Front Page Headlines
Arrivals from land, not through the airport
Striking figures regarding arrivals in the north via air and land for the period between January and May. While 1,635,402 foreigners entered the north via crossing points in the first five months of 2019, 155,525 people arrived via Ercan (Tymbou) airport or by sea. The majority of foreigners using the crossing points were Greek Cypriots, Greek and British nationals. The majority of foreigners arriving through Ercan (Tymbou) were German, British and French nationals.
- EU imposes sanctions on Turkey in four critical areas – The European Union decided to impose sanctions on four critical issues aimed at exerting pressure on Turkey over its hydrocarbon drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Fatih discovers reserves off the coast of Baf (Paphos)
Diplomatic sources confirm Fatih’s discovery off the coast of Baf (Paphos) to Kıbrıs Postası. Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) will make the announcement of the discovery.
- Nine-point proposal – President Mustafa Akıncı’s hydrocarbon proposal contains nine points starting with the establishment of a joint committee.
Remembering the darkest night of Turkey – Official ceremonies held in the North to mark the anniversary of the 15 July defeated coup attempt in Turkey.
Swimming and fishing requires precaution
Kemal Atakan, head of the Fishermen’s Association said people need to derive lessons from the recent tragic drowning incident. He gave a set of recommendations to both swimmers and those who fish as a hobby.
- Majority of the extradited FETÖ members are from the TRNC – Turkish Ambassador Ali Murat Başçeri held a press conference to mark the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day. He said many of the suspected FETÖ (Fethullah Gülen Terrorist Organisation) members had been hiding in the TRNC.
- Akıncı’s proposal contains nine points – President Mustafa Akıncı’s hydrocarbon proposal to Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades contains nine points.
- We have the right to speak – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Turkey has the right to speak on Cyprus as a guarantor state.
His dreams came true
Mehmet Bilokçuoğlu, who is being treated for ‘Duchene Muscular Dystrophy’ at the British Kolan Hospital, had a surprise visit from President Mustafa Akıncı, Meral Akıncı and [Turkish Cypriot pop singer] Buray. Mehmet’s dreams came true with an initiative taken by Havadis.
- Outright rejection, from AKEL to ELAM – President Mustafa Akıncı’s proposal is rejected first by [Greek Cypriot leader] Nicos Anastasiades and by all the other Greek Cypriot political parties. Anastasiades sees Akıncı’s proposal as an attempt to undermine UN Special Envoy Jane Holl Lute’s efforts.
- EU imposes sanctions on Turkey
He kissed her, groped her and then beat her
There were three separate court hearings on Monday for sexual assault charges.
- Punishment for drilling – EU approves economic and political sanctions on Turkey.
- Sirens were sounded, prayers were read – Speeches condemning the putsches and Turkey were delivered at a ceremony in South Cyprus marking the 45th anniversary of the coup by the fascist Greek Junta.
The ambassador wants a terror law
Ambassador (Ali Murat) Başçeri who ignored the fact that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and FETÖ (Fethullah Terrorist Organisation) were once close claimed that the organisation had a strong presence in the TRNC. He said that members of the organisation were still present in the TRNC.
Main News
Akıncı’s 9-point proposal on a joint hydrocarbons committee
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
Energy, Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
President Mustafa Akıncı’s formal proposal for the co-management of natural resources comprises of nine points, according to TAK News Agency which cited reliable sources on Monday.
The proposal was submitted to the UN by Akıncı on Saturday as a formalized attempt to move forward with a proposal he has made in the past for the setting up of a joint committee for cooperation on hydrocarbons.
The proposal involves the establishment of a joint committee under the supervision of the UN which would have the same number of members from both sides and an EU observer.
His proposal is also said to outline the structure, targets and methodology of the committee and includes the establishment of a fund and details on how this fund would be used. Akinci also sent the proposal to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the EU Commission and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
According to the proposal, decisions by the joint committee on hydrocarbons will be taken by consensus of the two sides.
