Latest news with #Nicosia
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Cyprus shows off its new Airbus military helicopters touted as more advanced than what Germany has
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus on Friday unveiled four of its newly-delivered Airbus H145 helicopters that officials say are among the most advanced rotorcraft in the word with a proven track record that gives the Cypriot National Guard an operational edge. The helicopter is currently used by Germany, the U.S. Hungary, Belgium, Ireland and other militaries with over 500 variants currently in operation, logging over 8 million flight hours, according to Cyprus Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas. 'The new helicopter is a multi-role, digital instrument that is geared toward the demands of the 21st century,' Palmas told a ceremony at Cyprus' main Paphos air base. Two more of the state-of-the-art aircraft will be delivered, while the contract with Airbus allows for the purchase of additional helicopters, said Airbus Senior Vice President for the H145 program Daniela Dudek. Dudek said the reliability of the 3.8 ton aircraft is affirmed by its 40 years of service but the integration of advanced avionics and weapons systems make it the 'most military-capable aircraft in its category.' 'What we achieved over years to quickly integrate existing technology on the market, defense technology, and it is unique what you have here. You're even more advanced than what we currently have in Germany,' Dudek said. The helicopter's advanced avionics, which Airbus codeveloped with Israeli companies in the last two years, also includes an integrated weapons system dubbed H-Force which enables the pilot to easily operate the helicopters weaponry in flight, eliminating the need for a separate weapons officer on board. Dudek said another unique aspect of the Cypriot helicopters is an integrated battle management system that enables the aircraft to operate seamlessly with forces on the ground as well as other aircraft, including those belonging to the forces of other nations. Additionally, the helicopter's electronic warfare and other systems afford it a strong self-protection capability. Ethnically-divided Cyprus is in the process of modernizing its defensive capabilities to bring it up to modern European and NATO standards after years of relying on mainly Soviet-era, Russian-made weaponry. The island nation continues to operate Russian-made T-80 main battle tanks, but has recently sold off 11 Russian-made Mi35 attack helicopters to Serbia. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. The Cypriot defense minister said the helicopter purchase is part of wider strategic planning for the continuous upgrading of the National Guard, enabling the island to take part in joint military drills with friendly nations.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Cyprus Travel Guide: Explore The Best Of The Island's Culture, Beaches, And Divided History
Ruins of ancient temple Kourion . near Limassol, Cyprus Cyprus is a fascinating country to visit for many reasons, including the fact that although a member of the European Union, it has been a divided island since the Turkish invasion in 1974. As a result, there's a green line (a UN-controlled buffer zone) dividing the island and running through Nicosia, the country's capital. The Republic of Cyprus (internationally recognized, mostly Greek Cypriot) controls the south, while the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey, controls the north. Despite the green line, locals and tourists alike are able to freely cross from one side to the other by going through various checkpoints. Visitors are able to enjoy both cultures and will notice that Greek and Turkish Cypriots get along just fine, in contrast to the official political impasse. Panoramic views of Nicosia, Cyprus In the north, Nicosia, the largest city, is a must visit even if you're staying in the south. A guided walk around the last divided capital of Europe, with Get Your Guide explores both the Greek and Turkish sides of the divided city (don't forget your passport). And on the Greek side, for art lovers, Nimac in a former power station, is the island's oldest and largest Contemporary Art Centre. And also a real delight is 11 Parthenon, the home of Andre Zivanari, director of Point Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia. The beautiful Modernist private home is a treasure trove of artworks by regional artists and has temporary exhibitions too, open Fridays and by appointment. Limassol promenade or embankment at sunset. Limassol in the south is a good base for exploring beaches and historical sites. Stay in the lively Old Town near the old port, the heart of Limassol. The cobbled streets are filled with small shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. There's a castle, which is now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum and another must-visit area is the Turkish quarter with its 16th-century Grand Mosque. The amphitheater at Kourion, Cyprus, dating back to the 13th century BCE Just outside of Limassol, for anyone even remotely interested in ancient history, a visit to ancient Kourion is essential. A walk through the vast UNESCO-listed archaeological site is thrilling. Dating back to the 13th century BCE, it is one of Cyprus' most significant ancient city-kingdoms, where you can still see a Greco-Roman amphitheater, intricate Roman mosaics and early Christian basilica. Go just before sunset to avoid the heat and crowds. Aerial view of coastline and landmark big white chalk rock at Governor's beach, Limassol, Cyprus. There are plenty of lovely beaches in Cyprus but Governor's Beach, about 30 minutes from Limassol, feels somewhat undiscovered. Instead of going to the larger Governor's Beach, try the petite, secluded, sandy beach in a sheltered cove nearby. Vima Art Fair, Cyprus If you're visiting in the spring, Vima contemporary art fair in Limassol is a brilliant way to discover Cypriot galleries and artists as well as art