Front Page Headlines
They are looking for a counter proposal to the greying of the EEZ
The two big parties will suggest the relaunch of the talks. Clear intention of the TCs to grey the EEZ with Akinci’s proposal. The TC proposal is within the Guterres spirit, but it does not open a window for talks on the Cyprob.
- EU measures against Turkey – Soft ones, without any surprises.
- “There is no second life” – Patriot (Famagusta Mayor) Alexis Galanos has departed from life. He had dedicated his life to the effort for a return to Famagusta.
- Opinion: The response to Akinci’s proposal
- DEFA (Natural Gas Public Company): Three proposals on natural gas
He threatened the EU with counter measures
(Turkish FM Mevlut) Cavusoglu: Only through Akinci’s proposal there will be deescalation, he told Mogherini. The measures against Turkey were approved yesterday by the foreign ministers.
- The president seeks unanimity today on Akinci proposal
- (Coup) Anniversary session in parliament – They sent messages also against Turkish provocations.
- The fallen of the coup were honoured – Cyprus remembered the black anniversary.
- Guardian also for vakif land – Final decision by the Supreme Court on the fate of properties. TC woman presented herself as the sole board trustee for a vakif in Larnaca.
- Alexis Galanos departed unexpectedly
It is our duty not to surrender
It is the debt that does not let us surrender. It does not let us kneel before the nightmare of partition, said AKEL with a mass condemnation of the 1974 twin crime while honouring the heroes of the resistance and the Republic. The general secretary of the party called on Mr Anastasiades to reflect on why he risks going down in history as the president of partition.
- Measures against Turkey and monitoring (developments)
- Akinci’s proposal (to be discussed) at the Leaders’ Council
- Alexis Galanos left with the bitterness of Famagusta still under occupation
‘We can’t make our own rules’
Georgiades says Cyprus may face consequences over foreclosure amendments.
- Cyprus marks 45th anniversary of coup
- Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos dies suddenly on holiday in Greece aged 78
Negative to Akinci
The Leaders’ Council rejects, possibly unanimously, the TC leader’s proposal. (Akinci’s spokesman) Baris Burcu indirectly admits that this is a new version of the old Turkish proposal and is calling on us to assess it “with due sensitivity.” Akinci’s proposal caused no interest in Europe or among other foreigners.
- The foreign ministers approved the measures – The European ring is closing in around Turkey on her illegal actions in the Cypriot EEZ. Cavusoglu’s efforts to talk his counterparts out of it through a barrage of phone calls fell on deaf ears. Mogherini called for immediate deescalation.
- Coup anniversary: The defenders of Democracy were honoured
- Alexis Galanos: He departed with sorrow for Famagusta
- Erdogan hopes Trump can annul possible sanctions on the S-400
Main News
EU adopts measures against Turkey despite efforts by Turkish FM to stop them
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Energy, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
The EU on Monday adopted measures against Turkey over her illegal activities in Cyprus’ EEZ while Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned with counter measures and tried to avert the outcome, the papers report.
The Foreign Affairs Council decided to suspend negotiations on the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement and not to hold the Association Council and further meetings of the EU-Turkey high-level dialogues for the time being.
It also endorsed the European Commission’s proposal to reduce the pre-accession assistance to Turkey for 2020 and invited the European Investment Bank to review its lending activities in Turkey, notably with regard to sovereign-backed lending.
It also called on the High Representative and the Commission to continue work on options for targeted measures in light of Turkey’s continued drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Council said it would closely monitor developments and would revert to this issue as appropriate.
It reiterated that Turkey’s illegal actions had a serious immediate negative impact across the range of EU-Turkey relations. The Council called on Turkey to refrain from such actions, act in a spirit of good neighbourliness and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus.
It also welcomed the invitation by the government of Cyprus to negotiate with Turkey and noted that delimitation of exclusive economic zones and continental shelf should be addressed through dialogue and negotiation in good faith, in full respect of international law and in accordance with the principle of good neighbourly relations.
Haravgi and Cyprus Mail quote some of the foreign ministers who attended the meeting.