The committee will deal with licensing areas where disputes exist and aim to set the ratio on how natural gas revenues will be distributed.
The joint committee will also aim to plan future work regarding hydrocarbons such as how to market the natural gas.
Akıncı’s spokesman Barış Burcu in a written statement on Monday said the proposal submitted by Akıncı was similar to an earlier proposal tabled in 2011. He said the current proposal had been developed further by taking into consideration the events since 2011.
He added the 13 July 2019, proposal was drawn in consultation with the TRNC government and Turkey.
“The president has always highlighted that the hydrocarbons issue in the Eastern Mediterranean should be used for peace and collaboration rather than tension and conflict,” Burcu said, adding that Akıncı wishes to discuss his proposal with the Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades in the coming period.
“It is our expectation that the proposal which was submitted with a constructive and sincere approach, receives a positive response,” Burcu concluded.
The rector of the American University of Cyprus, Prof. Dr Uğur Özgöker told Kıbrıs Postası on Monday that the natural gas discovered off the eastern coast of Cyprus was enough to meet Europe’s energy demands for the next 30 years. He said that oil and natural gas reserves to the west of Cyprus were being saved in case new global oil or gas crises similar to the ones experienced in the 70s broke out.
Prof. Özgöker also said that Cyprus was of vital importance for Turkey and its gateway to open seas and energy resources.
“Cyprus is indispensable for Turkey, whether it be for economic, historical, political, strategic or military reasons. Turkey will protect its interests and the interests of the Turkish Cypriots to the very end,” he said.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean over a phone call, diplomatic sources said Monday.
Mogherini, EU’s high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also confirmed early Monday that she had talked to Çavuşoğlu “about Turkey’s activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
She said the EU member states will discuss the issue, as well as Iran’s nuclear deal, immigration, and situations in Africa and Libya.
Çavuşoğlu talked to his Finnish and Swedish counterparts on Sunday on the same issue.
The Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce on Monday expressed support to Akıncı’s proposal on setting up a joint committee for hydrocarbon exploration.
In a written statement, the chamber welcomed the proposal, describing it as a constructive step towards de-escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and strengthening cooperation.
“The proposal is a rational suggestion to use the island’s natural wealth for achieving peace and a solution on the island as well as for the benefit of both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots,” the statement read.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> Proposal on hydrocarbons comprises of nine points.
>> Proposal involves the establishment of a joint committee under the supervision of the UN.
>> Joint committee will have the same number of members from both sides, and an EU observer.
>> Decisions by the committee will be taken on the basis of consensus.
>> Proposal also outlines structure, targets, and the methodology of the committee.
>> Includes establishment of fund and details on how the fund will be used.
>> Proposal is a developed version of an initial proposal first submitted in 2011.
>> Proposal prepared together with Turkey and TRNC government.
>> Hydrocarbons in the Eastern Med. should be used for peace and collaboration rather than tension and conflict.
KKTO
>> Proposal is a constructive step towards de-escalating tensions in the Eastern Med. & strengthening cooperation.
>> Proposal rational suggestion to use Cyprus’ natural wealth for achieving a solution on the island & benefit for both communities.
Mixed messages from North on July 15 coup anniversary
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs Postası, Havadis, Diyalog
Negotiations Process, Energy, Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
There were mixed messages in the north on Monday regarding the 45th anniversary of the July 15, 1974 coup in Cyprus.
Prime Minister Ersin Tatar claimed on Monday that the mentality of the Greek Cypriot-Greek duo had not changed since 1974.
In a written statement, Tatar said that the July 15 coup was the end result of a dream to destroy the 1960 partnership Republic and transform Cyprus into a Greek island through the force of arms.
He argued that Turkish Cypriots should not lose sight of what would have happened to them had Turkey not exercised its rights unilaterally as a guarantor country and intervened militarily.
Tatar said that the Greek Cypriot side was refusing all calls for cooperation just as it had done in the past for the sake of achieving union with Greece.