from the surrounding region. The first edition, this May, featured 27 galleries with works ranging from €800-€80,000. PSI Foundation, in a former Carob factory, is a modernist gem. The PSI Foundation is currently showing an exhibition by Tekton Technical Bureau, celebrating the pioneering work of engineer Andreas Papadopoulos and architect Phoebus Polydorides. And behind discreet black curtains, the gallery opens onto a cavernous space with a commissioned video installation, Aftermath by British artist Matt Collishaw. The mesmerizing work immerses viewers in a dystopian underwater world, weaving together themes of technological transformation and environmental decay through the use of artificial intelligence and signifies a dynamic bridge between the past and the future. A solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou at Eins gallery, Limassol eins Gallery, in Limassol's old town, has regular contemporary art exhibitions in a space tucked away but well worth making the effort to find. Currently on until July is a solo exhibition by Socratis Socratou, whose work reflects on memory, place and the passage of time through sculpture, installation and drawing. Alexandros Diogenous and Limassol Art Walks founded the non-profit organization Pylon Art & Culture to show regional contemporary art and new ways of contemplating it. Their current show is Newcomers by Cypriot Maria Loizidou (until 14 September 2025) at the Minerva Hotel in Platres. For clubbing, head to Sousami Club in Limassol, owned by the Dj duo of Acidfox and Picadillis. The pair also organise the biggest annual music festival on the island, ABR festival. The Old Port, Limassol, Cyprus The Old Port Hotel is a cosy, independent 3-star hotel, right in the center of the historic old town and across from the pretty harbor and a long seaside promenade. The small boutique hotel has 23 air conditioned rooms, some with balconies. Another good choice of small hotels is S Paul Hotel in a listed two storey stone building, also in the historical city center of Limassol. The building dates back to the 18th century and was used as the Town Hall of Limassol in the beginning of the 19 th century. The hotel has 22 unique guest rooms. Larger and fancier is the 5-star Amara with 207 chic rooms with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Jam, the laid back restaurant attached to the Old Port Hotel, is open all day for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunches and dinner. Ousio kitchen, also in the old town, is a cute bistro using locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include the oven baked prawns, with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fermented peppers and falafel with quinoa blended with beetroot, lemon, coriander, cold pressed olive oil, served with roasted vegetables. Poly offers 'Greek soul food' including delicious prawn wraps, chicken gyros, local seabass tartare, and greek salad. Volta Wine Bar is great for small plates accompanied by Greek and Cypriot wines.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Cyprus offers Syrian families money to resettle and work permits for main earners
NICOSIA: Cyprus will offer Syrian families money to help them resettle back in their homeland and allow the main income earners to remain on the island nation for up to three years to work as part of a voluntary repatriation program, a Cypriot minister said Thursday. Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides said that a prerequisite for families to qualify for the program is that they must drop their claims for asylum or rescind international protection status already granted to them prior to Dec. 31, 2024. Unveiling the program, Ioannides said that families wishing to voluntarily return will be given a one-off sum of 2,000 euros ($2,255) for one adult and 1,000 euros ($1,128) for each child. Childless couples are also eligible to apply. The application period runs from June 2 to Aug. 31. Additionally, the family's main income earner — either the father or mother will be granted a special residency and work permit allowing them to stay for a minimum of two years in Cyprus with the option of another year. Ioannides said that many Syrians have expressed their willingness to return and help rebuild their country, but are reluctant to do so because of the uncertainty surrounding where they'll be able to earn a living wage. According to the head of Cyprus' Asylum Service Andreas Georgiades, the program's premise is to help families overcome any such reluctance by affording them a modest nest egg with which to cover their immediate needs while enabling the main income earner to continue working and sending money to his family. The income earner will be allowed to travel back and forth to Syria while his or her residency and work permit are valid. Syrian nationals make up the largest group of asylum-seekers in Cyprus by far. According to Asylum Service figures, 4,226 Syrians applied for asylum last year — almost 10 times more than Afghans who are the second-largest group. 'This new program is a targeted, humanitarian and realistic policy that bolsters Syria's post-war transition to normality,' Ioannides said, adding that European Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner considers the program as a potential example for other European Union member countries to follow. Meanwhile, Ioannides repeated that a 2009 Search and Rescue agreement that Cyprus has with Syria enables Cypriot authorities to send back boatloads of Syrian migrants trying to reach the island nation after they're rescued in international waters. Ioannides said that two inflatable boats each loaded with 30 Syrian migrants were turned back in line with the bilateral agreement after being rescued when they transmitted that they were in danger. Ioannides again denied Cyprus engages in any pushbacks, despite urgings from both the UN refugee agency and Europe's top human rights body to stop pushing back migrants trying to reach the island by boat.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cyprus offers Syrian families money to resettle and work permits for main earners