German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth said on arriving at the talks Turkey’s provocations were “unacceptable to all of us”.
“We have now found a balanced language that keeps all our options open, including of course sanctions,” he said, adding “I can only hope that we do not now add another crisis to the many conflicts and crises. Turkey knows what’s at stake and the European Union is united on the side of Cyprus.”
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said: “It is very clear that we stand behind Cyprus, this makes sense since we never recognised the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus. It is normal for Cyprus to want to define their own natural resources.”
According to the Cyprus Mail the EU decided to symbolically punish Turkey over illegal drilling off Cyprus and threatened harsher sanctions in the future unless Ankara changes tack. Cyprus has pressed for a tough line threatening harsher sanctions in the future but others warned against antagonising a key ally on security and migration affairs, the daily reported.
Cyprus Mail reports that an EU diplomat told Reuters Ankara could lose some €150m of €400m the bloc had earmarked for 2020 for everything from political reforms to agriculture projects to help Turkey prepare for eventual EU membership.
Phileleftheros, citing sources, reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu did not hesitate to threaten Brussels that Ankara would take counter measures in an unsuccessful attempt to avert the EU measures.
Cavusoglu had made several phone calls to Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini and at least six EU foreign ministers claiming that the only way to deescalate tensions was acceptance of the proposal TC leader Mustafa Akinci had submitted. Sources told Phileleftheros that Cavusoglu’s threats turned against the EU and Cyprus in whose EEZ Turkey warned it would up activities if the proposal was not accepted. Mogherini told the EU FMs that she had asked Cavusoglu for a deescalation of tensions but avoided mentioning how the call ended, Phileleftheros reports citing sources.
KEY ACTORS
Foreign Affairs Council (EU)
>> Warns Turkey it would monitor situation and would consider harsher measures against her if she does not cease illegal activities in the East Med.
>> Calls on Turkey to refrain from illegal actions bearing in mind they seriously impact negatively her relations with the EU, and act in a spirit of good neighbourliness and respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Cyprus.
>> Welcomed the invitation by the government of Cyprus to negotiate with Turkey on delimitation of their EEZs and continental shelf which should be addressed through dialogue and negotiation in good faith, in full respect of international law and in based on the principle of good neighbourly relations.
Roth (German Minister of State for Europe)
>> EU member states find Turkey’s provocations unacceptable and stand united on the side of Cyprus.
>> Despite the EU has found a balanced language that keeps all options open, including sanctions expresses hope this would not lead to another crisis.
>> Turkey is well aware what’s at stake.
Schallenberg (Austrian FM)
>> EU member states stand behind Cyprus & never recognised the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus.
>> It is understandable that Cyprus wants to define her own natural resources.
DISY, AKEL to suggest counter proposal to that of Akinci on natural gas
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Energy, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
The dailies report that political leaders that are meeting on Tuesday with President Nicos Anastasiades are expected to reject a proposal by TC leader Mustafa Akinci on setting up a joint committee on the management of hydrocarbons but that ruling DISY and main opposition AKEL will suggest a counter proposal to be submitted to the TC side for the resumption of talks.
According to Phileleftheros the Leaders’ Council was to convene on Tuesday morning to discuss the latest developments. Anastasiades was to inform political leaders on the EU measures against Turkey, the UNFICYP mandate renewal issue and Akinci’s proposal.
The government would like to see unanimity of positions in dealing with Turkish provocations and as regards Akinci’s proposal.
Anastasiades will also brief political leaders on the fact that Lute is to come to the island at the beginning of August but Akinci undermined that effort by reneging and submitting that proposal. This reinforces the conviction that the TC leader was acting in full line with Ankara, Phileleftheros reports.
According to Politis, what caused stronger reaction by the GC side is that Akinci’s proposal calls for recognition of Turkey’s right to carry out her activities in the areas that have been already ‘licensed’ which would mean acceptance of the grey zones enforced by Turkey’s illegal activities in the Cypriot EEZ.
Government sources told Politis, Akinci’s proposal cannot be accepted because it would mean recognition of the TC entity since the operation of a committee for the management of natural resources under the UN has no historic precedent.