He added that the Turkish Cypriots should embrace their independence, should not be deceived by tales and false hopes for a federal settlement and should work to strengthen the economy.
“Turkish Cypriots have just as much a right over the island’s hydrocarbon resources as Greek Cypriots do. We do not want to relive the bitter experiences of the July 15 events. That is why our government will never abandon Turkey’s guarantees and will never enter a new game of negotiations so that the Greek Cypriots may achieve their goals,” Tatar said.
On the issue of negotiations, Tatar said that any new talks in Cyprus should be subject to a timetable.
The Turkish Cypriot side should not be obstructed in the event these talks fail, he said, adding that the two sides needed to reach agreement that all solution alternatives would be on the table.
Tatar expressed the view that the Greek Cypriot side should respond positively to the Turkish Cypriot side’s proposal for a joint committee on hydrocarbons that has been on the table since 2012.
The leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) İzzet İzcan criticized the Turkish Cypriot authorities for their nationalist statements regarding the anniversary of the July 15 coup in Cyprus.
In a statement on Monday, the BKP leader said that the Turkish Cypriot authorities continued their policy of tension by issuing racist and nationalistic statements on the anniversary of the coup.
“Such attempts will lead Cyprus to nothing more than a disaster,” he said.
İzcan also said that Turkish Cypriot foreign minister Kudret Özersay’s statements in favour of a two-state solution in Cyprus were unacceptable.
“You will claim when it suits your interest that Cyprus’ hydrocarbon reserves belong to both communities but will then state that the Greek Cypriot side is not your interlocutor on the issue of Maraş (Varosha),” İzcan said.
The BKP leader said that the idea of a two-state solution in Cyprus was nothing more than a fantasy.
UniteCyprusNow (UCN) in a press statement on Monday said that the tragic events of 15 July and 20 July 1974 had different meanings for different people.
It said that the incidents had led to indescribable pain for all Cypriots, and left thousands dead or displaced.
UCN called on all Cypriots and the leaders of the two communities to start engaging in an honest conversation about their own part in the bloodshed and division and the pain they have inflicted on each other, as well as the role of Turkey, Greece and other international actors.
“The anniversaries should serve as a reminder that we, Cypriots, need to acknowledge that our past is filled with common sufferings, mistakes and injustices. We will only be able to build a better future by facing our past, recognizing our own mistakes, acknowledging each other’s pain, and offering forgiveness,” the statement read.
UCN urged Cypriots to open their eyes and look closely at developments.
“This is the most critical July we have faced since 1974. It is clear that the exploitation of natural gas – a fossil fuel that is being overtaken by renewables – is becoming more important for many of the players than the reunification of our country. Today we face the possibility of irreversible developments that will put an end to any hope for a united Cyprus.”
It said that it was ultimately up to the two communities to lead the way forward to uniting Cyprus and to leave an island to future generations free of hatred, enmity and nationalism.
KEY ACTORS
Tatar (UBP)
>> Mentality of the GC-Greek duo has not changed since 1974.
>> July 15 coup was the end result of a dream to destroy the 1960 partnership & transform Cyprus into a Greek island through the force of arms.
>> TCs should not lose sight of what would have happened if Turkey had not unilaterally exercised its rights as a guarantor country and intervened militarily.
>> GC side continues to refuse calls for cooperation as it has done in the past.
>> TCs should embrace their independent state, should not be deceived by tales and false hopes of a federal settlement. Should work to strengthen the economy.
>> TC government will never abandon Turkey’s guarantees and will never enter a new game of negotiations that will allow GCs to achieve their goals.
>> New talks in Cyprus should be subject to a timetable. TC side should not be obstructed if talks fail.
>> Two sides need to reach an agreement that all solution alternatives will be on the table.
>> GC side should respond positively to the TC side’s proposal for a joint committee on hydrocarbons.
İzcan (BKP)
>> TC government’ nationalist statements are a source of tension & are unacceptable.