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus will offer Syrian families money to help them resettle back in their homeland and allow the main income earners to remain on the island nation for up to three years to work as part of a voluntary repatriation program, a Cypriot minister said Thursday. Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides said that a prerequisite for families to qualify for the program is that they must drop their claims for asylum or rescind international protection status already granted to them prior to Dec. 31, 2024. Unveiling the program, Ioannides said that families wishing to voluntarily return will be given a one-off sum of 2,000 euros ($2,255) for one adult and 1,000 euros ($1,128) for each child. Childless couples are also eligible to apply. The application period runs from June 2 to Aug. 31. Additionally, the family's main income earner — either the father or mother will be granted a special residency and work permit allowing them to stay for a minimum of two years in Cyprus with the option of another year. Ioannides said that many Syrians have expressed their willingness to return and help rebuild their country, but are reluctant to do so because of the uncertainty surrounding where they'll be able to earn a living wage. According to the head of Cyprus' Asylum Service Andreas Georgiades, the program's premise is to help families overcome any such reluctance by affording them a modest nest egg with which to cover their immediate needs while enabling the main income earner to continue working and sending money to his family. The income earner will be allowed to travel back and forth to Syria while his or her residency and work permit are valid. Syrian nationals make up the largest group of asylum-seekers in Cyprus by far. According to Asylum Service figures, 4,226 Syrians applied for asylum last year — almost 10 times more than Afghans who are the second-largest group. 'This new program is a targeted, humanitarian and realistic policy that bolsters Syria's post-war transition to normality,' Ioannides said, adding that European Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner considers the program as a potential example for other European Union member countries to follow. Meanwhile, Ioannides repeated that a 2009 Search and Rescue agreement that Cyprus has with Syria enables Cypriot authorities to send back boatloads of Syrian migrants trying to reach the island nation after they're rescued in international waters. Ioannides said that two inflatable boats each loaded with 30 Syrian migrants were turned back in line with the bilateral agreement after being rescued when they transmitted that they were in danger. Ioannides again denied Cyprus engages in any pushbacks, despite urgings from both the U.N. refugee agency and Europe's top human rights body to stop pushing back migrants trying to reach the island by boat. Menelaos Hadjicostis, The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Cyprus offers Syrian families money to resettle and work permits for main earners
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus will offer Syrian families money to help them resettle back in their homeland and allow the main income earners to remain on the island nation for up to three years to work as part of a voluntary repatriation program, a Cypriot minister said Thursday. Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides said that a prerequisite for families to qualify for the program is that they must drop their claims for asylum or rescind international protection status already granted to them prior to Dec. 31, 2024. Unveiling the program, Ioannides said that families wishing to voluntarily return will be given a one-off sum of 2,000 euros ($2,255) for one adult and 1,000 euros ($1,128) for each child. Childless couples are also eligible to apply. The application period runs from June 2 to Aug. 31. Additionally, the family's main income earner — either the father or mother will be granted a special residency and work permit allowing them to stay for a minimum of two years in Cyprus with the option of another year. Ioannides said that many Syrians have expressed their willingness to return and help rebuild their country, but are reluctant to do so because of the uncertainty surrounding where they'll be able to earn a living wage. According to the head of Cyprus' Asylum Service Andreas Georgiades, the program's premise is to help families overcome any such reluctance by affording them a modest nest egg with which to cover their immediate needs while enabling the main income earner to continue working and sending money to his family. The income earner will be allowed to travel back and forth to Syria while his or her residency and work permit are valid. Syrian nationals make up the largest group of asylum-seekers in Cyprus by far. According to Asylum Service figures, 4,226 Syrians applied for asylum last year — almost 10 times more than Afghans who are the second-largest group. 'This new program is a targeted, humanitarian and realistic policy that bolsters Syria's post-war transition to normality,' Ioannides said, adding that European Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner considers the program as a potential example for other European Union member countries to follow. Meanwhile, Ioannides repeated that a 2009 Search and Rescue agreement that Cyprus has with Syria enables Cypriot authorities to send back boatloads of Syrian migrants trying to reach the island nation after they're rescued in international waters. Ioannides said that two inflatable boats each loaded with 30 Syrian migrants were turned back in line with the bilateral agreement after being rescued when they transmitted that they were in danger. Ioannides again denied Cyprus engages in any pushbacks, despite urgings from both the U.N. refugee agency and Europe's top human rights body to stop pushing back migrants trying to reach the island by boat.
