Front Page Headlines
“The perception that a child will be successful if he/she goes to an English medium school and unsuccessful if he/she becomes an apprentice is not right”
They learn by trade. They receive education in class but also learn the trade. They start in life as an apprentice or a master. Interest in the Taner Akcan Apprenticeship School is growing every passing year. The number of students enrolled was 300 last year. This year that figure has reached 400.
- Former negotiator Özdil Nami: “The negotiations process should be structured in a way that it will end the status quo” – A results-oriented process must be aimed at ending the status quo. The status quo should end either with a federal solution or two-state solution.
“The appointment system will not work as long as state doctors continue to work in the private sector”
Remzi Gardiyanoğlu, head of the Private Practicing Doctors’ Association, urged Health Minister Ali Pilli that the appointment system at the hospitals must be independent of operators. He also pointed out the problems in the appointment system will continue as long as the practice of state doctors working in the private sector is not solved.
- I don’t think there is anyone among us who does not want Turkey to be free from terrorism – Akıncı breaks his silence over Operation Peace Spring.
Bankrupt the municipality, then walk away free
Just like MPs, it is necessary to question and hold mayors accountable should they be involved in corruption. While the debate on lifting the political immunity of MPs continues, mayors continue to be shielded from prosecution. Even though the current Local Administrations Law deems embezzlement by a mayor, a council member or a municipal worker to be a crime, no legal action is taken.
- Those arriving on work permits will not be allowed to change jobs in a short period – Labour and Social Security Minister Faiz Sucuoğlu spoke about the ongoing efforts to curb the unregistered labour force and illegal workers problem.
Being a district only on paper
Lefka was declared a ‘district’ three years ago but none of the required investments have been made in terms of public offices. While awaiting investments, Lefka residents were shocked with the closure of the Erdal Abit Primary School in the town. The majority of state services for Lefka are carried out in Morphou.
- Warm welcome for Akıncı from Morphou residents – President Mustafa Akıncı visited the Morphou vegetable market.
- [GC driver] to remain in police custody for three more days – Greek Cypriot [driver] who accidentally killed a pedestrian Hüseyin Aşık, was brought before the Kyrenia court.
Someone should answer for what happened
Diyalog spoke to former health ministers about the ₺200 million worth of expired medicines that were dumped.
- Waters heating up – Greek Defence Minister Nicos Panayiotopoulos announced that another French frigate was to arrive in Cyprus’ block seven.
- A heavy blow to YPG – Turkish Armed Forces and the Syrian National Army took over the centre of the town of Ras Al-Ayn as part of Operation Peace Spring.
“Even if we call it the Peace Spring what flows is not water… It’s blood”
The expected response to circles which have been using the operation in Syria for political gains and who have criticized the president for not expressing his views on the operation came from Mustafa Akıncı. Akıncı said that even though the operation was named ‘Peace Spring’ what was flowing was not water but blood.
Main News
Akıncı responds to criticism over silence on Syria
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog, Afrika
External Security, Regional/International relations
OVERVIEW
President Mustafa Akıncı took to Facebook to address criticism at home and in Turkey about his silence with regard to Turkey’s military offensive in Syria, all six dailies reported on Sunday.
The post was uploaded on Saturday night, the fourth day of the Turkish operations in northern Syria and following criticism that he had not yet spoken out about it.
“Even though we called the 1974 [Cyprus] operation a peace operation it was a war and what was running was blood. Even if the current operation is named Peace Spring, again what is running is not water, it is blood. That is why my greatest hope is for diplomacy to intervene immediately and for a dialogue to start,” he said.
Staying silent, Akıncı said, sometimes did not mean there were no words to say and sometimes situations were so confusing it was difficult to come out with a simple yes or a no.
“And if what someone says will affect the situation, you may need to remain silent,” he said.
The criticisms made against him were coming from people who wished to learn his political view, and also those who were using his silence for their political ends, and that is why he said he needed to clarify.
He added that various circles had even started to spin conspiracy theories due to his silence.
“First of all I don’t think there is anyone who does not want the good of Turkey and to get rid of the problem of terrorism,” he wrote, adding that the question as to what was good for Turkey could only be answered by those who live in Turkey.
Akıncı pointed out that the war in Syria had entered its tenth year and unless peace is achieved blood will continue to flow in the region
“For me, it is possible to create a happy and peaceful future for Turkey through a dialogue between Turks, Kurds and Arabs, and all the peoples of the region. A situation must be created where Syria, within its territorial integrity, supports its borders, and Turkey can feel safe on its own borders,” he said
For this reason, Akıncı said, he believes it would be very useful to rebuild Turkey-Syria relations as soon as possible while wishing Turkey’s relations with Egypt and other countries in the region could also improve.
“A Turkey that will not fight but cooperate with the EU is for the best of all,” he added.
Akıncı said that in 1974 he was 27 years old and served, “like any young Turkish man at the time, in the military operation that took place because of the fascist Greek junta”.
