possibility of storms mainly in the coastal areas. Snow or sleet is expected in Troodos. Temperatures are expected to rise to 16 degrees Celsius inland and the coastal areas and 6C in the higher mountainous areas.

The same weather patterns are expected for the weekend with temperatures gradually dropping. On Sunday the temperature is expected to be lower than the seasonal average.

A slight temperature rise is expected on Monday but still below seasonal levels.

The post Weather conditions to improve after heavy storms appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Disy under fire for ditching illegal labour bill

George Psyllides — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:58:45 -0500

Ruling Disy was among five parties criticised on Thursday for rejecting an article in the state budget earmarked for the creation and operation of a joint inspection service, which was expected to help fight undeclared labour.

This was not the first time Disy has obstructed bills relating to the creation of the service, prompting accusations that the party was siding with employers against its own administration.

Even the trade union affiliated with the party, SEK, censured the move by Disy, DIko, Edek, Solidarity and Elam to reject the funds in question.

“They opted with their stance to become part of the disorder and deregulation that has existed in Cyprus’ labour affairs in recent years,” the union said in a written statement.

SEK said the parties showed huge disrespect to the labour advisory board, which unanimously demanded from the government to submit the particular bill and “they showed full disregard for the work” of the board during the preparation of the legislation.

“Unfortunately, following parliament’s decision, Cyprus remains the only EU country without a strict system of inspections in the labour market with whatever that entails for the state’s order and rule of law,” the union said.

SEK said it was saddened and angry because the black hole created by undeclared labour will continue to exist on the back of the social insurance fund and the income tax.

Deok, a union affiliated with Edek, also censured the party’s stance on the matter.

The government bill governing the creation of the inspection service has been languishing in parliament for the past three years or so at Disy’s behest.

Main opposition Akel said not much thought would be necessary for one to realise what the motives were behind the rejection of the funds.

“The parties in question want to serve the interests of the employers against the rights of the workers,” the party said. “Employer organisations are not accommodated with the bill and they continuously set new demands.”

Cutting the fund is the pinnacle of the delaying tactics of the parties that want to serve employers, Akel said.

The matter has been in parliament for the past three years. It reached the plenum and had been postponed twice.

“Its return is imminent, yet the majority of parliament decided to cut the fund,” Akel said. “It is obvious that the parties which cut the fund do not want undeclared and illegal work tackled, nor the labour rights of workers secured.”

The post Disy under fire for ditching illegal labour bill appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Former Turkish PM Davutoglu forms new party in challenge to Erdogan

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:42:46 -0500

Former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu, once a close ally to President Tayyip Erdogan, applied on Thursday to establish a breakaway political party which could erode support for Erdogan and his ruling AK Party.

Davutoglu, 60, served as prime minister from 2014 to 2016, before falling out with Erdogan. Earlier this year, he slammed the president and the AK Party’s (AKP) economic management, and accused them of curbing basic liberties and free speech.

A source close to Davutoglu said the former premier applied to the Interior Ministry on Thursday to form his new party and that he will formally announce it at a news conference in Ankara on Friday. It will be called Future Party, the source said.

“He will announce his party’s principles and give information about the founding members,” the source said. “The new party will breathe new life into politics”.

Davutoglu announced his resignation from the Islamist-rooted AKP in September, saying it was no longer able to solve Turkey‘s problems and no longer allowed internal debate. His resignation came two months after former deputy prime minister Ali Babacan resigned from the AKP, citing “deep differences”.

Earlier this year Turkey‘s main opposition party handed stinging defeats to Erdogan’s AK Party in mayoral elections, taking control of the capital Ankara and Istanbul, the country’s commercial hub, after more than two decades.

Babacan, will also announce his own rival political party within weeks, a source close to Babacan said.

“Efforts to form the party are in the last stages. The final changes are being made to the texts, the party’s founders are nearly complete,” the source said.

In his first televised interview since resigning from the AKP, Babacan said last month that Turkey was in a “dark tunnel” and warned of the dangers of “one-man rule”.

The post Former Turkish PM Davutoglu forms new party in challenge to Erdogan appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Gesy is here to stay, says minister as scheme marks six months

Rachael Gillett — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:41:44 -0500

Allowing Gesy to collapse would be suicide Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Thursday as he sent an unequivocal message to detractors that the general health system is here to stay.

In an assessment of the first six months of Gesy’s operation the minister said the introduction of the first phase of the scheme has radically changed public healthcare after decades of endless discussions.

So far 662 pharmacies, 165 labs, 451 GPs, 170 paediatricians and 1,170 specialists have joined Gesy.

Since June 1 when the first phase of Gesy was introduced, standards are changing for the better even though problems remain, he said.

“Not all problems have been resolved, but one cannot question and dismiss everything that was achieved so far,” the minister said.

He called on everyone to show the same understanding as in June when a very small number of doctors, only in the two-digits, had joined the system whereas today they are around 1,800 overall.

Initially, patients could not find specialists, he said, whereas today numbers are sufficient.

“Up to just two months ago, some were scaremongering that Gesy would be operating without any paediatricians whereas today almost 180 are participating,” Ioannou said.

The minister said the best way to improve any weaknesses was through feedback from those who serve the system daily, and that is why he set up an informal advisory committee with representatives from all professionals involved.

The committee’s suggestions have proved crucial to better understanding the problems and solving them faster, he said.

General director of the Health Insurance Organisation that runs Gesy, Athos Tsinontides said 1.2 million visits to GPs and 700,000 to specialists have been recorded. In total, 350,000 beneficiaries received medical treatment while 265,000 have undergone laboratory tests and another 130,000 have undergone imaging tests, he said.

According to Tsinontides more than 90 per cent of the population, around 770,000 persons, have registered as beneficiaries.

Ioannou argued that, seeing how the daily lives of patients have changed, the savings it has brought to the family budget, the universal insurance and the equal access it has given to all people without restriction allows the government to continue efforts to fully implement Gesy.

According to the minister, Gesy was not designed overnight nor will it be left to collapse.

“Following the warm embrace it has received by members of the public, we would be committing suicide if we let it collapse and go back to the old state of affairs,” Ioannou said.

Commenting on the debate that has risen among parties on changes to Gesy, the minister said these would have to be discussed in parliament, but he stressed that changing the scheme’s philosophy would not be advisable.

“Any changes that affect the philosophy and architecture of Gesy are not welcome because this took place after 20 years of discussion, analyses and research,” he said.

Talk of changes to streamline Gesy was tabled at the House plenum during discussion earlier in the week of the state budget for next year.

Daily Politis on Thursday, citing sources, reported that the majority of parliamentary parties, Disy, Diko and Edek are mulling changes to Gesy aimed at streamlining the system and ensuring its viability.

These changes reportedly concern a new framework for GPs’ pay so that they are not based on the number of beneficiaries on their lists as the system is now. The proposal calls for a fixed minimum amount which could be supplemented by medical procedures and patient visits.

Abolition of the €25 patients are called to pay if they visit specialists without a referral from their GPs is another change discussed.

The parties are also discussing the possibility of beneficiaries choosing to go to doctors not within Gesy, to be able to still get the drugs prescribed to them by those physicians from Gesy pharmacies.

They are also discussing the possibility of freedom to choose one’s GP from the Gesy list without having to register beforehand with one of these doctors, Politis reported.

Parliament president Demetris Syllouris called earlier in the week for a conference in parliament on Gesy, which was welcomed by Ioannou.

Syllouris said the conference should take place soon and should include MPs and other officials dealing with Gesy who do not work in parliament.

Akel however already declared it would not participate in any discussion on changes to Gesy’s philosophy.

The post Gesy is here to stay, says minister as scheme marks six months appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Boris Johnson vs. Jeremy Corbyn: Brexit or antisemitism?

By JOSH DELL — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 10:39:51 -0500

Jewish voters join their countrymen in heading to the polls to choose between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Mr Akinci should clarify what he means by saying that the Republic no longer exists

CM Reader's View — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:45:36 -0500

It is not clear what Mr. Akinci meanT when he said “as the 1960’s regime introduced with the foundation of the Republic no longer existed.”

Does he mean that the old constitution is obsolete and needs updating to respond to today’s circumstances? Many countries from time to time make changes to their constitutions.

Or does Mr. Ackinci mean that the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus no longer exists and the Republic’s UN, EU membership and international agreements are no longer applicable and a “new Cyprus should be born”?

Mr. Akinci claims that the “regime was cancelled because the military Greek junta carried out the coup”.

This is not correct because it was against the wishes of the Greek Cypriots who had resisted the coup’s precursors EOKA B and the fascist coup that followed. The sole purpose of the coup was to justify the Turkish invasion in order to partition our country which was instigated by NATO.

This is confirmed by Mr. Akinci when he stated that “To prevent Cyprus’ annexation to Greece, Turkey intervened using its right.”

It is worthwhile remembering that Turkey claimed that she intervened to restore the constitutional order but we all know what happened.

Guarantee system up for discussion, Akinci says

The post Mr Akinci should clarify what he means by saying that the Republic no longer exists appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: European Central Bank holds key interest rates stable https://www.yenisafak.com/en/economy/european-central-bank-holds-key-interest-rates-stable-3507275 …pic.twitter.com/wyPaBd0np1

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:45:00 -0500

European Central Bank holds key interest rates stable https://www.yenisafak.com/en/economy/european-central-bank-holds-key-interest-rates-stable-3507275 … pic.twitter.com/wyPaBd0np1

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Could Turkey bar US military from Incirlik air base?

Metin Gurcan — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:42:00 -0500

Faced with the resurging threat of sanctions in the US Congress, Ankara has brandished another trump card, warning that the US military could lose access to two key bases in Turkey.

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Shared value of Turkic world: Chingiz Aitmatov https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/shared-value-of-turkic-world-chingiz-aitmatov-3507279 …pic.twitter.com/6hWaI4ynqT

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:35:00 -0500

Shared value of Turkic world: Chingiz Aitmatov https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/shared-value-of-turkic-world-chingiz-aitmatov-3507279 … pic.twitter.com/6hWaI4ynqT

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Cyprus is a matter for the UN and not the EU.

CM Reader's View — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:30:33 -0500

The EU adopted an island still locked under UN auspices in political conflict since 1964. They know their boundaries very well, and also know the damage that was done after April 2004; their failed promises to the Turkish Cypriots and their lack of foresight regarding this new hydro-carbons affair – well, it’s not really new as it’s been known for decades but not mentioned openly in social media until recently.

If the EU were so important for the entire island of Cyprus then why are the two Cypriot leaders still seeking a UN sponsored resolution to the Cyprus issue? Legally and historically the EU can’t wait for the Greek Cypriots to finally agree to a settlement as they are fed up of adopting such a web of a issue with many parameters involved.

The bottom line here is that the UN had better force the GC side to compromise with the Turkish Cypriots on a two state deal before Akinci is removed as it’s President as Tatar has a completely different mindset which will literally destroy Anastasiades sneaky and failed delaying tactics. Hence, why Anastasiades is running around like a headless chicken trying to attract as much support as he can.

His legal stand on Cyprus is limited, and he knows this very well. He has invited Turkey to this issue and only he can compromise with them, he has no other choice. That’s why he suggested a decentralised federation, but was hit back hard by his GC political establishment when it was ridiculed.

MrH

Cyprus wants clear positions from EU on Turkey-Libya accord

The post Cyprus is a matter for the UN and not the EU. appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: India's northeast turns into battleground amid protests https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/indias-northeast-turns-into-battleground-amid-protests-3507274 …pic.twitter.com/iTfgOuV5Bk

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:30:00 -0500

India's northeast turns into battleground amid protests https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/indias-northeast-turns-into-battleground-amid-protests-3507274 … pic.twitter.com/iTfgOuV5Bk

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: The double standards and hypocrisy aimed at American Jews

By DOUGLAS ALTABEF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:29:41 -0500

With new people, the question would inevitably arise: "How can you help us here? The situation on American campuses is frightening, and is only getting worse."
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Indian father lets 30 pedophile friends barbarically rape his 12-yr-old daughter https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/indian-father-lets30-pedophile-friends-barbarically-rape-his-12-yr-old-daughter-3507280 …pic.twitter.com/5nK

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:23:21 -0500

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Nokia, Daimler, others agreed to mediation to resolve licensing dispute https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/nokia-daimler-others-agreed-to-mediation-to-resolve-licensing-dispute-3507271 …pic.twitter.com/M43BPwE1rH

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:15:00 -0500

Nokia, Daimler, others agreed to mediation to resolve licensing dispute https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/nokia-daimler-others-agreed-to-mediation-to-resolve-licensing-dispute-3507271 … pic.twitter.com/M43BPwE1rH

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Tahiti set to host Paris 2024 Olympic surfing – 9,700 miles from French capital

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:11:23 -0500

The surfing competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics could take place 15,000km away from the French capital in Tahiti under a proposal backed by the International Surfing Association (ISA).

The French Polynesian island in the Pacific Ocean is the preferred option, beating off rival bids from Biarritz, Lacanau, Les Landes and La Torche, all on the French mainland.

Final approval from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is still required for the radical move, which would represent the longest distance between an event and the host city at any Olympic Games.

ISA president Fernando Aguerre, who worked with the Paris 2024 organising committee in evaluating the bids, said holding the 2024 Olympic surfing events on the world-renowned Teahupo’o reef break would provide ‘spectacular’ conditions.

“We salute the five candidatures, which were all excellent and well-known surf destinations, but Tahiti was truly exceptional in offering our athletes, and our sport, spectacular conditions for optimal competitions,” he said.

“For us, Tahiti represents the authenticity of our sport and the ISA’s mission to celebrate surfing’s unique culture and lifestyle, while also recalling the long history and heritage of our sport from its Polynesian origins.

“Ultimately, our commitment is to the athletes and the sport and we have no doubt that Teahupo’o will offer an amazing platform for the world’s best athletes to shine.”

Aguerre said he applauded Paris 2024 organisers for their “courage and originality” in making the landmark proposal.

“Surfing is a sport for the new era of the Games and this approach by Paris 2024 demonstrates how our values are aligned. Our sport’s connection to the environment also makes Tahiti a fitting choice — with a bespoke concept that will deliver a sustainable and low carbon impact event.”

Next year will see surfing’s Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games. The surfing events will take place on four days within an eight-day window at Shidashita Beach, 60km north of Tokyo.

The post Tahiti set to host Paris 2024 Olympic surfing – 9,700 miles from French capital appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Trump says Greta Thunberg 'needs to work on anger management' issues https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/trump-says-greta-thunberg-needs-to-work-on-anger-management-issues-3507272 …pic.twitter.com/rUwo88eUvb

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Trump says Greta Thunberg 'needs to work on anger management' issues https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/trump-says-greta-thunberg-needs-to-work-on-anger-management-issues-3507272 … pic.twitter.com/rUwo88eUvb

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkish DefMin hosts Ugandan counterpart https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-defmin-hosts-ugandan-counterpart-3507273 …pic.twitter.com/rWQh8QQmHI

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:58:20 -0500

Turkish DefMin hosts Ugandan counterpart https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkish-defmin-hosts-ugandan-counterpart-3507273 … pic.twitter.com/rWQh8QQmHI

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Brexit, antisemitism, and Jews - the UK’s most fateful election since WWII

By JEREMY SHARON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:55:54 -0500

The electoral contest pitches the Brexit-touting Conservative Party led by Boris Johnson against the what is now the hard-left, socialist Labour Party headed by Jeremy Corbyn.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

'Planetary Emergency': The Time to Save the Climate Is Now

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:51:40 -0500

A report recently released by the UN strongly suggests that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius could be impossible to achieve. Researchers are now warning of a tipping point in the fight against climate change.

SPIEGEL ONLINE - International: 'Planetary Emergency': The Time to Save the Climate Is Now

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:51:40 -0500

Spaniards in the UK: “I have a Plan B but Britons are trapped if things don’t go well”

Eva Millán — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:50:24 -0500

They want to stay in the United Kingdom, they point to the contribution of Europeans to British prosperity and they fear Brexit more for its impact on the domestic economy than the possible effect the country’s departure from the European Union could have on their ability to stay in their adoptive home. The Spanish residents of the UK are as varied as the population they left behind, but what unites this diverse group are the challenges raised by Brexit and today’s general election, which they are observing both as witnesses and concerned parties.

Seguir leyendo.

In English Section | EL PAÍS: Spaniards in the UK: “I have a Plan B but Britons are trapped if things don’t go well”

Eva Millán — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:50:24 -0500

Seguir leyendo.

