Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

From readers to writers: How digital platforms are creating a new generation of citizen poets

On any given evening, a poem written in a small apartment in Limassol can be read moments later in Rotterdam, Dublin or Berlin. The journey from notebook to audience no longer depends on publishers, print runs or literary connections. Increasingly, it requires only the confidence to press “publish”. That quiet shift from private writing to […]

12.02.2026 16:36

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Russia fully blocks WhatsApp, talks up state-backed alternative

U.S. messenger app WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms META.O, has been completely blocked in Russia for failing to comply with local law, the Kremlin said on Thursday, suggesting Russians turn to a state-backed “national messenger” instead. “Due to Meta’s unwillingness to comply with Russian law, such a decision was indeed taken and implemented,” Kremlin spokesman […]

12.02.2026 16:35

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Freedom of expression in the age of algorithms

In an era where algorithms increasingly shape what we see, read and share, the question of who gets to be heard has taken on new urgency. From social media feeds to streaming platforms, visibility is often dictated not only by talent, but by metrics — clicks, shares and engagement rates. For writers, and poets in […]

12.02.2026 16:32

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Christodoulides calls for EU to sign trade deals with UAE, Australia

President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday called for the European Union to sign new trade deals with both the United Arab Emirates and Australia. “What was done with India should proceed with the United Arab Emirates, and should proceed with Australia,” he said, with the EU and India having reached an agreement for a trade deal […]

12.02.2026 16:06

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Soaring rents threaten to derail Greece’s sharp economic recovery

Last year, Eirini Syntihaki was renting an apartment she loved in central Athens near friends, work and the city’s many streetside cafes. Then a few months ago, her flatmate moved out and lawyers representing the apartment’s Chinese owners said they planned to raise the rent, which was already 700 euros – nearly Syntihaki’s entire earnings. […]

12.02.2026 16:02

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Tuchel extends deal with England

Thomas Tuchel has committed himself to England until Euro 2028 after the head coach signed a new contract, the Football Association confirmed on Thursday. “I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England,” the German said in a statement. “It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so […]

12.02.2026 15:37

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Cyprus recipes with Loulla Astin: A Valentine’s feast for two

Asparagus Wrapped in Parma Ham with Tahini & Yogurt Dressing Tender asparagus bundles wrapped in delicate Parma ham, roasted to perfection, and finished with a creamy tahini and yoghurt dressing. Simple yet elegant, healthy yet indulgent, perfect for an impressive starter. 500g asparagus12 slices Parma ham3 tbsp olive oilSea saltFreshly ground black pepperFor the dressing2 […]

12.02.2026 15:30

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Erhurman’s office launches Greek-language website, social media

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman’s office has launched a Greek-language website and social media accounts. The website’s launch coincided with Erhurman’s first meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Wednesday night, and had been announced at a press conference last week. It also came a day after the Unesco-recognised International Greek […]

12.02.2026 15:17

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Family alleges neglect after 72-year-old dies alone in Larnaca hospital

The family of a 72-year-old woman who died at Larnaca general hospital in the early hours of January 18 are demanding answers regarding lack of basic care and contradictory information from staff, prompting the health ministry and Okypy to order an investigation on Thursday. Constantia Nikolaou was taken by ambulance to the hospital at around […]

12.02.2026 15:15

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

EU Cyprus envoy implicated in police raid over ‘irregularities’ in €900m real estate sale

Belgian police have raided properties belonging to the European Commission on Thursday as part of an investigation into alleged “irregularities” in the sale of real estate assets conducted under the watch of Johannes Hahn, who is now the commission’s envoy for the Cyprus problem, according to reports. British newspaper the Financial Times reported that the […]

12.02.2026 15:04

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

UN agency begins clearing huge Gaza City waste dump as health risks mount

The United Nations Development Programme began clearing a huge wartime garbage dump on Wednesday that has swallowed one of Gaza City’s oldest commercial districts and is an environmental and health risk. Alessandro Mrakic, head of the UNDP Gaza Office, said work had started to remove the solid‑waste mound that has overtaken the once busy Fras […]

12.02.2026 14:42

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Christodoulides hails EU’s approval of €1bn in defence funding for Cyprus

President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday hailed the Council of the European Union’s decision to approve the disbursement of almost €1.2 billion worth of funding for Cyprus’, to be spent on defence. “We have before us an important financial tool. I am glad that the Republic of Cyprus is among the first member states, and this […]