The TC side argues however that Akinci’s proposal is in line with the spirit of Guterres, who, in his latest report on UNFICYP urges both sides to cooperate on the issue of natural gas, the paper reports.
Politis also reports that DISY and AKEL aim to suggest not just rejecting Akinci’s proposal but submitting another one, thus opening a window of opportunity for talks.
The two parties are expected to submit proposals in favour of the resumption of talks since that way the TC proposal on natural gas will be addressed.
Haravgi reports that Burcu called on the GC side to evaluate the proposal “with the required sensitivity.” He also admitted that it is a proposal that was tabled by the TC side in 2011 but which has been prepared in a comprehensive way with more details, taking into account the developments that have occurred since then, the daily reports.
Phileleftheros also reported that Anastasiades had a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis to discuss the latest developments.
KEY ACTORS
Burcu (Akinci’s spokesman)
>> Calls on GCs to assess Akinci’s proposal with due sensitivity.
>> The proposal is an updated, more detailed version of that submitted in 2011, taking into account developments since then.
July 15, 1974 coup remembered by GCs
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Governance & Power Sharing, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
A number of events were held on Monday to mark the 45th coup anniversary and honour the dead, the papers report. Far right ELAM but also DISY were under fire for attending the memorial of commandos that attacked the Presidential Palace.
President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday said in his message to mark the 45th anniversary of the coup by the Greek military junta against President Makarios that this sad anniversary was an opportunity for reflection.
He said that with the democratic system functioning solidly in the country, “we will not allow again, in any way and with any justification, the dissolution of the constitutional order in Cyprus.”
He added, Turkey took advantage of the coup as a pretext to implement its long-standing plans and has since continued to violate international law and call into question the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.
Anastasiades said this was a day of disgrace for those who, using national ideals, abolished democracy and put the homeland at risk, and a day of honour for those who defended democracy and the country against the coup.
He said the sirens that sounded, as every year on July 15 at 8.20am when the coup started, are a reminder of the supreme duty of both leadership and the people, to deal united with the ongoing Turkish occupation and the new aggressive actions, “in order to consolidate freedom in our homeland and its liberation from occupation.”
“We owe it to the next generations to bring peace and prosperity to our country at last,” Anastasiades said.
The House of Representatives held a special session to denounce the coup and the Turkish invasion and honour those who died during the events.
A memorial service was held in Nicosia led by Archbishop Chrysostomos with Finance Minister Harris Georgiades standing in for President Nicos Anastasiades, also attended by political party leaders, government officials and other dignitaries. Wreaths were laid at the tombs of those killed.
But AKEL criticised ruling DISY and ELAM for laying wreaths during a memorial of the commandos who had attacked the Presidential Palace during the coup, Haravgi reports.
According to Haravgi, AKEL leader Andros Kyprianou said during his speech at the parliamentary special session that the right-wing has, for another year, tried to equate those who resisted the coup with those who attempted to abolish democracy.
Referring to those who participated in a so-called memorial of all those who attacked the Presidential Palace that day, Kyprianou said history will not be reversed and that the people know who the traitors were and who the heroes.
He said popular memory was stronger than the complex of guilt felt by the right and far-right wings.
Haravgi reports that DIKO said in a statement that ELAM’s representation at the memorial was an insult to the dead who had resisted the coup.
The daily reports that it wasn’t just ELAM that laid wreaths at that memorial since wreaths were laid also on behalf of Anastasiades, DISY leader Averof Neophytou, the Solidarity Movement and the Archbishop among others.
Political parties and groups also held special events in various towns to commemorate the dead.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>> The coup anniversary is an opportunity for reflection & a reminder of the supreme duty of both leadership and the people, to united address the ongoing Turkish occupation and Turkey’s new aggressive actions in order to liberate Cyprus from occupation.
>> The democratic system is functioning solidly in Cyprus today thus there will not be ever again room for the dissolution of the constitutional order.
>> It is a duty to the next generations to finally bring peace and prosperity to the country.
>> Turkey, that took advantage of the coup as a pretext to implement its long-standing plans, continues to violate international law and call into question the sovereignty of the RoC.