In English Section | EL PAÍS

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey crucial in anti-Daesh fight, says Bulgarian PM https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-crucial-in-anti-daesh-fight-says-bulgarian-pm-3507265 …pic.twitter.com/ivD3rxRRrr

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:45:00 -0500

Turkey crucial in anti-Daesh fight, says Bulgarian PM https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-crucial-in-anti-daesh-fight-says-bulgarian-pm-3507265 … pic.twitter.com/ivD3rxRRrr

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Boris Johnson is probably the best of a poor bunch

CM Reader's View — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:43:29 -0500

Most political systems work in an ideal world.

However this is not an ideal world. IMHO the only way the UK can move forwards is for Boris to win with an outright majority.

Coalitions never work, Corbyn is a danger and the smaller parties carry on overrating themselevs with nothing to say.

Whilst Boris is not a good long term prospect for the UK I feel he is the best of a bad bunch. Maybe, in a clearer time away from the EU a better person will be found; Cyprus take note.

United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

The post Boris Johnson is probably the best of a poor bunch appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Horrifying moment white lion attacks keeper at Karachi Zoo https://www.yenisafak.com/en/video-gallery/life/horrifying-moment-white-lion-attacks-keeper-at-karachi-zoo-2202959 …pic.twitter.com/oVoVuadEsK

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:41:41 -0500

Horrifying moment white lion attacks keeper at Karachi Zoo https://www.yenisafak.com/en/video-gallery/life/horrifying-moment-white-lion-attacks-keeper-at-karachi-zoo-2202959 … pic.twitter.com/oVoVuadEsK

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Conflicting versions in closing arguments of Ayia Napa rape claim case

George Psyllides — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:40:24 -0500

The defence in the trial of a British woman charged with public nuisance after she withdrew a rape claim, said on Thursday the police investigation of her complaint had been flawed and officers displayed the wrong attitude towards the girl and her complaint.

The two sides on Thursday submitted their closing arguments in writing in the case that shocked the island back in July after the woman claimed she had been gang-raped by a group of 12 Israeli men but two weeks later signed a police statement retracting the claim.

She was charged with causing a public nuisance but then said her retraction was made under duress.

The court will deliver its verdict on December 30.

Summarising her arguments, the defence lawyer Ritsa Pekri said the police “committed important omissions and violations at the investigation stage”, not fully examining the Israeli men’s telephone data and not “putting proper measures in place to protect the crime scene”.

Pekri said the police also failed to conduct an identity parade while the state pathologist who examined the woman had formed the wrong idea as to the events of the case.

“His final report is deficient, and his findings were based on wrong information and guidance,” she said, asking the court to reject it as unreliable.

The defence also argued that the woman’s right to a fair trial had been affected because the evidence was not disclosed fully and in time.

Pekri further suggested that her client’s rights as a victim of crime and gender violence were also violated.

“The rape report the defendant filed on July 17, 2019 was not false and consequently the crime of rape committed against her on the particular day was not a figment of her imagination,” the lawyer said.

The 19-year-old had claimed that the statement in which she had recanted her rape complaint had been extracted under duress but a trial within a trial decided otherwise.

Prosecutor Adamos Demosthenous argued that the evidence presented by the state was overwhelming and left no doubt over the defendant’s guilt.

“In her statement she even confessed to making a false rape complaint, revealing her motive at the same time,” he said.

The prosecutor said the defendant admitted that she felt shame and humiliation when she realised she was being recorded while having intercourse, something she kept from the investigators and only revealed in her second statement.

“… It proves she had kept it a secret just so her motive would not be revealed,” he said.

That the defendant’s report “was false and related to an imaginary offence was confirmed by the July 17 video submitted as evidence. In it, the defendant is seen engaging in amorous antics with one of the individuals she reported of raping her and while the video was recorded at 2.57 in the morning, the woman reported that her rape started at around 12.30am.”

The post Conflicting versions in closing arguments of Ayia Napa rape claim case appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Is the Shin Bet torturing Palestinians? It would be impossible to know

By YONAH JEREMY BOB — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:34:35 -0500

Sympathetic or not, the High Court of Justice has declared torture of detainees illegal since 1999 – even for terrorists.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Israel arrests senior Hamas leaders in W Bank raids https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/israel-arrests-senior-hamas-leaders-in-w-bank-raids-3507263 …pic.twitter.com/wTEkpJN5Wb

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:30:00 -0500

Israel arrests senior Hamas leaders in W Bank raids https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/israel-arrests-senior-hamas-leaders-in-w-bank-raids-3507263 … pic.twitter.com/wTEkpJN5Wb

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Bar review: Tapper Bar, Limassol

CM Guest Columnist — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:29:16 -0500

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

If casual, quirky, and unusual is your thing, then Tapper Bar in Limassol is the perfect spot! Perch yourself on a high stool, lean on a hexagon-shaped table and pass your time, drink in hand while guest DJs play anything from psychedelic or soft and slow to old and traditional tunes and back to hip hop and instrumental, depending on who is playing on the night.

Plonked in the middle of the old town, with characteristic heavy stone walls, this time warp of a bar couples healthy smoothies and light snacks with sun-drenched tables and plastic chairs on the verandah equally as well as it offers neon-lit nights with DJs at the decks and crazy cocktails.

I can honestly say I’ve not seen anything quite like this before in Limassol.

Craft beers are a particular delight offered at Tapper with weird and wonderful names, colourful labels and a refreshingly different and fruitier taste to your traditional beer, not to mention stronger, in some cases with 7.4% alcohol! Some are even vegan!

In summer, you are encouraged to “add some spiced rum” to your homemade mango iced tea in order to pep up your afternoon – which I decided to try and was pleasantly surprised. In Winter, the coffees are enhanced with a range of rich flavourings to warm the cockles.

Regardless of the season, staff are super-friendly, very helpful and of course, very cool. Overhead, plants dangle among metal frames and décor. Free wi-fi entices a good few but it’s the music predominantly that pulls people in.

With a wide-range of ages amongst its patrons, it’s just as comfortable for someone aged 50/60something as someone 30 years younger.

A daily menu is posted at the beginning of the week – though Tapper’s week begins on a Tuesday as it’s closed on Mondays – and offers a selection of both vegetarian as well as meat dishes.

And spending time there won’t break the bank. With most drinks costing a fiver or a little to either side of one (local Keo beer is only €3!), it becomes somewhere that offers something truly rare: value for money!

Cheers, Tapper Bar! I think you’ve got a winning formula!

Tapper Bar

Where: Eleftherias 62, Limassol

When: 10am-2am Tuesday-Sunday

How much: €3-5 beer, €4-6 wine, €6 cocktails

Contact: 99-124536, www.facebook.com/tapperbar

The post Bar review: Tapper Bar, Limassol appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Israelis pessimistic about next gov’t making peace with Palestinians - poll

By LAHAV HARKOV — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:28:04 -0500

Israelis prefer two state solution to one state and a permanent agreement to the status quo.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Consumer loans hit $78 billion

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:24:34 -0500

The volume of consumer loans increased by 2.5 billion Turkish Liras on a weekly basis to climb to 453 billion liras (around $78 billion) in the week ending Dec. 6, data from the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) showed on Dec. 12.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkey spent $92 bln on social protection in 2018

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:22:26 -0500

Turkey spent 442.6 billion Turkish Liras (about $92 billion) on social protection in 2018, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) said on Dec. 12.

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: 44,000 year old cave painting thought to be world's oldest story

By DONNA RACHEL EDMUNDS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:14:55 -0500

The hunting scene is thought to be the oldest known narrative piece of art yet discovered.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Court case over new bus system postponed

Nick Theodoulou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:13:17 -0500

A court hearing to resolve a fight between bus companies and the government’s decision to award the 2020-2030 contracts to new businesses has been postponed until December 23.

The appeal by the companies is the latest attempt for them to hold on to their contracts which expire on July 4, 2020.

Bus companies OSEA of Famagusta, OSEL of Nicosia and OSEL of Larnaca are appealing the transport ministry’s decision to award contracts for public transportation services for Nicosia, Larnaca, Famagusta and intercity routes to the MLKP (Malta Lines and Kapnos Airport Shuttle Ltd) consortium.

The 10-year contracts – for the period 2020 to 2030 – are worth a reported €700m.

Reports indicate that the company Zenon is also expressing interest in the contracts and they may fight the moves in court as well.

The new Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said that the issues raised in the past few days by the companies will be answered by the state shortly.

The minister expects that within two weeks the issues should be clarified, but that the ministry will prepare for either outcomes – win or lose.

Officials from bus companies admit that it will be a difficult task to overturn the decision, but say they are prepared to fight to the end.

According to Karousos the transport ministry will not move ahead with further contracts until a decision has been made by the supreme court.

At the end of November it was announced that MLKP had submitted the most economically advantageous tender.

According to the new contracts, employees of the companies will be transferred over to the new business, therefore protecting their status.

The three bus companies, who are the current contractors in those districts, have already won temporary court injunctions prohibiting the transport ministry from moving ahead and signing the new contracts with MLKP.

The post Court case over new bus system postponed appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Muslim countries should overcome their disputes: Minister

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:09:00 -0500

At Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Morocco, Turkish foreign minister calls for less friction among countries

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Trump mocks climate activist Thunberg: ‘Chill Greta, Chill’

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 08:06:00 -0500

U.S. President Donald Trump reprised his ridicule of 16-year-old Greta Thunberg on Thursday saying it was “ridiculous” that the Swedish climate activist was named Time’s Person of the Year for 2019.

Thunberg won the magazine’s annual honorific on Wednesday for her work inspiring millions of young people to take action against climate change.

“So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!” Trump, 73, said on Twitter, commenting on another person’s tweet congratulating Thunberg.

It was not the first time the Republican president targeted Thunberg.

In September, Trump retweeted a clip of the teenager’s speech to a United Nations climate summit in which she angrily denounced world leaders for failing to tackle climate change by demanding: “How dare you?”

His sarcastic commentary: “She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!”

The post Trump mocks climate activist Thunberg: ‘Chill Greta, Chill’ appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: US is worried about an Iranian attack in Iraq

By SETH J. FRANTZMAN — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:44:49 -0500

Rockets are being fired almost daily this month near areas where US forces and personnel are located.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: UK voters leave as large queues reported in some constituencies

Press Association — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:41:40 -0500

Members of the public have been reported leaving before casting their votes due to long queues outside some polling stations.

Waits of more than half an hour were reported at various locations across England on Thursday morning.

Queuing appeared particularly widespread in London, with long lines reported in a number of constituencies.

Chris Schofield said more than 70 voters were waiting in the Bermondsey and Old Southwark constituency – some of whom gave up and left during his 20-minute wait, “presumably to go to work”.

“It’s about 20 times busier than it was in 2017, and for the locals and Euro elections,” the 27-year-old consultant told the PA news agency.

“Atmosphere is very London: orderly queueing and no-one is talking to each other!”

Several voters claimed they had never seen queues like it in years.

Asked why he thought there were so many queuing, Mr Schofield said: “I think it’s the election of a lifetime for many of us.”

Alixe Bovey reported queueing for 35 minutes in the Streatham constituency.

“In 20 years of voting in Streatham Hill, always at about this time of day, I have never encountered a queue of more than six or seven people,” she tweeted.

Waits were also reported in English cities such as Cambridge, where John Walsh tweeted to say it was the “first time ever” that he had to queue to exercise his democratic right.

In Bermondsey, south-east London, a burst water main caused deep flooding in the area, leading some voters to decide to leave and return later.

Graham Kings told PA: “I could have gone home and put wellington boots on and waded across the flooded road to try to get in, but had to go to work and so will vote this evening.”

Many members of the public said they were encouraged by the queues, suggesting it could mean a greater turnout than in the last general election.

Total turnout at the 2017 General Election was 68.8%, the fourth successive election where turnout increased.

Voters unable to vote for whatever reason can return to their polling stations at any time before 10pm on Thursday evening.

The Electoral Commission advises polling stations “can get very busy, particularly towards the end of the day”, but says voters in a queue before 10pm will be entitled to apply for a ballot paper.

Voters in England, Scotland and Wales do not need to take anything with them to vote, while those in Northern Ireland must have photo ID.

The post UK voters leave as large queues reported in some constituencies appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Greek and Cyprus Byzantine chant added to Unesco list

Nick Theodoulou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:34:20 -0500

This week Unesco added the Cypriot and Greek Byzantine chant to their Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“As a living art spanning more than 2,000 years, the music system of the Byzantine chant is a significant cultural tradition that originated in the Byzantine Empire,” the Unesco report said.

While church attendance has decreased in recent years, and public attitudes to religion are gradually shifting – the church still retains great influence. Many non-religious people still listen to the chants due to their spiritual significance.

Others are less impressed. “It’s a droning dirge,” said Charlie Papacharalambous who lives next to a church in Nicosia. “My spirits sink on a Sunday morning when it’s amplified out onto the streets by loudspeakers.”

Cyprus is no newcomer to Unesco’s cultural heritage list.

In 2009 Lefkara lace (or Lefkaritika) was added to the list. The tradition of lace-making in the village of Lefkara dates back to at least the fourteenth century.

In 2011 the lively, impromptu oral “tsiattista poetic duelling” was also added. Famous throughout Cyprus and Crete, people try to out-do each other with clever verses made up of rhyming couplets.

In 2013 the Mediterranean diet was added, acknowledging Cyprus’ and many other southern Europeans nations world-famous healthy diet.

Cyprus’ art of dry stone walling was also recognised in 2018 by the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage.

The post Greek and Cyprus Byzantine chant added to Unesco list appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Edible Fungi: collected since beginning of time

Alexander McCowan — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:02:37 -0500

There is a vast range of edible fungi and most will be familiar with the mass-produced tasteless polystyrene masquerading as Agaricos bisporus and its little brown brother, A. bisporus var. hortensis; these were developed from the very delicious field mushroom (Agaricus campestris). Edible mushrooms have been collected since man started chewing nuts and berries.

The Pharaohs valued fungi so highly they decreed they would not be consumed by any other than the royal family. Given the culinary interest in mushrooms one is surprised to realise they have very little to offer in the way of nourishment; the plant is mostly composed of water.

The fear of collecting a poisonous mushroom is sufficient to deter the majority, and considering the consequences of a mistake justified.

The varieties that one will encounter in the main supermarkets have increased considerably over the last few years; we are now able to purchase Shitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes), containing lentinan, the most powerful natural immune system stimulant and restorative known to science, and very delicate in flavour; used in soups and stews. The indigenous Oyster species (Pleurotus cornucopiae), with its clusters of creamy white brackets, found growing in woodland and under wild shrubs, can be fried and added to omelets or stewed; a real taste of the wild, although this species is now being cultivated commercially.

A fungi that has been a great favourite with Hellenic societies is the Saffron Milk mushroom (Lactarius deliciosus), so named for its taste. They grow in coniferous woods and can be found after the rainy season, should we have any, and they are distinguished from other fungi in that the flesh is granular and breaks off like chalk.

Should you encounter the Fairy Ring Champignon (Marasmius oreades) be careful not to confuse it with Clitocybe family that tends to share the same ground. The former is greatly valued by fungi connoisseurs, but the latter will make you ill.

One of the most popular varieties found in the wild and some shops is the delicious Penny Bun Mushroom (Boletus edulis); it is quite a specimen, growing up to 15cm with a cap measuring 20cm. It has a robust brown/red top that is slightly sticky to the touch, and grows in most kinds of woodland; it is the most commonly eaten wild mushroom.

Alexander McCowan is author of the The World’s most Dangerous Plants

The post Edible Fungi: collected since beginning of time appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Easterners demand funding and nuclear power to support EU climate deal

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:02:07 -0500

Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic set out demands on Thursday that could block agreement on the European Union’s new push for climate neutrality by 2050, trumpeted by the bloc’s new chief executive as Europe’s “man on the moon” moment.

Tense talks are expected at a summit in Brussels of 27 EU leaders, at which the majority will offer financial incentives to the eastern member states to win their support for the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.

The summit is the first since Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen took office as the new head of the EU’s executive commission, and a failure to agree on the Green Deal, her biggest initiative, would be a setback for the bloc’s new leadership.

With floods, fires and droughts wrecking lives around the world, Greenpeace climate activists scaled the glass-fronted Europa building where the leaders were to meet, unfurling banners reading “Climate Emergency”, firing off red flares and blaring fire alarm sirens.

Some activists were detained by police and the protest ended well before the start of the summit at 3:00 p.m. (1400 GMT).

The eastern countries want more money to fund a transition to lower emissions, including a role for nuclear power, which emits no carbon but which Germany and others aim to phase out.

“It is important to have certainty that nobody will stop us in the construction of nuclear power units,” Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis told reporters before leaving for Brussels. “We have to have electricity for people, for firms, and heating.”

Hungary said it wants EU guarantees that a climate deal would not lead to price hikes in the energy and food sectors, and that costs would be borne by big polluters.

“Hungary agrees with the ambitious goals set by the EU but we cannot sign a blank cheque,” Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, told a news conference in Budapest.

