Eastern Mediterranean

Despite extensive searches, the contractors responsible for constructing unsafe buildings that collapsed in the deadly Feb. 6 earthquakes are still on the loose, leaving authorities empty-handed after months of investigation.

After the Feb. 6 quakes, expert reports have revealed a series of concerning findings regarding the collapsed buildings.

The latest data released by Cyprus' District Labor Offices indicate a notable decline in registered unemployment rates for November, both on a monthly and on a yearly basis.

According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CyStat), comparing the current statistics to November 2022, there was a substantial decrease of 2,647 persons, or 17.3%, based on seasonally adjusted data.

Rain breathes fresh life into Mileyha wetland in the southern province of Hatay, which was on the verge of extinction in the summer months due to sweltering heat, teeming with birds once again. 

UN peacekeepers on the ethnically divided island of Cyprus are reportedly keeping a close eye on recent Turkish Cypriot activity in the buffer zone between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied north, following tension in August over Turkish Cypriot efforts to build a road traversing United Nations-controlled territory.

On the 40th anniversary of the unilateral Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the occupied northern part of Cyprus in November 1983, Greece has called on Turkey to adhere to UN resolutions on the ethnically-split Mediterranean island.

Turkish Cyprus is marking the 40th anniversary of its foundation on Nov. 15 with various ceremonies and events across the country, as delegations from Türkiye and Azerbaijan also participate in the celebrations on the island.

Before the end of the year, Cypriot citizens and various professional groups will benefit from the use of electronic identities and signatures in several government services, said Philippos Hadjizacharias, the deputy minister of research, innovation and digital policy, during his speech at the 19th annual Economist Conference in Nicosia.

Agricultural Development and Food Minister Lefteris Avgenakis met with the Republic of Cyprus' minister of agriculture, rural development and environment, Petros Xenophontos, in Nicosia on Friday.

Türkiye said on Saturday it was recalling its ambassador to Israel for consultations due to Israel's refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Turkish foreign ministry said Şakir Özkan Torunlar was being recalled "in view of the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in Gaza caused by the continuing attacks by Israel against civilians, and Israel's refusal (to accept) a ceasefire."

Nineteen days ago, the Israeli occupation committed yet another massacre, adding to the long list of massacres it has committed against the indigenous Palestinian people.

They say, "It will take as long as it takes."