Andros Kyprianou (AKEL)
>> Criticises the right wing over attempts the equate those who defended democracy with those who tried to abolish it.
>> Warns that the people know who the traitors were and who the heroes despite efforts by the right and far-right wings to conceal their guilt.
DIKO
>> ELAM’s presence at the memorial of those who attacked the Presidential Palace is an insult to the dead who resisted the coupists.
Famagusta Mayor Galanos dies
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Territory, Governance & Power Sharing
OVERVIEW
All papers report on the sudden death of Famagusta Mayor Alexis Galanos who died on Monday while on holiday in the Greek island of Kos with his wife. He was 78.
Galanos reportedly felt unwell while at the beach and lost consciousness. Rescuers were not able to resuscitate him. The cause of his death has not yet been announced. His body will be brought back to Cyprus within the coming days. Galanos, who was a founding member of DIKO and had served as House President between 1991 and 1996, was Famagusta Mayor since 2006.
His sudden death was a shock to everyone as he was seemingly well, according to the papers.
President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his sorrow at the passing of “a dear friend”, as did political parties, local authorities, many organisations and groups.
Anastasiades said Galanos leaves as a legacy “his persistent effort for the return of his beloved town and the solution of the Cyprus problem.”
He was known for his love for his home town, Famagusta, and his struggles for the return to the closed-off town of Varosha, papers report.
Four more projects for Cultural Heritage Committee
Haravgi, Politis
CBMs, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
According to the papers, four conservation projects are underway by the bicommunal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, with the completion of works expected this autumn.
The papers quote GC co-chair of the Technical Committee, Takis Hadjidemetriou, telling Cyprus News Agency that the projects include the Panayia church in Assia, Ayios Artemonas church in Afaneia, Ayios Andronikos church in Kythrea and sections of the Venetian walls in Nicosia which collapsed last spring.
Hadjidemetriou said that following cooperation between GC and TC experts, the restored church of Ayios Philon in the Karpasia peninsula and its mosaics in the surrounding area are also expected to be handed over this September. The ceremony to mark the completion of works will take place in the presence of high-ranking EU officials, he said.
He said international players also seemed to acknowledge the work that was being done as reflected in the EU’s continuous financial contribution, as well as more recently in the reference made by the UN Secretary-General in his report about the UN operation in Cyprus.
Guardian of TC Properties also in charge of vakif land, court said
Phileleftheros
Property, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
The Supreme Court has ruled that vakif property should not have a different status than TC property abandoned in 1974, as such it should be under the management of the Guardian of TC Properties, according to Phileleftheros
The ruling concerns an appeal by a woman with Turkish citizenship who claimed to be the sole trustee of Bekir Pasha vakif that concerns property in Larnaca. The woman had filed a case at the Larnaca district court in 2015 against the Republic of Cyprus, EVKAF, and the head of the Larnaca land registry. She wanted a court decision ordering the removal of the names of EVKAF representatives from the title deeds of a number of properties in Larnaca and their replacement with her name since she is the only trustee of the vakif in question.
She also wanted the court to rule that she had the right to manage these properties without EVKAF’s consent and be able to make agreements with third parties concerning these properties. After the district court case did not satisfy the woman, she took the case to the Supreme Court that upheld the former’s decision that vakif land falls under the exclusive competencies of the Guardian of TC Properties.
The court said that the Constitution provisions concerning vakif land and their management are currently suspended due to the situation and the consequences of the Turkish invasion, the paper reported.
Turkish man jailed for smuggling migrants
Phileleftheros
Internal Security, Migration & Citizenship
OVERVIEW
A 20-year-old man from Turkey who was born in the occupied areas was sentenced on Monday to eight months in prison in the free areas after being found guilty of assisting irregular migrants from Syria to cross to the south, the paper reports.
He had been arrested last April after 46 migrants from Syria were located on the Akaki-Avlona road. He admitted he was a member of a group smuggling migrants from Mersin, Turkey to the occupied areas and from there to the free areas for a fee. Authorities are looking for the whereabouts of two other persons believed to be involved in the case, the paper reports.