THORNY BUDGET DEBATE

The bloc’s new chief executive proposed a Green Deal this week to mobilise 100 billion euros worth of investment to help economies move away from fossil fuels.

But the three eastern states are not yet on board, demanding that any decision spells out in more detail the scale and scope of financing available, as well as funding for nuclear energy.

The Czech Republic generates about half of its electricity from coal and wants to phase most of it out over the next 20 years, replacing part of it with new nuclear power plants.

Hungary relies on nuclear for about a third of its energy needs, with coal making up less than 15% of its energy mix. It wants to abolish coal by 2030 and replace it with a mix of nuclear, gas, renewables and energy imports.

Poland produces some 80% of its power from coal and discussions about introducing nuclear energy have not yet been settled, partly due to high costs.

One EU diplomat estimated chances for an agreement at the summit – which must be unanimous – at 50/50.

The climate discussion feeds into another tricky debate, over the next long-term budget, where no agreement is expected after a latest proposal to cap joint spending at 1.087 trillion euros for 2021-27 was rejected by both the frugal camp and those seeking a heavier outlay.

“Some people want to pay less, some people want to get more, others to do new things,” Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel told reporters in Brussels. “I wasn’t the best at mathematics but this, I think, is not going to add up.”

The post Easterners demand funding and nuclear power to support EU climate deal appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Naama Issachar's appeal delayed for a week by Russian authorities

By OMRI RON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:57:29 -0500

The appeal was delayed following her request to attend in person rather than through video.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Man found dead at bottom of Nicosia high-rise

Staff Reporter — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:56:48 -0500

Authorities on Thursday were trying to determine the identity of a man found dead at a Nicosia high-rise currently under construction.

The man was found at around 9am on the third floor of the 360 building on Makarios Avenue, apparently after falling from further up.

Police have initially ruled out foul play.

Investigators were trying to determine the exact conditions under which the incident took place and the man’s identity.

Reports said the authorities believe the man fell from the 33rd floor where cigarettes were found.

The post Man found dead at bottom of Nicosia high-rise appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: High Court: Netanyahu can stay PM for now

By YONAH JEREMY BOB — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:37:20 -0500

Mandelblit rejected the arguments about incompetence and about Netanyahu being weaker as a transitional prime minister, and called the question of whether he could form a new government theoretical.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Iran’s Imam Ali base is key to its nexus of influence over Iraq and Syria

By SETH J. FRANTZMAN — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:34:40 -0500

The base covers around 20 square kilometers of land area. This area of the border, a key crossing between Iraq and Syria near the Euphrates river, was once held by ISIS from 2014 to 2017
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Sextortion: “Leave €50,000 in a trash can or I’ll share your sexual videos”

Isabel Rubio — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:30:47 -0500

At age 17, Álvaro (not his real name) wasn’t clear about his sexual orientation: “I wanted to try new things to see what I actually liked,” he explains. In this process of experimentation he ended up on an online chat site where, without having to sign-up, you could meet people to have online sex with. He started to regularly talk to a guy who “didn’t like to show anything,” but who had a lot of requests. “I would record videos and he would tell me what to do via voice messages.” What seemed at first like an innocent game turned into a nightmare. The guy he was talking to started to blackmail him: he asked Álvaro to leave €50,000 in a trash can or he would share all the material that he had been sent.

Seguir leyendo.

In English Section | EL PAÍS: Sextortion: “Leave €50,000 in a trash can or I’ll share your sexual videos”

Isabel Rubio — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:28:52 -0500

Seguir leyendo.

In English Section | EL PAÍS

Cyprus Mail: Excavations at Nea Paphos provides insight into ancient road network

Annette Chrysostomou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:24:34 -0500

Excavations at the world heritage site of the ancient theatre of Nea Paphos have provided an insight on the road network and the foundations of the building, the department of antiquities announced on Thursday on the occasion of the official completion of the 2019 excavations at the southern slope of Fabrika Hill.

“The excavations have enhanced the understanding of the urban layout of Roman cities on Cyprus. We now get a sense of the complexity of the infrastructure built in ancient Pafos for an expanding population and as a representation of Imperial Roman power,” project director Craig Barker of the University of Sydney said.

According to the announcement by the antiquities department, over the five-week season which encompassed the month of October, an enormous amount of soil was moved, revealing a number of ancient and medieval monuments from the area around the Hellenistic-Roman theatre, located in the north-east corner of the ancient capital of Cyprus.

A number of trenches were opened by the Australian team with the intention of exposing the continuation of the paved Roman road, located south of the theatre. This east-west running road, more than eight and a half metres wide and with a sophisticated drainage network, would have serviced the north-eastern gate of the ancient city. Wheel ruts indicate it was used by vehicles and pedestrians. An additional 14 metres length of this road, constructed in the second century AD, were exposed in three separate trenches.

The road was constructed from rectangular limestone pavers and played a pivotal role in the ancient city’s infrastructure and the movement of ancient populations. The excavation has also yielded evidence of earthquake collapse of the fourth century AD.

A new trench confirmed the size of the insula blocks of this part of the ancient city. The depth of this new road compared with the paved road to its north also suggests that the topography of the ancient city was very different to the current landscape.

Other trenches opened in 2019 were positioned in order to understand more about the foundations of the Roman-stage building. Meanwhile excavations on the top of the hill behind the theatre exposed additional features of an important, large medieval building, which seems to have been in use for several centuries.

The theatre of ancient Nea Paphos is one of the most significant Hellenistic-Roman structures in Cyprus; it was in use for more than six centuries between its construction in c. 300 BC and its final destruction by an earthquake around 365 AD. It was initially used for dramatic performances, but in its final Roman phases the theatre was converted to an arena and could be flooded for water spectacles.

The Australian team will return to the site next year to mark the excavation’s 25^th anniversary and is working towards a major publication on the architecture and moveable finds from the theatre.

The 2019 team consisted of more than 70 archaeologists, specialists and students from Australia.

The post Excavations at Nea Paphos provides insight into ancient road network appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Excavations at Nea Paphos provide insight into ancient road network

Annette Chrysostomou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:24:34 -0500

The Australian team will return to the site next year to mark the excavation’s 25^th anniversary and is working towards a major publication on the architecture and moveable finds from the theatre.

The 2019 team consisted of more than 70 archaeologists, specialists and students from Australia.

The post Excavations at Nea Paphos provide insight into ancient road network appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Central Bank slashes key rate to 12 percent

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:24:00 -0500

Turkey’s Central Bank has cut its main policy rate (one-week repo rate) by 200 basis points – larger than market expectations – from 14 percent to 12 percent.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Catalan artist depicts daily life of Istanbul women

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:24:00 -0500

A postcard exhibition in Barcelona seeks to bring Spanish public closer to stories of 16 Turkish women

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: Russia expels two German diplomats in dispute over killing

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:17:10 -0500

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday summoned the German ambassador in Moscow to issue Berlin a formal protest over the expulsions and gave two German diplomats seven days to leave the country.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: KoçSistem exec among top 50 tech CEOs

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:15:49 -0500

Mehmet Ali Akarca, general manager of KoçSistem, has been named among one of the world’s top technology company CEOs.

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: Democrats look to approve impeachment articles ahead of House vote

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 06:09:29 -0500

The Democratic-controlled committee is expected to approve two formal articles of impeachment, which will allow a vote by the House next week.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Main opposition CHP submits motion on nuclear plant in Armenia

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:54:00 -0500

The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) on Dec. 12 issued a motion for a parliamentary investigation to search possible destructive effects of Armenia's Metsamor nuclear power plant to the neighboring countries.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Kanal Istanbul project to start 'soon': Erdoğan

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:46:51 -0500

Turkey will soon initiate the project of artificial sea-level waterway Kanal Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Dec. 12.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Interview with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xingyuan

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:30:57 -0500

CM Question 1: Recently, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act was passed by the US Congress and Senate, and signed into law by President Trump. There is a suspicion that foreign powers are interfering in China’s internal affairs. What are your views?

I have stated my views on the Hong Kong issue many times. China strongly condemns and resolutely opposes the passing of Hong Kong-related Acts by the US Senate and Congress. This Act is a blatant neglect of truth, facts and common sense, inconsistent with the principles and values championed by the US and constitutes a flagrant interference in China’s internal affairs,which seriously violates international law and the basic norms of international relations. The US’ support of violence and terror not only threatens the stability of Hong Kong, but also international efforts in combating violence and terror. Some believe that the US had a dirty hand in the Hong Kong riots. By passing this Act, the US is practically telling the world that they not only had a dirty hand but also orchestrated the whole thing. For more than five months, continuing violence and terror in Hong Kong have severly endangered the lives and property of Hong Kong citizens, trampled on the rule of law and social order, undermined Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability,and challenged the red line of the “One country, Two systems” principle. By passing the Act, US hawk politicians are openly supporting the behaviors of smashing,burning and killing to disrupt Hong Kong and China. Those brainless Hong Kong youths and shameless anti-China politicians should be held accountable for the current chaos in Hong Kong and the possible decline of the city thereafter.

The Chinese central government will continue to firmly support the Hong Kong SAR government in lawfully administering Hong Kong, the Hong Kong police in duly enforcing the law,and the judiciary in punishing violent criminals to protect the safety and property of Hong Kong citizens and safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

CM Question 2. For some time, governments, parliaments and media in the United States and western countries have continued to accuse the so-called “reeducation camps” in Xinjiang for human rights violations. A few days ago, the US senate passed The Uighur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019. What is your comment on this?

First of all, I want to say that the Uighur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019 passed by the US Congress intends to smear the human rights condition of Xinjiang, slander China’s de-radicalization and counter-terrorism efforts and viciously attack the Chinese Government’s Xinjiang policy. It is a serious violation of international law and basic norms governing international relations as well as a gross interference in China’s internal affairs. We are indignant at the Act and strongly opposes it. I quote US Republican Congressman Thomas Massie who voted against the Act, saying that “When our government meddles in the internal affairs of foreign countries, it invites those governments to meddle in our affairs.” He was right to the point.

I have had years of experience dealing with western media. I know their usual tricks. This “man bites dog” approach has reduced some western media into rumormongers and hotspot scratchers when it comes to Xinjiang. Their smearing and slandering campaigns have exposed their double standards toward counter-terrorism and de-radicalization and ulterior motives of interfering in China’s internal affairs by sensationalizing Xinjiang-related issues. The misinformation they disseminated wrongly encouraged violence and terrorists, and is doomed to be self-damaging. Terrorist attacks that took place later in some countries were a huge slap in the face. There are some serious lessons to be learnt.

From 1990 to the end of 2016, thousands of violent terrorist incidents occurred in Xinjiang, causing massive casualties and damage. In response to this grim situation, Xinjiang set up the vocational education and training centres in accordance with the law, offering training in learning China’s official language, knowledge of law and vocational skills. All trainees have completed their studies by now and gained stable employment and better quality of life with the help of the government. Since Xinjiang’s adoption of severe counter-terrorism and violence measures in accordance with the law and a holistic approach that involves source control and eradication of extremism to tackle the problem at its root, there have been no violent terrorist incidents in the region for the past three years. Thousands of foreign ambassadors,officials of international organizations and journalists, many from Muslim countries, have visited Xinjiang since the end of last year. They have witnessed the remarkable results of Xinjiang’s preventive counter-terrorism and depolarization measures and hold China’s policy in high regard. I wish to reiterate that there are no ethnic,religious or human rights problems in Xinjiang. The overarching human right is the effective maintenance of stability in Xinjiang for the safety of people of all ethnic groups.

CM Question 3. Recently there was some talk that some kind of a deal was found in the ongoing “trade war” between the US and China. Has this “war” seriously affected the Chinese economy? Do you see that the “trade war” is going to end soon for the benefit of the world economy?

The trade war was unilaterally provoked by the United States. It is the tipping point of the progression of US’s policy toward China. China does not seek a trade surplus with the United States and we believe that an open US market is in China’s interest. Facts have proven that a trade war against China is not the answer to the underlying problems of the US economy. It has severely damaged the world economy. It is a war with no winners.

China has been conducting trade negotiations with the US in an open and inclusive manner, which is conducive to a more stable China-US economic and trade relations, maintaining confidence and positive outlook for the steady recovery and growth of the world economy.

All setbacks so far in the China-US trade negotiations are a direct result of the inconsistency and betrayal of the US. It comes down to the US to achieve any breakthrough at an early date. We hope that the US can work with China to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible on the basis of mutual respect,equality and mutual benefit. This serves the economic interest of both countries and the world.

I would like to add that the world is undergoing drastic and complex changes. Populism,nationalism and protectionism are all on the rise. Human society has entered a new stage facing unprecedented challenges. In some countries,the gap between the rich and the poor has widened to a point that the governing social elites are unable to maintain a balance between economic progress and social equity. So they chose to divert antangonistic problems at home outside by blaming others for their own decline. Being narrow-minded is not constructive. It could trigger a vicious circle.

CM Question 4. President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus Mr. Demetris Syllouris recently led a delegation to China and held various meetings with Chinese leaders and business communities. Do you think the visit was successful and were there any tangible results?

At the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Mr. Li Zhanshu, House President Mr. Syllouris visited China from November 3 to 12. The delegation went to major cities including Beijing,Shanghai,Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The visit was a huge success. Mr. Syllouris attended the opening ceremony of the 2nd China International Import Expo in Shanghai, President Xi Jinping’s welcoming dinner banquet, the 2nd Hongqiao International Economic Forum,and met with NPC Chairman Mr. Li Zhanshu and Chairman of CPPCC National Committee Mr. Wang Yang in Beijing. The delegation also visited leading Chinese private companies such as Huawei,BYD,iFLYTEK and attended the China-Cyprus Business Forum in Guangdong Province.

Mr. Syllouris and Chinese leaders had in-depth exchange of views on a wide range of topics,including strengthening China-Cyprus friendly relations,carrying out exchanges between legislative bodies and in governance,with important consensus reached. The delegation,which was made of MPs and top Cypriot entrepreneurs,had fruitful discussions with their Chinese counterparts on deepening exchanges and cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture and tourism. Mr. Syllouris said that Cyprus admires China for its historic achievements since the country’s founding 70 years ago, and is encouraged by President Xi Jinping’s remarks at 2nd China International Import Expo. China ’s new measures for opening up will bring more opportunities for development to Cyprus and other countries around the world.

Mr. Syllouris’ visit to China is another important high-level visit between our two countries following President Anastasiades’ visit to China back in April this year,during which he attended the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and witnessed the signing of the China-Cyprus intergovernmental MOU on cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are confident that guided by the leadership of our two countries,China and Cyprus will have stronger political mutual trust,expanding cooperation across the board and closer bonds of friendship.

CM Question 5. Earlier this month, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Greece, which was hailed by the media as a milestone in China-Greek relations. What is your comment on this visit?

At the invitation of President Prokopis Pavlopoulos,President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Greece from November 10 to 12. The visit was very fruitful and significant. Since its establishment in 1972, China-Greece diplomatic ties have seen steady and sound growth. The inauguration of China-Greece Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2006 and the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013 gave new impetus to two countries’ relations. President Xi’s visit further upgraded the practical cooperation between China and Greece. At present,Greece is working its way out of the debt crisis while China is undergoing a critical period of economic transformation and upgrade. The two countries’ mutually beneficial and win win cooperation fully testifies the importance of free trade, multilateralism and an open world economy. The visit also pushed up the level of cooperation between China and Greece in the building of the Belt and Road Initiative,and made full use of the opportunities brought by Greece’s new membership to the China-Central and Eastern European Countries cooperation mechanism to actively promote practical cooperation such as the China-Europe land and sea express line for better China-Europe connectivity. The visit also strengthened dialogue and mutual learning between civilizations. As heirs to ancient Eastern and Western civilizations across the Eurasian Continent, China and Greece share a historic responsibility in contributing to addressing global problems and challenges and building a community of shared destiny in an increasingly changing world today.

Cyprus and Greece have maintained a special and close relationship,and both countries are China’s good friends and partners in Europe. The steady and sound growth of China-Greece relations is good for China-Cyprus relations. China, Cyprus and Greece can explore ways to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

CM Question 6. Recently, leaders of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus met with the UN Secretary General in Berlin. What is your view on the escalated tension caused by Turkey’s violation of the sovereign rights of Cyprus and the prospects of the Cyprus problem?

Both China and Cyprus are firmly committed to the One China and One Cyprus policy. China has consistently supported Cyprus’ efforts in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as the resumption of dialogue and negotiation on the basis of relevant UN resolutions for a just,reasonable,balanced and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Problem on the basis of the aforementioned UN resolutions, which must be in the interest of both communities.