He recalled that he had lost many friends in the fighting and had learned what war meant by experiencing it.
“That’s why I don’t want any society to live through the pain of war. I cannot wish for the blood of any Turkish, Kurdish or Arab child,” he added.
KEY ACTORS
Akıncı
>> 1974 was called a peace operation but it was war. What is running in Syria now is blood, not water, even if the operation is named Peace Spring.
>> Diplomacy should intervene immediately & dialogue start.
>> Everyone wants the good of Turkey & to get rid of the problem of terrorism.
>> Question of what is good for Turkey can only be answered by those living in Turkey.
>> Happy & peaceful future of Turkey is possible to create through dialogue between Turks, Kurds & Arabs, and all peoples of the region.
>> A situation must be created where Syria, within its territorial integrity, supports its borders, and Turkey can feel safe on its own borders.
>> It would be very useful to rebuild Turkey-Syria relations asap while Turkey’s relations with Egypt & other countries in the region could improve.
>> A Turkey that will not fight but cooperate with the EU is for the best of all.
GC driver remanded in custody for three more days
Yenidüzen, Kıbrıs Postası, Kıbrıs, Havadis, Diyalog
Internal Security
OVERVIEW
A Greek Cypriot driver who accidentally killed pedestrian Hüseyin Aşık on the Kyrenia-Morphou road on Friday night, appeared before the Kyrenia District Court on Saturday, several dailies reported on Sunday.
He is expected to be charged with reckless driving and manslaughter, media reported.
The police officer in charge of conducting the investigation told the Kyrenia District Court that the suspect had testified voluntarily. He provided the court with details of how the accident took place. The police officer also said reports which emerged in the press that Aşık was conscious after the accident and able to speak with passers-by for few minutes were not true.
The police officer also asked the court to grant time for them to complete the investigation by obtaining witness accounts as well as footage from nearby security cameras.
The Kyrenia District Court ordered the suspect to be remanded for three more days until the police concluded its investigation.
The driver’s lawyer spoke after the police officer’s testimony, saying they will object to the reckless driving accusation.
Nami: New Cyprob developments unlikely in near future
Yenidüzen
Negotiations Process
OVERVIEW
Former Turkish Cypriot negotiator Özdil Nami said that any new negotiations process must be structured in a way that will end the status quo.
In an interview with Yenidüzen published on Sunday, Nami said he did not expect new developments on the Cyprus Problem in the near future.
“We held an international Conference on Cyprus in Crans Montana. All the guarantor countries were there. The EU was there as an observer. There was no discussion on the issue of convergences. All parties sitting at the table were in agreement over the need to settle the unaddressed issues within the Guterres Framework. We failed to achieve a result even under those circumstances. That is why it is meaningless to get excited or hopeful for a tripartite or five-party conference,” Nami said.
Nami said that all parties needed to clarify what they understood from a results-oriented process.
“There is confusion on this issue. I just can’t understand it. This should be the easiest thing to define. What does results-oriented mean? What is the desired result? For me it is to end the status quo whether it is through a federal settlement or a two-state solution,” he added.
Nami pointed out that Turkish Cypriots were disturbed by the continuation of the status quo because this is what was dragging the Turkish Cypriot community to destruction.
Commenting on the recent remarks by Italian energy firm ENI, Nami said that such statements were natural as no country or firm would want to put at risk such high investments.
He argued that the reason why Europe was so interested in Mediterranean gas was that it wanted to lower its dependence on Russian gas.
Nami reminded that it was not the first time ENI had been encountered by the Turkish navy which was why they were acting with caution.
“There is also ExxonMobil and TOTAL in the region. One of them is American the other French. Will the two exercise the same caution as ENI? Their reaction could be different. But whichever way you choose to look at it the situation is unfortunate for Cyprus. The energy issue which emerged without a comprehensive solution has unfortunately become an element of risk rather than an opportunity for peace,” said Nami.
He argued in favour of cooperation to reduce tensions.
Nami added that the biggest responsibility fell on the Greek Cypriot side because Turkey’s actions are on steps taken in response to Greek Cypriot actions.
Asked about the possibility of a two-state solution, Nami said advocating for such a solution was hoping for the impossible. He said that such a solution would be rejected by the international community.
“You can’t have a two-state solution just because you want one. We tried this in the past. In 1983, we established the TRNC and no one recognized us. In 1998, we proposed a confederation and no one took us seriously. We had to abandon this position in less than a year and we were forced to return to the negotiating table for new talks. There is no point in raising this idea once again. Be aware, if someone is showing you dead ends their interest lies with the continuation of the status quo,” he said.
Nami also criticised the current government for its policy on Maraş (Varosha).
He said that the government’s move had set off a trigger, prompting the UN Security to take a decision on the issue after all this time.
“This is true incompetence. We had succeeded through the right diplomatic moves in preventing the international community from putting pressure on us concerning Maraş (Varosha). We had laid all the blame on the Greek Cypriot side. But just shortly after assuming office they succeeded in turning all this around,” he said.
