Latest news with #Cypriots
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Moment terrified Brits watch from their Cyprus hotel balconies as Iranian missiles rain down on Israel 250 miles across the Mediterranean
This is the surreal moment British revellers were left stunned as they spotted ballistic missiles flying over the sky while they partied in Ayia Napa amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Bizarre footage taken by British tourists from a balcony in the Cypriot party spot shows the long-range missiles soaring over the sky, leaving the holidaymakers stunned. One man is heard saying: 'That is not a firework', while a female asks 'are we going to die?' as music plays in the background. The clip has racked over two million views on TikTok. Another video shared by a Brit in Cyprus showed a barrage of projectiles illuminating the night sky as they headed for Israel. The caption read: 'You're having a nice drink in Cyprus and then you see Iranian missiles heading towards Israel.' When asked by a viewer if she was in danger, the tourist said: 'No need to worry, you just see it from afar'. In Cyprus, locals and tourists have been left stunned at the spectacle of missiles jetting over the island this week, with several reportedly flocking to rooftops and beachfront bars to watch. Speaking to Cypriot newsoutlet Ynet, a Finnish tourist said: 'It's crazy—we can see everything from here. 'People just stand on balconies and the boardwalk and watch the missiles and intercepts. What you're going through over there is terrible. We hope it ends soon.' The video comes as the Middle Eastern conflict reached a breaking point last week when Israel launched a series of blistering attacks on Iranian soil, targeting the country's nuclear infrastructure, as well as densely populated parts of cities. Iran responded by launching a wave of retaliatory missile strikes on Israel. Revellers at a Lebanese pool party this week also shared clips of Iranian missiles flying over to hit Israeli targets. A video showed partygoers in a large swimming pool dancing, clapping and cheering as long-range missiles flew off to Israel in the distance. The celebrations carried on, even as the missiles slammed into Israeli territory. This was just the latest example of revelry in Lebanon in the wake of the Israel-Iran conflict. But while much of the world watched in horror as the two Middle Eastern nations duked it out, scenes across Lebanon, which shares its southern border with Israel, were far different. Civilians react as Israeli emergency services arrive at the site of an Iranian missile attack in Ramat Gan in central Israel near Tel Aviv Missiles can be spotted in other countries due to their high altitude and the combustion trail they leave behind. Their powerful engines leave bright trails that are especially visible at night. Iranian missiles hit a major hospital in southern Israel on Thursday and struck residential buildings in Tel Aviv, wounding 240 people ad causing extensive damage. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said the military 'has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.' Israel, meanwhile, carried out strikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, its latest attack on Iran's sprawling nuclear program. Iranian state television said there was 'no radiation danger whatsoever' and that the facility had been evacuated before the attack. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the 'situation in the Middle East remains perilous,' after meeting Thursday at the White House with his U.S. counterpart, Marco Rubio, and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff. 'We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,' Lammy wrote in a post on X. 'We discussed how a deal could avoid a deepening conflict. A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,' he added.
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Cyprus President, PM Modi view mountains near Nicosia which are under Turkish occupation
Nicosia [Cyprus], June 16 (ANI): Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday viewed the mountains near Nicosia, which are under Turkish occupation, and engraved on the mountains are words which remind the Cypriots that a large part of their country has been under occupation since 1974. PM Modi, who visited Cyprus in the first leg of his three-nation visit, reiterated India's support for Cyprus's unity and for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus Question based on UN Security Council resolutions, international law, and the EU Acquis. India has reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. A joint declaration released after meeting between the Cyprus President and PM Modi said that both sides emphasized the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations. The two countries expressed their strong commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions,' the statement said. According to Cyprus High Commission in New Delhi, Turkish armed forces staged a full-scale invasion against Cyprus in 1974 and Turkey proceeded to occupy the northern part of the island and empty it from its Greek inhabitants. It said that the United Nations has in several resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council demanded respect for the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus, the return of refugees to their homes and the withdrawal of foreign troops from the island. All of these resolutions have been consistently ignored by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years, is being viewed as a diplomatic signal to Turkey, which has occupied one-third of the island since 1974 and had backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor last month. Cyprus has backed India on the issue of terrorism. Cyprus forms part of the energy corridor that will connect India with Europe and strengthen East-West connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). In the joint declaration released on Monday, Cyprus and India unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability. Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. They reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, rejecting any justification for such acts, under any circumstances. They emphasized that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable. PM Modi and Cyprus President urged all states to respect the sovereignty of other nations and condemned cross-border terrorism in all its forms. They called for the disruption of terrorism financing networks, elimination of safe havens, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. Emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained approach to combatting terrorism across borders, they underscored the importance of working collaboratively, bilaterally and with the multilateral system. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral efforts to combat terrorism and called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework. They urged for concerted actions against all UN- and EU-designated terrorists and terrorist entities, associated proxy groups, facilitators, and sponsors, including terrorists under 1267 UNSC Sanctions Committee. They reiterated their strong commitment to continue taking active measures to disrupt terrorist financing channels including through the UN and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Acknowledging emerging challenges within the international security environment, the leaders stressed the importance of enhancing strategic autonomy, defence readiness, and defence capabilities. (ANI)