With the support of the UN and the international community, the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have had several rounds of negotiations on the peaceful reunification of Cyprus with some progress. The international community needs to help facilitate this process. China calls on relevant parties to exercise restraint,avoid taking any unilateral actions that may affect the resolution of the Cyprus Problem,and create a basis of mutual trust and favorable conditions for the negotiations. As a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council and a good friend of Cyprus, China is ready to do its utmost to play a constructive role in the resolution of the Cyprus Problem at an early date

The post Interview with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xingyuan appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Raising the bar: Why Spanish villages are fighting to keep their locals open

Juan Navarro — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:26:19 -0500

There were several months in which the only bar in Villalbarba was the one in its name. In this village of 132 people in Spain’s northern Valladolid province in Castile and León, there was nowhere to play a heated game of dominoes, have a coffee or drink a beer. Locals either stayed at home or went for a walk in the endless greenery that surrounds the village – two options that did little to stimulate social relations. As one man put it: “If there is no decent bar in a village, nobody sees anybody.”

Seguir leyendo.

JPost.com - Homepage: Giant billboard in Tel Aviv installed to 'Save Israel's Democracy'

By DONNA RACHEL EDMUNDS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:23:21 -0500

The billboard calls for sweeping reform of the Israeli judicial system in the wake of growing public distrust.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkey applies to UN to register maritime pact with Libya

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:18:48 -0500

Turkey has applied to the U.N. to register the pact signed with Libya that sets out the countries' maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: Tel Aviv - Jerusalem railway to commence operations on December 21

By EYTAN HALON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:18:00 -0500

More than a decade overdue, the railway will finally carry its first passengers.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkey notifies UN for maritime jurisdiction areas with Libya

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:18:00 -0500

Turkey notified the United Nations of its delimitation of the maritime jurisdiction areas with Libya on Dec. 11, a Foreign Ministry official told Hürriyet Daily News.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Turkey sends Libya maritime accord to UN for approval -source

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:16:38 -0500

Turkey on Thursday sent its accord with Libya on a maritime boundary between the two countries to the United Nations for approval, a Turkish diplomatic source said, despite objections from Greece that the agreement violates international law.

Two weeks ago, Libya’s internationally recognised government and Turkey signed the maritime delimitation agreement, in a move that escalated disputes over potential offshore gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.

Infuriated by the pact, Greece accused Libya’s government of deception and expelled the Libyan ambassador to Athens. It also said it had lodged objections with the United Nations, saying the accord violated international law.

Tensions were already running high between Greece and Turkey because of Turkish gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean off the coast of the divided island of Cyprus. The NATO members are also at odds over mineral rights in the Aegean Sea.

The European Union has readied sanctions against Turkey in response to its actions around Cyprus.

The post Turkey sends Libya maritime accord to UN for approval -source appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Dog named ‘Miracle’ after surviving building collapse in Central Anatolia

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:14:00 -0500

A dog that survived a building collapse in the Central Anatolian province of Konya has been named “miracle.”

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Aegean and Cyprus Airways lay on new Paphos-Athens flights

Nick Theodoulou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:13:52 -0500

New flights between Paphos and Athens are being laid on by both Cyprus Airways and Greek carrier Aegean.

The Aegean flights will run twice a week, while Cyprus Airways said it would have three flights a week from Paphos to Athens from December 21 onwards.

Two weeks ago, Cyprus Airways announced ticket sales for summer 2020 from Larnaca and Paphos to destinations in Greece, Europe and the Middle East.

The local carrier said it was offering new flights to both the mainland and islands of Greece, including, Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, Skiathos, and Preveza.

The post Aegean and Cyprus Airways lay on new Paphos-Athens flights appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Large-scale op against bootleg liquor gangs

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 05:06:00 -0500

Turkish police have conducted one of the largest operations against a bootleg liquor production crime ring after prosecutors issued warrants for 107 suspects.

Hürriyet Daily News

El Roto

El Roto — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:57:34 -0500

El Roto cartoon, December 12, 2019

In English Section | EL PAÍS: El Roto

El Roto — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:57:34 -0500

El Roto cartoon, December 12, 2019

In English Section | EL PAÍS

Cyprus Mail: Indonesian cave art is earliest known record of “story telling”, researchers say

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:53:24 -0500

A cave painting found on Indonesia’s island of Sulawesi, depicting human-like figures hunting animals, appears to be the earliest known pictorial record of story-telling, according to a study by a team of Australian and Indonesian researchers.

The painting, found in a limestone cave in 2017, was dated to nearly 44,000 years ago using uranium-series analysis, they said in the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.

It shows eight therianthropes, or humans with animal characteristics, appearing to chase and kill six animals such as the warty pigs native to the island, using what seem to be spears and ropes.

“The portrayal of multiple hunters confronting at least two separate prey species possibly suggests a game drive, a communal hunt in which animals are indiscriminately flushed from cover and directed towards waiting hunters,” the researchers said.

Until now, the oldest rock art showing a character with the characteristics of an animal had been an ivory sculpture found in a cave in Germany. Thought to date back 40,000 years, it depicts a human body attached to a feline-like head.

The Indonesian cave painting also provided some of the earliest evidence of human spirituality, said one of the study’s co-authors, Adam Brumm, an archaeologist at Australia’s Griffith University.

“Therianthropes occur in the folklore or narrative fiction of almost every modern society and they are perceived as gods, spirits, or ancestral beings in many religions worldwide,” he said in a statement.

The research was done in collaboration with Indonesia’s National Research Centre for Archaeology, and scientists from culture heritage department of Makassar, the provincial capital.

The Griffith researchers said cave art in Sulawesi was first discovered in the 1950s, with at least 242 caves and shelters containing such imagery documented since.

Some of the caves had sustained damage that could threaten the art, said Indonesian rock art expert Adhi Agus Oktaviana, pointing to threats from salt, dust, peeling, microbes and smoke.

“It would be a tragedy if these exceptionally old artworks should disappear in our own lifetime, but it is happening,” added Oktaviana, who is a Ph.D. student at Griffith.

The post Indonesian cave art is earliest known record of “story telling”, researchers say appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Chilean Air Force finds debris believed to be from missing plane

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:48:02 -0500

The debris was found 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of where the plane last made contact, the Air Force said in a statement.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Saudi Aramco market value exceeds $2 trillion

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:46:07 -0500

Saudi Arabia's national oil company Aramco saw its market value surpass the $2 trillion mark on its second day of public trading on the Saudi stock exchange Tadawul on Dec. 12.

Hürriyet Daily News

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Refugees in Pakistan-administered Kashmir seek attention https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/refugees-in-pakistan-administered-kashmir-seek-attention-3507227 …pic.twitter.com/prlgPgidPC

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:45:00 -0500

Refugees in Pakistan-administered Kashmir seek attention https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/refugees-in-pakistan-administered-kashmir-seek-attention-3507227 … pic.twitter.com/prlgPgidPC

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Saudi Aramco market value exceeds $2 trillion on Thurs. https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/saudi-aramco-market-value-exceeds-2-trillion-on-thurs-3507251 …pic.twitter.com/hSdn8e30zv

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:35:00 -0500

Saudi Aramco market value exceeds $2 trillion on Thurs. https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/saudi-aramco-market-value-exceeds-2-trillion-on-thurs-3507251 … pic.twitter.com/hSdn8e30zv

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Israel "very troubled" by Jeremy Corbyn run in UK election

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:34:26 -0500

"Corbyn is a real danger to Israel-Britain relations, and I know British Jewry are very worried about this possibility," Deputy Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely told Ynet TV.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkish charity opens school in Syria’s Idlib https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkish-charity-opens-school-in-syrias-idlib-3507215 …pic.twitter.com/2xj7nZAXQw

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:30:00 -0500

Turkish charity opens school in Syria’s Idlib https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkish-charity-opens-school-in-syrias-idlib-3507215 … pic.twitter.com/2xj7nZAXQw

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Spain’s King Felipe calls on Pedro Sánchez to form a new government

El País — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:27:15 -0500

Spain’s King Felipe VI on Wednesday nominated Pedro Sánchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE) as the candidate with the best chance of being sworn in as prime minister by Congress.

Seguir leyendo.

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Death toll in Ukraine's Odessa fire rises to 16 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/death-toll-in-ukraines-odessa-fire-rises-to-16-3507247 …pic.twitter.com/608eWuSlgh

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:25:00 -0500

Death toll in Ukraine's Odessa fire rises to 16 https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/death-toll-in-ukraines-odessa-fire-rises-to-16-3507247 … pic.twitter.com/608eWuSlgh

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

In English Section | EL PAÍS: Spain’s King Felipe calls on Pedro Sánchez to form a new government

El País — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:24:50 -0500

Spain’s King Felipe VI on Wednesday nominated Pedro Sánchez of the Socialist Party (PSOE) as the candidate with the best chance of being sworn in as prime minister by Congress.

Seguir leyendo.

In English Section | EL PAÍS

JPost.com - Homepage: Netanyahu: I will quit all my ministerial duties by January 1

By YONAH JEREMY BOB — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:22:50 -0500

Porfolios that Netanyahu currently holds are the Health Ministry, Diaspora Ministry and the Welfare Ministry though he still intends to continue acting as Prime Minister.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Liberman: I will support pardon for Netanyahu if he quits politics

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:18:31 -0500

Liberman said he would support giving Netanyahu a pardon if it means he’ll leave politics: “Not immunity, a pardon in exchange for an honorable discharge”
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Two kids died from choking on the cap of a syringe-like chocolate tube

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:17:57 -0500

Two kids in Turkey have died in Ankara and Diyarbakır provinces, from choking on the cap of a syringe-like chocolate tube.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: What’s eaten where: Hebei province

Alix Norman — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:15:36 -0500

You’re probably not going to like this – or possibly even believe it – but the official dish of China’s Hebei province is the Donkey Burger. At first we thought this was a joke; surely nobody eats donkey? But it’s not, and they do. In Hebei, Cyprus’ most beloved beast of burden becomes a burger…

A coastal region in northern China, Hebei completely surrounds two of the nation’s largest cities, Beijing and Tianjin. Mostly flat, the province lies within the North China Plain, though the western part of Hebei rises into the Taihang Mountains, and the Yan Mountains run through the north.

With its continental monsoon climate (cold, dry winters, and hot, humid summers), Hebei is known for its agricultural produce: wheat, maize, millet and sorghum. And 40 per cent of the labour force is employed in the agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry sectors. Which brings us back to donkeys, and the donkey burger…

Actually, it’s more of a sandwich than a burger, and it’s been around for ever: the dish is said to date back to the Ming Dynasty, and there are records of donkey being consumed as early as the 1400s. Two cities in Hebei, Hejian and Baoding, claim to be the original home of the donkey burger; the former hosts a festival in honour of their favourite fare each spring, and the skill of cooking an authentic Chinese donkey burger is officially listed under Hebei province’s intangible cultural heritage.

Today, such is the demand for donkey that thousands of the animals in developing countries are being killed to fuel the industry, according to a report from the global Donkey Sanctuary organisation. The Hebei donkey burger is said to be tender and delicate, juicy and rich in flavour, and consists of well-cooked meat and a few green chillies in a bread pocket.

Perhaps we shouldn’t be so shocked; horse and dog are eaten worldwide. But this loveable beast of burden is an animal so inextricably linked with Cyprus, that a donkey burger feels almost akin to eating a precious pet. Perhaps we should re-examine our western sensibilities. Or, at the very least, respect another nation’s traditional cuisine.

The post What’s eaten where: Hebei province appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Nobel-winning author Handke declared 'persona non grata' in Sarajevo https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/nobel-winning-author-handke-declared-persona-non-grata-in-sarajevo-3507226 …pic.twitter.com/vqDEXUxvTJ

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:15:00 -0500

Nobel-winning author Handke declared 'persona non grata' in Sarajevo https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/nobel-winning-author-handke-declared-persona-non-grata-in-sarajevo-3507226 … pic.twitter.com/vqDEXUxvTJ

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: EU leaders to reject Turkey-Libya deal -draft statement

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:14:37 -0500

An accord between Libya and Turkey mapping out maritime boundaries is a violation of international law, European Union leaders will say on Thursday in support of Greece, which objects to the deal, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters.

Greece last week expelled the Libyan ambassador in response to the agreement, infuriated at a pact which skirts the Greek island of Crete and infringes, in Athens’s view, its continental shelf.

“The Turkey-Libya memorandum of understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States (and) does not comply with the (U.N.) Law of the Sea,” EU leaders will say, according to the draft statement prepared for a two-day summit from Thursday.

The deal between Ankara and Tripoli carves out a slanting sea corridor of maritime boundaries at the closest points between Libya and Turkey, potentially clearing the way for oil and gas search there.

“The European Council unequivocally reaffirms its solidarity with Greece and Cyprus regarding these actions by Turkey,” the draft said.

Greece has lodged its objections to the United Nations over the accord between Libya and Turkey, saying the pact could affect implementation of the Libyan agreement brokered by the UN in 2015 to end years of fighting in the North African country.

A row over eastern Mediterranean gas reserves offshore has become increasingly shrill with countries in the region jostling to stake their claims. Turkey has a long-running disagreement with ethnically split Cyprus over reserves around that island.

The post EU leaders to reject Turkey-Libya deal -draft statement appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Aramco int'l listing unlikely, Tokyo closest: Analyst https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/aramco-intl-listing-unlikely-tokyo-closest-analyst-3507246 …pic.twitter.com/oUBK2CVsVZ

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:11:50 -0500

Aramco int'l listing unlikely, Tokyo closest: Analyst https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/aramco-intl-listing-unlikely-tokyo-closest-analyst-3507246 … pic.twitter.com/oUBK2CVsVZ

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: What are the impacts of Turkey’s ‘historic deal’ with Libya? @zekeriyakursun https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/zekeriyakursun/what-are-the-impacts-of-turkeys-historic-deal-with-libya-2047261 …pic.twitter.com/IVdAR6oH21

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:07:09 -0500

What are the impacts of Turkey’s ‘historic deal’ with Libya? @zekeriyakursun https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/zekeriyakursun/what-are-the-impacts-of-turkeys-historic-deal-with-libya-2047261 … pic.twitter.com/IVdAR6oH21

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Female Karate team in Gaza aiming for international glory https://www.yenisafak.com/en/video-gallery/news/female-karate-team-in-gaza-aiming-for-international-glory-2202957 …pic.twitter.com/rVD0H0Traa

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:05:00 -0500

Female Karate team in Gaza aiming for international glory https://www.yenisafak.com/en/video-gallery/news/female-karate-team-in-gaza-aiming-for-international-glory-2202957 … pic.twitter.com/rVD0H0Traa

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Hürriyet Daily News: F-35 program became domestic issue of US, says Turkish presidential spokesperson

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:03:49 -0500

The dispute between Turkey and the United States over the F-35 jets is not a technical or defense matter anymore, but rather an issue of U.S. domestic politics, the Turkish presidential spokesperson has said.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Thousands of baby flying foxes starve after Australian bushfires

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:59:48 -0500

Thousands of baby grey-headed flying foxes have been abandoned by their mothers in the latest example of wildlife devastation caused by Australia’s severe drought and bushfires, which disrupted the bats’ ability to produce milk for their offspring.

A threatened species, the grey-headed flying fox is one of the world’s largest bats, with a wingspan of up to a metre, and is covered in dark grey fur with an orange collar.

“We have lost about 90 in the last three weeks,” said Hugh Pitty, an ecologist who monitors a breeding colony that forms each year from November to May in the east coast town of Bega.

“The young ones have been abandoned by their mums, who don’t have enough nourishment to produce any milk,” he said, adding that drought had caused the food shortage, which was then exacerbated by the fires.

“That has led to them having to abandon the flying fox pups. We just find them on the ground underneath the trees in the park.”

The bushfires have wiped out about half the koalas at one coastal reserve in New South Wales, besides ravaging about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of farms and bush, killing four people since November, and destroying more than 400 homes.

Australia’s population of the flying foxes ranges from about 450,000 to 650,000, the government estimates.

Further north from Bega is Bateman’s Bay, where monitors had counted 100 deaths, while the tally in the nearby Shoalhaven region was 1,900 bats, Pitty added.

“As an event, it’s widely spread. It’s not good news for flying foxes.”

The bats are night-time pollinators crucial to the well-being of the forest, said Janine Davies, an official of the Shoalhaven bat clinic and sanctuary, who confirmed the figure of 1,900 deaths.

The decline in the bat numbers would affect “all the other animals that are dependent on the trees they pollinate – parrots, possums, koalas,” she added.

