Reconstruction of Syria through Cyprus, the next steps in the Cyprus problem and the likelihood of a new informal five-party meeting, as discussed in an interview with UN envoy María Ángela Holguín, feature prominently in today’s press. Also leading coverage are the opening of the three-day parliamentary debate on the state budget, the referral of eight individuals to the Assize Court in connection with the prison documents case, and the President of the Republic’s contacts in France. Several newspapers also highlight disputes related to the exhibition of works by painter Giorgos Gavriil at a gallery in Paphos.
The front page of Alithia focuses on the Central Prisons documents case, reporting that Aristotelous and seven others are being directly referred to the Assize Court, with the trial set to begin on 30 January 2026, marking the completion of the pre-trial investigation. Elsewhere, the paper refers to efforts to undermine Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman, warning that such practices weaken attempts to relaunch dialogue, and also reports cases of foot-and-mouth disease in the occupied areas.
Politis highlights information suggesting that Syria’s reconstruction could be channelled through Cyprus, noting that Cyprus-based companies have been approached by international corporate groups due to the island’s geographical proximity, EU membership, and advanced maritime and technical expertise, according to shipping agents. The paper also reports on President Nikos Christodoulides’ contacts in Paris and the agreements signed during his visit, while another article refers to pressure allegedly being exerted by police on artist Giorgos Gavriil.
An interview with UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy María Ángela Holguín leads coverage in Phileleftheros, with the paper noting her view that it is premature to speak of a new informal five-party meeting, while stressing that the agreement between President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Erhürman should not be underestimated. The paper also reports that the recent Nicosia–Paris agreement marks an upgrade of the Republic of Cyprus and strengthens its role in the Eastern Mediterranean, and notes the signing of contracts for a School of Gastronomy in Moniatis.
Haravgi focuses on the opening of the budget debate, highlighting statements by AKEL Secretary General Stefanos Stefanou, who emphasised social priorities. It also reports on a work stoppage announced by OELMEK, following a similar move by POED, in reaction to the proposed teacher evaluation scheme, and notes that farmers in Cyprus are preparing protests over the Common Agricultural Policy.
The English-language Cyprus Mail leads with the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between Cyprus and France, covering consultations between President Christodoulides and French President Emmanuel Macron. Elsewhere, it reports on a court ruling stating that marriage to a Cypriot national does not automatically guarantee citizenship, and cites María Ángela Holguín’s assessment that last week’s trilateral meeting was a positive starting point.
Cases of foot-and-mouth disease at a livestock unit in the occupied areas and the widening trade deficit dominate today’s front pages of the Turkish Cypriot newspapers. Other prominent topics include energy plans by the United Arab Emirates with Cyprus as a focal point, the France–Republic of Cyprus defence agreement, reports of fraud, and funding for infrastructure projects.
Avrupa (Europe) leads with the headline “Fake Mayor in Kyrenia”, reporting on fraud incidents cited by the “mayor” of the occupied city, Murat Şenkul. According to the report, individuals have been calling hotels and companies while impersonating the “mayor” and requesting financial assistance. In another article, the paper claims that “minister” Özdemir Berova is “at risk of arrest” due to the non-payment of staff compensation following a court ruling in favour of the Kamu-İş trade union. The paper also reports that the UAE aims to turn Cyprus into an energy hub for Europe, referring to plans for energy interconnections and investments by the United Arab Emirates in the region.
Halkın Sesi headlines “Sharp Increase in Dependence on Abroad”, reporting that exports and imports between the occupied areas and Turkey have risen significantly, leading to a widening trade deficit. Elsewhere, the paper refers to the signing of an agreement between France and the Republic of Cyprus in Paris, which предусматриes enhanced defence, energy and technological cooperation, noting that the development has caused concern in the occupied areas. It also reports on tests carried out by the Greek Cypriot side involving a Serbian multiple-launch rocket system.
Kıbrıs carries its main story under the headline “Campaign Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease”, reporting that the disease was detected in cattle in the occupied village of Bogaz, followed by mass vaccinations and disinfection measures. The paper also refers to an appeal by the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy, María Ángela Holguín, calling on both sides in Cyprus to come to the negotiating table with “clear and specific proposals” in order to achieve progress on the Cyprus issue. In addition, it reports assurances from the Turkish Cypriot side that funding amounting to 160 million Turkish lira has been secured for infrastructure and development projects, with a timeline extending to February 2025.
Yeni Düzen (New Order) leads with “Foot-and-Mouth Disease Alert”, reporting that a case of the disease has been identified at a livestock unit in Cyprus for the first time in 60 years. The area has been placed under quarantine and the movement of animals has been banned, pending the arrival of 500,000 vaccine doses. In a related report, the paper cites assurances from the “authorities” that the disease does not pose an immediate threat to human health and that the measures aim solely to contain its spread among animals and support livestock farmers. Elsewhere, it reports criticism by figures from the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) towards the government, citing financial scandals, inadequate institutional functioning and social inequalities.
Source: CNA