>> Özersay’s wish for a two-state solution nothing more than a fantasy.
>> Özersay claims Cyprus’ hydrocarbon reserves belong to both communities but then states that the GC side is not his interlocutor on the issue of Maraş (Varosha).
UniteCyprusNow (UCN)
>> 15 & 20 July have different meanings and painful memories for both communities.
>> Two communities need to start engaging in an honest conversation about their own part in the bloodshed and division on the island.
>> The role Turkey, Greece and other international actors played must be discussed
>> Cypriots need to acknowledge the past is filled with common sufferings, mistakes & injustices.
>> Building a better future is only possible by facing the past, recognizing mistakes, acknowledging each other’s pain & offering forgiveness.
>> Exploitation of natural gas is becoming more important for actors than the reunification of Cyprus.
>> Cyprus faces the risk of irreversible developments that will end hopes for a united island.
>> It is up to the two communities leave an island to future generations free of hatred, enmity & nationalism.
GSM operators pay higher taxes in North compared to operators in South
Yenidüzen
CBMs, Economy
OVERVIEW
Yenidüzen examined the taxes imposed on GSM operators on both sides in Cyprus following the implementation of the mobile interoperability across the island. It emerged that GSM operators in the north pay 65 per cent tax compared to 19 per cent in the south. The breakdown of the 65 per cent taxes in the north is 20 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), 35 per cent ‘special communication tax’, and a 15 per cent treasury share tax.
On the other hand, special tariffs had been issued for the mobile interoperability confidence-building measure (CBM). The cabinet announced that calls made to the south will be exempt from VAT and the ‘special communication tax’ will be reduced from 35 to 25 per cent.
President of the Information Technologies Communication Authority, Assoc. Dr Kadri Bürüncük said the roaming prices had been determined by the GSM operators themselves and added it was too soon to say whether or not the prices were high.
“Should there be a demand by subscribers, the GSM operators could introduce different package deals for customers,” Bürüncük said.
Telsim Vodafone Deputy General Manager Fevzi Tanpınar drew attention to the additional operational costs as a result of working with the Swiss-based hub.
He added efforts were underway to reduce the taxes overall.
KKTCELL Deputy General Manager Emre Laçinler said there are two separate billing mechanisms in place. The first one is from the GSM operator to its subscribers and the second one is billing between GSM operators.
“The government’s decision is only applicable to the billing between GSM operators,” Laçinler said, adding that as a result, the total taxes in the north will be 25 per cent and in the south 19 per cent. “Nonetheless, the total taxes reflected on invoices of subscribers will be 62 per cent,” Laçinler noted.
More arrivals to North through crossing points than Ercan (Tymbou)
Yenidüzen
Economy
OVERVIEW
Yenidüzen compared the number of arrivals to the North through land crossings with arrivals from the Ercan (Tymbou) airport.
It said that statistics revealed that the majority of tourists visiting the North prefer to arrive through the crossing points rather than flying into Ercan (Tymbou) airport. According to official figures, 1,636,402 foreigners crossed into the north through the crossing points in the first five months of 2019 between January and May.
In the same period, only 155,525 people flew into the country or arrived through a seaport. Tourists also prefer to use Larnaca Airport even if they will be spending their holiday in the north, the paper reports.
The number of foreigners using crossing points increased by 52.8 per cent compared with figures from May 2018 while there is a 0.7 per cent decrease in the number of arrivals of foreigners through air or seaports.
The paper also reports that the devaluation of the Turkish Lira has contributed to the rise in the number of people crossing into the north.
It stated that Greek Cypriots, UK citizens and Greek nationals top the list of people using the crossing points.
In the first five months of the year, 884,103 Greek Cypriots; 148,605 UK citizens; and 76,191 Greeks have crossed into the north. Ercan (Tymbou) airport is mostly preferred by German tourists. In the same period, 27,282 Germans; 11,105 British; and 9,486 French tourists arrived via Ercan (Tymbou).