The post Thousands of baby flying foxes starve after Australian bushfires appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: New Zealand police plan to recover bodies from volcanic island on Friday https://www.yenisafak.com/en/life/new-zealand-police-plan-to-recover-bodies-from-volcanic-island-on-friday-3507213 …pic.twitter.com/3FPCJfpZTP

(@yenisafakEN) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:59:00 -0500

New Zealand police plan to recover bodies from volcanic island on Friday https://www.yenisafak.com/en/life/new-zealand-police-plan-to-recover-bodies-from-volcanic-island-on-friday-3507213 … pic.twitter.com/3FPCJfpZTP

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Israeli researchers find new viruses that steal credit card details

By OMRI RON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:55:28 -0500

The hackers acted for six months undetected, during which they are estimated to have stolen tens of millions of dollars.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: Chilean Air Force finds debris believed to be from missing plane

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:49:20 -0500

The Chilean Air Force said on Dec. 11 it had located debris believed to be from a military cargo plane that crashed this week with 38 people aboard over a remote stretch of frigid sea between South America and the Antarctic.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Guarantee system up for discussion, Akinci says

George Psyllides — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:46:35 -0500

Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci said everything was on the table in the reunification talks, including guarantees and right of intervention, as the 1960’s regime introduced with the foundation of the Republic no longer existed.

Speaking during a news conference on Wednesday evening, Akinci cited the framework drafted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres during the 2017 talks in Switzerland, which spoke of a new arrangement.

“We are entering 2020, we are not living in 1960. We should not be afraid to discuss these issues. Some people turned this into a taboo; they say Akinci discussed these, he destroyed us. No, my friend, everything is up for discussion, we will work to achieve the best outcome.”

The framework said that the current system, which granted a right of intervention was not sustainable and that the Treaty of Guarantees could be replaced by adequate implementation monitoring mechanisms, where guarantor powers could partly be involved.

The framework states that issues related to troops — numbers, withdrawals if and when they will need to leave, timelines, etc — will be agreed at the prime ministerial level of guarantor countries.

Akinci said the treaty guaranteed the regime put in place in 1960 and not the Turkish Cypriot community, as some people think.

The 1960 regime was cancelled by the military junta ruling Greece at the time when it carried out a coup against president Makarios with the assistance of its Greek Cypriot collaborators, the Turkish Cypriot leader said. To prevent Cyprus’ annexation to Greece, Turkey intervened using its right, he added.

“The right of intervention was granted in the treaty to correct the regime that was cancelled. Is there such a danger now in practice? No, at least not in the foreseeable future,” he said.

“The 60s’ regime does not exist at the moment. We negotiate to form a federation, not to resurrect the 1960 system,” he said, adding that it was natural to find a new arrangement on the matter.

During the talks in Switzerland in 2017, the issue was discussed by Turkey and Greece, the Turkish Cypriot leader said.

“Turkey conveyed a series of messages as regards what it could do on the matter of the army and the guarantees, on the matter of security.”

To him, Akinci said, there were three key elements: equality, freedom and security, and the people, and he would not accept a system that did not provide security. How it would be done remains to be discussed.

The post Guarantee system up for discussion, Akinci says appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Students hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:39:20 -0500

More than 100 students staying in a dormitory in Çorum province have been hospitalized after being exposed to carbon monoxide.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: World's oldest artwork uncovered in Indonesian cave

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:35:34 -0500

An Indonesian cave painting that depicts a prehistoric hunting scene could be the world's oldest figurative artwork dating back nearly 44,000 years, pointing to an advanced artistic culture, according to new research.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Russia expels two German diplomats in row over killing

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:32:00 -0500

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Dec. 12 it would expel two German diplomats from Moscow in a tit-for-tat response after Berlin last week ordered the expulsion of two Russian diplomats.

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: Egyptian official on Palestinian TV denies Jewish history in Israel

By DONNA RACHEL EDMUNDS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:25:49 -0500

The appearance was part of a wider narrative by the Palestinian Authority, which insists that archaeological evidence of a continuous Jewish presence in Israel is forgery.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: New Zealand begins efforts to recover bodies following volcanic explosion

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:17:04 -0500

;

JPost.com - Homepage

KashmirWatch: End curfew, lockdown & give right of self-determination to Kashmiris: British MePs

Editor — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:08:20 -0500

London: The British Parliamentarians have once again called for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that Mr Narendra Modi has to give the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, and to end the curfew and lockdown.

These views were expressed by British labour MP Jess Phillips , British Lib Dem MEP Philip Bennion, Former Cabinet Minster and MP Liam Byrne, Conservative Candidate Marco Longhi while speaking at Kashmir seminar on the International Day of Human Rights organized by the Tehreek-e-Kashmir United Kingdom.

“First of all we have to recognize the fact that the Kashmir dispute is not a common ground issue, it is a nuclear flashpoint between two nuclear forces,” one of the MPs said.

If nuclear war breaks out, it will not only be devastating for India and Pakistan, but the whole world will be engulfed by it. This will not leave China indifferent. The geographical position of the world is changing. China is the largest oil buyer in the Gulf today. Which is making the pipeline through CPEC. China will never leave India open for Pakistan. This century is the Chinese century.

Speaking on the occasion, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK Raja Fahim Kayani said that the Universal human rights declaration was adopted by the United Nations on 10th December 1948.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a document that acts like a global road map for freedom and equality which protects the rights of every induvial, everywhere.

The aim of this conference is to draw the world’s attention towards the continuous lockdown and curfew imposed by the New Delhi government in Indian Occupied Kashmir since August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 that gives the limited autonomy to the Indian Occupied Jammu Kashmir and Lakh.

Today governments and NGOs are celebrating 1oth December as an international human rights day across the world but unfortunately, the united nations have failed to stop human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir committed by the Indian army.

People of Kashmir are being punished by the Indian army for the crime of right to self-determination which was given by the United Nations, the Kashmir dispute is the longest unresolved issue in the United Nations, the security council of the united nations has passed more than 11 resolutions on the Kashmir dispute,

Three steps were mentioned to resolve this conflict in the resolutions,

The first step, Ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The second one, demilitarize the region and third one hold plebiscite and let the people of Jammu and Kashmir decide their destiny.one-third part of the resolution was implemented on 1st January 1949 and now the two-third part of the resolution haven’t been implemented by the United Nations.

Pakistan has said many times in the united nations, they are ready to demilitarize the region and Kashmir issue must be resolved according to the aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but India is in denial mode. Britain is a permanent member of the security council of the united nations, it is a moral duty of the united kingdom to put pressure on India to end human rights violations and implement the resolution on Kashmir.

Kashmiris have given generations to this conflict, every home in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is affected by the Indian brutality, every mother, sister and daughter in Kashmir has a story and unfortunately, it’s painful.

People of Kashmir have suffered more than 70 years Under brutal Indian Occupation, subjugation and oppression, the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir look towards the mother of all democracies, the United Kingdom, for the implementation of United Nations resolutions on Kashmir granting the right to self-determination to the Kashmiris so they can decide about their future as per their own wishes.

The post End curfew, lockdown & give right of self-determination to Kashmiris: British MePs appeared first on KashmirWatch.

KashmirWatch

JPost.com - Homepage: Lebanese officials protest Iranian threat to attack Israel from Lebanon

By TZVI JOFFRE — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:06:03 -0500

"If the Zionist regime makes the smallest mistake toward Iran, we will reduce Tel Aviv to ashes from Lebanon," said IRGC commander Morteza Qorbani.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Harvey Weinstein reaches $25 million tentative settlement with accusers

By REUTERS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 03:00:53 -0500

The accord would end nearly all civil lawsuits by actresses and former Weinstein employees who accused him of offenses ranging from sexual harassment to rape, the newspaper said.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: US chemical giant DuPont acquires Israeli desalination start-up

By EYTAN HALON — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:59:09 -0500

Founded in 2008, Desalitech specializes in closed circuit reverse osmosis desalination technology for industrial and municipal water users
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: New Zealand volcano toll seen at 16; police plan to recover bodies on Friday

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:52:56 -0500

Police in New Zealand are planning a mission to volcanic White Island on Friday to retrieve bodies of people killed in this week’s eruption, while the known death toll from the disaster climbed to eight, with two people dying in hospital.

Eight more people are missing and presumed dead, buried under ash and debris from Monday’s eruption. More than 20 people are in hospital, many with severe burns, while seven others have been transferred to burns units in Australia.

“I can now confirm that we are finalising a plan to recover the bodies from Whakaari/ White Island tomorrow morning,” police Deputy Commissioner John Tims said in a statement on Thursday, adding families will be briefed on the operation.

Another police officer, Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement, later told a news conference the mission was risky and that a team would deploy at first light on Friday.

Six bodies could be seen and there would be “very limited” opportunity to search for the other two, he said.

“A lot has to go right for this to work,” Clement said.

The volcano on White Island was “highly volatile” and could erupt again within days, said authorities.

There are no signs of life on the uninhabited island.

“We are now living with a growing sense of desperation to bring home those that we know are there and those we love,” said Judy Turner, the mayor of Whakatane, the nearest town on the mainland. “The frustration of those families most affected is completely understandable. No news is not good news for people in this situation.”

The volcano, a popular tourist destination for day-trips, erupted on Monday, spewing ash and steam over the island.

There were 47 people on the island, also known by its Maori name Whakaari, at the time of the eruption. Twenty-four of those were from Australia, nine from the United States, five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two each from China and Britain and one from Malaysia.

Graham Leonard, a senior scientist at New Zealand‘s geological science agency GNS Science, said monitoring equipment still active on the island put the risk of a further eruption over the next 24 hours at 50% to 60%, up from 40% to 60% on Wednesday.

“Today is less safe than yesterday and the day before,” he said.

In the event of another eruption, anybody on the island could be “pummelled to death” by flying rocks or overcome by ash and gases in temperatures exceeding hundreds of degrees Celsius, said GNS Science volcanologist Nico Fournier.

Clement said earlier the risk of both another eruption and toxic gases were simply too great on Thursday to expose recovery teams, although the situation was being constantly reviewed.

BURN INJURIES

Many of the injured are being treated for severe burns, and medical officials are importing some 1.2 million square cm (186,000 square inches) of skin. The amount of skin needed equates to about 60 donors. In New Zealand, only five to 10 people donate skin each year, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Teams of surgeons in several burns units around the country were working around the clock.

“What we faced on Monday was beyond comprehension,” Dr Heike Hundemer, clinical leader at Whakatane hospital, said at a media conference on Wednesday.

“I’ve worked in major centres in Germany as well as in New Zealand. I’ve never seen this number of critically injured patients coming into an emergency department in a short space of time,” said Hundemer.

“We used every single bedspace, every single resource we had to care for those people. Those patients we treated and comforted will forever stay in our minds.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said 12 Australians would be taken back home for treatment. One citizen would remain in a New Zealand hospital.

Morrison said 11 Australians had died, a figure that is believed to be drawn from the 16 people officially listed dead and missing by New Zealand. Further, he said two permanent residents of Australia had died, one was missing and a fourth was hospitalised.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said there will be an inquiry into the tragedy, which will also look more broadly at issues including access to volcanic sites across New Zealand.

Daily tours bring more than 10,000 visitors to privately owned White Island every year, marketed as “the world’s most accessible active marine volcano”.

Royal Caribbean cruise lines has said that passengers from its ship ‘Ovation of the Seas’ were on the island at the time. It said it grieved “this tragic loss” and would continue to offer support and services to affected families.

The ‘Ovation of the Seas’ docked in Wellington on Thursday.

The post New Zealand volcano toll seen at 16; police plan to recover bodies on Friday appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

In English Section | EL PAÍS: Raising the bar: Why Spanish villages are fighting to keep their locals open

Juan Navarro — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:49:49 -0500

There were several months in which the only bar in Villalbarba was the one in its name. In this village of 132 people in Spain’s northern Valladolid province in Castile and León, there was nowhere to play a heated game of dominoes, have a coffee or drink a beer. Locals either stayed at home or went for a walk in the endless greenery that surrounds the village – two options that do little to stimulate social relations. As one man put it, “If there is no decent bar in a village, nobody sees anybody.”

Seguir leyendo.

In English Section | EL PAÍS

Cyprus Mail: Improving Man United on the right track, says Solskjaer

Rachael Gillett — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:45:40 -0500

Manchester United’s recent wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, despite missing several injured players, are signs that the team are moving in the right direction, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Wednesday.

With club record signing Paul Pogba among those sidelined, United handed their former boss Jose Mourinho his first Spurs defeat last week and dented the Premier League title charge of Pep Guardiola’s faltering City on Saturday.

“We’ve come through a sticky patch in terms of injuries and form,” Solskjaer told a Europa League news conference before his side, who have already qualified for the last 32 knockout stage, face Dutch team AZ Alkmaar at Old Trafford on Thursday.

“Results are the proof but inside we’ve always believed in what we’re doing. We’re on the right track… I see the boys training every day and the attitude and the quality so I’ve not been too worried.”

United’s form has been patchy this season but, after climbing to fifth in the league and moving within five points of fourth-placed Chelsea after a five-game unbeaten run, Solskjaer backed his team to improve further.

“Of course, consistency is vital if you want to win trophies,” Solskjaer added. “This young team need to learn how to put in performances when they don’t feel great. You don’t feel great every time you go on the pitch.

“We’ve had some games when we’ve not been able to perform as well as we like but that’s a learning curve and the boys will improve over the next couple of years… hopefully the rest of the season.”

Midfielder Jesse Lingard will miss the Alkmaar game after sustaining a knock against Manchester City but Marcos Rojo, Diogo Dalot and Nemanja Matic are in line to return.

United must avoid defeat by the Dutch side to top Group L.

Solskjaer added that he was hopeful Frenchman Pogba will recover from his ankle injury before the end of the year.

“Let’s get him fit and back in form. He’ll play loads of games. He’s one of the best players in the world and we’re looking forward to having him back,” he added

The post Improving Man United on the right track, says Solskjaer appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Polls open in UK General Election

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:44:51 -0500

The election is widely seen as "Brexit" election, as incumbent Boris Johnson has pledged to take the UK out of the European Union
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Police arrest man for possession of cannabis plants

George Psyllides — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:41:28 -0500

A fire at a house in the district of Limassol led to the discovery of several cannabis plants and the arrest of the 32-year-old male resident, police said on Thursday.

Drug squad officers were called to the scene after suspicions were raised concerning the contents of several pots found in the house.

The 32-year-old resident of the house refused to grant the officers permission to search the house but at some stage he was seen coming out of the yard with a pot containing a plant and started running.

While trying to escape arrest, the suspect uprooted the plan and discarded the pot, police said.

He was caught by officers with the plant in his possession, which was found to be cannabis. The man was arrested as police secured search warrants for his property and vehicle. Inside the house, officers found four more cannabis plants in pots some seeds, and a small quantity of the drug.

Six more plants were found in his car.

The post Police arrest man for possession of cannabis plants appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Israel heading for unprecedented third election in a year

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:33:42 -0500

Israel will hold an election on March 2, its third in less than a year, parliament decided on Dec. 12 after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival failed to parlay the previous two ballots into a new coalition government.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Sahak Maşalyan becomes new patriarch of Turkey's Armenians

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:20:39 -0500

Sahak Maşalyan became the 85th Patriarch of Turkey's Armenians on Dec. 11 after winning the election held in Armenian Gregorian churches across the country.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Rain makes roads dangerous, yellow warning still in place

Annette Chrysostomou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:10:59 -0500

While a yellow weather warning due to heavy rain remains in place until Thursday afternoon, the fire service was asked to assist with 25 cases related to rainfall from Wednesday morning until the early hours.

In the Larnaca district, fire fighters pumped water from a basement, two people were rescued from vehicles stranded in flooded roads and two apartments were damaged due to the rain.

In the Famagusta region, 18 calls were made from Xylophagou, Liopetri, Sotira and Protaras.

The calls involved 12 flooded roads and fields. Three flooded shops were pumped and three vehicles were towed from roads.

The section of the Larnaca-Paralimni motorway from the Sotira exit to the Xylophagou exit, which was closed on Wednesday evening because of the accumulation of water has reopened but police warned on Thursday morning there is a lot of water on the surface of the section of the highway from Larnaca to Dhekelia.

Προσοχή στο highway Αγία Ναπα – Σωτήρα τα αυτοκίνητα ακινητοποιηθηκαν απο το πολυ νερό και άνθρωποι εγγλωβιστηκαν στα αυτοκίνητα τους

Posted by Pantelis Georgiou on Wednesday, 11 December 2019

The post Rain makes roads dangerous, yellow warning still in place appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:06:48 -0500

Voters go to the polls on Dec. 12 in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain toward another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Astana partners stress importance of Syria's territorial integrity

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 02:02:00 -0500

The 14th round of Syria peace talks discussed developments east of Euphrates River and in Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria, according to Turkey’s Foreign Ministry on Dec. 11.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: India deploys troops to curb violent protests over citizenship law

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:59:32 -0500

India moved thousands of troops into the northeastern state of Assam on Dec. 12 after violent protests overnight against a new law that would make it easier for non-Muslim minorities from some neighboring countries to seek Indian citizenship.