Nami pointed out that the current state of Maraş (Varosha) was not something the Turkish Cypriot side desired but it was an issue to be taken up as part of a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus Problem.
“In other words, the Turkish Cypriot side can’t concede territory to the Greek Cypriot side before a solution,” he added.
The former Turkish Cypriot negotiator said that the issue of allowing former residents to return under UN administration was something that needed to be discussed with UN officials.
“Obviously the best way to open the fenced-off city would be within the framework of international law. But to say you’re going to open Maraş (Varosha) according to international law but violate UN Security Council resolutions in the process is absurd. This is what they are telling the public right now,” he said.
Nami said that Maraş (Varosha) required great investment if it were to be opened for resettlement.
However, you would still need to pay compensation to former residents for loss of use and so forth, he added.
“We need to ask the question as to who will pay the compensation if we choose not to return the fenced-off city to the Greek Cypriot side. The argument and expectation that Turkey will be able to pay the compensation is not true. We’ve seen the financing problems with the Immovable Property Commission (IPC),” he said.
Nami also accused the government of resorting to populism and lying to the Turkish Cypriot community.
“Maraş (Varosha) is an issue which concerns international actors. Such acts of irresponsibility are in contradiction with good statesmanship. I hope that the government will rectify this situation,” he said.
KEY ACTORS
Nami (CTP)
>> New negotiations process must be structured in a way that will end the status quo.
>> All parties need to clarify what they understand from a results-oriented process.
>> It means to end the status quo whether through a federal settlement or a two-state solution.
>> TCs unhappy with status quo because it is dragging TC community to destruction.
>> ENI CEO’s remarks natural as no country or firm wants to put its investment at high risk.
>> Current situation over hydrocarbons unfortunate for Cyprus. Energy issue has become an element of risk rather than an opportunity for peace.
>> Cooperation needed to reduce tensions. GC had a greater responsibility as its actions were causing Turkey to take reciprocal steps.
>> TC coalition’s support for a two-state solution is hoping for the impossible.
>> TC coalition’s move on Maraş (Varosha) is true incompetence turning around successful diplomatic moves achieved with great difficulty.
>> Current state of Maraş (Varosha), not something the TC side desires but the issue needs to be taken up as part of a comprehensive solution to Cyprob.
>> It’s not possible for the TC side to concede territory to the GC side before a solution.
>> The issue of allowing former residents to return under UN administration was something that needed to be discussed with UN officials.
>> Important issues such as funding for compensation and investment need to be addressed if Maraş (Varosha) is to be opened.
Delegation steps up lobbying for direct trade regulation
Kıbrıs Postası
EU Matters
OVERVIEW
A Turkish Cypriot parliamentary delegation was forced to visit Brussels earlier than planned after it emerged that AKEL and DISY were conducting lobbying efforts against the direct trade regulation, Kıbrıs Postası reported on Sunday.
Speaking to the paper on the parliamentary delegation’s efforts, National Unity Party (UBP) MP Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu said that while the Turkish Cypriots were trying to explain their positions on the direct trade regulation to the members of the European Parliament (EP), the Greek Cypriot delegation was complaining about the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey to the EP.
“One of the main complaints is on the hydrocarbons issue, which we suggested should be taken up by a joint committee. But the Greek Cypriots claim it would be a violation of their sovereign rights,” Hasipoğlu said.
He added the second issue was Maraş (Varosha).
“The Greek Cypriots are outraged with the possibility of reopening Maraş (Varosha) now, even though they had rejected all the solution plans all these years keeping the town closed and fenced off,” Hasipoğlu noted.
“Nonetheless, the most interesting thing we are witnessing is the Greek Cypriots exerting so much effort to take the direct trade regulation off the EP’s agenda,” he added.
Hasipoğlu claimed the Greek Cypriots had opposed the implementation of the direct trade regulation for the past 15 years even though it was a promise made to the Turkish Cypriots following the Annan Plan in 2004.
He said that they were now trying to take it off the EP’s agenda for good.
The UBP MP noted the Turkish Cypriot delegation had had as many meetings as the Greek Cypriot delegation.
“We entered the room from one door, while the Greek Cypriots were exiting from the other,” he said, adding, “We have told the MEPs the injustices we have been subjected to.”
Expressing hope the European Parliament will not make the same mistake as before, Hasipoğlu said: “The Greek Cypriot side’s approach to the direct trade regulation falls in contradiction with their supposed expression of support for a solution on the island. This regulation was created for the Turkish Cypriot community by the European Union, after the Annan Plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriot side and after they were admitted into the Union.”
He said that a vote will take place next week to decide whether or not to lift the direct trade regulation from the EP’s agenda. The Turkish Cypriot parliamentary delegation comprises UBP MP Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu; Republican Turkish Party (CTP) MP Fikri Toros and People’s Party (HP) MP Erek Çağatay.