News

Disagreements over the nature and process of the March 21 accord, as well as reported glitches in the panels of experts have put a damper on the initial excitement over prospects for new reunification talks.

Visiting MEPs encouraged by political climate

Visiting MEPs, members of the Contact Group for relations with the Turkish Cypriot community, feel the prevailing political climate allows for optimism, informed sources told The Cyprus Weekly yesterday.

Cyprus Talks

Direct talks for a Cyprus settlement will only take place provided substantial progress is achieved at the ongoing discussions between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities, pledged Acting President of the Republic and President of the House of Representatives Marios Karoyan.

Turkey bans smoking in public, with mixed results

A law baning smoking in public places came into effect on Monday in Turkey - a country where nearly two-thirds of men smoke.

Law change opens up Turkish land

The potential land purchasable by foreign nationals in Turkey has been dramatically increased following a decision by the country's Constitutional Court.

Turkey Wins "Best Golf Destination of the Year- Europe"

Turkey has been awarded “Best Golf Destination of the Year – Europe 2008” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). The IAGTO Awards in association with Hertz are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry

New Paphos Marina - Leptos heads up consortium

A CONSORTIUM headed by the Leptos group has been awarded the contract to build the new Paphos marina. Commerce Minister Antonis Patsalides announced the winning consortium for the project in Potima in Paphos.

New Limassol Marina - Final Plans unveiled

THE FINAL plans for the €250million Limassol Marina project were released yesterday at Limassol Town Hall by project architect Saverios Vrahimis. Work on the large-scale project at the heart of the old Limassol’s seafront is expected to start soon and be completed by 2011.

Turkey Property law suspension has been lifted

The temporary suspension with regards to Turkey property and land being acquired by foreign nationals and foreign companies has been lifted. The Turkish Government, following the President’s assent to the new legislation, has lifted the suspension. According to the new legislation UK and Irish foreign nationals will be subject to the same conditions as a Turkish national wishing to buy a property in Turkey.

Cyprus Problem: Demetris Christofias - First talk with Turkish leader

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias said that his first meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on September 3, in the framework of direct talks to solve the Cyprus problem, will be procedural and no discussions on the substance of various issues will be held.

Famagusta - Resolution

The Mayor and the Municipal Council of the Turkish occupied town of Famagusta have expressed certainty that President of the Republic Demetris Christofias will fight for a solution of the Cyprus problem with determination and consistency. This statement is included in a resolution calling for the return of Famagusta, under Turkish occupation since 1974, to its lawful inhabitants.

Cyprus celebrates independence

THE REPUBLIC was and remains a common acquisition of Greek and Turkish Cypriots, President Demetris Christofias told the nation yesterday.