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: Writing the next chapter in the holy book of the Jewish people

By DR. SOL LIZERBRAM — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:57:33 -0500

At Jewish National Fund-USA, I have always said that the people we work with in Israel are not in the hallways of the Knesset, they are on the ground, in the towns and cities of Israel.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Already qualified Apoel face Sevilla in first match since Doll sacking

Iacovos Constantinou — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:50:50 -0500

Apoel take on Sevilla in their sixth and final Europa league group match, with the result having no bearing on the final positions in the Group A table as both teams have already qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament.

However a lot of Apoel supporters will be eager to see how their team will perform following the dismissal of Thomas Doll earlier this week and the appointment of Loucas Hadjiloukas as caretaker coach.

Apoel’s new coach is expected to ring the changes to the starting line-up as well as reverting to a flat back four.

The reward for a win (€570,000), or even a draw (€190,000) is something that Apoel cannot overlook especially with the heavy compensation they are expected to pay Doll, who had a contract until the summer of 2022.

However, the president of Sevilla, Jose Castro, said before the game that his team has just one goal and that is to maintain their perfect record in the group.

“Even though our coach will rest some players we have just one goal and that is to record our sixth win in the group,” Castro said.
The game will be played at the GSP stadium in Nicosia and will kick-off at 8pm.

The group’s other game between Qarabag and Dudelange in Azerbaijan gets underway at the same time.

The post Already qualified Apoel face Sevilla in first match since Doll sacking appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: EU and Norway inaugurate new public buildings in Area C

By DONNA RACHEL EDMUNDS — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:49:19 -0500

The buildings, in villages near Bethlehem, will home the village councils in addition to providing space for community events.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Hürriyet Daily News: 2,800-year-old cauldron to be displayed in Van museum

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:42:00 -0500

An ancient cauldron dating back 2,800 years will be exhibited in a museum in Turkey’s eastern Van province.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkey: Foreign economists expect cut in interest rates

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:39:09 -0500

Central bank's policy rate can be reduced by 150 to 200 basis points at year’s last meeting on Dec. 12, economists say

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkish cities poke fun at duct-taped banana

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:36:22 -0500

Turkish municipalities recently poked fun at an art piece that recently made headlines: a banana duct-taped to a wall at an art fair in Miami, Florida that was sold for $120,000 but was eaten by a visitor in a video that went viral on social media.

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: Israel to hold March 2 election, its third in less than a year

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:35:06 -0500

Israel will hold an election on March 2, its third in less than a year, parliament decided on Thursday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival failed to parlay the previous two ballots into a new coalition government.

By a vote of 94 in favour to none opposed, lawmakers approved a motion dissolving parliament and setting the new election date. It came hours after a final deadline passed to form a government following the last election in September.

In that ballot, and in the one prior in April, Netanyahu’s conservative Likud party deadlocked with ex-general Benny Gantz’s centrist Blue and White. Neither managed to muster enough support in the 120-seat Knesset for a stable coalition.

The next election, however, will be held in the shadow of an corruption indictment handed down against Netanyahu last month.

Denying any wrongdoing, Netanyahu, 70, has accused legal authorities of attempting a “coup” aimed at ousting a popular four-term leader. Critics alleged that Netanyahu was trying to undermine the rule of law and set an election campaign theme portraying himself as the victim of “deep state” conspiracy.

As prime minister, Netanyahu is under no legal obligation to resign as a result of the indictment, and while in office he can ask the legislature to grant him immunity from prosecution.

As caretaker premier, Netanyahu would remain in the post until a new government is formed – a process that could stretch months past the March election if what is likely to be a tortuous new round of coalition-building is taken into account.

The post Israel to hold March 2 election, its third in less than a year appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkey to take care of export-fueling sectors, says minister

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:33:00 -0500

Turkey will take care to support sectors focused on exports and value-added production, the country’s finance and treasury minister said on Dec. 11.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: 22 FETÖ-tied terror suspects nabbed in Istanbul

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:32:07 -0500

Turkish police on Dec. 11 detained 22 people in Istanbul for their alleged links to the FETÖ, the group behind the 2016 defeated coup attempt in Turkey.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Demand in Germany for holiday trips to Turkey on rise: Association

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:31:27 -0500

German Travel Association says turnover of travel agencies, online sales in summer up 24 percent on-year

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Turkey deports 2 German citizens over ISIL links

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:29:59 -0500

The dispute between Turkey and the U.S. over F-35 fighter jets is no longer a technical or defense industry matter but a domestic U.S. political issue, said Turkey's presidential spokesperson.

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: PSG end Galatasaray's Europa League hopes

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:26:49 -0500

Real Madrid and PSG qualify for last 16 while Club Brugge move to Europa League

Hürriyet Daily News

Cyprus Mail: United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again

Reuters News Service — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:17:42 -0500

Voters go to the polls on Thursday in an election that will pave the way for Brexit under Prime Minister Boris Johnson or propel Britain towards another referendum that could ultimately reverse the decision to leave the European Union.

After failing to deliver Brexit by an Oct. 31 deadline, Johnson called the Dec. 12 election to break what he cast as political paralysis that had thwarted Britain‘s departure and sapped confidence in the economy.

His main opponent, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, promised higher public spending, nationalisation of key services, taxes on the wealthy and another referendum on Brexit.

LATEST BRITISH POLLING FIRMS FINAL OPINION POLLS

Polling Firm	Conservatives (%)	Labour (%)
Opinium	45 (-1)	33 (+2)
BMG	41	32
Panelbase	43	34
Savanta Comres	41	36 (+3)
Kantar	44	32
Deltapoll	45	35
Survation	44.5 (-0.5)	33.7 (+2.7)

“We could have a Conservative majority government which will get Brexit done and unleash Britain’s potential,” Johnson told campaigners. “This election is our chance to end the gridlock but the result is on a knife-edge.”All major opinion polls suggest Johnson will win, though pollsters got the 2016 referendum wrong and their models predict outcomes ranging from a hung parliament to the biggest Conservative landslide since the era of Margaret Thatcher.

Corbyn said the Conservatives were the party of “billionaires” while Labour represented the many.

“You can vote for despair and vote for the dishonesty of this government, or you can vote Labour and get a government that can bring hope to the future,” he said.

Polls open at 0700 GMT and close at 2200 GMT when an exit poll will give the first indications of the result. Official results from the bulk of United Kingdom’s 650 different constituencies begin to come in from 2300 GMT to 0500 GMT.

While Brexit framed the United Kingdom’s first December election since 1923, the tortuous exit from the EU has variously fatigued, enthused and enraged voters while eroding loyalties to the two major parties.

A majority would allow Johnson to lead the country out of the club it first joined in 1973, but Brexit would still be far from over. He faces the daunting task of negotiating a trade agreement with the EU in a self-imposed deadline of 11 months.

After Jan. 31, Britain would enter a transition period during which it would negotiate a new relationship with the EU27. He has pledged to do that by the end of 2020.

BREXIT AND BORIS

Sterling markets are pricing in a Johnson win. But a five-year flurry of two historic referendums – on Scottish independence in 2014 and Brexit in 2016 – and two national elections in 2015 and 2017 have delivered often unexpected results that ushered in political crises.

The election pitches two of the most unconventional British politicians of recent years against each other. Both have been repeatedly written off by opponents and both offer starkly different visions for the world’s fifth largest economy.

Johnson’s pitch is Brexit but he shrank from anything more radical in a heavily choreographed campaign. Corbyn pitched what he calls a radical transformation for a country long wedded to free-market liberalism.

Johnson, the New York-born former mayor of London, won the top job in July. His predecessor, Theresa May, resigned after failing to get parliamentary backing for her Brexit deal with the EU and then losing her party’s majority in a snap election.

Johnson defied critics by striking a new deal with the EU but was unable to navigate the maze of a divided British parliament and was defeated by opponents whom he portrayed as traitors subverting the will of the people.

The United Kingdom voted by 52%-48% in 2016 to quit the EU. But parliament has been deadlocked since May’s failed bet on a 2017 snap election over how, when and even whether to leave.

MISSTEPS

Corbyn, once an opponent of the EU who now says he would remain neutral if he was a prime minister overseeing another referendum, was repeatedly grilled over his Brexit plans. He pledged to overthrow a “rigged system” he said was run by billionaires and tax dodgers.

Both made missteps during the campaign.

Johnson in one interview refused to look at a picture of a sick four-year-old boy forced to lie on the floor of a hospital and then inexplicably took the phone from a reporter and pocketed it. He later apologised.

Corbyn, a veteran campaigner for Palestinian rights, repeatedly avoided apologising for what some party members, lawmakers and Jewish leaders say is his failure to tackle anti-Semitism from some elements within the party. He apologised eventually.

Johnson’s strategy was to breach Labour’s so called “Red Wall” of seats across the Brexit-supporting areas of the Midlands and northern England where he described his political opponents as the out-of-touch enemies of Brexit.

“If I’m honest with you, there’s no choice,” said voter Andrew Davis, from Kent in southern England. “I don’t like any of the main candidates, so I’m struggling.”

British General Election

The post United Kingdom votes to decide the fate of Brexit, again appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Hürriyet Daily News: Ankara says US bill a 'disrespect' to Turkey's sovereign decisions

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:12:40 -0500

Turkey on Dec. 12 condemned the passing of a sanctions bill against Turkey by the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Committee, calling it a “disrespect to our sovereign decisions about our national security.”

Hürriyet Daily News

Hürriyet Daily News: Erdoğan, Putin discuss Syria, bilateral relations

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 01:09:53 -0500

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Dec. 12 held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on recent developments in Syria and bilateral relations, according to the directorate of communications.

Hürriyet Daily News

JPost.com - Homepage: Quentin Tarantino to attend Jerusalem Cinematheque screening on Saturday

By HANNAH BROWN — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:38:26 -0500

The master director of such classics as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs will attend a screening of a documentary about his work.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Suspected 'price tag' crime west of Nazareth, northern Israel

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:25:27 -0500

There were reports of vandalism to two buildings sprayed with graffiti. One of them said "Muhammad Pig" and the other said "Arabs are enemies to expel or kill."
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg is Time's Person of the Year https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-is-times-person-of-the-year-3507181 …pic.twitter.com/pyL5ftw8sH

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 23:00:00 -0500

Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg is Time's Person of the Year https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-is-times-person-of-the-year-3507181 … pic.twitter.com/pyL5ftw8sH

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Fund established for victims of antisemitic Jersey City shooting

By RACHEL WOLF — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:40:43 -0500

The JCVE founders proclaimed on its website, "we, the global community of good people everywhere, will not stand silent as the blood of our people flows along the Hudson River!"
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Website called impeachment inquiry a ‘Jew coup,’ covered AIPAC conference

By RON KAMPEAS/JTA — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:16:47 -0500

“Among the hundreds of media outlets that received credentials last year, this outlet received them,” an AIPAC official told JTA.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Thousands march for Italian lawmaker, Holocaust survivor, targeted with threats

By MARCY OSTER/JTA — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:15:00 -0500

Some of Liliana Segre’s escorts in the march on Tuesday evening carried a large banner reading “Hatred has no future,” The Associated Press reported.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Danon invites 'dozens' of UN ambassadors to tour the City of David

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:02:00 -0500

"We hope that this in turn will encourage the ambassadors to stand for truth, the truth of the rights of the Jewish People to Jerusalem and to the State of Israel."
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: No breakthrough in Russia, US meeting: Kremlin https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/no-breakthrough-in-russia-us-meeting-kremlin-3507173 …pic.twitter.com/w5poo5YsMc

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0500

No breakthrough in Russia, US meeting: Kremlin https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/no-breakthrough-in-russia-us-meeting-kremlin-3507173 … pic.twitter.com/w5poo5YsMc

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Police warn of fake GoFundMe pages for officer killed in Jersey City

By RON KAMPEAS/JTA — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:56:40 -0500

“Warning – We have been alerted that there are numerous GoFundMe pages set up for Det. Joseph Seals most, if not all, are fake,” New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association said on Tuesday.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Jersey City shooting victims remembered as generous, helpful, courageous

By BEN SALES/JTA,LAURA E. ADKINS/JTA — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:45:36 -0500

On December 10, two gunmen opened fire in the JC Kosher Supermarket and murdered store owner Leah Minda Ferencz, as well as Moshe Deutsch, Douglas Rodreiguz and police officer Joe Seals.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Tourism ministry to contract ‘mystery shoppers’ for hotel sector

Nick Theodoulou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:27:18 -0500

SECRET checks and assessments will be carried out at hotels throughout the island, the deputy ministry of tourism announced on Wednesday.

The preliminary announcement details how Cyprus is seeking to attract premium tourists and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy. There also appears to be a focus on improving the sustainability of the sector, speaking of “Value for Money” initiatives.

“Premium” tourism has been a long-stated goal for many tourist hubs in Cyprus, especially places like Ayia Napa. However, many of these hotspots have become worldwide brands for cheap holidays – offering copious amounts of sun, alcohol and bad tattoos.

In recent years however, Ayia Napa has seen a flourishing of fancy restaurants and hotels.

The announcement also repeatedly mentions “fierce competition” in the Mediterranean region, from both old and new destinations.

In an effort to keep up with the pace of the changing industry, the ministry seeks to “improve the competitiveness of the destination, by upgrading the tourism product and experience,” it said.

Tenders will be launched, and the chosen company will carry out professional “mystery shopping” which aims to test a business’ quality of service. A person from the company will act as a customer and rate their experience based on pre-determined criteria to rank the various hotels.

They hope to achieve these goals by asking the company to issue star rating reviews which will place hotels in different categories and will be valid for three years.

If a business receives “unsatisfactory” rating of over 15 per cent in the various sub-categories then the hotel will be downranked.

The ministry currently plans to launch tenders in February, with an estimated value of around €300,000.

Meanwhile, tourist arrivals in Cyprus reached a new record in September, with 524,707 travellers compared with 520,138 in September 2018.

According to the statistical service, arrivals rose 0.9 per cent and were the highest ever recorded during the month of September.

More than 75 per cent of the island’s hotels and 38 per cent of the island’s recreation centres operated without a licence last year, MPs heard in October.

Tourism authorities said a new law gives them a grace period of five years to obtain prerequisite permissions such as building permits.

According to Auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides during a meeting of the House watchdog committee, which discussed the latest audit office report on the now-defunct Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO), by the end of last year only 59 of the 243 hotels, or 24 per cent had their operating licences renewed for 2018.

This means the vast majority, 76 per cent, did not. The reason was due to their failure to meet the requirements of the relevant legislation.

The post Tourism ministry to contract ‘mystery shoppers’ for hotel sector appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Our View: Changing the public service mentality at hospitals an uphill battle

CM: Our View — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:25:53 -0500

THE ATTACK on a nurse at the A&E department of the Limassol General Hospital by the angry son of an elderly patient who had been waiting for a long time to be seen, led to an impromptu two-hour work stoppage by nurses at all A&E departments of state hospitals. It was an expression of the frustration of nursing staff, who are on the frontline of state hospital care, and often have to appease angry patients that are kept waiting because of staffing shortages or unavailability of beds. The nurse suffered a broken arm after she was pushed to the ground.

The government doctors’ union Pasyki had been complaining for months now because of doctor shortages at the A&E departments, many having left state hospitals to set up Gesy practices, which have very high earning potential. The earnings offered to personal doctors – up to €250,000 per annum – was a gross miscalculation by the Health Insurance Organisation and is largely to blame for the staff shortages now being faced by the state hospitals and particularly the A&E departments.

State Health Services (Okypy) spokesperson, Charalambos Charilaou said that 70 doctors were recently hired and another 30 were expected to sign contracts soon. There were more doctors at A&E than there were in the summer, except at Limassol hospital which will have to wait until January for new recruits. Apart from the shortage of doctors, the spokesperson cited another cause for the problems faced at state hospitals – they operated like all public sector organisations. He pointed out that a much bigger number of staff was used at state hospitals for operations and sending patients home than at private hospitals.

Even the alleged shortage of beds about which Pasyki had been complaining, was the result of bad management by the doctors who refused to follow the instructions in the manual on the allocation of beds, said Charilaou. The situation in the hospitals is a mess because of staff shortages and bad management. It is very difficult to introduce new management systems and practices in state hospitals at which the public sector mentality is so deeply rooted.

On Thursday the Okypy board will decide the pay incentives that would be given to state hospital doctors, who will be staging a three-hour work stoppage, regardless, on Friday. These incentives, however, should also be linked to the acceptance of the new work practices by the doctors. They cannot be paid more while sticking to the costly public sector practices that will ensure state hospitals remained disorganised and unviable. Things must change once the staffing shortages are dealt with.

