Front Page Headlines
Cutting to the bone over 12 years of callousness
Four state services under investigation for a continuous crime. Everyone knew, everyone was turning a blind eye and all of a sudden everyone is shocked (over the death of a 15-year-old). Scores of reports on domestic violence and one criminal conviction.
- Mustafa (Akinci) distances himself from Mevlut (Cavusoglu) – Akinci calls for political will. The TC side speaks of progress on some principles.
Probe into four services
Stylianos’ father was convicted once for domestic violence. The ombudswoman has set up an investigation team and is waiting today for the mandate.
- Diplomatic counterattack by Nicosia and Athens – Ahead of the UN General Assembly.
- President: There cannot be negotiation under threat
- Support by Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Cyprus
Their behaviour is criminal but no one is responsible!
Cypriot society counts a new victim – a child – of the tragic failure by the social welfare services and instead of seeing responsibilities being assumed, an effort is underway to pass the buck from service to service, from ministry to ministry.
- Famagusta(‘s future) depends on the talks
Changes sought to top postings
MPs seek to end lifetime appointments of attorney and auditor-generals.
- First visit by Saudi foreign minister – (Photo caption) Saudi Foreign Minister Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf with Nicos Christodoulides who said there was immense untapped potential in new Saudi-Cyprus relations.
He imitated Solomos (Solomou) and is raising tensions!
A young man has ruined the positive climate. A 16-year-old GC removed on Sunday during the church service in Lysi the Turkish flag from the primary school and smashed the photo of Rauf Denktash. He was ‘caught’ by the cameras and the TCs are linking him with ELAM due to his black garments. Efforts to ease the tension…
- Nicos Anastasiades: Turkey bears no cost for her illegal actions in the Cypriot EEZ
- Slow justice: Compensation to TCs with a Supreme Court decision
- Support by Saudi Arabia to the UN decisions on the Cyprob – Strengthening of relations.
Main News
Leaders express will to continue solution efforts
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Negotiations Process, Energy, EU Matters
OVERVIEW
The papers on Thursday report on statements by President Nicos Anastasiades during interviews while in Athens on Tuesday on various aspects of the Cyprus problem and on TC leader Mustafa Akinci’s expressed will to continue the effort for a solution.
Anastasiades, among other things, reiterated that there cannot be negotiations under the threat of gunboats and the presence of Turkish drillships in the Cypriot exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In his interview with the Greek daily Ta Nea, he said that unless Turkey’s illegal actions are terminated it will be impossible for one to enter talks under the threat of gunboats and expect to have a result that will be accepted by both communities.
As regards the issue of the closed-off town of Varosha in Famagusta, he said Turkey encourages and dictates everything that is going on there lately and that Nicosia is mulling over raising the issue with the UN Security Council but also taking legal measures based on international law.
He also said that Turkey has gone beyond a temporary infringement. While acknowledging that it is not easy for European countries to take measures against Turkey fearing this would harm their interest, Anastasiades said Cyprus would continue to struggle towards that direction in hopes that the climate will eventually change.
In another interview with Euronews, Anastasiades said among other things that the problem in the procedure for drafting the Terms of Reference was presented when Turkey asked to give her permission for the text and wanted to include issues that needed to be predefined prior to the talks. He said the three basic parameters for the ToR, the 2014 Joint Declaration, the convergences up to Crans-Montana and the Guterres Framework, would be the substance of the dialogue for reaching a strategic agreement that would not predefine the result but was giving answers to pending questions. These included the abolition of guarantees and their replacement with an international body to avoid a similar situation as in 1974, the gradual withdrawal of foreign troops and the creation of a functional federal system.
Phileleftheros reported that Anastasiades during the interview dismissed claims that developments in the Cyprus problem are linked with Turkish energy claims and warned that time is of the essence and that the key to overcome the dead end lies with Ankara.
“Unfortunately, Turkey completely controls the political life in the occupied areas and the financial life of the TCs,” he said.
He called Turkey a “troublemaker” that needs to realise that it must abide by international law if it wishes for a European course.
As regards the TCs, he said the Republic of Cyprus has given 119,000 passports so that they can live and move freely as citizens of the country, the daily reported.
In another article Phileleftheros reports that following Anastasiades’ visit to Greece, Nicosia and Athens have agreed on launching a diplomatic counterattack against Turkish aggression and showcase her intransigence and lack of cooperation in efforts to relaunch the talks.
The two countries will coordinate their actions that will be launched at the UN General Assembly later this month and aim to use their good relations with members of the Security Council, the EU and US and at trilateral cooperation level. The aim is to expose Turkey’s excuse on the so-called protection of the rights of the TCs in relation to gas, by putting things in their proper dimension as regards Ankara’s intentions, the daily reported.
It also reports that Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday that Nicosia and Athens are concerned by Turkey’s attempt to include in the Terms of Reference provisions on the need for any form of solution. This will never be accepted, he said, adding that the ToR are not a negotiation document.