12.02.2026 14:39

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Bangladesh votes in first election since Gen Z protests ousted PM

Counting began in Bangladesh’s pivotal national election on Thursday after tens of millions of people voted for a new government following the 2024 ouster of long‑time premier Sheikh Hasina in a tumultuous Gen Z‑driven uprising. Although final figures were not immediately available, Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission, told reporters that nearly half […]

12.02.2026 14:30

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Billionaire Ratcliffe sorry people were offended by immigration comments

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe said on Thursday he was sorry that people took taking offence to his comments on immigration after he was criticised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for saying the country had been “colonised by immigrants”. “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and […]

12.02.2026 14:28

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Aegean to resume Paphos to Athens flights in July

Aegean Airlines will resume flights between Paphos and Athens, adding three weekly services from July 3, 2026, according to an announcement by the Paphos regional tourism board (Etap). The decision was discussed during a meeting held in Paphos on February 11, 2026 between Etap’s president and executives and representatives of Aegean Cyprus. According to the […]

12.02.2026 14:24

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Palmas rejects resignation calls over missing TNT

Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas said on Thursday that demands for his resignation over the disappearance of military explosives were misplaced, arguing that if every incident led automatically to a minister stepping down, “no minister would remain”. Speaking on Sigma TV, Palmas addressed criticism following the loss of 13.6 kilograms of TNT during a national guard […]

12.02.2026 13:49

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Cyprus chamber of commerce opposes additional tax on banks

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) on Thursday released a statement outlining its position against the proposed imposition of additional taxation on banks, arguing that such a measure would not constitute a sound economic choice. The chamber stated that “any form of taxation cannot under any circumstances serve as an instrument of social […]

12.02.2026 13:22

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Authorities seek formal testimony from Annie Alexui over allegations

The legal service and the police are seeking legally sound mechanisms to obtain a formal statement from Ioanna Photiou, widely known on social media as Annie Alexui, over serious public allegations she made against top Cypriot officials, authorities said on Thursday. Justice Minister Costas Fitiris confirmed that procedures are under way to secure her testimony […]

12.02.2026 13:15

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Eurobank highlights strong foundations for Cyprus economy in 2026

Eurobank took part in the Money Conference 2026 as a platinum sponsor this week, contributing to discussions on global economic developments and the evolving landscape of alternative investments. Held under the central theme Market Outlook and Alternative Investment Solutions, the conference focused on major international trends shaping the economic environment and the strengthened role of […]

12.02.2026 13:02

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Patient who missed lung transplant transfer back on waiting list

The patient who had missed their chance for a lung transplant abroad because there was no air transport remains on the waiting list, the federation of patients’ associations (Osak) said on Thursday. “The health ministry is investigating the case. For now, we don’t know whether the transplant would have been possible even if we had […]

12.02.2026 13:00

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

From ancient manuscripts to online scripture: Preserving sacred texts in the digital age

When authorities recently seized an ancient Bible at a checkpoint and handed it over to the Department of Antiquities, the incident served as a reminder of the enduring historical and cultural value of sacred texts in Cyprus. As previously reported, the manuscript is now under the care of specialists — part of a broader effort […]

12.02.2026 12:51

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

State moves to suspend gambling licences linked to organised crime

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said on Thursday that the suspension of operating licences held by businesses linked to criminal activity was “a key tool” in the state’s response to organised crime. He was commenting on the non-renewal of BookieCo’s betting licence, owned by prominent Larnaca businessman, Lazaros Phillipou. Speaking on Alpha television, Fitiris said he […]

12.02.2026 12:49

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Ambulance service cracking under the strain as new bill debate drags on

The head of the ambulance service delivered a stark warning in parliament on Thursday over what she described as “years of state inaction and underfunding”, as the House health committee began debating a bill to establish a national ambulance agency under the auspices of the health ministry. Addressing MPs, ambulance service head, Riana Constantinou, welcomed […]

12.02.2026 12:36

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Kıbrıs Cyprus Mail

Preventive dental care in an age of sugar and screens

From colourful dessert festivals to the constant presence of energy drinks on supermarket shelves, sugar has become a visible part of modern life. Earlier this year, Cyprus Mail reported on “Three days of sugary adventures at Sweetopia” — a celebration of confectionery that drew crowds eager to indulge. While such events are festive and occasional, […]

12.02.2026 12:34

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