The post Our View: Changing the public service mentality at hospitals an uphill battle appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Majority of VakifBank transferred to Turkish Treasury https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/majority-of-vakifbank-transferred-to-turkish-treasury-3507178 …pic.twitter.com/cwLUV5UOBV

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:00:00 -0500

Majority of VakifBank transferred to Turkish Treasury https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/majority-of-vakifbank-transferred-to-turkish-treasury-3507178 … pic.twitter.com/cwLUV5UOBV

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Twitter plans to build a 'decentralized standard' for social networks

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:15:40 -0500

Dorsey went on to explain how blockchain technology can provide a model for decentralizing content hosting, oversight and even monetization of social media.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Taliban attack on U.S. military base kills two, injures dozens

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:07:26 -0500

Two civilians were killed and more than 70 injured during the attack, the Ministry of the Interior said.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: King of Israel Trump says all Jews are ‘brutal killers’ https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/kingof-israel-trumpsaysalljews-arebrutalkillers-3507177 …pic.twitter.com/mZi6r96axV

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:00:00 -0500

King of Israel Trump says all Jews are ‘brutal killers’ https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/kingof-israel-trumpsaysalljews-arebrutalkillers-3507177 … pic.twitter.com/mZi6r96axV

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Trump at Hanukkah reception: I will always celebrate the Jewish people

By OMRI NAHMIAS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:53:37 -0500

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to fight antisemitism on US campuses at the White House Hanukkah reception.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Funeral information for Jersey City shooting victims released

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF,TZVI JOFFRE — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:31:58 -0500

On Tuesday, two gunmen drove into the small ultra-Orthodox community and opened fire at a kosher grocery store, killing Leah Ferencz and Moshe Deutsch.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Young US Republicans defy party to fight climate change

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:08:06 -0500

The taxation plan would make fossil fuels more costly while the resulting revenues would be used to promote cleaner, greener alternatives.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: President Erdoğan lauds protest of Handke winning Nobel https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/president-erdogan-lauds-protest-of-handke-winning-nobel-3507185 …pic.twitter.com/PTH1sMnf3P

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 19:00:00 -0500

President Erdoğan lauds protest of Handke winning Nobel https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/president-erdogan-lauds-protest-of-handke-winning-nobel-3507185 … pic.twitter.com/PTH1sMnf3P

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: US imposes new sanctions on Iran airline over proliferation

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:35:16 -0500

The sanctions on ESAIL and additional sanctions on Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines will take effect in June 2020.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen seeks reduction in US prison term

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:05:05 -0500

Cohen is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institute in Otisville, New York, about 70 miles (113 km)northwest of New York City.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Erdoğan to test-drive Turkey's first domestically-produced car designed by Italy’s Pininfarina https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/erdoganto-test-drive-turkeys-first-domestically-produced-car-designed-byitalys-pininfarina-3507

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:00:00 -0500

Erdoğan to test-drive Turkey's first domestically-produced car designed by Italy’s Pininfarina https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/erdoganto-test-drive-turkeys-first-domestically-produced-car-designed-byitalys-pininfarina-3507161 … pic.twitter.com/V1wD3VMEQB

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: US grounds Saudi pilots, halts military training after base shooting

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:41:21 -0500

"I don't have any evidence to suggest that there is a larger ring or larger conspiracy," the official said, when asked what was driving the safety-standdown.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Armed suspect arrested at Texas naval air base, no injuries reported

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:36:24 -0500

An official at the base confirmed that an armed person was taken into custody but declined to provide further details.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Third election in a year official as Knesset misses deadline

By LAHAV HARKOV — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:16:02 -0500

Almost no negotiations took place during the day, with last-ditch efforts to form a government abandoned earlier in the week, but MKs took the time to blame one another for the situation.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: So close, yet so far away - analysis

By GIL HOFFMAN — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:13:45 -0500

They will blame one another for the third election. They will even say the coalition negotiations never really even got off the ground. Don’t believe them.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Everyone is to blame for the third election - analysis

By LAHAV HARKOV — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:13:22 -0500

Public opinion polls show that people blame Netanyahu the most, then Liberman, followed by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz with a huge margin between them.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Silence of the lambs - analysis

By HERB KEINON — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:13:02 -0500

Today is not 1974, and the political crisis that has paralyzed the country for the last year can in no way in the world be compared to the Yom Kippur War.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Bayern make it six out of six with win over Tottenham

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:08:58 -0500

Bayern Munich completed a perfect six victories in Champions League Group B with a 3-1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday with Kingsley Coman, Thomas Mueller and Philippe Coutinho all on target.

Bayern had already qualified for the last 16 as group winners and with Tottenham also through as runners-up with 10 points there was little at stake but the hosts turned on the style.

They became only the seventh team to win all six group games in the Champions League.

The only bright spot for a much-changed Tottenham side was a goal for 19-year-old Ryan Sessegnon whose thumping 20th-minute equaliser on his first start in the competition made him the club’s youngest scorer in the Champions League.

French forward Coman slotted Bayern ahead in the 14th minute after good work by Serge Gnabry but did not last much longer after appearing to suffer a nasty knee injury.

Mueller, who replaced the stricken Coman, restored Bayern’s lead shortly before halftime and Coutinho punished Tottenham’s defence for standing off when he bent a low shot past Paulo Gazzaniga in the 64th minute.

Results from the Champions League on Wednesday:

Bayern Munich 3
Tottenham 1

Olympiakos 1
Red Star Belgrade 0

Dinamo Zagreb 1
Man City 4

Shakhtar Donetsk 0
Atalanta 3

Club Bruges 1
Real Madrid 3

PSG 5
Galatasaray 0

Atletico Madrid 2
Lokomotiv Moscow 0

Bayer Leverkusen 0
Juventus 2

The post Bayern make it six out of six with win over Tottenham appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: German UN ambassador makes list of worst antisemitic/anti-Israel incidents

By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:06:11 -0500

EXCLUSIVE: Christoph Hesugen compared Israel to terrorist entity Hamas
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Turkey says Libya accord does not include troop deployment https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-says-libya-accord-does-not-include-troop-deployment-3507187 …pic.twitter.com/oqFOIDL5Ji

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:00:00 -0500

Turkey says Libya accord does not include troop deployment https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/turkey-says-libya-accord-does-not-include-troop-deployment-3507187 … pic.twitter.com/oqFOIDL5Ji

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: American Jews know antisemitism is a problem on the right

By DAVID SCHRAUB — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:56:07 -0500

Why are Jewish organizations increasingly letting it slide?
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Flash flood in Xylophagou, road closed

Evie Andreou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:30:13 -0500

Part of the Larnaca to Paralimni road near Sotira closed to traffic on Wednesday evening due to the accumulation of large volumes of water on the road, police said.

Both directions of the Larnaca to Paralimni road were closed from the Sotira exit up Xylophagou.

Drivers are urged to be careful.

The area was hit hard by rain and hail on Wednesday evening with Xylofagou streets flooding from the heavy rainfall.

(Video by Weather Enthusiasts of Cyprus/Facebook)

Ξυλοφαγου 19:10 και τώρα 20:10 ξανάρχισε πολύ έντονα η βροχή…

Posted by Αντωνης Χριστακη Παπουη on Wednesday, 11 December 2019

The post Flash flood in Xylophagou, road closed appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Spain’s Sanchez accepts mandate to try and form government

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 16:05:10 -0500

Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that he had accepted a mandate from the king to try and form a government, and would reach out to other parties starting next week to drum up support amid a deeply fragmented parliament.

“There’s no other alternative possible,” said Sanchez.

The process is still likely to take several weeks before any new government can be voted on by parliament. The Socialists have been scrambling to secure support since winning the November election without enough seats to govern on their own.

The post Spain’s Sanchez accepts mandate to try and form government appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: China’s biggest mosque bears brunt of Uyghur Muslim oppression https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/chinas-biggest-mosque-bearsbrunt-of-uyghur-muslim-oppression-3507150 …pic.twitter.com/p3cXpeDcPL

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:59:00 -0500

China’s biggest mosque bears brunt of Uyghur Muslim oppression https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/chinas-biggest-mosque-bearsbrunt-of-uyghur-muslim-oppression-3507150 … pic.twitter.com/p3cXpeDcPL

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Pompeo says Trump warned Russia on election meddling

Leo Leonidou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:52:26 -0500

President Donald Trump told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during their meeting that Moscow’s meddling in America’s elections is unacceptable, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday, contradicting Lavrov’s account that the two didn’t discuss elections.

Trump on Tuesday met with Lavrov at the White House, a visit that revived questions about whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election that brought Trump to power and whether it might do so again in 2020.

The White House said after the meeting that Trump warned Russia not to interfere in the 2020 elections, a statement that showed the president taking a tougher position on the issue than in the past. In 2018, flanked by Vladimir Putin, Trump said he believed the Russian leader’s claim that Moscow did not meddle in the 2016 vote, which put the president at odds with his own U.S. intelligence agencies.

But Lavrov, when told about the White House statement, speaking through an interpreter at an evening news conference, said: “You know, we haven’t even actually discussed elections.”

Pompeo disputed Lavrov’s account on Wednesday and said such a warning was delivered in every meeting he has been in on Tuesday and that he has attended three.

“I can tell you that Foreign Minister Lavrov’s statement is not accurately a reflection of my recollection of that meeting. And there is no mistake that President Trump made clear in the meeting that he had with Lavrov … that President Trump personally, and America, finds their meddling in our elections unacceptable,” Pompeo said.

Lavrov on Tuesday vehemently denied the American accusation that Moscow tried to sway the 2016 election and offered to publish a cache of communications between Washington and Moscow from that year which he said cleared Russia of the U.S. allegations.

Lavrov’s last Oval Office meeting in May 2017 turned into a public relations disaster for Trump, who was accused by unnamed U.S. officials of divulging highly classified information during that meeting about a planned operation by the Islamic State militant group. The allegations were denied by the White House.

Trump was also blasted for media reports that he told Russian officials that firing FBI Director James Comey had relieved him of “great pressure.” Comey’s dismissal ultimately led to a 22-month investigation by then-Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russia’s role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The inquiry laid bare what Mueller and U.S. intelligence agencies have described as a Russian campaign of hacking and propaganda to sow discord in the United States, denigrate 2016 Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and boost Trump.

The post Pompeo says Trump warned Russia on election meddling appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: One of the Jersey City shooters was a Black Hebrew Israelite

By RON KAMPEAS/JTA — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:45:16 -0500

One of the dead suspects in a shootout at a kosher market in Jersey City is David Anderson, who reportedly was once a member of the Black Hebrew Israelites. Here are some things to know.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: ‘Turkey-Libya deal adheres to international law’ https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-libya-deal-adheres-to-international-law-3507167 …pic.twitter.com/KH1JuBENld

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:30:00 -0500

‘Turkey-Libya deal adheres to international law’ https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/turkey-libya-deal-adheres-to-international-law-3507167 … pic.twitter.com/KH1JuBENld

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Cyprus wants clear positions from EU on Turkey-Libya accord

Evie Andreou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:20:46 -0500

PRESIDENT Nicos Anastasiades expects “clear positions” from Cyprus’ EU partners as regards the agreement between Turkey and Libya on the delimitation of maritime areas, government spokesman Kyriacos Koushios said on Wednesday, as the bloc’s leaders are expected to pronounce the deal void.

Anastasiades arrived in Brussels on Wednesday to participate in the European Council taking place on Thursday and Friday. While in Brussels the president will also meet with other EU leaders but also bloc officials to raise issues that concern Cyprus and issues of EU interest, which are also part of the summit’s agenda, the spokesman said.

He expressed hope that the summit’s decisions would reflect a clear position regarding the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Libya by pronouncing that it goes against international law and produces no legal effects for the rest of the region’s countries.

“The president expects that during the summit there will be a positive approach from the heads of state and government over the matter,” Koushios told the Cyprus News Agency.

The draft conclusions, already leaked, reportedly include a statement that the Turkey-Libya accord infringes on the sovereign rights of third states and does not comply with the UN Law of the Sea. The EU leaders’ conclusions are expected to be issued on Thursday.

The draft also says that the European Council “unequivocally reaffirms its solidarity with Greece and Cyprus regarding these actions by Turkey”.

Greece has lodged its objections to the United Nations over the agreement saying the pact could affect implementation of the Libyan agreement brokered by the UN in 2015 to end years of fighting in the North African country.

In the meantime, Italy and Germany called for support to Cyprus and Greece.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Wednesday that Rome favours a European response that will support the interests of Cyprus and Greece.

Speaking at the Italian parliament, Conte said that it was important for the European Council to reaffirm support for the EU eastern Mediterranean member states as well as a reference on full respect for international law.

Spokesperson for the German Foreign Affairs Ministry, Maria Andebar, too said her country shares the EU’s stand of solidarity with Greece and Cyprus.

Replying to a Cyprus News Agency, she urged Turkey and Libya “to respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all EU member states.”

The post Cyprus wants clear positions from EU on Turkey-Libya accord appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Washington Watch: Why do some cheer Trump’s Jewish tropes?

By DOUGLAS BLOOMFIELD — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:19:46 -0500

Yair Rosenberg wrote in The Washington Post that “Trump believes all the antisemitic stereotypes about Jews but sees those traits as admirable.”
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Why left-wing Jews rejected Trump's announced executive order? - analysis

By JEREMY SHARON — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:19:20 -0500

Many left-wing and liberal Jewish activists, commentators and organizations denounced the executive order for effectively defining Jews as a “race of nation.”
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: No Hold Barred: Even when Trump glorifies Israel he’s called an antisemite

By SHMULEY BOTEACH — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:16:24 -0500

Dean Obeidallah writing for CNN claimed that Trump employed the antisemitic trope of “Jewish dual-loyalties” when he said that some Jews “don’t love Israel enough.”
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Time for term limits

By JPOST EDITORIAL — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:12:10 -0500

This past year has been a political failure – a dismal one.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Encountering Peace: Taking over the land

By GERSHON BASKIN — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:09:32 -0500

Most Israelis today probably believe that Israel holds sovereignty at least over area C in the West Bank.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Iranian Christian arrested, 11 journalists in prison

By BENJAMIN WEINTHAL — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:05:59 -0500

Islamic Republic one of the most repressive nations for reporters, report says.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Immunity bill would save country millions

By GREER FAY CASHMAN — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:02:17 -0500

Israel’s second president, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, had been elected to his third term at the time of his death.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Jesus hat-trick gives Man City 4-1 win at Dinamo

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:01:57 -0500

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus netted a superb hat-trick as they came from behind to beat Croatian title holders Dinamo Zagreb 4-1 away in an entertaining Champions League Group C clash on Wednesday.

City, who had already secured the group’s top spot, finished with 14 points from six games, seven ahead of Atalanta who joined them in the last 16 after a 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk.

Third-placed Shakhtar, who collected six points, will carry on in the Europa League’s last 32 while Dinamo (five points) were eliminated from European competition.

Aiming to reach the Champions League knockout stages for the first time, Dinamo made a bright start as Spanish forward Dani Olmo fired them into a 10th-minute lead with a sumptuous volley.

Jesus levelled in the 34th after Ilkay Gundogan had gone close amid some sustained pressure from City, rising above two markers to head home a Riyad Mahrez cross from the left.

The Brazilian then produced a jinking run after a one-two with Phil Foden in the 50th minute, weaving his way past several defenders on the left before beating home keeper Dominik Livakovic with a neat finish.

The irrepressible Jesus completed his one-man show four minutes later with a clinical side-footed shot from close range after left back Benjamin Mendy delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left.

City took their feet off the pedal after Jesus was substituted in the 65th minute but Foden added some gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages as he swept in a fine pass by Bernardo Silva.

The post Jesus hat-trick gives Man City 4-1 win at Dinamo appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: Russia, Turkey see stabilization in N. Syria: Official https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/russia-turkey-see-stabilization-in-n-syria-official-3507163 …pic.twitter.com/yN0Ch9BFIM

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Russia, Turkey see stabilization in N. Syria: Official https://www.yenisafak.com/en/world/russia-turkey-see-stabilization-in-n-syria-official-3507163 … pic.twitter.com/yN0Ch9BFIM

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

Cyprus Mail: Napoli name Gattuso as coach to replace Ancelotti

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:52:57 -0500

Napoli named the famously combative former Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their new coach on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to restore discipline to a team who have lost their way after a promising start to the season.

The 41-year-old will replace fellow Italian Carlo Ancelotti, Gattuso’s former mentor who was sacked on Tuesday hours after Napoli beat Belgian side Genk 4-0 in the Champions League to reach the last 16 of the competition.

“Welcome Gattuso” the club said on its Twitter feed with a picture of the new coach. Napoli, Serie A runners-up in three of the last four seasons, have dropped to seventh in the table.