On the Turkish foreign minister’s references in relation with the position on political equality, Christodoulides wondered if Cavusoglou will be the one to negotiate on the internal aspects. “If so, let’s talk directly with Turkey,” he said.
All Cavusoglou is doing, is trying to hide what he really wants which is other forms of a solution, he said. He also pointed out that the issue of political equality clearly exists in the UN resolutions and where there is a different approach it will be put on the negotiating table, Phileleftheros reported.
The dailies also report that TC leader Mustafa Akinci stressed the importance of real political will and determination for a solution to the multidimensional Cyprus problem. According to the papers, he said there has been serious progress in the past years on some principles which have been recorded in documents that will need to be utilised as part of the procedure.
Akinci gave reassurances in a post on social media that he would continue to show will on behalf of the TCs just as he did at the beginning and called for support from the people.
According to the dailies, a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will take place in New York either on September 24 or 25.
Politis reports that after the red lines have been drawn and following coordination with Turkey and Greece respectively, Akinci and Anastasiades are selling hope and determination.
KEY ACTORS
Anastasiades
>> Remains hopeful for a solution but will not negotiate under Turkish threats and as long as Turkey’s drillships are in the Cypriot EEZ, fearing the result will not satisfy both communities.
>> Turkey’s actions are getting worse and the RoC will continue pushing for measures against her despite EU member states hesitating to do anything that would harm their interests.
>> If the ToR are based on the 2014 Joint Declaration, convergences and the Guterres Framework, it would allow reaching a strategic agreement that would not predefine the result but give answers to pending questions such as guarantees and troops.
>> Developments in the Cyprob are not linked with Turkey’s energy claims.
>> Ankara controls the political & financial life in the north & needs to show goodwill to overcome the deadlock.
>> Turkey is a troublemaker that needs to realise that it must abide by international law if it wishes for a European future.
Christodoulides (Foreign Minister)
>> If Turkish officials are the ones to negotiate on the internal aspects of the Cyprob then perhaps the GC side should hold talks directly with Turkey.
>> The issue of political equality is clearly provided for in UN resolutions & in the case of a different approach the sides will discuss it on the negotiating table.
Akinci
>> Real political will & determination for a solution to the multidimensional Cyprob is very important.
>> Progress achieved in the past years could be used during the negotiations process.
>> Reassures of his will to carry on efforts for a solution with popular support.
‘Failure would mark the end for Famagusta, Cyprob’
Alithia, Haravgi, Phileleftheros
Negotiations Process, Regional/International Relations, Territory, Property
OVERVIEW
Famagusta Mayor Simos Ioannou said the occupied town’s future will depend on the outcome of the efforts for resuming the talks, the papers report.
The dailies, citing a CNA interview with Ioannou, reported the mayor saying that if this effort collapses, then it will be the end for Famagusta and the Cyprus problem.
Ioannou argued that it seemed Turkey wants to cast aside Akinci who reacts to certain issues and promote her own man, Kudret Ozersay, who is fully aligned with Ankara’s positions.
Ioannou also cited information that a decision will be taken in October on gradually bringing in settlers to Varosha.
He said they were waiting to see the UN’s reaction on the matter and what kind of pressure will be exerted by great powers on the Turkish president. The mayor said they were also waiting to see the result of the meeting between Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriacos Mitsotakis later this month.
The mayor was speaking prior to the first meeting of the coordination committee of the Famagusta groups and organisations where they would be briefed by the municipal council of what actions have been taken so far on the issue of Varosha. The coordination committee consists of Anorthosis and Salamina football clubs, the Famagusta nautical club, the district’s chamber of commerce, unions and other groups.
The aim was to gather everyone’s suggestions ahead of the Famagusta municipal council’s meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades on Monday.
Phileleftheros reports that Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said that what is going on as regards Varosha is an effort by Turkey and the occupation regime to upset the Famagusta refugees so that they will sell their properties. He said they are trying to create the impression that Famagusta will be lost so that GCs will either seek compensation through the immovable properties commission or sell their properties at much lower prices.
KEY ACTORS
Ioannou (Famagusta Mayor)
>> Fears that if efforts to launch the talks fail this will be the end for Famagusta and the Cyprob.
>> Wants the international community to put pressure on Turkey on the issue of Varosha.
Christodoulides
>> Turkey’s & the TCs’ actions aim at making refugees feel Famagusta will be lost in order to rush to sell their properties at much lower rates
Fears GC teen’s ‘frivolous act’ would hamper future visits
Alithia
Human Rights
OVERVIEW
The paper reports that the actions of a 16-year-old GC boy who took down the Turkish flag from a school in Lysi during the visit by thousands of refugees last Sunday to the village spoiled the positive climate created on the occasion of the first liturgy at the Lysi church in 45 years.