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Much-loved European holiday island to join Schengen Area next year and why it's bad news for Brits
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CYPRUS has revealed plans to join the Schengen Area - but it won't be good news for British holidaymakers. The popular island that sees around 1.3 million Brits visiting each year has announced it hopes to join the zone in 2026 meaning that holiday rules will change. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The President of Cyprus revealed the countries plans to join the Schengen Area Credit: Alamy 4 The island is popular with Brits - but the change will impact potential holidays The Schengen Area consists of 29 European countries that have abolished border controls for other EU countries. These include 25 EU member states, as well as four non-EU countries; Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Essentially, the Schengen Area is a passport-free travel zone, which allows people to move between participating countries without border checks. But there are strict rules that Cyprus will have to adhere to when they join. And for Brits, that means a limited time to stay there. The rules state that a total stay in the Schengen Area must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. It does not matter how many countries you visit as the 180 day period keeps rolling. Currently, a visit Cyprus does not count towards your 90 day limit. So any time you spend in the Schengen Area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Cyprus - but this will change when they join. President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus recently announced that the island will "enter the Schengen Zone in 2026.' He added: 'A huge effort is being made, we will complete all the technicalities we need." All the free activities Cyprus has to offer 4 Millions of Brits head to Cyprus every year for a holiday Credit: Alamy Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 but unlike other countries, did not join the Schengen Area at the same time. This means that Cypriots face border checks and visa issues when travelling to surrounding EU countries. For Cyprus, joining the Schengen Area will mean locals can access the country with more ease and without extra border checks. For Cypriots, the move will be beneficial for trade as it allows goods to flow more easily between countries without custom checks at internal borders. The timing will coincide with the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The new system is being introduced as part of enhanced security measures for travellers. The new system that will require non-EU travellers to get approval beforehand. For Brits, you will need one of these to go into any of the Schengen Area nations. Currently, the only EU states that aren't members of the Schengen Area are Ireland and Cyprus. Here's more on the ETIAS rules and how to prepare for when they come into play. And the European destination that is warmest in May with 26C highs and 'wine villages'. Here's A List Of Non-Schengen Countries United Kingdom Ireland Albania Armenia Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovina Cyprus Georgia Kosovo Moldova Montenegro North Macedonia Russia Serbia Turkey Ukraine
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Much-loved European holiday island to join Schengen Area next year and why it's bad news for Brits
CYPRUS has revealed plans to join the Schengen Area - but it won't be good news for British holidaymakers. The popular island that sees around 1.3 million Brits visiting each year has announced it hopes to join the zone in 2026 meaning that holiday rules will change. Advertisement 4 The President of Cyprus revealed the countries plans to join the Schengen Area Credit: Alamy 4 The island is popular with Brits - but the change will impact potential holidays The These include 25 EU member states, as well as four non-EU countries; Iceland, Essentially, the Schengen Area is a passport-free travel zone, which allows people to move between participating countries without border checks. But there are strict rules that Advertisement Read More on Cyprus The rules state that a total stay in the It does not matter how many countries you visit as the 180 day period keeps rolling. Currently, a visit So any time you spend in the Schengen Area does not affect the number of days you can spend in Advertisement Most read in News Travel President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus recently announced that the island will "enter the Schengen Zone in 2026.' He added: 'A huge effort is being made, we will complete all the technicalities we need." All the free activities Cyprus has to offer 4 Millions of Brits head to Cyprus every year for a holiday Credit: Alamy Advertisement This means that Cypriots face border checks and visa issues when travelling to surrounding EU countries. For Cyprus, joining the Schengen Area will mean locals can access the country with more ease and without extra border checks. For Cypriots, the move will be beneficial for trade as it allows goods to flow more easily between countries without custom checks at internal borders. The timing will coincide with the launch of the Advertisement The new syste m is being introduced as part of enhanced security measures for travellers . The new system that will require non-EU travellers to get approval beforehand. For Brits, you will need one of these to go into any of the Schengen Area nations. Currently, the only EU states that aren't members of the Schengen Area are Ireland and Cyprus. Advertisement Here's more on the And the Here's A List Of Non-Schengen Countries United Kingdom Ireland Albania Armenia Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovina Cyprus Georgia Kosovo Moldova Montenegro North Macedonia Russia Serbia Turkey Ukraine 4 Cyprus is one of the last countries in the EU to join the Schengen Area Credit: Alamy
Egypt Independent
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt's ambassador lauds historical, cultural ties binding Egyptian, Cypriot peoples
Egypt's Ambassador to Cyprus Mohamed Zaazou commended the historical and cultural bonds between the peoples of both countries. During a ceremony attended by members of the federation of Cypriots with Egyptian roots in Nicosia on Friday, Zaazou also hailed the growing distinguished relations between Egypt and Cyprus at various levels. In his remarks at the ceremony, Zaazou emphasized his commitment to work with the Cypriot government and the federation to promote and expand joint cooperation. The ceremony, during which the Egyptian diplomat honored two longtime leaders of the federation, was held as part of the Egyptian embassy's efforts to reinvigorate the 'Reviving Roots-Nostos' Initiative, launched by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in 2017. The presidential initiative is aimed at strengthening cultural ties between both countries, supporting efforts to preserve their rich historical heritage and common cultural Mediterranean features, and contributing to fostering mutual understanding between their peoples.