Gattuso, a World Cup winner in 2006, spent 13 seasons of his playing career at Milan — several of them under Ancelotti — where he also had his first Serie A coaching experience.

He was appointed Milan coach in November 2017 and left at the end of last season with two years to run on his contract after they finished fifth in Serie A, just missing out on a place in the Champions League.

Gattuso previously coached Swiss side Sion, Greek club OFI Crete and third-tier Italian side Pisa, where he won promotion.

“It was easy to accept a job at Napoli, a great club,” said Gattuso as he was officially presented. “This is a strong team with good players. Ninety-nine percent of the players are suitable for the type of football I want to play.”

Gattuso said he had spoken to Ancelotti earlier in the day.

“It’s not been easy. Carlo has been a like a father to me in football terms. I’ve called him at difficult moments and he’s always been kind and polite.

“I can’t be compared to him. He has won everything and I’m a young coach. I will be happy if I can do 10 percent of what he has done.”

Ancelotti’s dismissal followed a turbulent two months in which his side went nine matches without a win in all competitions.

At one point, Ancelotti criticised a decision by Napoli’s flamboyant owner Aurelio De Laurentiis to confine the squad to a training-camp for a week.

The players broke off the camp halfway through, refusing to stay in the hotel although they continued to train.

Italian media said the players were fined between one quarter and one half of a month’s salary, although the club have declined to comment on the reported sanctions.

The post Napoli name Gattuso as coach to replace Ancelotti appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Anti-BDS resolution to be introduced to Austria parliament

By JEREMY SHARON — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:48:16 -0500

Advocates confident that motion to deny state resources to groups promoting boycott of Israel, questioning Israel’s right to exist, will pass.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN: ‘Plan to form joint front of Kashmiri leaders across LoC’ https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/plan-to-form-joint-front-of-kashmiri-leaders-across-loc-3507147 …pic.twitter.com/915HlYcTAX

(@yenisafakEN) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:30:00 -0500

‘Plan to form joint front of Kashmiri leaders across LoC’ https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/plan-to-form-joint-front-of-kashmiri-leaders-across-loc-3507147 … pic.twitter.com/915HlYcTAX

Twitter Search / yenisafakEN

JPost.com - Homepage: Lebanon must form credible government to get intl. support, avoid chaos

By REUTERS — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:28:06 -0500

Grappling with its worst economic crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, Lebanon has been politically paralyzed since Saad al-Hariri quit as prime minister after mass protests against the ruling elite.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: Bir Zeit University bans ‘paramilitary’ rally, sparking student protests

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:25:48 -0500

The administration announced it has decided to “evacuate all students quickly and until further notice.”
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: €4m earmarked for new state cars

Evie Andreou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:08:52 -0500

The replacement of state cars was deemed necessary due to the age of existing ones and high emissions, the transport ministry said on Wednesday after parliament earmarked €4m for the purchase as part of the budget for next year.

The ministry said in a statement, criteria for the replacement of old service cars, based on a 2013 study, was their age and the number of kilometres they have clocked. In addition, based on a 2014 law, the engines of the new vehicles must not exceed 2000cc while a limit has been set on carbon dioxide emissions.

“Within this framework, the purchase of new vehicles, not limousines, to cover new needs and withdraw existing cars deemed as unsuitable due to their old age and high carbon dioxide emissions was deemed necessary,” the ministry said.

According to daily Phileleftheros 19 new Volvos will be delivered in February. The vehicles will replace, among others, those of the House speaker, the President of the Supreme Court and permanent secretaries of ministries and the parliament, the paper reported.

The post €4m earmarked for new state cars appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: €4m earmarked for new state cars withheld (Update)

Evie Andreou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:08:52 -0500

The replacement of state cars was deemed necessary due to the age of existing ones and high emissions, the transport ministry said on Wednesday after parliament withheld €4m earmarked for the purchase as part of the budget for next year.

The money can be released after permission from the House finance committee.

The vehicles will replace, among others, those of the House speaker, the President of the Supreme Court and permanent secretaries of ministries and the parliament, the paper reported.

The post €4m earmarked for new state cars withheld (Update) appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Ferguson remains in charge for Everton at Man United

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:01:02 -0500

Duncan Ferguson will remain as caretaker manager of Everton for Sunday’s Premier League match away to Manchester United.

Ferguson guided the Toffees to a 3-1 win over Chelsea last weekend after replacing Marco Silva, who was sacked following their 5-2 loss to rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.

Former Everton manager David Moyes has been linked with a return to Goodison Park while Carlo Ancelotti is also reportedly a target after leaving Napoli on Tuesday, but it appears an appointment is not imminent with Ferguson told he will be in charge at Old Trafford.

“Duncan Ferguson will remain as Everton caretaker manager for Sunday’s Premier League visit to Manchester United,” a club statement said.

“Former striker Ferguson was in charge as the Blues secured a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Goodison on Saturday.

“Ferguson will again be assisted by coaches John Ebbrell and Francis Jeffers and goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly.”

Ferguson spent 10 years at Everton as a player over two spells and subsequently moved into coaching at the club’s academy under Moyes, becoming part of the first-team coaching setup in 2014.

He was credited with galvanising the squad in the wake of Silva’s sacking, reflected in their much-improved showing in the win over Chelsea.

Silva’s 18-month reign came to an end on December 5 after defeat in the Merseyside derby saw Everton slump to 18th place.

Besides Moyes and Ancelotti, the club have been linked with ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery, Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe and Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta, a former Everton midfielder.

Shanghai SIPG coach Vitor Pereira had also been considered by Everton owner Farhad Moshiri but said on Monday that he would not be making the switch.

“It’s an honour and I’m grateful to be considered by a club I have so much respect for but I am still coach of SIPG and SIPG is a club close to my heart,” Pereira told Sky Sports News.

The post Ferguson remains in charge for Everton at Man United appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: First Muslim Maj.-Gen. in Israel Police at UN: State offers equality

By MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:00:07 -0500

"This is the place to highlight that the Israel police is a decent institution, that opens doors before every citizen in the country, regardless of their background or religion,” Jamal Hakroosh said.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Tiger to ignite Presidents Cup as US look to extend reign

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:57:36 -0500

A biennial tournament that has struggled for relevance under a heavy weight of American supremacy will roar back into life when Tiger Woods returns to the Presidents Cup as a playing captain at Royal Melbourne this week.

The 15-times major champion missed the 2015 tournament and was a non-playing assistant two years ago when Steve Stricker’s United States steamrolled the Internationals 19-11 at Liberty National.

Woods, though, used one of his four captain’s picks on himself and will be front and centre at the famed sandbelt course, calling the shots in the locker room and out on the fairways as the visitors bid for an eighth straight title.

Now 43, Woods may not take a big playing load while juggling management duties but his presence is a bonanza for organisers and certain to bring huge crowds flooding to the usually sleepy bayside suburb of Black Rock.

It also spells trouble for an Internationals team short on quality and experience that appears ill-equipped to end the U.S. tyranny.

With 10 Americans in the world’s top 20 compared to just Adam Scott for the Internationals, the U.S. might have little need of a seasoned Presidents Cup campaigner to get the job done.

They have exactly that in Woods, however.

He played the course in 1998 when the U.S. suffered their lone Presidents Cup defeat and returned 13 years later to roll in the winning putt at the 2011 tournament.

“On paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings,” Woods said last month.

“(But) when you start out on Thursday, it’s 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup.”

Webb Simpson was also part of the 19-15 win in 2011 and can offer tips to his younger team mates.

The youthful Internationals have seven debutants compared to five for the visitors and will be looking to fully exploit every advantage they can muster.

They will lean heavily on captain Ernie Els, who set the course record at Royal Melbourne’s composite layout when he shot a 12-under 60 in 2004 and counts the 1998 and 2011 tournaments among his eight Presidents Cups as a player.

The team’s three Australians — Scott, Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith — also know their way around the sandbelt but they are well aware that local knowledge counted for little in 2011.

COSMOPOLITAN LOOK

Four of the five Australians in the 2011 Team International bombed in front of home fans, with Robert Allenby infamously blaming his playing partners for his failure to earn a point.

Once heavily stacked with Australians and South Africans, the team representing the world outside the Ryder Cup nations has a more cosmopolitan look this time round.

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, Mexican Abraham Ancer and Li Haotong of China will all represent their nations for the first time at the tournament, along with Taiwan’s CT Pan.

Els has been at pains to build camaraderie for the team and coaxed many of them Down Under early to compete at the Australian Open in Sydney over the weekend.

All of the U.S. team barring Dustin Johnson warmed up at Woods’s charity invitational, the Hero World Challenge, in the Bahamas before making the long-haul flight to Melbourne.

The U.S. suffered a considerable blow when Brooks Koepka was a late withdrawal due to injury, while one of his predecessors as world number one, Jason Day, pulled out of the International team with a back problem.

On paper, the Americans should have more than enough firepower to extend their winning streak but the strange alchemy of team events can do unusual things.

Most of Team International are at least free of the scars of past thrashings. If they start well and fire up an Australian crowd who proved far too polite to the Americans in 2011, they could make a decent contest of it.

Pan described the Internationals as young and “fearless”.

“We have a great opportunity and plus we have a home advantage,” he said. “Obviously, history tells a lot, but what we are looking at is our future.”

The post Tiger to ignite Presidents Cup as US look to extend reign appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Cyprus signs bilateral air services agreements with eight countries

Evie Andreou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:51:57 -0500

Cyprus has signed bilateral air services agreements with eight countries as part of plans to increase the island’s air connectivity, the transport ministry announced on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, during the ICAO Air Services Negotiations Conference held last week in Aqaba, Jordan, Cyprus signed Memorandums of Understanding with Chile, Jamaica, Colombia, Rwanda, Seychelles, the Bahamas, Korea and Kenya.

Consultations are also underway with Bangladesh for a similar agreement.

“This is the first time in the history of the Republic of Cyprus the signing of so many new bilateral air services agreements was made possible in such a short period of time,” the ministry said in an announcement.

These new agreements, it said, “open prospects for the development of relations and cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and the abovementioned states as the air transport and air travel framework is modernised code for air services and code-share flights between them.”

Participation in the conference in question, in which 61 states took part, was aimed at further strengthening Cyprus’ relations with other countries in the field of air transport with a view to increasing the country’s connectivity, the ministry said.

The post Cyprus signs bilateral air services agreements with eight countries appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: Global airlines chief warns on spiralling delays to Boeing 737 MAX

Reuters News Service — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:48:11 -0500

Airlines face significant problems if the return to service of the Boeing 737 MAX drags on for months longer, the head of the International Air Transport Association said on Wednesday.

IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac told Reuters many airlines could cope with the latest delay in the plane’s return announced earlier on Wednesday, but were nearing the end of their ability to manage the shutdown smoothly.

The head of IATA, whose 290 airlines represent 82% of global traffic, was speaking shortly after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said the jet would not return to service in 2019.

Reacting to the latest delay, de Juniac said, “For some of our members it is disruptive because they have a lot of planes grounded (or) on order, but they have been able to cope with that. They are not happy of course but they are not in despair.”

He added, however, “If it lasts some additional months, for some of our members it would be a big problem”.

De Juniac said he understood why European regulators wanted to conduct their own examination of key MAX software, but called for a return to a system of mutual recognition among regulators for future programmes including the upcoming Boeing 777X.

The post Global airlines chief warns on spiralling delays to Boeing 737 MAX appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Hamas denies supporting Jeremy Corbyn in UK general election

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:05:14 -0500

According to TPS, one of the largest support organizations for Corbyn – the “We support Jeremy Corbyn” Facebook page – is operated by Hamas supporters in the Gaza Strip and Britain.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Budget for 2020 approved by House

Evie Andreou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:34:11 -0500

The House plenum on Wednesday passed the state budget for 2020 with 29 votes for and 23 against.

The budget provides for total revenue of € 9.9bn and general government expenditure of €9.4bn. Revenues represent a 10 per cent increase over this year’s due to the further boost of economic activity and the increase in Gesy contributions as of March 1, 2020.

The budget balance in 2020, according to the macroeconomic framework, is projected to be in surplus of 2.7 per cent as a percentage of GDP.

The overall government expenditure is projected to reach € 9.4bn in 2020, marking a positive change of 13.8 per cent due to the expected increase in spending as part of the implementation of the second phase of Gesy which to kick in on June 1.
The three-day discussion kicked off on Monday when political leaders had their chance to voice their party’s position on the proposed budget and other issues such as the Cyprus problem.

House Speaker Dimitris Syllouris said the 2020 Budget was historic as it incorporates the first independent budget of the House of Representatives, which, he said, strengthens the independence of the institution.

Discussions on Wednesday afternoon were the third and final day.

Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides who presented the budget before parliament last Friday, said he expected next year’s growth to slow down to 2.9 per cent, from 3.2 per cent this year, and inflation to remain relatively low at 1.2 per cent.

Public debt is expected to fall under 100 per cent of GDP – 97.4 per cent – and continue on a downward trajectory during the year, settling at around 91 per cent.

More later

The post Budget for 2020 approved by House appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus Mail: A musical Christmas show

Eleni Philippou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:32:53 -0500

More Christmas productions are coming up and composer Kostas Kakogiannis along with the Diastasis group will present a musical evening entitled Ay Vasili Vasilia later this month. Larnaca will experience the production first on December 20, later Limassol on Christmas Eve and finally Nicosia on December 28.

The title of the event comes from the discographic work of the songwriter based on songs in the Cypriot dialect, in the lyrics of Pambou Kouzalis.

In this show, the songs and music written by the composer Kakoyiannis for these days that give joy and a Christmas mood to young and old, will meet. Also featured will be songs that have occasionally been sung by great performers such as Johnny Logan, Michalis Hatzigiannis, Doros Demosthenous, Alexia and others.

Apart from the composer himself, numerous groups and soloists will share their talent on stage. The Vocal Ensemble, the Children’s Choir of Diastasi, Andreas Aroditis, Mariam Venizelou and the young Andrea will also take part. The official guest of the event is Priest Nikolaos Limbouridis who will perform in the first half of the evening along with the Vocal Ensemble.

The composer himself is the mastermind behind the production along with the help of Isabella Christofidou who taught the Vocal Ensemble and Christina and Dimitra Pissouriou who are in charge of the Children’s Choir.

Ay Vasili Vasilia

Musical performance by composer Kostas Kakogiannis, Diastasi Children’s Choir, the Vocal Ensemble and soloists. December 20, Larnaca Municipal Theatre (8pm). December 24. Pattihio Theatre, Limassol (4pm). December 28. Nicosia Municipal Theatre (8pm). Tel: 7777-7040

The post A musical Christmas show appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail

JPost.com - Homepage: Jewish students allegedly assaulted at Labour Rally in Bristol

By ILANIT CHERNICK — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:31:53 -0500

The students claimed that antisemitic slurs were hurled at them by several Corbyn supporters, and attempts were made to take their placards.
;

JPost.com - Homepage

JPost.com - Homepage: BDS activist to be honored as ‘peace envoy’ at Belgian Holocaust memorial

By ILANIT CHERNICK — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:02:21 -0500

Brigitte Herremans will receive the “ambassador for peace” prize from Belgian Catholic NGO Pax Christi Vlaanderen (Flanders).
;

JPost.com - Homepage

Cyprus Mail: Minister concedes army has a problem with drugs

Nick Theodoulou — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 11:51:03 -0500

There is a problem with drugs in the national guard, Defence Minister Savvas Angelides admitted on Wednesday.

He spoke about the issue at the end of a Pancyprian Military Championship football match at the AEK arena in Larnaca under the slogan “we say no to addiction, take control into your own hands”.

“As part of our society there is also a drug problem within the National Guard. I don’t want to hide this fact,” Angelides answered when asked about the issue.

“We are in full cooperation with Kenthea, the police and the National Guard Department which are specialised for these issues to tackle addiction,” he said.

Kenthea is an NGO which tackles drug addiction.

President of the Cyprus Football Federation, George Koumas, said: “Today the final is underway at the Military Championship which is being organised by National Guard General Staff with the Federation. For us, working on this issue was firstly a moral obligation as it is fighting addiction.”

As far back as 2015, former defence minister Christophoros Fokaides said the drug problem in the army was “very big”.

“Despite the fact that our emphasis is on prevention, we are reinforcing measures as regards checks and cracking down on trafficking drugs inside the National Guard,” the minister said at the time.

An officer in the National Guard told the Cyprus Mail that “we have to remember that members of the military are also members of the wider society.”

A common complaint from young men in the army are long periods of boredom. Many are stationed in remote outposts with little to do and many smoke cannabis.

The army officer told the Cyprus Mail, on condition of anonymity, that permanent staff are also known to use drugs – with some people losing their jobs after being found out.

The post Minister concedes army has a problem with drugs appeared first on Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus Mail