According to the paper, the actions of the teenager, who is also believed to have smashed one photo of former TC leader Rauf Denktash he had found in the school, were caught on camera. The incident stirred reactions among the TCs and spoiled the positive climate created between TCs living in Lysi and the GC refugees during their visit there last Sunday. His actions were likened to those of Solomos Solomou, the daily reported. According to the paper, TC social media users linked the teen to far-right ELAM because he was wearing black clothes.
Lysi Mayor Andreas Kaouris told Alithia that no frivolous act by a 16-year-old can overshadow “the tsunami of love” created by the visit of thousands of Lysi refugees to their village last Sunday.
According to the daily, efforts are underway to locate the flag so that it will be delivered by Kaouris to the TCs in a bid to ease tensions.
Some Lysi refugees expressed concerns that the incident might create problems to new efforts for similar events at the community’s church.
The paper reported that the incident is already being exploited by nationalist TC parties while ‘prime minister’ Ersin Tatar, accompanied by the ‘education minister’, will visit the school in question on Monday to attend a flag hoisting ceremony.
Saudi Arabia expresses support to RoC
Alithia, Cyprus Mail, Haravgi, Phileleftheros, Politis
Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
The dailies report on the first-ever official visit to Cyprus by a foreign minister from Saudi Arabia after the arrival last week of the first-ever resident Saudi ambassador to Cyprus.
Saudi Foreign Minister Ibrahim bin Abdulaziz Al-Assaf, who had a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, conveyed his country’s support to Cyprus as regards Turkish provocations and the Cyprus problem, the dailies reported.
Christodoulides said the visit by the Saudi FM was “highly significant”, as it is a testament of the joint political will and commitment of Cyprus and Saudi Arabia to concretely upgrade our relations.
“I believe that there is immense untapped potential in the political, economic, energy, security, military and defence fields, that needs to be explored,” he said.
Christodoulides also said that he briefed Al-Assaf on the latest developments on the Cyprus problem and expressed Cyprus’ sincere appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s position “in support of our efforts to reach a just, viable and comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem and to reunify our country.”
The Saudi minister said that they support the legitimacy and sovereignty of Cyprus and the international decisions by particularly the United Nations “and hope that the parties will resolve these problems in a peaceful manner. We will continue to support Cyprus.”
Christodoulides also said that one of the main focuses of Cyprus’ foreign policy is the enhancement and expansion of relations with its neighbouring Middle East and Gulf countries.
Two instruments, the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Air Services Agreement, have already been implemented while the focus now would also be on people-to-people contacts, especially in the areas of tourism and other investments.
The two ministers also discussed developments in the region, the wider Middle East, and EU-Saudi relations, which Nicosia has pledged to help further enhance within the bloc.
Al-Assaf also met President Nicos Anastasiades and House President Demetris Syllouris.
KEY ACTORS
Christodoulides
>> There is untapped potential in the political, economic, energy, security, military and defence fields, that needs to be explored.
Al-Assaf (Saudi Arabia)
>> Saudi Arabia supports the legitimacy and sovereignty of Cyprus and the international decisions, especially by the UN & hopes existing problems will be resolved in a peaceful manner.
>> Saudi Arabia will continue to support Cyprus
Greek doctors slam colleagues over conference in north
Alithia, Haravgi
Regional/International Relations
OVERVIEW
According to the dailies, Greece’s medical association condemned the organisation of a medical conference in Kyrenia and the participation of three Greek physicians.
The organisation of the conference by the Balkan Medical Union is a blatant violation of international rule of law and UN Security Council resolutions at a time when Turkey escalates tensions “at the expense of our national interests”, the medical association said.
The presence there of the three Greek doctors is a blatant violation of the national consciousness of Hellenism and against the UN Security Council resolutions on the pseudo-state, the group said according to the dailies.
The Greek medical association has sent letters to the local medical associations to which the three doctors belong (Athens, Ioannina and Magnesia), asking them to make strict recommendations to their members to immediately withdraw their participation.
It also said it sent a letter of protest to the organising medical association, the Balkan Medical Union, as well as letters of protest to the national medical associations of the countries appearing to have members on the Board of the Balkan Medical Union.
The Greek medical association said it was informed of the participation of its members by the Embassy of Cyprus in Athens.
RoC to pay TCs damages over sluggish legal proceedings
Alithia
Property, Human Rights
OVERVIEW
According to Alithia, the Supreme Court ordered the Republic of Cyprus to pay the heirs of a TC couple €2,500 in damages plus expenses over delays in court proceedings concerning claiming compensation from the TC properties’ Guardian for the use of their property since 1974.
The two heirs of Ismail Yusuf Zia and his wife Muruvet Ismail Zia who used to live in Larnaca had filed a lawsuit in the Larnaca district court in 2007, seeking to be allowed to freely use their property and compensation for loss of its use since 1974 and for illegal intervention on the property.
The court postponed the case 13 times while in January 2015 their lawsuit was rejected. The applicants filed an appeal which was also delayed while a request for a speedy trial was turned down with the argument that the case was not deemed urgent. They subsequently filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court for the prolonged delays.